What are the best times of year to see wildlife in Tanzania's national parks?

Tanzania's prime wildlife viewing seasons align with natural migration patterns and seasonal changes. The Serengeti's southern plains come alive from December to March as wildebeest herds gather during migration while the northern Serengeti draws crowds from June to September. In Tarangire National Park the dry season from June to October brings together large populations of wildlife with up to 3000 elephants congregating near the Tarangire River. A TourRadar traveler shares: "We were lucky to be booked in the Zara operated lodges and saw incredible wildlife - in Northern Serengeti we witnessed thousands of wildebeest crossing the river."

What types of accommodation options are available on Tanzania safaris?

The range of places to stay in Tanzania spans from basic camping to high-end luxury lodges. Notable options include Serengeti Safari Lodge in the central Serengeti Ngorongoro Wildcamp with crater views and Highview Hotel near Lake Manyara. Travelers can choose between permanent structures or mobile tented camps that follow wildlife movements throughout the year. A TourRadar traveler notes: "The lodges were amazing with gorgeous tent rooms serving delicious meals and excellent selection of wines. The Serengeti Safari Lodge was particularly spectacular with its location offering amazing wildlife viewing."

What wildlife can I expect to see during a Tanzania safari?

Tanzania's national parks host the complete "Big Five" - lion leopard elephant rhino and buffalo. The Serengeti's plains fill with massive herds of wildebeest and zebra during migration periods while predators like cheetahs and hyenas follow close behind. Ngorongoro Crater serves as a natural enclosure for one of Africa's densest wildlife populations including endangered black rhinos. One TourRadar traveler reports: "We saw 62 lions 2 leopards 4 cheetahs and all big five! Our guide Emmanuel made sure we didn't miss anything."

How many days should I plan for a Tanzania safari tour?

While 5-6 days allows for a good overview a 7-11 day itinerary provides time to properly explore Tanzania's northern circuit including Serengeti Ngorongoro Tarangire and Lake Manyara parks. This longer duration accounts for game drives and travel time between locations. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "Our 11-day wildlife cultural safari with Zara Tours was wonderful from start to finish. We had enough time to explore each park thoroughly and even include cultural visits to local tribes."

What's included in typical safari package prices?

Standard Tanzania safari packages cover lodging meals game drives park fees ($50-70 daily) English-speaking guides and 4x4 transportation with pop-up roofs. Most lodges like Serengeti Safari Lodge include full board accommodation game drives and entrance fees in their rates. Additional activities such as balloon safaris ($550 per person) and village visits ($20-25) typically cost extra. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "Everything was included - from excellent lodges to knowledgeable guides game drives and even bottled water in the vehicles."

Are cultural visits included in Tanzania safaris?

Most safari operators offer optional cultural experiences for additional fees. Visits to Maasai villages cost around $25 per person while excursions to meet the Hadzabe tribe near Lake Eyasi provide unique insights into traditional lifestyles. A TourRadar traveler shares: "The cultural visit to the Hadzabe tribe was fascinating - though a bit pricey it was worth it to learn about their traditional hunting and gathering lifestyle."

Tanzania Safari Packages

1,606 Results1,606 Result for 1 Adult for {{adults}} Adults for 1 Adult and 1 Child for 1 Adult and {{children}} Children for {{adults}} Adults and 1 Child for {{adults}} Adults and {{children}} Children

