Frequently Asked Question
Tanzania is located in East Africa and shares borders with the Indian Ocean, Kenya, and Uganda to the north; Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi to the east; and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. The country boasts several national parks, game reserves, and one conservation area of Ngorongoro.
If you plan on traveling to Tanzania, you can either fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. In case you choose to fly to Dar es Salaam, you'll need to take another flight to KIA. Once you arrive at KIA, our company will provide transportation to any of your preferred hotels in Arusha City and its surrounding areas if you wish to stay away from the city.
To travel comfortably in Tanzania, you need to bring proper clothing, gear, gadgets, and other requirements, including passports, visas, Tanzania Travel Insurance, and vaccination certifications. You can check out our Safari Packing List for a list of must-have items for your Tanzania safari. Additionally, it is essential to carry enough Tanzanian currency (Tanzania Shillings) for making payments at local businesses and tipping in Tanzania Safari, among other things. To avoid any delays at the airport, we recommend purchasing your Tanzania e-Visa as early as possible. Although Tanzania Visa on Arrival is also possible at Tanzanian airports, it is a more time-consuming process due to long queues.
Please make sure to bring the following items with you on your trip:
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- 2 pairs of breathable fabric pants
- First aid kit
- Light scarf
- Utility jacket
- Waterproof dry bag
- Moisturizer
- Closed-toe shoes with good traction
- Soft-sided bag
- Wide brim hat with chin strap
- Memory card for your camera
- Plug adapters/converters
- 1-2 long sleeve shirts in chambray or earth tones
- TSA - approved clear toiletry case
- Headlamp
- 1 pair of binoculars
Please ensure that you have everything on this list before you leave for your trip.
Tanzania boasts an incredible 40% of its mainland as pristine wilderness, including 22 national parks, and 15% of these areas are designated as formal reserves. While each of these parks is magnificent in its own right, the northern circuit of Tanzania is home to some of the most iconic parks such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Arusha National Parks. To experience the best safari in Tanzania, we recommend indulging in a combination of activities such as relaxing on the country's numerous beaches, immersing yourself in Tanzanian culture, climbing Africa's tallest peak, and experiencing a solo safari adventure.
For an unforgettable experience in Africa, we suggest combining one or two safaris with these activities, if time permits. Before moving on to the stunning beaches of Zanzibar Island, take a moment to visit Tanzania's mainland for an unforgettable safari experience.
If you're planning to go on a safari in Tanzania, the amount of time you need would depend on your preferences and the sights you want to see. It's possible to have a decent safari in as little as 2 days or as long as 10 days. However, if you have enough time, it's recommended to opt for longer itineraries and packages to make the most out of your experience. Tanzania is a diverse country with a unique blend of folklore, customs, and demographics, so taking your time to explore it will make your safari more enjoyable.
Planning a trip to Tanzania and have concerns about safety? Fear not, as we've got you covered. Our guided tours and Tanzania Travel Advice will ensure that you have the safest and most secure safari experience possible. Just remember to keep your valuable possessions safe in your accommodations, and never wander alone in unfamiliar places, especially at night. By following these simple guidelines and accompanying your safari guides wherever you go, you'll be free to explore all that Tanzania has to offer with confidence and peace of mind.
Tanzania holds a unique position in Africa in several ways. It is home to some of the best national parks in the world. After your safari experience, you will realize that you have gotten everything you wished for, including accommodation, food, and wildlife, all at a reasonable and affordable price compared to other areas in Africa.
The cost of a typical safari can vary from $500 to $3000 or even more, depending on the duration of your stay. This cost covers round-trip airport transfers, hotel accommodations, three full meals per day, domestic transportation, park fees, salaries for the safari crew, drinking water, and other expenses. However, it's important to note that this cost doesn't include international airline prices, visa fees, travel insurance fees, and extended tour stays. If you're interested in learning more about traveling to Tanzania on a budget, please don't hesitate to contact our travel specialists.
During your Tanzania Safari, a maximum of six people can ride in a safari vehicle. The remaining two seats are reserved for the driver and guide. Our safari vehicles are 4x4 land cruisers that provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for wildlife viewing and landscape appreciation. Each vehicle has a total of eight seats, providing ample room for game viewing, photography, and luggage storage. For optimal wildlife viewing, each car has a rooftop, sliding windows, and plenty of luggage space.
When going on a safari in Tanzania, it is advisable to avoid wearing black or dark blue clothing as these colors tend to attract tsetse flies. Similarly, it is recommended that you leave your bright white clothes at home as safari parks can be quite dusty and your white apparel can easily get dirty.
However, if you plan to go for a beach vacation following your safari, you can bring some white clothes with you. It is best to wear light, comfortable safari attire in neutral colors and materials. Khaki colors are particularly suitable for safari wear as they blend well with the surrounding environment.
Tanzania is accessible throughout the year, irrespective of the season. Many tourists, like yourself, book with us during the "long rains" of April and May, and the "short rains" of November to December. We ensure that your experience is the best it can be, especially during the wet season. The short rainy seasons are perfect for arranging a Tanzania safari for bird enthusiasts.
It's possible to spot migratory birds during rain showers.
We highly recommend planning your vacation between June and October to enjoy the unspoiled nature of the national parks without any inconvenience. Although the weather in Tanzania, especially in the northern circuit parks, is pleasant throughout the year, the western and southern circuit parks are inaccessible during the rainy season. Additionally, June and July are the perfect months to observe the vast herds of the Serengeti's great migration.
The Great Migration that occurs in Tanzania and Kenya is considered by many to be one of nature's most spectacular events. If you are unsure about where to go to witness this awe-inspiring trek of millions of animals, then the Serengeti's never-ending grasslands and Kenya's Masai Mara area are the places to be. The migration involves a march of 1.5 million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and gazelles. This march takes place during the wet season and continues from the Serengeti's plain in search of food and water. This incredible journey in pursuit of green grass provides a fantastic opportunity for the Serengeti ecosystem to flourish.
Tanzania is a stunning country that offers a range of locations for bird enthusiasts. With approximately 1,100 bird species, including a few that are endemic or near-endemic, Tanzania is one of the best bird-watching destinations in Africa. The country is home to several national parks, game reserves, and a conservation area. Some of the best places to spot birds in Tanzania are Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park.
When you choose Gertna Reisen & Safaris, you have the freedom to decide what kind of experience you want to have during your safari. Our team puts you in control of how much energy you want to expend on this adventure. A typical day trip involves a full-day safari where you will spend the entire day outdoors in a 4x4 safari vehicle, searching for wild animals in the national parks. During the day, you will stop at the picnic grounds of the national parks for a delicious packed lunch. Your guide will provide you with a variety of options, and the decision is entirely up to you.
During your trip, you will have the pleasure of the company of a skilled wildlife guide who will also serve as your personal driver.
It is quite common to spot zebras or giraffes grazing near your campground or antelopes lurking in the woods near your mobile camp while visiting Tanzania's national parks. These parks are home to a diverse range of wildlife species. If you are traveling with children, it is important to exercise caution around the campground. Although most campsites are located within national parks, you should be prepared to encounter some grazing animals in the vicinity of your stay.
If you're a parent looking for a great place to take your family on vacation, consider a safari. Your children can learn more about nature by being in close proximity to it, instead of just reading about it or watching it on TV. This is also a safe option for kids. We offer a family-friendly vacation package that includes a beautiful pool and spacious rooms that can accommodate up to four people. Additionally, we can arrange fun activities for your children at the lodges. If you're interested in learning more about Tanzania Safari and planning your trip, please feel free to contact our travel specialists at Ngorongoro Twin Peaks. We hope you found this information helpful.
