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Giraffe With Acacia
Giraffe With Acacia

Luxury Tanzania Safari

Unforgettable wildlife and epic landscapes from sea to summit. Unforgettable wildlife and epic landscapes from sea to summit.
Why Visit Tanzania?
Where else can you find the incomparable Serengeti and the otherworldly Ngorongoro Crater, or climb to the superlative heights of Mount Kilimanjaro then relax along the jewel-toned waters of the Indian Ocean?

In our view, Tanzania has the best safari and adventure resources of any country in Africa. Serengeti National Park is readily accessible via bush planes and offers a wide range of exclusive accommodations. Wildlife is abundant – leopards hang out in sausage trees, wildebeest graze alongside zebra, topi and giraffe; lions laze in tall grass sometimes so close you could almost touch them. The towering walls of Ngorongoro Crater create a surreal backdrop for alkaline Lake Magadi, filled with hippo and flamingo and surrounded by warthogs and elephants.

Southern Tanzania is its own world of mountains, lakes and forests. Boat along the Great Rufiji River, witness mighty herds of buffalo roaming the Katavi plains, or track chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains. After a thrilling safari, head over to Zanzibar and unwind next to the Indian Ocean. Enjoy beachfront resorts and fresh seafood flavoured with Zanzibar’s signature warm spices, or keep up the wildlife watching with a boating excursion to spot dolphins and snorkel.
  • Exceptional safari experiences from the Serengeti to the Katavi.
  • Big Five wildlife and hundreds of species of other mammals and birds.
  • Witness the migration of two million wildebeest.
  • Remote reserves including Selous and Ruaha.
  • Fantastic game viewing nearly all year round.
  • Wide choice of accommodation.
  • Easy to add a beach stay on sunny Zanzibar or Pemba.
Great Rift Valley Tanzania
Connect with nature like never before
Your Tanzania Safari Awaits
Best Areas to Visit in Tanzania
Cheetah In Serengeti Portrait Istock 886340966 By Pchoui
Cheetah In Serengeti Portrait Istock 886340966 By Pchoui
Serengeti

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.

Read moreSerengeti
Wildlife Colobus Monkeys Ss
Wildlife Colobus Monkeys Ss
Arusha

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.

Read moreArusha
Ngorongoro Crater Ss
Ngorongoro Crater Ss
Ngorongoro Crater

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.

Read moreNgorongoro Crater
Elephant In The Tarangire
Elephant In The Tarangire
Tarangire

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.

Read moreTarangire
Lake Manyara Istock 1040302998 Credit Pilesasmiles
Lake Manyara Istock 1040302998 Credit Pilesasmiles
Lake Manyara

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.

Read moreLake Manyara
Zebra In Katavi By Tobias Brixen Flickr
Zebra In Katavi By Tobias Brixen Flickr
Katavi

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.

Read moreKatavi
Chimpanzee In Gombe Tanzania Istock 468161713 By Seppfriedhuber
Chimpanzee In Gombe Tanzania Istock 468161713 By Seppfriedhuber
Mahale 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.

Read moreMahale Mountains
The Selous Istock 1026656292 Credit Brytta
The Selous Istock 1026656292 Credit Brytta
Nyerere National Park

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.

Read moreNyerere National Park
Ruaha Scenery Istock 92204260 Credit Dsukhov
Ruaha Scenery Istock 92204260 Credit Dsukhov
Ruaha

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.

Read moreRuaha
Coral Beach Zanzibar Istock Mariusltu
Coral Beach Zanzibar Istock Mariusltu
Zanzibar

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.

Read moreZanzibar
Top 10 Experiences in Tanzania

There is drama in Tanzania’s geography: the rolling plains of the Serengeti, snow capped peak of Kilimanjaro and the lush forests of the Ngorongoro Crater have all been recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. We’ve collated a list of our ten favourite Tanzanian experiences to show you what’s possible in this incredible country.There is drama in Tanzania’s geography: the rolling plains of the Serengeti, snow capped peak of Kilimanjaro and the lush forests of the Ngorongoro Crater have all been recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites.

We’ve collated a list of our ten favourite Tanzanian experiences to show you what’s possible in this incredible country.

Tanzania for Families

Choosing the right country is the starting point in creating the perfect luxury safari for your family. On safari in Tanzania, you can expect exciting game viewing, a range of activities, privacy and the chance to engage with local cultures.Choosing the right country is the starting point in creating the perfect luxury safari for your family. On safari in Tanzania, you can expect exciting game viewing, a range of activities, privacy and the chance to engage with local cultures.

Family Activity Children Serengeti Safari Camp Tanzania
Family Activity Children Serengeti Safari Camp Tanzania
Article
All About Family Safaris in Tanzania

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.

Read moreAll About Family Safaris in Tanzania
Tanzania Family Safari
Tanzania Family Safari
Article
Top 10 Family Activities in Tanzania

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.

Read moreTop 10 Family Activities in Tanzania

Best Time to Go to Tanzania

July to September, the dry season, considered some of the best months for a Tanzania safari experiencing the Great Migration in privacy, spotting the Big 5 and countless other species, trekking with chimps in Mahale, climbing Kilimanjaro or enjoying beach holidays in Zanzibar. However, there is plenty to experience outside of these months and the best time to visit will depend on the activities you are interested in and the wildlife you'd like to spot. Tanzania's seasons and wildlife numbers are governed by the rains, so your experience will vary dependant on when you choose to travel.July to September, the dry season, considered some of the best months for a Tanzania safari experiencing the Great Migration in privacy, spotting the Big 5 and countless other species, trekking with chimps in Mahale, climbing Kilimanjaro or enjoying beach holidays in Zanzibar.

