Best Safari Holidays in Tanzania
Beach Holidays and Safaris in Tanzania:
Tanzania is a place full of opposites, where bright blue waters lap up against pristine beaches and vast plains explode with wildlife. It’s one of those places that make you say “I really liked it here” because the memories are just unforgettable.
If you want a trip that combines the thrills of a safari adventure and the peace of a beachside escape, then look no further than Tanzania. In this guide we’ll take you through this country’s best spots for both, from the world-renown Serengeti to the famous Zanzibar spice island. Get ready to fall in love with this country.
Zanzibar – The Island Paradise
This archipelago off the coast of Tanzania has gained its reputation as a paradise thanks to its white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. A mix between African, Middle Eastern and European influences give it an extraordinarily unique culture.
Start your journey in Stone Town, Zanzibar’s capital which also doubles as UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend your days getting lost in all walks of life through narrow alleyways and admire the beautifully detailed wooden doors that lay on various old stone buildings along them. There’s also the wide selection at Darajani Market if you don’t know what to do there.
When you’re ready to unwind make sure you visit one of their beautiful beaches. Nungwi Beach is perfect if you’re looking for somewhere popular where you can snorkel or swim around. If water sports are more your thing then Paje Beach should be top priority thanks to its abundance of activities. For something more calming try out Matemwe or Kiwengwa Beaches which both offer miles of unspoiled sand.
Where to stay:
Zuri Zanzibar: An eco-friendly resort on the north coast that offers stunning beach villas along with yoga sessions and snorkeling.
The Residence Zanzibar: This luxury resort on the southwest coast offers elegant villas with private pools along with a beautiful spa to relax in.
Serengeti National Park – The Big Migration
This world-class safari is home to vast plains, an incredible amount of wild animals and an annual migration that just can’t be missed. This UNESCO World Heritage Site takes up 30,000 square kilometers and around 70 large mammals call it home.
Start your adventure by driving through the park’s southern plains. It’ll give you a chance to spot lions, cheetahs and leopards doing what they do best – hunting food. Once you’re done watching those killers go through their everyday routine drive yourself to the central Seronera Valley where big cats roam in high numbers. When it’s time (or better yet if you have the opportunity) be sure to witness the great migration when more than a million wildebeest cross Mara River simply looking for greener grass elsewhere.
For an experience you won’t soon forget, take a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti at sunrise to see the landscape come alive. You can also visit a Maasai village to learn about their way of life and culture or go on a guided nature walk to spot smaller animals like birds and insects.
Where to stay:
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti: This lavish lodge located in the middle of the park has elegant rooms and villas, an infinity pool that looks out on a watering hole, and offers a range of activities from game drives to spa treatments.
Singita Sasakwa Lodge: This extremely fancy lodge located on a private concession just outside of the Serengeti has colonial-style cottages, a world-class spa, and offers unparalleled game viewing experiences.
Ngorongoro Crater – Wildlife Wonderland
Millions of years ago when an enormous volcano collapsed is when The Ngorongoro Crater was formed. Now this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to an incredible amount of wildlife including all members of the Big Five (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinos, buffalo) as well as hippos, hyenas, and countless bird species.
To start your Ngorongoro adventure you’ll need to drive down into the crater floor where you can spend the day searching for wildlife with stunning scenery all around. Make sure not to miss your opportunity to visit Lerai Forest which is green oasis on the crater floor where you can find many herbivores including elephants. You could also make time for visiting one of the Maasai villages if you want to learn more about their traditional way of life.
If you’re looking for a truly unforgettable experience then consider staying at one of our lodges sitting right on top of the crater. If you wake up early enough in them then you’ll get to watch as the sun rises over it’s edge while enjoying breathtaking views of course. You might even be able to spot some wildlife from your room!
Where to stay:
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge: This luxurious lodge on the crater rim has elegant suites with breathtaking views, a cozy lounge with a fireplace, and offers a range of activities from game drives to cultural experiences.
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge: This comfortable lodge on the crater rim has rooms with stunning views, a beautiful swimming pool, and gives easy access to the crater floor and other attractions nearby.
Tarangire National Park – Elephants and Baobabs
Tarangire National Park is one of those hidden gems in northern Tanzania that’s known for its massive herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees. It’s also really nice that this park covers over 2,600 square kilometers and is home to many different types of wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and more than 550 bird species.
