Create your perfect luxury safari holiday to Tanzania
Home to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth – the Great Wildebeest Migration – Tanzania offers the perfect blend of epic safaris and outstanding luxury in a truly wild and remarkable land.
Tanzania is best known for the Great Migration, a natural phenomenon in which over a million wildebeest and zebra follow the rains and lush grasses through the vast Serengeti ecosystem throughout the year. Immortalised in wildlife documentaries and travel magazines, the Migration is one of Tanzania’s most iconic spectacles, and the main reason many people choose to visit.
But dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover an incredible array of luxury safari experiences that rival any in Africa. From remote wilderness areas to unique camps and an astonishing variety of activities, Tanzania is a superb choice for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime safari among some of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.
More Than the Migration
While the Great Migration is what draws many to Tanzania, the country’s safari offerings go far beyond this single event. The Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a haven for wildlife including rhino, elephant, lion, and leopard, roaming freely within the floor of a long-extinct volcano. Nearby, Lake Manyara National Park stuns visitors with its flocks of flamingos and elusive tree-climbing lions.
Tarangire National Park is one of the best places in the world to see elephant, while further south, Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve) boasts superb wild dog and lion sightings, alongside a maze of lakes and rivers.
Ruaha National Park is a birding paradise, home to large elephant herds and thriving lion and leopard populations.
It’s hard to imagine a more diverse safari destination. The range of wildlife and landscapes means a two- or even three-week safari in Tanzania can be packed with variety - no two days need be the same.
The Chance to Escape the Crowds
For many safari-goers, luxury is defined not just by plunge pools and champagne (though those are certainly part of it) but by the chance to enjoy truly wild, uncrowded experiences. The western reaches of Tanzania are the most intriguing for this kind of escape, offering untouched game reserves, forested mountains, lakeside beaches, and even islands where elephants still roam freely.
Katavi National Park is home to just three permanent camps and offers thrilling big-game encounters, including huge elephant herds and lions that regularly hunt buffalo. Add to this one of Africa’s largest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles, and you have an exhilarating, sensory safari experience.
Further west, the Mahale Mountains are famous for their population of wild chimpanzees, which can be seen on guided treks through misty forested slopes, an unforgettable highlight. On Rubondo Island, set in Lake Victoria, you’ll find a surprisingly large elephant population and a well-run chimpanzee sanctuary, all in a remote and pristine setting.
Luxury Mobile Safaris
Tanzania’s popularity peaks from July to October, when camps fill up quickly and the parks see their highest visitor numbers. To counter this, a number of operators have created luxurious private mobile camps offering exclusivity, flexibility, and comfort.
Picture flying into a remote corner of the Serengeti, where your guide awaits at the airstrip to take you to a private explorer-style camp set beside a rocky kopje. Throughout your stay, you’ll enjoy gourmet cuisine, exceptionally comfortable tents, warm hospitality, and expert guiding, offering the ultimate wildlife experience in total seclusion.
Tailor-Made Tanzania
Crafting bespoke Tanzania safaris is our speciality. Our team can recommend the ideal combination of regions, parks, and camps based on your personal interests, time of year, and travel preferences.
Northern Tanzania works especially well as a circuit, combining Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti into one seamless journey. We can advise on the best times to visit to avoid the crowds, help you choose between a driving or fly-in safari, and guide you to the best camps for witnessing the Great Migration.
Further south, pairing Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks offers a richly rewarding safari with varied landscapes, wildlife, and activities, ideal for returning travellers or those seeking something a bit different. And of course, for the truly adventurous, we can handle the complex logistics of western Tanzania to ensure your journey to Katavi, Mahale, or Rubondo is seamless and memorable.
Combining with the Beach
As with neighbouring Kenya, Tanzania’s coast and islands make for a perfect post-safari beach escape. We can recommend the best beach destinations based on your preferences, whether you’re after a laid-back villa, a luxury resort, or a romantic hideaway.
Zanzibar remains a perennial favourite thanks to its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and mix of cultural charm and luxury lodges. For something more remote, consider Pemba Island, the Mafia Archipelago, or the lesser-known Songo Songo islandsideal for a Robinson Crusoe-style adventure in the Indian Ocean.
Luxury Serengeti Migration Safari
- Manyara
- Ngorongoro
- Serengeti
Get up close and personal with the great wildebeest migration and stay in comfortable tented camps in the remote and uncrowded wilderness.
Tanzania Trip Inspiration
Our Tanzania specialist, Otti, says:
“Luxury in Tanzania feels effortlessly natural. It’s waking up to the sound of lions in the distance, enjoying a candlelit dinner beneath the stars, or relaxing in a beautifully designed lodge with views that stretch for miles. Every detail is taken care of, yet the experience always feels authentic, wild beauty paired with warm, intuitive service at every turn.”
Types of Tanzania vacations
Best places to stay in Tanzania
FAQs About Your Luxury Tanzania Safaris Holiday
Planning a holiday to Luxury Tanzania Safaris? Our experts share advice on everything from what to pack, when to go, to tips for families, covering the questions we get asked the most.
What makes Tanzania a great choice for a luxury holiday?
Tanzania offers a rare combination of exceptional wildlife, world-class lodges, and effortless exclusivity. You can spend mornings on a private game drive in the Serengeti, unwind in an infinity pool overlooking the plains, then fly to Zanzibar for days of barefoot luxury. It’s a country that delivers indulgence without losing its wild soul.
Where are the best places to stay in Tanzania for a luxury safari?
You’ll find some of Africa’s finest lodges in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire. Properties such as Singita, &Beyond, and Chem Chem are known for their elegant design, impeccable service, and prime wildlife locations. Each offers something unique—whether it’s sweeping views, intimate tented suites, or exceptional cuisine.
Can I combine a luxury safari with time on the beach?
Absolutely. Many travellers pair a Serengeti or Ngorongoro safari with a few days on Zanzibar or one of the smaller islands, like Mnemba or Pemba. It’s the perfect balance—thrilling wildlife encounters followed by tranquil beach time, with seamless flights and handpicked lodges throughout.
What kind of experiences can I expect on a luxury safari?
Expect your days to be shaped entirely around you. Enjoy private game drives, hot-air balloon safaris, guided bush walks, and dining under the stars. Many lodges also offer in-room spa treatments, wine tastings, and exclusive use of vehicles and guides for a truly personalised experience.
When is the best time to visit Tanzania for a luxury holiday?
Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the best time depends on what you’d like to see. The Great Migration in the Serengeti peaks from June to October, while Zanzibar’s beaches are at their best from July to February. The green season (March to May) brings lush scenery and quieter camps, ideal for a more private escape.
Is a luxury holiday in Tanzania suitable for first-time safari-goers?
Yes, very much so. Tanzania’s well-run camps, expert guides, and diverse landscapes make it ideal for those new to safari. You can enjoy all the adventure and wildlife you’ve dreamed of, with the comfort of luxurious lodges, seamless logistics, and experienced staff who take care of every detail.