Complete guide

Safari in Tanzania

Everything you need to know — from which park to when to go. From real experts.

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6+
National parks
Big 5
In all major parks
12
Months visitable
1,5M
Wildebeest in Migration

Why Tanzania is the best safari destination

Tanzania is the undisputed number one for safari in Africa. Nowhere are your chances of seeing the Big Five so high. Nowhere is the landscape so varied — from the volcanic crater of Ngorongoro to the endless plains of the Serengeti. And nowhere do you find such a large, diverse wildlife population as in the northern circuit.

The northern parks — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Lake Manyara — can be combined in one trip. Arusha is the gateway and Kilimanjaro Airport the entry point. A week is enough for a first impression. Two weeks lets you experience Tanzania in depth.

The great Tanzania parks

🦁

Serengeti

14.763 km²

The Great Migration

14,763 km² of wilderness — Tanzania's largest and most famous park. Home of the Big Five and annual migration route of 1.5 million wildebeest. The Seronera Valley in the centre has Africa's highest predator density.

Best time:Jun–Oct (migration), Jan–Feb (calving)
🦏

Ngorongoro

260 km² (krater)

Most densely populated wildlife arena

The world's largest intact volcanic crater. 260 km², home to more than 25,000 animals including the rare black rhino. Even on a bad day you see impressive wildlife here.

Best time:Year-round (best: Jun–Sep)
🐘

Tarangire

2.850 km²

Africa's largest elephant population

Less well-known but equally impressive: thousands of elephants, enormous baobabs and the Tarangire River as the lifeline. During the dry season the elephant density is unrivalled.

Best time:Jul–Oct (dry season)
🦩

Lake Manyara

330 km²

Pink flamingos & tree-climbing lions

Small park, big spectacle. Hundreds of thousands of flamingos on the soda lake, lions climbing acacia trees — unique in Africa. A perfect introduction for your first safari day.

Best time:Nov–Jun (rainy season for flamingos)
🐆

Ruaha

20.226 km²

Remote — barely any tourists

Tanzania's largest national park and one of its best-kept secrets. Lions, leopards, wild dogs and hippos — with a fraction of the Serengeti's visitors.

Best time:Jun–Oct
🦒

Arusha NP

552 km²

Momela Lakes & Mount Meru

Just outside Arusha: 7 alkaline Momela Lakes, colobus monkeys and flamingos in view of Kilimanjaro. Perfect as the first or last day of your safari.

Best time:Year-round

Sample route: 8 days Tanzania

This is a starting point — every trip we build 100% tailor-made.

Day 1Arrival Kilimanjaro Airport — pickup by Collin, overnight in Arusha
Days 2–3Tarangire NP — elephant paradise, baobabs, night camp by the river
Days 4–6Serengeti — Big Five, sunrise game drives, stay in tented camp
Day 7Ngorongoro Crater — descent at sunrise, 25,000+ animals in one day
Day 8Return to Arusha — last lunch, flight home or onwards to Zanzibar

Group or private safari?

Our specialty
🔑

Private safari (Simba Tours)

Ideal for: Families, couples, photographers, anyone who wants control over their safari

  • Your own vehicle & guide — nobody else
  • Fully flexible timetable
  • Guide focused on you alone
  • Better for photography and wildlife spotting
  • Children welcome at any age
👥

Group safari (other providers)

Ideal for: Budget solo travellers, social travellers

  • Lower price per person
  • Meet other travellers
  • Fixed departure dates — easy to plan

What do our travellers say?

"We had looked at 5 other providers. Simba Tours was immediately different — personal contact, no standard packages, genuine interest in what we wanted."

Thomas & Claire

10 days Serengeti + Zanzibar

"The children (8 and 12) have never been so quiet as during the morning game drive in the Serengeti. Collin knew exactly where the cheetahs were. We have photos to never forget."

Familie de Jong

Family safari 12 days

"A rhino at 30 metres in the Ngorongoro Crater. Jonas knew exactly which grassland it was visiting at that moment. I hadn't dared to hope for it."

Susanne W.

8 days Tanzania

Frequently asked questions about Tanzania safari

What does a Tanzania safari cost on average?+
A private Tanzania safari of 7–10 days costs on average €2,200–€3,500 per person (for two people). This includes accommodation, transport, guide, park entry and all meals during the safari. International flights are not included.
Which park is best for a first safari?+
For a first safari we recommend the combination Tarangire + Serengeti + Ngorongoro. Tarangire gives you a gentle introduction with elephants, the Serengeti is the highlight and Ngorongoro is the perfect finale. All three parks are within driving distance of Arusha.
When is the best time for a safari in Tanzania?+
The dry season (June–October) is the best time for wildlife in general. But every month has its own highlights: February for the calving in Ndutu, July–August for the river crossings in the Mara. There is no "bad" time for Tanzania.
Is a Tanzania safari safe?+
Yes. Tanzania is a politically stable country and safari tourism is well-regulated. Our vehicles are closed Land Rovers — animals do not approach you as a threat. Anti-malaria medication is recommended. STO Garant also guarantees your financial safety.
Can I visit Tanzania with children?+
Absolutely. Tanzania is a wonderful family destination. We recommend a minimum age of 5–6 years for a meaningful safari experience. Tarangire and Ngorongoro are the best parks for children. We fully adapt the programme to your family.
How many days do I need for a Tanzania safari?+
At minimum 6–7 days for a meaningful safari (Serengeti + Ngorongoro). For a complete experience including Tarangire and possibly Zanzibar we recommend 10–14 days. Shorter trips are possible but less satisfying.

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