Welcome to
Tanzania
We’ve sent travelers to Tanzania – and only Tanzania – since 1981 because it is the world’s premier safari destination.
Tanzania is, and always has been, a safe and peaceful country. It’s often referred to as “the Switzerland of Africa” because it’s calm and stable. But Tanzania is more than just safe. It’s beautiful! Filled with world-renowned landmarks and incredible wildlife, it’s a country you’ll fall in love with at first sight.
Jump down to explore Tanzania’s parks/maps or read on for more details.
The Wildlife
of Tanzania
With 25% of its land devoted to land and conservation, Tanzania is truly unrivaled in its breadth and depth of wildlife. There are countless reasons a nature enthusiast would choose Tanzania.
The Great Migration
This continuous movement of some 2 million grazing animals through the Serengeti is one of the world’s largest wildlife events.
Big Cat Populations
Tanzania is home to about half the lion population in all of Africa. They’re joined by cheetahs, leopards, servals and more. If your goal is seeing big cats in the wild, Tanzania is your destination.
The “Big Five”
The lion, leopard, African buffalo, endangered black rhino, and elephant make up the legendary Big Five. Tanzania is one of the last places on earth you can spot them all in one day.
Birder’s Paradise
Tanzania hosts over 1,100 different bird species, from familiar types, like doves, swallows and ostriches, to more exotic and colorful species, like the Lilac-breasted roller and Grey crowned crane.
The People
of Tanzania
The warmth, kindness and generosity of the Tanzanian people is truly remarkable. Perhaps that’s because of their remarkable history. Tanzania transformed from a former colonial power to a democracy without the strife that has plagued so many other African nations.
When you think of Africa, iconic images of certain peoples and places probably spring to mind, but Tanzania is a changing place, one where traditional cultures are constantly evolving and blending with modern society.
The people that call this amazing country home have come together to form a rich culture that is intriguing, unique and always changing.
A Wealth
of breathtaking landscapes
There’s nothing quite like seeing a majestic, untamed animal in its natural habitat. But in Tanzania, the scenery is so breathtaking it often takes center stage.
Located just south of the equator, Tanzania boasts a wide variety of climates and ecosystems. Experience the hot, dry grasslands of the Serengeti, the arctic landscapes near the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro and almost everything in between.
Best of all, because much of Tanzania is preserved as national parks or conservation areas, these landscapes provide a pristine glimpse of the world as it once was.
Explore Tanzania's Parks use arrows or swipe for additional maps
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is the lifeblood of Africa’s wildlife. It boasts more lions than anywhere else in Africa, earning it the name “Big Cat Country,” and it’s home to the Great Migration of almost 2 million wildebeest. Best of all, we relocate safari camps seasonally to put you closest to the animals.
Highlights / swipe image above for more photos
- Enjoy the iconic African wildlife viewing experience, complete with rolling golden plains, acacia trees and an incredible diversity and density of wildlife
- Seek out the Great Migration seasonally, witnessing river crossings, the “rut,” or a thrilling chase
- Witness the world’s most breathtaking sunsets, followed by brilliant, star-filled night skies
Eastern Serengeti Nature Refuge
This private, 10,000-acre nature refuge has made remarkable strides in the conservation of wildlife and landscapes—and it is only accessible to our guests. Stretch your legs on walks during the day and witness nocturnal wildlife behavior during a night wildlife drive—both restricted in the national parks.
Highlights
- Experience guided walking safaris not available in Tanzania’s national parks
- Find out why one happy guest dubbed this area “Giraffic Park”
- Discover rich cultural experiences with our local Maasai friends
- Take optional tours of a local school and medical dispensary, funded in large part by our guests
- Savor this oasis exclusive to Thomson Safaris guests
Ngorongoro Crater & Highlands
The Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest unbroken volcanic caldera, measuring around 11 miles across and encompassing 102 square miles. Its concentration of wildlife – over 25,000 animals – make this UNESCO World Heritage Site one of the greatest natural wonders of the planet.
Highlights / swipe image above for more photos
- World-class wildlife viewing, with the chance to see Africa’s Big Five in one day
- Best chance to see the critically endangered black rhino
- The Highlands host the lush, green paradise of Gibb’s Farm – Travel + Leisure’s Best Lodge in Africa – offering the best of everything from farm-to-table dining to spa treatments.
Tarangire National Park
Marked by the Tarangire River, Tarangire National Park is known for its iconic baobab trees and herds of elephants as big as 200. It’s also a haven for bird enthusiasts with upwards of 500 bird species.
Highlights / swipe image above for more photos
- With a similar landscape and makeup of wildlife, Tarangire is affectionately called “The Little Serengeti”
- Large herds provide unrivaled elephant viewing opportunities
- As a year-round source of water, Tarangire River provides prime wildlife viewing
Mount Kilimanjaro
It is one of the world’s seven summits with 19,341 feet of elevation, three volcanic peaks, five climate zones and over 140 species living on its slopes. The best part? Safari-goers and trekkers need no technical skill to climb Kili, and you can easily pair a 6-10 day trek with a safari extension.
Highlights
- Known as the “Roof of Africa,” Kilimanjaro is also the tallest freestanding mountain on Earth
- Hike through five distinct climate zones, from thick rainforest to frozen Uhuru peak
- Spot the towering ice walls of the mountain’s disappearing glaciers
- Experience a thrilling trekking achievement that requires no technical climbing skill or specialized equipment
Explore more at Thomson’s dedicated website for trekking Mount Kilimanjaro.
Zanzibar
Home to some of Africa’s best beaches, an eclectic culinary scene and a wealth of cultural and historical landmarks, the spice island of Zanzibar is an adventurer’s paradise. And during a safari in Tanzania, you’ll be just about an hour away by plane. Whether you’re inquisitive, adventurous or looking to relax, Zanzibar has something for everyone.
Highlights
- Swim, snorkel, dive or just relax on the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean.
- Explore the maze of narrow streets in Stone Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to discover architecture, shops and music blending East African, Indian, Arab and European influences.
- Discover Zanzibar’s rich spice trade history on a foraging tour for nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon.
Arusha National Park
Spanning Mount Meru’s volcanic terrain, Arusha National Park is the perfect place to start your safari experience. Its varied landscapes include craters, savanna and lakes, and its diverse wildlife ranges from the African buffalo to jackal to hippo.
Highlights
- Visit Tululusia Waterfall on a short hike
- Look for the endangered colobus monkey in the forest canopy
- Spot large populations of African buffalo, giraffe, flamingo and antelope
Ruaha National Park
It’s one of the largest safari parks in East Africa and one of the most remote. Ruaha National Park boasts fewer travelers, rare animals and a rugged, raw safari experience.
Highlights
- Big cats are a common sight in Ruaha, and the park is a habitat for one of the rarest safari predators – the endangered African wild dog
- The park is a birder’s paradise, hosting over 500 different species
- Ruaha merges biomes from Southern and Eastern Africa, giving it remarkable plant and wildlife diversity
- Go on bush walks with guides who have been trained in wildlife tracking – dry season only
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park, formerly known as the Selous Game Reserve, is one of the largest national park in Africa. Over three times larger than the Serengeti, it’s filled with rare creatures and unique opportunities to explore by foot, vehicle and boat.
Highlights
- Riverine environments make Selous a popular park for boating safaris
- Search for rare species like African wild dogs, black rhinos and antelopes like the greater kudu
- Enjoy walking safari options for an intimate and tranquil wildlife experience
