Safaris in Tanzania travel guide

But there is much more to a safari in Tanzania than the thundering of wildebeest hooves. The sprawling Serengeti shelters wildlife of all shapes and sizes; take a guided bush walk with a Maasai guide to experience the savannah from a different perspective. Nearby, the Ngorongoro Crater is a bowlful of the Big Five, while the incomprehensibly vast parks of the south receive just a handful of visitors – despite the abundant wildlife.

This epic East African nation is far wilder than South Africa, with a far greater sense of wilderness. It has some of the world’s most exclusive lodges, particularly in the south – but these are balanced out by accessible campsites and lodges in the north. Additionally, the migration takes place virtually year round –moving into Kenya for just a few short weeks. More unusually, the Rift Valley has carved a series of lakes into the landscape – meaning hippos, flamingos and crocodiles are in their element; cruise past them on a boat safari for the ultimate relaxing wildlife experience.

Read more in our guide to safaris in Tanzania.

Northern Tanzania is a one-stop-shop for safari experiences, boasting the Great Wildebeest Migration, the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater and classic Maasai culture. It’s brilliant for first-time safari goers with abundant lodges to suit tastes and budgets, and it’s easy to get around, meaning you won’t need to look into costly flights. It’s also convenient if you’re heading to Kilimanjaro – or on into Kenya. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more special, consider heading south. Flying is a must to get to Selous or Ruaha, and lodges are few and far between – so you’ll have these vast game parks virtually all to yourself. You can also take boat cruises on the river as a tranquil way of viewing wildlife.