Advice on how to live the best Tanzania safari experience
by | May 6, 2022
African countries offer a unique beauty that no other continent on Earth can counter. Blessed with gorgeous landscapes that run rugged along the continent and with wildlife that really can’t be placed anywhere else, African countries are in a league of their own.
And when it comes to Tanzania, a gorgeous country in East Africa, you best believe you’re getting blessed with mind-blowing views and, of course, a land rich in culture and wildlife. So, it only makes sense that a country as rich with diverse wildlife would be one where tourists come from all over the world to take safaris, and if you’re one of them, you’re in for a treat. To travel to Tanzania is to experience wildlife firsthand.
Remember to check out the best time in Tanzania for going on safari, the weather can change from area to area depending on the time of year. You'll also need to stay on top of the Tanzania entry requirements, they're mandatory.
There are a few places to enjoy a safari in Tanzania, but if you’re hoping for an experience that truly makes it to your heart, here are the top places to enjoy a Tanzania safari.
Safari Tanzania in Tarangire National Park
The sixth-largest natural park in Tanzania, the Tarangire National Park brings you closer to nature with its serene landscapes and gorgeous views. While Tanzania is known for its national parks and brings hundreds of tourists to its gates, this park is relatively lucky when it comes to tourist crowds; because of its unique rustic and off-the-path location, the Tarangire National Park gathers only a small crowd.
This makes it the perfect place for introverts, people who love to keep within their social circles, and even people with claustrophobia and/or agoraphobia.
The Tarangire National Park is home to the big five and you’ll also spot other amazing animals, including impalas, zebras, wildebeests, and gorgeous native birds. Within the Tarangire National Park is a gorgeous lake, which often gathers the attention of mammals. If you’re out in the Tarangire for a safari, make sure you camp out for at least two days to enjoy the park.
Serengeti National Park: the best safari in Tanzania?
Who isn’t familiar with the name of the Serengeti National Park? Easily one of the most popular national parks not only in Tanzania but the world, the Serengeti National Park does not hold back when it comes to safaris.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the Big Five, but you’ll also find the highest concentration of other large mammals here. Interestingly, the Serengeti National Park is also one of the few places where the Nile Crocodile, monkeys, honey badgers, and many more species can be discovered. If you time it right, you’ll even be able to witness the Great Migration of the zebras.
Of course, the Serengeti National Park is an ideal place for safaris, which is why going for an all-day and even a night stay safari is the ideal choice.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is marked by diverse landscapes, gorgeous views and rich wildlife that even beats the Serengeti. Whether it’s zebras, the big five, impalas, wildebeest or monkeys, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area has a massively populated landscape. You’ll even find the endangered black rhinoceros here, a miraculous feat on its own.
And, since the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is situated in the world’s largest unfilled volcanic crater, the safari takes a dramatic tone you won’t find anywhere else. Of course, you could always go for an all-day safari, but as massive as this place is, you’ll only do it justice if you go with at least a week’s stay.
Lake Manyara National Park
The Tanzania safari industry isn't only popular for the Big Five; many national parks of the country are populated with other animals and beasts, making it a prime spot for safaris.
One of these prime Tanzania safari spots is Lake Manyara National Park, home to a diverse collection of animals, including baboons, elephants, giraffes, antelopes and hippopotamuses. While you won’t find the complete Big Five, you’ll be glad to know Lake Manyara National Park is home to a vibrant population of flamingos.
Amazingly enough, this safari also takes you to quieter plains where one of the largest concentrations of native birds lies; at least four hundred species mark the area and make it one of the few places that deserve to be called a Bird Lover’s Paradise.
Lake Natron
Quite underrated, the Lake Natron is a name few are aware of. But once you head out to this saltine soda lake, you’ll be surprised to see that not only is it one of the most beautiful places in Tanzania, but why it deserves attention. The lake sits directly below the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano in the Rift Valley and makes for a very interesting and thrilling Tanzania safari.
The safari will take you across the salt lake, which is notorious for its red water. You should be warned, though, that the salt lake has such a high concentration of minerals that it’s practically impossible and even mortal for humans to swim in. But you’ll be even more shocked to see the rich population of Lesser Flamingos here, which sit lakeside, breeding. Despite its highly alkaline nature, the lake is home to algaes and invertebrates.
Safari Tanzania in Lake Tanganyika, a different experience
Yet another name that deserves recognition, Lake Tanganyika, is Africa's largest lake. But that’s not all; Tanganyika comes with a rich history that makes it the second oldest freshwater lake in the world and the second-largest by volume and depth. Surprisingly enough, Lake Tanganyika isn’t crowded with tourists, and part of this credit goes to its unique and versatile position.
Lake Tanganyika runs between Tanzania, Zambia, Burundi, and the DRC, with 46% of it passing through Tanzania, 40% through the DRC, and the rest between the other countries. With its old age comes the greatest diversity of wildlife species.
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park is one of the few Tanzania safari spots that remain untouched by humans; owing largely to its location in Southern Tanzania, Ruaha National Park bestows you with lush green fields, gorgeous plains and a sky that never seems to end. Pleasantly enough, Ruaha National Park is populated by lions, wild dogs, elephants and other large animals that run the land.
You’ll also find a blend of northern and southern African wildlife and flora and fauna, making it a unique experience altogether.
