Tanzania

Lions - Tanzania - Bucket List Safaris - Great Migration - Ndutu Calving Season Safari - Sacred Places
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Zebras - Tanzania

Introduction

Tanzania is a strikingly beautiful and incredibly varied country with open plains, massive mountains, long white beaches, dark forests, impressive rivers and multi-cultured peoples – there is something here for everyone. A country of contrasts, from the highest peak in Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro, to the endless plains of the Serengeti and the lush greenery of Ngorongoro, a microcosm of Africa. The wildlife of Tanzania, both in terms of sheer quantity and species, is probably the most abundant on the continent. The beaches are beautiful, with warm waters lapping on the golden sands, and offers a range of hotels and lodges spanning from the intimate boutique style to larger resorts, once again there definitely is something for everyone.

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Each region in Tanzania offers a different experience.

  • The north has the famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area boasting the ever incredible Wildebeest Migration. The north is also home to the famous ice-capped equatorial mountain, Kilimanjaro, which is the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
  • The south offers Selous, Ruaha and Mikumi, which all have fascinating eco-systems: forests, large rivers, and a mix of terrain with open plains and beautiful views.
  • The south west has one of the wildest parks in Africa, Katavi. It is home to the largest herds of buffalo on the planet. In the south west you will also find the verdant forests surrounding Gombe and Mahale, located on Lake Tanganyika (the second deepest lake in the world), offer visitors the opportunity to trek chimpanzees in the wild.

Not to be ignored are the ancient ruins along the coast, and on the islands, which tell tales of a rich trading history with Arabia and India, as well as excellent scuba diving and deep sea fishing. Add to this the unique tribal cultures of the Masaai, Datoga, Iracq and Chagga to name but a few of the peaceful, friendly people you will meet. It’s no wonder Tanzania is becoming known as the “Safari Capital of Africa”.

The Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is arguably the best known wildlife sanctuary in the world. Serengeti means “endless plains” in the Masai language and, within its boundaries, are more than three million large mammals.

About 35 species of plains animals may be seen here, including the so-called “big seven” – buffalo, elephant, lion, leopard, rhino, cheetah and African Wild Dog. The black rhino population of the Serengeti has developed well in recent years thanks to constant surveillance. Other animals frequently seen in the Serengeti include baboon, caracal, civet, bat-eared fox, genet, giraffe, hippo, honey badger, hyrax, mongoose, ostrich, serval, both Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle, vervet monkey and some 20 types of antelope including hartebeest, impala, kudu, reedbuck, roan, topi, waterbuck and the much smaller dik dik, duiker, klipspringer and oribi.

Learn more about the Serengeti in our dedicated section on the Great Migration here.

The Ngorongoro Crater

Thanks to anti-poaching patrols, the crater is now one of the few places in East Africa where visitors can be certain of seeing black rhino. Leopard may occasionally be seen in the trees of the forest surrounding the crater, while cheetah are also present. Countless flamingo form a pink blanket over the soda lakes, while more than 100 species of birds not found in the Serengeti have been spotted. The crater, having been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which covers more than 8,300²km.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park gets its name from the river that threads its way through the length of the reserve. It is famous for its dense wildlife population which is most spectacular between June and September, the dry period. During this time, thousands of animals – elephant, buffalo, giraffe, eland, wildebeest, kudu, hartebeest and the rarely seen oryx – migrate from the dry Masai steppe to the Tarangire River looking for water. Lion, leopard and other predators follow the herds. Tarangire has the largest population of elephant of any park in the northern circuit and is also home to 550 varieties of bird.

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Lake Manyara National Park

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, the park is noted for its incredible beauty. As visitors enter the gate, they pass into the lush forest, home to troops of baboons and both Blue and Vervet monkeys. Further along, the forest opens up into woodlands, grassland, swamps and beyond the soda lake itself, covering 200 square kilometres and sanctuary to over 400 species of bird including flamingo, pelican, stork, sacred ibis, cormorant and Egyptian geese. The park is particularly noted for herds of buffalo and elephant, as well as giraffe, hippo, reedbuck, warthog, wildebeest, zebra and a great variety of smaller animals.

