Focus East Africa Tours: Tanzania Safaris, Gorilla Trekking in Uganda & Rwanda, Kenya Safaris & Zanzibar

What you should know about Tanzania

Tanzania is not only a powerful wildlife safari destination in East Africa but also one of the most irresistible African safari countries that everyone should visit at least once. With over 16 National Parks, its tourism industry offers a wide variety of experiences.

These destinations are enough to keep you busy for more than a month. The pleasant climate, stunning natural scenery, extraordinary wildlife, and friendly people, all contribute to a fantastic Tanzania tour experience. Participating in a cultural experience is a must here. Over a hundred ethnic groups reside in this incredible country. This provides plenty of opportunities to explore and learn about the different cultures, sample local cuisines, and be part of authentic traditions.

Doing this on your own is possible, but enlisting the help of a Tanzania tours and travel company like Focus East Africa Tours will definitely help you maximize your adventure. We offer many group excursions and occasionally organize bush hunting experiences with locals. Below are some of the interesting things you should know about Tanzania. .

Why go on Tanzania Safari Tours?

Tanzania is a place where you can watch a live episode of The Lion King. This is mostly experienced in the Serengeti, as it has the highest number of lions in the world, and that is why almost each of our Tanzania safari packages includes a visit to this park.

It shelters almost every wildlife you would want to see. With practical planning, you can witness the Wildebeest Migration, an adventure film in the wild. Ngorongoro Conservation Area is another great spot for wildlife viewing.

The best sights in Ngorongoro are elephants, cheetahs, and lions. Ngorongoro and Serengeti are adjacent to each other, all situated in the Northern region of Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro offers one of the best physical challenges to mountain climbers. It is referred to as the "Roof of Africa" because it's the highest point on the continent. No place gives you a better opportunity to relax and unwind than Zanzibar does. It's not only one of the best honeymoon spots but also one of the finest when it comes to beach holidays in Africa. There is just so much to see on safari tours to Tanzania .

Cost of a Tanzania Safari

So, how much does a safari in Tanzania cost? The cost of your Tanzania safari depends on a couple of things, like the level of accommodation you are using, the number of days, preferred activities, the level of vehicle, mode of transportation, your preferred destinations, bargaining power, and so much more. Clients who opt for high-end safari lodges end up paying more for a super luxury experience.

The best safari lodges in Tanzania can charge you over $1,500 per person, per night. This causes a huge hike in your total safari cost.

More days and activities mean more expenditures. If you wish to combine the Northern and Southern regions of Tanzania in a single package, then flights will likely be involved to shorten the distance. Some of the ways of reducing the cost of your tour is by travelling in a group or joining one, opting for shorter trips, staying in moderate accommodation facilities, choosing tour destinations that connect easily to each other, and definitely bargaining more.

Where to go

The best Tanzania safari parks are found in the northern region of the country. These include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park, Arusha National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Tarangire National Park plus a few more destinations.

The most common and easiest to join are Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara and Tarangire. Kilimanjaro is common too but a bit hard to connect with the rest since it requires a minimum of five days to ascend and descend it. The best safaris in Tanzania are experienced from the northern circuit. The south does have great destinations too but are very remote and require flights.

Some of the destinations in the south are Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve. The south is way cheaper than the north in terms of accommodation. The parks are also less crowded by visitors, which is not the case with the north. You will have all the loneliness in the wild on your game drives.

Southern VS Northern Tanzania Safaris

Both regions are good to explore. However, the north has some of the country's best tourist attractions. So many safaris take place in the north, and the parks are usually crowded with tourists. This has led to a rise in competition around the region. The lodges are very pricey, vehicles are charged at a higher rate, and meals are expensive too.

The northern region is best for shorter trips for those on a tight budget, but there is so much to explore and experience. So, with an accommodating budget, it is the best place for a long-haul trip. A southern Tanzania safari is more affordable, but you might have to budget money for flights. Travelling to the north is highly recommended .

