Safari Faq

WHAT TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS ARE THERE FOR A SAFARI IN TANZANIA?

Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the day you leave your home country. It should also have at least four blank visa pages. You can get a tourist visa when you arrive at the airports in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar. You also have the option to apply for an online visa before your trip. Visa payments on arrival must be made in USD cash.

ARE THERE ANY MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER TANZANIA?

It is important to visit a travel doctor before your trip. Recommended vaccines include Hepatitis A and Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio (Td/IPV). A Yellow Fever certificate is only needed if you are arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever risk country for more than 12 hours.

If you use prescription medication or have a medical condition, speak to your doctor well in advance. You may need a medication passport or a doctor’s certificate in English, especially if you travel with medical equipment.

DO I NEED MALARIA MEDICATION FOR A SAFARI IN TANZANIA?

There is no vaccine for malaria, so many travelers take preventive medication. A travel medical specialist can advise you on the best option. To reduce the chance of mosquito bites, use insect repellent with DEET and cover your arms and legs when outside after sunset.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR A SAFARI?

Yes. Travel insurance is your responsibility and is highly recommended. It should cover medical care, lost luggage, stolen items, trip delays and emergency evacuation. If you plan activities such as mountain climbing, scuba diving or biking, make sure your insurance covers these as well.

WHAT IS THE CLIMATE LIKE IN TANZANIA?

Tanzania has warm weather for most of the year, but the climate changes from region to region. The long rains fall from April to May, turning the landscape green. From June to September, the weather is dry and cooler. The short rains begin in October with warm daytime temperatures. Since you will be traveling through different altitudes, pack clothes that you can easily layer.

WHAT IS TANZANIA’S CURRENCY?

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Hotels and restaurants often accept USD, but local shops and markets use shillings. ATMs are available in cities like Arusha and Dar es Salaam, but not inside national parks. Credit cards are accepted in most larger hotels and lodges.

Travel HOW SHOULD I DRESS FOR A SAFARI?

Tanzanians generally dress modestly. At your lodge or at the beach you can dress freely, but in towns and villages it is respectful to cover your shoulders and knees. This shows appreciation for local culture.

WHAT DO I PACK FOR A SAFARI?

You should bring your passport, travel insurance, itinerary and any vaccination certificates. Pack any personal medication you may need, along with sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, lip balm and toiletries. A camera is recommended, and you may want both a wide lens for landscapes and a telephoto lens for distant wildlife. Binoculars are provided, but you can bring your own if you prefer.

Choose comfortable clothing in neutral colors such as khaki, beige or green. Bring long sleeves, long pants, T-shirts, a warm layer for early mornings and comfortable shoes. Most safari lodges offer same-day laundry service, so you do not need a different outfit for every day. Insect repellent with 30% DEET is useful, and a notebook or travel diary is great for memories. Most importantly, bring patience, a good attitude and a sense of humor.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A SAFARI?

Our safaris include a private Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, a fridge and charging outlets. You will have your own professional driver guide, all meals, and the accommodations listed in your itinerary. Park fees, concession fees, permits, unlimited mileage, fuel and drinking water are also included. Donations to local communities are part of every safari, ensuring your trip supports the people of Tanzania.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?

Personal items such as souvenirs, drinks not listed, or extra tours arranged after booking are not included. Tips for your guide and lodge staff are also not included. If the government changes park or concession fees after you book, these increases are added to your contract. Travel insurance must be arranged in your home country.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GO ON SAFARI IN TANZANIA?

Tanzania offers excellent wildlife viewing all year. The dry season from June to October is considered the best overall, but the green season from November to March is also full of life and beautiful scenery. April and May are the long rains, when some camps close, but it is still possible to plan a trip with fewer crowds and lower prices.

WILL THERE BE ACCESS TO WI-FI?

Yes. We provide Wi-Fi inside the safari vehicle. Most lodges and tented camps also offer Wi-Fi, although the connection can be slow or weak due to remote locations. You can buy a SIM card with data in Arusha if you need stronger coverage.

CAN I CHARGE MY DEVICES IN THE SAFARI VEHICLE?

Yes. All safari vehicles have charging ports. Tanzania uses the UK-style Type-G plug, so bring the correct travel adapter.

WHICH AIRPORT SHOULD I FLY TO?

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the closest international airport to Arusha and is the best option for most safaris. Arusha Airport handles domestic flights only. You can also fly into Dar es Salaam and connect to the north, or fly into Nairobi in Kenya, which sometimes offers cheaper international flights. From Nairobi you can take another flight to Kilimanjaro or travel by bus to Arusha.

WHAT IS THE MIGRATION?

The Great Migration is one of the world’s most famous wildlife events. Millions of wildebeest, along with thousands of zebras, move through Tanzania and Kenya in search of fresh grass. Lions, cheetahs and other predators take advantage of this natural cycle.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SEE THE MIGRATION?

In Tanzania, the best months are January to March, when calving happens in Ndutu, and June to August when the herds move through the western and northern Serengeti. In Kenya, the best viewing is from September to October. Even if you don’t travel during these times, Tanzania still offers amazing wildlife throughout the year.

WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE ON SAFARI?

Most lodges and camps serve breakfast and dinner buffet-style. Hot lunches are usually provided during full-day game drives. Meals are fresh, varied and made to suit different tastes.

DO I NEED TO TIP?

Tipping is part of the culture in Tanzania. If you are happy with your safari guide’s service, a common tip is USD 15–20 per person per day. Guide tips make a big difference to their income. Lodges and camps usually have a tip box at reception, and around USD 10 per day for two people is a good guide.

ARE THE GUIDES ON SAFARI CERTIFIED?

Yes. All our guides are fully licensed, well-trained and very experienced. They are friendly, knowledgeable about wildlife and culture, and committed to giving you a memorable safari.

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