What You Need to Know: A Tanzania safari usually means the northern circuit: the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara, all reached from Arusha. Plan four to six days for the main parks, June to October or January to February for the best wildlife, and from about US$2,130 per person for four days (private, 2 travelers, mid-range). Start in Arusha or Moshi by road, or fly in from Zanzibar.
The Best Parks for a First Tanzania Safari
| Park | Best for | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti | Migration, lions, cheetahs, leopards | Serengeti guide |
| Ngorongoro Crater | Black rhino, lions, a day full of wildlife | Ngorongoro guide |
| Tarangire | Elephants and baobabs | Tarangire guide |
| Lake Manyara | Forest, birds, baboons | Lake Manyara guide |
How Many Days Do You Need for a Tanzania Safari?
| Days | What fits |
|---|---|
| 1 | One park near Arusha |
| 2–3 | Tarangire, Manyara and the crater, or the Serengeti by air |
| 4 | The Serengeti and the crater |
| 5–6 | All four main parks |
| 7–10 | Several Serengeti nights, following the herds |
See every itinerary on our northern Tanzania safari packages page.
Two or three days covers Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater, a good taste of safari if you are short of time. Four to five days adds the Serengeti, with time for its big cats and, in season, the migration. Six to eight days lets you explore the Serengeti properly and add quieter areas or Lake Natron. Longer trips can combine the north with Zanzibar or the south.
Our advice: if you can, give the Serengeti at least two nights. See our safari packages.
When Is the Best Time for a Tanzania Safari?
June to October is the dry season, with the best general game viewing; January and February bring the calving season on the southern Serengeti plains. November and March are quieter; April and May are the long rains. See the best time for a safari.
How Much Does a Tanzania Safari Cost?
From US$332 per person for a day trip, US$890 for 2 days and about US$2,130 for 4 days (private, 2 travelers, mid-range), including vehicle, guide, park fees, lodges and meals. Park fees are set by the government: US$82.60 a day in the Serengeti, US$70.80 at Ngorongoro plus US$295 per vehicle for the crater, about US$59 at Tarangire and Manyara. See the safari cost guide.
Starting from Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar
| Start | How |
|---|---|
| Arusha | Pickup at your hotel |
| Moshi | Pickup at your hotel; about 1.5 hours to Arusha |
| Zanzibar | Flight to Arusha or a Serengeti airstrip |
Private, Joining, Budget or Luxury: Choosing Your Safari Style
- Private: your own vehicle and pace
- Joining: share a vehicle with travelers matched to your dates
- Budget, mid-range or luxury: the same vehicle and guide, different lodges
- Camping: public campsites inside the parks
- Fly-in: flights instead of long drives
- Family and honeymoon safaris
Choose a private safari for your own vehicle and pace, a joining safari to share costs with other travelers, a camping safari for the lowest price and nights in the bush, or a luxury safari for the best lodges. The parks, vehicle and guides are the same; the difference is in comfort, privacy and price.
Tanzania Park Rules to Know
Game drives run from about 6:00 am to 6:30 pm, and night drives aren't allowed inside most national parks; some camps on community land outside the parks offer them. Off-road driving is not allowed. Single-use plastic bags are banned in Tanzania, and drones need a permit.
Who Runs Your Safari
Jaynevy Tours is a licensed Tanzanian tour operator (TALA licence 014271) based in Moshi. Every safari is private, in a Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, with a driver-guide trained at the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka, and AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation cover.
What a Safari Day Looks Like
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 6:00 – 6:30 | Early breakfast or coffee, then out for the morning game drive |
| Midday | Picnic lunch in the park, or back at the lodge |
| Afternoon | Game drive until the park closes around sunset |
| Evening | Dinner at the lodge, stories around the fire |
Safari Tips for First-Timers
- Choose a private vehicle so you set the pace
- Don't try to see every park: fewer parks, more time
- Pack layers: mornings are cold, middays hot
- Bring binoculars for everyone
- Budget for tips: see our tipping guide
See our packing list, the safari cost guide and park fees.
How to Book Your Tanzania Safari
Send us your dates, the number of travelers and your preferred lodge level, and we reply with a written quotation. A 30% deposit confirms your safari and the balance is paid on arrival. Book early for July to October and the Christmas holidays.
Common Questions About Planning a Tanzania Safari
How many days do you need for a Tanzania safari?
Four days for the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater; six days for the four main northern parks without rushing.
How much does a Tanzania safari cost?
From US$332 for a day trip and about US$2,130 for four days per person (private, 2 travelers, mid-range), including park fees.
Are night drives allowed?
Not inside most national parks. Some camps outside the parks offer them; we can include one on request.
Can I combine a safari with Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar?
Yes. See our Kilimanjaro, safari and Zanzibar tour.
Is Tanzania good for a first safari?
Yes, one of the best: the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater give excellent wildlife in a few days.
How many days is enough for a Tanzania safari?
Four to five days covers the main northern parks well.
When should I book a Tanzania safari?
Six to twelve months ahead for peak season; a few months ahead otherwise.
The Bottom Line
Plan four to six days, go from June to October or in January–February, and choose private for your own pace. Our northern Tanzania safari page lists every itinerary with prices.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers (with children's ages) and your lodge level through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team in Moshi will reply with a written quotation.