- Arusha-Tanzania
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Planning a Tanzania safari is exciting, but a little preparation goes a long way. This Safari Planning Guide covers everything you need to knowfrom choosing the best parks, creating itineraries, packing gear, budgeting, and travel tips so you can have a smooth and unforgettable safari experience.
Safari planning ensures you choose the right parks and time of year for wildlife viewing.
Helps organize transport, accommodation, and activities efficiently.
Prevents last-minute surprises and ensures safety and comfort.
Helps you combine safaris with Zanzibar or other Tanzanian highlights.
Tanzania has several world-famous safari destinations:
| Region / Park | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Serengeti National Park | Great Migration, lions, elephants, predators |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Scenic crater, dense wildlife, rhinos |
| Tarangire National Park | Elephant herds, baobab trees |
| Lake Manyara National Park | Tree-climbing lions, flamingos, bird watching |
| Mikumi / Ruaha / Selous | Less crowded, unique landscapes, large wildlife diversity |
Tip: Combine multiple parks for varied wildlife and landscapes.
Dry season (June–October): Best for wildlife spotting
Short dry season (December–February): Warm weather, good for newborn animals and Zanzibar
Long rainy season (March–May): Fewer tourists, lush landscapes, lower prices
See our Best Time to Visit Tanzania guide for details.
Packing the right gear ensures comfort and convenience. Essentials include:
Neutral-colored clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Fleece or light jacket
Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
Binoculars and camera gear
Toiletries and personal medications
Travel documents and cash
Check our Safari Gear List for a full packing checklist.
Safari costs vary depending on park, accommodation, and activities:
| Budget Type | Per Person / Day | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Safari | $150–$250 | Camping, simple lodges, shared vehicles |
| Mid-range Safari | $300–$500 | Comfortable lodges, private vehicles, meals included |
| Luxury Safari | $600–$1,500+ | Luxury lodges/camps, all-inclusive, private guides |
Tip: Include tipping, optional activities, and travel insurance in your budget.
Internal flights: Quick transfers between parks
Safari vehicles: Open 4x4s for game drives
Experienced guides: Essential for spotting wildlife and safety
Transfers: Airport pickup and drop-off
Musabi Serengeti Safaris can arrange custom safari packages with experienced guides and comfortable vehicles.
Popular itineraries:
3–4 Days: Serengeti + Ngorongoro
5–7 Days: Serengeti + Ngorongoro + Tarangire
7–10 Days: Northern Circuit + Zanzibar extension
10+ Days: Northern + Southern Circuit + Zanzibar
Tip: Leave rest days and avoid overpacking the schedule; early mornings and afternoon game drives can be tiring.
Tips are part of safari culture: guides, drivers, lodge staff, and porters
Typical tipping: $15–$25/day for guides, $10–$15/day for drivers, $2–$5/day for lodge staff
See our Safari Tipping Guide for a full breakdown
Always carry water, snacks, and a hat on game drives
Follow guide instructions for safety near wildlife
Avoid strong perfumes and bright colors
Bring small USD bills for tips
Travel insurance is strongly recommended
Tanzania safaris + Zanzibar beaches = the perfect holiday
Best months for safari + Zanzibar: June–October and December–February
Musabi Serengeti Safaris offers custom safari + beach packages
Start by selecting parks, deciding travel dates, creating an itinerary, choosing accommodations, arranging guides and transport, and packing the right gear.
Popular parks include Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ruaha, and Mikumi. Choose based on wildlife preferences and trip duration.
3–4 days: Serengeti + Ngorongoro
5–7 days: Northern Circuit (Serengeti + Ngorongoro + Tarangire)
7–10 days: Northern Circuit + Zanzibar extension
The dry season, June–October, is best for wildlife viewing. December–February is also good for fewer crowds and Zanzibar beach extensions.
Neutral-colored clothing, comfortable shoes, sun protection, binoculars, camera gear, toiletries, personal medications, and travel documents. Check our Safari Gear List for details.
Budget: $150–$250 per person/day
Mid-range: $300–$500 per person/day
Luxury: $600–$1,500+ per person/day
Include tips, optional activities, and travel insurance.
Yes. Guides are essential for spotting wildlife, ensuring safety, and sharing expert knowledge. Musabi Serengeti Safaris provides experienced guides and comfortable safari vehicles.
Yes. Combining a Tanzania safari with Zanzibar is popular. Best months for safari + Zanzibar: June–October and December–February.
Don’t miss out on an incredible experience! Complete the booking form to secure your spot and prepare for the adventure.
