Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Tanzania

Eco-Luxury Safaris and Tours

Follow the Great Migration

There is nothing more enchanting than the painted skies of Tanzania. The swathes of yellow and red accentuate the elegant fauna on its acacia-dotted horizon.

Home to exceptional family safari and ecotourism experiences, Tanzania also holds a few secret treasures. Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar are meccas for seafaring culture, while Arusha offers refined colonial properties, many converted into luxury lodges from their previous lives as coffee plantations. Tarangire National Park is home to iconic giant baobabs and hundreds of elephant families, and the Selous Game Reserve is one of the most uncrowded wildlife areas on earth.

Ethical travelers interested in socially-responsible tourism can participate in meaningful voluntourism projects in combination with once-in-a-lifetime wildlife safaris. The vast expanses of wilderness in the Serengeti are unmatched, playing host to the "greatest show on earth," the Great Migration, where herds of wildebeest millions strong embark on the continual search for fresh grazing land. If your family is searching for a luxury family safari, visit Tanzania.

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Sample Itineraries

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What our travelers are saying

  • Tanzania: A group of impalas stands alert in tall grass, surrounded by green trees in a savanna landscape.

    “It was a great experience for our daughter. You clearly alerted the staff that we were traveling with a kid that was special needs and it showed. They were outstanding, really sensitive, caring, open, accepting, and engaging with her. She had a great time. Thank you for all you did to make that happen. I know I'll be asking again to do a trip with her. I loved it.”

    –Kahrl Family, Tanzania

  • A herd of elephants, including adults and calves, grazes on green grass under a large, leafy acacia tree in the Tanzanian savanna, with blue sky and distant trees in the background.

    “It was a delightful trip, the best of the ones that I have taken. Each day had more than one highlight to remember. So thank you for such a fine itinerary. I have complete confidence in recommending you to others.”

    –Julia Kahrl, Tanzania

  • “An amazing experience - every place we stayed was magical, each for completely different reasons. Even getting stuck in the mud with a lioness sleeping a few feet away became fun and an adventure. We were well cared for, welcomed, and well fed! Ready for the next one!”

    –Thanassis and Helen Mazarakis, Tanzania

  • “Our trip was amazing and the process before and after we superb. From the time I emailed Elevate Destinations to after I got home it was a pleasure to be working with your company and especially Lana. She was able read my family and plan the trip exactly around what we wanted without us really knowing ourselves! ”

    –Liza Mandeville and Family, Tanzania

  • “This was our second trip to Africa with Elevate in a year's time. And once again, it did not disappoint. Working with Lana was a dream. She seemed to know exactly what we would want and expect from our conservation safari. Everyone on the ground in Tanzania was knowledgeable and kind. Not a single snafu - which is unbelievable considering we were so far from home. Ruaha National Park is a treasure. I recommend it to anyone who would like a safari experience without the crowds of the Serengeti or Masai Mara.”

    –Jennifer Whalen, Tanzania

  • “It was just an amazing adventure offering an experience unequalled and something that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. I’d recommend Elevate for the personal service, the wonderful itinerary, and their intimate knowledge of each lodge and conservancy.”

    –Lisa Warren, Kenya

  • A family stands in front of a safari vehicle, smiling and holding drinks, with dry grass and trees in the background.

    “Your selection of our 3 camps was excellent. Saw a multitude of wildlife and the guides and staff at the camps were enjoyable to be around and well qualified and accommodating. Always love the Sundowners. We can never get enough of seeing the wildlife of Africa. ”

    –Gene Hardy, Botswana

  • A group of eight people stand in a row outdoors, silhouetted against a sunset sky, with grass visible in the foreground.

    “It was truly our trip of a lifetime! Couldn't have been better!! The only downside of the trip was the 19 hour air travel from Cape Town to Detroit and then the recovery time! Wonderful trip!!! ”

    –Ken Green, South Africa

  • Two people riding camels in a desert landscape with clear blue sky and sandy hills in the background.