Our Serengeti Camps

Serengeti Central Wilderness Camp

Located in the heart of the Serengeti, in a pristine area that offers unparalleled game viewing, Serengeti Wilderness Camp is open all year round, and is located to the east of the famous central Seronera region.

Comprising just ten spacious tents, our focus is on your comfort and enjoyment. There is nothing better than being lulled to sleep at night by the sounds of the bush, safely inside your well-appointed ‘safari bedroom’. The tents are en suite with flushing toilets and a gravity-fed shower. A private verandah offers a shady place to relax.

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Serengeti Wilderness Camp logoA large central dining tent complements our comfortable lounge tent which has a small reference library, maps, some games for children and a charging station for cameras. Our safari chef will prepare sumptuous meals for your enjoyment and evenings offer a campfire around which our guests enjoy sundowners and snacks, and share the day’s experiences.

If you prefer an intimate safari experience, without compromising on comfort, our Wilderness Camps offer just that. This camp is small, offering traditional ‘under canvas’ accommodation with superb food, a relaxing atmosphere and great Tanzanian hospitality in one of the most beautiful places on earth!

Serengeti North Wilderness Camp

Serengeti North Wilderness Camp is a ‘seasonal’ camp located in the north of the Serengeti National Park, a short distance from the banks of the Mara River. Seasonal camps have the benefit of being able to move to some of the best game viewing areas of the park, and we work under strict guidelines with the camp being truly eco-friendly.

Comprising just ten spacious tents, we provide comfortable beds and quality linen, with en suite flushing toilet and gravity-fed shower.  Lighting is by 12-volt (solar powered) with bedside lamps provided.  The tents each have a shady verandah.

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Serengeti North Wilderness Camp logoAn airy, central dining tent complements our comfortable lounge tent which has a small reference library, maps, some games for children and a recharging facility for cameras and videos. Our safari chef will prepare sumptuous meals for your enjoyment.  Evenings offer a typical safari campfire around which our guests enjoy sundowners and snacks, and relive the day’s experiences.

We provide a friendly, intimate quality tented bush camp, with good facilities in an amazing area, with due respect for this fragile ecosystem.

Ndutu Wilderness Camp

Ndutu Wilderness Camp is an intimate tented camp set in the Ndutu area of the Serengeti eco-system from December to March, coinciding with calving season. Nestled under shady trees on a private site, the camp comprises ten spacious tents featuring solar lighting and en-suite facilities.

Renowned for its warm service and homely food, meals are often served al fresco under starry African skies.

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Ndutu Wilderness CampThe central lounge/ bar area is a great place to catch up with fellow guests, with a camp fire completing that close to nature safari ambience.

You’ll spot plenty of predators here: lion, cheetah, leopard, serval, African wildcat, caracal as well as striped and spotted hyena. The diverse eco-systems in this area, from woodlands, to plains and soda lakes, make it a unique place for bird watching. This is the perfect place to be to witness the annual wildebeest calving spectacle.

Explorer Style Mobile Safari

With sun-soaked plains that seem to stretch to the ends of the earth, an abundance of wildlife and one of the most famous mass wildlife migrations in the world, few people ever forget their first trip to Tanzania. With so much to see, exploring Tanzania is no easy task, especially when your camp is static.

Experience Tanzania’s renowned game parks in our comfortable safari vehicles, or on foot, and overnight in private sites in the heart of the bush, with our ‘Explorer-style’ mobile tented camp.

Focus on your safari with this traditional experience, as a full safari crew moves ahead of you to set up camp. We provide extremely spacious tents with en-suite shower/toilet, comfortable beds and quality linen. Our safari chef prepares delicious meals and the camp staff attend to your every need.

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These safaris allow complete flexibility of routing and areas visited, meaning you can experience the best areas for the best safari experience. Guests will also enjoy the fact that there are no noisy lodges or camps around, or other people in camp…allowing you to truly enjoy the tranquility of the bush.

To ensure that you get the most out of your Explorer-Style experience, we design itineraries that follow your personal desires, whether it be tracking the wildebeest migration through the Serengeti or walking with the Maasai in Ngorongoro. Our safaris travel into the best areas of this game-packed region – and if you would like to mix and match a few days in permanent camps or lodges, this can easily be designed for you.

