Highlights of a Luxury Tanzania Safari Holiday
Within this vast and varied land, you’ll find unsurpassed wildlife viewing, including Big Five possibilities and chimpanzee trekking. Every region is home to stunning accommodation - from mobile tented camps that follow the herds to luxurious lodges perched on crater rims or beachfronts.
Read on for insights and recommendations from our team on Tanzania’s unmissable safari highlights.
- Home to one of the world's great wildlife spectacles: the Great Migration.
- The location of world-famous safari destinations such as the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Plenty of pristine, lesser-known parks offering secluded experiences.
- With a long tradition of safari provision, the quality of guiding in Tanzania is superb.
- Trekking opportunities on Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro.
- Hundreds of miles of tropical coastline, including the historic Zanzibar archipelago.
- Diverse accommodation options - from mobile camps to luxurious lodges - always ensuring comfort and quality.
- An ideal destination for groups of all sizes, including families and couples.
The Great Migration: Called 'Great' for a Reason
The spectacle of animals on the move at this scale is almost impossible to believe, and yet it is happening in front of your eyes. There’s also a guarantee that yours is not the only gaze fixated on the massed ranks of herbivores, for there are predators that follow or wait for the herds. Crossing treacherous rivers populated by patient crocodiles and relentlessly seeking new grazing on plains patrolled by lions, cheetahs and wild dogs, life can be short for those who meet their early destiny in the jaws of a carnivore. The circle of life on this scale is unforgettable.
Tips from the Team
- Prioritise the southern Serengeti in the early months of the year. This is where the herds gather and give birth to calves in January and February.
- The epic crossing of the crocodile-infested Grumeti River happens from March onwards.
- A mobile safari is the perfect way to follow the herds, but there are also luxurious lodges such as Singita Serengeti House, strategically located for the points of greatest action.
- From July onwards, the quieter northern Serengeti is the place to be, with huge numbers crossing the Mara River in August and September on the way to Kenya’s Masai Mara.
- The Great Migration knows no borders, so Cottar’s 1920 Camp in Kenya or Lamai Serengeti, just south of Kenya’s border, are perfectly placed as the herds reach their furthest point and turn southwards.
This is where sustainability and luxury met, and fell deeply in love. Nomad Tanzania brings you Lamai Serengeti, an intimate permanent camp with conservation at its heart. Offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, each of the lodge’s cosy rooms preserve the peace and rustic charm of this incredible region.
Inspired by a botanical theme, Singita’s riverside Faru Faru lodge welcomes you to barefoot elegance in a laid-back rustic setting. Here you will find every comfort you desire where nature takes centrestage. The nearby Grumeti River is famous for its large numbers of crocodiles and hippo, the lodge offers amazing contrasts through the seasons.
A sumptuous champagne breakfast follows your morning hot air balloon ride. Sayari Camp is known for its intimacy, excellent food and unparalleled personal service. However, it is most famous for being right in the path of the wildebeest migration between the months of June and November.
If privacy, luxury, and the option of inviting your friends and family are your bag, then there’s no better way of enjoying a safari than at Singita’s Serengeti House.
With five luxury suites around grand, well-equipped shared areas, Singita Milele is at the heart of Serengeti National Park. If you’re looking to see the Great Migration in privacy and exceptional comfort, this is simply the most perfect place.
Magmatic wonders continue with colossal Kilimanjaro and the cinder cones and lava fields of Mount Meru; the two mountains provide hiking options for every ability and level of determination. The continental-scale chasm of the Great Rift Valley is home to fascinating wonders such as Lake Manyara – its shores home to climbing lions – and the white barren slopes of volcanic Ol Doinyo Lengai.
Head to Tarangire National Park between July and October, and you’ll see herds of thousands of elephants as they migrate to the life-giving waters of the Tarangire River. All these wondrous locations can easily be combined into a bespoke and private safari that showcases the amazing landscape and wildlife diversity of northern Tanzania.
From The Team
"On one game drive in Tarangire, I lost count after spotting about 350 elephants, complete with young calves. The backdrop of swollen baobab trees made the scene stunning. Another highlight was the Silale Swamp, a place of ever-changing hues that teems with wildlife. Tarangire really delivers – including tree-climbing lions!"
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Oliver’s Camp was established in 1992 by Paul Oliver. His vision was to recreate the old-world charm of a traditional African safari. We can confirm that he and his wonderful team have more than achieved this. Here you look forward to an intimate and exclusive safari experience, with direct access to nature.
