Tanzania is among the most exclusive and top safari destinations of the African continent. This East African country is known for its flourishing wildlife and picturesque landscapes. It is slowly gaining the attention of travelers all over the world. Although holidays in this country may seem expensive, it is not always the case. One can plan their own Tanzania budget safari and still enjoy a fulfilling safari experience.
There are lots to see and do in Tanzania. National parks, reserves, and sanctuaries are the highlight of the country. They house diverse species of wildlife and birdlife. Western, Southern, and Northern Tanzania circuits are among the famous routes for safaris. In these safari circuits, you can enjoy visiting popular national parks. It is also in Tanzania where you can see the Great Migration or the wildebeest migration. Other famous safari sites are Lake Manyara which has the largest concentration of baobab, Ngorongoro crater which has the densest wildlife population, and other unique protected areas.
But a Tanzania safari budget is not only limited to bush adventures. One can also enjoy Tanzania’s beautiful coastlines, islands, and beaches. The beaches of Zanzibar and Mafia islands, Tanzania’s two archipelagos, are considered to be the most stunning in the world. Whether you want to relax, try out water sports or explore nearby towns, Tanzania’s beaches and islands are perfect. You can simply add them towards the end of your holiday itinerary to end your vacation smoothly.
The Perfect Places for your Tanzania Budget Safari Trip
Here are some safari sites and destinations that you can visit in Tanzania:
Serengeti National Park
Undoubtedly, Serengeti is among the most well-known and top national parks in Tanzania. It is also the oldest national park in the country. Gaining popularity worldwide, Serengeti is filled with growing biodiversity, unique wildlife, and scenic landscapes. Many natural habitats ranging from savannahs to forests are found inside the park. In it reside different animals and birds that can be seen during safaris.
Serengeti is the best place to spot the African Big Five animals. This group consists of the African lion, cape buffalo, elephants, leopards, and the endangered rhino. Along with the Big Five, several species of plain or hoofed animals are also seen. Giraffes, common eland, greater kudus, and many more are spotted. However, the main highlight of Serengeti is the wildebeest migration. Also known as the great migration, millions of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, and other hoofed animals embark on a long journey. They begin their migration from Serengeti before ending up in Kenya’s Masai Mara. The dry seasons are the best time to witness the migration in Tanzania.
Serengeti Park is divided into several geographical areas that offer quality game drives. Visits to Masai villages, bird watching, and hot air balloon rides are best enjoyed in this national park.
Selous Game Reserve
Located in a protected region of Southern Tanzania, Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa. It is twice the size of Serengeti and offers a variety of flora and fauna. One can find mountains, grass plains, forests, and open woodlands inside the reserve. Selous and its massive size offer a lot of opportunities to explore its undisturbed wilderness. Due to its secluded location and exotic wildlife, Selous has been declared a World Heritage Site.
If you want to avoid tourist crowds, Selous is a great choice for your Tanzania budget safari. This prime safari destination is a hidden gem, housing rich wildlife areas, and exciting activities.
The northern section of Selous is called the Nyerere National Park. It has a network of lagoons and channels that travels through the main river, Rufiji. Alongside the river, quality game viewing can be expected as many animals come to Rufiji to quench their thirst. Some of the animals frequently observed in Selous are wildebeest, hippos, zebras, impalas, giraffes, waterbucks, and more. It also has puku and sable antelope species.
In certain areas of the reserves, rare African wild dogs are also witnessed. Selous is known for its primate species mainly Colobus and Blue samago monkeys. In different areas of Selous, one can also come across the Big Five African animals.
The best activities to enjoy in Selous are boat rides along the Rufiji River, adventurous fly camps, and walking safaris.
Ngorongoro conservation area
Few safari destinations offer experiences as the Ngorongoro crater does. This site is deserving in your Tanzania budget safari solely for its gorgeous landscapes and dense wildlife population. The crater is set in the unique ancient volcanic caldera and houses around 30,000 animals. These animals live in the diverse habits of Ngorongoro such as highland plains, savannahs, and forests. You can visit Ngorongoro and Serengeti together to maximize your Tanzanian safari experience.
The wide range of resident wildlife makes game-watching exclusive in the crater. Here, one can spot the densest population of lions. Other predators like leopards and cheetahs are also spotted. The crater is home to a sizeable population of rare black rhinos. Elephants, giraffes, Thompsons, and grant’s gazelles are also seen.
The wildebeest migration also passes by the crater starting in December. Large and small herds of wildebeest, zebras elands, gazelles, and more are best spotted in the Ndutu plains, a rich wildlife area of the crater. Ngorongoro crater is a perfect place for photographic buffs and naturalists.
It also appeals to those interested in history as the crater is the prime spot for archeological findings. Extensive archeological studies have revealed that the earliest proof of human evolution started in the Olduvai Gorge region, found inside the crater.
Ngorongoro Crater is best explored through game drives. One can also visit the neighboring craters of Empakaai and Olmoti which offer picturesque sceneries. Lake Ndutu is perfect for bird-watching. Other attractions near Ngorongoro are the Lerai Fever Tree Forest, Shifting Sands, Gol Mountains, and more.
Lake Manyara National Park
At the edge of the Rift Valley underneath the Manyara escarpment lies the scenic Lake Manyara National Park. It boasts varied ecosystems, breathtaking vistas, and an abundance of wildlife. Lake Manyara is situated on the route of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. So, it becomes easier to visit the park and enjoy Tanzania’s ever-growing flora and fauna.
