Tanzania Safaris
Other highlights on a Tanzania safari include the smaller national parks such as Tarangire and Manyara in the north, which have a special charm all of their own, and Mahale where populations of chimps swing and shriek amongst the forest canopy on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. If you would prefer to safari in Tanzania away from other people, head south to the Selous Game Reserve, flanking the mighty Rufiji River, or the national parks of Katavi or Ruaha, where you will rarely see another vehicle and big game outnumbers visitors many times over.
At the end of your Tanzania safari you can fly to the idyllic offshore islands of Zanzibar, Mnemba or Mafia, where unbeatable white sandy beaches and tropical coral reefs take centre stage.
Tanzania Safaris - Travel Tips
- The wildebeest migration travels across the Serengeti and parts of the Ngorongoro Crater between November and May.
- Chimps can be seen year-round in the Mahale Mountains.
- Tarangire is best visited during its dry season between July and September, while the southern parks of Ruaha, Selous and Katavi are best explored between July and March.
- Safaris in Tanzania connect well with beach add-ons on the island of Zanzibar.
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Tanzania Safaris - A Personal View
One of the perks of being a tour operator is the travel and having just returned from a safari in Tanzania I am already itching to get back out there. I was amazed at quite how diverse a country could be in terms of its landscape, people and animals.
My travels took me through Southern Tanzania, starting in the Ruaha National Park where occasionally rustic accommodation was more than compensated by teeming wildlife. Next was the Selous Game Reserve with its upmarket accommodation and wide variety of wonderful activities. I ended on the coast at Ras Kutani, a stunning spot just ten minutes’ flight over azure seas from Dar es Salaam, and the perfect place to relax at the start or finish of a safari in Tanzania.
Among my personal highlights on this Tanzania safari was one incredible afternoon game drive when I saw three cheetahs, a pride of lions with tiny cubs, and a leopard – not to mention giraffe and elephants. I also loved Sand Rivers in Selous with its stunning rooms, wonderful views, friendly staff and outstanding food. I enjoyed a boating expedition on the Rufiji River where we watched wildlife on the banks beside us – a great alternative to game viewing from a vehicle. In Ruaha I was stunned by Jongomero with its opulent, luxurious accommodation and by Mwagusi with its amazing location and superb owner run atmosphere.
Jo Gordon - One of Aardvark Safaris' Tanzania safari specialists
Tanzania Safaris - Ideas You Might Not Have Thought About
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Mahale Mountains - Chimpanzees and Beaches Have chimps brush past as you trek into the mountains while staying at Greystoke Camp on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. This gorgeous camp is set on a crescent beach of the finest powder-white sand at the base of the imposing 2,500m Mahale Mountains - surely one of the most beautiful and dramatic locations of any East African property. When not out trekking guests can relax with a gentle sail in the evening aboard the camp's dhow, snorkel or just enjoy the breath-taking scenery. |
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Katavi – A Million Acres of Wilderness Experience an immense wilderness all to yourself at Chada Camp in Katavi National Park. Tanzania's third largest national park is exceedingly remote, with the nearest road almost fifty miles away, and its isolation has helped it to remain untamed and extremely wild. The knee-high golden grass of two enormous plains fills with thousands of zebra and an abundance of game in the dry season, and with so few camps and visitors time spent at Katavi is a unique safari experience. |
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Mafia Island - Diving and Snorkelling Stay at Kinasi Lodge on Mafia Island, one of five sleepy tropical islands clustered together in the Indian Ocean off the Tanzania coast. The emphasis at Kinasi is on relaxed barefoot luxury with accommodation landscaped into an old coconut and cashew plantation overlooking Chole Bay. As a coral island Mafia offers superb snorkelling and scuba diving. With more than 50 genera of coral and over 400 species of fish, the island is a favourite destination for experienced divers while the pristine shallow reefs are perfect for snorkelling or learning to dive. |
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Stone Town for a Sensory Experience Stone Town is a labyrinth of narrow alleys complete with palaces, mosques, and tiny shops. Enclosed on two sides by the sea, this ancient spice trading port is exotic, vibrant and steeped in history. Visit the noisy early morning markets as the smell of spices fills the air; browse the busy bazaars; explore the maze of alleyways to admire intricately carved wooden doors and, as the sun sets, watch laden dhows sail in and out of port from one of Stone Town's magical roof-top restaurants. |
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Sand Rivers – Camp Under The African Skies Spend the day walking or travelling by boat from Sand Rivers to arrive at your over night fly-camp, perhaps on a sand bank or near a busy waterhole. Large mosquito net tents with comfortable bed rolls and bucket showers are set up for you, which when combined with a lavish bush dinner will enable you to immerse yourself in the sounds and smells of the wilderness; an amazing outdoor experience. |