Tanzania, Map

Why Choose a Luxury Safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania delivers some of Africa’s most iconic safari experiences on an extraordinary scale. From the endless plains of the Serengeti and the wildlife-rich floor of the Ngorongoro Crater to the remote wilderness of southern Tanzania, each region offers a distinct landscape, rhythm and approach to safari.

Travelers can follow the Great Wildebeest Migration across different parts of the Serengeti, witness the calving season on the southern plains, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater or explore quieter regions such as Ruaha and Nyerere. Beyond traditional game drives, Tanzania also offers walking safaris, boating experiences, chimpanzee trekking and meaningful opportunities to connect with local communities.

What makes Tanzania particularly rewarding is the ease with which these experiences can be combined. A journey can move from dramatic wildlife encounters and remote luxury camps to the beaches of Zanzibar or a private Indian Ocean island. It is this balance of iconic wildlife, varied landscapes and time to slow down that makes Tanzania one of Africa’s most complete luxury safari destinations.

Let's Plan Your Tanzania Safari

Let’s start designing your private safari experience. Whether you’re after adventure, relaxation, or both – we’ll tailor every detail to how

THE UBUNTU TRAVEL DIFFERENCE

destination-90x90

Personalized Itineraries

Attention to detail from start to finish

ecology-90x90

Conservation Promise

Travel with a purpose

africa-90x90

Experts in Africa

Our team of travel experts know Africa

destination-90x90

Personalized Itineraries

Attention to detail from start to finish

ecology-90x90

Conservation Promise

Travel with a purpose

africa-90x90

Experts in Africa

Our team of travel experts know Africa

Ready to Plan your Tanzania Safari?

Reach out today and connect with our expert team – we care about the whole journey, from your very first call to your final farewell on safari. Every itinerary is thoughtfully designed by our co-founders, Kyle and Leah, to reflect the kind of journey we’d take ourselves.

When is the Best Time to Visit Tanzania?

Tanzania offers incredible safari experiences year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to see – from the Great Migration to green season beauty. To help you decide, we’ve created a simple month-by-month season guide that breaks down what to expect and when.

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, with each season offering something different. However, the question we hear most is: when can I see the Great Wildebeest Migration, and where might the herds be? Their movement depends on rainfall and fresh grazing, but this general guide can help you plan:

December to March: The herds gather across the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region, with the calving season typically peaking from late January into February. Expect exceptional predator activity across the short-grass plains.

April to May: As the long rains transform the landscape, the herds begin moving north through the central Serengeti and towards the Western Corridor.

June to July: The herds gather across the Western Corridor before continuing north. Grumeti River crossings may occur in June, while the first Mara River crossings generally begin during July.

August to October: The herds are usually spread across the northern Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara, often crossing the Mara River more than once as they follow rainfall and grazing.

November: The short rains encourage the herds to begin moving south through the Serengeti towards the southern plains, continuing the annual cycle.

 Safaris in Tanzania FAQs 

How many days do you need for a Tanzania safari?

We generally recommend spending at least ten nights in Tanzania. This allows enough time to explore key regions such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire without moving camps too frequently or rushing the experience.

Ten to fourteen nights is ideal when combining several safari regions, while twelve to fourteen nights works particularly well for travelers pairing safari with Zanzibar or another Indian Ocean island.

Staying longer allows for a more considered pace, better wildlife viewing and time to enjoy each camp beyond the game drives. Rather than moving through a series of short stays, we prefer to create journeys with fewer transitions, well-planned flights and enough time to experience each destination properly.

Is Tanzania or Kenya better for a safari?

Both countries offer exceptional safari experiences, and we often recommend combining them rather than choosing between the two.

  • Kenya is known for the Masai Mara, private conservancies, varied activities and a strong sense of connection between wildlife, landscape and community.
  • Tanzania offers extraordinary scale, with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and remote safari regions creating a more expansive journey.

A fourteen-night Kenya and Tanzania safari allows travelers to experience the strengths of both countries at a comfortable pace. The exact route should be shaped around the season, Great Migration movements and the type of safari experience you value most.

When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Tanzania?

