About Tanzania
Why Tanzania
is worth visiting
Tanzania is perhaps the most complete safari country in the world. It combines Africa’s largest continuous wilderness — the Serengeti — with the almost surreal concentration of wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater, the elephant density of Tarangire, and the rugged, pristine south around Ruaha and Nyerere.
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While neighboring Kenya struggles with increasing mass tourism in certain areas, Tanzania consciously chooses a model of higher quality and less crowding. Higher park fees keep volume low; you often share the plains with only a handful of other vehicles.
Moreover, Tanzania is more than just safari. An hour’s flight from Arusha lies Zanzibar and Mafia Island — islands with a character so different from the mainland that the combination feels almost obligatory. The cloves, the narrow alleys of Stone Town, the underwater life, and the white beaches provide a perfect landing after weeks in the bush.
National parks & destinations
Where are you going?
Tanzania has at least 30 wonderful destinations and nature parks and reserves. These are the places that make every safari worthwhile.
National Parks
Serengeti
The name alone conjures images. 14,763 km² of pristine ecosystem, more than two million large mammals, and the most spectacular animal migration known on Earth.
The Serengeti is the heart of every North Tanzania safari. Depending on the season, you follow the Great Migration through the central plains or the northern Mara region, where wildebeest cross the river under the watchful eyes of waiting crocodiles.
Crater & Conservation area
Ngorongoro Crater
A collapsed volcano of 260 km², surrounded by a crater rim 600 meters high. Inside: a closed ecosystem with one of the highest wildlife densities in the world.
The Ngorongoro Crater is home to a permanent population of all the Big Five, including the rare black rhinoceros. The combination of open grasslands, a shimmering lake full of flamingos, and dense forests makes every descent special.
National Parks
Tarangire
Known for its enormous elephant herds and the characteristic baobab trees that stand like sculptures in the landscape. Just as quiet as the Serengeti, but no less impressive.
Lake & Surroundings
Lake Natron
One of Africa’s most otherworldly landscapes. The bright red soda lake is the only breeding ground for the African flamingo — a place most travelers never see.
Lake Natron is primarily part of a slow safari route. The surroundings include the active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai, impressive gorges, and Maasai communities. You don’t come here for wildlife density, but for pristine silence and a landscape unlike anywhere else.
Island & Beach
Zanzibar
An hour’s flight from Arusha and a world apart. White sand, turquoise water, the history of Stone Town, and a cuisine steeped in Arabic and Indian influences.
Zanzibar is the perfect conclusion to any Tanzania safari and a wonderful place to completely unwind. After days in the bush, the island offers peace, sea, and culture. Moreover, Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — tells the story of the Swahili coast in narrow alleys and overhanging balconies. Additionally, the northeast coast offers the best snorkeling and diving, with colorful coral reefs and clear seawater.
Climate & travel time
When to visit Tanzania?
Tanzania has two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. Although the dry periods are the most popular for a safari, the rainy season also has much to offer, such as a lush green landscape, fewer travelers, and lower prices.
| Period | Climate | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | Dry & warm | Excellent |
| Mar – May | Long rainy season | Very possible |
| Jun – Jul | Dry & cooler | Excellent |
| Aug – Oct | Very dry & warm | Excellent |
| Nov – Dec | Short rainy season | Excellent |
The BIG Migration
More than 1.5 million wildebeest migrate through the Serengeti and Masai Mara year-round. The most spectacular crossing at the Mara River takes place between July and November.
Our recommendation
For a first safari, we recommend November. Do you want to experience the Mara River crossing? Then plan specifically for August-October. Do you prefer even more peace and quiet and lower prices? Then consider March-May.
For whom?
What type of traveler are you?
Slow traveller
More time in one place, less rush. Immerse yourself in the customs, landscape, and the people around you.
✓ 13–16 day trips
✓ Tarangire + Natron + Serengeti
✓ Walks & private activities
Couples & honeymoon
Romantic lodges, privacy, and unforgettable moments — from sunrise on the plains to sunset on Zanzibar.
✓ Exclusive tented camps
✓ Safari + Zanzibar combination
✓ Option for a private photographer
Families
Tanzania is perfectly suited for families. Children remember a safari for a lifetime.
✓ Family-friendly lodges
✓ Customized driving days
✓ Cultural and educational extras
First safari
No experience needed. The classic northern route is ideal as a first introduction to Tanzania. ✓ 7–10 day trips
✓ 7–10 day trips
✓ Tarangire + Ngorongoro + Serengeti
✓ Budget* to semi-luxury**** options
Wildlife enthusiast
Maximum wildlife opportunities, multiple ecosystems, and the Great Migration as the main attraction.
✓ 16-day complete itineraries
✓ Mara River crossing (Jul–Oct)
✓ North + South Tanzania
Off the beaten track
Off the beaten path. Hardly any other vehicles, pristine nature, authentic experience.
✓ South Tanzania: Ruaha & Nyerere
✓ Lake Natron & Ol Doinyo Lengai
✓ Swahili Coast & Mafia Island
Practical information
Before you leave
Visum
Any visitor require a visa for Tanzania. You can easily apply for the e-visa online via the official Tanzanian government portal at least two weeks before departure. It is also possible to pay on arrival.
Health & vaccines
Yellow fever (mandatory for transit from high-risk countries)
Hepatitis A & B (strongly recommended)
Tetanus, typhoid (check, refresh)
Malaria prophylaxis recommended
Money & payment
The official currency is the Tanzanian shilling. However, in lodges, restaurants, and for park fees, payment is often made in US dollars or euros. Bring sufficient small bills. Credit cards are also accepted almost everywhere.
Flight & Accessibility
KLM, among others, flies directly to Kilimanjaro (JRO/KIA) and Dar es Salaam (DAR)
Flight time: ±8–9 hours from Amsterdam
Time zone: GMT+3 (no summer time change)
Internal flights between parks are possible
What to pack?
Warm layer for morning and evening safaris
High-quality binoculars and/or camera are recommended
Sun protection and insect repellent
Safety
Tanzania is one of the safest travel destinations in sub-Saharan Africa. The popular safari areas are quiet and well-organized. Our local team accompanies you from arrival to departure and is available 24/7 via WhatsApp.
For inspiration
Sample trips to Tanzania
These examples are merely a starting point. Therefore, we always fully customize your safari, from the itinerary and duration to your desired level of comfort.
This is not a standard trip. This is your safari.
No-obligation, personalized advice
Create your perfect lazy safari
Answer a few questions and receive a proposal that truly fits your pace.
East-Africa · Safari destination
Tanzania
Capital
Dodoma
Best time to visit
September – February
Flight time
±10 hours from Amsterdam
Currency
Tanzaniaanse shilling (TZS)
First of all, you discover endless savannas, then you experience the largest animal migration in the world, and furthermore, you admire a crater with a unique ecosystem. In short, Tanzania is not just a destination, but an experience that will stay with you.
At a glance
Area
945.087 km²
National parks
Very high (all year around)
Chance of seeing the BIG Five
Very high (all year around)
Visum required
Yes, e-visa online or on arrival
Language
Swahili, English
Questions about your safari
Everything you need to know about your slow safari
Do you have questions about wildlife, accommodations, or travel planning? In our FAQ, you will find clear answers to the most frequently asked questions, so that you set off on your adventure well-prepared and worry-free.