Luxury Tanzania Tours & Safaris

The Serengeti is the most iconic park in Tanzania, if not, all of Africa! Although the Serengeti is home to the Big Five (elephant, cape buffalo, leopard, lion and rhino), the biggest attraction to this incredible park is the wildebeest migration. Approximately 1.5 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebra set out on an annual pilgrimage in search of fresh rains and green pasture. They move in a clockwise direction and can be seen throughout the year in different locations of the Serengeti. Arguably, the most exciting times of their journey are January to March when their calves are born, and the July to September window where the famous river crossings take place, but you are able to see the herds all year round. Mobile tented camps are great options for those who want the best wildebeest migration experience – these camps pack up and move every few months, in conjunction with the herds’ movement. Along with the wildebeest migration, the resident wildlife in the Serengeti is fantastic, with Big Five sightings on offer.

Located in northern Tanzania, Tarangire is a national park often combined with the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. The park itself is known for its congregating herds of elephant, seen best between the months of July and October. The landscape is diverse – you can drive from one area of vast, open plains to another area where dense scrubs and a network of swamps dominate the land. Tarangire homes some more rustic tented camps which offer that “wilderness” experience, such as Oliver’s Camp and Kuro Camp. Tarangire is a great option for those who want to do a shorter safari, as you can drive from Arusha to Tarangire easily. On the other hand, it’s also a good option for those who are looking to do a longer safari and combine multiple safari parks and reserves. Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park are often combined in a northern itinerary which works very well as they each offer unique landscapes and wildlife sightings.

Image: Olivers Camp, Tarangire

Situated on the western border of Tanzania is Mahale Mountains National Park. The landscape is truly breath-taking – the lush forests contrast against the blue azure waters of Lake Tanganyika. The park’s habitats include rainforest, grasslands, woodlands, and mountains, which homes around 900 chimpanzees. Some of these are habituated which means you can trek to see and spend time with to watch them play, eat and interact with one another. There are only two luxury camps in the Mahale Mountains National Park – Gresystokes Mahale and Mbali Mbali. Both of these camps offer a range of activities. Of course, chimpanzee trekking is top of the list, but you can also do boat safari on Lake Tanganyika, hike the winding forest trails in the mountains, visit local villages and enjoy kayaking during sunset. Mahale is one of the most untouched destinations in Tanzania and internal flights can be quite expensive, but if you want a chimpanzee experience alongside a Tanzania safari, it is definitely worth it.

Image: Greystoke Mahale

Zanzibar (although the official name is Unguja) is an island located off the eastern shores of Tanzania’s mainland. The capital, named Stonetown, is filled with colonial history and winding alleyways to explore. The southern shores have some of the best diving spots to explore coral reefs including potential dolphin sightings. The northern and eastern beaches are white-sand havens, and this is where most of the luxury hotels are located. Spend a week or so waking up to the sound of gentle waves and island bliss. Zanzibar also homes Jozani forest and organic spice farms, hence its nickname “Spice Island”. There is a wealth of accommodation to choose from on Zanzibar Island – from small, boutique properties to much larger hotels. Generally, the northern and eastern coasts offer the best beaches, so hotels like Baraza, the Palms, the Z Hotel and the Residence are all good options.

Tanzania is a country like no other. Located in East Africa, Tanzania is home to Africa’s largest mountain, Africa’s most loved national park and Africa’s most idyllic island – Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and Zanzibar respectively. Although there are currently no direct flights between London and Tanzania, and the US and Tanzania, with one changeover, it’s easy enough to get into and once you are there, you will find it difficult to leave.

The Lion King was inspired by the plains of the Serengeti. Although Tanzania and Kenya both argue which country has the original ‘Pride Rock’, the ecosystem and the relationships between the animals were all inspired by life in Tanzania. Although the circle of life does not always end happily (especially when it comes to crocodiles and wildebeest river crossings), a safari in the Serengeti is truly memorable. Early morning game drives and evening sundowners (drinks while watching the sunset) are enjoyed every day, with your friendly safari guide often becoming your best friend. It’s a place like no other – everyone needs to experience it.

While the wildlife is second-to-none, the people of Tanzania are extremely kind and warm-hearted. The guides train incredibly hard to get to where they are, so rest assured that you will have a friendly, knowledgeable and experienced guide with you at all times.

Image credit: Dunia Camp, central Serengeti