Elephant walking down a dirt track ahead of a Thomson safari vehicle

Apr 1, 2025

What’s the Best Safari in Africa for You?

Looking for the best safari in Africa? We’ve been perfecting ours since we started running them in 1981. No matter how you want to see the wildlife, we have a safari for you. Explore below to match your travel preferences with our itinerary recommendations.

Click on a statement below that best describes you.

  • The Great Migration is My Top Priority

  • I’m on a Budget

  • I Want to Travel with My Family

  • Comfort is My Top Priority

  • I Want a Honeymoon Safari

  • I Want to Practice My Photography

  • I Want a Custom Safari

Best Safari in Africa for the Great Migration

The Great Migration is Africa’s most amazing spectacle: some 2 million grazing animals move in a year-long cycle through the Serengeti plains. Our seasonal camps follow the herds, so you always have unmatched proximity to the wildlife (sometimes you might hear zebras, giraffes and wildebeest outside your tent!) You’ll stay in the middle of the action without sacrificing hot water or four-course meals.

Rick Thomson and Judi Wineland looking through binoculars at a distant giraffe

THE Founders’ SIGNATURE TANZANIA Safari

Our founders have been perfecting their personal itinerary since they opened shop in 1981. It’s their preferred route, packed with wildlife, culture and upgraded amenities.

HIGHLIGHTS:

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Male lion with a thick golden mane lying in the grass

THE ultimate tanzania safari

The most complete safari through Northern Tanzania, revealing every side of this extraordinary region. This is our ultimate exploration for travelers seeking depth and variety.

HIGHLIGHTS:

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Close-up of zebras lined up drinking at a muddy water hole

THE ESSENTIAL TANZANIA Safari

Northern Tanzania’s iconic landscapes and parks, curated for first-time and seasoned safari-goers alike. This is the classic safari experience, perfected.

HIGHLIGHTS:

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Best Safari in Africa on a budget

If you’re traveling on a budget or you’re tight on time, you can still see the best of Tanzania’s offerings without sacrificing comfort.

Safari vehicle surrounded by a dense herd of wildebeest under an acacia tree

the Highlights of tanzania Safari

See Tanzania’s wildlife, people and landscapes on a shorter and more budget-friendly timeframe.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • A week of safari wildlife drives in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and the eastern Serengeti ecosystem.

  • Night wildlife drives and wildlife viewing on foot in the eastern Serengeti.

  • Visit with Maasai women and storytellers and learn about their cultural background.

  • Stay exclusively in private, comfortable,
    and eco-friendly camps.

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Best Safari in Africa for Newlyweds

Tanzania is a magical honeymoon destination. If you’re looking for a secluded and off-the-beaten-path way to celebrate yours, Tanzania is your place.

Couple kissing on the savanna at sunset

Honeymoon Safari

This romantic trip is loaded with wildlife sightings, honeymoon goodies (think lantern-lit dinners and spa time) and plenty of space for leisure and relaxation in Tanzania and the spice island of Zanzibar.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • A completely private trip: your own private vehicle, private guide and private wildlife viewing in the Serengeti,Ngorongoro Crater and a private nature refuge.

  • No-stops honeymoon pampering: lantern-lit dinners, spa treatments, free drinks and plenty of other surprises!

  • Three days on the spice island of Zanzibar, where you can sunbathe on white sand beaches or go on adventure snorkeling, boating and walking Stone Town’s winding streets.

  • A decadent retreat at Gibb’s Farm, named one the best safari lodges in Africa by Travel + Leisure, opens in new tab.

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Best Safari in Africa for comfort

Safari conjures ideas of rugged adventure and a “toughing it out” mentality. Thankfully, those days are long gone. Comfort is more accessible than ever as Tanzania’s tourism industry has grown. We at Thomson Safaris consider comfort to be the staple in every one of our safaris.

Rick Thomson and Judi Wineland looking through binoculars at a distant giraffe

the Founders’ SIGNATURE TANZANIA Safari

Our founders have perfected their safari during their forty-five years of business in Tanzania. It’s their preferred route, packed with wildlife, culture and upgraded goodies.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Forty-five years of safari experience and insight are distilled in one itinerary.

  • Visit the best parks for wildlife drives: the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Includes options for walking safaris and night wildlife drives at a private nature refuge.

  • Visit with artisans, shepherds and storytellers of the semi-nomadic Maasai culture for an unforgettable cultural experience.

  • Includes overnights at Gibb’s Farm, named one the best safari lodges in Africa by Travel + Leisure, opens in new tab.

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Best Safari in Africa for families

Nothing leaves a lasting impact on a child’s imagination quite like the gift of travel. For your child to see the places of Tanzania and meet its people is literally a life-changing experience no matter what your family looks like! If you’re having a reunion, multigenerational trip or a solo parent experience, you can have an excellent time out in the bush.

Excited children and a young woman looking out from an open safari vehicle

the perfect tanzania family safari

Experience the perfect blend of family activities, wildlife sighting and exciting experience to keep travelers of any age interested, amazed and engaged.

HIGHLIGHTS:

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Best Safari in Africa for photographers

To say Tanzania is photogenic is putting it lightly. Expert and amateur photographers from around the world clamor for a chance to capture Tanzania’s stunning wildlife, landscapes and vibrant communities. While you can take photos on any safari, you can only learn the art and skill of great photography on a trip catered to the craft.

Wildebeest plunging through splashing water during a river crossing

photography safari

With most itineraries set to coincide with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, this world-class photo adventure offers a hand-tailored experience for professional and beginners looking to cultivate their craft.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Journey into Tanzania with a world-renowned nature photographer, who will lead your trip, offer guidance and help you capture the best shots.

  • Wildlife viewing in Tanzania’s most stunning parks: the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

  • Trip upgrades, such as unlimited weight allowance for gear, camera tech tents at each seasonal camp, and a maximum of three guests per vehicle.

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Best Safari in Africa for a Custom experience

A private safari offers a highly personalized experience that gets you away from the crowds and other travel groups. Travel with just your group, doing the things you want to do at your preferred pace.

Couple on a walking safari, one looking through binoculars as the other points across the grassland

private safaris

See the wildlife you want to see, on your preferred dates, with an exclusive vehicle and your own guide.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • You’re in charge. We can make any existing itinerary private for you. Choose your accommodations, give us your dates and tell us how you want to spend your time.

  • Unmatched privacy. You’ll have your own vehicle, your own guide and your own secluded campsites for the duration of your trip.

  • Tell us what you’re looking for. Don’t know where to start? That’s okay. We’ll help you find the day-by-day schedule that works for you, and add tweaks to accommodate your interests. No matter your interests, timeline or budget, we’re here to help!

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Your safari adventure awaits!

See All of Our Safaris

Wildebeest massing along the riverbank in the northern Serengeti.

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