African safari destinations are always competing with one another. Every new destination and national park surprises you with an incredible safari adventure that you might not have had in any other destination before. But the three destinations that mainly top the list of every adventurer are Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. People are always confused about which one might be perfect for a safari holiday. No doubt, each of them has its charm, but we are here to tell you why you should choose Tanzania over Kenya and Uganda.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that every piece of wilderness in Africa holds endless surprises. You get the most unforgettable landscapes and incredible wildlife in all three African countries: Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. But in this blog, we will talk about the top reasons why you should choose Tanzania for your next wildlife adventures. So, if you are confused between various popular safari destinations and which one to choose this time, this is the perfect blog for you.
10 Reasons to Choose Tanzania Safari
Here are some reasons why you should choose a Tanzania safari over Kenya and Uganda, two of the other top African safari destinations.
1. The World’s Greatest Wildlife Spectacle – The Great Migration
In Tanzania, you get a chance to witness one of the most spectacular phenomena of wildlife. A significant part of the Great Migration takes place in this country. In this dramatic event of nature, 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the glorious plains of the Serengeti National Park. It creates a surreal atmosphere. You will see some dramatic predator-prey encounters.
Why Tanzania and Not Kenya?
As the Great Migration also reaches Kenya, this question might come to your mind. You might be thinking, why should you consider planning to witness the wildlife spectacle in Tanzania rather than Kenya? Here are some reasons why;
- Longer viewing seasons
- Calving season (January–March)
- Vast, less crowded migration routes
2. Larger, More Diverse National Parks
Tanzania’s national parks are unlike any other ones in Africa. They are all enormous and offer a breathtaking glimpse of the raw African wilderness. Let’s take Serengeti National Park as an example; it spans a massive area of around 14,750 square kilometres. In addition to Serengeti National Park, Tanzania’s other major national parks include Nyerere and Ruaha.
Perks of Large & Diverse Parks of Tanzania
- Fewer safari vehicles per sighting
- More remote experiences
- Higher chances of private wildlife encounters
3. The Legendary Ngorongoro Crater
Do you know that the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most unique safari destinations in the world? It is a volcanic caldera that offers you the promise of sightings of some of the world’s top wildlife species. From black rhinos and lions to large elephant bulls, you will see them all if you are lucky.
Benefits of Visiting Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania
One of the primary reasons we suggest visiting the Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania rather than destinations in Kenya and Uganda is that it offers the chance to see the African Big Five. In Tanzania, you will not have to roam around in search of the Big Five from park to park. Just visit Ngorongoro Crater.
4. More Exclusive, Less Crowded Safaris
Kenya has some of Africa’s most popular safari destinations. The popularity brings massive crowds to Kenya’s national parks. This is not the case in Tanzania. Tanzania’s national parks, despite being popular, don’t feel crowded because of their larger reserves and wider safari circuits.
National Parks in Tanzania that offer a remote experience
- Nyerere National Park
- Ruaha National Park
You get authenticity and solitude here.
5. Combination of Safari & Zanzibar Beach Escape
Who wouldn’t love a combination of safari and Zanzibar beach escape? Kenya and Uganda can’t match Tanzania’s offering. Even though Kenya has some beautiful beaches, it doesn’t compare to the exotic charm of Tanzania. It is always surreal and memorable to experience both a tropical island and a safari wilderness in the same country. It will truly blow your mind.
Why Visit Zanzibar’s Beaches?
After having an unforgettable safari adventure in Tanzania, you can head over to the breathtaking beaches of Zanzibar, where you will get;
- Turquoise waters
- Spice tours
- Historic Stone Town
- Luxury beachfront resorts
6. Home to Africa’s Highest Peak
Not many people know this, but Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest peak. Mount Kilimanjaro is at a glorious height of 5895 metres. Visiting this towering peak is an adventure in itself. It also gives you a chance to witness another of Africa’s beautiful landscapes.
Things to Do at Mount Kilimanjaro
Some of the top things to do at Mount Kilimanjaro include;
- Climb the peak or go trekking.
- Plan a cycling trip.
- Go bird watching in one of the nearby national parks.
- Tour the coffee plantations in the area.
- Swim in Kikuletwa Hot Springs.
7. Incredible Predator Density
Tanzania’s national parks, especially the Serengeti National Park, have some of the highest predator densities in Africa. From lions and cheetahs to leopards, you will find many predators here. The reason behind it is the high density of prey found in the national park.
Why Tanzania and Not Uganda?
Uganda is also known for its high predator density, but Tanzania is rewarding as well. People go to Uganda for gorilla trekking and forest landscapes, while in Tanzania, you get open plains and predator action. To witness it is the dream of every safari enthusiast.
8. Year-Round Safari Opportunities
What can be better than year-round safari opportunities? Tanzania’s experiences are not dependent on a particular season. In Kenya, the migration season ends and in Uganda, gorilla trekking is weather-dependent which limits the travellers from time to time to visit the region. But in Tanzania, you get something in every season.
Different Tanzania Experiences in Different Seasons
- Serengeti calving season (Jan–Mar)
- River crossings (June–October)
- Southern parks (June–October dry season)
9. Greater Wildlife Variety in One Trip
The variety that you get in Tanzania is truly unmatched. This country is all about classic savannah wildlife combined with scale and diversity. Uganda is famous for its mountain gorilla sighting but Tanzania offers many experiences that make it a top choice for adventurers.
Diverse Experiences That Tanzania Offers
- The Big Five
- Massive elephant herds
- Flamingos at soda lakes
- Hippos and crocodiles
- Rare species like African wild dogs
The variety that you get in Tanzania is truly unmatched. This country is all about classic savannah wildlife combined with scale and diversity. Uganda is famous for its mountain gorilla sighting but Tanzania offers many experiences that make it a top choice for adventurers.
10. Iconic Safari Landscapes
The safari landscapes in Tanzania are postcard-worthy. If you search for African safari landscapes on Google or Pinterest, you might get some stunning photographs of golden plains of the Serengeti or acacia-dotted horizons. These are the iconic landscapes that represent African wildlife safari landscapes around the world.
What is Included in Safari Landscapes of Tanzania?
- Endless grasslands
- Volcanic craters
- Baobab-dotted savannahs
- Rift Valley escarpments
Final Words
Tanzania is better than Kenya and Uganda as a safari destination in numerous ways, especially if you are looking for iconic experiences and a diverse range of adventures. From the Big Five sightings, vast landscapes and the iconic peak to the natural spectacle of the Great Migration, what is it that Tanzania doesn’t offer? So, if you have explored the top landmarks to visit in South Africa, but this time you want to get a little adventurous in the raw wilderness, we assure you that Tanzania is the perfect option for you. Get ready to immerse yourself in the most unforgettable safari experiences in Tanzania this year.
