Best Tanzania Safari Routes

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 Circuit 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 Circuit 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 Circuit Safari; Elewana Tanzania Sky Safari

 

2. Tanzania Southern Circuit Safari

Recommended safari duration: 5-10 days

The Tanzania Southern Circuit 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 circuit.

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 Circuit Safari is a great option. The great aspect of the southern circuit is that it can be completely independent of the northern circuit while still offering up a wildlife and safari experience second to none.

Our top Southern Circuit Safari; Ruaha And Selous Safari

 

3. Tanzania Western Circuit Safari

Recommended safari duration: 3-5 days

Are you looking for an amazing safari experience? The Western Circuit 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 Circuit Safari is a great option. The circuit 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 circuit worth a visit - especially if you're interested in chimpanzee trekking or Jane Goodall research centre!

Combine with either the northern or southern circuits 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 Circuit route along with the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater or a Southern Circuit 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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Popular Tanzania Safari Lodges

  • Mount Meru Hotel

    Mount Meru Hotel is nestled against one of the most majestic backdrops in Africa, Mount Meru, the sister peak to Africa’s highest summit, Mount Kilimanjaro a few kilometres away from Arusha.

    Mount Meru Hotel in the city of Arusha is surrounded by 9 acres of tropical landscape and breathe taking views out over the slopes of the mountain.

  • Breezes Beach Club

    Breezes Beach Club is one of the best-known resort lodges on the island of Zanzibar, this 70 room accommodation resort on the island of Zanzibar (Tanzania) is situated on an untouched beach stretching as far as the eye can see.

    One of the best-known resorts and lodges in zanzibar, a tropical hideaway popular with couples and families alike.

  • Serengeti Pioneer Camp

    Serengeti Pioneer Camp is themed after the original safari camps of the 1930's, located in the central Serengeti National Park region within an area called the Moru Kopjes.

    An exceptional camp by any stretch of the imagination, perfect for small families and couples alike.

  • Mivumo River Lodge

    Serena Mivumo River Lodge comprises 12 superior rooms decorated in an elegant African style of a bygone era incorporating local materials from the region, within Africa's largest game reserve, the Selous Game Reserve, a proclaimed world heritage site.

    The Selous lodge is situated on the Rufiji River in the Selous and offers fantastic game drive options in the area where Wild Dog is often spotted.

  • Zanzibar Serena Hotel

    Zanzibar Serena Hotel is located in the heart of Stone Town; this stunning property is set in two historic seafront buildings that have been integrated and restored into a unique single property echoing the grandeur of days past.

    One of the better hotels for those looking for something in the heart of Stone Town.

  • Tarangire Safari Lodge

    At the heart of Tarangire Safari Lodge are the impressively high thatched roofs over looking some of the best views in the whole of Tanzania.

    The lounge area at Tarangire Safari Lodge has oversized armchairs made from old Zanzibari dhow boats, which make a perfect place to relax in the evenings.

  • The Manor at Ngorongoro

    The Manor at Ngorongoro, with 19 rooms is perfectly positioned adjacent to the famous Ngorongoro crater all within a 1500-acre Arabica coffee estate.

    One of the first safari lodges of its kind to blend East African hospitality with old-world Afro-European architecture and decor.

  • Escarpment Luxury Lodge

    Escarpment Luxury Lodge with 16 large and luxurious chalets combines luxury, privacy, space and comfort into a unique offering. Exceptional game drives and safari activities in th Lake Manyara National Park make this one of the better options for spotting those elusive tree-climbing lions.

    Escarpment Luxury Lodge, close to Lake Manyara that is ideal for couples, romantics, honeymooners or families with older children in tow.