Tanzania safari in 2026–2027
Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most famous national parks, making it an ideal destination for travelers of all ages. Children are fascinated by the wildlife they see for the first time, while adults value the comfort, safety, and high service standards. Safari tours are suitable for all ages and require no special preparation.
How a safari in Tanzania with Altezza Travel works
We organize safaris in Tanzania’s national parks and reserves, where African wildlife can be observed in its natural habitat. Lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and other savanna wildlife can often be seen just a few meters away.
By evening, your safari guide will take you to a comfortable lodge, where you can enjoy dinner and relax. The next day, the journey continues with new animals and breathtaking landscapes. Thanks to the cool morning temperatures, savanna animals are especially active at dawn, and sometimes you can spot adorable serval kittens right in the grass near the lodge. Tanzania’s wildlife famously inspired Walt Disney’s The Lion King.
Time on safari is not limited to game drives in a 4×4 vehicle. Your vacation can be complemented with a hot-air balloon flight, visits to traditional tribes, or a guided walking safari. This is one of the few places on Earth that has remained almost unchanged for centuries.
We offer two types of safaris: private tours for couples, families, or groups of friends, and group safaris open to anyone. All expeditions are conducted in new Land Cruiser safari vehicles, with overnight stays at comfortable hotels set in scenic locations. Throughout the entire journey, travelers are accompanied by experienced safari guides.
When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
Safaris in Tanzania’s national parks operate year-round, but each season has its own characteristics. For example, July is typically dry but also the busiest month, while November brings more rainfall and far fewer visitors. Keep this in mind when planning your trip.
- The rainy season usually ends in January. Hot, mostly clear weather sets in, though occasional showers are still possible.
- The savanna is covered in fresh greenery, and elephants, giraffes, buffalo, lions, and many other animals can be seen throughout the parks. To witness the Great Migration, head to the southern Serengeti and the Ndutu region near the Ngorongoro border. This is where vast herds of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles gather for the calving season.
- February is the hottest month of the year. Although it is considered part of the dry season, brief rains may occur several times a week.
- In the southern Serengeti, wildebeest and zebras continue their calving season. Calves born in January grow stronger and gradually join the herds of the Great Migration. In northern Tanzania’s national parks, lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and many other animals are also easy to spot.
- The first half of March is usually mostly sunny, but rains typically begin by mid-month. Grass grows quickly across the savanna, and new water sources appear, allowing animals to roam freely throughout the parks. Visitor numbers drop noticeably.
- The Great Migration continues its annual cycle. By the end of the month, the first herds of wildebeest and zebras leave the southern plains and move deeper into the Serengeti. Predator sightings are at their peak.
- April marks the main rainy season, but showers usually fall after midday, when guests have already returned to the lodge. This is one of the most scenic times of the year: animals spread out across the plains, and hundreds of bird species can be seen almost everywhere.
- For mammal viewing, we highly recommend Ngorongoro. This conservation area is known for having the highest concentration of animals in Africa. There are few travelers at this time, and lodges often offer attractive discounts.
- The rainy season continues, although rainfall gradually decreases toward the end of the month. The savanna remains lush and green, and animals can be seen throughout the national parks.
- In the western Serengeti, large concentrations of grazing animals gather near the Grumeti River, home to many crocodiles. Massive herds of wildebeest and zebras move in, followed closely by predators. Visitor numbers remain low, and lodges continue to offer seasonal discounts.
- Cooler, dry weather sets in, and animals gather around permanent water sources. By the end of the month, the grass is much shorter than during the rainy season, making lions, leopards, hyenas, and other mammals easier to spot even from a distance.
- In western Serengeti, the Great Migration enters one of its most dramatic phases: the Grumeti River crossing. After reaching the opposite bank, thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and other grazers continue north toward the Mara River.
- By mid-July, vegetation dries out, and the savanna shifts into its familiar yellow hues. Elephants, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, and other animals are easily spotted near water sources. Lions, leopards, and hyenas remain close, drawn by zebras and wildebeest coming to drink.
- After crossing the Grumeti River, the herds continue north to the Mara River, where the most dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration take place.
- August is one of the most popular months for safari. Weather conditions are excellent, and wildlife viewing is at its peak. The Great Migration is in the northern Serengeti. One of the most memorable ways to experience it is by taking a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise.
- Tarangire National Park is also popular for its large elephant herds. At Lake Natron, the iconic flamingo nesting season begins. For a quieter experience, consider Ruaha or Nyerere National Parks.
- By early September, seasonal water sources dry up, and animals remain near permanent lakes and rivers. To see the Big Five, travelers head to Serengeti and Ngorongoro, where giraffes, zebras, hyenas, hippos, crocodiles, and many other species can be found.
- Mkomazi National Park is one of the few places where you can still enjoy solitude even in September. It also offers a unique chance to see black rhinos, one of Africa’s rarest animals.
- October is the last month before the short rainy season. Occasional showers are possible, but overall the weather remains warm and sunny. High concentrations of animals can still be seen across most parks, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire.
