Got questions? We have answers!
Safari planning comes with a lot of questions, and that’s completely normal. Whether you’re trying to figure out the best time to visit, what to pack, or how to choose between parks, we’ve put together answers to the questions we hear most often from travelers planning their first or second trip to Tanzania.
If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, just reach out directly. Philip and his team are happy to answer any question, no matter how small it might seem.
When is the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania?
Tanzania offers excellent game viewing year-round, but the timing of your visit can shape the experience. The dry season (late June through October) is generally considered the best overall period – animals are easier to spot as vegetation thins out and they gather around water sources. January through March is exceptional in the southern Serengeti, where the wildebeest calving season brings intense predator activity. If witnessing the Great Migration river crossings is your priority, plan for July through October in the northern Serengeti.
What is the Great Migration, and can I be guaranteed to see it?
The Great Migration is the year-round movement of over a million wildebeest, zebra, and antelope across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing. The most dramatic moment is the Mara River crossing in the northern Serengeti, where massive herds plunge into crocodile-filled waters. These crossings happen primarily between July and October, but the exact timing depends on rainfall, so no operator can guarantee a crossing on a specific day. What we can do is position you in the right place at the right time of year to give you the best possible chance.
How many days do I need for a safari?
A minimum of four days gives you a meaningful experience, though more is always better. Three days is possible but leaves little margin – you’ll spend a significant portion of your time in transit rather than actually game viewing. If you want to include the northern Serengeti, budget at least five days. A week or more allows you to combine multiple parks without feeling rushed.
Which parks should I visit?
It depends on what you want to see and how much time you have. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are the two must-visits for most travelers – both deliver exceptional wildlife in very different settings. Tarangire is outstanding during the dry season and has the highest elephant concentration in Africa. Lake Manyara is a great add-on, especially for bird watchers. Arusha National Park works well as a day trip. We’ll recommend the best combination based on your travel dates and priorities.
What is the difference between a camping safari and a lodge safari?
A camping safari uses public or private campsites with tents, camp beds, and shared or bush facilities. It’s a more immersive experience and considerably more affordable. A lodge or tented camp safari places you in permanent or semi-permanent structures with en-suite bathrooms, proper beds, and often impressive settings. Luxury tented camps in particular offer the atmosphere of classic safari with genuine comfort. Both styles give you the same game viewing – the difference is in what you return to at the end of the day.
Are night game drives available?
Not in the national parks themselves – Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara all prohibit night driving. However, some private wilderness areas bordering the parks do allow night drives, and we can incorporate these into certain itineraries. Tarangire and Lake Manyara also permit walking safaris, which offer a different perspective on the bush altogether.
What animals can I expect to see?
Northern Tanzania’s parks are home to extraordinary diversity. Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, crocodiles, and countless antelope species are commonly seen. Buffalo and hyena are abundant. The Serengeti is one of the few places in the world where black rhino can still be spotted in the wild, and Ngorongoro Crater offers some of the best odds of seeing the Big Five in a single day. No safari comes with guarantees, but Tanzania consistently delivers.
Is a balloon safari worth it?
For many travelers, a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti is the highlight of their entire trip. Departures are at dawn, the flight lasts about an hour, and it ends with a champagne breakfast in the bush. The cost is $600 per person, paid separately from your safari package. It’s not for everyone, but if the budget allows, it’s a genuinely remarkable experience.
How large will my safari group be?
Best Tanzania Safari operates private groups only. You will not be combined with other travelers or placed in a shared vehicle with strangers. Your vehicle, your guide, and your schedule are yours for the duration of the safari. This means the itinerary can flex around what you want to see and how you want to experience it.
What does the safari price include?
All Best Tanzania Safari prices include park entry fees, conservation fees, and applicable taxes – these can add up significantly, particularly for Ngorongoro Crater, so it’s worth confirming this when comparing quotes from different operators. Accommodation, meals, and a private guide and vehicle are included for the duration of your safari. International flights, travel insurance, gratuities for guides and camp staff, and optional activities like balloon safaris are not included.