Bird Watching and Safari in Tanzania
Chimpanzee Trekking risks in Nyungwe National Park Rwanda
Tanzania Safari Highlights. A Tanzania safari is one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences in the world. Home to the legendary Serengeti National Park, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, and the vast wilderness of Ruaha and Selous, Tanzania offers diverse landscapes and unparalleled game viewing. From witnessing the Great Migration to spotting the Big Five and tracking chimpanzees in remote rainforests, a safari here caters to both adventure seekers and nature lovers. Whether exploring the iconic Northern Circuit or the hidden gems of the South and West, Tanzania promises a safari filled with breathtaking encounters and unforgettable moments.
Tanzania is one of the best safari destinations in Africa, offering a mix of iconic wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. Here are the top Tanzania Safari Highlights:
1. The Serengeti National Park
- World-famous for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in search of fresh grazing.
- Year-round Big Five sightings, especially lions, leopards, and elephants.
- Endless plains, acacia-dotted landscapes, and incredible predator-prey action.
2. Ngorongoro Crater
- A massive volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife, including black rhinos, lions, and hippos.
- Stunning viewpoints over the crater with breathtaking scenery.
- High density of wildlife, making it a great place for a day-long game drive.
3. Tarangire National Park
- Famous for its large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees.
- One of the best places to see big cats, giraffes, and rare antelope species.
- Less crowded than the Serengeti, offering a more intimate safari experience.
4. Lake Manyara National Park
- Known for its tree-climbing lions and massive flocks of flamingos.
- Beautiful mix of forest, lake, and savannah landscapes.
- Great place for birdwatching and spotting elephants up close.
5. Ruaha National Park (For Off-the-Beaten-Path Safaris)
- Tanzania’s largest national park, yet uncrowded and remote.
- Huge populations of elephants, wild dogs, and lions.
- A rugged and wild safari experience with fewer tourists.
6. Selous Game Reserve (Now Nyerere National Park)
- One of Africa’s largest wildlife reserves, home to wild dogs, elephants, and hippos.
- Offers unique boat safaris along the Rufiji River.
- A great option for those seeking a remote and exclusive safari.
7. Mahale Mountains & Gombe Stream (For Chimpanzee Trekking)
- Some of the best places in Africa for chimpanzee trekking.
- Stunning forested mountains along the shores of Lake Tanganyika.
- A mix of wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery.
8. Zanzibar & Tanzania’s Islands (Safari + Beach Combo)
- After the safari, unwind on the white sandy beaches of Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Island.
- Incredible snorkeling and diving, including whale shark encounters in Mafia Island.
- A rich cultural experience in Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best Time for a Tanzania Safari: A Month-by-Month Guide
Tanzania Safari Highlights. Tanzania offers year-round safari opportunities, but the best time to visit depends on your priorities—whether it’s witnessing the Great Migration, enjoying Big Five sightings, or avoiding crowds. The country experiences two main seasons: the dry season (June–October) and the wet season (November–May), each offering unique wildlife experiences.
🌞 Dry Season (June – October) → Best for Wildlife Viewing & Great Migration Crossings
Why Visit?
✔ Peak safari season with excellent wildlife visibility.
✔ Animals gather around water sources, making sightings easier.
✔ Fewer mosquitoes due to low humidity.
✔ Ideal for Great Migration river crossings (July–September).
By Month:
- June: The landscape is still green from the rains, and the dry season begins. The Great Migration moves into the western Serengeti and Grumeti Reserve.
- July – August: Prime time for Mara River crossings as wildebeest move into the northern Serengeti.
- September – October: Animals concentrate around rivers, with fantastic predator action. Northern Serengeti is still great for migration sightings.
Best Parks to Visit:
✅ Serengeti – Great Migration crossings (July–September).
✅ Ngorongoro Crater – High wildlife density year-round.
✅ Tarangire – Massive elephant herds.
✅ Ruaha & Selous – Best time to visit these remote parks.
Downsides:
❌ Peak season = higher prices & more tourists, especially in the Northern Circuit.
🌦 Short Rainy Season (November – December) → Best for Fewer Crowds & Birdwatching
Why Visit?
✔ Lush green landscapes after the first rains.
✔ Fewer tourists = more exclusive safaris.
✔ Best time for birdwatching (migratory birds arrive).
✔ Great wildlife viewing, though some animals disperse.
By Month:
- November – Early December: Short rains start but don’t disrupt safaris much. Migratory birds arrive. The Great Migration starts moving south.
Best Parks to Visit:
✅ Serengeti – Early migration herds move south.
✅ Tarangire – Excellent birding and resident wildlife.
✅ Selous & Ruaha – Greener but still accessible.
Downsides:
❌ Some remote roads become difficult to navigate due to rain.
🌿 Green Season (January – March) → Best for Calving Season & Photography
Why Visit?
✔ Calving Season in the Southern Serengeti (Feb–March) – lots of predator action!
✔ Stunning green landscapes, perfect for photography.
✔ Fewer tourists = quieter safaris and better deals.
By Month:
- January – February: Dry weather with scattered short rains. Wildebeest give birth in Ndutu (Southern Serengeti).
- March: Rains start, but wildlife remains active.
Best Parks to Visit:
✅ Ndutu (Serengeti South) – Best for calving season and predator action.
✅ Ngorongoro Crater – Wildlife is excellent year-round.
✅ Ruaha & Selous – Great for those avoiding crowds.
Downsides:
❌ Heavy rains start by late March, making some parks muddy.
🌧️ Long Rainy Season (April – May) → Best for Budget Travelers & Lush Scenery
Why Visit?
✔ Lowest safari prices = excellent deals.
✔ Lush green landscapes with dramatic skies for photography.
✔ Fewer tourists, making safaris feel exclusive.
By Month:
- April – May: Heavy rains make some areas inaccessible, but game viewing is still good in Serengeti and Ngorongoro.
Best Parks to Visit:
✅ Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater – Animals don’t migrate far, making game drives rewarding.
✅ Selous & Ruaha – Green, wild, and untouched.
Downsides:
❌ Some camps close due to heavy rains.
❌ Road conditions can be challenging.
Why book your safari to Tanzania Through Eco Adventure Safaris
Eco Adventure Safaris provides unrivalled and professional tour and travel services in Uganda, Kenya, Congo, Tanzania and Rwanda. Since then, Eco Adventure Safaris as established herself as one of the leading tour operators in all these countries including Tanzania. Eco Adventure Safaris boasts of a professional office and field team that takes care of all your requests and inquiries and work closely with Tanzania Tourism Board. We are highly recommended on Trip Advisor as well as Safari bookings.
Our website is one of the best and reliable point to help you start preparing for your Tanzania safari as we have the best and update information that you can rely on. Eco Adventure Safaris is owned and run by Ugandans who have explored Tanzania and as such, you will be dealing with a team that sells what they know. Please feel free to contact us here more information about Tanzania Safari Highlights.