TANZANIA SAFARIS
Kenya, the heart of East Africa and a paradise for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike. Whether you're planning an African wildlife adventure, a Masai Mara exploration, or a tailored photographic journey, Kenya offers some of the world's most iconic wildlife experiences. The country’s diverse ecosystems - from the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara to the dramatic landscapes of Amboseli National Park - are home to the Big Five and an abundance of rare species.
For those seeking a memorable nature exploration, the Masai Mara stands out as a top destination, especially during the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains. This is the perfect setting for a wildlife photography tour, allowing you to capture unforgettable moments of predator-prey interactions and breath-taking African sunsets.
Kenya's protected reserves and national parks, such as Amboseli and Samburu, provide incredible opportunities for close-up encounters with elephants, lions, and leopards. With expert guides and exclusive access, visitors can enjoy immersive game drive experiences and walking tours that delve deeper into the region's rich biodiversity.
Capital City - Dodoma
Main International Airport - Julius Nyerere International Airport (Nairobi)
Economic Stability - Stable
Crime - Low
Currency - Tanzanian Shilling
Health Care - Private Hospitals are well equipped
Malaria - Yes
Vaccinations - Recommended (consult your medical professional)
Medivac Available - Yes
Best Time To Visit - May to October
Tanzania’s Safari Destinations
A safari in Tanzania offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the continent's most iconic wildlife amidst amazing landscapes.
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Serengeti National Park: The Serengeti is famed for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse its plains.
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Ngorongoro Crater: As the world's largest inactive volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater hosts a dense concentration of wildlife, including the Big Five.
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Tarangire National Park: Known for its towering baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire offers a distinctive landscape that contrasts with the open plains of the Serengeti.
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Lake Manyara National Park: Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara is celebrated for its tree-climbing lions and vast flocks of flamingos that inhabit its alkaline lake.
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park, one of the most iconic safari destinations in Africa, offers a quintessential wildlife experience set against vast, seemingly endless plains. Spanning over 14,750 square kilometres, the park is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, which include grassy savannahs, riverine forests, and acacia woodlands. These habitats support an extraordinary variety of wildlife, making the Serengeti a premier destination for safari enthusiasts seeking close encounters with Africa’s "Big Five"—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned photographer, the Serengeti promises an unforgettable journey through one of the world's greatest natural wonders.
The Great Migration, a spectacular wildlife event, is a key highlight of the Serengeti, attracting travellers from across the globe. Each year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, embark on a dramatic journey in search of fresh grazing lands. This remarkable cycle, driven by seasonal rains, includes iconic river crossings where herds face predators like crocodiles, creating thrilling scenes for visitors on a safari tour. Timing your visit during the migration offers unparalleled opportunities to witness this natural spectacle, often regarded as the greatest show on earth.
Beyond the migration, the Serengeti is home to an array of resident wildlife, providing excellent game-viewing year-round. The park’s diverse habitats make it a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 500 species, including raptors and colorful bee-eaters. To enhance your Serengeti safari experience, consider staying in a mobile tented camp, which allows you to follow the movements of the wildlife, or opt for a luxury lodge that offers panoramic views of the plains. Whether you choose a hot air balloon ride at dawn or a guided game drive, exploring the Serengeti offers a glimpse into the raw and unspoiled beauty of Africa's wilderness.
Safari Experiences In Tanzania
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Game Drives: Traditional guided vehicle safaris are the most popular way to explore Tanzania’s national parks. A guided game drive or hot air balloon safari offers the best vantage points for witnessing the Great Migration, an unforgettable event.
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Walking Safaris: This unique activity provides a closer look at the ecosystem, from identifying animal tracks to learning about the local flora and birdlife.
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Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Experience Tanzania’s landscapes from a unique perspective with a sunrise hot air balloon safari over the Ngorongoro Crater, offering panoramic views of the landscapes below.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater, often called the "Eighth Wonder of the World," is a breath-taking safari destination located in northern Tanzania. As the world’s largest inactive volcanic caldera, the crater spans approximately 260 square kilometres and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. Its steep walls, rising 600 meters from the floor, create a natural enclosure that supports a rich ecosystem, including the famed Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. The fertile plains, freshwater lakes, and lush forests within the crater provide an exceptional environment for game viewing, making it a must-visit on any Tanzania safari itinerary.
Renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife, the Ngorongoro Crater offers year-round game viewing, making it one of Africa's best locations for a safari experience. Here, visitors can encounter large herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles grazing alongside elephants, hippos, and rare black rhinos. The crater’s unique geography allows for a variety of habitats, from grasslands to swamps, attracting both predators and prey. Early morning game drives offer the best chance to witness lions on the hunt, while the Lerai Forest is a prime spot for spotting elusive leopards.
In addition to its incredible wildlife, the Ngorongoro Crater holds significant cultural and historical importance. It is part of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is also home to the Maasai people who have lived in harmony with the wildlife for centuries. For those seeking a well-rounded safari, the crater offers a unique blend of natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and cultural encounters. Whether you choose a guided game drive or a walking safari along the crater rim, the Ngorongoro Crater promises an immersive experience, showcasing the raw, untamed heart of Tanzania's wilderness.
Recommended Accommodation
Experience Botswana's wilderness in style at these exclusive camps and lodges, offering rustic and luxurious accommodations and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
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Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti: A luxury lodge offering stunning views of the Serengeti plains. It features an infinity pool overlooking a watering hole, providing great wildlife viewing without leaving the lodge.
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Serengeti Migration Camp: Known for its excellent positioning during the Great Migration season. It offers tented accommodations with a touch of luxury, providing an immersive safari experience with spectacular views and guided game drives.
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Kubu Kubu Tented Camp: Offers a blend of comfort and adventure with stylish tents set on elevated wooden platforms. The camp provides fantastic access to the central Serengeti, making it a great base for witnessing the Great Migration.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is a hidden gem in Tanzania's northern safari circuit, renowned for its unique landscape and large elephant herds. Covering approximately 2,850 square kilometres, Tarangire is named after the Tarangire River, a vital water source that draws animals from across the region, especially during the dry season from June to October. The park's iconic baobab trees, scattered across its rolling savannahs, create a stunning backdrop for game viewing, offering photographers dramatic scenery and diverse wildlife sightings. Tarangire's relatively low visitor numbers also make it an excellent choice for those seeking a more exclusive safari experience.
The park is best known for its impressive elephant population, one of the largest in Tanzania. Herds of up to 300 elephants can be seen congregating along the riverbanks, providing unforgettable moments for safari enthusiasts. Beyond elephants, Tarangire is home to an array of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and a variety of antelope species like kudu and oryx. It is also a birdwatcher's paradise, boasting over 500 bird species, such as the brightly coloured lilac-breasted roller and the impressive Kori bustard, Africa’s heaviest flying bird.
Tarangire’s unique ecosystem, characterized by seasonal swamps, acacia woodlands, and open grasslands, offers diverse habitats for a wide range of flora and fauna. A visit to Tarangire National Park can be combined with other iconic Tanzanian destinations like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, but it stands out for its tranquil atmosphere and excellent off-the-beaten-path wildlife encounters. Whether you’re exploring on a game drive or staying in one of the park’s intimate tented camps, Tarangire delivers a quintessential African safari experience, showcasing Tanzania's natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
Tanzanian Safari Tips for Photographers
To maximize the photographic potential of your Tanzanian safari:
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Engage Experienced Guides: Knowledgeable guides can position you in optimal locations and provide insights into animal behaviour, enhancing your ability to anticipate and capture compelling shots.
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Utilise Specialized Vehicles: Safari vehicles equipped for photography, such as those with open sides and roof hatches, offer unobstructed views and stability for equipment, facilitating better composition and framing.
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Consider Private Reserves: Exploring private conservancies adjacent to national parks can provide exclusive access to wildlife and the flexibility to conduct off-road driving, night safaris, and walking tours, all of which can yield unique photographic opportunities.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is one of Tanzania’s most diverse and picturesque safari destinations, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Although relatively small, covering about 330 square kilometers, the park’s compact size is balanced by its remarkable range of habitats, from dense groundwater forests to open grassy plains and the vast alkaline Lake Manyara itself. This diverse landscape supports a wide array of wildlife, making it an excellent choice for a safari, especially for those looking to enjoy a shorter but highly rewarding game drive experience.
