Thinking of going on a Tanzania safari? You are not alone. We understand that choosing from such a vast selection can be more than overwhelming. In this article, we have highlighted the most important things to factor into your travel plans, such as your budget, what you want to see and do, your preferred type of accommodation, and your mode of transportation.
Safari Style
You must consider what kind of safari you wish to be on. You can choose between a group safari or a private safari.
At Safari Soles Tours, we recommend you do your safari privately rather than in a group. Why is that? On a group safari, you will have to agree with other tourists on things like when to stop for animal sightings or what time to depart. Everyone has different interests and patience levels. On a private safari, you are the one who decides whether to move to another point or stay longer watching a lion hunt.
Another decision you need to make is where to stay. Tanzania safaris offer options ranging from budget authentic camping to the most luxurious lodges. You can choose between lodge accommodation, tented camps, or campsites. When making this decision, you should consider your budget, the location, and the accommodation standards you expect.
Safari Length
Africa is jam packed with amazing things to do. If you are staying in Tanzania, for example, you might want to spend some time climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar. These add ons will extend your total trip length.
Keep in mind that longer safaris give you more chances to spot your favorite animals, get those unforgettable pictures, and even see these animals in action as they hunt for food. Since wildlife is free to roam, you are never guaranteed to see specific animals. But increasing the duration of your safari will definitely increase your odds.
We recommend at least 5 days for a safari. If you will be visiting multiple parks, we recommend you take an even longer trip or use in park flights to cut down on transit driving time.
Here is an important tip. Tours that head for just 1 night in the Serengeti will stay no more than 24 hours in the park. One hundred percent of travelers who opted for these short tours say that if they could change anything, they would have opted for an additional day. Do not make the same mistake.
Safari Destinations
Tanzania safari destinations are simply divided into circuits. There is the northern circuit, the southern circuit, and the western circuit. Each circuit combines attractions you can visit in a region. These circuits are far from each other and would require a flight in between or at least a 10 hour drive. So with limited time, you will have to decide which destinations you want to visit. Below is a brief explanation of each circuit and what they are famous for.
Northern circuit. This is the most popular circuit. It is home to famous parks like the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. You will also find great acidic lakes that are home to flamingoes. Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is here. You can visit native tribes like the Maasai and the bushmen. Other minor attractions include Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, Mount Oldonyo Lengai which is still volcanically active and known as the Mountain of God, Mount Meru, waterfalls, and the Chemka hot springs.
If you want to focus on the great wildebeest migration or migratory birds like flamingoes, the northern circuit is your best option.
This circuit is famous and also the most accessible. You can fly directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, only needing a local flight to Zanzibar if you want to add a beach stay.
Southern circuit. This circuit includes parks such as Mikumi, Selous, and Ruaha. Ruaha is the largest park in Tanzania and is home to over 10 percent of the world population of lions. It also has the highest number of elephants in Tanzania. These parks are great, but accessibility is not as easy compared to the northern circuit. These parks will require you to fly to Dar es Salaam International Airport and then take a second flight to the region.
Western circuit. This circuit offers chimpanzee treks in Gombe National Park and Kitulo National Park, which was primarily established to protect its fauna and is known as the Serengeti of Flowers. These parks provide a unique experience. However, like the southern circuit, it is less accessible and would require a second flight after you land at Dar es Salaam International Airport.
Safari Budget
After knowing your options, you need to understand the costs so you can match what you really want with the amount you are willing to spend. These figures are not very precise, but they can help you understand the range. All prices below are per day per person.
For group camping safaris, expect to pay between 200 and 250 US dollars.
For private camping safaris, expect to pay between 290 and 450 US dollars.
For private lodging safaris, expect to pay between 390 and 700 US dollars.
For Tanzania luxury safaris, expect to pay over 1200 US dollars.
For Tanzania balloon safaris, expect to pay 570 US dollars per person per session.
For tipping on a group tour, budget between 15 and 20 US dollars per day per person.
For tipping on a private tour, budget between 25 and 50 US dollars per day per person.
For in park flights, budget between 250 and 350 US dollars per person.
A quick note on the price ranges above. The lowest end of each range applies when you are traveling with many people sharing the cost. The highest end of each range applies if you are traveling solo. To get your actual range for the whole trip, simply multiply the daily price by the number of days you need.
Add Ons and Getting By Options
You might be wondering what you should add to your Tanzania safari experience. Here are some add on options you should know about.
Tanzania walking safaris are available for those who want to experience the bush on foot with an armed guide.
Archeological sites can be visited if you are interested in early human history.
Horseback safaris offer a unique way to see wildlife from a different perspective.
Night game drives cost about 200 US dollars and allow you to see nocturnal animals that are rarely active during the day.
Tanzania balloon safaris cost 570 US dollars and give you a spectacular aerial view of the plains and wildlife.
A Maasai village stop costs between 10 and 20 US dollars and offers a chance to learn about this famous tribe’s culture and traditions.
Bush lunch can be arranged for a special dining experience in the middle of the wilderness.
Canoeing safaris are available in certain parks for a peaceful water based wildlife experience.
Please note that most add ons can only be possible with private trips. Matching these particular interests with a group schedule is very difficult. And of course, these add ons involve spending more money. But if you have the budget and the interest, they can make your safari truly unforgettable.