To start your Tarangire adventure you’ll need to go on a thrilling drive through the park’s diverse landscapes which ranges from open grasslands to dense woodlands. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for the famous elephants either since they can gather in herds of up to 300 individuals! Another option if you’re looking for something different is taking a guided walking safari where you’ll get much closer than usual with smaller creatures like dik-diks and mongooses.
If you want a truly unique experience then consider staying at our tented camp or lodge in the heart of the park. You’ll fall asleep listening to all sorts of sounds coming from around Africa’s bushy areas for sure + wake up surrounded by elephants trying not to bump into them when leaving your door too!
Where to stay:
Tarangire Treetops: This luxury lodge is special because it’s built around ancient baobab trees. The swimming pool is great and there’s lots of fun activities you can do from game drives to night safaris.
Oliver’s Camp: This intimate tented camp can be found in a remote part of the park. You’ll get comfortable tents with private bathrooms, delicious farm-to-table meals, and a range of activities from walking safaris to fly camping.
Mafia Island – Diving and Snorkeling Paradise
Mafia Island is a hidden paradise sitting off the coast of Tanzania, known for its pearly beaches, clear waters, and mesmerizing marine life. This small island is part of the Mafia Archipelago and is home to the Mafia Island Marine Park where over 800 square kilometers of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds are protected.
Your Mafia Island escapade starts with a dive or snorkel trip to one of the many luxurious coral reefs in the park. Here you can get up close and personal with a diverse range of fish, unique sea turtles, and even whale sharks (between October and March). You surely wouldn’t want to miss a visit to Kua’s historic ruins – an ancient city that was once a major trading hub for ivory and slaves.
For an authentic relaxing experience like no other, stay at any beachfront lodge or resort on the island. This way you can spend your days lounging on sand, swimming in warm Indian Ocean waters, all while munching on fresh seafood and tropical fruits.
Where to stay:
Butiama Beach: This eco-friendly lodge offers cozy beachfront bungalows along with a beautiful swimming pool and numerous activities ranging from diving to cultural tours.
Pole Pole Lodge: This luxury lodge on a private beach presents elegant bungalows that have private verandas attached. The lodge also includes stunning infinity pools as well as activities from snorkeling to kayaking.
Lake Manyara National Park – Flamingos and Tree-Climbing Lions
Lake Manyara National Park is not only small but also mesmerizing! Located in northern Tanzania this park is best known for its large flocks of flamingos as well as its famous tree-climbing lions. Covering more than 330 square kilometers it harbors various wildlife including elephants, baboons alongside over 400 species of birds!
To begin your Lake Manyara adventure, enjoy a thrilling game drive across the parks diverse landscapes such as the lush groundwater forest or vast open grasslands. Make sure to keep an eye out for the park’s famous tree-climbing lions! These fierce creatures can often be found napping in acacia trees. If you’re feeling bold you can take a guided walking safari that will get you up and close with some of the parks smaller creatures like dik-diks and bushbucks.
If possible, it’s highly recommended that you visit the park during its wet season (November to April). Due to high water levels thousands of flamingos and various other water birds flock to Lake Manyara. Which creates a breathtaking view when paired with Rift Valley escarpment as backdrop.
Where to stay:
andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge: This luxury lodge offers unique treehouse suites nested deep within the groundwater forest. Alongside a beautiful swimming pool, guests have access to activities ranging from game drives to night safaris.
Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge: Located on the edge of Rift Valley escarpment this comfortable lodge offers room views of both lake and park. Also features beautiful swimming pools, easy access to rides throughout the park along with other attractions in area.
Ruaha National Park – Wild and Remote
Ruaha National Park is a massive remote beauty located in southern Tanzania. Spanning over 20,000 square kilometers it is home to many remarkable wildlife species and environments. In fact, one of East Africa’s largest populations of elephants live here!
The park is also home to lions, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs and so much more!
Start your Ruaha adventure with a thrilling game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes, from rocky hills to dry riverbeds. Don’t miss a chance to spot the park’s famous greater kudu, a majestic antelope with spiral horns that can grow up to 1.5 meters long. You can also take a guided walking safari to explore the park’s smaller creatures and learn about traditional medicinal uses of plants.
For an authentic wild experience, stay at a remote tented camp or lodge in the heart of the park, where you can fall asleep to sounds of African bush and wake up to elephants and other wildlife right outside your door.