However, there is plenty to experience outside of these months and the best time to visit will depend on the activities you are interested in and the wildlife you'd like to spot. Tanzania's seasons and wildlife numbers are governed by the rains, so your experience will vary dependant on when you choose to travel.

January
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April and May
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September and October
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Game Drive Zebra Wildebeest One Nature Nyaruswiga
Game Drive Zebra Wildebeest One Nature Nyaruswiga
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January
You really can’t beat January for your trip to Tanzania. First of all, it’s time for the Great Migration: two million wildebeest, zebra, and antelope are moving en masse across the Serengeti accompanied by large prides of by now well-fed lion, licking their lips. There are also large numbers of animals to see at Nyerere National Park (previously called Selous), in particular giraffe, zebra, and buffalo.
Chimpanze Mahale
Chimpanze Mahale
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February
Birth is a remarkable thing, whatever the species, and visiting Tanzania in February you’ll be first on the scene as wildebeest calves take their first faltering steps in this world. In a matter of weeks some 600,000 calves will be delivered. See the wildebeest birthing in the Ngorongoro Crater before moving on to track chimpanzee through the Mahale Mountains. This incredible combination of experiences is easy to enjoy in February.
Kiba Point Boating
Kiba Point Boating
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March
In March the great migration continues as the wildebeest, zebra and antelope start to move northeast across the plains. You could sit and wait for them in one place, but it’s far more exciting to journey with the animals on a mobile camping safari, getting a new viewpoint each day. We also recommend game drives and canoeing in the Nyerere National Park (previously Selous), combined with the beaches and history of Zanzibar post safari.
Tree Climbing Lion Lake Manyara
Tree Climbing Lion Lake Manyara
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April and May
Thunderstorms add drama to April and May days, but rains are far from constant and when it does come it makes the temperature pleasantly cool. At the same time, the wildebeest are forced through the rising Grumeti River, dicing with death as the crocodile snap from below. Tree-climbing lion and large herds of elephant move across to the shores of Lake Manyara.
Wildlife In The Crater Seppfriedhuber
Wildlife In The Crater Seppfriedhuber
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June
In June the migrating herds continue through the beautiful forested western corridor towards the Mara River. Travelling with them is a remarkably tranquil experience. A chance to be quiet, take stock, and appreciate the wonders of the natural world. Incorporate this into your safari along with a visit to the Ngorongoro Crater, which is a wildlife hotspot year-round with 20,000 animals living on the cater floor.
Roho Ya Selous Fly Camping Sunrise From The Fly Camp Cube Tent
Roho Ya Selous Fly Camping Sunrise From The Fly Camp Cube Tent
January
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July
July onwards is high season in Tanzania as the temperature’s comfortable with excellent wildlife viewing. The migration’s moved to the remote northern Serengeti, but we can arrange for you to stay there — far beyond other tourists — on a game-rich private reserve. You can also take advantage of the cooler climes to enjoy an adventurous walking safari with Andrew Molinaro at Ruaha or sleep out beneath the stars in the Nyerere National Park (previously called Selous).
Children Camp Breakfast Mkombes House
Children Camp Breakfast Mkombes House
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August
Bring the kids and spend your summer holiday at Mkombe’s House, a stunning private home perched on the edge of a kopje in the northern Serengeti. You’ll be far from human crowds but the migrating herds — which is after all what you’ve come to see — will be all around you. You might also want to spend a few days based at Oliver’s Camp in the Tarangire watching the elephant migration.
Kilimanjaro Climbers Istock Thinair
Kilimanjaro Climbers Istock Thinair
January
February
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April and May
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September and October
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September and October
Tanzania’s dry season begins to show in September and October, vegetation is dying down, water levels low, and the wildlife moving to the deeper watering holes. Game viewing conditions are excellent at this time and as it’s dry you’ll have easy access to the remote southern reserves by plane. Katavi, Mahale, and Ruaha are all reachable by light aircraft. It’s also the perfect time to climb Kilimanjaro.
Cheetah Yawn By Hu Chen 526064 Unsplash
Cheetah Yawn By Hu Chen 526064 Unsplash
January
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November
Photographers love November in Tanzania as thunder and lightning storms rip across the Serengeti. Lightning bolts flash and illuminate the landscape by night. In daylight hours there’s still plenty of sunlight and the migrating herds turn south in search of fresh pastures on which to graze. The new grass is irresistible for antelope, who in turn attract families of cheetah, stalking and catching their prey with aplomb.
Breakfast Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Breakfast Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
January
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December
Wake up on Christmas morning to guaranteed big herd game viewing from Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. The crater stretches 10 miles wide and 20,000 animals have made it their home. It’s a place to indulge yourself and be pampered: make good use of your private butler, extensive wine cellar, and the offer of in-room massages. Finish with a week watching the waves of the Indian Ocean crash onto a pristine beach.
Your Tanzania Safari Awaits
Ready to start planning?

Why Travel with Journeysmiths

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.

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Read moreBest Time to Go to Tanzania
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