How to Book a Safari in Tanzania: Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a safari in Tanzania? Follow this step-by-step guide to booking your dream trip — from choosing parks and seasons to selecting the right operator and accommodations.

Booking a Safari Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Dreaming of lions in the Serengeti or elephants beneath baobabs in Tarangire? Booking a safari in Tanzania is easier than you might think — as long as you know where to start.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to plan and book the perfect safari adventure in Tanzania, from timing to choosing your tour operator.

Benson Safaris | Travellers planning a trip on a map

Step 1: Decide When You Want to Travel

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but your experience will vary depending on the season.

Best for Wildlife Viewing: June to October (dry season)
Great Migration River Crossings: July to September
Calving Season: January to March (Southern Serengeti)
Best for Birdwatching and Green Landscapes: November to March
Budget-Friendly Season: April to May (green season)

Tip: Plan at least 6–12 months in advance for high season trips.

Step 2: Choose Your Safari Style

Think about what kind of experience you want. Options include:

Classic Wildlife Safari — Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire
Solo or Group Safari — Ideal for budget-conscious or social travelers
Family Safari — Shorter drives, child-friendly lodges
Photographic Safari — Custom vehicles and flexible timing
Eco or Walking Safari — Focused on conservation and immersion
Camping Safari — Budget-friendly, adventurous, close to nature

Benson Safaris | Baby Elephant walking, Serengeti, Tanzania

Step 3: Choose the Right National Parks

Tanzania has over 20 national parks and game reserves. Some of the best-known include:

  • Serengeti National Park – Home of the Great Migration
  • Ngorongoro Crater – Big Five in a compact area
  • Tarangire National Park – Elephants and baobabs
  • Lake Manyara – Tree-climbing lions and flamingos
  • Selous/Nyerere NP & Ruaha – Remote and wild, fewer tourists
  • Mahale Mountains/Gombe – Chimpanzee trekking

Combine 2–4 parks depending on your length of stay.

Step 4: Set Your Budget

Safaris vary greatly in price based on:

  • Accommodation type (budget camping, mid-range lodges, luxury tents)
  • Private vs. group safari
  • Number of days and parks
  • Internal flights vs. overland transfers
  • Time of year (peak vs. low season)

Rough price ranges (per person/day):

  • Budget: $180–$300
  • Mid-range: $350–$550
  • Luxury: $600–$1,500+

Be transparent about your budget when contacting operators — they’ll tailor options for you.

Step 5: Choose a Trusted Safari Operator

Booking with the right tour company makes all the difference.

✅ Look for:

  • Locally-based operators with positive reviews
  • Transparent pricing (includes park fees, guide, meals, etc.)
  • Good communication and customization options
  • Licensed by TATO or TANAPA (official tourism authorities)

📩 Ask for a sample itinerary, references, and details on guides, vehicles, and accommodations.

Beauty of Arusha

Step 6: Customize Your Itinerary

Work with your safari planner to tweak the itinerary to your liking:

  • Add or remove days
  • Swap accommodations
  • Request special interests (photography, culture, walking safaris)
  • Include transfers, meals, and domestic flights if needed

🧭 Pro tip: A 6–8 day safari allows time to see multiple parks without rushing.

Step 7: Book Flights and Prepare Documents

Once your safari is confirmed:

Book your international flights to Kilimanjaro (JRO), Arusha (ARK), or Dar es Salaam (DAR).
📄 Prepare your documents:

  • Passport (6+ months valid)
  • Tanzania visa (online or on arrival for many nationalities)
  • Yellow fever certificate (if arriving from endemic countries)
  • Travel insurance (including medical evacuation)

Step 8: Pack and Get Ready for Adventure

Start packing at least a week in advance. Essentials include:

  • Neutral-colored safari clothes
  • Binoculars and camera
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Copies of important documents

Ask your tour operator if luggage weight limits apply, especially if flying to bush airstrips.

Final Thoughts: Booking a Safari Made Simple

Booking a safari in Tanzania is a journey in itself — and one that starts with curiosity and ends in awe. With the right planning and a trusted guide, it can be smooth, safe, and life-changing.

Need help getting started? We’ll guide you through every step — from choosing the best parks and camps to arranging logistics, so you can focus on the experience, not the stress.

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