Serengeti National Park
Open plains, big cats and the great herds. How to see the Serengeti well, when to go and how it fits a private Tanzania safari.
Explore
Tanzania
One country, every kind of adventure
Snow-capped Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and the Great Migration, the Ngorongoro Crater, living Maasai culture and the Indian Ocean islands - all in one extraordinary country. As a local Arusha team, we bring it together into a single, seamless, tailor-made journey.
Why Tanzania
A country that has it all
Few places on earth pack so much into one destination. In a single trip you can track lions across the Serengeti at dawn, stand on the snows of Kilimanjaro, and watch the sun sink into the Indian Ocean from a Zanzibar beach – all within the borders of one remarkable country.
Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest mountain, its largest game reserve, part of its largest lake, and the greatest wildlife migration on the planet. Yet what travellers remember most is the warmth of its people, and the unhurried rhythm of a place still gloriously, genuinely wild.
The highlights
What makes Tanzania special
Six reasons this East African giant belongs at the very top of your travel list.
National parks
Sixteen national parks and vast reserves, from the famous Serengeti to the wild, empty south of Nyerere and Ruaha.
Mountains
Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru rise above the plains, offering some of the world's great high-altitude treks.
Beaches & islands
The Zanzibar Archipelago and Mafia Island fringe the coast with coral reefs and white sand.
Culture
Over 120 tribes, from the iconic Maasai to the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers and the Swahili coast.
Wildlife
More than 20% of Africa's large-mammal population, including the Big Five and the Great Migration.
Landscapes
The Great Rift Valley, soda lakes, crater highlands, rainforest and endless golden savanna.
Where to go
Explore the regions
From the safari heartland of the north to the wild south and the spice islands of the coast.
UNESCO Site
Ngorongoro Crater
A collapsed volcano filled with lions, buffalo and rare black rhino. Plan your day on the Ngorongoro Crater floor and where to stay.
Explore
Elephants & Baobabs
Tarangire National Park
Giant baobabs, a dry-season river and some of Tanzania's biggest elephant herds, all about two hours' drive from Arusha.
Explore
Tree-climbing Lions
Lake Manyara National Park
Groundwater forest, Rift Valley cliffs, flamingos on the lake and, sometimes, lions in the trees. An easy first stop from Arusha.
Explore
Roof of Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa's highest peak at 5,895 m. Compare the six routes, learn how acclimatisation works and pick the right season to climb.
Explore
Indian Ocean
Zanzibar
Stone Town's old lanes, spice farms and warm Indian Ocean beaches, an easy flight from Arusha after your climb or safari.
Explore
Wild South
Nyerere National Park
Boat safaris on the Rufiji, walks with an armed ranger and a real chance of wild dogs, a short flight from the beaches of Zanzibar.
Explore
Safari Capital
Arusha
Our home town on the slopes of Mount Meru: the place you land, rest, get briefed and set off for Kilimanjaro, the parks or the coast.
Explore
Safari Gateway
Arusha National Park
Colobus monkeys, the Momella Lakes, Ngurdoto Crater and walking safaris under Mount Meru, all within an hour of Arusha town.
Explore
Mountain of God
Ol Doinyo Lengai
An active Rift Valley volcano above Lake Natron, climbed overnight to reach the crater rim at sunrise, and a serious extra challenge after Kilimanjaro.
Explore
Cradle of Humankind
Olduvai Gorge
A ravine in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where Mary Leakey's 1959 find reshaped the story of human origins, an easy stop between the crater and the Serengeti.
Explore
Kilimanjaro's Crater Lake
Lake Chala
A deep, colour-shifting crater lake on Kilimanjaro's lower slopes, about an hour or so from Moshi and an easy rest day before or after the climb.
Explore
Green Highlands
Usambara Mountains
Cool, green Eastern Arc highlands around Lushoto and Amani, made for village walks, birding and chameleons, within a day's drive of Moshi and Arusha.
Explore
Rhino Sanctuary
Mkomazi National Park
A dry, quiet park on the Kenyan border with a guarded black rhino sanctuary and an African wild dog programme, a short drive east of Kilimanjaro.
Explore
Where the Bush Meets the Beach
Saadani National Park
Tanzania's only coastal national park, combining game drives, Wami River boat trips and empty Indian Ocean beaches in a single, easy-going stay.
Explore
Whale Sharks and Reefs
Mafia Island
A low, unhurried island south of Dar es Salaam, with whale sharks from October to March, Chole Bay reefs and turtle nesting inside Tanzania's first marine park.
Explore
Swahili Ruins
Kilwa Kisiwani
A small island off the southern coast whose coral-stone mosques, palace and fort recall a wealthy medieval Swahili trading town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore
Rainforest and Waterfalls
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
A rainforest park explored only on foot, with primates found nowhere else, the high Sanje Falls and trails that suit active travellers after a southern safari.
Explore
God's Garden
Kitulo National Park
A high plateau in the Southern Highlands known as God's Garden, where orchids and wildflowers cover the grassland in the rains and rare birds breed.
