Whether you dream of discovering the untamed wilds of the Serengeti, the Great Migration, or any number of Tanzania’s amazing natural parks and wonders, going on one of the top Tanzania safari tours is a true bucket list experience you won’t soon forget!
Planning the perfect Tanzania safari can feel overwhelming. That’s why we put together this helpful guide to help you navigate the planning process and narrow down your options for the perfect safari!
Below, you’ll find the very BEST Tanzania safari tours for exploring SERENGETI National Park, TARANGIRE National Park, LAKE MANYARA National Park, and NGORONGORO CRATER!
Discover the best safaris for every travel budget, from Upmarket and Luxury safaris to Mid-range and even Budget tours. You’ll also find the top Private and Small-Group Tanzania safari tours too.
So pack your adventure bag and get ready to head out on safari with Tanzania’s top tour companies.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick preview of our TOP PICKS
OUR OVERALL TOP PICK:
▸ 5-day Private Mid-Range Safari by Lion King Adventures
BEST LUXURY SAFARI:
▸ 7-day Private Luxury Safari by Lion King Adventures
BEST BUDGET SAFARI:
▸ 3-day Private Budget Safari by Siringeti Guide
BEST MIGRATION SAFARI:
▸ 4-day Private Migration Safari by Trust Tours
BEST SMALL-GROUP SAFARI:
▸ 7-day Upmarket Small-Group Safari by Roy Safaris
Ready to see the full list? Read on for all the details, plus helpful tips and essential information for planning the ultimate vacation.
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12 Bucket List Tanzania Safari Tours for the Ultimate Adventure
Why Go on Safari in Tanzania?
Few places on earth can compare with Tanzania’s natural splendors and cultural heritage.
But it is the incredible diversity and mind-boggling numbers of rare and exotic wildlife that draw the most visitors to Tanzania’s teeming plains year after year.
Tanzania is also home to some of the most legendary UNESCO World Heritage Sites in East Africa, such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Mount Kilimanjaro National Park.
Whether you’re hoping to catch an up-close look at big cats in their element, massive numbers of wildebeest making their harrowing annual Great Migration, or Tanzania’s native fauna set against some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet, you’ll find it in one of the Tanzania safari tours below.
Keep reading to find out how to get the most out of your visit with one of the top Tanzania safari tours from Arusha, Kilimanjaro airport, and beyond.
Our Overall TOP PICK
5-Day Private Mid-Range Safari | Serengeti + Tarangire + Ngorongoro Crater
Operated by top-rated Lion King Adventures, this 5-day private safari tour with mid-range accommodation is our overall top pick for Tanzania safari tours.
This is the same tour that we recommend to friends and family who are planning their own Tanzania safari bucket list adventure.
Spend five unforgettable days experiencing the highlights of the Northern Circuit, including visits to Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Mid-range accommodation includes a mix of lodge and tented camping closer to the action.
We believe this top-rated 5-day tour offers one of the very best values you’re likely to find on the market today.
Highlights
- Trip Length: 5 days
- Budget Category: Mid-Range
- Group Size: Private (only your group)
- Parks Visited: Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater
- Tour Operator: Lion King Adventures
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Best UPMARKET PRIVATE Safari Tours
7-Day Private Luxury All-Inclusive Safari | Serengeti, Tarangire + Lake Manyara + Ngorongoro Crater
The 7-day premium all-inclusive safari tour operated by Lion King Adventures is a favorite among luxury travelers to Tanzania looking for a true bucket list experience.
Soak up seven days exploring the very best of the Northern Circuit, from Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks to Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Go on safari in comfort and style with premium, purpose-built transportation. Dine on delicious food offerings and enjoy spacious luxury villa and tent accommodation.
Trip Length: 7 days
Budget Category: Luxury/Upmarket
Group Size: Private (only your group)
Parks Visited: Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater
Tour Operator: Lion King Adventures
Too Long? Lion King Adventures also offers a top-rated 5-day luxury safari tour as well.
3-Day Private Upmarket Safari | Tarangire + Lake Manyara + Ngorongoro Crater
If you’re working with a tight schedule, want to focus more on the Rift Valley, or you’ve already toured Serengeti National Park, this 3-day private Tanzania safari from Roy Safaris might be the perfect option for you.
Discover Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater in Roy Safari’s custom-built 4WD safari vehicle.
Relax after a sensational day of wildlife viewing with upmarket accommodation and excellent food.