Best time to go on a safari in Tanzania

Despite being an all-year-round African safari destination. The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season from June through to October. Those who want to see the great wildebeest migration should visit between June and July. Wildebeest Calving can be best spotted between January and February. Animals become easy to spot in the dry season because they tend to roam more around water bodies to hydrate often unlike in the rainy season, when they can easily access water from wherever they might be or perhaps take shelter from the rain. The southern circuit has some of the best spots for birders. Bird watching trips are recommended for the wet months of the year.

Flights VS 4x4 Safari Cars

Using flights to connect various destinations is a great chance to have a bird's-eye view of the national parks. It also shortens the distances and makes your movements easy. Please note that Tanzania is a very big country, and there is quite a distance between the destinations. Flights come at an expense, and most of the time, they'll charge you for a 4x4 safari vehicle too, since a guide will have to follow you and pick you up when the flight lands. Only opt for flights if you can fit them into your budget.

Budget or Luxury Tanzania Safaris

Tanzania receives over 1.5 million tourists each year. Over 90% of this number visit at least one or two of the northern circuit destinations. This huge number has increased competition and pushed it to a near-luxury safari destination. The budget experiences are still expensive compared to other East African destinations like Uganda, Rwanda, and Kenya.

Just as mentioned above, the southern and western circuits offer a more rewarding budget experience compared to the north. You can save more by visiting the parks situated in these regions. Your choice of a Tanzania safari company also contributes to your final safari quote. Local tour operators tend to offer competitive rates, while foreign-owned companies charge premiums. We offer very affordable Tanzania holidays. Our safari packages come at unbeatable prices.

Packing List & Clothing for a Safari in East Africa

Your activities and destinations determine the kind of stuff or clothes that you should pack for your trips. The kind of clothes or equipment that you pack for a Kilimanjaro safari contradicts the list for wildlife safaris. It's best to contact us after booking your safari, and we shall guide you accordingly.

Zanzibar Extensions

Zanzibar Island is one of the true tickets to paradise. The island is one of Africa's finest when it comes to beach holidays. It is a great place for a honeymoon or romantic getaways, too. This island is usually added to the end of your safari to kill off fatigue before returning home. The easiest way to access Zanzibar is by using flights. Just in case you wish to add Zanzibar to the end of your package, you can request us to organize this for you.

Why Travel to Tanzania with Focus East Africa Tours?

Focus East Africa Tours is made up of a team of local professionals, vibrant and experienced employees who are willing to go beyond boundaries to craft you an unforgettable safari in Tanzania and the East African region at large. Our trips come at unbeatable prices, irrespective of the experience you are booking for. We are the whole toolbox for your next safari. Drop us an email, and we shall respond to you as soon as, possible.

Tanzania Safaris Map showing the National Parks

Tanzania is characterised by vast land that shelters a great deal of wildlife, physical features, fresh beaches and the unique cultures of the Maasai people, Hadzabe people, Hatoga and many bushmen tribes scattered across the Country. It is also home to the highest free-standing mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro. The country has a high concentration of attractions in Africa with 43.7% of the Tanzania reserved as protected area. A Safari in Tanzania takes you close to undisturbed nature in the endless plains, which is only dominated by wildlife. With millions of animals, it has the highest concentration of predators not only in East Africa but in the entire world. The country depends mostly on Tourism as the highest foreign exchange earner.

Tanzania National Parks

Tanzania has 20 National Parks managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). The Authority is also governed by a number of acts like the National Parks Act, Wildlife Conservation Act, and many more that ensure transparent accountability of National parks' contribution to the national GDP.Tanzania National parks cover a total land area of approximately 15% that includes even other protected areas in Tanzania. Tanzania National Park Authority was established in 1959 as a government body that overlooks all the protected areas.

Tanzania National Parks are the key attractions for travelers to Tanzania, home to millions of wildlife and cultural sites. Some of the Tanzania National Parks are listed as UNESCO Heritage Sites. Some were voted as the natural wonders of the world due to their unique attractions found at the parks. Safaris can be experienced all year round, including the largest animal migration that is the wildebeest migration. Although the wildebeest cross to Kenya, they are only there for a short period of time, which is 3 months, before they cross back.

