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

  • Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

    Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is set in the heart of a mahogany forest within the Lake Manyara National Park, offering an experience of remoteness, privacy and understated luxury, an asset within one of Tanzania's most prized national Parks.

    Lake Manyara Tree Lodge and its treehouse suites that offer the utmost in luxury in a safari destination that offers guests only the best.

  • ​Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp

    Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp with 20 tented suites set within 25,000 hectares of the concession area; the camp is just 3.5 km from the main entrance to National Park, accommodation is in 20 luxury safari tents, which are en-suite with hot and cold running water.

    Wildlife and birdlife spotted on game drives in the Tarangire is excellent, no matter the time of year.

  • Sanctuary Swala Camp

    Sanctuary Swala Camp is found in a remote corner of Tanzania's most exciting and least visited park, the Tarangire National Park. A truly stunning tented lodge with outstanding views and surrounding wildlife.

    A luxury Tarangire safari camp that offers guests total seclusion surrounded by fantastic wildlife and a picturesque landscape complete with baobab and acacia trees.

  • Tarangire Simba Lodge

    Tarangire Simba Lodge located within Tanzania's amazing Tarangire National Park is an attractive option for those interested in experiencing all that this region has to offer.

    Tarangire Simba Lodge is ideal for small groups, couples and families.

  • Mount Meru Game Lodge

    Mount Meru Game Lodge and wildlife sanctuary not far at all from the Tanzania town of Arusha is set in beautiful and tranquil surroundings with magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

    The Game Lodge near Arusha forms part of a wildlife sanctuary and provides guests and especially children, the chance to get up close and personal with many of the orphaned animals and birds.

  • Jabali Ridge

    Jabali Ridge in the Ruaha, with the most stunning of views is positioned on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the Mwagusi River and Ikuka escarpment in the Ruaha.

    Jabali Ridge, a Ruaha luxury safari camp that offers guests a luxury stay combined with magnificent wildlife sightings and experiences all with this great Ruaha National Park.

  • Zanzibar Palace Hotel

    Zanzibar Palace Hotel is the perfect place to stay for couples, families or honeymooners looking for a wonderfully romantic hideaway in the heart of Zanzibar's historic and culturally rich Stone Town.

    Zanzibar Palace hotels nine amazing rooms and suites all decorated with the influences of Zanzibar's rich history.

  • Lake Manyara Kilimamoja Lodge

    Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge with her exceptional views of Lake Manyara National Park, Mount Meru and in the distance, Mount Kilimanjaro is positioned on the rim of the "Great Rift Valley" and offers travellers 52 luxurious suites and villas.

    Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge is the perfect destination and lodge for those looking for something a little bit more budget-friendly without losing out on the wildlife experience.