Best Tanzania Safari Routes
Find the best Tanzania safari route for you
Planning a safari can be overwhelming. There are so many different options in Tanzania, and it's hard to know where to start, and quite frankly, it can be completely overwhelming most of the time.
Should I spend more time in the Serengeti? What about Selous, is there time to fit in the Ngorongoro Crater? What about a quick hike to the top of Kilimanjaro. The more questions one asks, the more confused one will get, trust us, we have been answering these types of questions for over two decades.
Ideally, one needs to take a step back and decide on (for example) three destinations/experiences that are non-negotiable. From that, we both have something to work on, and together we can start working on that perfect Tanzanian safari itinerary designed especially for you.
So let us get into answering that question; "what is the best Tanzania safari route?"
Let us help you plan the perfect Tanzania safari
Have a look at 50 Of The Best Safaris In Tanzania that we offer on Uyaphi.com.
So let us look at the most popular safari routes, and without further ado...
1. Tanzania Northern Circut Safari
Recommended safari duration: 7-14 days
The Tanzania Northern Circut Safari is one of Africa's most popular safari routes. The route takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes and wildlife areas in the country. You'll get to see the famous Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti National Park, and the Tarangire National Park. These are all world-renowned for their abundant wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, and cheetahs, to mention only a few. The scenery is simply breathtaking, and you're sure to have an amazing safari experience! Perfect for first-time travellers through to seasoned travellers alike.
Highlights;
- Serengeti National Park
- The annual wildebeest and zebra migration
- Tarangire National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater and conservation area
If you're looking for a fantastic Tanzania safari experience, the Northern Circut is the route for you! You'll get to see some of the most famous wildlife areas and landscapes in Africa, all while enjoying world-class accommodations and service. So what are you waiting for? Get planning your dream African safari today!
Our top Northern Circut Safari; Elewana Tanzania Sky Safari
2. Tanzania Southern Circut Safari
Recommended safari duration: 5-10 days
The Tanzania Southern Circut Safari is the second most popular safari route in the country. It takes travellers through some of the most beautiful, diverse, remote and wild landscapes in the southern regions of Tanzania, including the Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park, and the Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park). The route is especially popular for its opportunities to see an abundance of wildlife, including lions, elephants, leopards, and hippos. This route is also very popular with those who want and need to escape humanity and the crowds of the northern Circut.
Highlights;
- Mikumi National Park
- Ruaha National Park
- Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
So, if you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path safari experience and want to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Tanzania, the Southern Circut Safari is a great option. The great aspect of the southern Circut is that it can be completely independent of the northern Circut while still offering up a wildlife and safari experience second to none.
Our top Southern Circut Safari; Ruaha And Selous Safari
3. Tanzania Western Circut Safari
Recommended safari duration: 3-5 days
Are you looking for an amazing safari experience? The Western Circut Safari embraces the parks along Lake Tanganyika, the western border of Tanzania with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Gombe Stream National Park is a remote park that is well worth the effort in visiting. Gombe Stream was made famous by Jane Goodall’s research on its chimpanzee population and subsequent habituation. Gombe Stream is not for everyone due to its remote location!
If you are looking for another authentic experience with chimpanzees, then look at heading down south into Mahale Mountains National Park.
Highlights;
- Lake Tanganyika
- Gombe Stream National Park
- Mahale Mountains National Park
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Jane Goodall research centre
If you're looking for an amazing safari experience, the Western Circut Safari is a great option. The Circut embraces Gombe Stream National Park, Mahale Mountains National Park, and other parks along Lake Tanganyika's eastern border. This vast space in a remote natural location makes the Circut worth a visit - especially if you're interested in chimpanzee trekking or Jane Goodall research centre!
Combine with either the northern or southern Circuts for a safari with a difference.
All safaris to this region of Tanzania are 100% tailor-made as accommodation options are far and few between. There are no luxury lodges to be found; most accommodation is of the rustic bush camp variety.
See our Tanzania Safari Planner for a tailor-made option.
