Tanzania Circuits
Four Safari Areas
Tanzania Safari Circuits
Tanzania offers four main safari circuits, each with its own distinct appeal: Northern, Southern, Western, and Coastal. While the Northern Circuit is renowned for iconic parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, the Southern Circuit promises vast, remote wilderness. In the Western Circuit, encounter primates, while the Coastal Circuit boasts turquoise waters and sandy beaches.
Each circuit offers a unique safari experience, from iconic wildlife sightings to remote adventures in untouched landscapes. Whether you seek the drama of the wildebeest migration or the tranquility of coastal beaches, Tanzania’s safari circuits promise unforgettable journeys in Africa.
Northern Safari Circuit
Embark on an adventure through Tanzania’s iconic northern safari circuit, where diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife await.
- Serengeti National Park: Home to Great Wildebeest Migration which has been consistently named “the greatest show on earth” and the World Cup of Wildlife, Serengeti National Park is one of the major attractions in Tanzania. Breath-taking scenery and year-round wildlife in abundance
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Descend into the world’s largest volcanic caldera, the Ngorongoro Crater. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that promises sightings of the Big Five and other African wildlife including about 25,000 large mammals.
- Lake Manyara National Park: Discover the picturesque beauty of Lake Manyara, home to flamingos on the vast soda lake. There is an array of wildlife species thriving in varied ecosystems.
- Tarangire National Park: Tarangire is renowned for its ancient baobab trees, dense woodlands, and large herds of elephants.
- Mkomazi National Park: This small yet beautiful park has a breeding centre for endangered species such as the African wild dog and a sanctuary for the Eastern black rhinoceros. Look out for fringe-eared oryx, lesser kudu, gerenuk and over 400 species of birds.
- Arusha National Park: Arusha has diverse habitats, ranging from lush rainforests to montane forests and alpine meadows, offering opportunities for birdwatching, hiking, and unforgettable views of Mount Meru.
Southern Safari Circuit
Discover the untamed wilderness and hidden gems of Tanzania’s southern safari circuit, where vast landscapes and remarkable biodiversity await. Explore the southern safari circuit and immerse yourself in the natural wonders and cultural heritage of Tanzania’s lesser-known yet captivating destinations.
- Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve): One of Africa’s largest protected areas, renowned for its pristine wilderness, diverse habitats, and abundant wildlife, including the largest population of wild dogs on the continent.
- Ruaha National Park: Delve into the rugged beauty of Ruaha, East Africa’s largest national park, where expansive savannahs, winding rivers, and dramatic landscapes provide a haven for diverse wildlife, from lions and elephants to rare antelope species, such as sable & roan.
- Mikumi National Park: Journey into Mikumi, Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park, where rolling plains, acacia woodlands, and shimmering waterholes create an ideal habitat for a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, and predators.
- Udzungwa Mountains National Park: Trek through the lush rainforests and mist-shrouded peaks of the Udzungwa Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot home to endemic species, captivating waterfalls, and thrilling hiking trails offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
The Western Safari Circuit
The Western safari circuit comprises of Mahale Mountains National Park, Katavi National Park, and Gombe Stream National Park. Although not the primary reason for visiting Tanzania, the western circuit promises a different kind of adventure and an exciting side trip to any wildlife safari. Since this area is very remote, the only way to get here is via light aircraft or boat. Flights may start from Arusha, Dar es Salaam or even Zanzibar.
- Mahale Mountains National Park: This popular primate destination in Tanzania, Mahale Mountains National Park hosts about 800 chimpanzees, one of Africa’s big apes. It offers guided treks to the forest and gives you a chance to meet and greet the chimps. The park also supports other primates including red colobus monkeys, red-tailed and blue monkeys.
- Katavi National Park: Katavi National Park is a very remote park, less frequented by tourists. It covers Katuma River as well as Lakes Katavi and Chada. Among the many animals that roam this park are antelopes, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeest, giraffes, cheetahs, leopards, lions, and hyenas.
- Gombe Stream National Park: With only 13.5 square miles (35 km2) of protected land along the hills of the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Stream National Park is one of Tanzania’s smallest parks. However small, the park is a world-famous chimp reserve that hosts plenty of habituated endangered chimpanzees along with numerous of baboons.
The Coast & Islands
Tanzania’s allure extends beyond its wildlife to its exotic coastal destinations. Explore the mainland coast of Tanga, the historic town of Kilwa, and the idyllic islands of Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia, each offering its own tropical paradise experience.
