NL
EN
Why Tanzania?
About lions, wide open spaces, and falling in love with safari
Dear traveler,
After the question “What is a safari?”, the next one almost always follows:
“Why Tanzania?”
It’s a fair question. Lions live in other African countries too. And yet—when you ask me, the answer comes easily. It begins with my very first safari in Tanzania.
I had seen photos taken by a colleague who had just returned from the Serengeti. Images of lions resting in tall grass, endless plains stretching to the horizon, and a sky that felt bigger than anywhere else on earth. I knew immediately: this is where I want to go. Not long after, I boarded a plane for my first Tanzania safari.
The magic of the Serengeti 🦁
That first trip was a camping safari—something less common today, as Tanzania now offers many beautiful and affordable tented camps. But the feeling remains the same: Tanzania gets under your skin.
Yes, lions can be found in other African countries. But Tanzania is home to the largest lion population in Africa. You’ll encounter them in almost every national park and wildlife area. Nowhere does this feel more powerful than in the Serengeti.
What makes the Serengeti so special is not only the abundance of wildlife, but the sense of space. No fences. No borders. Just open savannah as far as the eye can see. This is safari as you imagine it.
Wildebeest as far as the eye can see 🐃
Then there is something truly unique—something you won’t experience anywhere else in the world in quite the same way: the Great Migration.
More than 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, move in an endless circle through the Serengeti ecosystem throughout the year. Each season has its own magic, but the highlight for many is the dramatic Mara River crossing—raw, intense, and unforgettable.
At Caracal, we design our safaris around these natural rhythms. Not to “see everything,” but to experience the right moment.
Tanzania is more than safari 🌍
What continues to inspire me about Tanzania is that it offers so much more than wildlife alone.
Mount Kilimanjaro & Mount Meru
The Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, rises snow-capped above the tropical plains—an almost unreal sight. While it is accessible to many hikers, altitude can be a challenge. For those looking for a quieter and often equally rewarding alternative, Mount Meru is a beautiful option.
From savannah to sea
After days on safari, slowing down by the ocean feels like the perfect ending. Zanzibar is well known for its white beaches and rich Swahili culture. But Tanzania also offers calmer alternatives such as Mafia Island, Pemba Island, or secluded beaches along the mainland coast.
Encounters that stay with you 🌿
Tanzania is home to more than 120 ethnic groups, each with its own traditions and stories. The Maasai are the most well known, but meaningful cultural encounters require care and respect.
At Caracal, we work with small-scale Maasai lodges and local partners, focusing on genuine exchanges rather than staged experiences.
Where it becomes quiet 🐘
What truly sets Tanzania apart for me are the places where it grows quiet. Where you may drive for hours without seeing another vehicle. Areas such as Enduimet Wildlife Management Area, Randilen WMA, Lake Natron, the southern parks Nyerere National Park and Ruaha National Park, and the Ngorongoro Highlands beyond the famous crater.
Here, safari feels raw and unfiltered—just as it once was.
Why Tanzania with Caracal?
Because Tanzania doesn’t tell just one story—it tells hundreds.
And every traveler is looking for a different one.
At Caracal, we don’t offer standard routes. We create tailor-made Tanzania safaris, designed around your pace, interests, and sense of curiosity. Whether that’s a classic Serengeti safari, an off-the-beaten-track adventure, or a journey combining safari, mountains, and beach.
Tanzania captured me once.
And, honestly, it still hasn’t let me go.
✨ Curious to discover your own Tanzania story? We’d love to help you create it.