Tanzania National Park animals include the African Big 5, which are Lions, Leopards, Elephants, rhinos, and Buffaloes. Other Tanzania National Park animals include Hyenas, Crocodiles, Hippos, wildebeest, zebras, topis, gazelles, warthogs, jackals, genets, and many more.

Below is a list of top Tanzania National Parks and Game Reserves.

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is one of the premium parks in Tanzania and in the entire world. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, is famous for the largest wildlife migration, which is the Wildebeest migration. The wildebeest migration happens almost throughout the year, though the key marked points of the wildebeest migration are 3 points: Calving season, which happens from February to March in the southern part of Serengeti National Park in the Ndutu Area of Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area. The second point is the Grumeti River crossing; this is when the wildebeest migration happens in the Western part of Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. This wildebeest migration happens from late May to June. The last part and most famous wildebeest migration is the one that happens from July in the Northern part of Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, when the wildebeest migrate across the Mara River as they head to Masai Mara national reserve.

Lions in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park covers an area of 14,763 square kilometers. It was established in 1929 and gazetted in 1951. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania, was listed as a < strong> UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. Serengeti National Park hosts the oldest ecosystem not only in Tanzania but in the entire world. Serengeti National Park was named by the local Maasai people as “Sirenget,” which means the endless open plains. The park stretches to the Kenya border, nearing the largest African water body, Lake Victoria. 

Serengeti National Park facts

• -Serengeti national park was established in 1951 as national park
• -Serengeti National Park was gazetted as a national park in 1959, and all the local Maasai people were evicted and transferred to Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• -In 1981 Serengeti national park was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site
• -In 2013 Serengeti national park was declared officially as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Africa in Arusha. 
• -Serengeti national park Tanzania has the oldest echo system in the world
• -Serengeti national park facts is that the park has the highest number of lions in Africa.
• -The park remains the best African park with the best wildlife experience. 
• -Serengeti National Park tours are best done during the dry months, which are from June to October and December to February. However, the Serengeti National Park can be visited throughout the year, including the wet months. The key event, which is the wildebeest migration, happens during the dry months.

Serengeti National Park Activities 

• -Hot Air balloon safaris
• -Wildebeest migration viewing
• -Game Viewing
• -Nature walks
• -Birding

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area

Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Area is one of the famous national parks in Tanzania with unique attractions. Ngorongoro Crater safari is one of the lifetime safari experience that is unmissable while on a trip to Tanzania. Ngorongoro crater Conservation Area is the only protected area where local people share and live harmoniously with wildlife. Ngorongoro crater safari takes you deep into the world’s largest broken caldera that is not filled with water but filled with wildlife.  Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania covers an area of 8,228 square kilometers.

Ngorongoro Crater Area is one of the few tourism destinations where you can see all the African big 5 (lions, leopards, Rhinos, Buffaloes, and Elephants). Ngorongoro Crater was established in 1959 as land that is used by both the locals and the wildlife. Ngorongoro crater is under the management of the Ngorongoro Crater Conservation Authority. For one to do a Ngorongoro Crater safari,, he or she has to pay Ngorongoro Crater park fees, which can be prepaid in the park in Arusha or paid by credit card at the park gate.

Rhino in Ngorongoro Concervation Area

Ngorongoro Crater is unique in that one has to pay for the Ngorongoro Crater Park entry fee separately from the Ngorongoro Crater service fees. The difference between Ngorongoro Crater Park entry fees and Ngorongoro Crater service fees is that the park entry fees are paid per person, while the crater service fee is paid per safari vehicle. Ngorongoro Crater Park entry fee is $ 71, including the 18% VAT. This is valid for only 24 hours if the travelers stay inside the park. Ngorongoro Crater service fee is $ 295, valid for only one entry to the crater. Ngorongoro Crater is the largest caldera in the world which is not filled with water but with wildlife. The park has the highest concentration of lions and other predators.

