TANZANIA OVERVIEW
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Tanzania boasts some of the most renowned game reserves, beaches and mountain peaks in Africa. Experience the towering peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, the game-rich Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire with its baobabs and the Serengeti where you can witness the mighty herds of the Great Migration thundering across the plains all year round!
We will take you on the secluded, off the beaten tracks Selous & Ruaha, known for its undisturbed wilderness areas, teeming with a spectacular array of fauna and flora.
Travel to Tanzania’s remote west and enjoy unspoiled and isolated landscapes! Experience Katavi with its impressive herds of thousand-strong buffalo and Gombe Forest – world-famous for the primate studies on chimpanzees conducted by Jane Goodall and Mahale Mountains which harbours Tanzania’s densest population of primates.
Spend some time on the glorious white beaches of Zanzibar to relax or wander amongst the historic streets of Stone Town. Meet the beautiful Tanzanian people with their amenable natures and kind hospitality.
TRAVELLING TO TANZANIA
ATR Travel can assist you with comprehensive travel information regarding your inbound and outbound travel plans to Tanzania.
GETTING AROUND BY AIR
Regional flights are handled by the Arusha -, Dar Es Salaam -, Kilimanjaro -, Mwanza International - and Zanzibar airports. There are many smaller airstrips all over the country.
Domestic flights are the quickest and most comfortable option if you want to visit big parts of the country during your journey. There are daily scheduled flights linking key tourist gateways to various destinations and popular locations in Tanzania, including the game parks and the islands.
- Air Tanzania
- Precision Air
- Regional Air
- ZanAir
- Safari Air Link
- Coastal Aviation
Predators Safaris can handle all internal and domestic travel arrangements within Tanzania and the Indian Ocean Islands (Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba Islands including:
- Airport transfers
- Domestic flights
- Intercamp flights
- Private charter planes
- Road transfers
- Meet and greet services
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's main airport. Located 13km/8minutes southwest of Dar es Salaam. The entry-point for visitors to the southern safari circuit.
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): The Airport is halfway between two major towns, Arusha and Moshi (40km from each town). Arusha is the starting point of the northern safari circuit and Moshi, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, is the starting point for most Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions. Note: Don’t confuse it with the smaller Arusha Airport, 8km west of Arusha, that handles domestic flights only.
- Zanzibar International Airport: Located on Zanzibar Island, at the southern edge of Zanzibar town. The airport offers frequent charter flights from Europe and several international carriers.
Airlines that serve DAR ES SALAAM Airport with connections to the rest of Africa, Europe and the Middle East:
- Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
- Kenya Airways from Nairobi (Kenya)
- RwandAir from Kigali (Rwanda)
- SAA from Johannesburg (RSA)
- Emirates from Dubai
- Qatar from Doha (Qatar)
- LAM from Pemba (Mozambique)
- FlyDubai from Dubai
- Air Malawi from Blantyre (Malawi)
- KLM from Amsterdam (Nederland)
- Swiss Air from Zurich (Switzerland)
- Turkish Airlines from Istanbul (Turkish)
Please note:
Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR) to Dar Es Salaam City - Distance 20km, 45min drive. Private airport transfer cost from US$70.00 per vehicle (1-5 passengers).
Airlines that serve KILIMANJARO Airport with connections to the rest of Africa, Europe, Middle East and America:
- Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
- Kenya Airways from Nairobi (Kenya)
- RwandAir from Kigali (Rwanda)
- Emirates from Dubai
- Qatar from Doha (Qatar)
- FlyDubai from Dubai (via Dar es Salaam)
- KLM from Amsterdam (Nederland)
- Turkish Airlines from Istanbul (Turkish)
- Condor from Frankfurt (Germany - via Mombasa
- Air Kenya from Nairobi (Kenya) – from Wilson Airport (domestic)
- Safarilink from Nairobi (Kenya) – from Wilson Airport (domestic)
- Precision Air from Nairobi, Dar es Salaam & Zanzibar
Please note:
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Arusha City - Distance 55km, 1 hour drive. Private airport transfer cost from US$70.00 per vehicle (1-6 passengers).
Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) to Moshi town - Distance 45km, 1 hour drive. Private airport transfer cost from US$150.00 per vehicle (1-6 passengers).
Airlines that serve ZANZIBAR Airport (all flight is via Dar es Salaam) with connections to the rest of Africa, Europe and the Middle East:
- Ethiopian Airlines from Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)
- Kenya Airways from Nairobi (Kenya)
- SAA from Johannesburg (RSA)
- Emirates from Dubai
- Qatar from Doha (Qatar)
- FlyDubai from Dubai
- KLM from Amsterdam (Nederland)
- Turkish Airlines from Istanbul (Turkish)
- Air Italy from Milan (Italia)
- Precision Air from Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Arusha & Kilimanjaro
Please note:
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) to Stone town - Distance 10km, 20min drive. Private airport transfer cost from US$40.00 per vehicle (1-5 passengers).
Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) to most of the beach resorts - Distance 55km, 1 hour drive. Private airport transfer cost from US$70.00 per vehicle (1-5 passengers).

AFRICAN WILD DOG SAFARI
from US$3,900 per person sharing

BEST OF EAST AFRICA SAFARI
from US$4,668 per person sharing

TANZANIA DELUXE SAFARI
from US$2,427 per person sharing

TARANGIRE NATIONAL PARK DAY TOUR
from US$180 pp

ARUSHA CITY DAY TOUR
from US$180 pp

TANZANIA CLASSIC SAFARI
from US$2,580 per person sharing

BEST OF TANZANIA SAFARI
from US$3,432 per person sharing

GREAT MIGRATION CALVING SAFARI
from US$2,925 per person sharing

LAKE MANYARA NATIONAL PARK DAY TOUR
from US$180 pp
SAFARI PLANNING AND ITINERARIES
Travel experiences designed to give you more!
We have compiled a comprehensive list of popular Tanzanian safari and tour routings. Most of our Tanzanian safaris are tailor-made and can be booked or used as a guideline to create your own customised safari.
ATR TRAVEL OFFER THE FOLLOWING
- Type of safari (travelling by light aircraft or by road in a private 4×4 vehicle)
- The number of nights you want to spend on safari
- Type of accommodation you prefer (budget, intermediate, luxury or ultra-luxury)
- When you travel (lodges in Tanzania offers different seasonal rates)
- Activities and local cultural interactions
- Add-on stays or beach holidays
Still not sure about what to do or where to stay?
TANZANIAN ATTRACTIONS & HIGHLIGHTS
Tanzania is largely renowned as a world-class wildlife destination, but it has so much more to offer – from protected marine reserves to ancient sites of historical significance. Pristine beaches and turquoise waters make for a stunning and unique contrast to golden grasslands and game-filled plains, setting Tanzania up as the perfect location for a surf-and-turf kind of break.
With so many incredible things to see and do in Tanzania, we’ve compiled a list of unmissable attractions and highlights.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
Tanzania is a year-round attraction and we offer safaris accordingly – all year round! We strive to offer you exactly the holiday experience that you are looking for whether you want to explore the wilderness in search of wildlife, climb mountains or simply relax on the beach.
As Tanzania is situated just south of the equator, the climate is relatively consistent and daytime temperatures average between 25 – 30 °C. Generally, the dry season from June to October is the best time to visit any area in Tanzania.
Tanzania has two rainy seasons, the first starts from April and ends in May, with the second rainy season in November to December.
This year-round phenomenon is dictated by rainfall, which sees the herds moving in constant clockwise motion throughout the Serengeti and Masai Mara.
The following information will give you a better idea of where and when to see the migration:
December to beginning of April - Herds are found in the Southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation area (forms part of the Serengeti/Mara eco-system). The Calving Season from January to March showcases unforgettable scenes of thousands of wildebeest calves joining the already massive herds.
April to May - Typically presents the first signs of millions of wildebeest beginning their journey across the central plains of the Serengeti. You can expect rain showers during this period, but they are usually short and intense but certainly don’t last for hours.
