Tanzania has three main safari regions: the North, Southern Tanzania, and Western Tanzania.

By far the most popular safari region is the north of Tanzania, easily accessible from Kilimanjaro International Airport or the domestic Arusha Airport. This region is home to the famed Serengeti, along with Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, which together constitute the popular “Northern Circuit,” Tanzania’s safari best-seller.

Far less visited than the north, the parks of southern Tanzania suit those who’ve already been to the Serengeti, or popular Big Five destinations elsewhere, and are seeking a wilder experience. There are two major destinations here: the Selous and Ruaha.

Western Tanzania is the least visited of the three main safari regions. Because it’s not easily accessible, it’s costly to travel here. It’s roughly a four-hour light aircraft flight from the main hubs of Arusha or Dar es Salaam. There are two scheduled flights a week, but these are also quite expensive; driving will take a couple of days. But if money isn’t an issue, you’ll be rewarded with a remote safari experience largely to yourself. Many travellers will come out west to track the chimps of Mahale.