Tanzania Safari 2025
Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania
Tanzania, a true jewel of African safaris, is a dream destination for wildlife lovers. Picture yourself discovering the awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater and the endless plains of Serengeti National Park. This nation is a haven for the iconic Big Five, along with an incredible variety of other wildlife. From elegant giraffes and spirited hippos to elusive caracals, African wild dogs, and many fascinating lesser-known creatures — there’s always something to marvel at.
A safari with Velam Tours isn’t just about sightseeing — it’s about immersion. Wildlife roams freely, giving you an authentic window into their natural behavior. And when evening arrives, the adventure continues as you unwind in cozy lodges, serenaded by the distinct nighttime melodies of the African bush.
Tanzania’s scenery is as varied as its wildlife. From the arid plains of the Serengeti to the green, misty highlands of Ngorongoro, each region reveals a unique facet of nature. With Velam Tours, every journey promises a vibrant and unforgettable encounter with the wild.
Get a glimpse into Tanzania safari from our short video
What happens on a Safari in Tanzania?
Picture yourself in a vehicle with a pop-up roof, offering stunning 360-degree views of the scenery. Animals often approach close enough for fantastic photo opportunities.
As night approaches, you’ll settle into a safari lodge or mobile tented camp for dinner and rest. Your journey continues the next day, immersing you further into Tanzania’s natural wonders. The country’s breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife have appeared on Hollywood screens in classics like “Hatari!” and inspired Walt Disney’s “Lion King”.
But an African safari in Tanzania is more than just wildlife; it’s a cultural journey too. You can visit Maasai villages to experience local traditions, and explore amazing historical sites like the Olduvai Gorge – the “Cradle of Mankind”.
For a unique perspective, try a walking safari through the savannah for close encounters with nature. Feeling even more adventurous? Soar above in a hot air balloon and enjoy scenic beauty from bird’s-eye view. Altezza offers these and other off-the-beaten-path experiences to enrich your safari adventure.
Tanzania Safari tours
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What animals you will see on Tanzania safari?
In Tanzania, the legendary Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and rhinos — are a major draw for safari-goers. While rhinos are increasingly rare, they can still be seen in the Ngorongoro Crater, where conservation efforts help protect a small population. The other members of the Big Five are more frequently spotted: lions lounging in the grasslands, elephants moving gracefully across the savannah, leopards draped over tree branches, and herds of buffalo grazing near waterholes. With Velam Tours, each game drive offers more than just sightings — it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Africa’s wild beauty.
But Tanzania’s wildlife goes far beyond the famous Big Five. The country overflows with incredible creatures like cheetahs, wildebeests, zebras, and various species of monkeys. For bird enthusiasts, it’s a true paradise — home to 1,156 bird species, including over 800 resident birds and hundreds of migratory visitors. The best time to witness this vibrant birdlife is between December and April. At Velam Tours, we’re proud to have a team of passionate birdwatchers who are constantly amazed by the rich variety of bird species found across Tanzania.
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Tanzania Safari guides
A knowledgeable safari guide can truly elevate your entire journey. Their deep understanding of the wildlife brings each sighting to life — whether it’s explaining why zebras rest their heads on each other, which creatures can actually make lions back down, or the reason elephants flare their ears when they sense danger.
But their role goes beyond wildlife interpretation. Skilled guides also serve as cultural ambassadors, helping you connect more meaningfully with local communities. When visiting groups like the Maasai, your guide can bridge language and cultural gaps, ensuring respectful, insightful, and enriching interactions.
At Velam Tours, we choose our driver-guides with great care, prioritizing deep wildlife knowledge and expert off-road skills. By offering competitive pay and full benefits, we attract top talent dedicated to providing exceptional safari experiences.
Tanzania Safari camps and lodges
Tanzania safaris go beyond wildlife encounters — where you stay makes a big difference. Imagine sipping a drink on a terrace with sweeping views of the savannah — it’s the heart of the safari experience.
At Velam Tours, we carefully select lodges that meet our high standards for comfort, service, and cuisine. Our team personally inspects each one, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Location is everything. Whether you’re in the Serengeti, by Lake Manyara, or near the Ngorongoro Crater, our chosen camps and lodges offer breathtaking views that keep you connected to the wild at every moment.
Luxury Tanzania Tours
A luxury safari in Tanzania adds a sophisticated twist to the traditional adventure. These high-end experiences are defined by exceptional lodges that rival Europe’s finest hotels, offering world-class service and gourmet cuisine. Guests can savor a refined culinary journey, featuring premium international fare — from fine wines and champagnes to artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and locally sourced organic specialties.