Developed by one of the most respected names of East African safaris, Osonjoi Lodge is a modern and luxurious crater-rim cluster of superb suites with easy access to one of Africa’s premier wildlife locations.
Entamanu Ngorongoro is a gorgeous tented lodge, perched high in the hills of Tanzania’s Crater Highlands. Set just back from the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater on a plateau, surrounded by acacia forest, look forward to the most incredible panoramic views out over the crater.
With exclusive access to a large, private and unfenced reserve, Nimali House will be the perfect place for a group to call their own for the duration of their soul-stirring African adventure.
Rivertrees Country Inn is a small country inn only accommodating up to thirty guests, this guarantees privacy, personal attention and spectacular service. Rivertrees is a truly welcoming place to stay at the start or finish of an exciting safari or an exhilarating attempt on nearby Mount Kilimanjaro.
What is evident at Chem Chem is the dedication and passion that went into creating this wild sanctuary. The camp’s founders had a vision to conserve and protect Tanzania’s natural surroundings and the creatures that call it home. They invite you to join them in making this vision a reality. Simply by staying here you are making a difference, since tourism levies go directly to the local communities.
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is a luxury safari lodge, set in the heart of northern Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park. The lodge comprises a number of romantic treehouse suites, each built on wooden stilts and with fabulous views of the mahogany forest.
The Remote South
Amazingly, given that it’s the size of Belgium, Nyerere (formerly known as Selous) is almost unheard of. That’s all the better for those who want private safaris where humans are the least likely species to encounter. That doesn’t mean you won’t spot primates, for the Mahale Mountains (on the shore of Lake Tanganyika) are home to chimpanzees, along with a dedicated team of conservationists who will help you to find them and learn about them.
Remote Ruaha is another special place. Straddling two climatic zones, it’s a biodiversity hotspot with more than 500 bird species and thriving populations of the big cat species benefiting from the seasonal migration through an area known as the ‘Little Serengeti’. The perfect way to see these special and pristine protected areas in the south of Tanzania is to fly between them in the dry season, when landing strips are viable and game viewing is at its best.
A Safari at the Selous
"We booked an eight day safari at three different lodges in Selous (Nyerere), Tanzania… Each location and lodge were unique; sundowners and dinner in the most scenic settings and safari guides who were brilliantly skilled with providing spectacular wildlife experiences we will never forget. Two nights fly camping felt like we were immersed in a scene from “Out of Africa” – totally incredible and a must!!!!"
This is a fairy-tale land, where forested mountains fall into a crystal clear lake that is as big as an ocean but without the salt!
Roho Ya Selous translates to ‘heart of the Selous’. The location truly lives up to its name and is the perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts.
Beho Beho is probably the finest safari lodge in the reserve, set in beautiful hill country overlooking riverine forests, miombo woodlands and plains. It was the first lodge sited in the reserve so has arguably the most privileged position, the most comfortable temperatures all year round, and the most superb views.
Chada Katavi wants you to experience total absorption into the natural world. Expect to see wildlife strolling past your tent and peeking in your windows.
In a remote section of Ruaha National Park, the Jongomero Camp is an idyllic safari retreat waiting to greet you. The staff here are superb and will endeavour to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible.
Understated luxury awaits in this beautiful little bush-camp. The gentle simplicity of the design blends seamlessly into the bush, allowing a more intimate connection with the wildlife living alongside
Exceptional Private Guiding
That’s why we believe in arranging things with you in mind: your own vehicle with your own guide who builds a rapport with you over the course of your trip; who knows your interests and adjusts to your timetable. With decades of experience and extensive contacts in the areas we work in, we can match you with someone whose knowledge of landscape, wildlife, culture, weather, and logistics is such that you can cast your worries aside and just revel in learning and enjoying.
Many of our clients return from their trip to tell us that the relationship with their guide and their skill in curating the best experiences were what made all the difference.
"It’s astonishing seeing so many different species living as one, some working together to stay safe, others working on their own to ensure they eat. There’s purpose in every move each animal makes and my amazingly knowledgeable guide talked me through everything I saw. Without them, it wouldn’t have made nearly as much sense."
