A Quick Newbie Safari Guide to Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the biggest countries in East Africa. It also has the tallest mountain in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is a wildlife paradise, being home to the Big Five and most other general Safari animals. The most famous part about Tanzania is, of course, the Wildebeest migration. The migration consists of almost two million wildebeest, making it the largest migration movement in the world. 

Are you planning a trip to Tanzania and simply just have no clue where to begin? Our article will provide you with a clear and easy guide. 

Ultimate Experience Destinations

Tanzania consists out four different safari circuits, namely, the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western circuit. Choosing a circuit is a struggle of its own, however, as a Tanzania newbie, we recommend the Northern circuit, as it is the most popular and has many diverse attractions. These attractions include the Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and the Tarangire National Park. The circuit also includes the migration and a great view of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here’s a highlight of each attraction. 

The Serengeti National Park 

The park is known for its famous migration. Just imagine hearing the wildebeest hooves drumming on the ground? Goosebump moment! One cannot go to East Africa and not visit the Serengeti National Park. This park is renowned all around the world. 

• The Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the floor of a vanished volcano that erupted many years ago. The wildlife found here is impeccable. The area is very well known for its lion pride. The area makes for stunning views, as Mount Kilimanjaro overlooks the crater. 

• Lake Manyara National Park 

The Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its elephants that they preserve and keep safe. The area is also known for its thousands of pink flamingos and tree-climbing lion.

• Tarangire National Park 

This park gets a rough time competing with their neighbouring National Park. Tarangire Park very solemnly experiences mass tourism. The wildlife experience here is just as great as any other area, however, it’s quieter and more exclusive. The same type of experience will be found at the Lake Manyara National Park. 

When to Go

Deciding when to go to Tanzania all depends on why you travelling to Tanzania and what you are able to withstand during your trip. For example, if you are specifically travelling to see the wildebeest migration calving season, then the time to go is between January and February. The best time to visit Tanzania is during “Dry season”: June to October. Game viewing is at its best during these months. As you can expect “Dry Season” is the most expensive time to travel to Tanzania. The worst of the rainy season is from March to May, however, this is also the cheaper time to go. Regarding the migration, this is an all-year-round occurrence, one just needs to know where to find them when. 

Budget

If one were to cover the entire Northern circuit, we would recommend giving yourself seven to ten days to complete it. With that being said, one needs a budget to cover up to ten days. East Africa is generally quite expensive, however, they are very popular for group tours, making costs much less. If you are willing to travel with a group then one should have a budget of about USD 3000-5000 per person. If one chooses to have a tour on a private basis, then there are some cheaper options as well, such as camping instead of staying in a luxury safari lodge/camp. All we can say is, Tanzania is worth every penny. 

In conclusion, if this will be your first time travelling to Tanzania we recommend you do the Northern circuit. This way you cover all of Tanzania’s best attractions. Once completing the Northern circuit we can guarantee the next item on your bucket list will be “Tanzania Southern circuit”. Tanzania will leave you wanting to come back for more.