Today, a safari in Africa is a real paradise for lovers of exotic travel
and wildlife observation in the wild.
Previously, only hunters took part in safaris, but now it is a type of tourism
for which hundreds of travelers go to Tanzania for photo hunting.
The rumble of the engine, intertwined with frozen and piercing silence at stops... the beauty of the Savannah in its pristine form, the earthy, herbal aroma with hints of spices that wafts through the air. The wind rustles through the grass, a lion roars somewhere in the distance, and hawks circle overhead... And then you see it - full of grace, majesty and mystery - an incredible cheetah enters the arena. This is what an African safari is like - a complete sense of harmony and unity with the wildlife. You can't even imagine what kind of emotions you feel!
You don't need to be a professional photographer, because you can take unique cool shots on your phone
One of the best countries to go on safari is Tanzania. It is here that many legendary national parks and biosphere reserves are located, where the most ideal environment for animals and birds is maintained, untouched by people. Hunting is prohibited in these places, so animals are not afraid of people, allowing them to get closer. In this article, we will tell you what a safari is and about such a vacation in Tanzania, which, by the way, can be very conveniently combined with a climb to Kilimanjaro and a trip to Zanzibar Island.
Please note! Safaris are available for any dates that are convenient for you.
Safaris in the north of Tanzania usually start from the large city of Arusha, the main gateway from which you can reach Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro parks in a few hours. The trip leads along the roads of protected areas in search of the rarest and most exceptional representatives of African fauna. The logistics of the route are carefully thought out: we live in campsites in the national parks, so we spend a minimum of time traveling.
What will be waiting for you? The largest national park in the country, which is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa - the Serengeti. The impressive Ngorongoro Crater, which is a unique ecosystem formed as a result of the collapse of a large volcano. A real gem among the national parks is Tarangire, a place of huge baobabs and elephants. There is also a large shallow lake with the same name as the small park - Manyara. All this and a whole necklace of exciting emotions are guaranteed by safari tours in Tanzania. Regardless of whether you are in Africa for the first time or have already been there many times, such a trip will definitely become one of the brightest pages of your life.
The most popular way to organize a trip is in comfortable, equipped off-road vehicles to wildlife habitats. Less commonly, African safari tours are organized in the form of hiking, canoeing, or horseback riding. They last from one day to a week or more (depending on the purpose of the visitors). If the trip takes several days, overnight stays are organized at campsites or in special lodges with all the conditions for a good rest.
The Serengeti (14.7 thousand square kilometers) is the largest national park in Tanzania. No wonder its name translates as “endless expanses”. Here you can meet the “Big African Five” - the animals that are considered the greatest success to see on safari - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. By the way, the population of lions in the Serengeti is the largest in all of Africa - about 3 thousand. Other predators can also be found here: cheetah, caracal, serval, hyena, jackal, wolf, fox, even mongoose, honeyeater and crocodile.
But the park is most famous for a unique natural phenomenon - the Great Animal Migration. Every year, about 2 million wildebeest, zebras and Thomson's gazelles gather in huge herds and head north towards Kenya in search of new pastures. Such a gathering naturally attracts many predators, for whom a real feast begins. The spectacle is so grand that it is included in the list of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
Ngorongoro (8.3 thousand square kilometers) is a biosphere reserve located in the crater of the same name in the southeast of the Serengeti. The diameter of the crater is 21 km and the height of the walls is 600 meters! It is one of the largest unfilled craters in the world. It was formed about 2-3 million years ago as a result of a volcanic explosion that caused the volcano to collapse. This resulted in a unique climate and a virtually closed ecosystem. “The Lost World” is how the Ngorongoro Reservation is often called. The crater, by the way, is also included in the list of 7 natural wonders of the continent.
In Ngorongoro, as in the Serengeti, you can see many animals, including hippos, ostriches, zebras, giraffes, and buffaloes. The density of predators here is the highest on the continent, and the most valuable animal in these places is the black rhino. It is so rare and vulnerable that it is constantly under the supervision of caring rangers.
It is also home to the Maasai people, who are one of the most famous ethnic groups in Africa. They still preserve their traditions and culture despite the influence of modernity.
Tarangire (2.85 thousand square kilometers) is a popular national park in Tanzania, located 126 kilometers southwest of Arusha. It is known for a large number of amazing baobab trees, which, by the way, can reach the age of several thousand years and are home to many species of birds and insects. Their huge trunks and spreading crowns add to the charm and mystery of this place. And there are about 2,500 elephants here - more than in any other national park.
In the dry summer months, visitors to the park can witness the annual migration of not only giant elephants, but also antelopes, zebras, and buffaloes. Accordingly, predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs also appear here.
Bird lovers will appreciate the variety of birds in Tarangire - about 550 species! Another feature is the presence of giant termites that love honeybees.
