Tanzania Safari Packages

While Kenya is a popular and budget-friendly safari destination, Tanzania provides a unique and unmatched wildlife experience. Here’s why Tanzania could be the ideal choice for your dream safari:

Great Migration: A Tanzania Advantage

While both Kenya and Tanzania are popular destinations to witness this annual event, there's a significant difference in terms of timing and accessibility.

In Tanzania, the Great Migration occurs year-round, allowing visitors to experience this phenomenon anytime. This year-round availability often leads to smaller crowds, ensuring a more intimate and enjoyable safari experience.

Kenya, on the other hand, experiences the Great Migration from late July to October. It also attracts a considerably larger number of tourists, potentially impacting the overall safari experience. Overcrowding can lead to traffic congestion, limited viewing spots, and a less immersive encounter with wildlife.

Largest protected area in Africa: Selous Game Reserve

This vast wilderness is home to a diverse array of African animals, from lions and elephants to hippos and crocodiles. The exciting game drives take you through the park's diverse landscapes, from open plains to dense woodlands. For a unique perspective, explore the park's incredible lakes on a boat safari, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. With its pristine wilderness, abundant wildlife, and secluded location, Selous Game Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers seeking a truly authentic African experience.

A Natural Wonderland: Ngorongoro Crater 

Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is unlike any other. This collapsed volcano forms a unique ecosystem, cradling a diversity of wildlife within its breathtaking caldera. Spot everything from elephants to black rhinos, all against a stunning backdrop. The sheer concentration of animals here will leave you mesmerized.

Unforgettable Encounters Beyond the Safari 

Tanzania offers more than just exceptional safaris. In Gombe National Park, trek through the lush rainforests where Dr. Jane Goodall revolutionized our understanding of chimpanzees. Observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat, witnessing their social behavior and intelligence firsthand. 

Zanzibar: Paradise Found 

After your thrilling safari adventure, relax and rejuvenate on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar. This island paradise offers a perfect blend of pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rich Swahili culture. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or snorkeling in the warm Indian Ocean. Explore the historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can wander through narrow alleys, visit ancient markets, and savor delicious local cuisine. Zanzibar is an ideal destination to unwind, soak up the sun, and immerse yourself in the beauty and charm of East Africa. 

Kenya vs. Tanzania: Making Your Choice 

While Kenya offers its own safari charm, Tanzania provides an unparalleled combination of iconic destinations, diverse wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes. If you prioritize witnessing the Great Migration, experiencing the unique ecosystem of the Ngorongoro Crater, or unwinding on the idyllic shores of Zanzibar, Tanzania awaits to create an unforgettable safari adventure. 

Choose Tanzania if: 

• You're looking for the ultimate wildlife experience, with a chance to see the Great Migration.
• You prefer a less crowded safari.
• You're interested in off-the-beaten-path adventures.

Choose Kenya if: 

• You're on a budget.
• You're interested in experiencing Kenyan culture.

The ideal duration of a Tanzania safari depends on your interests and budget. Here's a general guideline:

3-5 days: This is a good option if you're short on time or on a tight budget. You'll be able to visit a couple of national parks and get a taste of the wildlife experience.

6-8 days: This is the sweet spot for most travelers. You'll have enough time to visit the top parks, like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire, and see a wider variety of animals. 

9-11 days: With this amount of time, you can relax and enjoy a more leisurely safari experience. You can spend more time in each park and increase your chances of seeing specific animals.

12+ days: This is ideal for a truly unforgettable safari adventure. You'll have plenty of time to explore all the different regions of Tanzania and see a vast array of wildlife.

The best time for a Tanzania safari depends on what you want to see and experience. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons of different times to visit:

Dry Season (June to October)

This is the peak safari season in Tanzania, with comfortable temperatures, clear skies, and excellent wildlife viewing. The vegetation is thinned out, making it easier to spot animals.

Several key events occur during the dry season, including the Great Wildebeest Migration being at Mara river and the zebra migration in Tarangire National Park (from July to October).

However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

Green Season (December to March)

The green season offers a different perspective on Tanzania, with lush landscapes and fewer crowds. 

Wildlife is plentiful, and you will see baby animals that were born during this time. Prices are generally lower than during the dry season.

However, some roads may be muddy and some areas hard to access. There is also a chance of afternoon showers.

On a safari, you won't be sleeping in the rough like you might while camping. There are a variety of comfortable and safe accommodations available, depending on your budget and desired experience. Here are the two most common types:

Tented Camps: 

These are permanent or semi-permanent camps with individual tents for sleeping. The tents are much more luxurious than a basic camping tent, with comfortable beds, furniture, and often en-suite bathrooms. Tented camps offer a unique way to experience the African bush, letting you fall asleep to the sounds of the nighttime wildlife.

Mobile Tented Camps: 

These impermanent camps are moved to different locations throughout the safari, allowing you to follow the wildlife migrations. For instance, the Bush Rover Migration Camp offers a unique experience by following the wildebeest migration throughout the year in the Serengeti National Park, providing guests exclusive, comfortable accommodation, and offering incredible wildlife viewing. 

Lodges: 

Lodges are typically permanent structures made from natural materials that blend in with the surroundings. They offer a wider range of amenities than tented camps, such as swimming pools, restaurants, and bars. Lodges can range from rustic to luxurious.

Here are some things you should avoid wearing on a Tanzania safari:

-   Bright colors, white, and dark colors: These can attract flies and mosquitoes. Stick with neutral tones like khaki, beige, olive, and green to blend in with the surroundings.

-   Anything too revealing: While it's hot, avoid skimpy clothing. Temperatures can vary, and you'll want to be covered up for sun protection and to avoid mosquito bites, especially at dawn and dusk.

-   Open-toed shoes: Stick with closed-toe shoes for protection from uneven terrain, thorns, and insects.

-   Loud clothing: Safari is about observing wildlife, so avoid anything too loud or rustly that might scare the animals.

-   Strong perfumes or colognes: These can attract insects.

Vaccinations are not required for entry to Tanzania (with the exception of yellow fever, under some circumstances). However, several vaccinations are strongly recommended to safeguard your health during your trip.

Here's a breakdown of the recommended vaccinations:

-   Hepatitis A and typhoid (often combined into a single shot)

-   MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)

-   Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)

-   Rabies (especially for rural travel or outdoor activities)

-   Meningococcal meningitis (for crowded areas)

Required under specific circumstances:

-   Yellow fever: Only mandatory if you're traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Check the latest requirements from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list]

We recommend consulting with a travel doctor or clinic at least 8 weeks before your trip. They can assess your individual needs and recommend the most suitable vaccinations for your itinerary.