Tanzania Packages

4 Day Serengeti North Fly-in Safari

Northen Serengeti is THE place to be from mid June to October if you are seeking that ultimate Wildebeest migration experience: A thrilling Mara River crossing.

This fly-in safari is designed to take you straight to the heart of the action – combining quality tented accommodation, outstanding food and exceptional guides – all at an excellent price.

Wildebeest - Essence of Tanzania Safari

7 Day Spotlight on Northern Tanzania

November to December is the perfect time for travellers who want the migration, without the masses.

Why November to December is a smart time to travel

  • Incredible value for money
  • Wildebeest on the move
  • Big cats stalking the action
  • Space to roam – fewer crowds
  • Vast plains bursting into fresh life
  • Birds in full colour, migratory arrivals galore
  • Skies that wow, light that flatters every photo

This is the Serengeti at its most relaxed, and we’ve designed the perfect slow safari to match, linking two of Tanzania’s most iconic destinations: The Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.

Best of all? You’ll enjoy the same outstanding guides, intimate camp atmosphere, and delicious food — at a fraction of peak-season prices.

Lions

7 Day Tanzania Explorer Mobile Safari

Imagine finding yourself under the vast African sky in the middle of one of the last expanses of true wilderness left on our planet, listening to the haunting and mysterious sounds of night predators and their prey as the drama of their interactions unfold. Is this your kind of safari? Our private Explorer Style Mobile Safari offers an extremely comfortable tented camping safari, allowing our guests to get off the beaten track.

With custom-made 4×4 safari vehicles and professional guides, your private mobile safari also comes with a personal staff of a chef, waiter and support crew. Our support vehicle and camp crew travel ahead of you to set up camp. We book private wilderness campsites as close as possible to the wildlife action.

It’s a relaxed alternative to a lodge safari for those who prefer to sleep under canvas and get away from the crowds.

Lion Serengeti

7 Day Essence of Tanzania – Small Group Safari

Unwind under vast African skies and discover the wild spirit of Tanzania on this leisurely safari. From Tarangire – famed for its elephant population and impressive baobab trees – to the world famous Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park, we invite you to explore with us. 

Stay at our Serengeti Wilderness Camps —intimate tented retreats set in pristine corners of the Serengeti and Ndutu ecosystem —where delicious food and warm hospitality await.

With professional, experienced guides and specially adapted Land Cruisers — featuring raised roofs, enlarged windows and 360° hatches — you’ll enjoy exceptional game viewing and photography opportunities in comfort.

We follow the migration to keep you close to the action: from the wildebeest calving season in Ndutu (Jan–mid-Mar), to the dramatic river crossings in the north (Jul–Oct). In between, our central Serengeti camp is perfectly placed to catch the herds as they move through.

10 Day Sacred Places of the Masai Private Safari

A ten-day safari into Tanzania’s Northern parks of Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire as well as the Rift Valley and Lake Natron, plus a chance to climb the Sacred Mountain of the Masai (Ol Doinyo Lengai), and experience real Maasai culture. Our safari travels into the best areas of this game-packed region, camping amongst the game with the sounds of the African bush all around as well as visiting some off the beaten track areas of Masailand, where few venture. Lake Natron is often covered with thousands of flamingo.

Flamingoes

3 Night Ndutu Fly-in Safari

The Serengeti offers unique game-viewing year-round. In December, the great herds begin their journey south to the Ndutu region, preparing for calving season. January and February bring the magic of birthing season, where the short-grass plains—from the western Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the southeast Serengeti—become a nursery for thousands of newborn wildebeest and zebra.

This fly-in safari takes you straight to the heart of the action – combining quality tented accommodation, outstanding food and expert guides who know the Serengeti inside out.

Herds - Ndutu - Serengeti - Essence of Tanzania

8 Day Southern Tanzania (Nyerere & Ruaha) Safari

Discover the wild heart of Tanzania on a 7-night Southern Circuit safari.

Explore Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), the country’s largest park, where the Rufiji River offers Tanzania’s only boat safaris alongside game drives and nature walks. Spot lions, leopards, and Africa’s largest population of wild dogs, with birdlife flourishing along the riverbanks.

Continue to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s second largest and home to the country’s biggest lion population. With over 530 bird species and the mighty Ruaha River as its lifeline, this remote park is a remote wildlife haven.

