Tanzania Safari Destinations

How to Combine Tanzania's Destinations

Most trips to Tanzania combine two or three of these destinations. The country's parks fall into a few natural groupings, and planning around them keeps driving time short and game-viewing time long.

The northern safari circuit

The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara are all reached from Arusha and are usually visited together. Tarangire and Lake Manyara work well as short trips of one or two days. Ngorongoro Crater offers the best chance of seeing the Big Five in a single day. The Serengeti needs at least two nights to do it justice, especially if you want to follow the Great Migration. Our 5-day and 6-day northern circuit safaris cover all four.

The southern circuit

For fewer vehicles and a wilder feel, the south combines Mikumi National Park, the Udzungwa Mountains and Nyerere (Selous) National Park, Africa's largest protected area. These parks are reached from Dar es Salaam. See our 4-day and 5-day southern safaris.

Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro rises close to Arusha, so a climb pairs naturally with a northern safari. Most climbers choose 6 to 8 days on the mountain for better acclimatisation. Compare the routes in our Kilimanjaro routes guide.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is the classic way to finish a Tanzania trip: a short flight from the safari areas to white-sand beaches, Stone Town's history and the Safari Blue dhow cruise. See how to combine a safari with Zanzibar.

When should you go?

The long dry season from June to October is the best time for game viewing across most parks. From January to February the Great Migration's calving season takes place in the southern Serengeti. Read our month-by-month guide to the best time for a Tanzania safari, or contact us to build a route around your dates.