Tanzania – The home of safari
Tanzania can truly claim to be the home of “Safari”, since the word itself is Kiswahili for “journey” – and there is no better place on earth to experience a journey through the wild. With its vast, untouched landscapes and extraordinary biodiversity, Tanzania offers one of the most enriching wildlife encounters imaginable.
The country boasts 22 national parks and a remarkable commitment to conservation, with nearly one quarter of its land designated as protected areas. These parks range from the world-famous Serengeti, home to the awe-inspiring Great Migration, to the lush waterways of Selous Game Reserve and the dramatic baobab-dotted scenery of Tarangire National Park. Each destination offers its own unique ecosystem and wildlife highlights.
Tanzania is the place to witness seemingly endless herds of wildebeest and zebras trekking across golden plains during their annual migration – an iconic spectacle that draws nature lovers and photographers from around the world. These herds are shadowed by Africa’s most formidable predators: lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hyenas, all playing their role in the raw and beautiful cycle of life.
Beyond the savannahs, you’ll find flamingo-covered lakes, dense montane forests, and even snow-capped mountains, all teeming with life. Whether you seek the drama of the hunt, the serenity of a giraffe at sunrise, or the thrill of tracking elephants through the bush, Tanzania offers a safari experience that is both unforgettable and deeply moving.
Northern Tanzania
The popular Northern Circuit which includes Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and it’s neighbour the Serengeti National Park all teaming with wildlife. A safari in the northern circuit will also give you the opportunity to visit the Olduvai Gorge known as “The Cradle of Mankind”, where remains of one of the earliest humans were discovered.
Eastern Tanzania
The lesser-known Eastern Circuit contains hidden gems that offer an off-the-beaten-track safari experience. Mkomazi National Park is home to endangered species such as the black rhino and African wild dog, as well as large herds of eland, zebra, and giraffe. Saadani National Park is where bush meets beach – the only park in East Africa with a coastline on the Indian Ocean.
Southern Tanzania
The parks of the Southern Circuit are less visited and the distances between the individual parks are longer than those of the Northern Circuit, but are just as attractive for a safari, especially if you want to escape the tourist crowds. These include Ruaha, Nyerere (formerly Selous Game Reserve), Mikumi, and the Udzungwa Mountains National Park.
Western Tanzania
Western Tanzania is home to some of the country’s most remote and pristine wilderness areas, offering an authentic and adventurous safari experience for those willing to travel off the beaten track. On the shores of Lake Tanganyika, lie Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream National Parks, world-renowned for chimpanzee trekking. As well as Katavi National Park.