Where To Stay:
Jabali Ridge: This luxurious lodge offers stunning modern suites with private decks overlooking rugged landscape, beautiful infinity pool and range of activities from game drives to walking safaris.
Kichaka Expeditions: This intimate tented camp offers comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms, delicious meals cooked over open fire, and a range of activities from fly camping to walking safaris.
Pemba Island – Secluded And Unspoiled
Pemba Island is hidden gem off coast of Tanzania known for secluded beaches, lush forests and incredible diving and snorkeling. This small island is part Zanzibar Archipelago but much less developed and touristed than larger neighbor.
Start your Pemba Island adventure with dive or snorkel trip one many stunning coral reefs around island. You can spot wide variety colorful fish, sea turtles and even dolphins. Don’t miss chance visit Ngezi Forest Reserve, lush rainforest home endemic bird species rare Pemba flying fox.
For truly secluded experience stay at small eco-lodge or beachfront guesthouse spend days lounging on deserted beaches exploring island’s small villages spice plantations indulging fresh seafood tropical fruits.
Where To Stay:
The Manta Resort – This unique lodge offers underwater rooms submerged in blue hole off island’s west coast, as well as beachfront villas range activities from diving to kayaking.
Fundu Lagoon – This luxurious lodge offers beachfront bungalows and suites with private plunge pools, stunning infinity pool and range of activities from snorkelling to sunset dhow cruises.
Selous Game Reserve – Wilderness And Wildlife
The Selous Game Reserve is vast and remote wilderness in southern Tanzania known for its incredible wildlife and stunning scenery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site covers over 50,000 square kilometers and is home one largest populations elephants Africa, as well as lions, leopards, wild dogs and over 400 bird species.
Start your Selous adventure with thrilling game drive through reserve’s diverse landscapes, from open grasslands to dense miombo woodlands. Don’t miss chance take boat safari Rufiji River where you can spot hippos, crocodiles and wide variety water birds. You can also take guided walking safari explore reserve’s smaller creatures learn about traditional medicinal uses of plants.
For an absolutely wild experience, you’re going to want to stay in a tented camp or lodge deep inside the reserve. There’s nothing like falling asleep to the sounds of Africa and waking up with the sight of elephants right outside your door.
Where should I stay?
Beho Beho: This lodge is fancy as hell. With beautiful stone cottages and private plunge pools, it’s worth every penny. They also offer all sorts of activities from game drives to walking safaris.
Sand Rivers Selous: This cozy tented camp offers comfortable tents with en-suite bathrooms that are actually really nice, delicious meals cooked over an open fire, and all kinds of activities like fly camping and boat safaris.
Saadani National Park – Where the Bush Meets the Beach
Saadani National Park is special for its unique combination of bush and beach landscapes on Tanzania’s coast. It’s not well known either so you won’t be running into too many other travelers while you’re there. Covering over 1,000 square kilometers, this park is home to so many different wildlife species it would be impossible to list them here. Some highlights include elephants (obviously), lions, giraffes, and more than 200 bird species.
You’ll want to start your adventure in Saadani with a thrilling game drive through the park’s diverse landscapes that range from open grasslands to coastal forests. Make sure you take time out for a visit to Saadani’s ancient ruins too. Once upon a time this place was a major trading hub for ivory and slaves – crazy right? Oh! And don’t forget about the guided walking safari along the beach where you can spot nesting sea turtles.
For truly unique experience though? Stay at one of those beachfront lodges or tented camps right in the middle of park territory so that you can fall asleep listening to waves crash against sand if they make any noise at all. And then wake up to a herd of elephants drinking from the same waterhole that you were just using to brush your teeth.
Where should I stay?
Saadani Safari Lodge: This luxury lodge offers elegant beachfront cottages with private verandas and a beautiful swimming pool. They also have all sorts of activities including game drives and snorkeling.
A Tent With a View: This intimate tented camp offers comfy tents with en-suite bathrooms, delicious meals cooked over an open fire, and all kinds of activities like walking safaris and cultural tours.
You can see by now that Tanzania has everything that you could ever want out of a beach holiday or safari experience. From the legendary Serengeti to the secluded beaches on Pemba Island – this country has it all. So whether you’re in search of adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, you’ll find it here.
