Tanzania Game Drives Safari
Tanzania Game Drives — Best Parks, Prices & Tours 2025/2026
A game drive in Tanzania is the ultimate way to experience Africa’s wild beauty. Imagine the thrill of setting out at sunrise across golden savannahs, hearing the distant roar of a lion, and watching herds of elephants move gracefully through acacia-dotted landscapes. Tanzania offers some of the most extraordinary safari adventures in the world, with every drive bringing new surprises.
Unlike many other destinations, Tanzania game drives cover a wide range of environments, from the endless plains of the Serengeti to the lush volcanic forests of Ngorongoro and the baobab-filled valleys of Tarangire. Each park offers something unique, and together they form a safari circuit that’s hard to match anywhere in Africa.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about planning your adventure. We’ll explore Tanzania game drives prices, packages, tours, maps, and itineraries, and provide expert tips to help you make the most of your safari. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a returning adventurer, this article will help you plan the perfect journey.
👉 Expert Tip: The Tanzania Northern Circuit Itinerary is the most popular for first-time travelers, offering the ultimate safari experience in one trip.
Tanzania Game Drives Photo Gallery
Discover amazing wildlife and beautiful scenery through our Safari Photo Gallery. See lions, elephants, zebras, and more in their natural home, and enjoy the unforgettable moments of a real safari adventure.
Expert recommendation
If you want the best game drive in Tanzania, consider booking a 5 to 7-day Northern Circuit safari. This allows you to explore multiple parks, from the elephant herds of Tarangire to the predator-rich plains of the Serengeti and the dramatic landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater. To make your safari even more memorable, add at least one night game drive for a chance to see nocturnal animals. For the ultimate experience, staying in a luxury lodge such as those operated by Asilia Tanzania ensures comfort, expert guiding, and unforgettable moments.
Laurent Karume
Tanzania Safari Specialist
Tanzania Game Drives Highlights
- Big Five sightings in world-famous parks
- Witness the Great Migration in the Serengeti
- Unique night game drives in Tarangire & Manyara
- Explore 22 national parks & game reserves
- Experience a magical hot air balloon safari at sunrise
- Huge elephant herds and iconic baobab trees
- Luxury lodges & classic tented safari camps
- Full-day, morning, or private game drive options
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Tailormade itineraries
Every Tanzania Safari Experience adventure is customized just for you—no fixed tours or set dates. Speak with our Tanzania Safari experts to help you plan your perfect Tanzania Safari itinerary.
Why Choose a Game Drive in Tanzania?
Tanzania stands out as one of the top safari destinations for both first-time visitors and seasoned travelers. Its appeal lies in the incredible diversity of its wildlife and the variety of safari experiences it offers. With 22 national parks in Tanzania and numerous reserves, the country protects vast areas of wilderness that remain largely untouched.
One of the biggest reasons travelers choose Tanzania is the opportunity to see the Big Five — lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos — all in their natural habitat. In addition to the Big Five, you’ll encounter cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, hippos, crocodiles, and an astonishing range of birdlife. Few places in the world allow you to see such a wide variety of animals in a single trip.
Another reason Tanzania is so special is the Great Migration. This natural spectacle involves over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, moving across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grass. It’s one of the most dramatic wildlife events on Earth and can only be truly appreciated on a Tanzania game drive tour.
Tanzania also offers safari experiences that go beyond the ordinary. For example, night game drives in Tanzania allow visitors to see nocturnal animals rarely encountered during the day. Guided by spotlights, you may witness lions hunting under the cover of darkness or catch a glimpse of elusive creatures like bush babies, civets, and porcupines. Combine these adventures with the comfort of world-class safari lodges — from luxury camps run by Asilia Tanzania to family-friendly options and budget-friendly tented camps — and it’s clear why Tanzania remains at the top of so many safari wish lists.
Best Parks for Tanzania Game Drives
Discover the best parks for Tanzania game drives, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. Each park offers unique wildlife, stunning landscapes, and unforgettable safari experiences.
Serengeti National Park
Tarangire National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Manyara National Park
Nyerere National Park
Mikumi National Park
Tanzania Game Drives Packages
Booking a Tanzania game drives package is the easiest way to organize your safari. Packages usually include all essentials such as transport, park fees, guides, and accommodation, saving you the hassle of coordinating each detail separately.
5 Days Ndutu Migration Safari Calving Season
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On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari Itinerary
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On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
8 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
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Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
7 Days The Great Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
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Starting From
On Request
Per Person On Twin Sharing
Tanzania Game Drives Packages
The cost of Tanzania game drives depends on the type of safari, the park you choose, and whether you’re traveling during peak or low season. On average, prices are accessible to a range of budgets, from affordable group tours to high-end luxury safaris.