Ngorongoro crater Activities

There are several tourist activities that one can enjoy while in Ngorongoro Crater Tanzania. The list of activities is endless, but below are some of the activities;

• -Game viewing: The crater has more game including all the 5 members of African big five. In fact, Ngorongoro Crater is one of the few blessed parks where one can see all the African Big Five, including the rare Black Rhinos, large prides of lions, leopards, herds of Elephants, and buffaloes. Other game includes wildebeest, Zebras, Gazelles, warthogs, hyenas, jackals, and many more.
• -Other activities include: Birding, Visit Oldupai gorge museum, and Cultural tours

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro National park is located few kilometers away from the tourist town Arusha. It sits in the middle between Arusha town and Moshi town. It's found south of the equator, only 300 kilometers away. Mt Kilimanjaro National Park hosts the world’s highest free-standing mountain. The park was established in 1973 to protect and conserve the ecosystem of the Mountain. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987. We organize more Mount Kilimanjaro National park safaris with both short Mt Kilimanjaro National park safaris and long Mt Kilimanjaro National park safaris. Kilimanjaro National park Tanzania, covers an area of 755 square kilometers.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro national park Tanzania is under the management of Tanzania National Park (TANAPA) and Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. Hikers like to trek this mountain because Kilimanjaro National Park costs are pocket-friendly. This includes Kilimanjaro National Park fees. The Kilimanjaro National Park fees include 70$ for conservation fees that expire after every 24 hours. Camping fees which is 50$ per person per day; this is paid on all routes except the Marangu route where there are huts. Other Kilimanjaro National Park fees are the Rescue fee, which is paid once, and is 20$ per person. You have to include 18% VAT when paying all the Kilimanjaro National park fees.

Mount Kilimanjaro National park activities include Hiking, Birding, Game viewing, Cultural Tours, Primate trekking, Visiting the Chala crater lake, and the Hike to Uhuru peak.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park is one of the best national parks that form the Northern tourist circuit. Dominated by the salty lake called Lake Manyara, the rift valley floor park is famous for tree-climbing lions. It is among the few parks in Africa where the rare tree-climbing lions can be spotted during game drives. Lake Manyara National Park covers an area of 325 square kilometers, characterized by small open savannahs along the lake, forests, and swamps. Lake Manyara is the only park in Tanzania where acanopy walk is done. Swimming on the top tree branches is amazing.

Lake Manyara national park attractions are dominated by wildlife, birds, Hot springs, locals, Lake Manyara, and many more. The Lake Manyara National Park attractions are located both inside the park and some at the surrounding of the Lake Manyara National Park,, Tanzania.

Tree Climbing Lions in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara national park entrance fees are 53$ per adult person which is valid for 24 hours., For children, the Lake Manyara National Park entrance fee is < strong> $ 18 . Lake Manyara National Park animals include the following: tree-climbing lions, elephants, buffaloes, Leopards, baboons, gazelles, giraffes, to name a few. Lake Manyara national park activities include Night Game drives, Day game drives, Birding, Canopy walk, and Cultural tours.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park is the home of the largest herds of elephants and large baobab trees. It's a less crowded national park that is found in the Northern Tourism circuit. The Tarangire National Park is found along the tourist route that heads from Arusha to Serengeti National Park but branches off slightly from the main route. It is smaller than Serengeti but has more wildlife than most of the national parks of Tanzania. The wildlife at this park is permanent, hence making it one of the best national parks in Tanzania that can be visited any time of the year.

Elephants in Tarangire National Park

Tarangire national park fees is 53$ per adult and expiries after 24 hours. For children below 15 years of age, they pay 18$. Tarangire National Park fees can be prepaid at the bank or at the park gate with your credit card. The Tarangire National Park fees contribute directly to the Tarangire National Park cost. The park has good accommodation with all levels from Budget accommodation to luxury accommodation. 

Tarangire national park safari is one of lifetime experience you can ever enjoy during your Tanzania tour/safari. Get close to the park's large herds of Elephants, lions, gazelles, buffaloes, and many more. Wildlife contributes to the greatest percentage of Tarangire National Park attractions.

