Top Safari Destinations in Tanzania
Witness nature’s greatest spectacle with a Jairos Adventure
Discover 10 Top Safari Destinations in Tanzania
Safari Destinations in Tanzania the home to some of the world’s most famous national parks, vast wildlife reserves, and breathtaking natural wonders. From the endless plains of the Serengeti to the dramatic landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania offers a safari experience unlike anywhere else. Whether you are looking for the Great Migration, encounters with the Big Five, or relaxing on the Indian Ocean coast after your safari, Tanzania has something for every traveler. Below are the top safari destinations to explore.
Why Tanzania is a Top Safari Destination
Tanzania has earned its reputation as one of the world’s leading safari destinations because it offers an unparalleled mix of wildlife, landscapes, and cultural experiences. Few places on Earth can match the variety found here. The country is home to the legendary Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras move across the Serengeti in a dramatic display of survival and natural wonder. Beyond this spectacle, Tanzania boasts some of Africa’s largest populations of elephants, lions, giraffes, and even rare species such as the black rhino and African wild dog.
The landscapes are just as diverse as the wildlife. From the vast golden plains of the Serengeti to the lush forests of Lake Manyara, the volcanic caldera of Ngorongoro, and the remote wilderness of Ruaha and Selous, every park offers something unique. This variety means that travelers can experience different ecosystems and animal encounters within one country.
Tanzania is also a land of cultural richness. The Maasai and other indigenous communities add depth to a safari, giving visitors the chance to learn about traditions and ways of life that have existed for centuries. Add to this the possibility of combining a safari with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar, and Tanzania becomes the perfect all-in-one destination.
In short, Tanzania stands out because it combines world-class wildlife, breathtaking scenery, rich culture, and diverse travel experiences. Whether you are a first-time safari traveler or a seasoned adventurer, Tanzania guarantees memories that will last a lifetime.
Game drive in Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is perhaps the most iconic safari destination in Africa, known worldwide for its incredible wildlife and the annual Great Migration. Every year, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles travel across the plains in search of fresh grazing, creating one of nature’s most spectacular events.
Beyond the migration, the Serengeti is also home to an abundance of predators, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas. The park’s vast landscapes range from golden savannahs to rocky outcrops called kopjes, making it a paradise for photographers and wildlife lovers alike.
Activities:
Game drives to witness the Great Migration and the Big Five
Hot air balloon safari over the plains at sunrise
Photographic safaris and birdwatching tours
Cultural visits to nearby Maasai villages
Serengeti — Best Hotels & Lodges
This is a very high-end luxury lodge located in Central Serengeti. The suites are elegant, and the service is top-tier. Guests enjoy features like excellent restaurants, a spa, superb game‐viewing location, and amenities such as infinity pools.Singita Sasakwa Lodge
Ultra-exclusive, elegant villas and private cottages, many with pools. Great for guests who want privacy, big views, outstanding design, and premium safari experiences.Serengeti Bushtops
Combines luxury with the more traditional tented safari feel. High-quality tents, excellent food, and immersive wildlife experiences. Good choice if you want comfort in wild settings.&Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas
This mobile luxury camp follows parts of the Great Migration, so the location is excellent for migration sightings. Offers a more “on-the-move” luxury tent experience.Nomad Lamai Serengeti
Tucked among kopjes (rock formations) in the northern Serengeti, this lodge has fantastic views and is well placed for wildlife hot spots. The design integrates with the landscape.Kirawira Serena Camp
More classic lodge-style tented camp in the Western Serengeti. Elegant, colonial feel, good wildlife sightings, and more moderate luxury.One Nature Mara River Serengeti Tented Camp
Located near the Mara River in the Lamai Wedge area. Wooden, eco-inspired design; luxury tents; great location for migration and river crossings. Ideal for people wanting a high-end tented safari with style.
💡 Serengeti National Park – Pro Tip
If you want to see the Great Migration, plan your trip according to the animals’ movement. From December to March, herds gather in the southern plains for calving season. From June to July, they cross the Grumeti River in the west, and between August and October, dramatic Mara River crossings happen in the north. Booking a mobile camp that follows the migration gives you the best chance of being in the right place at the right time.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to see wildlife up close. Formed by a collapsed volcano, the crater floor is home to a dense concentration of animals, including elephants, buffalo, lions, and even the rare black rhino.
Its enclosed ecosystem provides excellent game viewing year-round, and the stunning scenery—from lush forests to open grasslands—adds to the experience. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area also gives visitors a chance to interact with the Maasai people, who live in harmony with the wildlife.
Activities:
Full-day game drives on the crater floor for close-up wildlife encounters
Visit Olduvai Gorge, a world-famous archaeological site
Cultural tours with Maasai communities
Guided walks along the crater rim
Ngorongoro — Best Hotels & Lodges
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
One of the most famous luxury lodges in this area. Dramatically placed on the Crater rim, with spectacular views. Suites are luxurious, with private decks and high comfort. Excellent dining and service.Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
High on the crater rim, offering very nice rooms with private balconies, great views, and strong service. Blends elegance and comfort. Good for couples or families wanting luxury without extreme exclusivity.The Highlands (Ngorongoro)
Luxury domed suites on the slopes of Olmoti Volcano. Very stylish, with fireplaces, well-designed interiors, and private decks. Great for guests wanting serenity, a beautiful natural setting, and a bit different from the traditional lodges.Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge
Near the entrance area or slightly outside the crater rim in a coffee plantation setting. Offers cottages, private terraces, spa & nice dining. Good mix of nature, comfort, and relative convenience.Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp
For those preferring tented camps over full lodges. Very comfortable tents, en-suite bathrooms, private veranda, and good service. Positioned well for early game drives.Gibbs Farm (Karatu, near Ngorongoro)
More “farm stay” style but very high quality. Beautiful cottages, great meals, farm-to-table dining, peaceful gardens. Good if you want to combine a safari with relaxing time in nature, not right on the crater, but accessible.