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The Big Five & Primates
If there’s anything that can top this, it’s the fact that Tanzania is a country where you can also have encounters with our closest primate relatives: chimpanzees. Combine a classic safari with a stay in the Mahale Mountains on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, and you’ll trek through dense forests with conservationists to spend hushed hours observing the chimp community.Lake Victoria’s Rubondo Island is another option. It’s a unique sanctuary where a community of chimps has thrived since its founding group were released from captivity in the 1960s.
From The Team
“Encountering just one chimpanzee in the wild is a life-changing experience, but when you see a whole community of them interacting with each other, it’s spellbinding. Watching the relationships, group politics and temperaments of the individuals will remind you that you share 98% of your DNA with them. The experts in Mahale National Park view them as their extended family, which they are!”
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Zanzibar. Spicy Relaxation.
That’s day one, for you’ll soon find yourself tempted by everything else on offer: snorkelling, seeking out enormous whale sharks, water sports galore, and sunset dhow journeys. Need culture? At the heart of the spice trade for centuries, Zanzibar’s UNESCO-listed Stone Town makes its historic links with Persia, Arabia and India abundantly clear in its architecture and delicious food.
Accommodation locations in the archipelago include offshore utopias such as Pemba. Some of the islands – like Mnemba – are completely private and exclusive.
Alex's Top 5 Zanzibar Experiences
- Snorkelling the Mnemba Atoll– This was hands down my favourite experience. We glided out on a dhow, then slipped into an underwater world of vivid coral gardens, darting reef fish, curious octopus and total tranquillity. I could’ve stayed there forever.
- Sunset dhow cruise along Zanzibar’s coast– A beautiful way to see the island from the water. With a drink in hand and the sea sparkling around us, we watched the sky melt into vibrant shades of orange and red as the sun disappeared.
- Walking through Jozani Forest– I loved the mix of lush forest and fascinating wildlife. It’s one of the only places you can get close to Zanzibar’s endemic red colobus monkeys. We were lucky enough to watch a family leaping and lazing in the branches.
- Exploring Stone Town– Wandering its maze-like streets is like stepping back in time. The carved doors and crumbling grandeur are captivating — and visiting the former slave market was a harrowing but important part of understanding Zanzibar’s history.
- Unwinding in barefoot luxury– One of the best parts was simply enjoying time at our beachfront lodge — cocktails by the pool, the sweetest fruit, and snorkelling in the shallows with colourful starfish just metres from the shore.
Mnemba Island, a tiny island in the Zanzibar archipelago, is a place so breathtakingly beautiful you can’t quite believe it’s real. Its lush tropical forest fringed by white powder-soft sands is surrounded by the glistening turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean - simply idyllic. We love this exclusive beach paradise, perfect for families and couples alike.
Kilindi Zanzibar is Tanzania’s very own beach paradise. Set in 50 acres of lush tropical gardens, this is a luxury boutique hotel which connects you to nature. This gorgeous hotel was originally designed for ABBA’s Benny Andersson. It achieves a perfect blend of Scandinavian minimalism and Middle Eastern architecture.
Baraza Resort and Spa is a stunning beachside property on the island of Zanzibar. The eclectic mix of Arabic, Indian, and Swahili influences gives this resort a truly luxurious feel.
Now, this is what dreams are made of, a private island experience! Get ready to enter an unadulterated paradise.
Community Discovery
Starting with your guide, you will discover that the sustainable development of their communities is entwined with the continued conservation of these environments for future generations. Ask questions, find out about their culture, discover your similarities, and grab any opportunity you can get to see the partnerships that have been fostered.
Here at Journeysmiths we prioritise working with lodges and camps that have a proven track record of genuine community development, with just one example being Chem Chem, situated in a vital corridor between Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks. If you go to one of the schools supported by the Chem Chem Association, be prepared to join in with a game of football!
From The Team
“I remember climbing the crater slope of Ngorongoro and thinking about how the deep red colour of the dusty soil contrasted so strongly with the crisp, immaculate uniforms of the schoolchildren we were passing. It was a reminder that this is the generation that matters.”
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Truly Wild Walking Safaris
With years of experience, your guide will be on a different level again, showing you details every few paces, taking into account wind direction and the lie of the land to reveal camouflaged creatures from safe vantage points. While walking safaris may be on the menu of many Tanzanian camps, the reserves of the south are where you’ll experience them in their purest form.
Ruaha, for example, is the ideal place for multi-day walks with fly-camps in an enormous wilderness which – as your guide will show you – is anything but empty. You can expect to walk between three and six hours per day, but with so much to discover and learn, the experience is nothing like a route-march.
