where to go

1. Northern Circuit (Classic Safari Route)

● Serengeti National Park

• Why? The Great Migration (Jun-Oct), Big Five, endless plains.

• Best for: Game drives, hot air balloon safaris.

● Ngorongoro Crater

• Why? World’s largest intact volcanic caldera with dense wildlife.

• Best for: Lion sightings, rhino spotting, Maasai culture.

● Tarangire National Park

• Why? Huge elephant herds, baobab trees, fewer crowds.

• Best for: Day trips, birdwatching.

● Lake Manyara National Park

• Why? Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, lush groundwater forest.

• Best for: Short safaris, bird lovers.

● Mount Kilimanjaro

• Why? Africa’s highest peak (5,895m).

• Best for: Trekking (Machame/Lemosho routes).

 2. Southern Circuit (Wild & Remote)

● Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere NP)

• Why? Boat safaris, wild dogs, untouched wilderness.

• Best for: Walking safaris, river adventures.

● Ruaha National Park

• Why? Less touristy, great for lions & leopards.

• Best for: Off-the-beaten-path safaris.

● Mikumi National Park

• Why? Easy access from Dar es Salaam, great for short trips.

• Best for: Weekend safaris.

 3. Zanzibar & Beaches

● Zanzibar (Stone Town & Beaches)

• Why? White sands, spice tours, historic Stone Town.

• Best for: Relaxation, snorkeling, culture.

● Mafia Island

• Why? Marine paradise, whale sharks (Oct-Mar).

• Best for: Diving, secluded beaches.

● Pemba Island

• Why? Unspoiled, great for deep-sea fishing.

• Best for: Eco-luxury, scuba diving.

 4. Western Tanzania (Chimps & Adventure)

● Gombe Stream National Park

• Why? Jane Goodall’s chimpanzee research site.

• Best for: Primate trekking.

● Mahale Mountains National Park

• Why? Chimpanzees + Lake Tanganyika beaches.

• Best for: Combined safari & beach trips.

● Katavi National Park

• Why? Remote, massive buffalo herds, few tourists.

• Best for: True wilderness lovers.

5. Cultural & Offbeat Experiences

• Maasai Village Visits (Ngorongoro/Serengeti)

• Hadzabe Tribe (Lake Eyasi) – Hunter-gatherer culture.

• Dodoma – Tanzania’s capital (wine tours).

 Best Itinerary Ideas

1. Classic 7-Day Northern Circuit

Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Tarangire → Manyara

2. Safari + Zanzibar (10 Days)

Serengeti → Ngorongoro → Zanzibar beaches

3. Southern Wilderness (8 Days)

Selous → Ruaha → Mikumi

4. Chimps & Lakes (6 Days)

Mahale Mountains → Lake Tanganyika

When to Go?

• Best for Wildlife: June-Oct (Dry season, Great Migration).

• Best for Birds & Green Landscapes: Nov-May (Low season, fewer crowds).

• Best for Beaches: Year-round (Avoid Apr-May rains).