A half-day game drive in Tanzania typically costs between $80 and $150 per person. A full-day game drive is priced between $150 and $250 per person, often including lunch. For those seeking privacy, a private game drive vehicle costs between $300 and $450 per day, regardless of the number of passengers. Night game drives in Tanzania are slightly more expensive, ranging from $120 to $200 per person.
It’s important to note that these prices usually do not include park entrance fees. For example, entry into Serengeti National Park costs around $82 per adult per day, while Ngorongoro Conservation Area fees can be higher. These fees contribute directly to the conservation of wildlife and habitats.
💡 Pro Tip: Budget-conscious travelers often join shared Tanzania game drives tours, where costs are divided among several participants. Luxury travelers may prefer all-inclusive Tanzania game drives packages, which cover accommodation, meals, park fees, and exclusive services at top safari lodges
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Our tours are top-notch but give you great value. The price we tell you upfront covers most of the costs for one person, like flights and all transfers.
- Park fees
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Air Ambulance Service by AMREF Flying Doctors;
- At Least 1 Pair Of Binoculars;
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips to your safari guide ($30-50 per day per car).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
- Alcohol drinks
- Visas and visa fees where relevant
- Additional activities not offered as scheduled by the accommodation
- Lunch and dinner in hotel (only before and after safari);
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Everything You Need to Know About Your Safari
Every safari adventure begins with a question. Whether it’s your first or second time, it’s natural to wonder about the best time to visit, what to pack, or how the journey works. Here, we’ve answered the most common questions travelers ask before booking their Tanzania safari, so you can plan with confidence and look forward to unforgettable memories.
The cost of a game drive in Tanzania depends on the park, the type of vehicle, and whether you choose a shared or private safari. On average, half-day drives cost between $80 and $150 per person, while full-day drives range from $150 to $250 per person. Private vehicles are more expensive at around $300 to $450 per day, but they offer more flexibility. Night game drives in Tanzania are also available in select parks for about $120 to $200 per person.
The best park for a game drive in Tanzania depends on what you want to see. Serengeti National Park is world-famous for the Great Migration and predator sightings, while Ngorongoro Crater offers the chance to see the Big Five in a single day. Tarangire National Park is known for its large elephant herds and baobab trees, and Lake Manyara is a hotspot for birdlife and tree-climbing lions. Many travelers combine multiple parks for the ultimate safari experience.
Yes, night game drives in Tanzania are available in certain parks like Lake Manyara and Tarangire. These unique drives let you explore the bush after dark with spotlights, giving you a chance to see nocturnal animals such as civets, bush babies, hyenas, and even lions on the hunt. Since night drives are not permitted in every park, it’s best to plan ahead and include one in your itinerary if you’re seeking a different kind of safari adventure.
While it is possible to self-drive in Tanzania, most travelers prefer guided safaris. Roads inside national parks can be rough and difficult to navigate without experience, and guides know the best spots for wildlife viewing. A professional guide also enhances the experience by sharing insights about animal behavior, ecosystems, and conservation. If you’re looking for safety, comfort, and the best chances of spotting wildlife, a guided Tanzania game drives tour is highly recommended.
Tanzania is home to an incredible 22 national parks and numerous game reserves, making it one of Africa’s most diverse safari destinations. From the iconic Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the north to the remote Selous (Nyerere National Park) and Ruaha in the south, each park offers unique wildlife encounters. This wide variety allows travelers to choose between classic safari circuits and off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Most Tanzania game drives packages include a 4x4 safari vehicle, a professional driver-guide, park entrance fees, and sometimes meals such as picnic lunches. Many packages are bundled with accommodation in safari lodges or tented camps, offering a complete safari experience. Luxury packages often include private vehicles, exclusive lodges like Asilia Tanzania, and additional perks such as hot-air balloon rides or night drives.
The Tanzania safari cost per day varies depending on your budget and travel style. Budget safaris, often including camping and shared game drives, start at around $200 per person per day. Mid-range safaris, with comfortable lodges and shared vehicles, average $350 to $500 per person per day. Luxury safaris, featuring exclusive lodges and private drives, can range from $800 to $1,500+ per day.
The best time for a game drive in Tanzania depends on your goals. The dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing since animals gather around water sources. This is also the best time to witness river crossings during the Great Migration. The green season (December to March) is perfect for calving in the Serengeti, when thousands of wildebeest give birth. Both seasons offer incredible safari experiences, so the choice depends on whether you prefer dramatic predator action or lush green landscapes.
Most travelers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), then take a domestic flight to the Serengeti. For the western corridor, the closest airstrips are Grumeti and Kirawira, both of which are served by scheduled safari flights.