June to July - Experience the Great Migration in the mid- and western parts of the Serengeti.
July to October - The migration moves to the northern section of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara (in Kenya). You might be lucky enough to see herds crossing the Mara river.
- Tanzania is one of Africa's best birding destinations. It has the most bird species in Africa - over 1,100, of which over 800 species are resident and nearly 200 are regular migrants. There are 24 species endemic to Tanzania and a further 52 near-endemic species, restricted to Tanzania and its neighbouring countries. The best time for birding is during or just after the short rains from December to April. During this time the migratory birds move through different areas of the country and the scenery is lush and green, making it a birders paradise.
The sunny islands of Zanzibar are renowned for their idyllic white sand beaches and azure waters. Although the island and beaches of Tanzania are accessible year-round, different seasons offer different experiences.
The island and coastal areas are best enjoyed from June to October when the climate is cool and dry. August and September offer the best water clarity with incredible snorkelling and diving conditions. Another popular time to visit these tropical islands is from December to February when it is hot and dry.
It is essential to understand that the weather on Kilimanjaro is as changeable and unpredictable as mountain weather all over the world can be. The best climbing seasons are from December to March and June to October. The only real recommendation to climbers is to avoid the long rainy season between April and May as the mountain becomes slippery and treacherous. The average day temperature on the lower slopes is around 30°C, while temperatures can range from 5 to 15°C at 3000m in altitude during daytime. Night-time temperatures on the mountain can be well below freezing, even at your first campsite.
TANZANIA SAFARI PRICING EXPLAINED
Your choice of accommodation has the biggest influence on the cost of your safari. We offer extensive accommodation options in Tanzania - from adventurous tented camps to luxurious safari lodges. Our ability to do this is based entirely on our extremely in-depth knowledge of Tanzania. Safari lodges offer mostly full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner included), but you also have lodges offering all-inclusive rates (drinks included). We know which hotels and lodges offer the best value for money and these are the ones we'll recommend.
Things to consider when travelling to Tanzania is the type of holiday you are interested in (bush or beach), specific wildlife and animals you wish to see and the activities you would like to do. Some of the game reserves and national parks offer good game viewing all year round while others have particularly good sightings (migratory animals) at specific times of the year.
High season – June to October is the dry season with cooler temperatures. This is a great time for game viewing and see the wildebeest migration in Northern Serengeti with possible river crossings. High season is also the more expensive and busy time of the year. If you want to climb Kilimanjaro and visit Zanzibar, we recommend June-October.
Shoulder season - November to March is known as shoulder season. It is popular among clients who appreciate quieter travelling that offer reasonable prices. Keep in mind that the festive months (mid-December to mid-January) do become busier and pricey. Be advised to book well in advance.
Low season - During the low season game parks are less crowded and hotels and lodges offer discounted rates. Bird watchers can optimise the quietness and focus on enjoying the variety of rare bird species. You can also witness the wildebeest migration on the plain of the central Serengeti during this period.
Your driver, vehicle and fuel costs on safari remain consistent and are divided by the number of people in the vehicle. As a general rule, the more people per vehicle (we offer six-seater vehicles with guaranteed window seats), the lower the cost.
Transport on your safari is priced per vehicle and not per person.
Private tailor-made safaris’ cost is based on the exclusive use of a safari vehicle and your own driver-guide. Your safari can also include a combination of flights by light aircraft or using lodge vehicles on a shared base. It all depends on your itinerary and requirements.
Scheduled departure safaris with up to 6 guest per vehicles (all with guaranteed window seats) and the transport cost divided between passengers.
Flying safaris’ cost is based on flights by light aircraft between the areas you visit. You then have the option of sharing or exclusive use of a private vehicle (at an additional cost).
TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION ON TANZANIA SAFARI
Tanzania safari accommodation consists of a mix of bush lodges, tented camps and mobile camps. Clients have the option of resort or hotel-style accommodation found on the island of Zanzibar and in the cities. Accommodation options vary from a three to five-star level, with the smaller and more exclusive properties being more costly. Tanzanian camps and lodges are run by local Tanzanians, known for their warm-heartedness and hospitable spirit.


