Selous Game Reserve

Getting its name from Frederick Courteney Selous, the British explorer who inspired the fictional character Allan Quartermain, Selous Game Reserve is one of the biggest in the world. Situated in the south of Tanzania, it is a rugged, isolated wilderness that was granted the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 for its stunning array of wildlife. Here you will find more African wild dogs, elephants, hippos and crocodiles than anywhere else in Africa.

Compared to the frequently visited northern parks, the Selous is truly wild. You are unlikely to bump into anyone else on your photo safari, and if you take a walking safari here then you’ll get an experience like no other. Highlights include the 100-metre-deep Stiegler canyon, and the mighty river Rufiji.

Mikumi National Park

Situated near Morogoro, Mikumi is the fourth-largest national park in Tanzania. It borders Selous Game Reserve, and together the two form one giant ecosystem. With a similar savannah landscape to the Serengeti, you will find incredible rock formations here as well as huge amount wildlife. Lions, giraffes, zebras, elephants and buffalos are present in large numbers, as well as over 400 species of bird. Between May and November is the best time of the year to head here on your photographic safari.

Ruaha National Park

The Ruaha is the biggest national park in the country, and is situated right next to the Selous. It is home to the Great Ruaha River, which provides excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. There are a huge number of elephants here, about 10,000 in all, and well over 400 species of bird, including kingfishers, sunbirds and white storks, making it a fantastic destination for photo safaris.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire is only the sixth biggest national park in Tanzania, but it offers some superb game -viewing opportunities. Situated near to Lake Manyara, it is easily accessed from major towns like Arusha. It is divided in half by the Tarangire River, which provides great opportunities for game viewing as it becomes the only source of water for animals during the dry season, attracting them in huge numbers. A massive elephant population is another huge draw for visitors going on a photo safari. Its terrain comprises floodplains, hills and wide, open grassland dotted with acacias and baobab trees.

Walking Safaris in Tanzania

Many people dream about going on a safari one day. Heading out to the open plains of Africa and seeing wild animals in their natural environments is one of those experiences that is hard to beat. But there are many different types of safari. Most of them involve travelling in a 4×4, which allows you to get right up to the action and cover great distances. But for the ultimate experience you should consider taking a walking safari.

Walking safaris in Tanzania provide a unique way to see Africa’s landscape and wildlife. Without being restricted by the confines of a vehicle, you are totally exposed to the elements. 4×4 safaris are great, and they allow you to see and do so much. But walking really places you right into the middle of the experience and increases the atmosphere of your surroundings. Simply put, there is no other way to get to see nature so close up. You are suddenly at their level, walking the earth as they do, and it can be a thrilling experience.

There can be something quite unsettling about walking across the African bush with the knowledge that nearby you are surrounded by wild animals. But this is one of the thrills of the experience. Of course, there is also that little element of danger involved, but you will be accompanied by a qualified, armed ranger at all times. And besides, most animals will not come too close during your walking safari and will give you plenty of room. So although it may feel dangerous, you’ll be completely safe

Of course, you have to be reasonably fit and healthy to go on a walking safari in Tanzania as you can’t just sit down and be carried. It may be hard going, and sometimes a minimum age of 16 is imposed. But you’ll travel at a comfortable speed, and you’ll be able to spend time stopping to enjoy the smaller points of interest on the plains. In a vehicle you could never get close enough to watch the ants and the dung beetles going about their business, but on foot not only will you be travelling at a slower pace to allow you to notice all these things, but you can get right up close to the action.

Tanzania Walking Safaris

One of the main attractions of a walking safari in Africa is the personal nature of the experience. You won’t bump into other tourists during your adventure, which can sometimes be frustrating. Instead, you’ll get the whole place to yourself, and it will feel like you are the only people there. The quietness can be incredible, and there will be no sounds of machines to spoil the trip – just you and the natural surroundings.

And when you see the animals it will be an experience like no other. It is difficult to describe the thrill of coming across a giraffe ambling through the forest, or a herd of elephants bathing in a watering hole just twenty metres away. Watch, observe, and take your time to appreciate the fact that you are here in their territory now, far away from the comforts of civilisation.