The accommodations themselves are equally impressive: spacious, beautifully appointed suites with handcrafted furnishings that reflect both comfort and elegance. It’s no surprise that these lodges are a favorite among celebrities and luxury travelers.
Planning ahead is essential. During peak seasons — from late December to early March and again from late June to mid-October — availability is limited. We recommend booking at least 3–4 months in advance to secure your preferred stay.
At Velam Tours, we partner with elite brands like Four Seasons, Singita, One Nature, and more, ensuring a premium experience throughout your journey. For added convenience and exclusivity, we offer tailored charter services between parks and lodges, including private jet transfers — a perfect option during the busy safari months.
Hot air balloon flight
A hot air balloon ride is a standout moment on any luxury safari. Drifting silently above the Tanzanian savannah offers an unmatched perspective for viewing wildlife in their natural habitat. This magical experience is available in the northern parks—Tarangire and Serengeti—and is considered one of the most unforgettable adventures Africa has to offer. Many of Velam Tours’ guests have been thrilled to include this aerial safari in their journeys, making it a cherished memory of their time in Tanzania.
Bush aviation
Air travel greatly enhances the efficiency of safari itineraries. What would normally be an 8–9 hour drive from Arusha to the remote regions of the Serengeti becomes a smooth 2-hour flight. This quick journey allows you to dive straight into your wildlife experience shortly after landing, giving you more time to explore and enjoy. Velam Tours can seamlessly incorporate these convenient flights into your safari plans, ensuring a smooth and time-saving travel experience.
To really soak in Tanzania’s safari wonders like Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Tarangire National Park, aim for a 5-7 day trip. This will give you enough time to explore the northern circuit and see the Big Five and other key animals. For those who can stay longer, there are incredible safari journeys lasting 20+ days!
If you’re short on time, a quick safari covering Arusha and either Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Park can be done in 1-2 days. It’s a great snapshot of Tanzania’s wildlife. And, if you’re keen on the Serengeti but pressed for time, flying directly there is a good option.
The best time for a safari in Tanzania depends on what kind of experience you’re after. The dry seasons — from June to October and January to March — are prime for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around waterholes. Expect clear skies and fantastic sightings, though these months can be busy, especially during the Great Migration and the birthing season for zebras and wildebeests.
In contrast, the green (rainy) seasons — April to May and November to December — offer vibrant landscapes, fewer crowds, and often lower rates at lodges. For those seeking a quieter adventure with decent weather, the transitional months — late March, early June, late October, and November — strike a perfect balance.
You can explore more about the best times to visit and get insights from the Velam Tours team in our detailed safari guide.
The Great Wildebeest Migration is a mesmerizing natural spectacle for wildlife lovers, featuring over a million animals traversing the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem. Starting with calving in the southern Serengeti, near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, they wind through the Serengeti towards Kenya’s Masai Mara, returning by year’s end. One of the most dramatic parts of this migration is the Mara River crossing. Here, the migration herds face the challenging currents and hungry predators lurking in the waters. Watching thousands of these animals navigate the Mara river is a highlight for many travelers.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is the gateway to northern Tanzania national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, and is close to Mount Kilimanjaro. For the southern parks, Dar Es Salaam International Airport is the go-to entry point.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti offers year-round drama, peaking with the wildebeest calving season in February-March and dramatic river crossing in May-August, before moving to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve from August to October.
For a safari, choose shirts and pants in neutral colors like khaki or gray to blend in and hide dust. Avoid white, blue, and camouflage clothing. Blue attracts tsetse flies and camouflage is restricted for civilians. Dresses are great for lodges but pants are practical for drives. Remember sun protection: a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. For footwear, sandals are fine for lodges, but closed shoes are better for drives. Pack a warm jacket for chilly mornings and evenings, especially in high-altitude areas.
Two countries in East Africa provide remarkable safari experiences: Kenya & Tanzania. However, Tanzania frequently stands out. Many prefer it for its less crowded parks and abundant wildlife, which includes unique animal sightings. The extended Great Migration period in the Serengeti National Park is also a major attraction. Additionally, the country offers the opportunity to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain.
Leaving the car on a Tanzania safari is allowed in designated areas only. Leaving a car right in the middle of the national park isn’t allowed because of safety considerations.
Regular visitors are not permitted to operate drones in Tanzania’s national parks. However, special permissions can be obtained for filming projects. This process typically takes 3-4 months and incurs additional costs. Bringing a drone into Tanzania without the necessary permissions risks confiscation by customs officials upon arrival.
Wi-Fi is available in our safari vehicles. However, please note that in the more remote areas of national parks, coverage might be limited. You can also expect Wi-Fi in hotels and lodges across Tanzania. The connection in those locations can sometimes be intermittent too.
