Wildlife Safari & Tours

Wildlife Tours in Tanzania and Zanzibar provide an unparalleled opportunity to experience some of the world’s most iconic and diverse wildlife in their natural habitats. These tours include visits to world-renowned national parks, reserves, and conservation areas, offering travelers the chance to see the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), along with numerous other species of mammals, birds, and marine life.

Wildlife Tours in Tanzania

1. Serengeti National Park Safari

Duration: 3–7 days
Highlights:
The Serengeti is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world, known for its vast savannahs and the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrate in search of fresh grazing. Along with the migration, you can witness incredible predator-prey interactions.

• Game Drives: Enjoy early morning and late afternoon game drives to spot the Big Five, along with cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and more.
• Great Migration: Depending on the season, experience the movement of the herds, especially the dramatic river crossings where animals brave crocodile-infested waters.
• Hot Air Balloon Safari: For a unique perspective, soar above the Serengeti at sunrise in a hot air balloon, followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush.

Price: Starting from $900 per person for a 3-day safari, including accommodation and park fees.

2. Ngorongoro Crater Safari

Duration: 1–3 days
Highlights:
The Ngorongoro Crater is often referred to as Africa’s “Garden of Eden” due to its dense concentration of wildlife. The crater is home to over 25,000 animals, making it one of the best places in the world to spot wildlife in a relatively small area.

• Crater Floor Game Drive: Descend into the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera and see black rhinos, lions, elephants, and hundreds of bird species. The crater’s diverse habitats include grasslands, forests, and lakes, supporting a variety of wildlife.
• Maasai Cultural Visits: Combine the wildlife experience with a visit to a traditional Maasai village, where you can learn about the tribe’s pastoral way of life and coexistence with wildlife.

Price: Starting from $500 per person for a 1-day crater safari, including transport and park fees.

3. Tarangire National Park Safari

Duration: 2–3 days
Highlights:
Tarangire National Park is famous for its large elephant herds and majestic baobab trees. It offers an uncrowded safari experience, making it a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts.

• Elephants and Baobabs: The park is home to one of the highest concentrations of elephants in East Africa. Along with elephants, you’ll see giraffes, wildebeests, zebras, and predators like lions and leopards.
• Birdwatching: With over 500 species of birds, Tarangire is a haven for birdwatchers, featuring species such as the yellow-collared lovebird, rufous-tailed weaver, and great white pelican.

Price: Starting from $400 per person for a 2-day safari, including accommodation and park fees.

4. Lake Manyara National Park Safari

Duration: 1–2 days
Highlights:
Lake Manyara National Park is known for its tree-climbing lions and vast alkaline lake, which attracts thousands of flamingos. The park’s lush landscape contrasts with the more arid regions of northern Tanzania.

• Tree-Climbing Lions: One of the rare places where lions rest in trees, offering unique photo opportunities.
• Flamingos and Birdlife: The shallow, soda-rich waters of Lake Manyara attract large flocks of flamingos, pelicans, and other waterbirds. Bird enthusiasts will also spot African fish eagles, crowned cranes, and hornbills.
• Hippos and Hot Springs: Visit hippo pools and explore the hot springs that bubble up near the lake’s edge.

Price: Starting from $300 per person for a 1-day safari, including park fees and transport.

5. Selous Game Reserve (Now Nyerere National Park)

Duration: 3–5 days
Highlights:
The Selous Game Reserve, renamed Nyerere National Park, is one of the largest protected wildlife reserves in the world, offering a more remote and less crowded safari experience.

• Boat Safaris: Unlike most parks, Selous offers boat safaris along the Rufiji River, where you can spot hippos, crocodiles, and various waterbirds.
• Walking Safaris: Experience a walking safari with a professional guide, allowing you to learn about the smaller details of the bush, including tracks, plants, and insects.
• Elephants, Lions, and More: Selous is home to large populations of elephants, as well as lions, leopards, and endangered African wild dogs.

Price: Starting from $1,200 per person for a 3-day safari, including accommodation, boat safaris, and park fees.

Wildlife Tours in Zanzibar

1. Jozani Forest and Red Colobus Monkey Tour

Duration: Half-day
Highlights:
The Jozani-Chwaka Bay National Park is the only national park in Zanzibar, home to the endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus Monkeys. This is a great option for travelers looking to explore wildlife while staying on the island.

• Red Colobus Monkeys: These rare primates are unique to Zanzibar and can be seen leaping through the treetops in the forest. The park is one of the few places in the world where you can observe this endangered species in the wild.
• Mangrove Walks: The park is also home to a mangrove swamp where visitors can learn about the importance of mangroves in coastal ecosystems and spot various bird species.
• Butterfly Center: Nearby, you can visit the Zanzibar Butterfly Center, where you’ll learn about conservation efforts and see beautiful tropical butterflies in a lush garden.

Price: Starting from $50 per person for a half-day tour, including park fees and transport.

2. Dolphin Tour at Kizimkazi

Duration: Half-day
Highlights:
Kizimkazi, located on Zanzibar’s southern coast, is famous for its resident dolphins. This tour offers a chance to see these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.

• Dolphin Watching: Board a traditional dhow boat and head out into the ocean to spot bottlenose and humpback dolphins. While it’s possible to swim with them, it’s important to prioritize responsible tourism that doesn’t disturb their natural behavior.
• Coral Reefs and Snorkeling: The surrounding waters offer great snorkeling opportunities, where you can see colorful coral reefs and tropical fish.

Price: Starting from $60 per person, including boat ride, snorkeling gear, and transport.

3. Prison Island Giant Tortoise Tour

Duration: Half-day
Highlights:
Prison Island (also known as Changuu Island) is located just off the coast of Stone Town and is home to a colony of giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over 100 years old.

• Aldabra Giant Tortoises: These magnificent tortoises were originally a gift from the Seychelles and can now be observed and even fed by visitors.
• Historical Site: The island was once used as a quarantine station for yellow fever and has an old prison that can be toured.
• Snorkeling: After visiting the tortoises, enjoy snorkeling in the clear waters surrounding the island, where you can see colorful fish and coral reefs.

Price: Starting from $50 per person, including boat transport and entrance fees.

Unique Wildlife Experiences

1. Mahale Mountains National Park (Chimpanzee Trekking)

Duration: 4–7 days
Highlights:
For an extraordinary wildlife experience, head to Mahale Mountains National Park on the shores of Lake Tanganyika. The park is known for its population of wild chimpanzees.

• Chimpanzee Trekking: Hike through dense rainforest to track chimpanzee troops. The treks can be challenging but are rewarded with unforgettable encounters with our closest relatives.
• Lake Tanganyika: After your trek, enjoy the pristine waters of Lake Tanganyika, one of the world’s largest and deepest lakes. The lake offers excellent swimming, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.

Price: Starting from $3,000 per person for a 5-day chimpanzee trekking tour, including accommodation, permits, and park fees.

2. Gombe Stream National Park (Jane Goodall’s Chimpanzees)

Duration: 3–5 days
Highlights:
Gombe Stream National Park is world-famous for being the place where Dr. Jane Goodall conducted her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees.

• Chimpanzee Habituation: Track and observe chimpanzees in their natural habitat, often coming quite close to them. Guides will explain their behaviors and social interactions.
• Lake Shoreline Exploration: The park is located along the stunning shoreline of Lake Tanganyika, offering opportunities to swim and relax after chimp trekking.