The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Tanzania

Exploring Tanzania alone is an adventure that promises unforgettable moments, unmatched natural beauty, and a deep sense of personal discovery. From the vast plains of Serengeti, where millions of wildebeest roam, to the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro standing proudly above the clouds, Tanzania offers solo travelers a vibrant tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and wildlife encounters. Whether you’re wandering through the spice-scented alleys of Zanzibar’s Stone Town, navigating bustling local markets, or embarking on a self-driven safari through wild national parks, this East African gem rewards curiosity and courage in equal measure.

Traveling solo in Tanzania isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about immersion. You’ll meet friendly locals eager to share their culture, enjoy the freedom to set your own pace, and build confidence along the way. With good planning, the right mindset, and a spirit of adventure, discovering Tanzania on your own can be a life-changing journey filled with authenticity, adventure, and pure African magic.

Where to go in Tanzania on your solo safari

The area we recommend for solo travellers joining a ‘group’ safari is northern Tanzania. Here we offer several safaris to:

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is located in northern Tanzania and forms part of the country’s renowned northern circuit. The Serengeti is the Africa that we all have in our minds – endless grass plains stretching as far as the horizon, punctuated only by the odd flat-topped acacia tree. The Serengeti plains are the stomping ground of the 2 million-strong Great Migration and home to the highest concentration of predators in Africa. Serengeti National Park is one of those rare places that exceeds your imagination. The concentration of game here is truly phenomenal. This is big five game viewing territory, in an authentic environment with no fences and little interruption from man – the huge herds following ancient migration routes embedded in their genes.

Ngorongoro crater

Located in northern Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s most famous parks. Located in the Ngorongoro district, the crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient volcano. With its sprawling plains, soda lake and acacia woodland, Ngorongoro is well able to support a wealth of wildlife. Cats that roam the Crater floor include plentiful prides of lion and leopard as mentioned, benefiting from the influx into the area of wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra and further game species throughout the winter months. In fact, the Crater boasts the highest density of lion worldwide!

As mentioned above, leopard like to spend their days around the rim and can often be seen around the Lerai Forest. Cheetah numbers are very low, but the small population can often be sighted. The real prizes for cat lovers, however, are serval, caracal and golden cat. The last two are very rarely in evidence, but serval are often seen on game drives.

In addition to wildebeest and zebra, the Crater is home to black rhino, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles, eland, topi, spotted hyena, hartebeest, jackal, black-faced vervet, baboon and warthog!

Tarangire National Park

Offering a completely different habitat from its more famous neighbors at Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Tarangire’s habitat is much more similar to that of the parks in southern Tanzania, especially Ruaha. Located in Tanzania’s Manyara region, the park is home to different wildlife species including the some of the big five like the elephants. In addition to the enormous amounts of elephant, the park is chock-full of wildebeest, zebra, eland, impala, greater and lesser kudu, dik-dik, Coke’s hartebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, giraffe, buffalo, reedbuck, waterbuck, warthog, hippopotamus, mongoose and rock hyrax. There are even a couple of unusual antelope species – the fringe-eared oryx and the gerenuk. Black rhino are very seldom seen here, but it is believed that a few individuals dwell in the more remote regions of the park.

Recommended solo activities in Tanzania

Game drives

Parts of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater are amazing for game drives, featuring all the Big Five: lion, rhino, leopard, elephant, and buffalo. There are numerous smaller predators and herbivores, too, and hundreds of birds.

Walking Safaris

We recommend Tarangire for the big elephant migration – again, just let us know if you’re keen on visiting at this specific time of year.

The best solo safari lodges in Tanzania

Serengeti Safari Camp

Owned by the superb Nomad Tanzania, which has over two decades’ experience in operating safari properties, this property follows the Great Migration as it moves across the Serengeti’s plains. There are just six guest tents, and guests gather around the fire-pit every evening to share their safari stories.

Lamai Serengeti

Also run by Nomad Tanzania, this 12-room permanent camp is one of the Serengeti’s best properties. Blending luxury and adventure, it offers Great Migration viewing from July to early November and plenty of sightings of resident wildlife during other months of the year.

Entamanu Ngorongoro

Entamanu has a fabulous location on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater. It’s a classic camp, with only six guest tents and an adventurous feel. In addition to enjoying vehicle safaris in the Crater, you can head out on walks along the rim.

Best time to go for a solo self-drive safari

Tanzania can be visited all year round, but the best time to visit is during the dry season, which spans from June to September and December to February. These months offer easier driving conditions, amazing wildlife viewing, and great trekking weather.

Tips for a successful solo trip in Tanzania

Traveling solo in Tanzania can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also be overwhelming. One critical decision is whether to plan your vacation yourself or hire a travel agent. Here are some suggestions to help you make the most of your trip planning:

Thorough research: Spend time researching various places, lodgings, and activities to locate the best options for your vacation.

Make use of online resources: Many online sites can assist you in planning your trip. To acquire tips and information from other travelers, use travel blogs, forums, and review sites.

Plan a detailed itinerary: After you have settled on your destination and activities, plan a precise itinerary that includes transportation, lodging, and sightseeing. This will assist you in staying on schedule and making the most of your trip.

Choose the right vehicle: Depending on your places of interest, choosing the right vehicle contributes to the success of the trip. For parks and rain season, a 4×4 vehicle is the most efficient. Ensure that you have a spare tire, jack and other necessary equipment. Other models to opt for include the Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado, or RAV4

Dos and don’ts when traveling solo in Tanzania

Exploring new places as a solo traveler can be a rewarding journey, but it’s critical to tread carefully in strange territory. Here are some must-dos and must-don’ts for a safe and pleasurable journey:

Dos:

Respect local customs: By adopting local culture, you can learn about conventions and traditions. Respectful interactions build positive encounters and improve your entire travel experience.

Dress modestly: Make your dress choices according to local customs. Dressing modestly demonstrates respect for cultural sensitivities and allows you to blend in more smoothly.

Be aware of your environment: Maintain vigilance and awareness of your surroundings. Knowing your surroundings improves your safety and allows you to completely appreciate your destination.

Don’ts:

Walk alone at night: Avoid going for solitary walks after dark, especially in unfamiliar areas. When exploring at night, choose well-lit and frequented routes to emphasize your safety.

Carry large amounts of cash: Reduce your risk of theft by carrying only the amount of cash required. Consider using electronic payment methods or storing a limited sum of money in a secure money belt. Use the safe to store your money and belongings when you check into your hotel.

Leave your belongings unattended: To avoid theft, keep a tight eye on your belongings. Staying watchful, whether in a café or a noisy market, ensures that your belongings remain safe during your journey.

Conclusion

Exploring Tanzania alone on a self-drive adventure is one of the most rewarding travel experiences in Africa. With open roads, warm communities, and rich biodiversity, Tanzania offers the perfect blend of freedom, discovery, and wildlife thrills.