What to do in Tanzania

The majority of safaris across Tanzania are dominated by the classic game drive, and rightly so. Game drives in 4×4 safari jeeps are the best way to see as much wildlife as possible as you can cover a considerable distance in a short amount of time. Although the landscape may be different, game drives in each national park in Tanzania usually follow the same schedule. Early morning game drives are a great way to witness the animals at their most active time – particularly big cats like lions and leopards. As it gets hotter throughout late morning, animals will tend to stay around the watering holes, or retreat to shady areas to sleep. You will then head out on another game drive late afternoon, around 3-4pm until the sunsets between 6 and 7pm. This schedule differs in some parks. For example in the Serengeti National Park, you can do full day game drives where you stay out all day in the vehicle and take a picnic lunch. This is a good option if you are waiting to see a river crossing. Another difference is that private conservancies, like Grumeti and Mwiba Conservancies, offer night drives as they are privately owned.

All of our safaris include private game drives including our Classic Tanzania Safari & Beach example itinerary

One of greatest spectacles and iconic sights in Tanzania, if not all of Africa, is witnessing the Great Migration. This is a pilgrimage of approximately 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by over 200,o00 zebra, who make a 300-mile journey around the plains of the Serengeti National Park and the Masai Mara in Kenya each year. The main goal of the herds is to have a surplus of fresh pasture and rains. As areas of the Serengeti dry up, the herds move on to new areas in a clockwise direction. Although each year, the migration patterns differ slightly, the overall journey and loose timings of the herds can be identified. Between the months of January and March, the herds are in the southern plains of the Serengeti dropping their calves. The herds make their way up the western plains of the Serengeti into Grumeti during the rains (April, May and June) until they reach the northern plains in July. The period of July to September is iconic as the herds cross the Mara River, with dangerous crocodiles lurking in the waters.

Experience this spectacular event on our example itinerary – Tanzania Migration Safari 

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s tallest mountain, standing at a height of 5,895 meters above sea level. For many, seeing the mountain as a backdrop to their safari is satisfying enough but for others, climbing it is on their bucket list. Although the local guides and porters do not show it, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is challenging and should only be climbed by those who are fit, healthy and up for the training beforehand. In terms of logistics, you would fly into northern Tanzania (Kilimanjaro airport) and allow yourself a couple of days to recover after your long-haul fight before starting your assent. There are six routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, each offering different landscapes, lengths and difficulties. The Marangu Route is the only route that offers hut accommodation, the others are tented options. The Machame Route is the most popular because of its higher success rate. This is because it a longer route (seven days) so you have more time to acclimatize. Our specialists can advise best routes and itineraries for those who are thinking about climbing Africa’s peak.

As one of the pioneers of walking safaris, Norman Carr, once said “you do not know a place until you have walked it”. The walking safari, also referred to as a bush walk, is one of the most exhilarating activities to do in Tanzania. On a walking safari, there are no more than six guests, accompanied by a professional walking guide and an armed ranger. As you are on foot, this safari activity feels much more vulnerable than game drives and boat safaris, where you have the safety of the vehicle. That said, you will always be guided safely and run through some rules and practices to make the walking safari as successful and safe as possible. In Tanzania, you can do a walking safari in the Selous Game Reserve which are usually early in the morning when the temperatures are cooler. In Ruaha, Kichaka Expeditions offer longer 3, 5 and 7 night walking safaris for those who are looking for an authentic and wild walking experience. You can do bush walks in certain areas of northern parks too, including Tarangire National Park, the crater rim, and northern Serengeti.

Fly camping is a term used in the African safari industry to describe sleeping out in the bush, under the stars, with the bare minimal facilities or equipment. Although most of the time, you will have a mosquito-netted tent surrounding you, fly camping is still more luxurious than you can image. Professional safari guides, chefs and staff will set up your ‘room’ for the night and cook you a three-course meal under the stars. The food, drinks and service will be nothing short of perfection and will often replicate the same quality as the lodge you have come from. Most fly camping experiences are just for the night – enough to hear hyenas and lions roar in the distance, and wake up to elephant footprints outside your tent. You can do fly camping in Selous and Ruaha in southern Tanzania, and some private conservancies in northern Tanzania. This beautiful fly camp is in Kiba Point in the Selous.