An Overview of This Guide
This guide is
designed to help you choose the best places to visit in Tanzania. We understand
that too much information can be overwhelming, so this brief overview aims to
point you in the right direction without going into excessive detail. It is not
intended to be a complete reference. For more comprehensive information, we
encourage you to explore our extensive website, which features detailed
descriptions of national parks, beaches, islands, and hundreds of lodges,
including reviews, pricing, and often videos. Because we have personally
visited every lodge in Tanzania, you can trust us to provide expert and
reliable advice.
That said, nothing
replaces the value of personal interaction. We warmly invite you to visit our
offices in Chicago (USA), Arusha, or Zanzibar (Tanzania), or to call us at 0762584747 to discuss your
plans. Alternatively, we are happy to arrange a virtual
presentation, which only requires access to a computer from
anywhere in the world.
Important considerations
When to Visit
Tanzania has an
equatorial climate with fairly consistent temperatures throughout the year,
although rainfall patterns vary significantly. The prime travel season is from
July to October, when conditions are warm, dry, and sunny, with low humidity
and excellent wildlife viewing. Short rains usually occur in November, while
the long rains fall in April and May. The period between the rains, from
December to March, is also a very good time to visit.
Where to Stay
Your choice of park
will depend on which destination offers the best wildlife viewing and
activities during your travel dates—this is particularly important if you hope
to see the Great Migration. Each park provides a wide selection of
accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, ranging from
mobile camps and intimate tented camps to permanent lodges and large hotels.
Many tented camps are highly luxurious, often featuring private plunge pools
and premium amenities. However, semi-permanent mobile camps that follow the
migration typically do not have permanent plumbing.
Budget and Timing
Safaris are a
significant investment. While beach hotels are generally more affordable than
safari lodges, they are still relatively expensive compared to many beach destinations
in places such as Asia. As a general guideline, safari lodges in southern
Tanzania typically range from US$450 to US$1,000 per person per night,
while lodges in northern Tanzania range from US$750 to US$1,500. Beach
hotels usually cost between US$200 and US$600 per person per night.
Special Occasions
Whether you are
celebrating a honeymoon, a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, a birthday, or a family
gathering, we will work closely with you to design a truly unforgettable
journey. From floating above the Serengeti in a hot-air balloon and diving with
whale sharks, to tracking lions on foot, flying by private charter, or
unwinding on a secluded private island—whatever you imagine, we can bring it to
life.
Tanzania is an
exceptional destination for romantic escapes and honeymoons. It is one of the
easiest places in Africa to combine a world-class safari with relaxing beach
time on a stunning Indian Ocean island, and its diverse highlights can be
seamlessly linked into a well-balanced itinerary with minimal internal travel.
Tanzania Overview
Tanzania’s national
parks and reserves offer some of the finest wildlife viewing in Africa, making
a safari a highlight of most visits. Travelers usually choose to explore either
the famous northern circuit—home to the Serengeti, Ngoro Ngoro Crater, Lake
Manyara, and Tarangire—or the more remote and lesser-known southern parks such
as Selous, Ruaha, Katavi, and Mahale. The advantages and differences of each
region are outlined below.
Many visitors
conclude their journey with a stay at a beach resort, either on one of
Tanzania’s islands—most commonly Zanzibar—or along the country’s Indian Ocean
coastline.
Getting There and
Getting Around
Dar es Salaam is
Tanzania’s main international gateway and is served by several European
airlines, including KLM (in partnership with Delta), Swiss, and Emirates,
although British Airways does not currently operate this route. If direct
flights to Dar es Salaam are not available, Nairobi is an excellent alternative
hub with wide international connections. It is also worth noting that KLM
offers direct flights to Kilimanjaro, which can eliminate the need for an
onward flight from Dar.
Tanzania has a
reliable network of small, internationally operated airlines linking the
national parks and islands with key hubs in Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and
Zanzibar, making internal travel straightforward. As a general estimate,
internal flights cost around US$200 per sector, and with the exception
of Katavi and Mahale, there are usually multiple daily flights between parks,
hubs, and islands.
Further Afield
For alternative
beach destinations, the islands of the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern
Mozambique are well worth considering. These islands are reached by a
short—though costly—flight from Dar es Salaam and offer an authentic “barefoot
luxury” experience, with pristine reefs and a wonderfully remote atmosphere.
Mauritius and the Seychelles can also be accessed via Nairobi, although this
often requires an overnight stay in a city hotel.
Other East African
destinations are within easy reach from Dar es Salaam, making it possible to
combine Tanzania with Kenya’s Masai Mara or gorilla trekking in Rwanda.
Southern Africa is accessible via Johannesburg, with daily flights from Dar,
and Victoria Falls can be reached several times a week via Nairobi.
