Holidays to Tanzania

Tanzania Safaris

Tanzania is one of those countries that feels almost too good to be real. The Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar are all here, making it one of the most incredible destinations for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.


Of course, safari is a huge reason people visit. Tanzania is home to some of Africa's most famous national parks, incredible concentrations of wildlife and one of the world's greatest natural spectacles — the Great Migration.



But there is much more to Tanzania than safari. You can climb Mount Kilimanjaro, experience Maasai culture, explore local villages or finish your adventure on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar.

Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit: June to October

Currency : Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Average Flight Time: 9 Hours

Time Difference: GMT +3 hours

Average Temperatures: 24°C

Best for: Safari, wildlife, adventure, couples and safari & beach holidays

Wildebeest crossing a shallow river, with one leaping ahead of the herd.
27 °C
Jan
28 °C
Feb
26 °C
Mar
26 °C
Apr
26 °C
May
25 °C
June
24 °C
July
24 °C
Aug
25 °C
Sep
25 °C
Oct
26 °C
Nov
27 °C
Dec

Why Book a Holiday to Tanzania

Tanzania is incredibly versatile. You can make your holiday all about wildlife, add adventure and culture, and even end your trip on the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Zanzibar.


  • See the Big Five across some of Africa's most famous safari parks
  • Experience the Great Migration in the Serengeti
  • Explore the incredible Ngorongoro Crater
  • Meet local communities and experience Maasai culture
  • Climb or explore the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro

Top Things to do in Tanzania

Lion walking through tall yellow grass in a field

Go on a Safari

We couldn’t not start this list with a safari, and a Tanzania safari is one of those holidays that genuinely lives up to the hype.


The country is home to some of Africa's most famous national parks and game reserves, giving you the opportunity to see lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and countless other species in their natural environment.

Whether this is your first safari or you're already a serious wildlife enthusiast, Tanzania offers some extraordinary experiences.

Herd of wildebeest running through dusty savanna, kicking up clouds of dust

Witness the Great Migration

The Great Migration is one of the biggest reasons travellers choose Tanzania. Every year, millions of wildebeest, alongside huge numbers of zebra and other animals, move through the Serengeti and across into Kenya's Maasai Mara in search of fresh grazing.


The exact timing and location changes each year, which is part of what makes it so exciting.

The dramatic Mara River crossings are particularly famous, usually taking place around July to October, with August and September often considered peak periods.

It is worth remembering that this is also one of the busiest and most expensive times to visit. If you want to experience the migration without the biggest crowds, we can help you plan your trip around different stages of the journey.

Group of people in red traditional clothing standing outdoors under a blue sky.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro 

You don't have to be an experienced mountaineer to visit Mount Kilimanjaro, but climbing Africa's highest mountain is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

The mountain rises dramatically above the surrounding landscape and is one of Tanzania's most recognisable sights. For those who want to climb it, there are several routes and itineraries available, with trips generally taking several days to allow for acclimatisation.


And if climbing Kilimanjaro isn't for you?

You can still enjoy spectacular views of the mountain from areas around northern Tanzania, particularly Amboseli across the border in Kenya and the surrounding Tanzanian landscapes.

Two traditional Maasai warriors in traditional clothing walking along Zanzibar beach

Visit Zanzibar

If you want to combine your safari with some serious beach time, Zanzibar is hard to beat. Think white-sand beaches, warm turquoise waters, colourful coral reefs and a completely different pace of life. Spend your days snorkelling, sailing or simply relaxing by the Indian Ocean, then explore the fascinating history and culture of Stone Town.

Tanzania's Best Safari Parks


Serengeti National Park


Best for: Big cats, the Great Migration and first-time safari travellers.


The Serengeti is probably the name most people associate with an African safari.

And for good reason. Its vast plains are home to huge numbers of wildlife and it is one of the key locations for The Serengeti is particularly famous for its lion, cheetah and leopard sightings, making it one of the best places in Africa for big-cat enthusiasts.


