Tanzania Safaris – Bespoke Private Guided Journeys
Tanzania is one of Africa's most extraordinary safari destinations, offering an incredible diversity of landscapes, wildlife and wilderness experiences. From the vast plains of the Serengeti and the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater to the remote, baobab-studded landscapes of Ruaha and the winding waterways of Nyerere National Park, every region offers something different.
At Kusini Safaris, we create bespoke private guided safaris for travellers who want to experience Tanzania in a more personal and meaningful way. We believe the best safaris are not simply about ticking off famous national parks, but about discovering the places, wildlife and experiences that make each journey special.
With a particular passion for Southern Tanzania, we specialise in creating individual journeys that combine exceptional wilderness areas, carefully selected safari camps and knowledgeable guiding.
Whether you are dreaming of a private guided safari in Ruaha, exploring the remote wilderness of Nyerere, witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti or combining several of Tanzania's remarkable destinations, we will help create a safari shaped entirely around you.
Discover Tanzania with Kusini Safaris – privately guided journeys, thoughtfully planned and individually tailored.
Discover Southern Tanzania
For travellers looking beyond Tanzania's more established safari destinations, the southern circuit offers an exceptional sense of space, remoteness and adventure. Here, vast wilderness areas, dramatic landscapes and diverse wildlife create a safari experience that feels wonderfully different. The pace is often more relaxed, the landscapes are varied and there is a real sense of being immersed in the African bush.
Southern Tanzania is particularly rewarding for travellers who appreciate authentic safari camps, excellent guiding and the opportunity to explore areas that receive fewer visitors. Two destinations stand out: Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park. Each offers a distinct wildlife experience, and together they make one of Tanzania's most rewarding safari combinations.
Ruaha National Park Safaris
Ruaha is one of Tanzania's great wilderness destinations and a particular favourite for those seeking an authentic and less conventional safari experience. Covering approximately 20,226 square kilometres, Ruaha is Tanzania's second-largest national park. Its dramatic scenery includes ancient baobab trees, rocky escarpments, open plains and seasonal rivers, creating a wonderfully varied landscape.
The Great Ruaha River is a defining feature of the park, attracting wildlife during the dry season when water becomes increasingly scarce elsewhere. Ruaha is particularly renowned for its elephants, impressive lion populations and excellent diversity of wildlife. It is also an important destination for seeing species such as greater kudu, sable and roan antelope, making it especially interesting for experienced safari travellers.
A private guided safari in Ruaha offers the freedom to explore at your own pace. Spend time following predators, watching elephants moving through the baobabs or simply enjoying the smaller details of the bush with a knowledgeable guide. For us, Ruaha is about much more than wildlife sightings. It is about the atmosphere of the wilderness, the changing light across the landscape and the opportunity to experience Africa without feeling hurried.
The Best Time for a Safari in Tanzania
Tanzania offers incredible year-round opportunities for safari adventures but when is the best time for a safari in Tanzania? Well, that will depend largely on your interests and what you want to see and do.
1. Dry Season (June to October)
This is often the busiest and most expensive season for safaris as wildlife often concentrates around water sources. This is an excellent time for game viewing with cooler temperatures and beautiful clear skies.
2. Green/Wet Season (November to May)
Green season is a photographer's haven. The landscapes are lush and vibrant, birdlife is abundant and while the game isn’t concentrated around smaller water sources, the adventure to find wildlife is all the more exciting. This is often a cheaper time to visit.
3. The Great Migration (Year round)
The Great Migration is one of the most incredible wildlife spectacles to witness. It can be seen year-round with millions of wildebeest and zebras traversing the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in the search for greener pastures - to observe first-hand is phenomenal. From December to March, you can see calving in the Southern Serengeti, and in July and August, you can see great concentrations of animals and Mara river crossings in the Northern Serengeti. Herds are moving in different ways every year following the rain.
Our Favourite Safari Camps and Lodges in Tanzania
The right accommodation can transform a safari. We carefully select camps and lodges for their location, atmosphere, guiding and the quality of the overall experience. Here are some of the properties we particularly enjoy featuring in our Tanzania safaris.
