​Travel Tips for Preparation, Travel Type and New Destinations.
Tanzania is picture-book Africa: endless savannahs, acacias glowing at sunset, white sandy beaches, snow-capped volcanoes, and traces of human history. Discover four types of travel – safari, hiking, beach, and culture. Combine them as you wish.
SAFARI
How to find the safari that suits you.
First-timers, value-seekers, short-break travellers
In northern Tanzania – the Northern Circuit – you’ll find breathtaking national parks:
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Tarangire – elephants beneath mighty baobabs.
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Lake Manyara – home to tree-climbing lions and vast flamingo flocks.
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Ngorongoro Crater – a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can see the Big Five in a single day.
In the south – the Southern Circuit – magnificent national parks await:
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Mikumi – often called the “mini-Serengeti” for its open plains; easy to reach from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam, popular for short safaris.
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Nyerere (formerly Selous) – a blend of land and water experiences. Boat safaris on the mighty Rufiji River are a highlight – eye to eye with hippos, crocodiles, and countless waterbirds.
Families & Seniors
Tanzania offers suitable routes for every generation.
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There is no legal minimum age or upper age limit.
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Shorter driving legs and more breaks, plus experienced guides attuned to the age group, make a memorable safari possible at any age.
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Family- and senior-friendly lodges and camps let you experience the country’s warm hospitality and authentic flavours.
(Read more – Family safari trip report)
Big adventures that require more time
Would you like to dive deeper or explore less-visited areas? Some legendary national parks reveal their full magic only with more travel days:
• Serengeti – UNESCO World Heritage; made famous by Bernhard Grzimek’s film Serengeti Shall Not Die and still captivating thanks to the legendary Great Migration.
• Ruaha National Park – at over 20,000 km², Tanzania’s second largest park: a wild landscape full of elephants and big cats, off the classic routes.
• Gombe Stream National Park – on Lake Tanganyika, accessible only by boat. Follow in the footsteps of Jane Goodall and the chimpanzees.
• Amboseli (Kenya) – elephants set against snow-capped Kilimanjaro: an iconic safari image.
• Masai Mara (Kenya) – world-famous for the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River.
These destinations are not ideal for short trips – unless you opt for a fly-in, which entails significantly higher costs. If you allow yourself more time, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable experiences. At the same time, every safari helps TANAPA protect the national parks and their unique nature.
BEACHES
The Zanzibar Islands – white sand, turquoise waters and dhows gliding silently across the Indian Ocean. A special experience: swimming with dolphins – watching their graceful movements up close is truly unforgettable.
(Read more – The Zanzibar Islands)
HIKING
Kilimanjaro – the Roof of Africa. From day hikes to multi-day summit attempts.
Mount Meru – shorter and often chosen as preparation for Kilimanjaro.
Arusha National Park – walking safaris with a ranger, eye to eye with giraffes, monkeys and – at a safe distance – buffalo.
(Read more – Walking safari in Arusha National Park)
CULTURE, ENCOUNTERS & CULINARY ART
• The Maasai – a proud people with living traditions.
• Oldupai Gorge – cradle of humankind, one of the most important early-history sites.
• Arusha – markets, cooking classes & cuisine.
In markets and restaurants, Tanzania’s diversity comes together on the plate: ugali with hearty stews, fresh fish from Lake Victoria, and tropical fruit from stands and plantations. The coffee from Kilimanjaro and the highlands of the Ngorongoro Crater is wonderfully aromatic – many lodge estates roast their own beans. Zanzibar also enchants with its wealth of spices, shaping both cuisine and culture. Did you know Tanzania even produces its own wine from Dodoma? And with meat dishes, a chilled locally brewed beer pairs beautifully – breweries around Arusha ensure authentic enjoyment.
Explore our four types of travel – safari, hiking, beach, and culture – or create your own combination.
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