ATR
The hotels have everything you need with restaurants, swimming pools, etc. They are ideally located to explore the cities, are close to the main airports and used to overnight before or after a safari. Tanzanian cities offer different standards of hotels - from budget to ultra-luxury.
Larger, permanent structures built of brick and mortar. They often have fabulous facilities such as restaurants, swimming pools and even spas. Lodges offer facilities and experiences that can range from offering pure comfort up to ultimate five-star luxury. For first-timers and families who want all the modern conveniences and excellent facilities, lodges are usually the best choice.
This option provide the best of both worlds: closeness to nature by camping without sacrificing the superb comfort of a traditional lodge. The campsite consists of individual canvas tents and a communal main tent where meals are served. Many of these camps offer a level of luxury that would typically only be found in the very best five-star hotels with ‘tents' boasting air-conditioning, luxury bathrooms and even private plunge pools! Tented camps suit clients who long for an excellent safari experience. Options range from basic to luxurious.
The significant advantage of mobile tented camps is that it takes you closer to nature. You can enjoy wildlife while sitting at your dining table and enjoy the ambience of Africa. These small, intimate camps are mobile and are set up as the wildebeest migration progresses. camps are constructed in the open bush and there are no barriers. Even though animals roam free, our guests' safety is a top priority. Despite sleeping in the heart of one of the world's vastest wildernesses, you will feel completely safe snuggled up in bed in your canvas tent shelter. Camps are fully serviced by permanent staff who continuously aim to offer a luxury experience in the wilderness. We use bucket showers and our staff will ensure that you have enough warm water for an exhilarating experience! Solar and back-up generators supply power. As the sun sets over the savannah, you'll enjoy a delicious chef prepared dinner by a crackling campfire as the distant sounds of Wildebeest drift across the plains. Even if you are not a camper, it is worth spending at least a few nights under canvas. Although there are no air conditioning or main electricity, most mobile camps are very comfortable.
Experience a unique experience of sleeping out in the wild with only the sounds of the African bush, the stars being your only light. This is one of the most amazing experiences you can have on safari! The fly camping tents are made of see-through mosquito net to offer a 360degree view of one of the most unique settings you will ever sleep in. Camp staff set up the fly camps in advance and you can either walk there as part of your safari activity or drive there after your last game drive. Fly camping is about adventure, not luxury. Your tent is simple, the bed is very comfortable and the crew prepare fantastic meals in the middle of the wilderness. There is an outside bucket shower and bathroom facilities.
Campsites are the most basic of accommodation in terms of facilities and amenities. There are public and private campsites. At public campsites you might have to share the site with other travellers. There is an ablution block with showers and toilets. While you share the ablution block with other campers, showers and toilets are arranged as single cabins. Dome tents usually have simple beds/mattresses with linen and duvets. There will be a kitchen block where meals are prepared and your camping crew will wash the dishes
Round off your safari with a beach holiday at the Indian ocean Island of Zanzibar, Pemba Island, Mafia Island or the Tanzanian coast. All resorts are superbly located and offer white sandy beaches. Unwind entirely and experience a high level of service, excellent facilities, beautiful surroundings and exciting activities. We highly recommend that you end your safari or trekking holiday with a few days on the beautiful white sandy beaches of the Tanzanian coast.
SAFARI CIRCUITS (National Parks)
With so many national parks and game reserves, Tanzania’s safari is split into three circuits: The Northern Circuit, the Southern Circuit and the Western Circuit.
WESTERN CIRCUIT
Let us take you to the Western Circuit! It is untouched, extremely remote, exceedingly beautiful and barely accessible. The Western Safari Circuit covers the Mahale Mountains, Gombe stream (home to some of the last remaining wild chimpanzees in Africa) and the Katavi National Park. It is habitat of the rare roan and sable antelope species which should get safari-goers something really special to look forward to.
COASTAL CIRCUIT
Tanzania’s beaches are among the most beautiful in the world where diving, fishing and cultural experiences are fantastic. Some of the coastal islands in Tanzania are Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia.
