Wildebeest leap down a dusty bank into a river, splashing through white water as the herd follows behind.

With volcanic peaks, sweeping plains, and white-sand beaches, Tanzania delivers authentic East African safaris with iconic wildlife and rich cultural encounters.

Your adventure begins

A crown of safari gems: Serengeti, Great Migration, Ngorongoro Crater, Kilimanjaro & Zanzibar

Why visit Tanzania?

Home to famously large herds of migratory and resident wildlife, Tanzania is the setting for one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles: the Great Migration.

In the north, beguiling icons like Mount KilimanjaroNgorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park headline the “Northern Circuit.” Nearby, the Rift Valley, and Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks reward with equally memorable landscapes and adventures.

At the country’s western border, in two forested pockets along Lake Tanganyika’s shore, you’ll find chimpanzees—the only place in all of Tanzania where you can trek to them. 

Meanwhile, the country’s lesser-visited south is home to some truly wild tracts of remote wilderness. Step aboard a boat safari to ply the banks of the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) or join a research-integrated safari in reclusive Ruaha National Park

Close out a safari on the coast by digging your toes into the powdery beaches of the Zanzibar Archipelago—”spice islands” that boast long, storied trading histories.

Sketch of a Serengeti lion.

Tanzania, your way

Our private Tanzania trips aren’t simply safari circuits. They are thoughtfully crafted, bespoke journeys designed by Africa specialists who understand these landscapes and their rhythms. Each itinerary is tailored to your travel style, whether that means front-row seats to the Great Migration, exclusive-use villas in the Serengeti, or meaningful cultural encounters beyond the game drive.

With trusted guides, seamless logistics, and handpicked lodges, every detail is curated with intention. The result is a deeply personal safari experience that feels effortless, immersive, and entirely your own.

Why visit Tanzania?

Home to famously large herds of migratory and resident wildlife, Tanzania is the setting for one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles: the Great Migration.

In the north, beguiling icons like Mount KilimanjaroNgorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park headline the “Northern Circuit.” Nearby, the Rift Valley, and Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks reward with equally memorable landscapes and adventures.

At the country’s western border, in two forested pockets along Lake Tanganyika’s shore, you’ll find chimpanzees—the only place in all of Tanzania where you can trek to them. 

Meanwhile, the country’s lesser-visited south is home to some truly wild tracts of remote wilderness. Step aboard a boat safari to ply the banks of the Rufiji River in Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) or join a research-integrated safari in reclusive Ruaha National Park

Close out a safari on the coast by digging your toes into the powdery beaches of the Zanzibar Archipelago—”spice islands” that boast long, storied trading histories.

Tanzania, your way

Our private Tanzania trips aren’t simply safari circuits. They are thoughtfully crafted, bespoke journeys designed by Africa specialists who understand these landscapes and their rhythms. Each itinerary is tailored to your travel style, whether that means front-row seats to the Great Migration, exclusive-use villas in the Serengeti, or meaningful cultural encounters beyond the game drive.

With trusted guides, seamless logistics, and handpicked lodges, every detail is curated with intention. The result is a deeply personal safari experience that feels effortless, immersive, and entirely your own.

Our experience was awesome! We were expertly guided by our team of Lara & Lauren every step of the way until departure. We had an incredible guide, Manuu, who we could not have hand-picked better for our family. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!

Jill Lattmann, 2025 Traveler

Three people stand on a grassy ridge at sunset, one pointing while another looks through binoculars over the plain.

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Is a Tanzania safari right for you?

Safari-goers of all spades will enjoy Tanzania. First-timers will be enthralled by the vastness of its protected lands—almost 38% of the country’s total land area—and the big game that roams here. If you’ve already done the Serengeti, venture off the beaten path to more remote and wild reserves like Katavi, Mahale Mountains, Ruaha, and Nyerere (Selous). At the coast, Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia islands call to scuba divers with their coral-rich, warm waters.

What to expect on a Tanzania luxury safari

Every Extraordinary Journey is bespoke, deeply personal, and designed to uncover the unexpected beauty that makes a destination come alive

Memorable accommodations

Tanzania’s luxury safari camps are designed to place you right in the heart of the action without sacrificing comfort. Think beautifully appointed lodges and stylish camps in prime wildlife areas, from the Serengeti’s open plains to the Ngorongoro Highlands. If you’re following the Great Migration, mobile camps can shift locations through the year to keep you close to the herds, while still offering luxurious comforts.

Carefully considered wilderness

Tanzania’s protected areas are immense so safaris here feel wild, expansive, and wonderfully varied. The Northern Circuit is home to headline icons incuding Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. For travelers who want even more exclusivity or who have “been there, done that” in the Serengeti, the remote southern and western parks are the definition of off-the-beaten-path.

Expert guides

Guiding in Tanzania is exceptionally strong, especially in the major parks and private areas where trackers and safari guides spend years mastering local wildlife patterns. On game drives, they’re experts at finding and interpreting big cat behavior, Migration movement, and the tiny details that make the ecosystem come alive. The result is a safari that feels both thrilling and richly educational, tailored to your curiosity.

When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania’s high season runs from July to October and December to February, coinciding with the dry seasons when game is easier to spot. 

To avoid the crowds, consider traveling in January through early March, May, November, and early December. You might experience light rain during the night, but the grass is the most beautiful shade of green.

If you are traveling to western or southern Tanzania, June through October is best, as it can be very hot and humid the rest of the year.

If you’re focused on the Great Migration, plan to visit the Serengeti from January to early March (hello babies and predator action set against a verdant green landscape—a stark contrast to the parched, water-starved dry season), in June/July or from late October to mid-December. (We will advise you on the best camp location based on the month of travel.)

Bear in mind that weather patterns are changing across the world. Since the Migration is driven by the pursuit of plentiful grazing grounds and reliable water, it can affect the movement of wildlife. 

Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but we recommend avoiding the wettest months: November, April, and May.

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January - February

June - October

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January - December

Where to go in Tanzania

Discover chimp-filled forests, the Serengeti’s vast plains, Zanzibar’s beaches, and the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro

Serengeti National Park

A Serengeti safari is the quintessential East Africa experience: endless plains, acacia-dotted horizons, and wildlife encounters that feel cinematic in scale. Whether you’re tracking the Great Migration or focusing on resident big cats, the Serengeti delivers extraordinary density and drama. We espcially favor Grumeti Game Reserve, an integral part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem and one of the most remarkable concessions in Africa.

In the quieter months, the northern Serengeti shines with spectacular scenery and uninterrupted time with lions, cheetahs, and roaming antelope herds. . A few of our favorite camps in this area include Lamai Serengeti, Serengeti Bushtops, and Sayari Camp.

Tanzania safari FAQs

Why book with Extraordinary Journeys?

  • Sketch of a diver wearing a snorkel.

    We go deep

    We value depth over breadth. While we have broadened our map, our intimate expertise runs deep—from understanding each locale's hidden rhythms to cultivating relationships with exceptional guides.

  • Sketch of a flashlight held in a person's hand.

    We keep it honest

    Seasoned travelers know that places change, authentic experiences migrate. We'll listen to your hopes and passions, but push back when we know something will better resonate with you.

  • Sketch of an umbrella with decorative fringe.

    We’ve got it covered

    Traveling to wild places asks something of us— a quality of attention and presence. From behind-the-scenes logistics to bespoke culinary experiences, our team has thought of everything.

  • Sketch of a telescope pointed at the stars.

    We know it’s personal

    There will undoubtedly be extraordinary unscripted moments: hippos emerging at sunset, the impossible blue of Arctic ice. We know that meaningful memories often live in personalized details.