How to Choose Parks for Tanzania Safari Adventures

Tanzania offers boundless ways to discover Africa's natural wonders. The best safari destinations depend on your budget, experience level, and what you’re hoping to find. Are you looking to explore iconic, popular parks where you’ll see the most famous wildlife up close? Or perhaps an immersive wilderness with fewer tourists? For those seeking rare experiences off the beaten path, we have options for seasoned safari-goers too.
Explore these three types of safari adventures in this guide for travelers, and discover which one is right for you. All our sample itineraries can be customized to reflect your preferences and style, ensuring that your safari experience is uniquely yours.

1. First-Time Safari Adventures: Tanzania’s Must-See Parks

If you’re venturing on safari for the first time, the famous parks of Tanzania are perfect. With iconic animals, world-renowned landscapes, and quality lodges, these parks offer the ultimate first impression of Africa.

• Serengeti National Park: Imagine watching millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles sweeping across the plains during the world’s most famous migration. The Serengeti is also home to large predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, creating exhilarating moments that feel like scenes from a nature documentary. Bird lovers will also find a paradise here, with over 500 species gracing the skies and grasslands.
• Ngorongoro Crater: Step into this UNESCO World Heritage Site, where Africa’s “Big Five” roam free. The crater’s unique, enclosed ecosystem allows for some of the most intimate wildlife encounters with lions, elephants, rhinos, and flamingos painting the lake shores with vibrant pinks.

• Tarangire National Park: Known for its striking baobabs and massive elephant herds, Tarangire brings you close to Tanzania’s giant herbivores. During the dry season, antelopes and gazelles gather here, while over 550 bird species add to the park’s incredible diversity.

These parks provide an unforgettable introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife, giving you the best of what safari adventures have to offer.

2. For the Adventurer: Authentic Wilderness and Unique Experiences

If you prefer a more tranquil setting with fewer crowds, Tanzania’s lesser-known parks offer rich landscapes and unique experiences.

• Nyerere (Selous) National Park: Add a twist to the classic safari with a boat ride on the Rufiji River. Here, you’ll spot hippos and crocodiles close up and explore the territory of lions, leopards, elephants, and zebras. This vast park offers a rare sense of wilderness, ideal for those seeking a diverse experience far from the tourist trails.
• Mikumi National Park: Just a drive from Dar es Salaam, Mikumi is an accessible, budget-friendly choice. Perfect for a quick safari trip, Mikumi lets you encounter elephants, buffaloes, zebras, lions, and, if you’re lucky, cheetahs. Bird enthusiasts can revel in over 400 species.
• Ruaha National Park: Known for its stunning landscapes, Ruaha is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, featuring abundant populations of lions, leopards, and hyenas, alongside herds of elephants, giraffes, and antelopes. The peaceful atmosphere and impressive bird diversity make it ideal for a private safari experience.
• Udzungwa Mountains National Park: For an adventurous twist, Udzungwa offers trekking trails through lush forests and breathtaking waterfall views. Here, you’ll encounter rare primate species, various antelopes, and colorful birdlife. This park is ideal for travelers who want a more active experience and a glimpse into Tanzania’s unique mountain ecosystems.

In these parks, you can fully immerse yourself in Tanzania’s wilderness, experiencing close encounters and the raw beauty of nature.

3. For Seasoned Safari Travelers: Unforgettable, Unique Safari Destinations

If you’ve already experienced the classic safari, these lesser-known gems offer something completely different and truly unforgettable.

• Gombe National Park: Known worldwide for its chimpanzees, Gombe provides an exceptional experience where you can hike in forested mountains to observe chimps in their natural habitat. Follow in the footsteps of Jane Goodall, who conducted her groundbreaking research here.
• Kitulo National Park: Known as the “Serengeti of Flowers,” Kitulo is a botanical wonder with a dazzling array of wild orchids, daisies, and other blooms. It’s ideal for travelers looking for a peaceful and unique safari alternative that showcases Tanzania’s floral diversity.
• Mafia Island: Swap the savannah for the sea and swim with gentle whale sharks in the Indian Ocean. This exclusive “ocean safari” destination also offers snorkeling, diving, and a chance to discover vibrant marine life up close.

These locations offer truly unique experiences that even the most experienced safari-goers will cherish,

from mountain hikes with chimps to serene ocean encounters.

Which Tanzania Safari Experience is Right for You?

Whether you’re drawn to the Big Five, seeking an authentic safari experience, or looking to add extraordinary destinations to your travel bucket list, Tanzania offers a perfect match. Start your journey with us and uncover the beauty and diversity of Tanzania’s landscapes and wildlife.

Our Company Story: An Interview with Roman Shirima

Meet Roman Shirima, founder of our family owned Tanzanian safari business and an experienced guide. Roman, a native of the Kilimanjaro region and a member of the Chaga tribe, has spent his entire professional life in tourism. His deep knowledge of Tanzania’s national parks and his experience working with travelers make him an exceptional guide for exploring the country’s wildlife.

How did you get into the tourism industry?

