Tanzania is one of Africa’s largest countries with a vast network of National Parks and Game Reserves. Approximately 20% of the country has been protected by some of the world’s most famous wildlife areas. These areas have huge concentrations of Africa’s big game and Tanzania is one of the few places that can guarantee easy viewing of the famous Big Five, and is the home of the Great Wildebeest Migration.

Tanzania has taken an approach similar to Botswana’s tourism model with an emphasis on quality safari rather than pure volume. Thus the majority of it’s parks have few lodges and very few (if any) actual hotels. This enhances the safari; parks are quieter and less spoiled by the volume of tourists that other countries attract to their smaller wildlife areas. A Tanzania Safari is also great value for money. Good safari lodges start at $370 per person per night but even the very best lodges in the country do not rise over the $800 mark. By contrast In Botswana most of the lodges start at $1,000 rising as high as $2,000 per person per night.

The range of safari accommodation across the country is also impressive. There are the larger hotels of the famous Northern circuit which superbly accommodate families with younger children as well as clients wanting the security of a larger permanent structure. There are then the no frills, safari focused tented camps, specifically the Serengeti’s famous mobile camps. There are luxury tented permanent camps which offer a sense of adventure whilst not letting clients lose out on anything they could ever wish for….and finally there are the super luxury lodges which are simply taken to another level.

SERENGETI

The Serengeti National Park is one of the most celebrated wildlife reserves in the world. This phenomenal National Park, created to preserve the path of the world’s largest migration circuit, covers an absolutely vast area of pristine East African savannah and is by far the most famous safari park in Africa. Game viewing in the Serengeti is outrageously good at all times of the year; it is one of those rare places that never fails to live up to all the hype.

NGORONGORO CRATER

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most famous sites and is said to have the highest density of wildlife in Africa. It is often described as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’. As such, Ngorongoro Crater has achieved world renown, and attracts an ever-increasing number of visitors each year. You are highly unlikely to escape other vehicles here, but you are guaranteed great viewing in a genuinely mind blowing environment. There is nowhere else in Africa like Ngorongoro!

SELOUS

Selous is Africa’s largest and oldest game reserve, and one of its most scenic wildlife destinations. With its rivers and lakes, open vistas and green woodlands, Selous is utterly beautiful. The beauty of the reserve is matched by the quality of safaris here; boating safaris, walking and fly camping compliment standard game driving in areas with masses of wildlife action. This is an outrageously good safari park that is an essential destination in any Southern circuit itinerary.

RUAHA

Ruaha is the ‘other park’ in the Southern circuit and is for those looking for that wilderness and raw Africa experience. The game viewing here is excellent and works on the same seasonal patterns as the Selous – making them great companions. Renown for its large prides of lion and elephant, you can also find cheetah here on the plains and leopard sightings are superb. This is wild, raw Africa and is the place to go if you don’t want to see other vehicles!

VISAS

You can obtain single-entry and transit visas on arrival at the port of entry into Tanzania. Passport photos are not required; all other requirements must be in place. However, multiple-entry business visas cannot be issued at the point of entry and you must obtain these in advance through Tanzania’s embassies.

Visa are required for entry by citizens of Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, United States and all European Union countries. Nationals of Cyprus and Romania, who do not require a visa.

Single-entry tourist visa: US$50 on arrival (the exception is for US citizens for whom a single-entry visa is US$100) or £40 in advance.