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How to Plan a Private Safari: Customizing Your Tanzanian Adventure

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Benson Safaris | Air balloon flying over a barren landscape at sunset Serengeti, Tanzania
Benson Safaris | Zebras in a safari
Benson Safaris | A vigilant cheetah surveys the savanna from a mound.

Want a tailor-made safari experience? Learn how to plan a private safari in Tanzania — with flexible routes, personal guides, luxury lodges, and unforgettable wildlife moments.

Why Choose a Private Safari in Tanzania?

A private safari offers the ultimate freedom and personalization. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, traveling with family, or simply want an intimate adventure, a private safari in Tanzania means you set the pace. No groups, no shared vehicles — just your itinerary, your guide, and the wild landscapes of Africa.

From choosing your route to picking your lodges, planning a private safari is all about creating your own dream journey.

Benson Safaris | Couple of lioness

Benefits of a Private Safari

✅ Fully Customizable Itinerary

  • Visit the parks you want, when you want.
  • Choose how many days to spend in each location.
  • Add special experiences like walking safaris or hot air balloon rides.

✅ Private Vehicle and Guide

  • Your own 4×4 vehicle, driven by a dedicated guide.
  • No waiting for others — stop for photos, animals, or scenery as you please.
  • Enjoy a more personal connection with your guide.

✅ Choice of Accommodation

  • Pick your style: luxury lodges, tented camps, boutique eco-stays.
  • Perfect for celebrating special occasions in style.
  • Some lodges offer private bush dinners and exclusive suites.
Benson Safaris | Exerior of a tent, tourist accomodation in a safari camp.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planning Your Private Safari

Step 1: Define Your Safari Style and Budget

Are you looking for:

  • Romance and luxury? (Think Serengeti sunsets and spa treatments.)
  • Adventure and authenticity? (Like walking safaris and remote camps.)
  • Family-friendly exploration? (Flexible days, kid-safe lodges, fun guides.)

Your budget will guide your accommodation choices and the length of your trip. Private safaris can be mid-range to ultra-luxurious — and everything in between.

Step 2: Choose the Best Time to Travel

Dry Season (June to October):

  • Best for wildlife sightings, especially the Great Migration.
  • Cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall.

Green Season (November to May):

  • Lush landscapes and fewer tourists.
  • Excellent for birdwatching and photography.
  • Calving season in the Southern Serengeti (Jan–Mar).

📆 Tip: Book early if traveling during peak season — private lodges fill up fast!

Step 3: Select Your Parks and Routes

Popular routes for private safaris in Tanzania include:

Northern Circuit (Perfect for first-timers)

  • Serengeti National Park (Great Migration)
  • Ngorongoro Crater (Big Five in a day)
  • Tarangire (Elephants & baobabs)
  • Lake Manyara (Birds, tree-climbing lions)

 

Southern Circuit (Wilder, less crowded)

  • Ruaha National Park
  • Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous)

 

Western Circuit (For off-the-beaten-path travelers)

  • Katavi National Park
  • Mahale Mountains (Chimpanzee trekking)

Step 4: Add Special Experiences

Make your safari unforgettable with add-ons like:

  •  Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti
  • Walking Safari in Tarangire or Selous
  • Night Game Drive in private conservancies
  • Boat Safari on the Rufiji River
  • Zanzibar Beach Extension after the bush adventure

Step 5: Choose the Right Safari Operator

Look for:

  • Licensed, experienced operators based in Tanzania
  • Guides with expert knowledge and friendly personalities
  • Flexibility in customizing every detail of your trip
  • Transparent pricing and reviews from past travelers

Pro Tip: A locally owned operator often offers better prices and deeper cultural insight.

Step 6: Understand What’s Included

Most private safaris include:

  • Private 4×4 safari vehicle
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Park entry fees
  • Accommodation and meals
  • Internal flights (if applicable)
  • Airport transfers

Make sure your quote covers all these elements — and ask about options for all-inclusive or a la carte upgrades.

Final Thoughts: A Safari Designed Just for You

A private safari in Tanzania is more than a trip — it’s a tailored experience designed around your dreams, interests, and pace. Whether you’re chasing lions on the plains of the Serengeti or sipping wine under the stars in the Ngorongoro Highlands, the beauty of a private safari lies in its intimacy and flexibility.

Want help planning the perfect private safari? We’ll craft a personalized itinerary that matches your travel style — down to every last detail.

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