7 Best Places to Visit in Tanzania on Safari

• The Great Migration: Witnessing the breathtaking spectacle of over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra thundering across the plains of the Serengeti in their year-long search for fresh grazing.
• The Big Five: Tracking lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo in world-renowned conservation areas like the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
• Summiting Kilimanjaro: Embarking on the ultimate adventure challenge to trek through five distinct climate zones to the snow-capped summit of Africa’s highest peak.
• Spice Island Escape: Combining a classic safari with a relaxing getaway to the exotic shores of Zanzibar, exploring the historic alleys of Stone Town and lounging on pristine white-sand beaches.
• Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater: Journeying down into the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera, a self-contained ecosystem offering unparalleled and incredibly dense wildlife viewing.
• The Cradle of Humankind: Stepping back in time at Olduvai Gorge to learn about the groundbreaking fossil discoveries that have shaped our understanding of human evolution.

Soaring majestically above the East African plains, Mount Kilimanjaro is a true icon of the African continent and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. More than just a sight to behold, it is a destination to be experienced, offering one of the world's great adventure challenges. Its snow-capped peak towers over a diverse landscape that transitions from lush rainforests and fertile farmlands at its base to alpine meadows and a stark, lunar-like plateau at its summit. The surrounding region is a hub of activity, where you can meet Maasai communities, discover thundering waterfalls, and relax in natural hot springs fed by the volcanic giant.

Highlights

• Summit Trek: Embark on the life-changing challenge of trekking to the "Roof of Africa." Various routes, among them the scenic Machame or Lemosho trails, lead you through five distinct climate zones on a multi-day journey that culminates in the incredible sense of achievement of reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise.
• Maasai Villages: Immerse yourself in the local culture with a visit to a traditional Maasai village at the foot of the mountain. This is an enriching opportunity to learn about the semi-nomadic lifestyle, ancient traditions, and deep spiritual connection this community has with the land and the mountain itself.
• Materuni Waterfalls: Take a beautiful day trip to this towering 262-foot waterfall. The adventure includes a scenic hike through lush Chagga farmlands, where you can learn about local coffee and banana cultivation before taking a refreshing swim in the cool, clear plunge pool.
• Kikuletwa Hot Springs: Discover a hidden oasis known as Chemka Hot Springs. Here, crystal-clear, geothermally warmed water bubbles up from underground to form a series of stunning turquoise pools. Surrounded by sprawling fig trees, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing swim to soothe your muscles after a hike or safari.

Best Time to Visit

The clearest and warmest conditions for climbing Kilimanjaro are during the two dry seasons, from January to March and June to October. These months offer the highest probability of stable weather and clear skies.

Best for: Adventurous travelers and avid trekkers seeking to conquer one of the world's “Seven Summits” and experience the ultimate personal challenge.

Discover how you can conquer this magnificent peak by exploring Zicasso’s Kilimanjaro Climb and Wildlife Safari Tour.

The Serengeti is the safari destination of dreams. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its name comes from the Maasai word for "endless plains," and its vast, grass-covered savanna truly stretches to the horizon, dotted with acacia trees and rocky outcrops known as kopjes. This incredible ecosystem supports one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on Earth and is the iconic setting for the Great Wildebeest Migration. From the thundering hooves of migrating herds and the intense drama of predator and prey to the serene beauty of a sunrise over the plains, the Serengeti exceeds every expectation of what a safari can be.

Highlights

• The Great Migration: Witness one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring natural spectacles. This continuous circular journey involves over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle as they follow the rains in search of fresh grazing, facing predators and perilous river crossings along the way.
• Africa’s Big Five: The Serengeti is one of the best places in Africa to see the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and the critically endangered black rhino. The park's healthy and abundant populations of these magnificent animals make for unforgettable sightings.
• Seronera River Valley: Located in the central Serengeti, this area is often called the park’s predator capital. The Seronera River provides a vital, year-round water source, attracting a high density of lions, leopards, and cheetahs, which can often be seen scouting for prey from the tops of kopjes.
• Night Game Drives: Experience the bush when it truly comes alive. Available only in specific private concessions bordering or within the park, a night game drive offers a thrilling opportunity to search for elusive nocturnal animals like civets, genets, porcupines, and hunting predators under the vast, star-filled African sky.