Northern or
Southern Tanzania?
One of the key
decisions when planning a safari is whether to focus on northern or southern
Tanzania, and how much time to dedicate to safari activities.
Southern
Tanzania—home to popular parks such as Selous and Ruaha—is far less crowded
than the northern circuit. It offers a wider variety of safari experiences,
including walking safaris, boat safaris, and open-vehicle game drives.
Accommodation here is generally smaller and tented, and often better value than
comparable camps in the north. Because Selous is close to Dar es Salaam and
easy to reach, it is ideal for a shorter, more affordable safari of three to
four nights. For longer trips, combining Selous and Ruaha provides excellent diversity.
Northern
Tanzania—featuring iconic destinations like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro
Crater—is more heavily visited. While it is possible to avoid some crowds in
the far northern Serengeti, most areas see significant vehicle traffic. The
Great Wildebeest Migration, visible in different parts of the Serengeti
throughout the year, is one of the world’s great natural spectacles, and the
park is also outstanding for big-cat sightings. Despite its crowds, the
Ngorongoro Crater remains one of the most extraordinary wildlife destinations
on Earth.
Costs in the north
are typically around 50% higher than in the south, and flights are longer and
more expensive. In addition, most northern camps do not offer walking or boat
safaris.
Safaris can be
physically demanding, often involving early starts and long days in a vehicle.
For this reason, most travelers opt for a three- to four-night safari in the
south, or a five- to eight-night safari in either region. While longer safaris
are possible, many guests find that extended trips can become repetitive.
Northern Tanzania
Northern Tanzania
is home to some of Africa’s most famous safari icons, including the Serengeti
National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, the Great Wildebeest Migration, and Mount
Kilimanjaro. These world-renowned attractions define the classic safari
experience for many travelers. However, their popularity also means higher
visitor numbers and generally higher costs than in southern Tanzania, and it
can be more challenging to find a true sense of untouched wilderness.
Safari activities
in the north are largely governed by national park regulations, which typically
do not allow night drives, walking safaris, or fly camping, although a small
number of camps operate under special concessions.
A MAP OF TANZANIA
SHOWING THE FAMOUS SAFARI CIRCUITThe Serengeti,
where most visitors spend the bulk of their safari time, is celebrated for its
vast wildlife populations—particularly predators—and for hosting the migration
throughout the year. Its open short-grass plains provide excellent visibility
and outstanding game viewing. The park is divided into four main areas: the
Northern Serengeti, the Western Corridor, the Central Serengeti, and the Ndutu
Plains. The best area to stay in depends on the season, and several operators
run mobile camps that move in line with the migration.
The Ngorongoro
Crater is a remarkably diverse and unique destination and is considered a
safari highlight, yet it is relatively compact and most visitors find that a
single day is sufficient to explore it. Due to its popularity, you should
expect to encounter many other vehicles, often in close proximity. A key choice
is whether to stay directly on the crater rim—at properties ranging from
larger, more affordable hotels such as Sopa or Serena, to the beautiful
Entamanu, or the renowned and more expensive Ngorongoro Crater Lodge—all of
which enjoy spectacular views.
An alternative is
to stay in the Karatu area, located between Lake Manyara and the Crater. This
region of rolling hills and rich cultural heritage offers a quieter atmosphere
and a wider range of activities, including visits to local communities.
Recommended properties here include Plantation Lodge and Ngorongoro Farm House.
Tarangire National
Park is excellent during the dry season (July to October), particularly for elephant
sightings, although tsetse flies can be an issue. Lake Manyara is a small park
best suited for a short visit, often as a stopover on the way to other
destinations.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in
northern Tanzania is generally more expensive than in the south. At the top end
are exceptional properties such as Ngorongoro Crater Lodge and Sasakwa, with
rates around US$1,600 per person per night. Many highly regarded camps
fall within the US$800–1,000 range, including Faru Faru, Sayari,
Olakira, Nomads, Oliver’s, and Serengeti Under Canvas.
Within this
category you will find mobile tented camps, permanent tented camps, and
permanent lodges. More affordable tented options are limited, but
excellent-value choices include Kirurumu, Chaka, and Kiota. It is also possible
to arrange “drive-in” itineraries—where lodges do not provide their own
vehicles—at approximately US$600 per person (based on two guests) or US$500
per person (based on four guests). These camps may be simpler and less
atmospheric than higher-end options, but they represent good value for
budget-conscious travelers, such as Kati Kati.
For further
details, including reviews, maps, photo galleries, and videos, please refer to
our website.
Southern Tanzania
Southern Tanzania
is defined by two outstanding and very different safari destinations: Selous
Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park. Both offer exceptional
wildlife viewing and a truly immersive safari experience. With far fewer
visitors than the northern parks, the south provides better value for money,
lower accommodation costs—generally in the region of US$400–700 per person
per night—and vast, remote wilderness areas where you may not encounter
other travelers.
