Short Safari in Tanzania

Tanzania is a land that can be explored over several months, weeks, or days.  It is also possible to do a short safari that matches the time and budget you have available.  With careful planning, you will be able to experience the best this land has to offer.

The main attractions of the Northern Safari Circuit in Tanzania include Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the spectacular Serengeti. Most visitors to Tanzania choose to drive between the different Parks, but the transit times involved can be quite significant and if you have less than five days, it is often a good idea to fly in.  This reduces your travel time and maximises time spent experiencing some of the best wildlife viewing on the planet.

Some Top Tips for planning a short safari.

1. If possible, stay at a single lodge / tented camp. This may help to keep costs down, but there will be less packing, unpacking and transiting between accommodations. You can have more flexibility regarding the times of your game-drives and options to have lunch and relax back at the lodge
2. If you want to visit Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, it is possible fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Municipal Airport (domestic flights only) and drive from here.  We would recommend staying near Mto wa Mbu or Karatu and that would give you access to all three Parks.  You can also fly to Lake Manyara (LKY)
3. If you want to visit the Serengeti on a Tanzania short safari, we recommend that you fly in and out.  Departure Airports include Kilimanjaro (JRO), Arusha (ARK) and Zanzibar (ZNZ).  You can fly to Seronera (SEU) (Central Serengeti) and Kogatende (Northern Serengeti)
4. Look for flights that arrive early in the morning.  This will help you to make the most of your arrival day

Your Lion King Guide and vehicle will meet you at the airport and stay with you throughout your short safari.

During your Tanzania short safari, you will be able to stay in a range of lodges or Tented Camps.  Please visit our Safari Accommodation page to learn more.

For short safaris, the following accommodations are some of our favourites and in a good location to access the different Parks:

 Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater

• Maramboi Tented Lodge
• Manyara’s Secret

• Gibbs Farm

Serengeti Central

• Embalakai Camp
• Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge

Serengeti North

• Mara Mara Tented Lodge

In all the National Parks, you can expect to see a rich variety of wildlife and landscapes. If one of your priorities is seeing the Great Migration, you will need to visit the Serengeti.  The time of year you are travelling will determine where in the Serengeti you should be based e.g. if you want the best chance of seeing the Migration crossing the Mara River, you will need to visit during August/September and be based in the Northern part of the Serengeti.

There are many things to consider when deciding which Tanzania short safari is right for you.  Please do get in touch with one of our experienced tour consultants.  We are here to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime!