WHY A PRIVATE SAFARI IS THE BEST WAY TO EXPLORE TANZANIA
A leopard crouches in a tree looking at something of interest. If you get to explore Tanzania, you most certainly will come across these stealthy predators / Image: @rensink89
A private safari is the best way to experience Tanzania for so many reasons. The main reason is because it gives travelers a way to explore Tanzania their way. Allowing you a more secluded, immersive and personalized adventure.
Say goodbye to crowded safari vehicles and packed lodges. Hordes of tourists will not affect you on a private safari. It will just be you, your companions and your guide going at the pace you choose and focusing on the points of interest that you find most appealing. Whether you are into photography, bird watching, lion tracking or uncoverering lesser known hidden gems that only the locals know about - a private safari will cater to your every desire. Your guide is at your service and will execute the safari just how you envisage it.
Pick from an array of exquisite safari lodges, experiences from private hot air balloon rides, sunrise breakfasts in the bush, or intimate walking safaris all of which create the perfect environment for your Tanzanian adventure.
An exclusive safari hits differently when it's just you and your companions enjoying the freedom of enjoying Tanzania in your very own style. Here are more reasons why it stands out…..
Magical 1-Day Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Experience a spectacular taste of Tanzania in our unforgettable 1-Day safari experience within the breath-taking Ngorongoro Crater
A panoramic view of a vast African landscape at sunset. Private safaris offer unobstructed views without needing to view wildlife behind other independent travelers / Image: @damianpatkowski
THE PROS AND CONS OF EXPLORING TANZANIA PRIVATELY
If you are reading this article to determine if an exclusive safari is for you, this helpful paragraph will outline the pros and cons. Your goals and budget will also help lead the way in what the best option is for you.
As tailored Tanzania safari specialists, we have found that exclusive safaris are particularly ideal for a broad range of people, including couples on their honeymoons, families who travel with children as well as multi-generational age groups, travelers who are looking for specialised safaris or unique adventures and for people who prefer an exclusive safari that caters to their every needs from travel dates, desired locations, points of interest, accommodation preferences and avoiding travel with others.
Pros:
A private safari will arguably enhance your Tanzania experience
Enjoy panoramic views without other travelers obstructing your viewpoints and diminishing your experience
You have the freedom of having the guide all to yourself, allowing you to enjoy a personalized experience
Choose the focus of your game drive and stay with that certain animal for as long as you wish
Create your very own tailored itinerary that suits your needs and desires perfectly
Enjoy a spacious vehicle with your friends and family, avoiding packed safari vans
Last minute changes and detours are accommodated which can lead to better wildlife observations and experiences
Private safaris typically have a better range of accommodation and lodges from mid-range to luxury
Cons:
A private safari will cost more money
If you travel solo, you may miss the social interaction of other independent travelers
Planning a tailored itinerary will take more time than buying a pre-created adventure
There can be limited availability with private guides and luxury lodges during high season
Three lionesses stand alert by a tree looking in the same direction. If you want your adventure to be focused on lions, go for a private safari in Tanzania where you will arguably spot the most incredible prides / Image: @jwimmerli
WHAT GOES INTO CREATING A TAILORED PRIVATE SAFARI?
Creating a tailored safari isn't just as simple as choosing a location and booking a lodge. It's an in-depth process of creating an adventure that perfectly suits your preferences, comfort level and travel style. Building a perfect itinerary can be a lengthier process in order to thoughtfully design an unforgettable and memorable safari. Here's what to consider…….
Determining your budget
Determining your budget for your safari is a crucial element to finding the best exclusive experience for you. We have a helpful guide on the typical costs of a safari in Tanzania…
Safari style
Here are a few questions to consider: What style of safari would you like? Are you traveling for a special occasion? Do you prefer a relaxed or adventurous experience? Do you prefer authentic tents or luxury lodgings? Would you like it to be family friendly or for you and your partner? Make time to reflect on these questions to help you determine your perfect safari style.
Picking your perfect destinations
Tanzania features 22 sensational national parks and with so much choice, it's important to know what type of destinations interest you. Throughout northern Tanzania you will find popular parks such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, whilst in Tanzanias south you will uncover remote gems such as Nyerere and Ruaha National Parks. Consider trying something unique like chimpanzee viewing in Mahale Mountains, witnessing the incredible Great Rift Valley or visiting the wonder of Lake Victoria. The opportunities in Tanzania are endless.
Choosing accommodations
When it comes to selecting your accommodation for your private safari, it typically involves choosing several options. Traveling from one National Park to the other, will mean you will be switching accommodations regularly. What type of accommodation sets your heart on fire? Tanzania has everything from luxurious lodges, eco-friendly tree-houses, authentic African tents and camps that sleep under the stars.
Custom activities
Why not weave climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro into your private safari, a thrilling predator trail or an exciting night of fly camping in Tanzanias bush. Hot air balloon rides, photography safaris, nature walks, exclusive conservation organisation talks and more are all possible in a tailored safari.
A heron swoops down to Nyerere National Park, landing on its rustic lands in amongst high grass. If your interests lie in bird watching - privately tailored safaris might just be your best option.
WHERE CAN YOU DO A PRIVATE SAFARI IN TANZANIA?