The best places for walking safaris are in the quieter parks of Tanzania where you are less likely to come across other tourists. These could include the mighty Selous Game Reserve or the remote Ruaha in the south of the country. Here you will likely be the only group for miles, enjoying your own special experience of one of the most magical safari trips that you can imagine.

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Quite simply, the Serengeti has it all. Vast amounts of wildlife, huge open plains, a mix of campsites and luxury lodges – any trip here will provide you with the complete experience. This is the Africa of the storybooks, the romantic wilderness where huge wild animals walk the plains. It is also the setting for the great migration of the ungulates, so head here in July and you will be treated to one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth and one of the top safaris you could experience.

Ngorongro Crater, Tanzania

Located near to the Serengeti, Ngorongro Crater is another of the stand-out safari destinations in Tanzania, a country that has been blessed with its huge number and variety of wildlife. Whereas the Serengeti is made up of flat plains and rocky outcrops, Ngorongro Crater is a vast volcanic crater that was formed during a huge eruption millions of years ago.

The size of the crater is simply awe-inspiring, and the formation of the land is worth seeing in itself. But in addition to this, the crater has become home to up to 30,000 animals, boasting the greatest concentration of different animals anywhere in Africa. So if you want to enjoy one of the top safaris around by combining an enormous variety of animals with a truly magnificent landscape, this cannot be beaten.

Kruger National Park, South Africa

Kruger National Park is the location for the best safaris in South Africa, and one of the best places on the continent. At 7,332 square miles it is a vast area situated in the east of the country, and is one of the biggest game parks in the world. A pleasant year-round climate and the reduced presence of malaria combine with the 147 species of mammal – more than anywhere else in Africa – and over 500 species of bird, to make this a wildlife extravaganza that is a top photographer destination throughout the year.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta is the biggest inland delta in the world, and takes up a large portion of Botswana. This vast wetland area provides a very different safari destination from the dry savannah, but there is no lack of animals. You’ll find all the main animals here, as well as over 400 species of bird, and the landscape is truly unique, constantly changing and always exciting. Take a boat trip from island to island and travel silently through the water, observing the animals close up in this unique natural habitat.

Masai Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara is the smaller Kenyan sister of the Serengeti in Tanzania, as it is essentially one large area that spans the two countries’ borders. This is one of the safari destinations for spotting wildlife, and it attracts a huge number of tourists every year. It is very well developed and easy to access, and its vast populations of all the major animals adds to its draw. The stunning savannah is a wonderful backdrop for photographs, especially at dawn and dusk. And if you head here in November you will be able to witness the Kenyan side of the great migration of the ungulates.

Ngorongoro Crater

Located only 112 miles away from Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater is very easy to reach for people heading there on a safari. And in terms of wildlife you will be spoilt for choice when you head to the crater as you will be able to find all of the ‘Big Five’ animals in one location. Lions, leopards and elephants are all present in abundance, as well as nearly all of the other exciting animals that you could hope to see on a safari. One really special treat are the back rhinos, because the crater is one of the only places in the wild where they are still breeding.

Ngorongoro Crater is also situated relatively near to the mighty Serengeti, meaning many people choose to visit both of these wildlife havens during a single safari for an experience that is hard to equal. One of the most amazing events at the Serengeti is the migration of the ungulates, including zebra and wildebeest, so head here between July to September to witness this incredible spectacle.

But it’s not just the animals that attract visitors to the crater. When you go to Ngorongoro Crater you will also almost certainly come face to face with the tribesmen who live in the area. Dressed in brilliant colours and always armed with their spears, a photo of a tribesman will look great on your wall at home – but don’t expect to take a picture for free as they’ll expect a few dollars for the privilege.

Masai tribe at Ngorongoro Crater

The area is also incredibly important for its hominid remains. Nearby to Ngorongoro Crater you can visit Olduvai Gorge, the site of the oldest homo habilis remains ever found on earth and the cradle of humanity. The crater highlands also offer great hiking opportunities, and if you are really adventurous you can head to the active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai, during your trip.

Ngorongoro Crater certainly lives up to its name as one of the natural wonders of the world. Head here on a safari and you’ll get to experience so much more than just the animals. The spectacular scenery, the people and the sheer scale of it will mean you’ll have some truly great photos to show your friends on your return home.