Tanzania vs South Africa Safari: Itinerary for First-Timers

Do you have an interest in excursions and the opportunity to observe wildlife? Upon reflection, this inquiry may occur to you if you answered in the affirmative. Where ought I to embark on an extraordinary safari adventure? The process of organizing an Africa safari tour can be a substantial undertaking, as certain individuals may devote as much as a year to guaranteeing that their ideal safari takes place in a country that can meet their every expectation. Frequently, a predicament arises concerning Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa. When contemplating Tanzania and South Africa, the selection of a safari destination becomes critical in light of the numerous thrilling opportunities and experiences that lie ahead. During the course of your inquiry, you will encounter the names Tanzania and South Africa. This blog will assist you in determining which safari destination is your ideal one.

A frequent source of deliberation for travelers is whether to organize their safari experience in Tanzania or South Africa. Tanzania and South Africa are both renowned for providing unique and extraordinary safari experiences in Africa. Tanzania, specifically, mesmerizes tourists with its genuine African safari experiences, awe-inspiring landscapes, and thrilling game excursions. In contrast, wildlife encounters are interspersed with an array of additional activities in South Africa, including cage shark diving and wine sampling. The process of organizing an Africa safari tour necessitates thoughtful deliberation and planning, particularly when visiting all desired destinations simultaneously is not feasible. Those undecided between South Africa and Tanzania may find the following guide useful in determining which safari destination in Africa is most suitable for them.

Detailed Tanzania vs South Africa Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Pick up and transfer to Serengeti National Park

After morning breakfast at hotel, drive to Serengeti National Park, upon arrival game en-route while proceeding to Grumeti Serengeti Safari Lodge / Nanyukie Lodge for dinner and overnight.

During December, January, February, March, June/July, you can enjoy wildebeest migration with large herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelle within southern plains of Serengeti the Ndutu plains. Also, there are plenty of resident animals, such as giraffe, buffalo, elephants and large predators such as lion, cheetah, and leopard in the park.
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
Grumeti Serengeti Safari Lodge / Nanyukie Lodge

Day 2: Serengeti National Park. (Full Day)

Safari of a Lifetime | Tanzania Cinematic Documentary

Full day safari in Serengeti National Park with option for morning and afternoon game viewing. With a wildebeest population of about 2 million and several other hoofed species (which include zebra, Thomson’s gazelle, impala, topi, Grants gazelle, Kongoni, Eland, Kirk’s dik dik, klipspringer, roan, Oryx, oribi, waterbuck, buffalo, giraffe, elephant and warthog), the Serengeti is sure to attract a string of prey such as lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, golden jackals and bat eared foxes. Black rhinoceros are also seen mostly around Moru kopjes area. Serengeti also offers rewarding bird viewing with over 450 species include ostrich, kori bustard, variety of larks, finches, raptors, lilac breasted roller and others.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Grumeti Serengeti Safari Lodge / Nanyukie Lodge

Day 3: Hot air balloon safari and Bush dinner

On the 3^rd day you have a hot air balloon experience early morning over the Serengeti. Later return to lodge to refresh, you can go for a game drive then have a sunset bush dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Grumeti Serengeti Safari Lodge / Nanyukie Lodge

Day 4: Serengeti National Park – Ngorongoro Crater.

The crater has evolved into a unique and integral part of Tanzania’s ecosystem. The crater is actually a caldera, measures 22.5 km’s across and the rim walls stand 610m high. Views from within and from the rim are breathtaking. Ngorongoro crater is home to 30,000 animals and a large variety of birds, which rarely move from the area due to the availability of water through wet and dry seasons.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Ngorongoro Tented Camp/ Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge

Day 5: Visit the Masai

Spend the day visiting a tribe of the Masai people, learn their culture and interact with them. Have hot lunch then return to hotel or have an evening game drive.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Ngorongoro Tented Camp/ Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge

Day 6: Ngorongoro crater rim – back to Kilimanjaro International Airport

After an early breakfast drive into the crater for game viewing inside crater with picnic lunch, descend down to the crater floor for game viewing safari timing your out permit and by 2:30 pm set back to Kilimanjaro International Airport. (Book for alate evening flight to Cape Town, at least about 09 00pm)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 7: Cape Town

Upon arrival at Cape Town airport, you are collected and transferred to your hotel at the V&A Waterfront for a 3-night stay. The afternoon is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel

Day 8: Cape Point Tour

Included | Full Day Cape Point Tour (Group)

Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 9: Winelands Tour

Included | Full Day Winelands Tour (Group)
Accommodation: The Commodore Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 10: Cape Town – Kruger

This morning you are collected and transferred to the Cape Town airport for your flight to the Kruger Area. (Flight – Cape Town to Hoedspruit)

Upon arrival at Hoedspruit Airport you are collected and transferred to your private safari lodge for a 3 night stay. Enjoy your first afternoon/evening game drive.

Accommodation: Ivory Wilderness River Rock Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 11 & 12: Explore the Kruger Park

Included | Daily Safari Programme at Ivory Wilderness