The East African country of Tanzania is one of Africa’s top safari destinations, and it’s easy to see why. Home to wildlife-filled game parks galore (including the famous Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater) with those iconic vast open plains, Tanzania is the stuff nature documentaries are made of. In addition to amazing wilderness areas, Tanzania also boasts Africa’s tallest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, which is a listing on many an adventure traveller’s bucket list. Off the coast is the beautiful tropical island of Zanzibar, which lures visitors with its white-sand beaches, clear warm water full of fish and exotic culture – offering a relaxing beach break as a perfect complement to game viewing and mountain climbing.

Thinking about planning a trip to Tanzania? Here are our top five reasons to go on safari in Tanzania to give you a big shot of East African inspiration.

1. Serengeti National Park

Tanzania’s most popular park is its main drawcard – the Serengeti offers the quintessential African safari experience. Picture rolling savanna and grasslands teeming with game – especially during the migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra, one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles. The best time to see the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti is in June and July, but if you don’t manage to visit the park during these months, don’t worry! The Serengeti is amazing year round, and you’ll still get a chance to see the Big Five.

2. Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is the largest unflooded and unbroken crater in the world, the site of a massive once-active volcano. Three hundred square kilometres in area, the crater is home to some of the densest population of wildlife found anywhere on the planet, particularly lions and predators. On every game drive you do in this wildlife haven, you’re guaranteed to encounter loads of species of animals, from lions and elephant to giraffe and hyena. Apart from the amazing wildlife, the crater is a breathtaking visual spectacle making it a photographer’s paradise. The best views are when you’re on the edge looking down into the lush emerald-green caldera, topped by a deep blue cloud-studded sky.

3. Mount Kilimanjaro

See the “Roof of Africa” when you climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s most famous and tallest peak at nearly 6000 metres above sea level. The dormant volcanic mountain draws climbers from all around the world to ascend its summit, an adventurous multi-day trek that takes in strenuous hiking as well as spectacular scenery. The great thing about climbing Kili, one of Africa’s best adventure activities, is that you don’t need specialised climbing gear or years of climbing experience – just a professional guide, warm hiking clothes and a good level of fitness!

Inspired to climb this majestic mountain? We offer an eight-day Kilimanjaro climbing package on the Marangu route from R13 950.

4. Zanzibar

While Tanzania is amazing for big game safaris, it is also a popular beach safari destination, with the archipelago of Zanzibar, which is less than 60 kilometres off the coast from the mainland in the warm Indian Ocean. Two large islands, Unguja (normally referred to as Zanzibar Island) and Pemba, as well as several smaller islands make up the archipelago. On budget-friendly Zanzibar, there are plenty of gorgeous palm-fringed beaches on which to kick back and relax, amazing snorkelling spots on coral reefs, and sailing trips on traditional dhows.

The best way to visit the highlights of Tanzania on a budget is on an overland safari. We offer a range of Tanzania adventure tours, packages and budget safaris, which cover the highlights of the country.