Best Time to Visit

The Serengeti offers fantastic wildlife viewing year-round, but the best time to visit depends on the location of the Great Migration. For the dramatic river crossings in the north, visit from June to October. For the calving season in the south, the best time is from January to March.

Best for: First-time safari-goers and wildlife photographers who want to witness the Great Migration and experience the quintessential African safari on the legendary endless plains.

Plan your own unforgettable journey by taking a look at Zicasso’s Serengeti and Iconic Northern Tanzania Safari for First-Timers.

The Zanzibar Archipelago, located just off the Tanzanian coast, is an exotic paradise where idyllic white-sand beaches meet the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. But Zanzibar is much more than just a beach destination; it is a place of immense cultural and historical significance. Its main island, Unguja, was a major hub for the ancient spice and slave trades, creating a unique cultural fusion of African, Arab, Indian, and European influences. This rich heritage is most evident in the labyrinthine alleys, bustling bazaars, and intricately carved doors of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Highlights

• Historic Stone Town: Lose yourself in the narrow, winding streets of one of East Africa’s most fascinating historical cities. Discover hidden courtyards, vibrant markets, and architectural marvels like the House of Wonders and the Old Fort. The town's unique atmosphere and Swahili heritage make it a joy to explore on foot.
• Pristine Beaches: Zanzibar is home to some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Head to Nungwi and Kendwa in the north for their vibrant atmosphere, spectacular sunsets, and excellent swimming. For a more tranquil experience, the eastern beaches like Paje and Matemwe are perfect for relaxation, kite-surfing, and reef exploration.
• Spice Plantations: Take an aromatic and educational tour of a local spice farm to understand why Zanzibar is called the "Spice Island." You can see, smell, and taste an incredible variety of fresh spices, including cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla, and learn about their traditional uses in cooking and medicine.
• Forodhani Gardens: As the sun begins to set, head to the Forodhani Gardens in Stone Town. This seafront park transforms into a bustling open-air food market, where you can sample an array of delicious local street food, from fresh seafood kebabs and Zanzibari pizza to sweet crepes and freshly pressed sugarcane juice.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Zanzibar is during its two dry seasons. The main dry season from June to October offers long, sunny days and is the most popular time to visit. A shorter, hotter dry season occurs from January to February.

Best for: Couples, history buffs, and beach lovers looking for a romantic and cultural escape that combines idyllic beaches with the historic charm of a Spice Island.

Find inspiration for your perfect bush and beach break with our Luxury Romantic Getaway to the Serengeti and Zanzibar.

Nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley’s dramatic western escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park is a compact gem that offers incredible scenic beauty and a surprising diversity of habitats in a small area. The park is characterized by its vast, shimmering soda lake, which often appears pink from the thousands of flamingos that line its shores. It also encompasses dense groundwater forests, acacia woodlands, and grassy floodplains. While smaller than its famous neighbors, the park is known for its large elephant herds, the highest concentration of baboons in the world, and its famously unique tree-climbing lions.

Highlights

• Tree-Climbing Lions: Lake Manyara is one of the few places in Africa where lions have developed the unusual habit of climbing trees. Spotting a pride lounging lazily in the branches of a large acacia or sausage tree to escape the heat and insects on the ground is a rare and unforgettable safari sighting.
• Flocks of Flamingos: Witness a spectacular natural phenomenon as vast flocks of lesser and greater flamingos wade in the shallow alkaline waters of the lake. Their sheer numbers create a vibrant, shimmering sea of pink that is a true feast for the eyes and a fantastic photographic opportunity.
• Huge Elephant Herds: The park is renowned for its large and remarkably relaxed elephant herds. The lush vegetation and reliable water sources allow for excellent, up-close viewing opportunities as these gentle giants forage, play, and interact within the woodlands and forests.
• Treetop Walkway: Experience the forest from a completely different perspective on the Manyara Treetop Walkway. This 370-meter (1,214 ft) airwalk, a series of suspension bridges and viewing platforms, offers a unique monkey's-eye view of the life in the lush forest canopy.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season, from June to October, is the best time for game viewing, as animals are more concentrated around the lake and other water sources. The wet season, from November to May, is spectacular for birding, seeing the waterfalls on the escarpment, and canoeing on the lake.

Best for: Bird lovers and safari enthusiasts looking for a compact and diverse park known for its unique tree-climbing lions and vast flamingo flocks.