NORTHERN CIRCUIT
This circuit is visited most frequently for two reasons. Firstly, the different parks are relatively close to each other and secondly destinations like Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and Kilimanjaro are all found in the northern circuit. Due to the fact that all the parks, towns and attractions are within easy reach of one another, you can experience the entire circuit by vehicle with only a couple of hours in between destinations.
SOUTHERN CIRCUIT
The national parks and game reserves of the southern circuit are the hidden treasures of Tanzania. These parks are enormous with some having the highest concentration of animals in Africa. They are also home to an interesting, diverse wildlife that includes roan antelope, sable antelope, wild dogs and a vast array of colourful birds. Well-known destinations such as Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve are situated in the Southern circuit. Lodges and camps in the southern circuit are small and intimate, with 15 rooms or tents at the very most.
TANZANIA NORTHERN CIRCUIT
National Parks in the Northern Circuit of Tanzania
TANZANIA SOUTHERN CIRCUIT
National Parks in the Southern Circuit of Tanzania
TANZANIA WESTERN CIRCUIT
National Parks in Western Circuit of Tanzania
TANZANIA COASTAL CIRCUIT
National Parks & Coastline of Tanzania
THE PEOPLE AND CULTURE
Tanzania is well known for its natural beauty, varying landscapes, wildebeest migrations and of course, Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest point in Africa. One of the things that often surprise travellers, is Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage. More than 120 different tribes share a peaceful, almost archaic existence.
Swahili, which is spoken throughout the country, is the official and national language. You will likely go home knowing a few Swahili greetings like “jambo” and “habari gani”. English is the second official language and used as the country’s commercial language. It is also the teaching language, mainly spoken in the major cities and to a lesser extent in the rural areas. Tanzanians are proud of their tribal languages which are still spoken widely.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION
FAQ
If this is your first time on safari, you probably have countless questions. To get you started, our safari experts have provided the following information:
You can click the question's title and the answer will expand below. If we missed anything, please drop us an email and we will gladly send you the relevant information.
The majority of lodges and safari camps have fitted mosquito nets around their beds to reduce the risk of insect bites.
The drive times from lodge to lodge will vary, but most of the lodges in Tanzania are between five- and seven-hour drive apart. There are, however, several lodges that are only an approximate three-hour drive from one another. Where long drives are involved, we recommend that you fly between these areas. All the parks in Tanzania can be reached by light aircraft and there are frequent flights between the parks.
Temperatures are generally mild but can become considerably cooler in the evenings. Always pack something warm as places like Ngorongoro Crater can get very cold. Bring comfortable clothing for game drives and walks.
Your packing list should include:
- A small flashlight and batteries
- Adapter plugs and convertors for electrical devices
- Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
- Long-sleeved shirts, pants, t-shirts, shorts, sweaters and tops
- Good walking shoes
- A good camera, batteries and a charger
- Insect repellent
- Light rain gear
- Warm clothes for the mornings and evenings
- Binoculars
- Basic medical kit
*When you book with Predators Safaris, we will send you a detailed packing list according to the areas you visit.
The Great Migration, also known as the "Wildebeest Migration," has been listed as one of the seven natural wonders of Africa. Over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles move through the Serengeti (Tanzania) and Masai Mara (Kenya) ecosystems in search of green pasture, in a regular pattern. It is the greatest show on earth, a natural spectacle like no other and a life-changing experience.
You can see the Great Migration in the Serengeti all year round (in different areas of the park). The wildebeest migrate in a circular motion around the Serengeti National Park as such it is an ongoing event.
Please click here for detailed information on the wildebeest migration patterns.
You must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months beyond your date of entry and with at least three remaining blank pages. Most nationalities require visas for Tanzania. You can apply for your visa to Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar through the online visa link. You are required to complete and pay your application online. We recommended applying at least a month prior to your visit.