Manyara (325 square kilometers) is a small national park located between Ngorongoro and Tarangire, including the northwestern part of the lake of the same name and its coast. Here you can see hippos, who spend most of their time in the water, cooling off from the heat. Also giraffes, zebras, antelopes and many other savannah inhabitants. Special attention should be paid to the famous lions that climb trees - this is a rare and unusual phenomenon. During the dry season, when other water sources dry up, Lake Manyara in the park becomes a real paradise for animals.
By the way, this compact territory is home to more than 350 species of birds! In particular, storks, herons, pelicans, marabou, palm vultures, hawk eagles... However, most tourists come to the park to see the huge flocks of graceful and bright pink flamingos that gather on the banks, creating an amazing contrast with the blue water. These birds choose the lake because of the richness of the water's nutrients, which create ideal conditions for living and breeding.
Sunsets over Lake Manyara are an unforgettable sight that you should see at least once in your life. The warm colors of the evening sky reflected in the lake create a fabulous atmosphere.
The climate in Tanzania is heterogeneous, depending on the region. But in general, it can be characterized as tropical with distinct rainy and dry seasons.
Given its location near the equator, Tanzania does not have the usual seasons. The rainy season lasts from March to May + November, and the dry season is in June-October and December-February. Each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. During the wet season, for example, there are few tourists, but you will not see many animals. In the dry season, animals in Tanzania are more numerous and easier to find - of course, they are near water bodies and not so difficult to see, given the more modest abundance of vegetation. The other side of the coin is the crowds of tourists.
This is not the case in Ngorongoro Park, where the number of animals practically does not change throughout the year.
The table below will help you figure out which of the months is better to go to a particular park:
It is worth considering the period when you want to catch the Great Migration of animals that travel more than 800 km, crossing the vast expanses of the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Masai Mara in Kenya. This epic movement of ungulates is a grand show that attracts tourists from all over the world. The peak moments of migration occur in the summer (July and August).
This path is extremely difficult. The animals cover not only long distances but also many natural obstacles, including rivers where crocodiles are waiting for them. The biggest challenge is crossing the Mara - thousands of ungulates gather on the banks of the river, hesitantly waiting for the moment to jump into the water.
Safari tourism is very popular at this time. Visitors witness a harsh reality where survival depends on strength, speed, and luck.
It's worth noting that for many tourists, the word “safari” means heat and endless savannas with exotic wildlife. Indeed, high temperatures during the day are an integral part of tours in the savannahs of Africa, especially during long excursions. Speaking of night safaris, we should not forget the other side of the coin. For example, it is quite cold at night and early in the morning - at dawn in Ngorongoro, the temperature can drop to 0°C. Therefore, you need to have appropriate clothing with you - a light jacket or windbreaker, pants and warm socks. Comfortable safari trekking boots or sneakers are not only convenient, but also an important part of protection that ensures safety and comfort during the trip.
For a day trip, choose light, breathable clothes in neutral colors (beige, khaki, olive). This way, you will blend in with the environment and not attract the attention of animals. Avoid white and bright colors - they attract the attention of insects. There will be a lot of dust during a jeep trip, so take care of a face covering in advance. Don't forget your hat, sunscreen, glasses, and drink plenty of water!
Additional tips for tourists going on safari in Tanzania:
When planning a tour to Africa and visiting a safari in Tanzania, take into account your own interests, budget and desired expectations. Based on KULUAR's many years of experience in traveling to Africa, we offer 2 best options that are worth considering for different categories of travelers:
However, these are not all interesting offers - it is best to combine a safari with a climb to Kili...
It is definitely a sin for adventure lovers to return home without seeing the Roof of Africa 😉 The routes to Kili are so diverse that they simply amaze the imagination and change the worldview! In just a few days, feeling like you're in different parts of the world is just a dream! So go for it with KULUAR! This will be the longest program that includes a safari.
The longest route is 12-14 days, including 2-3 days on safari. Such programs in the north of Tanzania very conveniently combine safaris, climbing Kilimanjaro, and rest on the island of Zanzibar. This option is for real enthusiasts! Believe me, the flora and fauna of the highest volcano in Africa deserve no less attention. Among the representatives of the flora, the most interesting are the famous lobelia and senecia, which are probably the most famous photos of every climber on Kili. After the descent - a day in Ngorongoro, a day in Tarangire (or the Serengeti), and then, if you have time/desire, you can go with the group to the white beaches of the Indian Ocean. In general, it's cool!
A trip to the National Parks of Tanzania does not require any special preparation from tourists - all issues related to the organization of the trip are taken care of by the KULUAR club. Where to buy tickets and book overnight stays for programs, recommendations for obtaining insurance and other questions - please do not hesitate to contact us.
Bahati njema and see you soon 😉