Entamanu Private
Imagine having your own private retreat overlooking one of Africa’s most extraordinary landscapes. Perched on the remote north-western rim of Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater, Entamanu Private offers an exclusive safari experience where the entire lodge is reserved for you and your group.
Kuro
One of the things that makes this place is that you can walk straight out of camp and into wild Africa. You also have the freedom to explore in open cars both during the day and under the night sky.
Ikuka Safari Camp
Ikuka Safari Camp opened in Ruaha National Park in July 2016, the camp has a spectacular location atop the Mwagusi Escarpment in southern Tanzania, it is also owner run and managed.
Sand Rivers
Sand Rivers is situated in the northern part of the Selous Game Reserve (now known as Nyerere National Park) which is one of the largest protected wilderness areas in the world.
Kichaka Expeditions
With a combination of luxurious "glamping" as well as authentic genuine "camping" experiences, Kichaka's hosts and guides will take you on probably one of the most intimate and exclusive walking adventures still available on the African continent.
Why Choose a Safari in Tanzania?
Tanzania is a safari enthusiast’s dream for many reasons. From diverse wildlife, home to the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros), to the spectacular landscapes such as the savannahs of the Serengeti to the unique ecosystems of Ngorongoro Crater and the pristine white sands and turquoise waters of Zanzibar, the options are endless.
A real tribute to the unadulterated beauty and unspoiled character of this region is the wildness of Southern Tanzania, which includes the expansive and wild landscapes of Ruaha and Selous. With its steep hills, flowing rivers, and a wealth of animals, including elephants, lions, and numerous bird species, Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's largest national park. The scenery is spectacular and varied. On the other hand, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Selous Game Reserve, is home to extensive river systems and wetlands that provide a rare habitat for a variety of land and aquatic animals, including the formidable Nile crocodile and the elusive African wild dog. When combined, these protected areas provide visitors to Southern Tanzania a wonderful window into the pristine environment, making them a sanctuary for nature lovers and safari enthusiasts.
There are various ways to enter Tanzania, such as through Kilimanjaro International, Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar. Famous national parks like Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti are located in this nation. For a thorough East African experience, tourists frequently combine Tanzanian safaris with gorilla and chimpanzee trekking in Rwanda and Uganda.
What to Expect on a Tanzania Safari
Planning a safari in Tanzania is about more than simply choosing where to go. The time of year, style of travel and experiences you want to include can all shape the right itinerary. For couples, a honeymoon safari in Tanzania can combine exceptional wildlife with some memorable time in the bush, while those considering the quieter months can find out more about travelling during Tanzania's wet season. If you're deciding between different regions, our guide to combining the Serengeti and Ruaha explains why experiencing both can make for a particularly varied safari.
For travellers who want to understand what makes a well-planned trip work, we've also put together advice on making safaris work, as well as some practical guidance on when to start planning your safari. And if you're interested in the practical side of the experience, our guide to open and closed safari vehicles explains what you can expect while exploring Tanzania's wilderness.
With a private guide from Kusini Safaris, your options are limitless. For a small flavour of what a safari in Tanzania can offer take a look below:
- Game Drives: Enjoy exhilarating game drives and spot the incredible wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Soar over the Serengeti at dawn and experience a unique and truly breathtaking view of the landscapes and animals below you.
- Cultural, Community and Conservation: Set off on an ethical safari that skilfully combines animal protection, community involvement, and cultural immersion; this will guarantee a responsible and rewarding vacation experience that helps preserve the environment and the local people.
- Chimpanzee Trekking: Head to Mahale Mountains to trek and observe wild chimpanzees and other primates.
- Beach Activities: Take some time to relax on Mafia or Pemba Island. Enjoy some snorkelling, scuba diving and explore the underwater world of Zanzibar.
- Walking Safaris: Embracing the excitement of being a part of the natural environment, a walking safari allows you to witness wildlife, tracks, and the intricacies of nature up close. It also helps you develop an intimate connection with the wild.
Tanzania is a destination that will undoubtedly capture the heart and soul of any traveller. Book your safari with Kusini Safaris and embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Enquire today and let us turn your dream safari into reality.
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