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Tanzania Map
Please roll over the individual regions for a quick introduction,or click on them for a detailed exploration of what they offer
Serengeti National Park
Probably one of the most iconic protected wildlife reserves in the world, the Serengeti is famed for its annual migration, when some six million hooves pound the open plains. The Serengeti has so much more to offer though than just this natural phenomenon.
Went to go
- There isn't a bad time to go in terms of game viewing, but the same seasonal rainfall patterns apply here and between Mar–May it is important to know that rain is likely
- The migration amasses in the northern Park with the famous river crossings into Kenya's Masai Mara; a regular event between Jul–Oct. There are now some fabulous camps in the north and this is a great alternative to the much busier Mara at this time of year
- February - the migration is in the south west of the park and calving, which is a great time to visit with lots of predator action
- Even when the migration is in the north, the rest of the park still has outstanding game viewing and is obviously a lot quieter too
What to do
- Game viewing from vehicles. We prefer to use camps and operators who use specially adapted 4x4 vehicles and so can keep clear of the busiest sections of the Park
- Walking safaris are now possible both in the Park and on neighbouring private concessions where night drives are also permitted
- Hot air balloon safaris are a must, but do require a night in the busier central section of the Park
- Horse riding safaris and now also available
Ngorongoro Crater
Often referred to as Africa's 'Garden of Eden', the Ngorongoro Crater is the world's largest unbroken caldera. The crater was created from a volcano that exploded creating a wilderness haven. It is 12 miles across and consumes 102 sq km of wilderness - home to over 30,000 animals.
When to go
- The weather in the highlands is less favourable than in the lower reaches, so if it is rainy season then the rainfall will be higher. Generally speaking, in the drier months from Jun–Oct there is less chance of rain, but for many of these months it can get very chilly in the evenings and there is always a chance of a morning fog
What to do
- There really is only one option inside the Crater itself and that is games drives. The camps located on the Crater rim might not be our first choice in terms of accommodation, but they do offer spectacular views that are an experience in themselves
- Some lodges are closer to the access road so visitors can enjoy the Crater almost by themselves for a short time before the masses start to arrive
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is famous for its masses of pink flamingos. Within Lake Manyara National Park itself are the amazing tree-climbing lions that make the acacia trees their homes during the rainy season. The largest concentration of baboons is also found here – a must for primate enthusiasts.
When to go
- Manyara and Tarangire both enjoy their own migrations in the dry season months of Jul–Oct and this is the best time for big game viewing
- In the wet season the birdwatching is excellent and enough resident game stays in the Park to justify a stopover
What to do
- Game drives, night game drives, canoeing when the water levels are sufficiently high
- Cultural tours, picnicking, bush lunches/dinners, and forest walks on the escarpment outside the park
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park has some of the highest population density of elephants anywhere in Tanzania, and its sparse vegetation, littered with baobab and acacia trees, makes it a beautiful and special location. Game is in abundance and birding is an absolute highlight.
When to go
- Animals, and particularly elephant, migrate into the Park Jun–Dec and the game viewing is quite simply superb
- During the rest of the year, the Park is beautiful and still has good game but with a lot fewer visitors
- The crowds can be avoided all year round by choosing one of the 3 excellent camps in the south
What to do
- 4x4 game drives, walking safaris and visits to nearby Lake Manyara
- If staying here on a private safari this is a great place to take a picnic lunch and get way off the beaten track into the true wilderness of the southern Park
Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world. Lying 3 degrees below the Equator, it is contained entirely within Tanzania and is one of Africa's youngest volcanoes. It covers an area of over 5,100 sq km, reaching over five km into the sky.
When to go
- Clearest and warmest conditions are from Dec-Feb, but it is also drier (and colder) from Jul-Sept
What to do
- For many, just the spectacle of the mountain is enough. Many people will fly into Kilimanjaro Airport and see the mountain as they fly in at the start of their safari. Often a safari will start with a night in the area and much of the accommodation in the area faces the mountain
- Six usual trekking routes to the summit and other more-demanding mountaineering routes
- Day or overnight hikes on the Shira plateau; nature trails on the lower reaches
Selous Game Reserve
Selous Game Reserve covers 5% of Tanzania's total area. A broad range of game can be found here including elephants, hippos, rhino, wild dog, buffalo, antelope, giraffe, warthog, wildebeest, lion, leopard and cheetah.