Tarangire national park activities include Game drives, Birding, and Cultural tours.

Arusha National Park

Arusha National Park Tanzania is one of the Tanzania national parks that are found in the Arusha region. It is just a "stone throw away" fromArusha town. It's one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania, covering an area of 137 square kilometers. Arusha National Park, Tanzania was established in < strong> 1960 . Later, after seven years, it was renamed in 1967 and enlarged in 1973.Arusha National Park safari can be done in one day while staying in Arusha town; the park is located just 50 kilometers away from the city center.

Arusha National Park attractions include Uwanja wa Mbogo, which means Buffalo Glade, Ngurudoto crater, wildlife, birds, cave waterfall, and Tululusia waterfall. 

Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve is the largest game reserve not only in Tanzania but in the entire African continent. Selous is one of the national game reserves that are found in the Southern part of Tanzania. Selous Game Reserve is an untapped, undeveloped forested area that is dominated by open grasslands, rivers, woodlands, hills, and more. Selous Game Reserve is famous for Elephant migration. This is where one can see thousands of Elephants crossing the Rufiji River. 

Elephants Crossing River Rufiji

Selous Game reserve covers an area of 50,000 square Kilometers, it was established in 1922 and designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. Of recent in 2009 Selous Game reserve was declared a lion conservation Unit.  Selous Game Reserve safari takes you closer to untapped nature full of wildlife. Selous Game Reserve attractions include wildlife, birds, the River Rufiji, and many more attractions. Selous Game Reserve park fees is 75$, which includes the conservation fees. The park fees are all valid for 24 hours if you are staying inside the park.

Selous Game Reserve safari is one of the lifetime experiences that takes you close to the largest African Elephants. The park has a boat cruise on the Rufiji River where the Elephant migration happens. Selous Game Reserve attractions include Wildlife, Birds, Channels and Rivers, Hot springs, to mention but a few. Selous Game Reserve animals are Elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, Rhinos, Hippos, waterbuck, wildebeest, warthogs, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, among others. 

Selous Game reserve activities include Walking safaris, Visiting Hot springs, Birding, Game viewing, and Boat cruise.

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park is not much famous in Tanzania like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro crater and other Tanzania national parks of the North. This park is the largest national park not only in Tanzania but in the entire African continent. It's quite a gifted park located in the Southern circuit of Tanzania national parks. With the Ruaha River, which provides water for the wildlife, the park boasts a high concentration of predators, especially lions. Ruaha National Park is home to 10% of the world's lion population. The river is a source of Tanzania's electricity, with a big dam where power is generated.

Leopard in Ruaha National Park

Ruaha national park covers 20,226 square kilometers, located 130 kilometers away from the nearest town Iringa. Ruaha National Park animals: The park is endowed with a large number of animals like Lions, leopards, zebras, great Kudu, gazelles, cheetahs, wild dogs, hyenas, elephants, buffalo, impala, waterbuck, and giraffes, to name a few.

Ruaha national park activities include Game viewing, Walking safaris, Camping, and Birding.

Wildebeest Migration

The Wildebeest migration is the highlights of the Tanzanian safaris, especially when planning of Serengeti national park safari. Wildebeest migration Tanzania is a dream come true for travelers who have been reading about Wildebeest migration Serengeti in documentation. The migration happens year-round as the wildebeest follow the weather patterns. The wildebeest migration patterns run from the Southern part of Serengeti national park in the Ndutu Area of < strong> Ngorongoro . During December to February, the wildebeest migration in Tanzania is termed the < strong> calving season . 1000’s of calves are born daily as the wildebeest add to their population on planet Earth. After the calving season is done, the Wildebeest migration pattern continues to the center of Serengeti National Park around the Seronera Area. The wildebeest will be scattered around the Seronera Area before starting to migrate to the Western Corridor around the Grumeti River. This is one of the deadliest parts of the Wildebeest migration Serengeti. This happens from Late May to June before the wildebeest proceed to the North of Serengeti National Park. From July to August, this is the last Wildebeest migration pattern, which is more famous as the wildebeest cross the Mara River to Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This is also called Wildebeest migration August.

