Tanzania Map & highlights
Tanzania is utterly huge; yet many of its attractions are just a short drive from each other meaning that when deciding where to go in Tanzania, it’s easy to tick off the big names, even on a short trip. The Serengeti is popular year-round, but is vast enough to not feel too crowded, but the crater’s fame is due to its concentrated wildlife – which also results in a concentration of vehicles.
The south, however, is a genuine African wilderness. Selous and Ruaha have a handful of lodges between them, though you’ll have to factor in the cost of a flight or the time taken to reach them by road or rail. The islands are accessed by ferry or plane; save them for the end of your Tanzania holiday, as they really are the sweet dessert after your hearty safari adventure.
The south, however, is a genuine African wilderness. Selous and Ruaha have a handful of lodges between them, though you’ll have to factor in the cost of a flight or the time taken to reach them by road or rail. The islands are accessed by ferry or plane; save them for the end of your Tanzania holiday, as they really are the sweet dessert after your hearty safari adventure.
Our Tanzania Holidays
Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday, tailor made
Your tailor-made Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach holiday!
From
£3495 to £5950
13 days
ex flights
Tanzania Selous safari holiday & Zanzibar
Tailor-made, authentic, remote safari and islands
From
£1900 to £3850
11 days
ex flights
Serengeti Trail, Kenya & Tanzania safari
Overland truck safari
From
£1120 to £1410
8 days
ex flights
Selous safari & Mafia Islands diving holiday
Africa's largest game park
From
£3050
13 days
inc UK flights
Big game safari in Tanzania
Big game safari including luxury private camping
From
£3060 to £3470
8 days
ex flights
Tanzania Safari and beach holiday
A truly remote Tanzanian safari and beach combination
From
£3295 to £6000
12 days
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Tanzania holiday, safari, culture and wildlife 7 days
Genuine cultural experiences and iconic wildlife parks
From
US $2245 to US $2895
7 days
ex flights
Southern Tanzania luxury safari holiday
Two of the most wild and unspoilt parks of Tanzania
From
£6800
12 days
inc UK flights
Tanzania wildlife, people and beach holiday
Best wildlife viewing in north Tanzania plus Fanjove Island.
From
£4625 to £5735
13 days
ex flights
Climbing Kilimanjaro, Machame Route 7 days
Climb Kilimanjaro and enjoy the scenery & wildlife of Tanzania
From
US $1995 to US $2995
7 days
ex flights
Kilimanjaro climb Lemosho route
Awesome 10-Day Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route
From
£2399
10 days
ex flights
Tanzania classic bush safari, 9 Days
Northern National Parks are a true African experience
From
US $2550 to US $2750
9 days
ex flights
Zanzibar beach holiday, Tanzania
Amazing holiday in Zanzibar,Mafia island or Pangani town.
From
US $1300 to US $1500
4 days
ex flights
Climb Kilimanjaro 8 day Machame route
Experience the vast range of ecosystems Kilimanjaro has to offer
From
£2395
8 days
ex flights
Luxury Kenya & Tanzania safari
Your Adventure of A Lifetime Deserves a Unique Company..
From
£3200 to £4000
12 days
ex flights
Kilimanjaro Climb, safari & Zanzibar holiday
Roof Top of Africa & Palm fringed Island of Zanzibar
From
US $4550 to US $5850
15 days
ex flights
Tanzania safaris, wildlife of the Maasai
See and feel the real Africa, combining lodges and canvas
From
£3765 to £4395
10 days
ex flights
Whale Shark conservation holiday in Tanzania
Whale Shark Conservation in the stunning island of Mafia
From
£1305 to £2480
21 days
ex flights
Classic Tanzania safari and beach holiday
Safari in Beautiful Tanzania with Dream Beach Destination
From
£3569
10 days
ex flights
East Africa adventure holiday, safari, gorillas & beach
An extensive journey through east Africa
From
£2739 to £2959
22 days
ex flights
Lemosho trek up Kilimanjaro
Strenuous route up Africa's highest peak
From
£3035 to £3899
12 days
inc UK flights
Climb Kilimanjaro 7 day Marangu route
The Marangu Route is the ideal trek for all abilities
From
£2095
7 days
ex flights
Family cycling holiday in Kenya & Tanzania
Family Biking and camping adventure in Kenya and Tanzania
From
US $3490
16 days
ex flights
Kilimanjaro summit trek and safari holiday, Tanzania
Hike Kilimanjaro and see wild game on a Serengeti safari
From
US $4450
11 days
ex flights
Serengeti, Selous and Zanzibar small group holiday
Discover Selous Game Reserve, the largest Game reserve in Africa
From
£3499 to £4095
12 days
inc UK flights
Best of Africa holiday, Nairobi to Cape Town
Experience the ultimate overland Africa adventure
From
£5699 to £6169
53 days
ex flights
Tanzania family Safari
Family-friendly luxury safari into Tanzania's wilderness
From
£5095
8 days
ex flights
Tanzania luxury safari
Luxury Safari Camps and Incredible Wildlife in Tanzania
From
£5785
12 days
ex flights
Nairobi to Dar-Es-Salaam overland tour
From mountain gorillas to blue waters of Zanzibar
From
£1285
33 days
ex flights
1. Gombe Stream National Park
2. Lake Eyasi
3. Lake Manyara
4. Mafia Island
5. Mount Kilimanjaro
6. Ngorongoro Crater
7. Ruaha National Park
8. Saadani National Park
9. Selous Game Reserve
10. Serengeti
11. Tarangire National Park
12. Zanzibar
2. Lake Eyasi
3. Lake Manyara
4. Mafia Island
5. Mount Kilimanjaro
6. Ngorongoro Crater
7. Ruaha National Park
8. Saadani National Park
9. Selous Game Reserve
10. Serengeti
11. Tarangire National Park
12. Zanzibar
Gombe Stream National Park
1. Gombe Stream National Park
Few people know that chimpanzees live in Tanzania, but they are here – on the forested shore of Lake Tanganyika. Track them by their shrieks, scat and discarded food, and meet the primates made famous by Jane Goodall, who encountered them here over 50 years ago. Don’t miss Gombe’s other residents, including baboons, colobus monkeys and 200 species of birds.
