Where to go to Tanzania for Safari? Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wilderness areas. They include the plains of Serengeti National Park, a safari mecca populated by the “big five” game (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with Arabic influences, and Mafia, with a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs.

From witnessing millions of wildebeest, zebra and other antelope traverse the plains of the Serengeti to ascending to the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro or sipping chilled drink on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers travellers some of the most diverse safari experiences in Africa.

A vibrant and beautiful country with exceptional parks and reserves, the country is blessed with the winning combination of unparalleled game viewing and dazzling tropical beaches. Because the country is so vast (almost 1.5 times the size of Texas State), it helps to divide the country’s major holiday destinations into four areas:

1. Northern Safari Circuit – the most popular route comprising the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, Tarangire and Kilimanjaro.
2. Coast and Islands – the country’s beaches, especially those on islands like Zanzibar, are breath-taking and very accessible.
3. Southern Safari – includes the wonderfully wild and underrated Nyerere and Ruaha, some of the best-kept  safari secrets.
4. Western Safari – head to the far-flung corners of Katavi and Mahale for the ultimate off-the-beaten-path Tanzania safaris.

Where you go will depend on what you want to see and experience while on safari. While the Northern Safari Circuit provides is a favourite among first-time and experienced safari goers alike, both Southern and Western Tanzania are hidden gems of this multifaceted destination. Read our Tanzania safari guide to find out everything you need to know about planning your ideal Tanzania  safari.