The Great Migration is a year-round event in Tanzania, but the best time depends on which stage of the journey you hope to experience:

  • January to March: The herds gather across the southern Serengeti and Ndutu region for calving season, which typically peaks from late January into February. Thousands of calves are born, attracting lion, cheetah and other predators.
  • May to July: The herds move north through the central Serengeti and into the Western Corridor. Grumeti River crossings may occur during this period before the herds continue towards northern Tanzania.
  • August to October: The herds are usually spread across the northern Serengeti, where dramatic and unpredictable Mara River crossings may take place near Kogatende.
  • November to December: The short rains encourage the herds to begin moving south through the Serengeti towards the southern plains.

Each stage offers something different. Speak to us about planning your safari around the likely movement of the herds, while remembering that rainfall ultimately determines their timing and location.

Can you combine a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar?

Yes. Tanzania is one of Africa’s best destinations for combining safari and beach, with regular flights connecting the mainland safari regions to Zanzibar.

We generally recommend ending the journey in Zanzibar. After early mornings, wildlife viewing and moving between safari camps, several days on the coast give you time to relax, reflect on the experience and enjoy a slower pace before traveling home.

A twelve to fourteen-night safari works particularly well, combining destinations such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater or Tarangire with four or five nights in Zanzibar. The exact balance can be tailored around your interests, preferred pace and international flight schedule.

What are the top wildlife experiences in Tanzania?

Tanzania offers some of Africa’s most immersive and varied wildlife experiences:

  • The Great Migration in the Serengeti: Witness vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle moving through the ecosystem in search of fresh grazing, with each season offering a different stage of the journey.
  • Big Five wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater: Explore the floor of the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, where lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhino may all be seen alongside abundant plains game.
  • Chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains or Gombe Stream: Follow expert trackers through forested landscapes in search of habituated chimpanzees beside Lake Tanganyika. Mahale is particularly renowned for combining chimpanzee trekking with remote wilderness and lakeside scenery.
  • Walking safaris in Ruaha and other remote regions: Explore the bush on foot with experienced guides, gaining a closer understanding of animal tracks, smaller wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem. Ruaha and Nyerere are particularly rewarding for remote walking experiences.
  • Hot-air ballooning over the Serengeti: Drift above the plains at sunrise for a completely different perspective of the Serengeti’s landscapes and wildlife below.

Where is Tanzania in Africa?

Tanzania is located in East Africa, just south of the equator. It borders Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the west, and Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique to the south.

Its eastern coastline meets the Indian Ocean, with the Zanzibar Archipelago lying just offshore. With iconic landscapes including the Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania is one of Africa’s most celebrated safari destinations.

Do I need any vaccinations before traveling to Tanzania?

Some vaccinations are commonly recommended for travelers visiting Tanzania from the United States. These may include:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis B
  • Tetanus
  • Routine vaccinations, including MMR and polio

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is not normally required when traveling directly from the United States. However, it may be required if you arrive from, or spend more than 12 hours transiting through, a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Important Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals. While we are happy to share general guidance, you should always consult a travel doctor or healthcare provider before departure for advice based on your itinerary, vaccination history and personal health.

Is Tanzania a malaria area?

Yes. Malaria is present in many parts of Tanzania, including most safari regions and Zanzibar. However, travelers can significantly reduce their risk by taking appropriate precautions and following medical advice based on their itinerary.

Important Disclaimer: We are not medical professionals. The following is general guidance only. Please consult a doctor or specialist travel clinic before departure.

Tip 1: Avoid mosquito bites

The mosquitoes that transmit malaria are most active from dusk until dawn. Use an effective insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed shoes during these hours. Many lodges also provide mosquito nets, screened rooms or other protective measures.

Tip 2: Discuss malaria medication with your doctor

Preventative malaria medication is commonly recommended for travelers visiting Tanzania. Different medications suit different travelers, so your doctor should advise you on the most appropriate option based on your route, medical history and personal circumstances.

Tip 3: Follow the prescription and monitor symptoms

Take the medication exactly as prescribed, including before and after your trip where required. If you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms during or after traveling, seek medical attention promptly and tell the healthcare provider that you recently visited a malaria-risk area. Preventative medication is highly effective, but it does not provide complete protection.

Best Luxury Lodges in the Serengeti (Guide for 2026)

Best Luxury Lodges in the Serengeti (Guide for 2026)

Read More
Why Visit the Ngorongoro Crater

Why Visit the Ngorongoro Crater

Read More
Our Guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration

Our Guide to the Great Wildebeest Migration

Read More