Tanzania Safari

Some Things You Need to Know

Tanzania is one of Africa’s most popular tourist destinations and it is not a surprise as to why. Here are the basic things you need to know about Tanzania as a safari destination.

Where is Tanzania?

Tanzania is in the eastern part of Africa. It shares its land borders with 8 countries: Kenya, and Uganda to the north; Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique to the south; and Rwanda, Burundi and the Republic of Congo to the west. To the east is the Indian Ocean coastline where it also shares maritime borders with Seychelles and Comoros. Tanzania covers a wide African expanse with an area of 947,303 km², a tad larger than two Californias. Because of its size, its mainland holds 29 airports sans the airstrips and military airbases.

The wildlife in Tanzania is excellent and is notable for its variety and overwhelming numbers. It contains 20% of the species of Africa’s large mammal population, and is a widely known home to the Big 5, though sighting of Rhinos will need some luck. Tanzania also holds the most-awaited, grand annual event: The Great Migration. Millions of wildebeests, Thomson’s gazelles, zebras, impalas, and antelopes move from one place Serengeti to another in the Serengeti and then crosses to Maasai Mara in Kenya through the rivers for a few months. Between July to October, these migrants cross the river to find better grazing and by end of October until November, most of them can be found in Maasai Mara. See the great migration map.

Tanzania has been deemed by many as the prime game-viewing country with over 40 national parks and reserves that offers breathtaking views and abundant, quality wildlife.

HOW DO I GET THERE

The most common gateways are JRO and DAR. For northern circuit parks like Serengeti National Park, the most convenient airport to land in is JRO. For the more remote, southern circuit parks like Selous Game Reserve, it is more advisable to fly into Tanzania’s main airport, DAR.

The base for almost all safari tours is Arusha, which has a small domestic airport and is about 20 minutes away via plane or 80 minutes on the road from Kilimanjaro. The popular route is Kilimanjaro → Arusha → Safari Circuit. From Arusha, you can either take a light aircraft to an airstrip in the wilderness areas or you can drive down to the safari park of your choice. Most safari providers offer travel arrangements from Arusha so you better inquire about it from them as well. Flights to the south are also available from Arusha. In fact, some travelers often fly down from their vacation in northern circuit safaris and then either fly out to their home country through Dar es Salaam or head on to Zanzibar for a beach trip.

Another option that some travelers deem cheaper is taking a connecting flight from their country of departure into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya and then to Arusha.

POPULAR SAFARI CIRCUITS

• Northern Circuit (Suggested duration: 1.5 to 2 weeks)

Serengeti National Park →  Ngorongoro Conservation Area → Lake Manyara National Park → Tarangire National Park → Arusha National Park

• Southern Circuit (Suggested duration: 1 to 2 weeks)

Selous Game Reserve → Ruaha National Park → Mikumi National Park

• Western Circuit (Suggested duration: 1 week)

Katavi National Park → Gombe National Park → Mahale Mountains National Park

Why go to Tanzania over other safari destinations?

Aside from the stunning views and a broad range of wildlife, Tanzania remains to be the top destination for an African adventure. Here are the major reasons why:

POSSIBLE TOURISM BARRIERS

• Expensive park fees
• Self-driving is difficult as roads are unmarked
• Some camps and areas close down during wet season (March to May) due to inaccessible roads

January to February:

In January, the wildebeest calving season in Serengeti begins. Thousands of wildebeests are born every day so predator action is expected in almost every turn. Wildlife viewing is also excellent in Ngorongoro Conservation Area as well as Lake Manyara National Park during these months.

March:

Migration herds in Serengeti remain in the southern region of the park while European migratory birds arrive in the southern regions of the country, i.e. Selous Game Reserve. “Long rains” also start this month.

April to May:

This is the peak of the wet season (long rains). Vegetations become lush thereby affecting wildlife viewing and as a result, most properties and parks in the southern circuit (Katavi, Mahale, Selous, Ruaha) shuts down. The good news during these months is, prices usually dive deep down.

June:

The dry and hot season commences. There is less vegetation and so it is easier to spot animals sauntering around and gathering in waterholes and rivers. Also, since there is little to no rain, there will be fewer mosquitoes around.

July to October:

These months are deemed the best time to witness the Great Migration, Weather-wise, it’s perfect: hot and sunny during the day and cold during the evenings. It is also not just the perfect time to see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti or to visit other northern circuit safari parks. It is also the perfect time to visit the southern circuit safari parks like Ruaha, Selous, Gombe, and Katavi.

November to December

Migratory birds arrive and so it’s perfect for birdwatching. Migration herds are also on their way back to the southern part of Serengeti. Humidity starts to climb up during these months and “Short rains” happen (mostly short afternoon showers). In a nutshell, it is relatively good and to some extent excellent to visit any park or reserve in the country during this time.