My journey in tourism started when I was young. After completing driving school, I began working as a driver. One day, I received an offer that changed my life. A Tanzanian tour company owner invited me to join his team as a safari driver-guide. This meant I would drive tourists to the national parks and introduce them to Tanzania’s wildlife. That was over 20 years ago, and since then, I’ve been actively working in tourism, helping travelers from all over the world experience the wonders of Tanzania’s nature.

I’ve always had a love for wildlife, and this job gives me the opportunity to spend a lot of time in the national parks. Every safari is unique, and that's one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.

What makes a safari so special?

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we often conducted cross-border safaris, adding trips to Malawi and Mozambique. In recent years, together with Dace, who is also a passionate traveler, we’ve explored Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. These experiences allow us to broaden our horizons and offer even more enriching adventures to our guests.

Is working with international tourists challenging?

I see it more as an enriching experience. Working with tourists from different parts of the world has given me the opportunity to learn about their cultures, and sometimes even pick up words in various languages. I’ve worked with guests from Europe, North America, Asia, and other regions, but in recent years, most of my clients have come from Belgium, Germany, France, and Italy. Every interaction is an opportunity to exchange knowledge, and that’s one of the greatest joys of my job.

What should travelers know about Tanzania?

Tanzania is a country that offers not only stunning natural beauty but also a rich cultural heritage. One of the most extraordinary experiences in Tanzania is the Great Migration in the Serengeti National Park. This natural phenomenon, where millions of wildebeest and zebras migrate in search of food, is truly unforgettable. It’s a spectacular display of nature that draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.

Which places would you recommend visiting in Tanzania?

There are so many unforgettable places to visit in Tanzania. My top recommendations include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and, of course, Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. Zanzibar, with its white sandy beaches and rich history, is another great destination where you can enjoy the beauty of the Indian Ocean. I also highly recommend visiting Nyerere National Park (formerly known as Selous Game Reserve), which is the largest national park in Africa. There, you can take a boat ride along the Rufiji River, offering a completely different experience compared to the Serengeti plains.

What are some must-see places in Dar es Salaam?

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest city and a major cultural and economic hub. For those interested in exploring Tanzania’s history and culture, I suggest visiting the National Museum and the Village Museum (Ethnographic Museum), where you can learn about the roots of Swahili culture. If you're looking for souvenirs, the Mwenge Carvings Market is a fantastic place to find authentic handcrafted items.

Karibu – Welcome to Tanzania!

At our safari company, we believe that a trip to Tanzania is more than just a journey – it’s an opportunity to experience unforgettable moments, connect with the rhythms of nature, and discover the soul of Tanzania. I look forward to helping you explore this amazing land and experience its breathtaking natural beauty.

New Serengeti Safari Packages Available on Our Website!

Our Story: An Interview with Dace Zandfelde

Dace Zandfelde first visited Tanzania in 2021 as a tourist, joining a travel group — and immediately fell in love with Africa. Not with the Tanzanian, Roman Shirima — though that came later — but with Tanzania itself: the wildlife, the breathtaking landscapes, the contrasts, the vibrant colors, and the unique allure of the place. And, of course, the Indian Ocean also played its part.

A Latvian in Africa: How Did It All Begin?

For quite some time before my trip in 2021, I had been toying with the idea of visiting Africa. I even calculated how much a trip across the continent would cost—from Namibia on the west coast to Zanzibar on the east coast—if I were to travel “my way,” which meant flying with my then-husband, renting a car, and setting off wherever the road would take us. However, due to the costs and time such a journey would require, I put the idea on hold.

So, when I saw a post on Facebook about an opening for a trip to Tanzania, I immediately signed up. My motivation was to visit and understand “how things work” here so I could eventually travel around Africa independently. I didn’t have many expectations at the time, other than a few vague ideas from my academic studies, where I had read about the significance of traditional music and sounds in Tanzanian tribal communication.

Upon arriving in Tanzania, I quickly realized that independent travel in a rental car isn’t quite feasible here. 

The local traffic isn’t for the faint-hearted, renting a car comes with its own challenges, and navigating the roads requires both local knowledge and fluency in Swahili to communicate with people along the way. The main highways didn’t appeal to me, and the smaller roads needed someone local to guide the way. In addition, you can’t explore nature parks on your own here.

During my first safari tour, I found myself in a jeep driven by Roman. He was an experienced safari driver, and I asked him a lot about roads, nature parks, and travel in Africa. Gradually, I shifted from the idea of driving myself to planning a journey with a driver. I started sketching a route for a trip around the country, which at the time I still intended to do with my husband.

But life took a turn, and on my first independent trip around Tanzania, I found myself traveling not with my white husband, but with Roman. Thanks to his advice, I planned the route myself. I didn’t just want to visit parks—I also wanted to explore other places. We drove up into the Usambara Mountains (which later led to Roman’s friends calling him to check if we were safe, as the roads were indeed dangerous). We also visited the place where Vasco da Gama “discovered” Africa, among other locations. And so the story of “Falling in Love with Africa” transitioned into the next chapter: “A Romance with Roman.” I love the wordplay in that!