Explore this beautiful park as part of a classic itinerary like Zicasso’s Tanzania Northern Safari Circuit: Tarangire, Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Lake Manyara.

For those seeking a more tranquil, authentic, and off-the-beaten-path tropical escape, Mafia Island is the perfect answer. Located south of Zanzibar, this sleepy island is a haven for scuba divers, snorkelers, and anyone looking to experience the serene beauty of the Indian Ocean without the crowds. Its laid-back atmosphere and commitment to eco-tourism are centered around the magnificent Mafia Island Marine Park, the largest protected marine area in the Indian Ocean, which safeguards a rich and healthy ecosystem of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.

Highlights

• Whale Shark Encounters: Mafia Island’s single biggest draw is the seasonal opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside the gentle giants of the ocean. From October to March, whale sharks congregate in the waters just off the island to feed, offering a truly magical and ethical wildlife encounter.
• World-Class Scuba Diving: The protected waters of the marine park offer some of the best diving in East Africa. The pristine and diverse coral reefs within Chole Bay are teeming with over 400 species of colorful fish, turtles, and rays, providing incredible experiences for both novice and experienced divers.
• Chole Island Exploration: Take a boat trip to the tiny, vehicle-free island of Chole. Here, you can wander through 19th-century Arab ruins being reclaimed by nature, see giant fruit bats, and learn about the island's inspiring community-run projects that support local development and conservation.
• Barefoot Luxury and Relaxation: Mafia Island is the epitome of barefoot luxury. With a small selection of intimate, eco-friendly lodges, it is the perfect place to disconnect and relax. Spend your days lounging on deserted sandbanks, exploring mangrove forests by kayak, or simply enjoying the peaceful rhythm of island life.

Best Time to Visit

For the best chance of swimming with whale sharks, visit between October and March. For optimal diving conditions and pleasant, dry weather, the main dry season from June to October is ideal.

Best for: Scuba divers, marine life enthusiasts, and intrepid travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path island escape with world-class underwater experiences.

Dive into an unforgettable adventure after taking a look at our Best Tanzania Islands to Visit.

For the safari connoisseur seeking a truly wild, remote, and exclusive experience, Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s treasured secret. As the country's largest national park, this vast and rugged wilderness in southern Tanzania offers an incredible sense of space and untamed nature. Its dramatic landscape is characterized by rolling hills, the Great Ruaha River, and groves of ancient baobab trees. The park is renowned for its huge elephant herds and one of the largest concentrations of lions in Africa, providing a raw and authentic safari adventure far from the crowds of the more famous northern circuit.

Highlights

• Huge Lion Population: Ruaha is a lion-lover's paradise, home to an estimated 10% of Africa’s remaining lion population. It is common to see large prides, sometimes numbering over 20 individuals, offering incredible viewing opportunities and dramatic interactions.
• Walking Safaris: Experience the thrill of exploring the African bush on foot. Accompanied by an armed ranger and an expert guide, a walking safari allows you to connect with the environment on a much deeper level, learning to read tracks and signs and appreciating the smaller wonders of the ecosystem.
• Baobab Landscapes: The park's scenery is iconic and almost prehistoric, dominated by the ancient and massive baobab trees that dot the rocky hillsides and open plains. These "Trees of Life" create a stunning and uniquely photogenic backdrop for your safari adventure.
• Exclusive Experience: Due to its remote location and the limited number of safari camps, Ruaha offers a wonderfully uncrowded experience. It is not uncommon to enjoy spectacular wildlife sightings for extended periods without seeing another vehicle, making your safari feel truly personal and exclusive.

Best Time to Visit

The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to October. During this period, the vegetation thins out, and animals congregate along the Great Ruaha River and other dwindling water sources, making for exceptional and action-packed game viewing.

Best for: Seasoned safari-goers and wildlife purists seeking a remote, uncrowded, and authentic wilderness experience with a focus on large predator populations.

Journey into this untamed wilderness on a Classic Tanzania Honeymoon: 12-Day Southern Circuit tour.

Officially known as Olduvai Gorge, this remarkable ravine in the Great Rift Valley is often called the “Cradle of Humankind.” It is one of the most important paleoanthropological sites on Earth, a place where the pioneering work of Drs. Louis and Mary Leakey in the mid-20th century led to revolutionary discoveries that fundamentally changed our understanding of human evolution. A visit here is a journey back in time, offering a captivating and mysterious look into the deep history of our earliest ancestors against the backdrop of the vast East African plains.