ISLANDS
- Zanzibar: Dive into crystal-clear turquoise waters, relax on white sandy beaches, and immerse yourself in the rich history of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Pemba: Escape to untouched landscapes, secluded beaches, and world-class diving sites renowned for their vibrant marine life.
- Mafia: Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Mafia Island, a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers. Explore vibrant coral reefs, swim with whale sharks, and relax on pristine beaches fringed by coconut palms.
MAINLAND COAST
- Dar es Salaam: Experience the vibrant energy of Tanzania’s largest city, with its bustling markets, historic sites, and lively waterfront promenade overlooking the Indian Ocean. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the city’s cultural attractions, including the National Museum and Village Museum.
- Bagamoyo: Step back in time in this charming coastal town, known for its Swahili and colonial heritage. Explore historic landmarks such as the Old Fort and Kaole Ruins, and learn about the town’s role in the East African slave trade at the Bagamoyo Slave Market.
- Tanga: Discover the laid-back charm of Tanga, a coastal city steeped in history and surrounded by pristine beaches. Explore the remnants of German colonial architecture, visit Amboni Caves, one of the largest cave systems in East Africa, and relax on the idyllic shores of the Pangani coastline.
- Pangani: Unwind in this tranquil coastal town, where palm-fringed beaches and turquoise waters beckon. Explore the town’s well-preserved architecture, take a boat trip along the Pangani River, and snorkel or dive among colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life.
- Kiliwa: Explore the ancient ruins and rich history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site on Tanzania’s coastline.
- Saadani National Park: Experience the unique combination of beach and bush safari at Saadani, Tanzania’s only coastal national park. Embark on game drives to spot elephants, lions, and buffalo against a backdrop of palm-lined beaches, mangrove forests, and salt pans.
How To Get Around
Travelling in Tanzania
GETTING TO & FROM TANZANIA
International Airports
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) -mostly serving southern safari circuit
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – mostly serving northern safari circuit
- Mwanza Airport (MWZ) – mostly access for East Africa Regional flights
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ)- popular departure after safari
Popular Airlines and Routes
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines via Amsterdam
- Emirates via Dubai
- Etihad Airways via Abu Dhabi
- Qatar Airways via Doha
- Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
East and southern Africa regional hubs
- Nairobi (Kenya Airways)
- Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Air)
- Kigali (Rwandair)
- OR Tambo, Johannesburg (Airlink)
FLYING IN TANZANIA
- Domestic Tanzanian airlines Air Tanzania, Precision Air operate daily flights from major cities to popular tourist centers. Cost effective, regular, scheduled flight to major hubs.
- Domestic carriers (Auric, Coastal, Regional Air, Air Excel, Northern Air, Grumeti Air, Flightlink) operate to national parks, tourist attractions and remote locations.
- Popular for flights in and out of the Serengeti. Less common routes, may not be daily or scheduled & may be subject to minimum seat inducement.
TRAVELING TO THE SERENGETI
- Flying: The quickest way is to fly from Arusha domestic airport to Serengeti Airstrips. Saves time, gets you to where you need to be for more time in the national park. Higher budget.
- Travel by Road: usually takes a minimum of two days with at least one overnight stop.
Driven and guided throughout the trip in a safari vehicle 4×4, with popup roof. See more of the country, stop at other attractions. Journeys can be longer and bumpier than anticipated. Cost effective for 4 or more. - Routes to the Serengeti are usually via Ngorongoro Conservation Area or via Lake Natron
- Combine transport options: Drive into the Serengeti and Fly out or vice versa
TRAVELING AROUND
- Tanzania has a road network of almost 90,000km2; about 15% of the roads are tarred.
- Guided safari Vehicle: most safari visitors will travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a qualified safari guide from pick-up at an international airport, until drop-off for international departure.
- Taxis: these are unmetered taxis (negotiate); in cities Uber or Bolt may be available
- Trains: There are a few passenger services available per week between Dar es Salaam & Moshi/Arusha and to Mwanza via Tabora. Cheap, if irregular transport alternative.
- Ferries: mostly linking islands to coastal or lake towns during day-light hours. Azam ferries connects Dar es Salaam-Zanzibar. Some ferries on Lake Tanganyika and some cross rivers.
- Local transport:
- Buses: some long-distance buses are air-conditioned and reliable
- Dalla-dalla: shared mini-bus service on fixed routes, affordable, crowded
- Boda-boda: motorbike taxi- fast, inexpensive, dangerous
- Bajaji (tuk-tuks): Imported from India, covered, seats 3. Mostly in urban areas.
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