Planning a Tanzania safari can be both exciting and daunting. With numerous stunning national parks to choose from, deciding where to go can be overwhelming. To help you make the best choice, consider these key factors:
1. Your Tanzania Safari Goals
What do you hope to experience during your Tanzania safari?
- Witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration: If this is on your bucket list, Serengeti National Park is a must. This annual event sees millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelopes migrate across the plains in search of fresh grazing, offering a spectacle of nature’s raw power and beauty.
- Seeing the Big Five: To maximize your chances of spotting all five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino) during your Tanzania Safari, include Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in your itinerary. The Ngorongoro Crater is particularly unique as it offers an enclosed ecosystem with a high density of wildlife.
- Bird Watching or Unique Wildlife: If you’re a bird enthusiast, parks like Tarangire or Lake Manyara are known for their rich avian diversity. For those fascinated by primates, Gombe and Mahale Mountains National Parks are excellent choices for chimpanzee trekking.
2. Your Budget for a Tanzania Safari
Some parks are more expensive due to higher park fees, accommodation costs, and distances from major towns. For instance:
- Serengeti National Park: Costs more due to its remote location and premium accommodations. However, the experience is unparalleled, making it worth the investment for many travelers.
- Arusha National Park: More affordable and closer to urban centers, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers or those with limited time.
Other cost considerations include transportation. Flying between parks may be quicker but significantly increases your overall expenses compared to driving.
3. Your Availability
How many days can you dedicate to your safari? Time availability plays a crucial role in shaping your itinerary:
- Long distances between parks and the need for in-depth exploration mean you’ll need adequate time. For example:
- A visit to Serengeti National Park requires at least 3 nights for a fulfilling experience. This allows you to explore various sections of the park, from the central Seronera area to the more remote northern or western corridors.
- Short on time? Opt for parks like Mkomazi, Mikumi, Arusha or Tarangire, which are accessible and can be explored in one or two days.
4. Activities You Wish to Experience
Different parks offer unique activities. Ensure your tour operator customizes your itinerary based on your preferences:
- Balloon Safari: Experience breathtaking views of the Serengeti or Tarangire from above during a sunrise balloon ride, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.
- Night Game Drives: Permitted in selected parks like Tarangire, this activity allows you to witness nocturnal wildlife and predators in action.
- Walking Safaris: Get up close to nature in parks like Arusha, Tarangire, Selous (Nyerere) and Ruaha. Walking safaris offer a unique perspective, letting you track animals on foot and learn about the smaller, often overlooked aspects of the ecosystem.
- Cultural Tours: Some circuits offer opportunities to interact with local communities, such as the Maasai near Ngorongoro or the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers near Lake Eyasi.
5. Your Travel Route in Tanzania
Tanzania’s tourism is divided into four circuits, and sticking to one circuit can save time and money:
Northern Safari Circuit
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Kilimanjaro National Park
- Arusha National Park
- Great Rift Valley lakes (Natron and Eyasi)
This circuit is the most popular due to its concentration of iconic destinations and well-developed infrastructure.
Southern Safari Circuit
- Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve)
- Ruaha National Park
- Mikumi National Park
- Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Known for its remote wilderness and fewer tourists, the southern circuit offers an intimate and off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
Western Safari Circuit
- Mahale Mountains National Park
- Katavi National Park
- Gombe Stream National Park
Perfect for adventurers and primate enthusiasts, this circuit is famous for chimpanzee trekking and untouched landscapes.
Eastern Safari Circuit
- Saadani National Park
A unique destination combining wildlife and beach experiences, as Saadani is the only park bordering the ocean.
If your budget and schedule allow, you can explore parks from multiple circuits for a more diverse experience.
Top 10 National Parks for a Perfect Tanzania Safari:
- Serengeti National Park: Famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains.
- Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the rare black rhino.
- Tarangire National Park: Known for its massive elephant herds and vibrant birdlife.
- Lake Manyara National Park: Renowned for tree-climbing lions and breathtaking views of the lake.
- Ruaha National Park: A vast and remote park, ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.
- Nyerere National Park: Offers boat safaris and an untouched wilderness experience.
- Mikumi National Park: A great choice for first-time visitors, known for its accessibility and wildlife diversity.
- Arusha National Park: Perfect for a day trip, featuring Mount Meru and diverse ecosystems.
- Mkomazi National Park: A sanctuary for rare species like the African wild dog and black rhino.
- Gombe Stream National Park: Famous for its chimpanzee population and lush forest landscapes.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right national parks for your Tanzania safari requires careful consideration of your goals, budget, and available time. Whether you’re chasing the iconic Great Migration, trekking with chimpanzees in Gombe, or exploring the untouched wilderness of Ruaha, Tanzania offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler.
Contact us for an itinerary that suits your preferences and ensures an unforgettable safari experience!