View Map
Safari
Untamed Tanzania Safari & Culture 9 Days **Sustainable Approach to Travel
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"It was truly unbelievable no one could have or made me believe that there were so many animals to see."
Richard, traveled in September
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Moshi, Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park,Karatu,Lake Eyasi,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Mto Wa Mbu+5 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
From
US$2,890per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
Tanzania Camping Adventure
4.9 (23 traveler reviews)
"G for Good moments are exceptional, and I love the respect G has for its local communities."
Sabrina, traveled in June
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Arusha, Lake Manyara, Mto Wa Mbu, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $2,949
US$2,212per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
6 Days Highlight of Tanzania Great Migration. (December-May)
5.0 (6 traveler reviews)
"It started from Arusha, then through Lake Manyara and Karatu to Ndutu, where the movement of thousands of wildebeest and zebras stopped for a moment!"
Jonas, traveled in December
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Arusha, Lake Manyara, Karatu, Ndutu Lake,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Tarangire National Park+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
Seven Wonders Safaris
25% Off
From
US$2,294per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
5 Day Tanzania Wildlife Experience Safari
5.0 (52 traveler reviews)
"It hit all the right spots and this is mainly because Amos had been excellent in making all the arrangements for the trip."
Artur, traveled in April
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Arusha, Moshi, Tarangire National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Serengeti National Park,Seronera,Lake Manyara+4 more
Age Range
Ages 7+
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
Migration Venture Africa
25% Off
From
US$2,100per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
View tour
View Map
Safari
Serengeti Wildlife Experience
4.4 (10 traveler reviews)
"The Tortilis camps were beyond comfortable and the whole experience was very special."
Veronica, traveled in October
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Karatu,Tarangire National Park+3 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
25% Off
From
US$5,260per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
Highlights of Tanzania Safari 5D/4N (Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro)
4.7 (13 traveler reviews)
"The lodges that we booked were super nice, the meals were a delicious and 4x4 vehicle as very comfortable."
Sigrid, traveled in April
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara+2 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
25% Off
From
US$2,155per person
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
Simba Classic Adventure Safari **Sustainable Approach to Travel
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"This was the most amazing experience. The hotels and lodges I stayed at were amazing, especially the lodge in the Serengeti with it's view."
Michelle, traveled in June
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Tarangire National Park,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
25% Off
From
US$1,837per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
Best of Tanzania Classic Safari **Sustainable Approach to Travel
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Kilimanjaro, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Tarangire National Park,Moshi,Mount Kilimanjaro,Manyara,Ngorongoro,Materuni Waterfall+7 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
25% Off
From
US$4,200per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
5- Days Tanzania Safari Experience
5.0 (25 traveler reviews)
"The price we paid was more or less halv of what other people had paid for more or less the same kind of safari."
Stig, traveled in February
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Moshi, Arusha, Tarangire National Park,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara+3 more
Age Range
Ages 9+
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, German,Italian,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
Tanzania Wildlife Adventures
25% Off
From
US$1,590per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
Rhino Of Ngorongoro Crater (Accommodation and Transport are Included)
4.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Moshi, Lake Eyasi, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Tarangire National Park+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Tanzania Wildlife Adventures
25% Off
From
US$1,999per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Safari
Big Five Classic Safari in Tanzania **Sustainable Approach to Travel
4.9 (261 traveler reviews)
"We saw so many amazing animals and exciting things. Hotels were great, can't say one bad thing."
Jennifer, traveled in February
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Moshi, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Tarangire National Park,Kilimanjaro+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
World Adventure Tours
50% Off
From $3,800
US$1,900per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
Best of Tanzania Luxury Safari & Day Adventures
5.0 (211 traveler reviews)
"We were incredibly lucky to witness the wildebeest migration as they moved toward the calving grounds in Ndutu."
Gemma, traveled in January
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Moshi, Lake Manyara, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Tarangire National Park,Materuni Waterfall+3 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, German,French,Spanish+2 more
Operator
Zara Tours (Zara Tanzania Adventures)
50% Off
From
US$3,900per person
+$50 upfront costs
Price based on Shared Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
8- Days Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake manyara , Materuni Waterfalls & Coffee Tour- (Accommodation and Transport are Included)
5.0 (110 traveler reviews)
"We saw lots of lions, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, warthogs, baboons, zebras, buffalo, and lots of different birds."
Wendy, traveled in August
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Moshi, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara,Materuni Waterfall+3 more
Age Range
Ages 9+
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Tanzania Wildlife Adventures
50% Off
From
US$2,160per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Safari
Northern Tanzania Safari. (Accommodation and Transport are Included.)
4.9 (37 traveler reviews)
"We saw all "Big Five", including the shy leopard and the Rhino. 5 Stars!"
Dr., traveled in October
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Moshi, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara+2 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English, German,Portuguese,French,Spanish+3 more
Operator
Tanzania Wildlife Adventures
50% Off
From
US$1,800per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
Safari
Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire (with Materuni waterfalls, coffee tour) - 6 Days
4.9 (112 traveler reviews)
"My dream come true, I research online a lot company, I ended up with Serengeti African tours."
Veronica, traveled in March
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Arusha, Tarangire National Park, Mto Wa Mbu,Serengeti National Park,Ngorongoro Conservation Area,Lake Manyara,Materuni Waterfall+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Northern Circuit Tanzania
Operated in
English
Operator
Serengeti African Tours
50% Off
From
US$1,400per person
Price based on Private Double Room
View tour