Top Reasons to Select a Safari Circuit in Tanzania For Your African Adventure

Taking a grand African Safari adventure is on every avid traveler’s bucket list.  Many dream of roaming through native brush, capturing photos of native animals and staying in picturesque safari camps.  Selecting the best area in Africa to take your safari can be challenging, so we have prepared an introduction to the top safari circuits in Tanzania to help you decide.  Tanzania with its major National Parks and protected Reserves contains many of the most popular natural sites and animal species that travelers come to Africa to see.  Here is a guide to the major Safari Circuits in Tanzania.

Things To Know Before Traveling to Tanzania

A trip to Africa takes plenty of advance planning and coordination.  It’s important to know that a Visa is required for entry.  Research visa requirements for travel to Tanzania to ensure that you have the proper documents before leaving home.  Prepay for as many elements of your trip as possible as credit cards are only accepted at large operations and fees apply to most ATM machines.  Consult with your doctor to see what vaccinations are recommended before traveling to Africa.  Also be sure to pack an effective insect repellent and use it daily.  English is widely spoken so communication should not be a problem.  Fees are charged at all national parks and can add up quickly.  Be sure they are included in your travel package.  It’s always advisable to travel during the dry season as bugs and uncomfortable travel conditions.  The popular wildebeest migration takes place in June and July.   Let’s take a look at the most popular safari circuits in Tanzania.

Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit

The northern safari circuit is the most popular for a number of great reasons.  Firstly, all of the most desired landmarks are within a short distance of each other.  This means touring the circuit can easily be accomplished by a safari vehicle.  This region includes the well known attractions of the Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti, and Mt. Kilimanjaro.  The big 5 African animals can be seen in this circuit.

Western Tanzania Safari Circuit

This circuit is relatively small in comparison with others and sits within the Great Rift Valley.  This area considered the lake district as it contains Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika.  It is also one of the few areas where chimpanzees can be found living in the wild.  The circuit includes a number of national parks including Gombe Stream, Mahale Mountains, Saanane Island, Rubindo island and Katavi Plains.  Beecause of it’s wet environment, it is recommended to visit this area during the dry season.  This circuit is often combined with other circuits rather than a stand alone experience.

Southern Safari Circuit

This safari circuit is filled with hidden treasurers and is often considered to be the authentic African experience.  There are a very high concentration of animals in this circuit which lends itself to many wildlife sightings.  Lodging here tends to be small intimate eco lodges with fewer large tour groups.  This circuit consists of 5 national parks as well as game reserves including Mikumi National Park, Nyerere National Park, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Katavi National Park, Kitulo and Ruaha National Park.  Visitors to this area have a high likelihood of seeing Africa’s big 5 (lion, cheetah, elephant, buffalo and rhino) as well as hippos. Areas are vast and often involve air flights.

Eastern Coastal Safari Circuit

For a complete departure from the inland safari circuits, head to the coast where you will find abundant white and beaches edged with palm trees.  Experience the Swahili culture of Africa in historic towns.   Visit the contrasting Saadani National Park and the beautiful islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia.  This is a wonderful choice for travelers who wish to experience a wildlife safari and a beautiful beach vacation.