Since it was during the COVID-19 pandemic and the whole world was working remotely, I realized that traveling around Tanzania and East Africa could be perfectly combined with working remotely.

Now, three years later, Roman and Ihave started a family business, offering private safari tours to travelers.

Tanzania is a beautiful country with so much to offer—national parks, beaches, local cuisine, and a rich culture. It’s truly a fascinating place.

What Were Your First Impressions of Tanzania?

When I first arrived, I wasn’t particularly familiar with Tanzanian history or the country’s development. I had vague ideas that locals still lived in traditional tribal communities. So, my first surprise was discovering how developed the country is. The country is developing rapidly, with new things emerging every day.

Urbanization is happening here, and to a large extent, tribal stories have become a product for tourists. Every vendor knows that if they wrap themselves in a Maasai blanket, tourists are more likely to buy from them. 

Of course, there are real Maasai who still live traditionally, but much of it is now part of the tourist experience.

Just as in the 1990s we used to think that all our relatives abroad were wealthy, and if they didn’t send packages, they were just stingy, people here often have similar thoughts about "muzungus" (white people).

The country is also going through a digital transformation. For example, in Latvia, it’s normal to make payments through internet banking, while in Tanzania, people use mobile money, transferring funds from one phone to another.

What continues to fascinate me is the colors and vibrancy here. 

Whether it’s the intense blue skies, the vivid green grass, or the bright clothing, everything is so full of life. Even a simple clothesline filled with freshly washed garments looks like a rainbow. The colors of Tanzania energize and inspire me. The Indian Ocean’s palette is a stunning mix of blues, greens, and turquoises. The sunrises and sunsets are a deep, fiery red. There are no pastel shades here—it’s all vivid and bold.

What Were the Biggest Surprises?

Like most people, I had my stereotypes. I thought that people of different races were very different from one another. So I was surprised to find out how little difference I noticed. Roman and I share the same sense of humor, similar eating habits, and everyday values. Roman is Catholic, which I think helps. Of course, every nation has good and bad people, and every country has its prisons. But so far, I haven’t seen any significant differences. Yes, of course, there’s a difference in skin color. But after my first trip to Africa, I had tanned so much that when we compared our arms, mine and Roman’s were the same shade. Now, I don’t tan as deeply, but Roman still calls me a "chameleon"—one day I’m dark brown, and the next I’m back to being "original muzungu."

What Makes Tanzanian National Parks So Special?

Tanzania has 22 national parks, vast wildlife areas without fences. These parks are home to the animals, living freely in their natural habitat, not because someone fenced them in but because this is their home.

Which parks are the best? 

It depends on your preferences. The world-famous Serengeti is a brand name, and like all famous brands, it attracts crowds willing to pay top dollar. But Tanzania has parks to suit all tastes and budgets—each of the 22 parks offers a different landscape. 

I personally love Mikumi National Park, often called the “Little Serengeti.” 

Some even refer to it as Africa’s animal “registry,” where all the species found across the continent seem to gather. Tourists usually choose either the northern or southern park circuits, with the western parks being less common due to their inaccessibility.

I love being in nature. In Latvia, I enjoy walking through forests and meadows, gathering herbal teas. There’s something about being in nature that recharges me.

In Tanzania, it’s the same. When you’re out in the wild, you can feel the immense power and energy of the animals—the majesty of a lion looking at you just meters away, or the silent approach of an elephant. It’s humbling and awe-inspiring.

For some, the goal is to see the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo), while others might be looking for a specific animal. And for many, it’s just about being in Africa’s wild beauty, enjoying the scenery, the sounds, and the interactions between the animals.

How to Best Organize a Safari Tour in Tanzania?

I would recommend starting with a safari. Being in nature helps you acclimatize—both to the local culture and to the strong sun. After a safari, a beach break is perfect. It’s a great way to unwind after all the excitement and travel. You can relax on the mainland in Dar es Salaam’s Kigamboni beaches or head to the islands. Zanzibar is world-famous, but I personally find it a bit touristy. I prefer Mafia Island, where you can sit on the beach, watch fish jumping in the ocean at night, and swim with whale sharks during the day.

I hope everyone gets the chance to experience the real Africa and its wild nature at least once in their lifetime. 

As the locals say—Enjoy!

Embarking on a New Adventure!

As we enter the fall of 2024, we—Dace and Roman—are excited to start a new chapter by launching our family-run Tanzanian safari business.

Roman, a native Tanzanian and seasoned safari driver and guide, brings extensive knowledge of the country's national parks, wildlife, accommodations, and seasonal weather patterns. Having spent two winters exploring East Africa and visiting nearly all of Tanzania's national parks, Dace has also gained valuable insights into the parks, ocean beaches, and local living. Together, we form a unique team, passionate about sharing our combined expertise with our guests.

Tanzania is a breathtaking country, home not only to the iconic Big Five—lion, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros, and leopard—but also to warm and welcoming people. Our mission is to ensure that every traveler who joins us in exploring Tanzania, the heart of Africa and the cradle of humanity, experiences the same joy and wonder that we do.