Luxury Tanzania Safaris

The best times to visit Tanzania are December through March or June through October when the climate is mild, mostly dry and the game viewing is at its finest. The main rainy season typically lasts from April to May with a shorter wet season during November. These rainy seasons draw fewer crowds while fostering abundant vegetation for grazing species. February marks the calving season for mammals such as wildebeest, affording a front row seat to the newborns’ first steps and interactions.

The Great Migration is the largest animal migration in the world. Each year, more than two million animals (wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle) migrate in a clockwise direction across the ecosystems of the Serengeti (Tanzania) and the Masai Mara (Kenya). While this cycle continues throughout the year, the herds are mainly found in the Serengeti in Southern Tanzania from December through early March. April to May marks the season of long rains, when the herds begin their trek north across the central and western Serengeti, grazing hungrily as they go. From June to July, the herds are grazing their way through the Serengeti’s western corridor and continue to push north towards the Masai Mara.

Tanzania brims with safari park options, including the vast Serengeti National Park, the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater and the wildlife-rich Tarangire National Park. Secluded in Tanzania’s remote southern reaches, the vast expanses of Ruaha and Nyerere (Selous) National Parks offer exceptional game viewing for travellers willing to venture off the beaten track. A journey to Tanzania also affords the opportunity to climb Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, while the island hideaway of Zanzibar invites guests to relax amid a beachfront paradise of sun, sand and surf.

The term “Big Five” refers to the lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and Cape buffalo — Africa’s topmost predators, and must-sees on every safari adventure throughout Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and South Africa.

While both destinations are known for their exceptional game viewing, Tanzania’s majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, coffee plantations, tropical coastline and island paradise of Zanzibar distinguish it from its neighbor to the north. Broadly speaking, Tanzania’s climate tends to be more tropical than Kenya’s, with more lush, green landscapes. Given their proximity and intersection of the Great Migration, these two countries are often combined into one journey.

Tourist Visas are required for U.S. and Canadian passport holders travelling to Tanzania. A&K recommends an Electronic Tourist Visa (eVisa). To apply online, visit eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa.

We recommend comfortable clothes made of natural, breathable fabrics. Plan to layer up or down as the temperature fluctuates. Neutral colors are best for game viewing, while black, navy blue and other dark colors tend to attract insects; leave camouflage at home, as it’s not permitted in game parks. Smart casual attire is appropriate for evenings, but formalwear is not necessary.