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Safaris From Dar es Salaam - Compare 382 Tours

Dar es Salaam is a fabulous gateway for going on a Tanzania safari. Because of its geographical location, it’s a popular starting point for parks and reserves in the country’s south. But if you’re willing to fly, you could go almost anywhere in the country. Choosing where to go will probably be the hardest decision you make on your whole safari, simply because there are so many incredible possibilities. Take your time to plan carefully, think about which animals you’d like to see, and then approach a tour operator (or a number of different operators) to ask them what your options are. As long as you’re on safari in Tanzania, it’s sure to be an amazing trip.

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4 Questions About Safaris From Dar es Salaam

 
 

4 Questions About Safaris From Dar es Salaam

Answered by Anthony Ham

Where can I go on a safari from Dar es Salaam?

“In general, the most popular safaris out of Dar es Salaam focus on the country’s south. Most often, this means Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve), with its unique mix of incredible wildlife and boat excursions on the stunning Rufiji River. Almost as popular is a visit to Mikumi National Park, which is often compared to the Serengeti for both its wildlife and landscapes. A little farther away but still within reach, Ruaha National Park is a massive park filled with lions and other fantastic wildlife. One final option for a short excursion from Dar is Saadani National Park, which has less wildlife than other parks but has the special attraction of being able to see the animals alongside the coast. If you are willing to fly farther afield, you could visit the parks of northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Tarangire National Parks and the Ngorongoro Crater), but most safaris to these places begin in Arusha. Longer flights could also take you out west to Gombe and Mahale Mountains National Parks, which are Tanzania’s best parks for chimpanzee trekking.”

1

Can I see the Big Five animals on a safari from Dar es Salaam?

“Seeing the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) on a safari from Dar es Salaam is possible but difficult. The problem is likely to be rhino: most parks have the other four members of the Big Five, but there are very few rhinos in southern Tanzania. Nyerere National Park may be the exception, with a few black rhinos, but they’re very rarely seen. It’s usually easier to see the Big Five in the north, if you visit the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater on the same trip. Remember that the Big Five is not the only way to think about the best animals to see. The idea of the Big Five was actually invented by colonial hunters to list the five most dangerous animals to hunt. Seeing the Big Five is always a highlight, but these days many safari travelers get just as excited by seeing a cheetah, African wild dog, giraffe or zebra, all of which are easily seen in the parks of the south.”

2

Should I go for a road or fly-in trip from Dar es Salaam?

“There are advantages to both kinds of safari, so how you answer this question all comes down to deciding what kind of safari you’d like to enjoy. A fly-in safari is the quickest way to get to and between the parks you’ll visit on safari. This means that you’ll spend less time getting from A to B, which frees up more time for actually looking for animals on the ground. Flying into a park is also like taking a scenic flight, with so many incredible views on the way in and out. You’ll never forget the first time you see a herd of elephants from the air! The problem with flying is that it can be expensive, meaning that it can push some safaris out of reach for those seeking a cheap and affordable trip. Driving also has the advantage of letting you see more of the country and local life up close as you travel around.”

3

What is the cost of a Tanzania trip from Dar es Salaam?

“There are many different answers to this question. A 3-day budget camping safari in which you travel by road could start at around US$150 per person per day; it could cost less per day the longer you travel. If, on the other hand, you go on a fly-in luxury safari, the price could start at US$350 to US$400 per person per day and could go much higher. Apart from accommodation, the main variables when it comes to cost include whether you travel in high or low season, whether you’re on a private, group or self-drive safari, and how long you’re traveling for. There will be lots of different tour operators to choose from, and all of them will offer different packages. Whichever one you go for, always make sure that you understand what is (and what isn’t) included. Quoted prices should include all accommodation, meals, some drinks, park entry fees, transfers, guide, driver, game drives and vehicle.”

4

Tanzania Safari Reviews

4.8/5 2,111 Reviews
Expert
Mary Fitzpatrick  –  
United States US

Mary is an acclaimed travel writer and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including South Africa, Tanzania, East Africa and Africa.

Tanzania – Iconic Safaris, Beaches and Hiking
5/5

Few areas of the continent offer the amount, variety and accessibility of wildlife as Tanzania– and against such a scenic backdrop. Animals are abundant, species diversity is excellent, and evocative acacia- and baobab-studded landscapes...

Full Review

Expert
Christopher Clark  –  
United Kingdom UK

Christopher is a British travel writer and has contributed to various Fodor's guidebooks and a range of travel magazines.

The capital of safari in word and deed
5/5

If I think about everything that I imagined safari to be before I moved to South Africa and began travelling Africa, it turns out that what I imagined was Tanzania. For me, the striking variety of landscapes and the staggering density of...

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Charlie Walls  –  
Canada CA
Reviewed: May 8, 2026
Most amazing experience!
5/5

I can not recommend this safari enough, it was the most incredible experience ever!! Me and 4 of my friends did a three day safari in Lake Manyara, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the Tarangire National Park and it was amazing. Our driver was...

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Javier Ayala Toscano  –  
Colombia CO
Reviewed: May 6, 2026
Tanzania is a breathtaking masterpiece of nature
5/5

An unforgettable experience! My safari in Tanzania was truly the trip of a lifetime. From the moment we arrived, the vast landscapes of the Serengeti and the breathtaking views of the Ngorongoro Crater left us speechless. We were lucky...

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Deeba Rai  –  
Canada CA
Reviewed: Apr 30, 2026
Hakuna Matata
5/5

Tanzania is a lovely place to visit from what I heard from other travelers. The serengeti in Tanzania is a much nicer experience because they have so many facilities and washrooms everywhere in the park. The staff and workers everywhere are...

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Sheela Bhattacharya  –  
Tanzania TZ
Reviewed: Apr 26, 2026
Every season brings new charm
5/5

Tanzania is pure magic for anyone who loves wildlife. The sheer richness and diversity of animals here is unmatched—every game drive feels like stepping into a live documentary. From vast open plains to dense forests and crater...

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