Tanzania Waterfalls & Safaris

Tanzania waterfall safaris start with the water. Start a northern-circuit safari on the slopes of Kilimanjaro at Materuni Falls, then follow the wildebeest migration across the Serengeti. In the far south-west, Kalambo Falls can be approached from the Tanzanian side above Lake Tanganyika.

When to visit Tanzania

Best time: June–October; January–February for calving. Waterfalls and wildlife peak at different times, so plan around both; see the seasonal calendar.

National parks to pair with the falls

• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area
• Tarangire National Park
• Kilimanjaro National Park

Planning a trip to Tanzania

Most safaris follow the northern circuit from Arusha or Kilimanjaro: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti over six to ten days. Materuni Falls, above Moshi, makes a good half-day before or after a safari or a Kilimanjaro climb. Many travellers finish on the beaches of Zanzibar.

Practical tips

The currency is the Tanzanian shilling, and US dollars are widely used for park fees and tourism services. Park fees are paid electronically. Check the latest yellow fever rules for your route, and take advice on malaria prevention. Visa, health and entry rules change, so check official advice for your nationality before you book.

Getting to Tanzania

Fly into Kilimanjaro (JRO) for the northern parks and Materuni, or Dar es Salaam (DAR) and Mbeya for the south-west. Most nationalities apply for an e-visa. Most trips start from Moshi and Arusha, the gateways to Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti. Visa rules change, so check them for your passport before travel. Read Plan your trip for visas, health and packing, and the waterfall safari FAQs for quick answers.