Trip Length: 3 days
Budget Category: Upmarket
Group Size: Private (only your group)
Parks Visited: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater
Tour Operator: Roy Safaris
4-Day Private Migration Safari | Serengeti + Ngorongoro Crater
The 4-day Serengeti migration safari by Trust Tours & Safari Company is geared towards travelers wanting to experience the region’s epic annual Great Migration.
Coinciding with the dry season (usually from mid-June to August), some 1.5 million Wildebeest make their way across the Serengeti.
Witnessing this awesome event makes for a truly unforgettable bucket list travel experience.
Includes upmarket lodge and tented accommodation with all the trimmings.
Trip Length: 4 days
Budget Category: Upmarket
Group Size: Private (only your group)
Parks Visited: Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Tour Operator: Trust Tours & Safari Company
Best UPMARKET GROUP Tours
7-Day Upmarket Small-Group Safari | Serengeti + Tarangire + Manyara + Ngorongoro
Looking for a more social experience than a private tour? Check out this 7-day best of North Tanzania safari operated by Roy Safaris.
One amazing week exploring the very best wildlife parks in Northern Tanzania, including Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater.
Groups are never more than 6 travelers, meaning you’ll still receive a high level of personal attention from your guide and staff.
One of the best Tanzania safari tours for couples and solo travelers who would like an upmarket experience but aren’t necessarily looking for a private tour.
Trip Length: 7 days
Budget Category: Upmarket
Group Size: Small Group (Max 6 travelers)
Parks Visited: Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater
Tour Operator: Roy Safaris
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Best MID-RANGE PRIVATE Safari Tours
6-Day Private Mid-Range Safari | Serengeti + Tarangire + Lake Manyara + Ngorongoro Crater
In addition to their 5-day mid-range-priced tour (our top choice, see above), Lion King Adventures also offers an outstanding 6-day private mid-range safari tour, which adds a visit to Lake Manyara (and an extra day).
Travelers have the opportunity to explore on the top safari highlights of Northern Tanzania with incredible experiences in Serengeti National Park, Tarangire N.P., Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater.
5 nights mid-range tent/lodge accommodation is included along with your professional guide, transport in private vehicle, and more!
Trip Length: 6 days
Budget Category: Mid-Range
Group Size: Private (only your group)
Parks Visited: Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater
Tour Operator: Lion King Adventures
3-Day Private Mid-Range Safari | Tarangire + Lake Manyara + Ngorongoro Crater
For travelers with a little less time on their hands, this top-rated 3-day private safari with mid-range accommodation by Trip Quest Safaris is a great option.
Spend three unforgettable days touring Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater without wasting a lot of time in transit to farther flung parks.
Trip Length: 3 days
Budget Category: Mid-Range
Group Size: Private (only your group)
Parks Visited: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater
Tour Operator: Trip Quest Safaris
1-Day Private Mid-Range Tarangire Day Tour
Sometimes, you’re just looking for a really amazing day tour to quench your thirst for adventure.
In that case, you’ll definitely want to take a look at this Tarangire Day Tour operated by Soul of Tanzania.
Explore this amazing wildlife park full of big game animals with your personal and professional guide & driver.
If you’ve only got one day to devote to a safari, this is the one to book!
Trip Length: Day Trip
Budget Category: Mid-Range
Group Size: Private (only your group)
Parks Visited: Tarangire National Park
Tour Operator: Soul of Tanzania
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Best BUDGET PRIVATE Safari Tours
3-Day Private Budget Serengeti Safari from Mwanza
Looking for an amazing safari experience with a personal touch that won’t break the bank?
The 3-day private Serengeti safari from Mwanza by Siringeti Guide & Photograph Trip is our top pick for private budget Tanzania safari tours.
Meet up in Mwanza and spend a combined two full days (and nights) exploring legendary Serengeti National Park. Camping accommodation, gear, and meals included.
Trip Length: 3 Days
Budget Category: Budget
Group Size: Private (only your group)
Parks Visited: Serengeti National Park
Tour Operator: Siringeti Guide & Photograph Trip
2-Day Private Budget Safari | Tarangire + Ngorongoro Crater
Top-rated Suricata Safaris offers this affordable 2-day Tarangire & Ngorongoro tour for travelers with a bit less time on their hands.
Explore Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater with your professional guide.