Because Selous is a
game reserve rather than a national park, it allows a broader range of
activities, including walking safaris, boat safaris, open-sided vehicle game
drives, and fly camping. Ruaha, with its striking parched red-earth landscapes,
offers a dramatic contrast to the lush, water-rich Selous. Even more remote
than Selous, Ruaha also permits open-vehicle game drives, walking safaris, and
fly camping.
Safaris in the
south are typically fly-in, fly-out, making this region ideal for
shorter trips of three to four nights. However, combining Selous and Ruaha is
highly rewarding for those with more time.
A MAP OF TANZANIA
SHOWING THE GREAT SOUTHERN CIRCUIT
Further West
Very few travelers
venture beyond Ruaha, which is why these parks remain largely undiscovered. Katavi
National Park is a vast wilderness of open plains reminiscent of the
Serengeti, known for enormous buffalo herds and numerous lion prides. Further
west still, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, lies Mahale Mountains
National Park, a truly unique destination where guests can trek to see
chimpanzees in the morning and relax, swim, or snorkel in the lake in the
afternoon.
Where to Stay
Excellent-value
tented camps include those operated by Adventure Camps, such as Lake
Manze in Selous and Mdonya Old River in Ruaha, starting at around US$400 per
person per night. Mid-range options at approximately US$600 include Siwandu
(Selous), Jongomero (Ruaha), and Mwagusi (Ruaha). At the luxury
end, standout lodges such as Beho Beho and Sand Rivers in Selous,
and Greystoke in Mahale, are typically around US$1,000 per person per
night.
Tanzania’s Beaches, Islands, and Coastline
Among Tanzania’s
islands, Zanzibar is by far the most famous. It is renowned for its long
stretches of white coral-sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and warm turquoise
waters. However, it is important to note that Zanzibar experiences significant
tidal changes. While some beaches are excellent, others are less suitable for
swimming at certain times of day. As a general guideline, the best beaches are
found in the north and south-east of the island.
The other two main
islands, Pemba and Mafia, offer a quieter atmosphere but their
beaches are generally less striking than those of Zanzibar. They tend to be
more tidal and mangrove-fringed rather than classic white-sand beaches.
A
MAP OF TANZANIA SHOWING THE BEAUTIFUL ZANZIBAR ISLANDS
Most island resorts
provide a variety of non-motorised water activities such as diving, kite
surfing, and snorkelling, either directly from the hotel or through nearby
private dive centres.
Although Tanzania
has hundreds of miles of mainland coastline stretching south toward Mozambique,
much of it remains beautifully undeveloped. Lodges along the coast are
therefore more secluded than those on the islands, experience less dramatic
tides, and are often better suited to activities such as boogie-boarding.
Where to Stay
On Zanzibar,
excellent options around US$200 per person per night include Pongwe and
Sunshine, both small and well-run hotels with good beaches, as well as the
larger Breezes Beach Club. The next tier, around US$300, includes Zuri
Zanzibar, Zawadi, and Matemwe, all highly regarded properties. At the luxury
end are outstanding resorts such as Palms, Baraza, Xanadu, and White Sands. At
the very top of the scale are the ultra-exclusive Mnemba Island and Thanda
Island. For a more affordable taste of exclusivity, Fanjove Island
is a wonderful option.
Stone Town can be visited as
a day trip from beach resorts (approximately one hour by road), but those
wishing to stay overnight will find several charming boutique hotels, with
Zanzibar Palace being a popular choice.
Beyond Zanzibar,
options are more limited. On Mafia Island, Kinasi Lodge (around US$200)
is recommended, while on Pemba Island, Fundu Lagoon (around US$500)
is an excellent choice. For mainland coastal stays, top recommendations include
Ras Kutani (around US$300) and The Tides, located north
near Bagamoyo (around US$250).
About Us
Independent advice from true experts. Our Director, Steve, has over 30 years of
guiding experience and is the founder of the Kili Hike Community, bringing
together wildlife driver-guides, cultural guides, mountain guides, and porters.
Since 2005, we’ve been organizing safaris and trekking adventures across
Africa, building trusted, long-term relationships with our suppliers.
We have personally stayed at many of the lodges we recommend, allowing us to
tailor each itinerary precisely to your needs. You might spot a great lodge
online—but if there’s a more intimate, more authentic, or better-value option
nearby, we’ll guide you there. And should anything unexpected happen during
your journey, we know exactly who to contact to resolve it quickly and
smoothly.
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creating the best possible trip within your budget. Every recommendation we
make is driven by your interests, ensuring a seamless, enjoyable, and truly
memorable experience.
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