Planning a first safari can feel overwhelming. The good news is that most of the big decisions come down to three questions: how many days, which parks, and what time of year.
How many days?
Two or three days gives you a real taste, with Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater. Five or six days lets you add the Serengeti without spending all your time driving. With seven days or more you can slow down, add a birding day or two, and include the quieter corners.
The most common mistake is trying to see too much in too little time. Getting from Arusha to the central Serengeti takes most of a day by road. If you only have three days, either fly in or skip the Serengeti.
Which parks?
- Tarangire: elephants, baobabs and birds. Best from June to October.
- Lake Manyara: small and green, with waterbirds and baboons. Good for a half day.
- Ngorongoro Crater: the densest wildlife anywhere, and the best place for black rhino.
- Serengeti: the big cats, the endless plains and, in season, the migration.
Our destination guides go into more detail on each one.
When to go?
June to October is the classic dry season, with easy game viewing and higher prices. December to March brings calving in the southern Serengeti and the best birding. April and May are wet, quiet and cheaper. There’s no bad time. It depends what you want to see.
What to book first
Book your international flights into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), then the safari, then any beach or city extension. In peak season, good lodges fill six months or more ahead, so it pays to start early.
Ready to start? Look at our 5-day lodge safari, which covers all four parks, or tell us what you have in mind.
Your questions answered
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?
Tanzania is one of the most visited safari destinations in Africa, and most visits are trouble-free. Use normal travel sense in towns, and your guide will look after you in the parks.
Which airport should I fly into?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about an hour from Arusha.
Can I combine a safari with Zanzibar?
Yes. There are short flights from Arusha and Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar. We focus on the safari itself, but we’re happy to help with timing.