Lake Eyasi
2. Lake Eyasi
Known more for its people than its wildlife, the stunning landscape of Lake Eyasi is the idyllic home of the Datoga tribe – recognized by the distinctive circular tattoos many women have around their eyes. The lifestyle of these agricultural people is starkly different to the neighbouring Hadzabe tribe – traditionally hunter gatherers who have lived for centuries on what nature provides, travelling in search of food.
Lake Manyara
3. Lake Manyara
Twitchers will love this national park with its charismatic flamingos – just one of the 380 species of birds to have been recorded in these lake, forests, shrub and grasslands. Lions also take advantage of the park’s abundant greenery – the lions here are one of the only known groups to climb trees, making them particularly photogenic. Wildebeest, hippos, giraffes, baboons and zebras also thrive here – along with huge herds of elephants.
Mafia Island
4. Mafia Island
Few have heard of Mafia – but this marine park’s greatest wonder is how it has managed to remain off the tourist map. Its coral reefs are Tanzania’s diving hotspot, but it also offers white sand beaches where turtles come to nest, mangrove swamps and tropical forests that echo with the shrieks of monkeys, fruit bats and wild pigs. The island’s secluded accommodation sits perfectly with the natural landscape.
Mount Kilimanjaro
5. Mount Kilimanjaro
‘Kili’ is the highest mountain on the continent, standing at a (literally) breathtaking 5,895m high. Several routes cross its chilly barren slopes up to the ice fields and three volcanic cones at its summit – finally reaching its highest point, Uhuru or Kibu Peak. Some 23,000 people attempt to climb Kili each year, but it remains a formidable challenge and, ultimately – for those who do reach the roof of Africa – a rewarding one.
Ngorongoro Crater
6. Ngorongoro Crater
This is a giant, 25km-wide bowlful of 30,000 animals – including massive bull elephants, elusive leopard and black rhino. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the easiest place to see the Big Five year-round – hence the high number of vehicles. The crater’s Olduvai Gorge is home to some of the world’s oldest human remains – including a 1.75 million year old skull – which has shaped our understanding of evolution.
Ruaha National Park
7. Ruaha National Park
This remote park is for the truly intrepid traveller. Barely a handful of visitors make it here – but the rewards are plentiful: the Great Ruaha River bursting its banks following the rains, and shrinking down to wildlife-filled pools in the dry season, attracting fierce predators from lions to hyenas. Ruaha is bordered by several game reserves, making it a vast wilderness able to support huge herds of elephants.
Saadani National Park
8. Saadani National Park
Tanzania’s only coastal national park, Saadani is also one of its newest – resulting in a heartwarming increase in wildlife. Conservation projects focus on elephants as well as green turtles – the projects are lovely places to visit and learn, especially for families. The coastal Zaraninge Rainforest shelters a huge diversity of species. Coconut palm-dotted ishing villages date back centuries, to when the coast was visited by Arab traders.
Selous Game Reserve
9. Selous Game Reserve
The Serengeti gets all the glory, but the little-visited Selous is actually even larger – with the wildlife numbers to match. Thousands of elephants, buffalo and antelopes roam the park, along with rare and beautiful wild dogs – not usually seen in the north. A boat cruise on Lake Tagalala gets you up close to hippos, crocodiles and birds. The massive space and handful of lodges mean you’re far more likely to see wildlife than tourists.
Serengeti
10. Serengeti
The kind of place where you’re going to find yourself humming Toto’s “Africa”; the Serengeti needs almost no introduction. It is the stuff of African legend, the savannah traversed by a million wildebeest – zebras and gazelles in tow – during the world’s greatest migration. At 15,000km2, Tanzania’s oldest park has space for lodges and camps to suit all tastes, plus Big Five game drives, walking safaris and even cyclists.
