Tanzania Safari Travel Tips

At Journey Smiles, our goal is to provide honest advice and unforgettable safari experiences. Our East Africa Safari Experts live in East Africa, have traveled extensively, and know the destinations they recommend inside and out. They regularly check out new lodges, activities, and experiences to ensure they meet our clients' high standards. You’ll get the most relevant travel info from someone who's actually been there!

Tips for Planning Your Tanzania Safari

Timing Is Key: If you want to see the Wildebeest Migration or enjoy the best beach weather in Zanzibar, make sure your travel dates match your wishes.

Book Early: Tanzania’s top safari spots and lodges, especially near the Wildebeest Migration, fill up fast, sometimes a year ahead, especially during high season.

Choose Activities: While morning and afternoon game drives are standard, special activities like night game drives, guided bush walks, and hot-air balloon safaris are available only in certain areas.

Expect Crowds in High Season: From June to October, popular national parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire attract many visitors. If you prefer fewer crowds, visit during the low season (November to March) for excellent game viewing.

Go Private: For a more exclusive experience, consider Tanzania’s private reserves. These offer top-notch accommodation, great wildlife viewing, and extra activities in some cases.

Money and Spending

Tanzania’s currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, but we recommend using US Dollars in cash. Credit cards and traveler’s cheques are accepted but come with extra fees. ATMs are available in major towns but not in national parks.

Important Note: US Dollar bills printed before 2006 are not accepted.

Tipping for good service is expected on a Tanzania safari, but check if a service charge has already been added. Tipping is usually extra and depends on the size of your group and the level of luxury. In Tanzania’s cities, tipping 10% in restaurants and bars is standard unless a service charge is included.

Tanzania’s Climate

Tanzania has four seasons:

• Long Rains: April to May (72–81°F / 22–27°C)
• Short Rains: November to December (81–86°F / 27–30°C)
• Long Dry: June to October (70–81°F / 21–27°C)
• Short Dry: January to March (84°F / 29°C)

What to Pack

Pack light, casual clothes in neutral colors for your safari, along with a warm jacket for evening game drives. For Zanzibar, dress modestly in towns, covering your shoulders and wearing long skirts or pants. Beachwear is fine on the beaches and at resorts.

Etiquette

Tanzania is a religious country, with Christianity and Islam being the main religions. In coastal areas and Zanzibar, where Islam is prevalent, visitors should dress modestly, especially in Stone Town. Tanzanians are known for being friendly, but always ask permission before taking photos of people.

Flights and Getting Around Tanzania

Main International Airports:

• Kilimanjaro International Airport: Serves Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. Transfers to nearby Arusha Airport are needed for flights to safari areas.
• Dar-es-Salaam International Airport: Main airport for the coast, Zanzibar, and national parks like Nyerere and Ruaha.

Regional Airports:

• Arusha Airport: Located 30 km from Kilimanjaro Airport, serving northern Tanzania’s safari airstrips.

Safari Vehicles

Safari drives are typically in closed 4x4s with big windows and pop-up roofs, ideal for game viewing and photography. Some areas, like Mahale, offer boat transfers across lakes.

Visa and Passport Requirements

Most visitors to Tanzania need a visa. We recommend applying online through the Tanzania Immigration Department for an e-visa, which takes 2 to 3 weeks. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned travel date.

More About Tanzania

History and Economy

Tanzania is rich in history, with fossils found at Olduvai Gorge, showing human habitation dating back over 2 million years. The country gained independence in 1961 and now has a diverse economy, with agriculture being the main sector. Tourism is growing rapidly and is Tanzania’s biggest foreign exchange earner.

People and Culture

Tanzania has over 120 ethnic groups, with a mix of Africans, Asians, Arabs, and Europeans. English and Swahili are the official languages. The country is known for its harmonious culture, based on respect and courtesy.

Landscape and Wildlife

Tanzania is home to a diverse range of landscapes, from grasslands and savannahs to mountains and rainforests. It boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa, with 20% of Africa’s large mammals found here. Over 25% of Tanzania is dedicated to conservation, making it a top safari destination. While northern Tanzania is the most visited, the south and central regions offer unique off-the-beaten-path safaris.