There is a lot of planning that goes into a successful safari to the safari destinations in Tanzania and this comes with a lot of questions before the final itinerary is printed out. We have come up with a list of the most frequently asked questions to try and fill in the gap with answers to the different questions.

How do I get to Tanzania?

Tanzania has several international airports that will make your trip to the country and although there are different ways in which you can get to Tanzania, the best way is by flying. International flights usually land at the Kilimanjaro International Airport which is a 45 minutes’ drive from Arusha and Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam which is about 640 kilometers if you are driving from and to Arusha.

What happens when I have dietary issues?

Dietary issues like Hindu, Kosher, and vegetarian among others can easily be organized as long as you inform your tour guide on time.  Note that many of the accommodation facilities are found in the middle of nowhere and you cannot get all the meals that you need if you do not communicate on time. We ask that you let us know about your dietary issues before you travel so that we can be able to organize all the necessary meals with the right accommodation facility because if you do not communicate, you might end up going hungry.

What is the time zone in Tanzania?

Tanzania is in the GMT +3 time zone which means that it is 6 to 7 hours ahead of the United States of America.

What should I pack for a Tanzania safari?

This is the most frequently asked question from tourists and we have come up with a general list of the things that you might need on your safari, and these include:

Clothes

  • Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (in neutral colors, avoid camouflage clothes since they are associated with the army)
  • Strong hike boots
  • Warm clothes for when the weather changes
  • A wide-brimmed hat
  • Gloves and warm socks

Personal items

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Toiletries
  • First aid kit with the necessary medication
  • Kleenex
  • Pain killers.

Equipment

  • A camera with extra batteries and memory cards
  • Binoculars
  • Flashlight
  • Cell phones
  • A waterproof carry-on bag.

What is the best time to travel to Tanzania?

The best time normally depends on the various activities you plan on engaging in. There are two seasons experienced in Tanzania and these are the dry/peak season and the wet/green/low season. The dry season (peak season) from June to October is the best time to enjoy wildlife viewing in the different National Parks in Tanzania ad it is known as a peak season due to the influx of tourists who visit the country during this period. It is an expensive and busy period to be visiting Tanzania but still the best. The green/low/wet season is from November to December and March to May. This period has fewer tourists

Which languages are spoken in Tanzania?

Swahili is the official language in Tanzania with the largest percentage of people speaking it, however not everyone in Tanzania speaks Swahili. There are other languages that are spoken in the country with English as the second language.

Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?

Yes, the majority of tourists entering Tanzania need a Visa with a few like South African citizens and East African citizens do not require a visa. Visitors can apply for an e-Visa online on the Tanzanian Visa portal or get it when they get to the airport in Tanzania. There are several visas that can be applied for but the two that work for tourists are the ordinary Visa and the multiple entry visas.

How safe is it to travel to Tanzania?

Tanzania is one extremely safe Safari destination in Africa and East Africa. The locals are welcoming and happy people who will be happy to show you around in case you are lost. You should, however, however, be careful because, like any other destination, there are few petty crimes committed like pickpockets although rest assured that you will not find heavy crime on the streets of Tanzania. There are a few rules that you need to follow and a few include not walking alone at night, avoid walking with your valuables, avoid crowds, and following all guidelines given to you by your tour guide.

When should I watch the wildebeest migration?

The best time for viewing the wildebeest migration in Serengeti is from June to October during the dry season. The wildebeest migration is an annual cycle that starts from Serengeti towards Masai Mara and then back to Serengeti and the cycle goes on and on. The wildebeest start their migration following the rains and in search of greener and better pastures. The migration not only has wildebeests but gazelles, Impalas and Topis. The migration is an exciting experience watching the wildebeests from calving season to when they cross the Grumeti and Mara Rivers which are infested with crocodiles. The crossing is survival of the fittest and whereas see animals will successfully cross, others will be attacked by the crocodiles while others are swept away by the water.

What are the best birding spots in Tanzania?

Birding in Tanzania is carried out in almost all National parks in the country but the best bird-watching destinations include Lake Natron which is home to the largest leaser flamingos, Usambara Mountains, Arusha National Park with over 400 bird species, Kilimanjaro National Park with over 500 recorded bird species, Lake Manyara National Park, Lake Victoria with over 200 bird species, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National park with over 450 bird species, and Ruaha National Park.

Is the food and water in Tanzania safe?

The food in Tanzania is safe for consumption and it can be got from the different restaurants in the Safari destinations. Food is sort of the Tanzanian Safari and that is why meals provided are always safe and good for consumption. We however advise that you do not take tap water because it is not safe for drinking but you can take bottled drinking water. If you are on a self-drive Safari, it is better you choose restaurants that come highly recommended.

What type of wildlife can I see in Tanzania?

