Every route designed by our team. Every safari executed by a hand-picked local operator. Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Zanzibar from 3 to 14 days, camping to luxury.
Not sure where to start?
We'll craft your perfect adventure.
WHEN TO VISIT
We design different Tanzania itineraries for each season because the wildlife, road conditions, and lodge availability shift dramatically through the year. Here's how we plan your route based on when you travel.
Blue skies, golden plains, and the dramatic Mara River Crossing. Best for first-timers, river crossings and easy wildlife spotting.
Verdict: If witnessing a Mara River crossing is on your bucket list, this is the only time to go. Classic 'National Geographic' scenes, but expect higher rates and more vehicles at major sightings.
See our Great Migration itinerary guide
We've designed itineraries for every trip length, but we're honest: don't rush the Serengeti. Based on Tanzania's road distances, we recommend at least 5 to 7 days to cover Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti at a sane pace. If you want beach time too, our safari + Zanzibar itineraries usually work best at 8 to 10 days.
3-5 DaysQuick Explorer | 6-7 DaysClassic SafariMost Popular | 9+ DaysUltimate AdventureBest Experience | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parks Visited | 1-2 Parks | 3-4 Parks | All + Remote |
| Big 5 Chance | Possible | High | Very High |
| Travel Pace | Rushed | Balanced | Relaxed |
| Serengeti Time | Little/None | 2-3 Nights | 4+ Nights |
| Migration | Unlikely | Good Chance | Best Chance |
| Cultural Visit | Rarely | Optional | Included |
| Ideal For | Budget trips & short safaris | Best itinerary for first-timers | Photographers & deep immersion |
We design most first-timer itineraries for 6 to 7 days. That gives you enough time to cover Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti without burning daylight on transfers alone. If you only have 5 days, fly one leg or keep the route tighter rather than pretending you can comfortably do everything.
Arusha to Serengeti drive time is approximately 8-9 hours. On short 3-day trips, you spend most of your time on the highway. We recommend flying one way to save time.
Strict national park rules require all vehicles to exit by 6:00 PM. Safari gate fees are paid per 24-hour cycle, so a well-planned itinerary is crucial to avoid penalties.
Animals don't follow a schedule. A longer Tanzania safari itinerary increases your odds of seeing the Big 5 and rare predator action, simply because you have more time in the bush.
We pair each itinerary with accommodation we've personally vetted. Every lodge and camp in our collection has been visited, reviewed, or pressure-tested by our team, from luxury Serengeti lodges with private plunge pools to authentic tented camps inside the parks. For more detail, read our luxury safari guide and browse the lodges we recommend in the Serengeti.
THE NORTHERN SAFARI CIRCUIT
Most of our itineraries follow the Northern Safari Circuit, the route connecting Tarangire, Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. These are the four parks we recommend for most first-time travellers because they combine the Big 5, strong migration potential, and manageable driving distances.
Northern Safari Circuit Overview
Home of the Great Migration
Tanzania's most famous park and the stage for the Great Migration. It offers year-round Serengeti National Park safari experiences with vast plains and high predator density year-round.
Home of Tree-Climbing Lions
A compact gem known for its unique tree-climbing lions and thousands of flamingos painting the lake pink. A perfect first stop on your safari itinerary.
The Best Place to See the Big 5
A UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient volcanic caldera holds the highest density of wildlife in Africa and is the best place to spot the rare Black Rhino.
Elephants & Ancient Baobabs
Famous for its massive elephant herds and iconic Baobab trees. In the dry season, it rivals the Serengeti for wildlife density as animals flock to the Tarangire River.
Ruaha, Selous (Nyerere) & Mikumi: vast wilderness, walking safaris, and boat safaris with almost no crowds. A completely different Tanzania experience.
Explore Southern SafariAfrica's highest peak (5,895 m) is about 4 hours from Arusha. The standard climb takes 6–8 days — many travellers pair it with a Northern Circuit safari before or after without extra international flights.
Most Northern Circuit itineraries pass through Maasai country — a guided village visit is a common half-day addition between parks. Olduvai Gorge, the "Cradle of Mankind," sits between Ngorongoro and the Serengeti and is an easy roadside stop.
We price our Tanzania itineraries transparently. Expect routes to start around $250 per person per day for camping and climb above $1,000 once you move into luxury lodges or fly-in logistics. The important part is understanding where the money goes: park fees, vehicle costs, and accommodation.
Serengeti National Park fees and conservation levies are set by TANAPA. Expect to pay ~$83 per person/day (including VAT) for entry, regardless of whether you sleep in a tent or a luxury lodge.
The biggest variable is where you sleep. A budget camping safari starts at $250/day, while luxury safari lodges can exceed $1,500/day due to the high cost of remote logistics and all-inclusive service.
Common "hidden" costs include the Tanzania visa fee ($100 for US citizens) and gratuities. The standard safari driver tip is $20-30 per day per group. Always check if drinks and laundry are included in your quote.
