Tanzania is a wilderness and wildlife paradise with epic topography. This vast and sparsely populated country is home to some of the best wildlife experiences on the planet. The largest of East African countries is the safari insider’s hot tip, from the snow-capped summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to the game-rich Ngorongoro Crater, and from the endless plains of the Serengeti to the baobabs of the Tarangire. This region is home to the largest wildlife herds on the African continent and the palm-fringed island of Zanzibar, which is ideal for post-safari relaxation.
A luxury safari in Tanzania is an experience you should not pass up if you have the opportunity. Tanzania safari costs can be high, but it is well worth it. The style of trip and the accommodation that you select are primarily responsible for making a safari luxurious. There are many ways to enjoy the best that Tanzania has to offer while ensuring you get excellent value for money on your luxury safari. The best part of a Luxury Safari Tanzania is waking up to the call of stirring birds in the Ngorongoro Crater or perhaps to the first rays of sun clearing Mount Kilimanjaro. Here is what you have to consider when planning a luxury safari in Tanzania;
Why Choose a Luxury Safari to Tanzania?
A luxury safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people and for good reason. First, there is the matter of travel, where you’ll be hit with jetlag, expensive flights, and a lengthy drive to the national park.
Second, even the cheapest safaris can be expensive. Cheap operators charge $100 per day—and you get very little in return. You’ll be crammed into a bus with a limited view. You will sleep on the floor in a sleeping bag. Food and expensive park admission fees are all extras: so why not opt for an opulent safari to Tanzania for the most exclusive experience?
Where to go on a Luxury Safari in Tanzania
Tanzania as a country has many destinations nestled in various parts of the country, and the best destinations you can visit while on your luxury safari in Tanzania include;
Northern Circuit
Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania and is one of the country’s most visited National Parks. Among the activities available here include game drives, bird watching, hot air balloon safaris, and guided walks to Masai villages where you will meet the locals. The Serengeti is also home and the best place to see the annual wildebeest migration before it moves to Kenya’s Masai Mara. Luxury lodges in the Serengeti include The Four Seasons Safari Lodge, Ole Serai Luxury Camp, Nomad Lamai Serengeti, Sayani Camp, Ewanjan Tented Camp, Singita Faru Faru Lodge, Singita Sasakwa Lodge, Serengeti Bush tops camp, andBeyond Grumeti, Singita Sabora Tented Camp, Elewana Serengeti Pioneer Camp, Elewana Serengeti Migration Camp, and One Nature Hotel Nyaruswiga, among many others.
Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the Ngorongoro Crater, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site a few years ago. The crater is home to thousands of animals and is the best place to witness the calving season during the migration, which occurs between January and February. The best luxury lodges in Ngorongoro include; andBeyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, The Retreat @Ngorongoro, Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp, Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge, The Manor @Ngorongoro and Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara National Park is surrounded by Lake Manyara which covers 34% of the park. The park is the best place to see aquatic animals, particularly hippos and lesser pink flamingos. Luxury lodges in Lake Manyara National Park include; andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge, Chem Chem Lodge, etc.
Tarangire National Park
The Park derives its name from the Tarangire River, which runs through it. The park has an incredibly diverse landscape and vegetation with many Baobab trees, tall grasses, and dense bush dotting the hilly landscape. The national park is home to several herds of up to 300 elephants, as well as migratory wildebeest, zebra, impala, buffalo, and eland. The Tarangire is also home to unusual species such as fringe-eared Oryx and long-necked gerenuk. Luxury lodges in Tarangire National Park include; Tarangire Treetops by Elewana, Mbali Mbali Tarangire River Camp, etc.
Southern Circuit
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is located in Tanzania’s southern circuit, which runs along the country’s southern border. It is the country’s largest National Park and is home to many animal and bird species. Luxury lodges in Selous National Park include Serena Mivumo River Camp, and Selous Kinga Lodge, among others.
Zanzibar and Pemba Islands
The beautiful islands of Zanzibar and Pemba offer you amazing relaxation and activities with top notch luxury accommodations. Some of lodges to look out include andBeyond Mnemba Island, The Residence Zanzibar, Zuri Zanzibar, Kilindi Zanzibar, Baraza Resort & Spa, Matemwe Retreat, Zawadi Hotel Zanzibar, Essque Zalu Zanzibar, Diamonds Mapenzi Beach etc.
How Much is a cost of a Luxury Safari in Tanzania?
A luxury safari in Tanzania costs between $600 – $2000 per person per day. It is difficult to predict how much you will spend on your luxury safari, but you should be aware that it will not be cheap; particularly when it comes to the type of accommodation you select. Some opulent lodges charge more than $1000 per person per night. You may be able to even spend more than $600 per day per person: however, this can all be cleared up after developing an itinerary for your safari. Some of the factors that may influence the cost of your luxury safari include:
- The smaller the group, the more expensive the safari will be, and vice versa.
- Your luxurious safari will be determined by the number of days you plan to spend. More days spent equals more money, and fewer days equals less money spent.
- When visiting Tanzania during the peak season, the safari will be more expensive than when visiting during the rainy season.
Luxury Safari Accommodation in Tanzania
One of the major factors influencing safari costs is lodging. Luxury safaris in Tanzania imply luxurious accommodation facilities with everything needed for a comfortable stay. There are three main types of accommodation used during safaris that are Tented camps, lodges, and hotels. These are all very comfortable no matter where they are located.
The rooms are self-contained, with private patios from which you can see the animals in the park, private room service, and extremely delicious food served by a chef. Swimming pools, game rooms, and other relaxing activities are available at some lodging facilities, making your luxury safari more enjoyable. Before and after your safari, you can stay in any luxury lodge in Arusha. Dar es Salaam also has excellent hotels.
Best time for a Luxury Safari in Tanzania
The dry season, from late June to October, is the best time to visit Tanzania because wildlife viewing during that time is easier. If you want to see the wildebeest calving in Ngorongoro, you must visit between late January and February. The Serengeti’s wildebeest migration takes place between June and July in Tanzania. Furthermore, the southern and western circuit parks are best visited during the dry season, which runs from June to October.