    “Our Morocco trip was the best one I have ever taken. Dominique and her team did an exceptional job with the hotels, drivers, and our guides. The Riads, Kasbah and glamping we experienced were amazing!”

    –Jay Pollit, Morocco

  • Six people in outdoor clothing and hats stand in a row on a dirt path beside a rhinoceros in Kenya, with trees and bushes in the background under a blue sky with clouds.

    “Lana, Emily, and the Elevate team provided extraordinary service from the planning through the execution. Every question or concern was answered promptly with great attention to detail. The trip firmly placed Kenya in our hearts and souls.”

    –The Patterson Family, Kenya

  • A giraffe leans its head through a large window into a dining room in Kenya, eating from the table as a smiling family of four enjoys their meal and watches the animal.

    “It felt like Kenya and the perfectly curated trip encouraged true connection with our kids—no screens, no distractions, just a deeper understanding of the world and of nature. At every turn of our trip, my husband and I witnessed our young children absorb their new surroundings and were in awe as we saw them become young travelers themselves. ”

    –The Baird/Ryan Family, Kenya

  • Rwanda: Two people wearing masks and outdoor gear take a selfie in a lush, green forest with a group of gorillas sitting on the ground in the background.

    “Thanks for planning such an amazing journey for us! Visiting chimps, gorillas, and monkeys was thrilling. The chimpanzee experience was fantastic—we were able to watch a baby and family playing on the ground for quite some time. Overall one of our best trips yet!”

    –Ben Kahrl and Connie Mao, Rwanda

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Tanzania

What is the best time to visit Tanzania?

Tanzania can be a year-round destination, but the best times for wildlife safaris and favorable weather are June–October for the Great Migration and December–March. January and February are calving seasons in the southern Serengeti, with thousands of wildebeest, antelope, and zebra giving birth. This attracts predators and offers unique wildlife viewing opportunities. November is a shoulder season with decent weather, while April and May are rainy months when many camps close for maintenance.

What vaccinations do I need for Tanzania?

We recommend consulting a travel doctor for specific vaccination advice tailored to your destinations within Tanzania. They will have the most current information and can provide personalized recommendations based on the latest guidelines.

What does a typical Tanzania itinerary look like?

A Tanzania itinerary can be diverse, often including multiple parks and potentially ending with a beach stay on Zanzibar Island. For a typical Northern Circuit safari, you might spend 2-3 nights in Lake Manyara National Park, and 3-6 nights in Serengeti National Park. Additionally, it's a good idea to allocate a couple of days—around 2-3 nights—to experience the Ngorongoro Crater. To truly appreciate each destination, make sure to allow ample time to immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes as this also increases your possibility of seeing wildlife and their interesting behaviors and interactions. If possible, consider spending a couple of days in Arusha to adjust to any jet lag. However, if your schedule is tight, one night in Arusha should be sufficient before starting your Tanzania safari.

How long is a flight to Tanzania?

The flight length to Tanzania varies significantly depending on your starting location. If you're traveling from the United States, you typically won't fly directly to Tanzania. Instead, you might connect through major European cities like Amsterdam or London or through hubs like Addis Ababa, Dubai, or Nairobi. The total travel time from the US to Tanzania generally takes around 24 hours, often involving at least two flights, some with shorter connections (Amsterdam) and others with longer layovers (Dubai.)

Why should I choose Elevate Destinations as my Tanzania travel guide?

With 20 years of experience, Elevate Destinations specializes in crafting exceptional and life-changing trips to Tanzania and East Africa. We act as your dedicated safari planner, helping you navigate the complexities of planning a trip. By understanding your goals and preferences, we tailor your Tanzania itinerary to perfectly align with your interests, ensuring that every aspect is integrated into a seamless safari experience. We are experts in planning for the Great Migration, carefully selecting the best lodges and locations to maximize your time in Tanzania. We are also experienced at accommodating different abilities and dietary requirements.
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