Western Circuit Safari

Tanzania is an exceptional destination for safari, offering both quality and quantity. The wildlife viewing is fantastic and there is a wide range of places to explore and activities to enjoy. Even with three trips to Tanzania, it would be difficult to experience all the highlights in one go.

There are three different safari circuits to choose from. The popular Northern safari circuit is home to famous locations like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The Southern circuit, centered on Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park, is less well-known. The Western circuit is off-the-beaten-track and includes Katavi National Park and chimpanzee reserves on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

It may surprise mountain climbers to learn that the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro, is in Tanzania. Although it is situated between Kenya and Tanzania, it is climbed from the Tanzanian side.

Tours of Tanzania are not designed for large groups. The ideal way to explore the parks is by booking a personalized safari for two or four people, such as with family or friends, but this comes at a higher cost. A starting price of $500 per person per day should be considered, although this can vary greatly due to numerous factors. For instance, camping safaris are generally less expensive than lodge safaris. Moreover, the Northern circuit has larger, cheaper hotels in places like Serengeti, whereas smaller, more exclusive lodges and tented camps tend to be pricier but more rudimentary. The season of travel is also important, with discounted rates in the rainy season and higher costs during the wildebeest migration peak.

Tanzania's safari industry is mature and there is a diverse range of lodging options available. Opting for a tour operator that provides comfortable camping safaris is not only the most economical way to travel, but it also adds to the sense of adventure.

If camping isn't your preferred choice, but you enjoy the idea of staying in a tent, there are tented camps that offer varying levels of luxury, including beds and flushing toilets.

For those who prefer to stay in a more conventional hotel setting, there are hotels that provide complete isolation from the wilderness, which means a lower likelihood of encountering insects and other creatures in your room.

Currently, there is a trend towards exclusive designer lodges that blend in with the surroundings and offer an unparalleled level of luxury and service. There are no limits to the possibilities!

f you embark on a tour in Tanzania, you are in for a remarkable experience that may be the first of many. Once you catch the safari bug, it's common to return repeatedly to relive the thrill of the African bush. It's difficult to resist the allure of Tanzania's stunning Northern circuit, which offers incredible wildlife viewing and breathtaking landscapes, making it an excellent destination for first-time safari goers. Even if you've been before, there is always more to discover, and Tanzania offers an endless array of touring options for repeat visitors. For seasoned African safari enthusiasts, the Southern circuit offers remote parks with a variety of animals, such as wild dogs, while the west is home to chimpanzees, providing even more opportunities for exploration.

The wildlife viewing in Tanzania is superb. A Tanzania safari in the Northern circuit takes in Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Any of these parks offer fantastic game viewing, although some of it is seasonal. Doing the whole circuit enhances the experience as you’ll be going through a variety of habitats and environments. Due to the sizes of the parks, it is possible to get away from the crowds, but as this is the most popular circuit, you will be surrounded by other tourists at times. If you really want to get away from all that, you can visit the Southern circuit, where the game viewing is slightly more challenging but very good all the same. This circuit is perhaps more suited to repeat Africa visitors who are less driven to tick off the Big Five.

Tanzania's tourist industry is well-established and proficient, and generally, a Tanzanian safari is secure. However, it's advisable to avoid walking alone in significant cities such as Dar es Salaam due to numerous minor crimes. Occasionally, tourists may be singled out in popular tourist spots like Arusha, but the attention is usually harmless, with vendors attempting to sell various items, from safaris to beaded necklaces. Simply remaining assertive and resolute is usually sufficient to diffuse any issues. Nonetheless, most people on Tanzanian tours spend minimal or no time in urban areas, so these concerns are unlikely to arise.