Tips from the Team
- Walking safaris on the private reserves bordering Tarangire are amazing. In a landscape studded with majestic baobab trees, you’ll see huge herds of elephants as they migrate to the Tarangire River.
- Get as much as possible out of the experience by asking your guide as many questions as you like. You’ll only skim the surface of their knowledge.
- Short walking safaris are always worthwhile, but if you want a bit more of a challenge, opt for a one-night ‘fly camp’ and then return to base the next day.
- Walking mobile safaris are another option, where the camp moves while you walk. This way, you feel as if you are on a proper expedition deep into pristine territory.
- Operating in three of Tanzania's national parks, the Expeditionary Walking Camp specialises in multi-day walking safaris.
We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.We are a boutique travel specialist. For over 30 years we have been creating luxury tailor-made safaris to the timeless savannahs of Africa. Your time is precious and with a world to see, we understand the importance of getting it absolutely right for you, every time.
Supporting local communities, conserving wildlife and preserving wild spaces are commitments that have been ingrained in the Journeysmiths business model for over thirty years.Supporting local communities, conserving wildlife and preserving wild spaces are commitments that have been ingrained in the Journeysmiths business model for over thirty years.
Acacia-dotted savannahs, winding waterways and spectacular sunsets – this is quintessential Serengeti. Spot prides of lions laying in the shade as elephants lumber past, or feel the energy of thousands of migrating wildebeest as they lope across the plains.
Arusha is more than just a thriving city for passing through – it’s an excellent stopover for cultural experiences and hiking trails in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru.
Formed 2.5 million years ago after an ancient volcano erupted and then collapsed, the Ngorongoo crater is one of Tanzania’s most unique safari destinations. Thousands of birds and animals live here among the grasslands and Lake Magadi.
Over 2,500 elephants meander through Tarangire, but this park is also great for spotting leopard and admiring gigantic baobab trees that are hundreds of years old.
Famously described by Hemingway as the loveliest lake in Africa, Lake Manyara is home to flamingos, hippos and, curiously, tree-climbing lions. Flanked by the Rift Valley escarpment, this is one of the most scenic spots in northern Tanzania.
Katavi National Park sits in western Tanzania with a high density of wildlife and a rather low density of visitors. It’s an exclusive safari destination that is easily paired with the Mahle Mountains.
Dense rainforest cascades down the slopes of the Mahle Mountains to the shores of record-holding Lake Tanganyika. At 1,436 metres deep, this lake is a haven for wildlife and watersports alike.
Ruaha National Park has Tanzania’s largest population of elephants with over 12,000 migrating through each year. Somehow, the park remains one of the country’s least-visited.
There’s no better place to relax after a safari than on the island of Zanzibar. Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and known for its vibrant spices, Zanzibar is bliss for body and mind.
Create memories of a lifetime together on an epic family safari in Tanzania. Witness the endless, game-filled plains of the Serengeti, explore the natural wonder of the Ngorongoro Crater and experience the magnificent wildlife in Tarangire.
Nyerere National Park (previously Selous) may be the largest wildlife reserve in Africa – and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site – but it’s surprisingly little visited. This is a marvellous destination for a private safari.
The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are truly spectacular settings filled with great herds and big cats. We take you far from the crowds and minibuses with your own private guide, staying in exclusive accommodation. Families with older teenagers will love the wildly remote Selous, Ruaha and Mahale, where you can walk, canoe and even track chimpanzees. Round it off on exotic Zanzibar.
We’ve collated a list of our ten favourite Tanzanian experiences to show you what’s possible in this incredible country.
At Journeysmiths we take you out into the wilds to enjoy all kinds of activities with expert, personable guides. Read our top ten Tanzania family safari experiences.
The best time to visit Tanzania will depend on the activities you are interested in and the wildlife you'd like to spot. Read our month-by-month seasonal guide, and responses to your most popular Tanzania safari questions
Spanning a huge array of diverse environments, Tanzania offers an unmatched range of African safari experiences. It’s renowned for the Great Migration of the Serengeti, but that’s just the start of the unforgettable possibilities. Whether you are planning a family safari, seeking seclusion and exclusivity as a couple, or options suited to an individual, Tanzania has locations and seasons perfect for everyone. Luxury safaris in Tanzania, with guaranteed amazing spectacles for all, are more than just feasible: they are a reality.