The park is characterized by forests, baobab-strewn cliffs, bush plains, and hot springs. Aside from animals, colorful species of birds are also observed here. The main highlight of the park is Lake Manyara.
This national park is home to the unusual tree climbing lions. This unique species is only found in Lake Manyara and Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda. Animals like elephants, wildebeest, giraffes, waterbucks, warthogs, dik dik, klipspringer, and more can be spotted during game drives.
A must-see primate species in the park are the large population of baboons and blue monkeys living the lush green forests of the park. Lake Manyara offers spectacular sights of millions of pink flamingoes that feed on its algae-rich waters. They are accompanied by other waterbirds like storks, cormorants, and pelicans.
Lake Manyara National Park is perfect for night safaris, treetop walkways, bike tours, and canoe rides.
Mount Kilimanjaro
It is impossible to miss out on Kilimanjaro while visiting Tanzania. The highest peak of the continent, Mount Kilimanjaro is also the tallest freestanding mountain in the world. This snowcapped peak is a dormant volcano that attracts trekkers and climbers from all over the world. A Tanzania budget safari should definitely include the majestic Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is found inside Kilimanjaro Mountain. This park is a great wildlife viewing destination, boasting a vibrant ecosystem. Cape buffalos are found in grasslands, moorlands and forests while African elephants usually roam the rivers. Rodents like tree hyrax and grey duikers are spotted in timberline while leopards and other animals including blue monkeys occupy the montane forests.
Mount Kilimanjaro offers easy access to hiking trails. Six routes take you to the official summit of Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak. These are the Lemosho Route, Umbwe route, and Shira route. It is important to carry essential hiking gear while climbing the mountain as well as have a fit physique. The dry months from December to March and June through September are favorable to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Aside from hiking and climbing, there are lots to see and do in the mountain. Game drives, guided walks, bird watching, and camping are some of the common activities. One can also try out cycling, picnicking, and visiting nearby sites like the Chala crater lake.
Top Beaches for Tanzania Budget Safari
To end your Tanzania vacation, consider adding a beach or island towards the end of your itinerary. This ensures that you get a rest after completing bush adventures as well as get a chance to see the beautiful coastlines of Tanzania. Here are some beaches and islands to add to your holiday:
Mafia Island
As interesting as its name sounds, Mafia Island is a great archipelago to visit in Tanzania. Although small, this island is perfect to enjoy secluded holidays, away from the tourist crowd. Its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful views of the Indian Ocean make this island extremely appealing.
The coast of the island is lined with mangroves, golden bays, and powder-white sands. Traditional dhows and kayaks are frequently seen sailing in the island’s turquoise waters. To enjoy the beaches in full view, one can head towards its idyllic sandbars. Here, beach lovers can swim and enjoy picnics as well.
To protect the colorful reefs of the archipelago, the Mafia Island National Park was formed. A variety of the island’s marine life is spotted during scuba diving and snorkeling. One can even witness Juani’s turtles hatching as well as whale sharks and their annual migration. Sunset cruises, cultural island walks, and island excursions cannot be missed at Mafia Island.
Zanzibar islands
Zanzibar’s archipelago is the largest island in the Tanzanian country. It is filled with beaches, spice markets, historic towns, and fascinating streets. One can visit any of Zanzibar’s islands to enjoy the perfect tropical vacation. This island offers exciting experiences during your Tanzania budget safari.
Depending on which island you want to stay on, you can spend an entire day at the beach indulging in several water sports activities. Zanzibar is characterized by the most luxurious and gorgeous resorts and beach villas which offer their own set of activities. There are trips and tours available off the coast and on the coast.
You can explore the coral reefs through diving and snorkeling trips, spice plantation tours, and guided walks to forests. Sailing trips and excursions to Stone Town can be experienced in Zanzibar’s islands as well.
There are around 25 beaches scattered around different islands of Zanzibar. On the north coast, a variety of water sports are available. There is also a fully equipped diving center that takes travelers to the Mnemba Atoll. On the East Coast, one can observe the coral reefs closely. The west coast of Zanzibar are filled with gorgeous and less crowded beaches. Some of the beaches worth the visit are Mangapwani, Matemwe, Bwejuu, and more.
During your beach excursions, it is highly suggested to explore Stone Town. This town is steeped in rich colonial history wherein different cultures mix together. Much of the town was built in the 19th century and continues to appear the same.
Stone Town has museums, tiny markets and bazaars, Zanzibarian restaurants, and stunning historical buildings. The spice markets are filled with every type of spice one can imagine. Zanzibar and its islands expose a new side of Tanzania for travelers to enjoy.
One can have fun in Tanzania while staying on a budget. But this does not mean you’ll have to limit the places you visit. You can simply opt for group safari tours or a camping safari. Moreover, there are many affordable and budget-friendly accommodation options near Tanzania’s national park that do not compromise their services.
Your Tanzania all inclusive vacation can also include staying near beaches and islands to discover Tanzania’s coastlines. A bush and beach vacation combined can never go wrong. If you are planning to embark on your very own Tanzania budget safari, reach out to a reputed travel company that specializes in African budget safaris. This will ensure that your vacation does not go above your budget by receiving guidance from the company’s travel experts.