Our Tanzania safari itineraries typically range from $250 to $1,500 per person per day. Park fees stay fixed regardless of budget. The main swing factor is accommodation, followed by whether the route requires extra flying or premium lodge logistics.
Answer two quick questions — get a tailored itinerary and quote within 12 hours.
Not sure? You can adjust this later.
Get answers to common questions about planning your Tanzania safari.
Tanzania is located in East Africa, bordering Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda and Burundi to the west, and Mozambique, Malawi, and Zambia to the south. It is home to some of Africa's most famous safari destinations, including the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania is also known for Zanzibar, a popular beach extension after safari.
Yes. Tanzania is widely regarded as one of the safest safari destinations in Africa. Most travelers experience trouble-free visits, particularly on organized safaris where guests are accompanied by professional driver-guides at all times. National parks and safari lodges are very safe. As in any country, basic precautions are recommended in cities, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and not displaying valuables openly.
Our Tanzania safari itineraries typically land between $250 and $1,000+ per person per day, depending on the season, accommodation level, and routing.
Prices are highest during the peak season (July–October) and lower during the green season. Private safaris cost more than group-joining tours, but they give you a dedicated guide and let us design a route around your actual priorities instead of a fixed departure.
A Serengeti safari usually costs $450–$900 per person per day, depending on lodge quality, season, and whether you travel by road or small aircraft. The most expensive period is during the dry season (June–October) and the calving season (January–February), while the green season (March–May) and shoulder months (November–December) offer better value with fewer crowds.
We design Tanzania safaris year-round, but the best time depends on what you most want to see:
We do design 3-day Tanzania safaris, but we rarely recommend them for first-timers. Between park gates, drive times, and the long haul to the Serengeti, 3 days is usually best for a tight Tarangire + Ngorongoro route or a focused fly-in trip.
If you want Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti together, 5 to 7 days is the honest minimum.
March to May is usually the best value window in our Tanzania itineraries. This is the long-rains period, so lodge rates can drop sharply and some camps run low-season specials.
The trade-off is wetter afternoons and occasional road slowdowns, but for travellers who care more about value, greenery, and lighter crowds than postcard-perfect dry-season skies, it can be an excellent time to go.
Tanzania has two rainy seasons:
Safaris continue year-round, including during the rainy season. While occasional showers are expected, the scenery is greener, wildlife is still abundant, and prices are generally lower.
Yes. US citizens require a multiple-entry visa costing $100, while UK and EU citizens typically pay $50. Visas can be obtained on arrival at major airports, including Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Dar es Salaam (DAR), but queues can be long. We strongly recommend applying for a Tanzania e-Visa online at least 2–3 weeks before travel to save time on arrival. For the step-by-step process, read our Tanzania visa guide.
Most safari travellers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is the closest airport to the Northern Circuit parks. Dar es Salaam (DAR) is an alternative, especially if you're heading to the southern parks or Zanzibar first.
There are no direct flights from the US or UK — common connections include Doha (Qatar Airways), Amsterdam (KLM), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), and Nairobi (Kenya Airways). From JRO, your safari operator will arrange a road transfer or domestic flight to your first park.
Pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm days and cool mornings. We recommend:
Avoid dark blue and black, which can attract tsetse flies, and bright white clothing, which shows dust easily.
Tipping is customary but not mandatory. For a private safari, the general guideline is $15–$20 per person, per day for your driver-guide. Many lodges also have a communal tip box for camp staff, where $10–$15 per group, per day is appropriate. Tips are usually given in US dollars (bills issued after 2013) or Tanzanian shillings. We break down driver, lodge, and camp tipping in our Tanzania safari tipping guide.
It is possible in some areas, but we rarely recommend self-drive safaris in Tanzania for first-timers. Distances are long, signage can be limited, and the best sightings often depend on guide experience, radio updates, and knowing how to pace the day around park logistics.
That's why our itineraries are built around experienced local operators and licensed guides who handle navigation, timings, and wildlife tracking while you focus on the safari itself.
Having designed itineraries in both countries, we usually recommend Tanzania for travellers who want bigger wilderness, the Ngorongoro Crater, and a stronger sense of scale in the Serengeti. Kenya is excellent for shorter trips starting from Nairobi and for travellers whose main goal is the Masai Mara.
Neither is universally better. Tanzania tends to suit longer, more immersive routes, while Kenya can be easier to fit into a compact first safari.
Malaria is present in Tanzania, so most travelers are advised to take preventive medication after consulting a travel doctor. Yellow Fever vaccination is generally required only if arriving from a country with Yellow Fever risk, but entry rules can change. Most safari lodges provide mosquito nets, and we recommend bringing insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin for additional protection.
Yes. Tanzania is an excellent choice for families, couples, and first-time safari travelers. The infrastructure is well developed, guides are highly experienced, and private safaris allow pacing to be fully adapted to your needs. Many lodges welcome children and offer family-friendly accommodations and activities. If you're traveling with kids, start with our family safari itineraries.
Browse Tanzania routes designed by GetSafariTours for first-timers, migration chasers, families, and beach extensions. We design the itinerary first, then match it with the local operator best suited to that route and travel style. Looking for beach time too? Explore our Safari & Zanzibar itineraries.