Wildebeest Migration

Wildebeest migration facts: 

• -The Wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is a continuous movement of millions of wildebeest annually following climatic or rainfall patterns
• -The Wildebeest migration occurs clockwise cycle with Serengeti park Tanzania taking the largest percentage compared to Kenya Masai Mara.
• -The Wildebeest migration in Tanzania is the largest overland migration on planet Earth 
• -Wildebeest migration happens with no leader; everyone is a leader, and they move randomly 
• -The wildebeest migration is composed of Wildebeests and Zebras simply because each of the two animal species eats different parts of the same grass.
• -During the Wildebeest migration, over 250,000 wildebeest and Zebras are lost or killed annually 
• -The Wildebeest migration is followed by predators who hunt them for prey at sharp angles of survival of the fittest.

Cultural Tourism in Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the most hospitable countries in Africa with hospitable people who always ware welcoming, smiling faces when meeting guests. Cultural Tourism in Tanzania is a unique experience, visiting the original African style of life. Tanzania Cultural Tourism is booming, with a lot of cultural sites that are protected in the country. The cultural sites in Tanzania were developed by the Tanzania Tourist Board with the help and support of the Netherlands Development Organization. 

Are you a first-time visitor to the land of Tanzania? Our driver-guides will always give you all the necessary detailed information about Tanzania’s culture. Tanzania Cultural Tourism is a supplement of the main Tanzania safari. Tanzania has over 120 different local tribes that give the country a diverse cultural history. The key cultural sites are Engaruka, Babati, Longido, Hanang, Marangu, Gezaulole and many more sites. The most renowned cultures are the Maasai culture, which has remained the original true African culture amidst the world’s rapid modernization.  Datoga, Hadza tribe and the bushmen of Lake Eyasi which has more unique cultures.

Activities in Zanzibar

Zanzibar island is one of the amazing tourist destinations with white beaches that are fit for leisure. It's also called the honeymoon island, which is perfect for honeymooners. There are several Activities in Zanzibar that guests can do to make their holiday memorable. The key Activities in Zanzibar include the following: Snorkeling tours, Scuba diving, Spice tour, Stone Town Tour, Sport Fishing, Visiting Jozani Forest, and Visit Prison Island.

Airlines of Tanzania

Tanzania has one National airline, which is called Air Tanzania, and it is based at Julius Nyerere International Airport. The National Airline of Tanzania is the flag carrier of the country and has most of its routes within Africa. Air Tanzania was established in 1977 after the failure of East African Airways. The airline if fully government-owned airline with 100% shares, and the current president purchasing more Bombardiers in September 2016.

Other airlines in Tanzania are privately owned airlines but operate within the country or the region. The most cited airlines include Air Excel, Air Zara International, Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, Fastjet Tanzania, Precision Air, and Zanair.

The availability of more airlines in Tanzania has boosted the traffic flow of tourists. Most of these airlines fly domestically to different national parks, connecting them with ease.

Tanzania Airports 

Tanzania has over 20 airports and airfields that are distributed across the country. Tanzania Airports arrange flights from international airports to the park's domestic airfields. Some of the airports are ICAO-coded, with all Tanzania airports' ICAO Codes starting with HT

Tanzania Airports include

• -Julius Nyerere International Airport which is the main airport in Tanzania located in Dar-es-Salaam
• -Kilimanjaro International airport: This is the second-largest and its located in Moshi. This serves as a Tourism airport serving Northern Tourism destinations of Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and other parks.
• -Arusha Airport with the ICAO code HTAR and IATA Code ARK. It's located in Arusha and handles domestic flights within the region of East Africa.
• -Bukoba Airport, which is HTBU ICAO-coded and IATA Code BKZ, is located in Bukoba 
• -Seronera airstrip with ICAO Code HTSN and IATA Code SEU is one of the busiest airstrips located in the heart of Serengeti National Park.