Lake Manyara is famed for its unique tree-climbing lions, a rare behavior that sets this park apart from others in Tanzania. Spotting these big cats lounging on acacia branches is a highlight for many visitors. Additionally, the park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 400 bird species, including large flocks of flamingos that seasonally gather along the shores of the lake, creating a spectacular pink hue. Other notable residents include elephants, giraffes, hippos, and a variety of antelope species, all easily observed due to the park's accessible terrain and high wildlife density.
Aside from its impressive wildlife, Lake Manyara National Park offers unique activities like canoeing safaris (when water levels permit) and guided walks along the forested edges of the lake. Visitors can also explore the lush groundwater forest, where baboons, blue monkeys, and bushbuck thrive in the shaded canopy. Whether it’s your first stop on the northern safari circuit or a quick day trip from Arusha, Lake Manyara provides a diverse and scenic introduction to Tanzania’s natural beauty, offering a blend of wildlife, birding, and stunning landscapes in one compact package.
Best Times To Visit Tanzania on Safari
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June to October (Dry Season):
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Ideal for Safari: Animals congregate around water sources, making it easier to spot them.
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Great Migration: This is the best time to witness the famous river crossings in the Serengeti as wildebeest and zebras move in search of fresh grazing.
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Weather: Warm days and cool nights, with very little rain.
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Lower Malaria Risk: Fewer mosquitoes due to the dry conditions.
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November to March (Short Rains and Wet Season):
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Lush Landscapes: The scenery is vibrant and green, perfect for landscape photography.
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Calving Season: In the Serengeti, the wildebeest give birth around January and February, attracting predators and offering dramatic photo opportunities.
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Birdwatching: Migratory birds arrive, making it a great time for bird enthusiasts.
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Fewer Crowds: Lower tourist numbers, offering a more private safari experience.
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Seasonal Information
MAY - JUNE
Cool & Dry Season
Autumn / Winter
TEMPERATURES
May - July | Cool
Wintery cool.
WEATHER
Temperatures are cooling down.
Early mornings temps 8-10°C
Afternoons Mid/high 20°C
Nights 15°C.
GAME VIEWING
May - July | Good
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY TIMES
Early mornings & late afternoons.
Night times for full moon photography of the falls.
GAME MOVEMENTS
The bush is beginning to dry out. Water sources in the bush are lessening, therefore game is starting to venture to viewing waterholes.
ANIMALS
Big 5 (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard)
Elephant | Antelope | Cats | Hyena | Wild Dog | Birds | Reptiles
JULY - AUGUST
Cool & Dry Season
Autumn / Winter
TEMPERATURES
July - Aug | Cool
Wintery cool.
WEATHER
Temperatures are cooling down.
Early mornings temps 15°C
Afternoons Mid/high 25°C
Nights 18°C.
GAME VIEWING
July - Aug | Good
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY TIMES
Early mornings & late afternoons.
Night times for full moon photography of the falls.
GAME MOVEMENTS
The bush is beginning to dry out. Water sources in the bush are lessening, therefore game is starting to venture to viewing waterholes.
ANIMALS
Big 5 (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard)
Elephant | Antelope | Cats | Hyena | Wild Dog | Birds | Reptiles
SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER
Hot & Dry Season
Summer
TEMPERATURES
September - November | Hot
Hottest months.
WEATHER
Temperatures are cooling down.
Early mornings temps 15°C
Afternoons Mid/high 30°C
Nights 18°C.
GAME VIEWING
September - November | Exceptional
Best time of the year to see game.
BEST PHOTOGRAPHY TIMES
Early mornings & late afternoons.
Night times for nocturnal animals, especially cats and hyena.
GAME MOVEMENTS
The bush is very dry. Water sources in the bush are scarce, therefore game frequent viewing waterholes throughout the day & night.
ANIMALS
Big 5 (Lion, Buffalo, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard)
Elephant | Antelope | Cats | Hyena | Wild Dog | Birds | Reptiles