Highlights

• Olduvai Gorge Museum: The excellent on-site museum is the perfect starting point for your visit. It provides crucial context to the gorge’s significance, displaying actual fossils of early hominids like Homo habilis, ancient stone tools, and informative exhibits that detail the Leakeys' groundbreaking discoveries and the long lineage of human existence.
• Laetoli Hominid Footprints: Learn about one of the most incredible finds in human history. Discovered at nearby Laetoli, these 3.6-million-year-old footprints of early hominids, preserved in volcanic ash, provide irrefutable evidence of early upright walking. While the original tracks have been reburied for their protection, high-quality replicas and exhibits at the museum vividly bring this amazing discovery to life.
• The Shifting Sands: Witness a remarkable and unique natural phenomenon located near the gorge. This crescent-shaped dune of fine, black, magnetic volcanic ash is slowly but constantly moving across the desert plains at a rate of about 17 meters per year. It is a fascinating geological oddity and holds cultural significance for the local Maasai people.
• Gorge Viewpoint: Stand at the edge of the ravine and look down into the layers of exposed rock that represent millions of years of geological history. With a guide, you can imagine this landscape as it was when our earliest ancestors lived here, making for a truly eye-opening and thought-provoking experience.

Best Time to Visit

The gorge can be visited year-round. The dry season, from June to October, offers the most pleasant and comfortable weather conditions for walking around the site and enjoying the views.

Best for: History buffs and curious travelers interested in paleoanthropology and the profound story of human evolution at the 'Cradle of Humankind'.

Incorporate this fascinating stop into your safari with an itinerary like Zicasso’s 7-Day Tanzania Safari Tour: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Olduvai Gorge.

Tanzania vs Kenya for a Safari?

This is the classic East Africa debate. Both countries share the Great Migration ecosystem and offer incredible wildlife viewing. Tanzania is a larger country, offering more diversity with its distinct Northern and Southern safari circuits, the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro, and the exotic island of Zanzibar. Kenya has a more developed tourist infrastructure, which can sometimes lead to more competitive pricing, and the Maasai Mara is known for its extremely high density of predators.

Northern Circuit vs Southern Circuit?

Tanzania's safari destinations are typically split into two regions. The Northern Circuit is the most famous and popular, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire. It’s ideal for first-time visitors and those wanting to see the Great Migration. The Southern Circuit, featuring parks like Ruaha and Nyerere, is far more remote, wild, and uncrowded. It’s perfect for seasoned safari-goers and offers unique activities like boating safaris and extensive walking safaris.

How much does a Tanzania safari cost in 2025?

Tanzania can cater to various budgets, but it is generally considered a premium safari destination. A mid-range safari on the popular Northern Circuit, including good quality lodges and a private vehicle, will likely cost between $600 to $900 per person per day in 2025. For a luxury safari, involving fly-in transfers to exclusive camps in the Serengeti or the remote Southern Circuit, costs typically start from $1,000 and can exceed $2,000 per person per day for the most exclusive properties.

When is the best time to see the Great Migration?

The Great Migration is a year-round, circular movement, so the "best time" depends on what you want to see. For the dramatic river crossings of the Grumeti and Mara rivers in the northern Serengeti, the peak season is from July to October. To witness the calving season, where hundreds of thousands of wildebeest are born on the southern plains, the best time to visit is from January to March.

Is it better to fly or drive between parks?

This depends on your itinerary and budget. On the Northern Circuit, driving between parks like Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and the Ngorongoro Crater is common and allows you to see the changing landscapes. However, the Serengeti is vast, and a flight can save you a long day of driving. For itineraries combining the Northern and Southern circuits, or for reaching remote parks like Ruaha, flying is essential and is the standard mode of transport.

Rich with legendary wildlife, idyllic beaches, and profound history, Tanzania is a world-class travel destination that offers so much more than just a safari. You can climb to the highest peak on the African continent, witness the unparalleled drama of the Great Wildebeest Migration, dive into the turquoise waters of a spice island, or stand in the very gorge where the story of humankind began.

From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the remote wilderness of Ruaha, and the tropical shores of Zanzibar, the country’s diverse landscapes create a perfect backdrop for a custom-tailored trip of a lifetime. For more information and inspiration, see our Tanzania safari guide or Tanzania safari tours and vacation packages.