Verified reviews from travellers who booked with GetSafariTours.
“A GREAT SAFARI EXPERIENCE¡¡😍😍”
My family and I took part in a nine-day safari in Kenya and Tanzania, and it was truly an amazing experience. I've seen all of the Big Five in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti. Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable. Every day is a new experience, with beautiful scenery and amazing food. Lights on Africa arranged everything beautifully for us. The entire trip was unforgettable and memorable.
Review for Lights on Africa Destinations & Safaris
“Strongly recommend for safari at the top”
So first of all Calvin is kindness itself. He speaks French very well.
In addition, he is an excellent driver and knows all animals. He answers all our questions. And we asked him...
He is patient and thanks to him we have seen all the animals we hoped to see.
He prepared us two excellent meals and breakfast and so hearty with a lot of know-how.
He also took care of booking us the hotel in Karatu a little wonder. An oasis of peace surrounded by lush nature with an excellent dinner.
And surprised on the cake he took us to a typical Massai village where the villagers offered us a most beautiful dance and a visit to their village. A delight.
I can only advise this guide.
Review for Afrima Luxury Travel
“Thank you! 5/5 and more”
Lemali Safari Tours organized a 5-day amazing adventure for us that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
A professional approach is what sets the guys apart.
We visited Tarangire National Park, Lake Natron, Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Our guide Dismas is the best. His knowledge is immense, and he is always smiling and helpful.
We are glad that it was with him that we took this journey.
Trustworthy.
Once again, thank you!
Review for Lemali Tours and Safari
“Excellent Safari with Get Together Adventures!”
We had an incredible journey with Get Together Adventures in Tanzania, based in Arusha. The trip was perfectly organized, with excellent lodges and breathtaking safaris in several stunning national parks.
Our professional safari guide Emmanuel (and owner of Get Together Adventures) was truly the best guide we could have hoped for — incredibly knowledgeable about wildlife, animal behavior, and great knowledge birdlife! On top of that, he was extremely service-oriented, a pleasure to travel with, great safari car and always at the right place at exactly the right time.
In short: if you're planning a safari holiday in Tanzania, including a beach extension on Zanzibar, Get Together Adventures is the company to go with!
Thanks again Emmanuel & Savilinyi for this increadible experience with your company!!
Warm regards,
Manita & Robert
🐘🦓🦛🦒🦏
Review for Get Together Adventures
“Love these guys!”
Where to start…. Oh yeah CARLOS!!!!!!! This man is a Gem, he was our driver the entire time we needed one. He picked us up at the airport and took us on a 3hr drive to our hotel in Karatu! Along some rough roads in the pitch black night. We made sure to have tea with him and get to know him, and just lovely guy. He took us 2hrs to the start of our 1st safari as well! He also took us back to our airport hotel, giving us a little tour as well went along!
In terms of the safari, it was amazing we did the 3 day one, the 1st two days we had Augustine, who despite being a Liverpool fan was a legend! He made sure we saw as much as possible in Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Managed 4 out of the big 5! Walter took over for the last day at Manyara, and although I still loved it, he said he doesn’t enjoy that park and sadly you could tell, he did however make sure to find us lions and elephants in a very difficult area to see animals!
Rosemary in the office always kept us up to date even with slight changes in our plans and in their plans! We met her at the office and she gave my wife a huge hug which was lovely to see!
Fully recommend this company! And when we return we want Carlos to take us everywhere, especially on safari next time when he has a jeep!
Thanks guys!
Review for Mountain Warriors Tours and Safaris
“The best trip we’ve had. Exceeded all expectations!”
We have been very fortunate to have had some amazing tours in the past, but this was our best.
Throughout the whole experience, we felt genuinely looked after, Beatrice was very helpful and had lots of useful recommendations and advice whilst we were planning our tour, 7 days in total, 5 day safari with accommodation in Arusha the day before and two nights after. Wakanda definitely make you feel like this is a personalised tour, particularly through all of the team’s can-do attitude and the wonderful hospitality.
Our safari was an incredible experience. Our guide, Benedict, was superb, he is very welcoming, patient and is an incredible source of wildlife knowledge; a fantastic asset to the team.
Each day was built around what we hoped to see and do but with relevant and timely guidance from Benedict, who ensured we got the most from our tour, which we absolutely did.
We had our own combination of accommodation, including two nights at a tented lodge at Safari Haven in central Serengeti (highly recommended), and the Ngorongoro Simba Campsite before our morning game drive into the crater.
The campsite was safe, had stunning views and warm showers! Not to mention great freshly cooked meals from our chef Salim, with a nice variety of international and local cuisine throughout the tour.
We finished our trip with a city tour of Arusha with Joshua, who looked after us very well and ensured we got fair prices (and when to walk away!) in the markets.
We could not have asked for more, we will definitely come back to the beautiful wilderness of the Serengeti and without hesitation, will use Wakanda when we do.
Review for Serengeti Wakanda Tours and Safaris
