Tanzania is undoubtedly one of the best destinations in East Africa offering classic wildlife safari experiences. While on Tanzania safaris, not only do tourists get opportunity to witness the wildebeest migration but also to explore the big five and engage in thrilling mountain climbing adventures.
Where to go for a safari in Tanzania?
In Tanzania, there are 3 major safari circuits, each with amazing attractions. The most famous one is the Northern circuit including Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. This safari circuit is popular for its exceptional safari experiences in Africa particularly the annual wildebeest migration. The ideal time to witness wildebeest migration in Tanzania is from June up-to October and this is possible during a 3 days or 5 days Serengeti safari. The peak season in the northern circuit starts from July to March.
During the wildebeest migration, nearly 1.5 million wildebeests and 100s of 1000s of zebras plus Thomson gazelles can be spotted while migrating from Tanzania to Kenya. Interestingly, there is a possibility to sight other wildlife populations that thrive within Serengeti national park including giraffes, warthogs, elephants, buffaloes, birds, lions, leopards and many more. Note, most wildebeests start giving birth during the month of February.
Embarking on Tanzania safaris during the dry season guarantees excellent chances of game viewing especially the annual wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, ideal for chimpanzee treks in Gombe National Park and Mahale Mountains; tourists enjoy off-the-beaten-track tours in Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park.
Tarangire National Park; this is another spectacular safari park in Tanzania offering the best wildlife encounters to tourists. This protected area derives its name from the beautiful Lake Tarangire and generally it is blessed with a huge concentration of wildlife, especially elephants. Others include 550 species of birds, zebras, gazelles, buffaloes, elands, wild dogs and waterbucks.
Lake Manyara National Park; this derives its name from Lake Manyara and popular for its enormous flamingos, pelicans, yellow billed storks among others. What makes Lake Manyara National Park a popular Tanzania safari destination is the fact that it shelters the rare tree climbing lions plus several other wildlife including African bush elephants, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, cheetahs, African golden cats, hippos, bat eared fox and leopards.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area; this features the Ngorongoro Crater, an extensive volcanic caldera. It is a popular site to spot variety of wildlife especially if you are interested in spotting the black rhinos, blue wildebeests, zebras, gazelles and elands.
A Tanzania safari isn’t all about exploring the parks but also providing a chance for one to visit more than 10 museums, with the most outstanding being Olduvai Gorge (this is where remains of the early man were discovered). If you are interested in beach holidays, then you shouldn’t miss to include Zanzibar holiday on your Tanzania safari and discover unique culture and history of Zanzibar.
Best Time to go for Tanzania safaris
Safaris in Tanzania can possibly be carried out at any time of the year. But the most ideal time is usually during the dry season which occurs from June to October. Between June and July, tourists get the best of wildebeest migration experience in the Serengeti National Park. For visitors who are interested in wildebeest calving experience then the best time is late January till February.