Trip Length: 2 Days
Budget Category: Budget
Group Size: Private (only your group)
Parks Visited: Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater
Tour Operator: Suricata Safaris
Best BUDGET GROUP Tours
3-Day Budget Small-Group Camping Safari | Serengeti + Ngorongoro + Rift Valley
Short but excellent, this 3-day small-group camping safari by Suricata Safaris is another affordable option for going with a group (up to 6 travelers).
Visit the incomparable Serengeti National Park, along with Ngorongoro Crater and the Rift Valley. Camping accommodation and meals included.
Trip Length: 3 Days
Budget Category: Budget
Group Size: Group (6 max)
Parks Visited: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
Tour Operator: Suricata Safaris
Got a little more time on your hands? Suricata Safaris also offers a 4-day option as well. Got even more time to spend on safari? Check out our next pick…
6-Day Budget Small-Group Camping Safari | Serengeti + Ngorongoro Crater + Lake Manyara
Top-rated Gosheni Safaris’ 6-day “Best of Tanzania” small group safari might just be the ultimate budget safari for those with a week to devote to some of the world’s best wildlife viewing.
Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara are all on the docket for an unforgettable bucket list adventure.
This tour offers budget camping accommodation as well as meals, transport, and more.
Trip Length: 6 Days
Budget Category: Budget
Group Size: Group (Max 7)
Parks Visited: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara
Tour Operator: Gosheni Safaris
Where to Stay in Arusha
Looking to extend your time in and around this incredible corner of the world? Or maybe you are looking for accommodation to catch an early morning flight or bus following your safari adventure.
Arusha is the main jumping off point for many of the top Tanzania safari tours. As such, there are a number of outstanding hotel options in and around town.
Here are our top recommendations for places to stay in the city center, and a short drive outside of town as well.
Arusha Stays | Our Top Picks
OUR #1 PICK ▸ The African Tulip is a superb safari-themed stay conveniently located near the center of town. Outstanding service and upmarket amenities make this our top choice for places to stay in Arusha.
EXCEPTIONAL MOUNTAIN LODGE ▸ Located a short drive from the city center, Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge captivates guests with its lush sprawling grounds, abundant wildlife, and early 20th century colonial charm.
ECO-FRIENDLY FARM STAY ▸ A stay at the Banana Farm Eco Hostel is an unforgettable (and sustainable) experience unlike any other. Enjoy hiking, cooking lessons, views of Mount Meru, and much more.
BEST BUDGET STAY ▸ Looking for an affordable, yet comfortable stay surrounded by nature in the Arusha area? Check out Savannah House. Choose from rondavels, rooms, dorms, and tents.
Tanzania Safari Tours FAQ
How much does a safari trip in Tanzania cost?
The price of a Tanzania safari tour typically ranges from US$250 to US$650 per person, per day. The top picks in this guide tend to fall somewhere in that range, from budget to luxury.
The level of accommodation and number of included amenities are the two things that have the greatest impact on price. For example, the most affordable safaris will likely be group tours offering basic tent camping and some meals. On the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive luxury safaris will be private, all-inclusive tours offering lodge-style accommodation and all the trimmings.
What is the best time of year to do a Tanzania safari?
If you’re hoping to experience the Great Migration and the driest weather, July through September is often considered the optimal time to visit. With that said, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and have the parks (and wildlife) largely to yourself, you’re better off avoiding these months. Read more tips on when to visit and how to avoid crowds in our detailed guide.
Where do you fly into for Tanzania safari?
Most top tours on this list offer transport or shuttle service from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha. These are the main jumping-off points for exploring the Northern Circuit in Tanzania, which includes the most well-known national parks like Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater.
How Did We Choose the Best Tours?
We’ve chosen only to include the cream of the crop, BEST OF THE BEST Tanzania safari tours in this article – only the absolute top-rated tour packages and day trips made our list (based on current rankings on TripAdvisor, Viator, and other various sources).
Next, we took it a step further. We then reviewed the details and fine print of each tour on offer, in addition to reviews from the past couple of years.
Lastly, we used local intel plus insights from our own Tanzania experience to whittle down the finalists to what you’ll find in this guide.
After all that, we’re pretty darn confident that any one of these tours will offer up an absolutely fantastic experience. Happy travels!
Now You Know the Best Tanzania Safari Tours from Arusha & Beyond!
Have you been on safari in Tanzania? What was your experience? Tell us a bit about it in the comments below.
Featured image by Hu Chen / Unsplash.
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