Explore
Jane Goodall's Chimpanzees
Gombe Stream National Park
A small forested park on Lake Tanganyika, reached only by boat, where Jane Goodall began her chimpanzee research in 1960 and treks follow the same communities.
Explore
Africa's Deepest Lake
Lake Tanganyika
The world's longest freshwater lake, with clear water full of unique cichlids, the Livingstone memorial at Ujiji and boat access to the chimpanzees at Gombe.
Explore
Island Wilderness
Rubondo Island National Park
A forested island park in south-west Lake Victoria with chimpanzee tracking, sitatunga and quiet boat trips, reached by light aircraft from the Serengeti or Mwanza.
Explore
Africa's Largest Lake
Lake Victoria
Africa's largest lake, seen from Mwanza: granite boulders, Saanane Island's tiny national park, Ukerewe and Sukuma culture on the doorstep of the western Serengeti.
Explore
Calving Season
Ndutu
Calving season on the southern plains: newborn wildebeest, hunting cheetahs and lions, usually from late January to March.
Explore
Wild South
Ruaha National Park
Big lion prides, elephants in dry riverbeds, both kudu species and giant baobabs, in one of Tanzania's quietest wild parks.
Explore
Chimpanzee Trekking
Mahale Mountains National Park
Trek to wild chimpanzees in forested mountains above Lake Tanganyika, reached by light aircraft and a boat ride along the shore.
Explore
Untamed Wilderness
Katavi National Park
Remote western wilderness where hippos crowd the shrinking rivers, buffalo roam in huge herds and you may not see another vehicle all day.
Explore
Flamingos and Volcano
Lake Natron
A hot soda lake under the active Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, with flamingo flocks, the Engare Sero gorge and few other vehicles.
Explore
Southern Gateway
Mikumi National Park
Tanzania's most reachable southern park, about four to five hours by road from Dar es Salaam, with elephants and lions on the Mkata floodplain.
Explore
Diving and Cloves
Pemba Island
Clove farms, deep-water wall diving and quiet beaches on the island north of Zanzibar, for travellers who want the coast without the crowds.
Explore
Ancient Cultures
Lake Eyasi
Join a Hadzabe morning foraging walk and meet Datoga blacksmiths at a soda lake below the Rift wall, near Ngorongoro and Karatu.
ExploreWhen to come
A good time to visit, month by month
Tanzania rewards travellers all year round. Here is what each season brings, so you can travel when it suits both you and the wildlife.
January
Best for
Calving seasonPhotographyClear safari days
Best places to go
What to expect
Newborn wildebeest, high predator activity and excellent wildlife viewing.
Recommended experience
Ndutu Migration Safari
February
Best for
Great Migration calvingBig catsPhotographers
Best places to go
What to expect
Thousands of wildebeest calves and dramatic predator moments.
Recommended experience
Serengeti Calving Safari
March
Best for
Quiet safarisLush landscapesGreat value
Best places to go
What to expect
Green scenery, fewer vehicles and beautiful soft light.
Recommended experience
Green Season Safari
April
Best for
Peaceful travelBirdlifeLow-season value
Best places to go
What to expect
Afternoon showers, lush country and very few visitors.
Recommended experience
Quiet Tanzania Escape
May
Best for
SceneryBirdwatchingFewer crowds
Best places to go
What to expect
Fresh landscapes, calm parks and lovely photography.
Recommended experience
Scenic Northern Tanzania Safari
June
Best for
Classic safarisKilimanjaroEarly migration
Best places to go
What to expect
Cooler mornings and steadily improving wildlife viewing.
Recommended experience
Classic Tanzania Safari
July
Best for
Great MigrationRiver crossingsKilimanjaro climbs
Best places to go
What to expect
High wildlife activity, clear skies and dramatic crossings.
Recommended experience
Northern Serengeti Migration Safari
August
Best for
River crossingsFamily safarisZanzibar add-ons
Best places to go
What to expect
Superb game viewing, dry conditions and busy parks.
Recommended experience
Safari and Zanzibar Journey
September
Best for
Wildlife concentrationMigrationLuxury safaris
Best places to go
What to expect
Strong game viewing, warm days and clear skies.
Recommended experience
Premium Tanzania Safari
October
Best for
Wildlife near waterQuieter than peak
Best places to go
What to expect
Elephants, predators and excellent visibility before the rains.
Recommended experience
Tarangire and Serengeti Safari
November
Best for
Fresh sceneryBirdlifeLower crowds
Best places to go
What to expect
Short afternoon rains, green renewal and good value.
Recommended experience
Short Rains Safari
December
Best for
HolidaysFamily travelSafari and beach
Best places to go
What to expect
Warm weather, festive demand and superb safari-and-beach trips.
Recommended experience
Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar
Weather and wildlife patterns vary naturally, but this guide helps you choose the right season for your travel style.
Start your adventure
Let's bring Tanzania to life
Tell us how you like to travel and our specialists will craft a private, tailor-made itinerary, with honest advice and no obligation.