💡 Ngorongoro Crater – Pro Tip
The Ngorongoro Crater can get busy, especially during the high season. To avoid crowds and maximize your wildlife viewing, start your game drive early in the morning. Staying at a lodge on the crater rim allows you to descend into the crater before most other vehicles arrive. Also, remember that temperatures on the rim can be chilly, so pack warm clothing even though the crater floor can feel much warmer.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire is famous for its massive baobab trees and large herds of elephants, which gather in the park during the dry season. It is a quieter alternative to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro but equally rewarding for wildlife enthusiasts.
The Tarangire River is a lifeline for animals, attracting wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and predators such as lions and leopards. Birdwatchers will also be delighted, as the park hosts more than 500 bird species. Tarangire’s unique landscapes and fewer crowds make it a favorite for those seeking a more relaxed safari experience
Activities:
Elephant-watching safaris, especially in the dry season
Walking safaris with experienced guides
Birdwatching tours with over 500 species
Night game drives (offered by some lodges)
Best Lodges & Hotels:
Tarangire Treetops by Elewana – Luxury treehouse-style lodge.
Tarangire Safari Lodge – Mid-range, famous for its views over the Tarangire River.
Sangaiwe Tented Lodge – Affordable and eco-friendly with excellent service.
💡 Tarangire National Park – Pro Tip
Tarangire is best visited during the dry season (June to October) when large herds of elephants gather around the Tarangire River. For a unique experience, choose a camp or lodge that offers night game drives—these allow you to see nocturnal animals such as bush babies, genets, and even hunting predators. Don’t forget binoculars, as Tarangire is one of the best places in Tanzania for birdwatching, with over 500 recorded species.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is a smaller but diverse park, best known for its tree-climbing lions and large flocks of flamingos. The park’s varied habitats include forests, wetlands, and the alkaline lake itself, which attracts thousands of waterbirds. Elephants are frequently seen here, along with hippos, giraffes, and baboons.
The lush greenery and dramatic backdrop of the Great Rift Valley escarpment make Lake Manyara a beautiful stop on any northern Tanzania safari circuit.
Activities:
Game drives to see tree-climbing lions and elephants
Canoeing on Lake Manyara (when water levels permit)
Birdwatching for flamingos and pelicans
Forest canopy walk on the treetop walkway
Best Lodges & Hotels:
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge – Overlooks the Rift Valley escarpment.
Escarpment Luxury Lodge – Stylish, tranquil setting with panoramic views.
Manyara Wildlife Safari Camp – Mid-range, ideal for families and groups.
Ruaha National Park
For those looking for a more remote and off-the-beaten-path adventure, Ruaha National Park is the perfect destination. As Tanzania’s largest national park, Ruaha offers vast wilderness with fewer visitors, creating a truly wild safari experience. The park is home to large prides of lions, as well as elephants, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs. Its varied terrain of savannah, rocky hills, and rivers supports a wide range of wildlife. Ruaha is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 570 recorded species.
Activities:
Game drives in a remote, uncrowded wilderness
Walking safaris for a closer look at flora and smaller animals
Predator tracking, especially lions and wild dogs
Birdwatching with over 570 species
Best Lodges & Hotels:
Jongomero Camp – Luxury tented camp deep in the park.
Ruaha River Lodge – Beautiful riverside location with great game-viewing.
Mdonya Old River Camp – Budget-friendly, simple, and authentic safari feel.
Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
The Selous Game Reserve, now part of Nyerere National Park, is one of Africa’s largest protected areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike other parks, Selous offers a unique safari experience that includes boat safaris along the Rufiji River, where hippos, crocodiles, and birdlife thrive.
Visitors can also enjoy walking safaris and traditional game drives. The reserve is home to elephants, lions, giraffes, and the endangered African wild dog. Its vast, untouched landscapes make Selous a dream destination for adventurers who want to escape the crowds.
Activities:
Boat safaris along the Rufiji River with hippos and crocodiles
Walking safaris led by professional rangers
Game drives in open vehicles
Fishing excursions in designated areas
Best Lodges & Hotels:
Sand Rivers Selous – Luxury riverside lodge with boat excursions.
Selous Serena Camp – Mid-range, elegant tents with modern comforts.
Rufiji River Camp – Affordable, riverside views and classic safari charm.
Katavi National Park
Katavi is one of Tanzania’s least-visited parks, making it a hidden gem for safari lovers who want solitude and raw wilderness. During the dry season, massive herds of buffalo and hippos gather around the remaining water sources, creating dramatic wildlife encounters. Predators such as lions, leopards, and hyenas are also active, offering thrilling game viewing. Katavi’s remoteness means fewer tourists and a truly authentic safari atmosphere.
Activities:
Game drives to see huge herds of buffalo and elephants
Hippo and crocodile watching along seasonal rivers
Walking safaris in a remote wilderness
Birdwatching for rare and migratory species
Best Lodges & Hotels:
Chada Katavi Camp – Luxury tented camp offering exclusivity.
Mbali Mbali Katavi Lodge – Comfortable and mid-range, great for longer stays.
Katavi Wildlife Camp – Affordable with excellent access to prime game areas.
Explore our safari Package
2-Day Lodge Safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro
3-Day Luxury Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Manyara Tour
4-Day Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Lodge Safari
