Embarking on a safari is often considered a dream of a lifetime for many, myself included. Therefore, meticulous planning is essential to ensure a seamless experience. From accommodations and guided tours to the selection of national parks, I’ll guide you through every step of the journey!
Why Choose Tanzania?
While numerous countries offer incredible safari experiences, Tanzania stands out as a top destination. With its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, Tanzania captivates travelers from around the world. The country boasts some of the most renowned national parks on the planet, with the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop. It’s hard to find a better destination for a safari adventure!
Tanzania has been a favorite among tourists for decades, earning it a reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. Visitors have access to a wide range of options, from luxury lodges to charming campsites, and from aerial safaris to private 4×4 guided tours. You have the freedom to tailor your dream trip according to your preferences. Additionally, Tanzania’s accessibility, coupled with the allure of Zanzibar’s dreamy beaches, adds to its appeal.
How to Get to Tanzania?
Tanzania is served by several airports, with the three main ones being Kilimanjaro for exploring the northern national parks, Dar Es Salaam for the southern parks, and Zanzibar for those seeking a beach retreat before or after their safari. To find the best deals, I recommend using platforms like Skyscanner, as prices can vary significantly depending on the time of year and the chosen destination. Expect round-trip fares from Paris to range between €500 and €800.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania? While it’s preferable to visit Tanzania during the dry season, the climate remains temperate year-round, making it accessible throughout the year. Each region has its own climatic characteristics. For instance, Zanzibar experiences an equatorial climate with heavy rainfall during the wet season, while the interior regions have a more temperate climate. Generally, Tanzania experiences four main seasons:
- Hot season: December to February
- Rainy season: March to May
- Dry season: May to October
- Short rainy season: November to December
The best time to visit Tanzania, in terms of climate, is typically from December to February and then from May to October. As for wildlife sightings, different species can be observed year-round depending on the chosen park.
How Long Should You Go on Safari? Whether it’s for two days or two weeks, you can tailor your safari trip according to your preferences and budget. The duration of your safari largely depends on two factors: your budget and what you want to see. Generally, the longer the safari, the higher the budget. On average, budget around €520 per day for two people.
Moreover, it’s important to consider the distances between parks. For instance, traveling from Arusha (a common starting point for safaris) to Serengeti National Park can take up to four hours by road. Therefore, the longer you stay, the more time you’ll have to explore multiple parks and potentially spot more wildlife.
Personally, I opted for a three-day safari, which was quite brief. However, we were fortunate enough to spot the Big Five (a rare occurrence in such a short time). While we didn’t make it to Serengeti, we had enough time to witness stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. In my opinion, the ideal duration for a safari is four days; anything longer might result in long days in the jeep.
Choosing the Right Safari Operator: Selecting the right safari operator can be challenging due to the multitude of options available. Many companies offer various safari packages, making it easy to feel overwhelmed. Typically, you won’t find pre-packaged deals with prices readily available online. Instead, you’ll need to request a quote most of the time.
I recommend requesting quotes from multiple operators to get a sense of the available offers and prices. You can choose between agencies that organize your entire trip without any hassle on your part or local agencies that may offer more competitive prices but require more coordination.
In my experience, I opted for Safari Avventura, and I highly recommend them! With a French-speaking guide, top-notch jeeps, and excellent meals and accommodations, everything was flawless and reasonably priced.
Choosing the Right Safari Package: There are several safari package options to consider, ranging from rustic camping to luxurious lodges. Choose the option that best suits your preferences; after all, this is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. Personally, I opted for the luxury package, which, while pricey, left me with no regrets. We stayed at incredible locations amidst the plains and enjoyed exquisite meals, which made a significant difference in our experience.
Which National Parks to Visit? Each national park in Northern Tanzania offers its own unique wildlife and landscapes. While exploring them all is an option, it’s often more practical to select specific parks based on your interests, budget, and time constraints.
- Serengeti National Park: The Most Iconic Located approximately four hours from the town of Karatu, Serengeti National Park requires at least two to three days to explore fully. Here, you’ll encounter numerous herbivores, as well as giraffes, monkeys, and elephants. Cheetahs, lions, hyenas, leopards, and occasionally, black rhinos can also be spotted. Serengeti is truly a wildlife enthusiast’s paradise.
- Tarangire National Park: The Elephant Haven Just a two-hour drive from Arusha, Tarangire National Park is home to approximately 2,500 elephants. Spend one to two days exploring this park to observe zebras, giraffes, and warthogs. If you’re lucky, you might even spot leopards and lions in action, as I did!
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area: The Most Impressive Only a 30-minute drive from Karatu, the Ngorongoro Crater is easily accessible. This area boasts breathtaking landscapes and a remarkable array of wildlife. Formed by the collapse of a volcano over two million years ago, the caldera offers stunning views. Visitors can witness the entire Big Five here, with the chance to encounter a black rhino, as I did. The picnic lunch by the hippo-populated lake is an unforgettable experience.
While there are numerous other parks in Tanzania, these are the four main ones you’ll find in the northern part of the country. Visiting all of them would require at least a week, significantly impacting your budget. Keep in mind that park entrance fees can be as high as $300 USD per day (especially for Ngorongoro Crater), so factor this into your budget.
If you’re short on time like I was, prioritize your preferences. In my three-day safari, I visited Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Manyara. Despite the brief duration, we were fortunate enough to see the Big Five and a variety of other animals.
Budgeting for Your Safari: As mentioned earlier, safari prices vary depending on the operator and package chosen. Typically, the price includes meals, accommodations, guides, jeeps, fuel, and transfers. Park admission fees and insurance may or may not be included.
Based on my experience, after comparing quotes from various operators, I found Safari Avventura to offer the best value. For a three-day safari with all
Emmie Branch