- At the foot of the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, Lake Natron becomes a nesting site for millions of pink flamingos. In October, the first chicks hatch, creating one of the most striking natural sights in Tanzania.
- The short rainy season begins. Although rainfall is lighter than in April, the savanna transforms by mid-month, becoming lush and green with small pools of water. There are few travelers, and the low grass makes animals easier to spot from a distance.
- Migrating herds complete their annual cycle, returning east across Serengeti’s plains. This region is prime cheetah territory, offering excellent opportunities to see these elusive predators.
- The first half of December may bring rain and thunderstorms, followed by improving weather and a growing number of safari vehicles in the parks. This is especially noticeable after Christmas on December 25.
- After the rains, plains turn green, rivers and lakes are full, and antelope, zebra, and gazelle herds gather near Ngorongoro in preparation for the next Great Migration cycle. Lions, elephants, giraffes, and other large mammals can be seen in nearly all safari parks.
What to pack: essential travel checklist
A practical PDF with essential information for traveling in Tanzania, covering what to wear, planning tips, lodge and hotel recommendations, safari rules, insurance, and more.
Tanzania national parks
Here you will encounter thousands of wild animals in their natural habitat
Popular questions about Tanzania Safari
How many days does a Safari take?
To really soak in Tanzania's safari wonders like Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Tarangire National Park, aim for a 5-7 day trip. This will give you enough time to explore the northern circuit and see the Big Five and other key animals. For those who can stay longer, there are incredible safari journeys lasting 20+ days!
If you're short on time, a quick safari covering Arusha and either Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Park can be done in 1-2 days. It's a great snapshot of Tanzania's wildlife. And, if you're keen on the Serengeti but pressed for time, flying directly there is a good option.
What is the best time to visit Tanzania?
Choosing the right time for a safari in Tanzania really depends on your preferences. The dry season, spanning June to October and January to March, are ideal for wildlife spotting as animals gather around water sources. You'll enjoy sunny days, but expect crowds, especially during the Great Migration and the birthing seasons of zebras and wildebeests.
On the other hand, the rainy season, in April-May and November-December, offers a lush landscape with fewer visitors and potential discounts at lodges. Transition periods like late March, early June, late October, and November are perfect for a more peaceful experience, balancing good weather with fewer tourists.
You can learn more about the best time for a Tanzania safari and the recommendations of Altezza Travel team in this article.
What is the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a mesmerizing natural spectacle for wildlife lovers, featuring over a million animals traversing the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Starting with calving in the southern Serengeti, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, they wind through the Serengeti towards Kenya's Masai Mara, returning by year's end. One of the most dramatic parts of this migration is the Mara River crossing. Here, the migration herds face the challenging currents and hungry predators lurking in the waters. Watching thousands of these animals navigate the Mara river is a highlight for many travelers.
What is the best time to see the Great Wildebeest Migration?
The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti offers year-round drama, peaking with the wildebeest calving season in February-March and dramatic river crossing in May-August, before moving to Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve from August to October.
What is the best way to get to Tanzania?
Kilimanjaro International Airport is the gateway to northern Tanzania national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and is close to Mount Kilimanjaro. For the southern parks, Dar Es Salaam International Airport is the go-to entry point.
What to wear on a safari in Tanzania?
For a safari, choose shirts and pants in neutral colors like khaki or gray to blend in and hide dust. Avoid white, blue, and camouflage clothing. Blue attracts tsetse flies and camouflage is restricted for civilians. Dresses are great for lodges but pants are practical for drives. Remember sun protection: a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. For footwear, sandals are fine for lodges, but closed shoes are better for drives. Pack a warm jacket for chilly mornings and evenings, especially in high-altitude areas. Learn more in this article.
Which country is better for a safari, Kenya or Tanzania?
Two countries in East Africa provide remarkable safari experiences: Kenya & Tanzania. However, Tanzania frequently stands out. Many prefer it for its less crowded parks and abundant wildlife, which includes unique animal sightings. The extended Great Migration period in the Serengeti National Park is also a major attraction. Additionally, the country offers the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain.
Can I leave the car on a safari?
Leaving the car on a Tanzania safari is allowed in designated areas only. Leaving a car right in the middle of the national park isn’t allowed because of safety considerations.
Can I use a drone on safari?
Regular visitors are not permitted to operate drones in Tanzania's national parks. However, special permissions can be obtained for filming projects. This process typically takes 3-4 months and incurs additional costs. Bringing a drone into Tanzania without the necessary permissions risks confiscation by customs officials upon arrival. You may read more about drone filming.
Is there internet coverage on Tanzania safari?
Wi-Fi is available in our safari vehicles. However, please note that in the more remote areas of national parks, coverage might be limited. You can also expect Wi-Fi in hotels and lodges across Tanzania. The connection in those locations can sometimes be intermittent too.
Best lodges in Tanzania
Lodge stays are an essential part of the safari experience. We carefully select only the best properties and inspect them each season to ensure they meet Altezza Travel standards.
