There are countless reasons to discover the magic of Africa with a Tanzania safari.

You can explore the Serengeti National Park, where much of the Great Migration occurs.

Marvel at the Ngorongoro Crater – a large, unbroken volcanic caldera nicknamed the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World.’

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, standing at 19,340 feet.

And enjoy the chance to combine the bush and the beach with a vacation in Zanzibar following your safari (the archipelago is just off the Tanzanian coast and accessible via a 20-minute plane ride or a two-hour ferry).

Recently, GILTEDGE’s Inbound General Manager, Sandra Devoti, embarked on a FAM trip to Tanzania, where she was lucky enough to experience its many wonders for herself and relax in luxury at six of Tanzania’s best-loved safari lodges.

Read on to discover a few highlights from her trip and expert advice for planning your own.

A look at the lodges:

As mentioned, Sandra was privileged to spend time at six different lodges during her safari.

andBeyond Grumeti River Lodge

Located in the Serengeti’s western reaches on the banks of the Grumeti River, andBeyond Grumeti River Lodge offers front-row seats to the Great Migration – and the heart-stopping predator action that goes with it.

Sandra’s highlight: The family-friendly lodge is in a remote part of the Serengeti National Park, an ideal location for a hot air balloon flight over the plains, and an abundance of hippos in the waterhole right in front of the lodge.

Chem Chem Lodge

You’ll find Chem Chem Lodge on the eastern edge of Lake Manyara, bordering the Burunge Wildlife Management Area.

Sandra’s highlight: Chem Chem Lodge and Little Chem Chem embody the ‘slow safari.’ I felt utterly at peace and unrushed while staying there. Wildness is all around. We encountered the largest elephants I’ve ever seen and tree-climbing lions, which was incredible. Our guide was a resident Masai warrior, and we also visited a local Masai village.

Gibbs Farm

Gibbs Farm is built on the Ngorongoro Crater’s outer slopes, overlooking the Great Rift Valley.

Sandra’s highlight: The food! It’s made using ingredients sourced straight from the farm. The farm activities are also fantastic, especially for families with young children. They include coffee bean picking and roasting, garden chess, egg collecting, and feeding the farm animals. The lodge is also ideally located for a full-day tour to the Ngorongoro Crater.

Legendary Lodge

Get settled on a coffee plantation in the foothills of Mount Meru, bordering the colorful town of Arusha, when staying at Legendary Lodge. It’s the gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit.

Sandra’s highlight: The lodge is ideal for couples and families, with ten secluded cottages and two spacious family cottages – a tranquil oasis in a bustling city. The service and food are outstanding.

Legendary Mwiba Lodge

Tucked away in a private wildlife reserve adjourning the southern Serengeti, Legendary Mwiba Lodge is a family-friendly haven, welcoming children from four years and up.

Sandra’s highlight: The sheer diversity of activities. The lodge offers day and night game drives, walking safaris, children’s safaris, and authentic cultural experiences such as walks with some of the last hunter-gatherers and dancing with the Datonga women. 

Siringit Villa

This six-bedroom villa is inside the Kilimanjaro Golf and Wildlife Estate. Guests can book individual rooms or book the villa on an exclusive-use basis.

Sandra’s highlight: The staff is extremely hospitable, and the food is world-class. Chef Ombeni Lucas’ multicultural dishes are nothing short of masterpieces.

Are you feeling inspired? Before planning, Sandra answers your frequently asked questions regarding safaris in Tanzania below.

Which month is best for a Tanzania safari?

Plan your Tanzania safari for any time between December and July if you’re keen to catch the Great Migration. Outside of the migration, the dry season from June to October is ideal for game-viewing, while the gorgeous ‘Green Season’, from November to May, presents the perfect opportunity for wildlife photographers.

I traveled in May, which is still shoulder season.  The weather was already warm and dry, so the game viewing was excellent, but it was still green and beautiful (parts of the Ngorongoro Crater were covered in yellow and purple wildflowers). Also, the national parks aren’t crowded during this time, and the rates are considerably lower than in peak season.

What is the best thing about going on safari in Tanzania?

The vast plains stretch as far as the eye can see. I also love admiring large herds of animals instead of small numbers per sighting, the cultural experience that goes hand-in-hand with a safari, and the silence of a hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti. There’s no doubt that your first safari won’t be your last. The experience is addictive.

Is Tanzania or Kenya better for a safari?

You can’t go wrong with either:

• Wildlife: Tanzania and Kenya have incredible wildlife, including the Big Five. Tanzania boasts iconic parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Selous, while Kenya is known for the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and Tsavo.
• Accessibility: Kenya has a slightly more developed tourism infrastructure, making accessing various parks and reserves easier. It has well-established road networks, numerous airstrips, and many accommodations. Tanzania also has good infrastructure, but longer drives or internal flights may be required to visit the remoter locations.
• Crowds: Tanzania is your best bet for a calmer, quieter safari experience. Kenya generally attracts more crowds.
• Culture: Both countries have vibrant and diverse cultures. Kenya is renowned for its Maasai culture, while Tanzania has a mix of Maasai, Chagga, and other tribal communities.
• Safety

How many days do you need for a safari in Tanzania?

A 7 -10-day Tanzania safari is ideal, allowing you to see some of its best bits without rushing. Of course, the longer, the better! Spending at least two to three nights at each lodge you visit is a good idea.

How do you choose which lodges to stay at when on safari in Tanzania?

Team GILTEDGE is here to help with this. The selection of game lodges for your safari is governed by YOU. We look at your travel profile (honeymooner, family, multigenerational, etc.), the season and the location of the Great Migration, your special interests (photography, birding, cultural interactions, etc.), preferred budget, availability, and much more.

What are the most critical Tanzania safari essentials?

Sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, binoculars, and a phone or battery charger for your camera.

Tanzania awaits. Let GILTEDGE take you there! Contact us today for more information on how we can plan a tailored Tanzania safari just for you, down to every last detail.