Tanzania is home to over 1000 animal species which can be seen in the different National Parks and the most common species you should look out for include giraffes, elephants, African wild dogs, zebras, Nile crocodiles, Impalas, lions, leopards, hippos, African buffalos, waterbucks, blue monkeys, chimpanzees, black Rhinos, Oribi, Thomson’s gazelles, wildebeests, Topi, Elands, black-backed jackals, servals, spotted hyenas and golden jackals among others.

Some of the bird species found in Tanzania include Kori Bustard, African spoonbill, Hildebrandt’s francolin, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Verreaux’s eagle, Jackson’s widowbird, flamingos, capped wheatear, Northern anteater chat, scarlet-chested sunbird, great white pelicans, Pel’s fishing owl, African skimmer, Racket-tailed roller, yellow-billed stork, black-winged stilt, white-backed night heron and common white-headed vulture among others.

What currency is used in Tanzania?

Tanzania’s official currency is the Tanzania shilling which is used throughout the country. There are however other currencies that are used and accepted in the country with the US dollar printed after 2009 being the only one accepted by the locals. You can use ATMs, visa cards, or a MasterCard since these are accepted. Below is a list of currencies that are accepted in Tanzania but we still advise that you use local currency if possible. The currencies accepted include:

  • The Japanese Yen
  • Pound sterling
  • United States dollar
  • Australian Dollar
  • Euro
  • Canadian Dollar

What are the luggage restrictions for a Tanzania safari?

Luggage restriction depends on the airlines that you are using so you need to consult with your local tour operator and find out the baggage restrictions so that you do not pay extra or be made to leave your luggage behind. Your luggage should not weigh more than 15 kgs depending on the chatter plain used and the safari vehicle. Note that a safari to Africa does not require you to carry a lot of things because this is Africa so there are things that are not necessary like expensive jewellery. In case you are planning on a lot of valuables on you, make sure that you do not pack them in the checkout bags, they should be with you at all times.

What vaccines do I need for a Tanzania safari?

There are no specific vaccines needed when traveling to Tanzania, you will however need a yellow book if you are from yellow fever-risk countries. You also need to know that Tanzania is located in a malaria zone and you will need anti-malarial drugs to keep safe on top of mosquito nets provided at the various accommodation facilities. The best way to avoid tsetse flies is by not putting on blue clothes because they attract the flies.

Do I need travel insurance to Tanzania?

All tourists visiting Tanzania will need travel insurance that covers important things like medical evacuation, loss of luggage, cancellation, and other things that might affect your safari in Tanzania. Travel insurance is important irrelevant of your safari destination.

What is the cost of a Tanzania safari?

The cost of a Tanzania safari is hard to predict because of the many factors involved. There are three types of safaris that you can have in Tanzania and these are budget safaris, mid-range safaris, and luxury safaris. These are determined by the type of accommodation chosen, the size of the group traveling, extra activities on a safari, and the season that you plan on traveling to Tanzania (peak or low season). Other factors that might affect the cost of your safari include personal purchases, laundry services, extra days spent on the safari, tips, tourist visa, international flights, excess luggage, and extra spending depending on each person. Tanzania safari cost can be as low as $200 per person per day and as high as $1500.

How do I travel around Tanzania?

Unless you’re doing a self-drive, you should not be worried about getting around Tanzania because the cost of a safari will include 4×4 safari vehicle transportation throughout your safari. But if you are on a self-drive, you will have to hire a safari vehicle from a reputable company and this can come with either a driver or not depending on your preference.

Where can I go for wildlife viewing in Tanzania?

tourists planning a safari to Tanzania always ask about the best destinations to go to for a wildlife viewing experience and some of the best spots include Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ruaha, Ngorongoro crater, Tarangire National Park, Gombe, Mountain Kilimanjaro National Park, and Mahale National Park among others.

Can I make my own itinerary?

Yes, you can make your own itinerary and all we need to do is guide you on how to manage it, make use of your bookings are to your preference, and ensure that you enjoy your trip to your chosen safari destinations.

Should I carry cash with me on my Tanzania safari?

Yes, you should carry some cash with you for tips and other personal purchases. You can carry around $1500 or more and if possible change it into Tanzania shillings for proper transactions with the locals.  Tips can range between $5 to $10 for the safari guides, chefs, and other staff helping you out.

Are there mosquito nets on Tanzania safari?

Tanzania is located in a malaria zone and this has prompted many lodges, camps, and hotels to provide treated mosquito nets to all their guests to reduce malaria infections. Tourists are also advised to carry insect repellent with them throughout their stay in Tanzania.

If you have any more questions about a Tanzania safari, get in touch with one of our guides who will help in answering all that you need to know about Tanzania and also help you with booking a safari that you will not forget.