How Do You Plan a Safari in Tanzania?

How Do You Plan a Safari in Tanzania? A Step-by-Step Guide to Your Dream Adventure

Dreaming of lions in the golden Serengeti or watching elephants cross the Tarangire River at sunset? A safari in Tanzania is one of the most unforgettable experiences on Earth—but for many travelers, planning it can feel overwhelming.

What parks should you visit? When’s the best time to go? How much does it cost? And how do you even start?

Good news: planning your safari doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, with the right guidance, it can be just as enjoyable as the journey itself.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to planning a safari in Tanzania, tailored to your interests, budget, and travel style.

Step 1: Decide When to Go

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but the timing of your trip can shape your experience.

Here’s a quick overview:

• Dry Season (June–October): The most popular time for safaris. Wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources. July to September is perfect for seeing the Great Wildebeest Migration in northern Serengeti.
• Short Rains (November): Fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and more affordable rates.
• Green Season (December–March): Calving season in the Serengeti; excellent for predator sightings and birdwatching. A great time for photography.
• Long Rains (April–May): Some lodges close due to heavy rain, but prices are lower and landscapes are lush. Ideal if you want solitude and off-peak deals.

Pro Tip: The best time depends on what you want to see—whether it’s the Big Five, the wildebeest herds, or a romantic escape with fewer tourists.

Step 2: Choose Your Safari Experience

Tanzania offers a wide range of safari styles. Start by thinking about the kind of trip you’re dreaming of:

• Family Safari: Focused on comfort, short driving distances, and child-friendly lodges with flexible schedules.
• Honeymoon Safari: Romantic tented camps, private sundown drinks, and seamless add-ons like Zanzibar beach escapes.
• Big Five Safari: Emphasizes sightings of lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo—usually across multiple parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire.
• Migration Safari: Timed around the Great Wildebeest Migration; includes strategic stays near the Mara River (July–September) or Ndutu (January–March).
• Fly-In Safari: Skip long drives and reach remote areas by small aircraft for an elevated, time-efficient experience.
• Photographic or Walking Safaris: Specialized tours with expert guides who get you closer to the action respectfully and sustainably.

Not sure what suits you best? Our team helps match you with the right experience based on your interests, energy level, and travel goals.

Step 3: Set Your Budget

Safari prices in Tanzania vary depending on the level of comfort, number of days, and whether you’re traveling by road or air.

Here’s a rough daily cost per person:

• Budget: $200–300/day (group tours, shared vehicles, basic camping or lodges)
• Mid-Range: $350–600/day (private guide, quality lodges/tented camps)
• Luxury: $700–1,500+/day (fly-in camps, premium lodges, personalized service)

Remember, a safari typically includes park fees, accommodations, meals, a guide, vehicle, and transfers. Flights, tips, and alcohol may be extra.

At Calabash Adventures, we build custom safaris around your budget, without cutting corners on safety, quality, or experience.

Step 4: Pick the Right Parks

Tanzania is home to some of the most iconic safari parks in Africa. Your route depends on your interests and how long you’ll stay:

• Serengeti National Park: Endless plains, Great Migration, and predator action. A must for first-timers.
• Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to spot the Big Five in one day.
• Tarangire National Park is known for giant elephant herds and ancient baobab trees. Great for the early dry season.
• Lake Manyara: Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and a compact, scenic park close to Arusha.
• Nyerere (Selous) and Ruaha (Southern Circuit): Wild, remote, and ideal for returning safari-goers.
• Katavi and Mahale Mountains (Western Circuit): Combine raw wilderness with chimpanzee tracking and lakefront lodges.

Not sure how to choose? We’ll suggest a personalized route based on wildlife patterns, your time frame, and pace preferences.

Step 5: Let Us Handle the Details

Once we know your dates, travel style, and budget, we take care of the rest:

• Handpicked accommodations suited to your needs (family suites, honeymoon tents, private villas)
• All park entry fees and government taxes
• Private 4×4 vehicle with an experienced guide
• Airport pickups, domestic flights, and all transfers
• Add-on experiences like walking safaris, Maasai village visits, or hot-air balloon rides

You don’t need to coordinate with multiple providers or worry about logistics. Your only job is to enjoy the journey.

Start by telling us what kind of trip you want. Let’s Plan Your Safari Together

Step 6: Prepare for the Adventure.

Once your safari is booked, we’ll send you a full pre-departure guide. This includes:

• What to pack (binoculars, layered clothing, power banks, etc.)
• Visa and vaccination information
• Tipping guidelines
• Photography tips
• Weather expectations

Our team is available 24/7 if you have any questions, from pre-booking to your final day on safari.

Your Life-Changing Tanzania Safari Awaits

A safari in Tanzania is not just a holiday—it’s a life-changing experience. Whether you’re watching a pride of lions under an acacia tree or sipping sundowners by the Ngorongoro Crater, the magic of this country will stay with you long after you return home.

And the best part? You don’t have to plan it alone.

At Calabash Adventures, we’ve helped hundreds of travelers turn their safari dreams into reality—with personalized service, transparent pricing, and expert planning every step of the way.