Tanzania Holidays

This is the Africa of your imagination - endless golden plains, big cats on the prowl and, if you time it right, over a million wildebeest and zebra on the move. The Great Migration isn't a single event but a year-round journey: calving on the southern short-grass plains around January and February, and the dramatic Mara river crossings roughly July to October. Rise before dawn for a game drive, or drift silently above it all on a hot-air balloon safari as the sun comes up. Wherever the herds are, we'll put you in the right camp at the right time - just leave the planning to us.

Descend into the world's largest intact volcanic caldera and you enter a natural amphitheatre teeming with life. The crater floor is home to lions, elephants, hippos, flamingos and some of your best chances in Tanzania of spotting the elusive black rhino - all ringed by towering 600-metre walls. It's one of the most wildlife-dense places on the planet and a highlight of any northern-circuit safari. Pair it with Serengeti and Tarangire for the full picture, and let one of our experts build the route.

Africa's highest mountain, and the tallest free-standing peak in the world, rises to 5,895 metres above the plains. Reaching the summit is a genuine once-in-a-lifetime achievement - and you don't need technical climbing skills, just good preparation, the right route and time to acclimatise. Trekkers pass through rainforest, moorland and alpine desert before the final push to Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Even if you're not climbing, Kilimanjaro's snow-capped silhouette is the backdrop to many a safari photo. Talk to us about the best trekking routes and the ideal time to go.

Two of the northern circuit's quieter gems. Tarangire is famous for its giant baobab trees and vast elephant herds - one of the best places in the country to see them up close - while Lake Manyara is known for its flocks of pink flamingos and, in a good year, tree-climbing lions. Together they add real variety to a safari beyond the headline parks. Keen to go further off the beaten track? Ask us about the wild, remote south at Ruaha and Nyerere (formerly Selous).

After the dust of the bush, there's no better reward than Zanzibar. Wander the maze of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its carved doors, spice markets and layers of Swahili, Arab and Indian history. Then head for the coast: the powder-white sands and turquoise water of Nungwi and Kendwa in the north, or the laid-back east coast. Snorkel and dive vibrant coral reefs, take a spice tour, or simply watch the dhows sail by at sunset. It's the beach half of the perfect Tanzania and Zanzibar holiday.

Our experts' rule of thumb:
7 nights - a focused northern-circuit safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire)
10-14 nights - the classic safari and Zanzibar twin-centre, our most popular combination
14+ nights - add a Kilimanjaro trek, the remote southern parks, or extra beach time
The right length depends on the season, the migration and how much beach you'd like at the end. Tell us your dates and we'll shape the perfect trip. Enquire now and one of our Tanzania experts will take it from there.