First, Get to know where you are going.

When you embark on East Africa travel, you don't need to rush through too many attractions in a short time. Instead, focus on 1-2 parks for a more enriching experience. For the best Tanzania safari, consider scheduling at least 4 days filled with exciting wildlife experiences and game drives. Remember to include a flight to the park in your plans. We arrange domestic flights from Arusha to Seronera in the central Serengeti, which saves you an 8-hour drive. This one-hour flight enables you to hit the ground running and maximize your time in the park.

Parks charge park fees upwards of $75 per 24-hour slot, making it essential to plan your East Africa travel wisely if you want to explore this region and embark on a memorable Tanzania safari. You can only start your game drive at 6 am and must return to your accommodation by 6 pm, so it's best to maximize your days in the Serengeti. This can be achieved through a full game drive (with a packed lunch) or by opting for a morning slot and then returning for lunch before heading out again for an afternoon slot. However, depending on where your accommodation is located, you might spend some time commuting back and forth between your lodge and the park.

When driving to the Serengeti as part of your wildlife experiences, you must pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which incurs an additional charge. On top of the entrance fee, a nightly concession fee is required if you choose to stay in the accommodation options within the park. Moreover, Ngorongoro has a specific crater fee that is charged per vehicle for each entry.

When considering your East Africa travel plans, it's helpful to know that accommodations can be loosely categorized into three main types. First, there are Lodges, which are permanent structures akin to hotels, offering individual chalets. Next, Tented Camps provide semi-permanent to permanent tent setups, complete with all luxury amenities for a comfortable stay. Finally, we have Migration Camps, which consist of semi-permanent tents fitted with luxury fixtures that operate for about 3-4 months, following the wildlife migration in the Serengeti. When planning your Tanzania safari, we always recommend our most trusted partner due to their proven quality and standards. However, we also encourage our guests to explore East Africa by researching various booking platforms, and we are happy to assist in that process. Keep in mind that prices and offerings can vary significantly, especially when seeking unique wildlife experiences.

While most tourists pursue the migration during their Tanzania safari, it's an absolute spectacle to behold. However, East Africa travel offers so much more to explore, with all areas of the Serengeti hosting resident wildlife populations year-round. When embarking on a wildlife adventure, we remind our guests that there is much more to these wildlife experiences than simply checking off the list of the Big 5. The biodiversity of our parks is immense, providing opportunities to see far more than just five iconic animals.

In East Africa travel, there are peak seasons, shoulder seasons, and off-peak seasons that can influence your Tanzania safari experience. The rainy season, dry season, and small rains have become less predictable due to climate change. However, the parks are always open, inviting guests to explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife experiences of East Africa, including the renowned Serengeti, no matter the season.

Choosing the right partner is essential when you embark on East Africa travel. During your Tanzania safari, you'll spend all day with your guides, from hours in the vehicle to sharing most meals together. It's important to find people with whom you have good chemistry—guides who are enjoyable to be around yet also diligent, experienced, and knowledgeable about the Serengeti, the wildlife, and the ecology. This will ensure you have memorable wildlife experiences throughout your journey. Ideally, take some time to get to know your guides a little before making your decision.