Home to the safari experience that drew explorers from around the world more than a century ago, Tanzania is a country rich with stunning landscapes, majestic wildlife and unspoiled beaches.
Swathed with national parks and conservation areas, Tanzania makes an ideal location for a bush and beach trip. Visitors can scale the mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, witness the thundering herds of the Serengeti’s Great Migration and explore Zanzibar, home to historic trading ports that gave the archipelago the nickname “Spice Island.”

KILIMANJARO & SERENGETI

Africa’s highest peak, the breathtaking Mount Kilimanjaro, rises above the grassy plains of northeast Tanzania. The snow-capped mountain is one of the tallest in the world, encircled by a rich mountain forest. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the sprawling volcano is recognized as an unparalleled natural wonder. Paired with a safari, scaling the so-called Roof of Africa can be a life-changing experience.
To the west of Mount Kilimanjaro lies Tanzania’s most well-known safari destination, Serengeti National Park. Millions of hectares of grassland plains and savannah stretch to support vast herds of migrating wildebeests, gazelles and zebras, as well as the big cats and other predators that trail in their wakes. Host to the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth, Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

NGORONGORO CRATER, LAKE MANYARA & TARANGIERE

The Serengeti’s southeast span ends at the volcanic highlands of the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest unfilled caldera. The crater took its shape three million years ago, after an immense volcano exploded and collapsed in on itself. The crater and the surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as home for dense wildlife populations which include several globally threatened species.
To the southeast of Ngorongoro, the tranquil shores of Lake Manyara sit against the rocky cliffs formed by the East African Rift. The alkaline lake plays host to flocks of flamingos, squadrons of pelicans and hundreds of other bird species. Surrounding the lake are rich forests, swamplands and sprawling bush plains teeming with wildlife – including the area’s remarkable tree-climbing lions.
A short distance from Manyara, the verdant marshlands and sweeping grasslands of Tarangire National Park unfold. Enticed by the Tarangire River, herds numbering in the thousands of wildebeests, cape buffalo and zebras congregate in the area during the region’s dry months. The scenic park is home to one of the largest elephant populations in Africa and to a plethora of other species, including giraffes, lions, gazelles and leopards.

ZANZIBAR

Pristine, white sand beaches hug the eastern coast of Tanzania, trailing off into crystal clear waters filled with dazzling marine life. In the warm water of the Indian Ocean, spot humpback whales or explore the spectacular coral reefs. Off the coast lies Zanzibar, home to yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site: the historic Stone Town. Once the capital of the island, the town served a pivotal role in the region’s flourishing spice trade in the 19th century. Its winding alleyways and intricate architecture maintain the town’s distinct charm.

The weather in East Africa stays fairly consistent, making it a year-round travel destination. From November to March, Tanzania goes through the “short rains,” a season in which quick, daily downpours are swiftly followed by sunshine. From December to March, temperatures rise. In April and May, the “long rains” appear.

December - March

• Experience the natural bounty of Tanzania’s diverse habitats with a safari in the western part of the Serengeti. Glimpse lions as they stalk rolling savannah teeming with herds of topi and eland. Travel to the dry, expansive plains across the Serengeti’s southern region, where mega herds of wildebeest and zebra gather for calving season.
• Spot the colorful pink plumage of migrating flamingoes as flocks numbering in the thousands feed in the waters of Lake Manyara. The shores attract a remarkable array of wildlife, including wildebeests, zebras and giraffes.

April

• April is part of Tanzania’s rainy season, offering intrepid travelers the dual benefits of lower rates and rare exclusivity.
• The sparse crowds offer ideal opportunities to explore the vast highland plains and savannah woodlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, including the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater.

May – June

• The plains of the Serengeti’s western region become lush and green, verdant with blooming wildflowers. The bounty supports mega herds of migrating zebras and wildebeests as well as impalas, giraffes and other grazers. Flowers paint the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater in bright purples and yellows.
• These months are excellent for travelers hoping to enjoy the incredible beauty and wildlife encounters available in Tanzania without the crowds typical later in the year.

June – July

• As part of the Great Migration, wildebeest throng through the Western Corridor before attempting to cross the crocodile-infested waters of the Grumeti River.
• The clear skies offer the perfect opportunity to see the Serengeti by hot air balloon, an incomparable experience that showcases the stunning natural beauty of the endless plains. The singular experience pairs well with time on the private concession, where bush walks and night drives offer exclusive wildlife experiences.

August – September

• In the Western Serengeti, witness the drama as wildebeest herds attempt to cross the Kogatende River as part of the Great Migration.
• Spot elephants, gazelle, hippos and more in the game-rich lands of the Northern Serengeti.
• Recharge in the perennial splendor of the Great Rift Valley and watch colorfully bright clouds of flamingos as they return to the placid waters of Lake Manyara. In the surrounding national park, be on the lookout for the area’s all-season favorites: the remarkable tree-climbing lion.

October – November

• The dryer months of October and November offer fantastic opportunities to view predators in action. Wildlife sightings are prolific as animals search for reliable sources of water. This search brings all manner of wildlife to the Grumeti River, near the Grumeti concession.
• These sunny months allow for brilliant sunrises and stunning sunsets, providing opportunities for sensational, lantern-lit dinners beneath the starry skies.