Southern Tanzania

Frequently Asked Questions for travelling to Tanzania

When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time to go depends on what you want to experience. For the Great Migration in the Serengeti, June to October offers dramatic river crossings, while December to March is ideal for the calving season. Kilimanjaro climbs are best in January to March or June to October. For fewer crowds and better value, consider the green or shoulder seasons (March–June and October–November).

What are the top reasons to visit Tanzania?

Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most iconic natural wonders: Mt. Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain; the Serengeti’s Great Migration; the Ngorongoro Crater and Zanzibar’s spice-scented beaches. Its mix of wildlife, culture and landscapes makes it one of the most diverse and rewarding safari destinations in Africa.

What activities can I do in Tanzania?

Tanzania offers an incredible variety of adventures: spot the Big Five in Ngorongoro Crater, soar above the Serengeti on a hot air balloon, climb Mt. Kilimanjaro or Mt. Meru, snorkel or dive in Zanzibar’s turquoise waters, and experience cultural encounters with the Maasai or Hadzabe tribes. Bird enthusiasts can search for endemic species, while explorers can venture into lesser-known parks like Nyerere and Ruaha. For something even wilder, head off the beaten path into Katavi’s remote wilderness, where bush walks bring you close to nature, or trek to see chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

What types of accommodation are available in Tanzania?

Accommodation in Tanzania ranges from budget camping to luxury safari lodges. Options include authentic tented safari camps, eco-lodges that support conservation, exclusive-use villas for families or groups, and ultra-luxury lodges with world-class service. There is something for every style of traveller and budget.

Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?

Most travellers require a visa to enter Tanzania, which can be obtained online in advance (recommended) or on arrival. Passports must be valid for at least six months after travel with a minimum of three blank pages. Processing for e-visas usually takes 10 days, so apply at least two to three weeks before travel. Always check your nationality’s latest entry requirements before departure.

What vaccinations or health precautions are needed for Tanzania?

Officially, yellow fever vaccination is not required to enter Tanzania unless you have travelled via an endemic area. In practice, however, entry requirements can vary, and you may be asked to show a yellow fever certificate. We recommend getting vaccinated against yellow fever vaccination regardless. If you cannot receive the vaccine, you can still enter the country with a medical waiver from a doctor, which should be presented to immigration officials. For a list of countries with yellow fever risk and those requiring vaccination, click here.

Other recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Tetanus. Malaria is present, so pack mosquito repellent and consult your doctor about prophylaxis. On safari, wear light-coloured clothing, as tsetse flies are attracted to dark blue and black.

What should I pack for a Tanzania safari?

Pack neutral-coloured clothing for safari, lightweight layers for varying temperatures, sturdy shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, swimwear and insect repellent. Bring a reusable water bottle to help reduce plastic waste and, if you have, binoculars and a camera. Use soft-sided luggage and pack light due to weight restrictions on small aircraft (12–15kg). A small first aid kit, backpack, headlamp and power bank are also useful.

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania?

Yes. Tanzania is one of East Africa’s most welcoming and stable countries. Travelling with a trusted operator like Wild Frontiers ensures safe, seamless journeys. As with anywhere, remain aware of your belongings in cities and follow your guide’s advice while on safari.

How do payments and tipping work in Tanzania?

The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the local currency, though USD is widely accepted in lodges and safari camps. Credit cards are accepted at many hotels, but remote camps may require cash. ATMs are available in towns but not always reliable. We recommend bringing both cash and a bank card, in case of emergencies. Tipping is customary, but completely at the discretion of the guests. Tip around USD 20–30 per group per day for guides and USD 10–20 per group per day for camp staff. Tips should always be given in cash.

How do I get to Tanzania and how do I travel around?

International flights arrive into Kilimanjaro (JRO), Dar es Salaam (DAR) or Zanzibar (ZNZ). Safaris are usually done in 4×4 vehicles with professional guides, or via fly-in safaris using small bush planes to reach your safari destination – and from there you will be collected by your professional guide in a 4×4. Zanzibar is easily reached by short flight from the mainland.

Tanzania Packages (Scroll for more)

We specialise in tailormaking trips to meet your exact requirements. Get in touch today and one of our Africa experts will work together with you to plan your perfect safari. 

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