In Tanzania on Safari
Being in Tanzania on safari is a great chance to see a whole lot of African wildlife in their natural habitat. If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing any of the ‘big five’ animals: lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards or buffalo, there is no better place to see them than on Tanzania wildlife safaris.
With over 1 million tourists visiting its 16 national parks and 29 game reserves covering an area of 33,660km2, Tanzania has a wealth of wildlife which also includes antelopes and wildebeest among their number. With over 40 other conservation areas this means that 38% of land in Tanzania is under conservation including world famous UNESCO sites such as the Serengeti National Park. This article will help you plan your African Tanzania safari successfully and give you lots of tips.
There are many questions which you will need to consider while you planning your trip to Tanzania. One of the first things you should get deep into is finding the best time to safari in Tanzania. You will also need to consider your budget for your trip as well as whether you can afford to have a luxury or budget safari or something halfway between. Another major consideration is which company you will use. One thing that will help you decide which company to use are reviews which will give you a clearer idea of what to expect, what to bring and what to enjoy. Deciding what you need and want from your wildlife safari in Tanzania, really is the best thing to do. You can then engage the services of a travel company to help you plan your trip.
One of the easiest options if you are deciding to go on your own is to book your safari through a professional company in Tanzania. This will minimise the paperwork involved and provide proper access and entry to parks. Using an experienced company will minimise any stress so you can look forward to enjoying your trip to this wonderful land, because all the hard work will be done for you. Using a company will enable you to get the best deals on accommodation in parks which requires pre-booking. So it’s great to get a company you can trust to do all the hard work for you and find you the best accommodation and tour guides rather than doing it all on your own.
Spending on Safari in Tanzania
One of the biggest factors of price fluctuations is group size and the type of accommodation. Whether you prefer a top-end private Tanzania safari or don’t mind staying in tents or sharing with others will all be factors in the price. Accommodation can vary from bush tents to tented lodges, private tented lodges right through to luxury lodges.
Most people who want to go on a safari adventure prefer to stay in characteristic boutique hotels and so end up mixing unique tented lodges with the luxury lodges. Many tourists to Tanzania spend an average of US $ 240 per person per night on their accommodation. Many seasoned tourists have come to acknowledge that this combination is the best, since tented lodges give them a greater insight into the wildlife environment whilst they still enjoy all the modern conveniences like comfortable beds, hot showers and 24/7 electricity.
The Best Time to Go to Tanzania for a Safari
In a tropical climate, the day time temperatures can rise to between 25°C and 32°C with the evenings and early mornings dropping to single figures. The months from June To October are the best time to visit Tanzania because this is when there is a massive migration of the wildebeest. April and May are considered rainy season, but even during these months, animal safaris are a good option because there are fewer tourists in the park.
Best Months to Visit: June, July, August, September and October are the best months to visit the land as there is little or no rain, so animals are concentrated at a few remaining water holes making it easier to catch a glimpse of them. Moreover, at this time there are no mosquitoes, skies are clear for great photographic opportunities and viewing.
Other good months: January, February and May.
Fair months: March, April, November and December.
Timing is crucial when planning your trip to Tanzania as this will also impact on the cost of your safari. It is almost impossible to see a great migration in Tanzania all year round, so you may require longer trips during the rainy season to get a glimpse of the more popular animals. It is much easier to see wildlife in the dry season (from June to August) as animals tend to gather around a few main water sources. However, the low season is advantageous because there maybe better discounted prices for accommodation and Tanzania Tours compared with the peak seasons. Famous Tanzania Parks such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro are extremely crowded in peak season which may ruin your fantasy of the perfect wildlife experience.
However, planning an itinerary during the wet season requires a more careful itinerary and this is where the Tanzania adventure companies come in handy. Some parks have fewer animals especially after the great migration has passed and the water levels are low in Lake Manyara National Park. So, it makes no sense arranging a game drive at this time. The low season begins in March and ends in May in Tanzania.
Tanzania Safari Styles
- 4x4
For a Tanzania African safari a 4×4 jeep with a pop-up roof is the classic way for seeing wildlife. Prepare for dust blowing on you and a scorching hot sun. Choosing a fly-in safari enables you to access game parks in South Tanzania and is convenient and shortens driving time on rough roads. If you want to travel in style and comfort board an airplane to board a fly-in to get to northern or southern Tanzanian parks.
- Walking
If you want to get up close and personal with wildlife and animals going on a walking safari is the perfect opportunity to be at one with nature and have an adventure. An armed ranger will demonstrate tracking techniques and teach you about the flora and fauna of this wonderful part of Africa. This kind of safari can become grueling for unfit travellers, so make sure you are in a good shape before choosing this one.
- In a Boat
If you fancy a more leisurely African safari in Tanzania, you can take a boat ride in southern Tanzania which is a superb way to see animals and birds from a completely new perspective. There are half day boat trips you can book on the Ruaha or Rufiji rivers. The Selous Game Reserve trip will enable you to see waterbirds and wildlife coming to the water for a drink and is an amazing opportunity to photograph hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, giraffes and maybe, even some lions.
- On Horseback
Another great way to explore the bush is on horseback where you will be able to get very close to wild animals. Although not as hard as the walking kind, this one also calls for being quite fit.
- Hot Air Balloon
A pretty much popular way of seeing the bush from is by hot air balloon. You’ll be able to watch the sunrise over the savanna grasslands and float silently above the animals in the Serengeti and look forward to a romantic champagne breakfast in the bush.
Whatever kind you decide upon, it’s best to book beforehand through a trustworthy company in Tanzania as that way you will be safe and will enjoy your safari trip.
About Altezza Travel
Altezza Travel is a team of dedicated wildlife specialists, whose mission is to turn your Tanzanian dreams into reality. We are vastly experienced in organizing top-notch Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions and safari tours in Tanzania. Unparalleled safety standards, individual care for each guest and professional guides are the foundations of our vision. We will make your adventure a lifetime memory!