1. Best Time to Visit Tanzania for a Safari?

Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but the best time depends on what you want to see.

• Dry Season (June – October) → Best for wildlife viewing; animals gather around waterholes
• Great Migration (June – July & October – November) → Witness massive herds in Serengeti
• Calving Season (January – March) → Best time to see newborn animals & predator action
• Green Season (November – May) → Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices

2. Which Safari Destinations Are the Best in Tanzania?

Tanzania is home to world-famous safari parks. Here are the top destinations:

• Serengeti National Park → Home to the Great Migration and the Big Five
• Ngorongoro Crater → UNESCO-listed wildlife haven with stunning landscapes
• Tarangire National Park → Famous for large elephant herds and ancient baobab trees
• Lake Manyara National Park → Known for tree-climbing lions and flamingos
• Ruaha National Park → Remote, less crowded, and home to rare wildlife
• Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere NP) → Offers boat safaris and wild off-the-beaten-path experiences

3. What Wildlife Can You See on a Tanzania Safari?

Tanzania has incredible biodiversity, including the famous Big Five and much more:

• Big Five: Lion, Elephant, Leopard, Buffalo, Rhino
• Great Migration: Over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebras
• Predators: Cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs
• Birdlife: Over 1,000 species, including flamingos and eagles
• Reptiles & Amphibians: Nile crocodiles, pythons, and chameleons

4. What Types of Safaris Are Available in Tanzania?

Tanzania offers different safari experiences depending on your travel style and budget:

• Game Drives → Classic safari experience in open-roof vehicles
• Luxury Safari → High-end lodges, exclusive camps, and private guides
• Budget Safari → Affordable camping safaris with essential comforts
• Walking Safari → Explore nature on foot with armed rangers
• Balloon Safari → Aerial views of the Serengeti at sunrise
• Cultural Safari → Visit Maasai villages and experience local traditions
• Self-Drive Safari → Independent travelers can rent a 4×4 and explore parks

5. What Are the Best Safari Accommodations in Tanzania?

Safari accommodations range from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious:

• Luxury Lodges & Camps → Four Seasons Serengeti, Singita, & Beyond
• Mid-Range Lodges & Tented Camps → Well-equipped lodges with excellent service
• Budget Campsites → Basic but comfortable options for budget travelers
• Mobile Camps → Seasonal camps that follow the Great Migration

6. What to Pack for a Tanzania Safari?

Packing the right gear is essential for comfort and convenience.

Clothing:

• Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive green)
• Lightweight long-sleeved shirts & pants (for sun and insect protection)
• Comfortable walking shoes or boots
• A fleece or jacket for cold mornings and evenings
• A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

Gear & Essentials:

• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Camera with zoom lens & extra batteries
• Insect repellent & malaria medication
• Travel documents & insurance
• Small backpack for daily essentials

7. Do I Need a Visa to Visit Tanzania?

Yes, most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania.

• Visa on Arrival → Available for many nationalities at airports and borders
• E-Visa → Can be obtained online before travel (recommended for faster entry)
• Cost → $50 for most nationalities, $100 for U.S. citizens

8. Is a Tanzania Safari Safe?

Yes, Tanzania is a safe safari destination, but follow these tips:

• Stay in your vehicle during game drives
• Listen to your guide’s instructions
• Do not feed or approach wild animals
• Keep valuables secure and avoid walking alone at night in towns

9. What Are the Safari Costs in Tanzania?

Safari costs vary based on accommodation, travel season, and group size.

• Budget Safari → $150 – $250 per person per day
• Mid-Range Safari → $300 – $600 per person per day
• Luxury Safari → $700 – $2,000+ per person per day

Tips to reduce costs:

• Travel in the low season (March-May)
• Join group safaris instead of private tours
• Choose mid-range lodges instead of luxury resorts

10. How Do You Get to Tanzania for a Safari?

Most safaris start from Arusha or Dar es Salaam, depending on your itinerary.

International Airports:

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) → Best for Northern Circuit safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro)
• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) → Best for Southern Circuit safaris (Selous, Ruaha)
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) → For Zanzibar beach extensions

11. What Is the Food Like on a Tanzania Safari?

Safari lodges and camps offer a variety of meals, including:

• Western-style dishes → Grilled meats, pasta, soups, salads
• Traditional Tanzanian cuisine → Ugali (maize porridge), Nyama Choma (grilled meat), Pilau (spiced rice)
• Vegetarian & dietary options → Most lodges accommodate dietary restrictions upon request

12. Do I Need Vaccinations for a Tanzania Safari?

It’s recommended to get the following vaccinations before traveling:

• Yellow Fever (Required if traveling from a yellow fever country)
• Typhoid & Hepatitis A
• Malaria Prevention (Take anti-malarial pills & use mosquito repellent)

13. Can I Combine a Safari with a Beach Holiday?

Yes! Many travelers combine a Tanzania safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday.

• Zanzibar Island → White sandy beaches, historic Stone Town, and coral reefs
• Mafia Island → Excellent for scuba diving and whale shark watching
• Pemba Island → Remote, less crowded, and perfect for relaxation

14. Can Children Go on a Safari?

Yes! Tanzania is a great family safari destination, but consider:

• Age restrictions → Some lodges require children to be 5+ years old
• Private safaris → Better for families with young children
• Activities → Choose lodges with child-friendly activities like nature walks

15. What Currency Is Used in Tanzania?

• Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) → Local currency
• US Dollars (USD) → Widely accepted in hotels, lodges, and parks
• Credit Cards → Accepted in major hotels but carry cash for remote areas