Planning a Tanzanian Safari ? Here’s What You Need to Know Before Booking Your Trip
If you’re considering a Tanzanian safari and wondering what it’s like to explore the country’s stunning national parks and conservation areas, we’ve got you covered. Here are 12 essential things you need to know before embarking on your adventure.
1. Tanzania is a Premier Safari Destination in Africa
While we might be a bit partial, Tanzania is widely regarded as the best destination for an authentic African safari experience. Don’t just take our word for it – both tourists and seasoned travelers consistently rank Tanzania as the top safari destination among the 20+ African countries offering safari experiences.
A Tanzania safari is a bucket-list experience for many wildlife enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why. This incredible country is home to some of the world’s most famous and awe-inspiring wildlife viewing destinations – including the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.
Ngorongoro Crater: A Natural Wonder
The Ngorongoro Crater, the largest intact caldera on Earth, covers 100 square miles (259 square kilometers) and serves as a unique sanctuary for wildlife. Due to its natural barriers, animals remain within the crater, making it one of the best places to see a wide variety of species – more than 25,000 animals can be spotted in this area alone.
Serengeti National Park: Home of the Great Migration
The iconic Serengeti National Park is a must-visit for any safari enthusiast. Known as the “endless plains,” the park spans around 12,000 square miles (30,000 square kilometers) and is famous for hosting the Great Migration—a spectacular event where nearly two million wildebeest traverse the park in search of food and water.
Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit
In addition to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, Tanzania boasts other remarkable national parks that make up the renowned Northern Safari Circuit. These include Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and Arusha National Park, each offering unique landscapes and wildlife experiences that add to Tanzania’s safari allure.
2. Safari in Tanzania: Not Exactly Like a Nature Documentary
If you’ve ever watched a nature documentary on television, you’re likely familiar with the captivating footage of wildlife encounters—lions hunting hyenas, cheetahs chasing antelope, and crocodiles ambushing wildebeests. These high-quality productions, often shot over months or years, offer a thrilling and edited narrative that’s hard to beat for entertainment and educational value.
However, a real-life safari in Tanzania is a different experience altogether. While the action may not be as meticulously scripted or filmed, the raw, unfiltered moments you witness in the wild are even more extraordinary. Experiencing wildlife up close, seeing a predator stalk its prey, or observing the circle of life in its natural form is one of the most thrilling (and sometimes brutal) aspects of a Tanzania safari.
In the wild, animal hunts take place daily, but they’re often hidden from view. While witnessing a kill firsthand is rare, your chances of seeing this dramatic event increase with time in the field. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time.
3. Brace Yourself for a Bumpy Ride
The Tanzania safari experience includes navigating unpaved roads inside the parks, as well as between them, making for some bumpy travel. Whether you’re traveling across dirt paths or rocky terrain, you’ll experience what many travelers jokingly refer to as an “African massage.” While it’s not quite a relaxing spa treatment, you’ll feel the jostling daily as you explore the vast landscapes.
Along with the bumps, you’ll encounter dust, particularly during the dry season. Traveling behind other vehicles or passing oncoming cars can send clouds of dust swirling around you. It’s important to embrace the messiness of a Tanzania safari—and to prepare accordingly. We recommend bringing a neck gaiter, Buff, or bandana to cover your nose and mouth if you have respiratory concerns or if the dust becomes overwhelming.
Lastly, safaris can be unexpectedly tiring. Most of your day will be spent in the vehicle, driving between parks or tracking animals. It’s a good idea to bring a quality neck pillow to make your journey more comfortable, especially during breaks between animal sightings or long drives to different parks.
