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Check out our guide where we break down the basics on what to expect on a safari in Tanzania! Planning safaris can be really overwhelming as safaris can work differently depending on the destination you are visiting!
Tanzania is known as the ‘Safari Capital of the World’ and with good reason! It is home to the iconic Serengeti National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ngorongoro Crater. The country boasts spectacular scenery as well as epic wildlife encounters. It is also the ULTIMATE destination to witness one of the most impressive wildlife spectacles in the world – The Great Migration!
In this blog, we share all the need-to-know information on how safaris usually work in Tanzania for the ‘Northern circuit’. It is worth noting that Safari companies in Tanzania offer a variety of ways to go on safari, it isn’t just limited to how we explain it below. So, if there is a particular type of adventure you are looking for, don’t be shy to ask the safari company you are interested in booking with! Most companies will be really accommodating.
The ‘safari regions’
In Tanzania there are three ‘safari regions’, the Northern circuit, the Southern circuit and the Western circuit. The Northern circuit is the most popular region to go on safari and includes the famous Serengeti National Park, the Ngorngoro Crater and Tarangire National Park!
The Northern circuit is definitely the best option for first timers or those looking for a ‘classic’ safari experience in Tanzania. It’s also where you can witness The Great Migration. The wildlife in the Northern Circuit is absolutely spectacular! The most common airport to fly into for the Northern circuit tours is Kilimanjaro airport, as most safari companies operate out of the town of Arusha.
The Southern circuit is a quieter safari region and is home to Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park. It’s perfect for an ‘off the beaten track’ experience and a great way to avoid the crowds. Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam is the best airport to fly into.
The Western circuit is famous for the chimpanzees of Mahale Mountains National Park which lies on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The least visited park in Tanzania is Katavi National Park as only a handful of people visit each year! It’s one of the most unspoiled safari areas of Tanzania. Be prepared for a long journey & higher prices! You will fly into either Kilimanjaro airport or Julius Nyerere airport, therefore prepare for a long trip!
How to book a safari in Tanzania
We recommend booking with a locally owned and locally run, reputable safari company. The companies are usually based in Arusha. Private tours and group tours are available in Tanzania, however private tours are far more common and offer an incredible experience! Not all safari companies will run group tours.
The safari company will help you design your dream itinerary, tailoring it to your needs and budget. Due to the close proximity of the locations in the Northern circuit, it’s very common to visit multiple parks in one trip. It’s just one big adventure!
They will also provide accommodation options to suit your budget and taste, and take care of all the bookings for you. Your safari package usually includes all meals and some drinks. There may be an additional cost for some drinks at some of the accommodations.
The safari company will provide one of their safari guides and a safari vehicle for your trip. The guide will also act as your driver and stay with you for the whole trip. So it will literally just be your party, a safari guide and a safari truck! It’s an incredible way to experience a safari! Your guide will often join you for dinner at some accommodations. It’s a wonderful way to get to know them, learn more about their culture and reminisce about the safari adventures of the day!
The Game Drives
In Tanzania, game drives work a little differently to destinations like South Africa. The days are long as you are out all day spotting wildlife! But that just adds to the excitement right?! If your itinerary includes multiple destinations, then your ‘game drives’ will likely take place as you’re driving through the parks from one location to the next. Prepare for very early mornings, as wildlife is most active during this time!
You will spend the whole day spotting wildlife! The safari vehicles in Tanzania (usually enclosed), have large windows that open and a roof that raises for amazing wildlife viewing. The vehicles are usually equipped with a fridge and charging outlets, as well as Wi-Fi (when there is signal!).
The Accommodation
In Tanzania it is very common to stay in tented camps and it’s worth noting that most of the camps do not have fences and wildlife can wander in and out of the camps! The camps range from mid-luxury to high-end luxury depending on your budget. The majority of these camps sit within the heart of the National Parks which definitely conjures up a mix of exhilaration and excitement!
There is nothing like hearing your first lion roar outside your tent at night! We absolutely loved the experience of staying in the heart of these phenomenal National Parks!
The camps consist of individual canvas tents for guests, along with a ‘dining tent’ that usually includes a seating area to relax and a bar. Some camps have outdoor areas and more luxurious camps have swimming pools. When it’s dark, a member of staff will escort you to and from your tent.
Top tip! If you are looking to visit Tanzania on a budget, then you can opt to book a camping safari. This consists of staying in a ‘two person’ tent and you stay in local campsites. Your guide and a cook will usually travel with you. Bear in mind that these campsites can get very busy, so the cleanliness of the facilities is something to think about.
What a day on safari looks like in Tanzania
What does a day on safari look like?! Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to view wildlife on safari, due to the cooler temperatures when the wildlife is more active, so be prepared for your days to start early! You will have breakfast in your accommodation and they will also provide you with a packed lunch for the day. Then it’s time to hit the road for a day of adventure!
You will spend all morning finding and viewing wildlife and then you will stop for lunch! The good news is that there are usually restrooms in the lunch spots and they were always well stocked and clean. Once you have finished you will set off again for an afternoon of wildlife viewing.
In Tanzania, expect the days to be long as you will be out all day exploring the parks and searching for wildlife! It’s absolutely epic! By late afternoon you will be heading to your accommodation and once at your accommodation you will have time to relax and eat dinner.
Have any questions?! Drop them in the comments below!
Want to find out more about safaris in Tanzania? Why not check out our other Tanzanian safari blogs!
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