East Africa · Tanzania safaris
The great migration and the classic East African safari.
The Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire, with Zanzibar's beaches easily added on at the end.
Photo by NuVia Safaris
Best for
- ●First-time safari-goers
- ●Migration seekers
- ●Families
- ●Safari + beach trips
Our honest take
Being in the right place matters more than anything. Book a gorgeous camp in the wrong part of the Serengeti for your month and you'll miss the migration entirely.
When to go
Jul – Oct
Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti.
Jan – Mar
Calving season in the southern Serengeti, with predator action.
Apr – May
Long rains. Some camps close; quiet, green and good value.
How it works
A mix of scenic drives and short bush flights. Mobile camps follow the herds, so where you stay depends on the month.
Key regions
Serengeti
Plains, predators and the migration.
Photo by Getty Images
Ngorongoro Crater
Remarkable density in a single day.
Photo by Getty Images
Tarangire
Baobabs and dry-season elephants.
Photo by NuVia Safaris
Signature experiences
What makes Tanzania special
Following the Great Migration
Mobile and seasonal camps move with the herds, from calving in the south to river crossings in the north.
Ngorongoro Crater floor
A collapsed volcano with a dense concentration of wildlife, best visited early to beat the traffic.
Tarangire's elephants and baobabs
Large dry-season elephant herds among ancient baobab trees, with fewer vehicles than the Serengeti.
Walking safaris
Selected areas allow guided walks — a quieter counterpoint to days in the vehicle.
Kilimanjaro views
Clear mornings bring the mountain into view from the northern plains.
Zanzibar afterwards
Spice-island history in Stone Town and white-sand beaches on the east coast.
How long to stay
Eight to twelve nights for the northern circuit, matching your Serengeti area to the month. Add four nights for Zanzibar.
Pairs well with
Tanzania pairs with Rwanda or Uganda for gorillas, or Zanzibar for beach time.
Illustrative itinerary · 10 nights
Northern circuit classic
1 night
Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International and rest.
2 nights
Tarangire
Elephants and baobabs; quieter than the Serengeti.
2 nights
Ngorongoro highlands
Crater descent for a full day of viewing.
4 nights
Serengeti (area chosen by month)
Positioned with the migration herds.
1 night
Arusha or Zanzibar
Depart, or continue to the beach.
Transfers: Road between Tarangire and Ngorongoro (game viewing en route), then a light aircraft into the Serengeti and back to Arusha to avoid the long return drive.
An example of pacing, not a fixed package — every trip is tailored.
Budget guidance
What a Tanzania safari costs
Typically $750 – $3,500 per person per night on safari
Usually included
- — Accommodation, meals and most drinks at safari camps
- — Shared game drives and camp activities
- — Park or conservancy fees (confirm per quote)
- — Driver-guide and vehicle on road sections
Usually extra
- — International flights
- — Visas and travel insurance
- — Gratuities
- — Premium drinks and optional extras
- — Crater descent fees if not included
Assumptions: Two adults sharing, private vehicle on the road sections, one or two light-aircraft flights. Guideline only; it varies by season and camp.
Why similar trips cost differently
Park fees in Tanzania are significant and charged per person per day, so camp location (inside vs outside a park) and the number of park days change the total. Mobile camps following the herds can cost more than fixed lodges.
Reserve & camp trade-offs
Drive vs fly
Driving is cheaper and scenic; flying saves days and fatigue.
Migration camp vs fixed lodge
Seasonal camps position you with the herds; fixed lodges are more permanent but may mean longer drives.
Crater rim vs further away
Staying on the rim gives the earliest descent; staying further away is quieter and often better value.
Works especially well for
Migration enthusiasts
Calving in the southern Serengeti (roughly January–March) and river crossings later in the year.
Safari and beach couples
Easy add-on to Zanzibar.
Travellers with time
Vast landscapes reward 8+ nights.
Tanzania FAQs
Where are the herds each month?+
Broadly south Serengeti early in the year, central and western mid-year, and north around August–October. We confirm the best area for your dates.
Is the Ngorongoro Crater busy?+
It can be. Early descents and a good guide make a big difference.
Can I add Kilimanjaro?+
Yes, as a separate trek before or after the safari.
First safari? Perfect.
You don't need to know Botswana from Tanzania yet. Tell us how you like to travel — we'll make the five pieces fit.
Read the first-safari guide: what to pack, when to go, how to book →