Northern Tanzania Safari Experiences are the backbone of Tanzania Discovery Journeys. The region is diverse with outstanding wildlife safari destinations home to savanna’s sought-after safari experiences. This however means a great influx of tourists during the peak season from June to October and December to March.
Discovery Journeys to northern Tanzania are rewarding with minimal rainfall disturbances during those months. The crowds however exert pressure on the wildlife especially Big Cats surrounded by tourist cars as everyone tries to capture a moment. Such Tanzania safari experiences are not ideal for those seeking exclusive moments, especially honeymooners and other wildlife enthusiasts.
We recommend considering Northern Tanzania safari experiences during the off-season months when the tourist numbers are few. These months include November and from March to May. Tanzania safari experiences during the off-season months are affected by rains but that can not stop you from exploring. Below are some safari experiences to consider for a memorable Tanzania Discovery Journey.
Serengeti Balloon Safari Experiences
Serengeti National Park has an open ecosystem where the wildebeest migration takes place. The ecosystem comprises open savanna grasslands, woodlands, rock outcrops, swamps, and Rivers home to several wildlife species.
The Great Wildebeest Migration stands out as it involves over a million wildebeests and Zebras. During the off-season months from March to April the calving period sets in where over 5000 calves are born daily. This rejuvenates the herds as they drift from southern Serengeti ahead of their long quest to Masai Mara.
Serengeti Balloon safari experiences during this time are rewarding as you catch up with the migrating herds in the early stages of the wildebeest migration. The calving period attracts the predators like lions and leopards and you stand a chance to see live predator action. The sunrise over the Serengeti horizon prepares you for the epic balloon safari adventure.
Serengeti balloon safaris are among the most highly demanded Northern Tanzania safari experiences. Having this experience during the off-season months is the only guarantee of exclusivity as tourists are often few.
Ngorongoro Crater Birding
The Ngorongoro Crater is the World’s largest unfilled caldera. It is home to the Big Five Mammals and other prominent safari animals including Elands, wildebeests, and zebras. The bird life in the crater is something to look out for while seeking exclusive Northern Tanzania safari experiences.
Ngorongoro is home to over 500 bird species including those endemic to Tanzania. Lake Magadi situated within the Crater hosts flocks of pink flamingos. Storks, herons, and waders are also easily spotted around the Lakes’ proximity.
The Ngorongoro Crater has open savanna grasslands home to the Kori bustard, Ostrich, and Grey-Crowned Cranes. Ngorongoro Craters’ forest rim is another incredible birding ecosystem home to several high-altitude birds. Birding in the crater is doable all year round but for the best experiences you can visit during the off-season months.
Migratory birds from as far as Europe are present in the crater from November to April. That is when resident birds are in full plumage and exciting to watch.
Tarangire Safari experiences
Tarangire National Park is a northern Tanzania safari giant. It is famous for its large elephant herds, beautiful landscapes, and overall wildlife diversity. Tarangire is the gateway to Northern Tanzania safari experiences. Discovery Journeys to the park feature game drives, birding expeditions, balloon safaris, and community visits.
Tarangire River is the park’s major water supply where animals gather on a hot day to refresh. It makes it easy to spot some of the savanna’s most desired safari animals, especially elephants.
Tarangire National Park has an animal migration involving elephants, wildebeests, and zebras. It is less crowded when compared to the Serengeti Wildebeest migration and is ideal for exclusive safari experiences.
Tarangire’s Baobab trees are historic and believed to be among the planet’s longest-surviving species. Boabab trees live for over 200 years more than any average living thing. Tarangire National Park has several of these, home to birds and other small reptiles. For best Tarangire and overall Northern Tanzania safari experiences visit during the off-season months.
Big Cats Experiences
Northern Tanzania has the highest Big Cats concentration offering the ultimate Big Cats experiences. Lions top the list and are evenly distributed in all northern Tanzania safari destinations. Serengeti National Park has the highest lion population. They live in Pride of up to 20 individuals and can easily be spotted on game drives.
Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its tree-climbing lions. The park is small but diverse and offers remarkable Big Cats encounters. The Tarangire River bed is another great spot for the Big Cats experiences. Lions and leopards hide in the nearby woodlands and shrubs ready to take down their prey.
The Big Cats experience is only enjoyed when done exclusively. Elusive cats like leopards come out stealthily which is feasible during the off-season months with few tourists visiting. Other natural occurrences like the Serengeti calving period and the growth of lush vegetation encourage more predator action. You can therefore have the best Big Cats experience during the off-season months.
Lake Manyara Discovery Journeys
Lake Manyara is northern Tanzania’s most underrated safari destination. It is strategically located between Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater conservation area. This makes it prime for exclusive Tanzania safari experiences. It is famous for its tree-climbing lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and wildebeests.
Lake Manyara has a diverse Bird life with over 400 bird species. Notable birds include the crowned hornbill, little bee-eater, pink-backed pelican, and silver-cheeked hornbill.
The park’s wildlife highlights include blue monkeys and baboons along its forest patch at the entrance. It is also home to the Bushback, dik-diks and Klipspringers. Lake Manyara National Park is best explored on game drives, nature walks, cycling, and community visits.
Its diversity and uniqueness attract a reasonable number of tourists making it look crowded in the peak season. It is therefore best to explore it during the shoulder and off-season months for the ultimate exclusive Discovery Journeys. Our 9-day Tanzania safari features all the above-mentioned destinations. It is our best seller Tanzania Safari and can be customized to add experiences in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Contact us now to get started on your next Journey of Discovery.
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