4. Tanzania Coast and Island Safaris
Recommended safari duration: 5-10 days
The Tanzania Coast and Island Safaris are an amazing way to enjoy the beauty and diversity of Tanzania's famed coastline and warm Indian Ocean waters. This aspect of any Tanzania safari is more of an add-on typical beach holiday component as opposed to an actual safari offering. Days are spent relaxing on the beach, taking short half-day tours to scenic or cultural highlights, and simply relaxing and unwinding.
Highlights;
- Pemba Island
- Zanzibar Island
- Dar es Salaam
- Mafia Island
- Saadani National Park
So, if you're looking to mix things up a bit on your Tanzania safari vacation- and really, who wouldn't want to enjoy some amazing beaches and island scenery on the side? Then the Coast and Island Safaris are perfect for you. Offering everything from gorgeous white sand beaches to bustling cultural towns, there's something for everyone here. Just be sure to leave plenty of time for relaxing; after all, that's what holidays are for!
See our "Tanzania Beach and Bush Safaris" options.
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Regardless of what type of safari you're looking for, Tanzania has something to offer.
Whether it is the Northern Circut route along with the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater or a Southern Circut route that takes in some off-the-beaten-path parks like Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park; there are plenty of options to choose from.
If you want an awesome mix up on your trip, we recommend adding either the Western Circut Safari (for the best in Chimpanzee sightings) and/or the Tanzanian coastline with her awe-inspiring Indian Ocean Islands.
Remember, Tanzania has it all and more.
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Map of Lodges in and around Tanzania
Lodges And Camps In Tanzania
Rubondo Island Camp
Rubondo Island Camp is the only Lake Victoria accommodation establishment found in the Rubondo Island National Park, an island and forest that is a haven for wild chimpanzee, sitatunga antelope, elephant and giraffe. Rubondo Island Camp offers guests in exclusivity and privacy when on safari here at the edge of Lake Victoria.
Jabali Private House
Jabali Private House is set overlooking dense forest that fringes the bordering Ikuka escarpment in the wildlife and birdlife-rich Ruaha National Park. This Ruaha Private House is the perfect accommodation option in Ruaha for a small group of family or friends that are seeking out a more private safari option.
Jabali Ridge
Jabali Ridge in the Ruaha, with the most stunning of views is positioned on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mwagusi River and Ikuka escarpment in the Ruaha. Jabali Ridge, a Ruaha luxury safari camp that offers guests a luxury stay combined with magnificent wildlife sightings and experiences all with this great Ruaha National Park.
Kwihala Camp
Kwihala Camp is set deep in the untouched and wild heart of Tanzania's amazing Ruaha National Park; the camp offers guests an intimate and exclusive Ruaha safari experience with only six tented suites available. A Ruaha safari camp, Kwihala Camp, is set amongst towering baobabs and dense forests with wildlife surrounding on all sides, is truly spectacular.
Four Points By Sheraton Arusha
The Arusha Hotel is set in beautifully landscaped gardens with all the amenities and luxury for the discerning traveler. The tropical gardens are home to many birds and exotic plants, an ideal setting for wedding receptions and outdoor functions. Located in the heart of downtown Arusha, close to bars and restaurants.
Moivaro Coffee Plantation Lodge
At Moivaro Coffee Plantation lodge, you are looked after in a unique, friendly and peaceful environment, helping you to prepare for your safaris and cosseting you on your return in the evening; a fantastic and classic Arusha boutique hotel. Located not far from the town of Arusha and the Kilimanjaro International Airport, an ideal base from which to explore the highlights of the region.
Dik Dik Hotel
Dik Dik Hotel in the small Tanzania town of Arusha is the ideal starting point for visitors eager to explore the splendours of the Tanzanian landscape with its rich flora and fauna, eight hectares of lush tropical gardens compliment the forested environment and attract prolific birds. A popular hotel and for good reason, with excellent accommodation, amenities, facilities and service levels one would be hard-pressed to find better in Arusha.
Arusha Serena Hotel
Nestled on the tranquil shores of Lake Duluti, surrounded by verdant coffee plantations and rolling hills, the Arusha Serena Hotel offers a spectacular setting. It is, without a doubt, the perfect haven to relax and unwind before or after an unforgettable Tanzanian or East African safari. Its prime location near Arusha, the gateway to Tanzania's magnificent national parks, makes it an exceptional choice for any discerning traveller.