Predators Safaris utilises a fleet of modern vehicles consisting of mostly 4X4 Land Cruisers. The majority is less than 2 years old and undergo an extensive pre-safari inspection in our workshop to ensure the safety of our clients. Vehicles accommodate up to 6 clients in 3 rows of seating (guaranteed window seat for all) with a pop-up roof that can be raised for wildlife viewing. Our Land Cruisers are equipped with reference books on African mammals and birds. We offer unlimited kilometres to make sure you get the best game viewing opportunities while on safari.
Our safari guides are the ones who make the difference between a standard safari in East Africa and a once in a lifetime experience! Our specialist safari guides are permanently employed and of the best calibre. Their life spent in Africa has equipped them with immense knowledge of local conditions, customs and natives. They are naturalists who know and love the country and wildlife. Their benefit to the client regarding enjoyment and an intensified personal experience of their African journey will exceed all expectations. We proudly offer an excellent, hand-picked team, able to provide superior service to our clients.
Tanzania and Zanzibar offer fantastic opportunities for birders. There are over 1,000 bird species on record of which over 20 are endemic.
Hot spots for birding:
- Serengeti - 500+ species
- Tarangire - 500+ species
- Selous - 440+ species
- Lake Manyara - 400+ species
- Arusha National Park - 400+ species
- Pemba island - home to four of Tanzania’s endemic bird species, the Pemba scops owl, Pemba sunbird, Pemba white-eye and Pemba green pigeon.
With its famous lion prides in the Serengeti, pristine beaches of Zanzibar and its friendly people, families with a good sense of adventure will enjoy any safari in Tanzania.
Most important when choosing safari luggage is mobility. You will move between several different modes of transport (aeroplane, vehicle and lodges), so plan accordingly. We recommend bags that have a hard-braced bottom with wheels and soft sides. When packing, keep in mind that you can do laundry at lodges/camps where you overnight for two or more nights. Some of the lodges/camps also offer a same-day laundry service at a reasonable price. If your safari includes flights by light aircraft, please take note of the luggage restriction of 15kg per person, including hand luggage.
Aside from shopping, you will need money for drinks, tips and incidentals. From our experience, most clients spend between $400 and $500. Major credit cards are accepted in city hotels and stores and at bigger lodges but some camps and rural shops only accept cash.
It is a requirement that all our clients travelling to Tanzania must have travel insurance which includes cover for medical treatment and emergency air evacuation. In the unfortunate event that you find yourself in need of urgent medical care, our office in Arusha will offer 24-hours assistance.
Tipping in Tanzania is not compulsory but always appreciated. The amount will always depend on your own opinion and personal satisfaction. Based on our experience, we suggest the following amounts as a rough guide:
- US$10 per guest per day on a group safari
- US$20 per guest per day for a private guide
- US$5 per guest per day for lodge/camp staff
- US$1 to porters at the lodges/camps carrying your baggage
- US$2 - US$5 per guest to your butler per stay (if staying at tented camps where you have bucket showers)
Tanzania is a fantastic destination for families with both teens and younger children. Our family safaris are created for children of all ages and our other safaris can be tailored to accommodate any age group.
Wi-Fi is available at most of the lodges and camps we use in Tanzania, but the connection can be slow and limited. Please check with us for details regarding the connectivity specific to your trip. We do however recommend that you don't rely on having a consistent connection throughout your journey.
Many previously off-the-grid areas in Tanzania now have cell phone coverage with the service decreasing in the more remote areas. Please put your cell phones on silent mode while you are on game drives, bush walks and in the lodges’ communal areas.
Safari/bucket showers are commonly used at mobile and tented camps where there is no permanent plumbing. You will still have the luxury of an en suite bathroom with a shower, it just offers you a little adventure. Outside the tent is a large waterproof bag or bucket which is filled with about 10 to 15 litres of hot water before being raised with a pully/rope system to either connect to the shower pipe or fill a cistern. The water is delivered at the ideal temperature, so it is best to use it as soon as it arrives. Staff typically fill the showers at a pre-arranged time or you can notify them a few minutes before you need it.
The official language in Tanzania is Swahili, but there are hundreds of other local dialects. English is the second official language and the country's commercial language. You will find that the majority of the people that you come in contact with are fluent in English and have a surprisingly good command of the language.