There are boundless possibilities of enjoying a private safari in Tanzania, almost anywhere, wherever you look in all corners of this magnificent country. The remarkable feature of Tanzania is its diverse range of natural beauty from golden savannas, lush wetlands, vast landscapes, intriguing forests, stunning beaches, ecological varieties and so much more. Tanzania can look and feel completely differently from one corner of the country to the other and this is why it holds such spellbinding charm.
When it comes to undertaking a private safari, a specialized safari or an exciting expedition through Tanzania - it is limitless in what you can choose to do to explore its fascinating regions. Aside from the exuberant amount of national parks that Tanzania proudly boasts, there are a small number of private reserves that allow for a limited number of travelers to visit, making them perfect for an intimate and secluded safari. Opting for a delightful mixture of private game reserves alongside legendary national parks can lead to a truly mesmerising trip.
Another excellent choice is to travel to Tanzania’s untamed south and relish in some of its most far-flung and wild national parks that are lesser known as well as less populated by travelers. Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks are two sensational parks to put on your list. These options will unleash your adventurous side leading you through unchartered terrain, encountering wild animals that aren’t familiar to human presence, secluded camps and a level of exclusivity that will elevate your safari experience.
If you are eager to watch wildlife from floating peacefully on top of a boat, observing wildlife on horseback, enjoying an exciting walking safari in its enchanting forests, focusing on your favorite animal, embarking on a mobile safari, spotting birdlife from the trees and the skies above or alternatively soaring high above the tree tops in a hot air balloon, everything is possible on an exclusive safari.
Tanzania offers a myriad of locations to pick from and designing an exclusive safari is completely possible in every corner of this breath-taking country.
A herd of Impala crossing a dirt road infront of a safari vehicle with eager tourists observing them. Impalas are not only a popular prey animal but they are one of the most delicate animals you will find in Tanzania / Image: @sneha_snaps
WHO ARE PRIVATE SAFARIS BEST SUITED FOR?
Private safaris in Tanzania can be suited to anyone, however we have found that they often suit the following groups of people particularly well:
Couples / Honeymoons
Customised and tailored itineraries suit couples and honeymooners particularly well for romantic experiences, later start times for sleep-ins, secluded and private game drives, candlelit dinners in the bush, sunset game drives, no distractions from other travelers and the opportunity to tailor the adventure to suit you and your partner perfectly.
Families with children
Private safaris suit families with children of all ages, as we can weave in fun experiences, game drives with down time, nap time and time for children to stretch their legs and keep active. There will be no stress at disrupting other travelers if your child is fussy or has a meltdown mid game drive. Tailored with a guide that is great with families and children in general - you have yourself a dream safari!
Specialized safari enthusiasts
We receive many requests for specialized safaris from photography, bird watching, sound recording, painting and many other safaris that cater to unique needs. Private safaris are particularly good for being tailored to specialized subjects. Have complete control of how long the vehicle stops for as well as the location, angling the vehicle at your preference to get the best lighting, sound and photographic shots. No pressure from other travelers to move on to the next destination and the option to travel at your pace.
Older generational travelers / Travelers with special needs
Travel comfortably with no pressure to keep the group waiting, or keep up with a fast schedule. You can opt to enjoy more leisurely breaks, shorter drives and time with chosen animals or birds for a more relaxed and peaceful experience. Guides can offer more care and attention, enabling you to enjoy the safari unhurried and on your terms.
Travelers who like to create their own safari story
Tailor your private safari the way you have always envisioned it. Enjoy a more relaxed or more thrilling experience - whatever suits you best. Include your dream experiences, start and finish times, your ideal accommodations - all for a perfect fit. Ask your guide all the questions you wish as well as enjoying the freedom to explore at will, tailoring an unforgettable safari without being a cookie cutter tour.
Serious wildlife enthusiasts
Follow and track specific wild animals of your choice, from game drives to observing on foot. Explore the road less traveled, its vast regions and extraordinary locations. Request wild animal sightings before sunrise, nighttime and evening game drives to catch the elusive nocturnal species. Converse with your guide about animal conservation, animal behaviour and ecology, climate changes and everything in between.
Private safaris are perfect for serious wildlife enthusiasts. Here are a group of onlookers, observing a male lion walk in front of them at dusk / Image: @traveleroohlala
OUR BEST EXCLUSIVE TOURS IN TANZANIA
If you love to travel by the beat of your own drum, resist the temptation of following the crowd on your next journey. As specialists in Tanzania safaris, our adventures are created for you to follow your own rhythm. Our safaris in Tanzania are a far cry from the cookie cutter safaris you see online. We love bringing you into the wilderness and beating heart of Tanzania’s finest locations, the way you have always dreamt it to be. Flexible, personal and deeply exciting. Our tours boast private guides to tailored lodgings and custom routes. We relish in designing safari adventures that are as unique as you are. Take a look at some of our best private safari tours here:
Why not visit one of Tanzania’s finest beaches?
YOU DREAM - WE CREATE
Our tailored Tanzanian adventures are bespoke and customizable and we design to cater to your every need.
Our Design team is dedicated to crafting personalized experiences that perfectly align with your preferences, requirements, and aspirations. From the sweeping plains of the Serengeti to the untamed beaches of Tanzania’s most beautiful islands, we leave no destination in Tanzania unexplored.
Whether you're venturing alone, with a partner, as a group, or with your family - Reach out to us today, and let's embark on the journey of a lifetime!