When to go
- Due to its proximity to the coast, Selous has a more tropical climate, so is hot and humid most of the year
- Jun-Sept offers warm days and cool nights, the best time of year for walking safaris and great elephant and buffalo sightings
- Oct-Nov sees heavy concentrations of game around the inland lakes, and the weather is dry and hot
- Dec-Mar offers prolific bird life and many animals calving. The weather starts to get humid, with the possibility of rain
- Apr–May is the heavy rainy season and many of the camps close and access becomes more difficult
What to do
- Open vehicle game drives in search of the Big 5 and many other species that inhabit this vast wilderness
- Boat safaris are superb and offer excellent birding and fishing
- Fly camping walking safaris are available from some of the best camps and short walks can be arranged from camp
Katavi National Park
The incredible numbers of game that are found in Katavi National Park, and the lack of visitors, make this one of the most rewarding areas to visit in Africa. It lies in the remote southwest of the country. Lakes Katavi and Chada support the largest concentrations of hippo and crocodile in Tanzania.
When to go
- The marsh and permanent waters of Katavi are what draws wildlife from miles around. The dry months from May-Nov are undoubtedly the best time to visit
- In the rainy season Dec–Apr, the plains turn into marsh land and surface water means the game largely disperses. There is always resident game, but tracks become muddy and large areas become inaccessible and insects increase. It is possible to visit at this time of year, but it's not necessarily at its best
What to do
- Enjoy one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Africa, simply teeming with wild life and with just 3 small bush camps worth mentioning, so just a handful of visitors
- Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, fly camping under the stars, outstanding birding and viewing of big mammals, daily walking safaris
Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is one of the least accessible parks in Tanzania. As a result of the remoteness, the landscape remains untouched and is a haven for safari aficionados. Birdwatchers can enjoy over 400 species of bird, many that are not found in northern Tanzania, and the river, spectacular gorges and majestic trees are especially appealing
When to go
- For predators and large mammals, visit in the dry season (mid-May-Dec)
- For bird-watching, lush scenery and wildflowers, visit in the wet season (Jan-Apr)
- The male greater kudu is most visible in June, the breeding season
What to do
- Open vehicle 4x4 game drives. Superb birdwatching
- Bush walks accompanied by professional guide and armed game scout
- Lesser and greater kudu, and sable and road antelope are found here
Gombe National Park
Gombe National Park is the smallest of Tanzania's National Parks, and Gombe Stream is a thin strip of ancient forest straddling the slopes and valleys that hem in the northern shore of Lake Tanganyika. Chimpanzees are the main attraction at Gombe Stream. These remarkable mammals – habituated to human visitors – were made famous by the pioneering work of Jane Goodall.
When to go:
- The chimps don't roam as far in the wet season (Feb-Jun, Nov-mid Dec) so may be easier to find
- There are better photographic opportunities in the dry, and walking in the forest is more pleasant
What to do
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Hiking, swimming and snorkelling
- Cisit the site of Henry Stanley's famous "Dr Livingstone I presume" at Ujiji near Kigoma, and watch the renowned dhow builders at work
Mahale Mountains
Tracking chimpanzees in the forests is a humbling experience as you come face to face with man's closest relative. There are very few areas left in Africa where it is possible to track chimpanzees in the wild, and the location of Mahale Mountains National Park on the shores of Lake Tanganyika is one of the most atmospheric in Africa.
When to go
- Dry season (Jun-Oct) is best for forest walks although this is no problem in the light rains of October/November. The camp is closed in the heavier rains from mid Mar until the end of May
What to do
- Chimp tracking (allow two days); hiking in the forest; bird watching; primate viewing, snorkelling; fishing, kayaking and relaxing
Tanzania
Tanzania is a unique destination that has yet to be discovered by many. It is a land of many wonders, having an unparalleled diversity of fauna and flora, and perhaps the most famous migration on earth.
When to go
- It is a superb year round destination and there is somewhere different for all seasons
- Mar, Apr and May are the long heavy rains and whilst the northern parks can be quite beautiful at this time of year, many consider sustained rains not conducive to an enjoyable safari. Many hotels and lodges on the coast and islands choose this time of year to close, particularly in Apr
What to do
- The great Serengeti migration is constantly on the move. Speak to one of our experts to find out where visitors should be when, or take a look at the migration map
- The Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera, is filled with virtually every species of game all year round
- Chimpanzee trekking in Gombe and Mahale
- Visit the remote parks of the south including Ruaha, Selous and Katavi
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