Tarangire National Park
11. Tarangire National Park
Just a short hop from the northern parks, Tarangire is just as bustling with wildlife – but empty of tourists. Elephants swarm in herds of up to 300 against a surreal backdrop of silvery baobab trees. Fringe-eared oryx and gerenuk antelope cannot be seen anywhere else in Tanzania. Walking safaris allow you to enjoy the wilderness – and heighten your senses to the ever-present wildlife.
Zanzibar
12. Zanzibar
Zanzibar embodies the spirit of “exotic”; an enticing mélange of Middle Eastern, Indian and Swahili culture and food, spice tours, and dhows pushed along by the tradewinds. Explore the alleyways of UNESCO-listed Stone Town, then escape to a tranquil resort, framed by white sand and the deep blue of the Indian Ocean. Diving, kayaking and boat tours allow you to discover the weird and wonderful marine life up close.
Our top Tanzania Holiday
Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday, tailor made
Your tailor-made Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach holiday!
From
£3495 to £5950
13 days
ex flights
Tailor made:
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Helpdesk
Hello. If you'd like to chat about Tanzania or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help. Rosy & team.
Tanzania sample itineraries
Kilimanjaro & safari tour (12 days):
Kilimanjaro, Rongai route (8 days) > Arusha > Tarangire National Park > Ngorongoro Crater
Kilimanjaro, Rongai route (8 days) > Arusha > Tarangire National Park > Ngorongoro Crater
Wildlife and beaches (12 days):
Arusha > Lake Manyara > Serengeti (3 days) > Olduvai Gorge > Ngorongoro Crater > Arusha > Zanzibar (3 days)
Arusha > Lake Manyara > Serengeti (3 days) > Olduvai Gorge > Ngorongoro Crater > Arusha > Zanzibar (3 days)
Off the beaten track & diving (13 days):
Dar es Salaam > Selous Game Reserve (3 days) > Dar es Salaam > Mafia Island (5 days)
Dar es Salaam > Selous Game Reserve (3 days) > Dar es Salaam > Mafia Island (5 days)
Tanzania Travel Times
The following times give you a rough idea of the travel times between the main attractions in Tanzania.
Arusha – Serengeti National Park: 8 hours by road
Kilimanjaro International Airport – Moshi (for Kilimanjaro): 45 mins by road
Dar es Salaam – Moshi: 7 hours by road
Dar es Salaam – Zanzibar: 90 mins by boat
Dar es Salaam – Mafia Island: 30 minutes by boat
Dar es Salaam – Selous Game Reserve: 45 minutes by light aircraft
Dar es Salaam – Selous Game Reserve: 6 hours road
Dar es Salaam – Selous Game Reserve: 5 hours (train)
More about Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania is when two million animals make the precarious Mara River crossing in June and July - but outside of those months you can still track the migration elsewhere in the Serengeti.
Tanzania plays host to some of Africa's most iconic sights: the plains of the Serengeti, the Wildebeest Migration, the snow capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the tall silhouettes of the Maasai.
An absolutely standout destination for wildlife, safaris in Tanzania take advantage of this country’s huge parks, abundant fauna and accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets.
For a taste of true African wilderness, well away from the safari crowds, head to southern Tanzania.
Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park fits most people’s idea of a classic African landscape – sweeping plains, herds of wildebeest, elephants plodding in front of silhouetted acacia trees and lions snoozing in the long grass.
Towering over the Serengeti plains, Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro is not only Africa’s tallest peak, but the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
A highlight of most northern Tanzania safari holidays, there’s nowhere quite like the Ngorongoro Crater.
A year-round movement of some 1.5 million or so wildebeest, zebra, eland and gazelle, the Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania is one of the world’s biggest wildlife spectacles.
Combine game drives to see the Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, or a walking safari in Selous, with snorkelling over Mafia Island’s pristine coral reefs and you’ve got the ultimate Tanzanian wildlife adventure.
There is a whole Lion King cast of wildlife in Tanzania - with school summer holidays being one of the best times to spot the Big Five and the Wildebeest Migration.
We spoke to our members who have been leading holidays in East Africa for years to hear their top Tanzania travel advice.
Ethical travellers should bear in mind that there are some big issues when it comes to responsible tourism in Tanzania.
All our Tanzania guides. Find all of our Tanzania guides in one place, for particular places in Tanzania such as Kilimanjaro or Selous.
Why book with Responsible Travel
Photo credits: [Page banner: Atosan] [Gombe Stream National Park: Roland]
[Lake Eyasi: Richard Mortel]
[Lake Manyara: Marc Veraart]
[Mafia Island: Frontierofficial]
[Mount Kilimanjaro: Roman Boed]
[Ngorongoro Crater: WayneHartmann]
[Ruaha National Park: Richard Mortel]
[Saadani National Park: Dom Pates]
[Selous Game Reserve: istolethetv]
[Serengeti: Chen Hu]
[Tarangire National Park: Andrey Filippov]
[Zanzibar: Rod Waddington]
[Sample Itineraries: ray rui]
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