Three lions resting on a rock overlooking a grassy savanna under a cloudy sky


Ngorongoro Crater


Best for: First-time safari visitors, wildlife density and incredible scenery.


The Ngorongoro Crater is unlike anywhere else you'll visit on safari. The enormous volcanic caldera creates a natural enclosure for wildlife, with an incredibly high concentration of animals living within the crater.

It is also one of the best places in Tanzania to have a chance of spotting the Big Five. The crater itself is almost as impressive as the animals. From the viewpoints above, you can see the vast landscape stretching out below you.


Zebras standing and grazing on a dry savanna under cloudy skies


Tarangire National Park


Best for: Elephants, scenery and quieter safari experiences.


Often overlooked in favour of the Serengeti, Tarangire is well worth considering. The park is particularly famous for its elephants and enormous baobab trees, creating a landscape that feels very different from the open plains of the Serengeti. It also works brilliantly as part of a northern Tanzania safari itinerary.


Elephants standing together in dry grass, including adults and calves.


Lake Manyara National Park


Best for: Birdwatching, varied landscapes and shorter safari stays.


Nairobi National Park is one of the most unusual wildlife experiences in Kenya. Located just outside the capital, it gives you the opportunity to see wildlife with the Nairobi skyline in the background.

You could be watching a giraffe or zebra with skyscrapers in the distance. It feels slightly surreal, and that's exactly what makes it so memorable. It's also a fantastic option if you're short on time and can't fit a longer safari into your trip.


Pink flamingos flying in a long flock across a pale sky over white water

When Is the Best Time to Safari in Tanzania?


The best time for a Tanzania safari generally falls between June and October, when the weather is dry and wildlife is often easier to spot around water sources. However, there isn't really one single "best" time to visit, it really depends on what you want to see. However, please remember, you are seeing wildlife in the wild, there is no guarantee of any sightings. 


Great Migration July – October: The migration moves through the Serengeti during this period, with the dramatic river crossings usually taking place between July and October.


Calving Season January – March: The southern Serengeti becomes a nursery, with thousands of wildebeest calves being born. This can be an incredible time to visit for wildlife photography and predator sightings, as big cats take advantage of the abundance of young animals.


Green Season November – May: The landscape becomes greener, visitor numbers can be lower and you can often find better-value safari options. For keen photographers and birdwatchers, this can be a particularly rewarding time to visit.

Safari & Beach Holidays in Tanzania


One of our favourite ways to experience Tanzania is to combine safari with Zanzibar.

And honestly, it makes a lot of sense. Spend several days waking up early for game drives, searching for elephants, lions and leopards across the Serengeti before flying over to Zanzibar and doing absolutely nothing for a few days. Well... apart from swimming in turquoise water, eating incredible food and relaxing on the beach.


A typical itinerary could look something like:

3–5 nights safari → 5–7 nights Zanzibar, but of course, it can be completely tailored to you.

It's a particularly popular option for honeymoons and once-in-a-lifetime holidays.

Cheetah standing in tall grass, alert in a sunlit savanna.
The Rock restaurant Zanzibar

FAQs

  • Is Tanzania good for a safari?

    Absolutely. Tanzania is one of Africa's best safari destinations, with the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara all offering excellent wildlife experiences.

  • When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

    For traditional safari conditions, June to October is generally considered the best time to visit. However, different seasons offer different experiences, including the Great Migration and the January–March calving season.

  • When is the Great Migration?

    The Great Migration takes place throughout the year as huge herds move between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Maasai Mara. The famous northern Serengeti and Mara River crossings generally take place around July to October.

  • Is Tanzania safe for tourists?

    Tanzania is a popular tourist destination and safari tourism is well established. As with any international holiday, it's important to follow current travel advice and take normal precautions.

  • What should I pack for a safari?

    Lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and a hat are all useful. A warmer layer is also recommended for early morning game drives, when temperatures can be surprisingly cool.

  • Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

    British citizens generally need a visa to enter Tanzania. Requirements can change, so we'd always recommend checking the latest entry requirements before travelling.