Tanzania Safaris

Tanzania Safari Travel Advice

At Mukisa Safaris, we specialize in helping travelers experience unforgettable African safaris. Our team of Safari Experts live in Africa, have traveled widely, and regularly visit the safari lodges, camps, and national parks we recommend. This helps us give you up-to-date, practical advice based on real experiences — not just internet research.

Planning Your Tanzania Safari: What You Should Know

1. Choose the Best Time to Travel

Tanzania is a year-round destination, but the timing of your safari can affect your experience:

• If you want to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti, the best time is usually between June and September, although the exact timing changes every year.
• For beach lovers heading to Zanzibar, the sunniest weather is between June and October, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

2. Book Early for Peak Season

Top safari camps and lodges — especially those in migration hotspots — fill up quickly, sometimes a year in advance. If you're planning to travel in high season (June to October), it's wise to book early to secure the best spots.

3. Pick Your Activities in Advance

While game drives are the heart of any safari, Tanzania also offers:

• Hot air balloon safaris over the Serengeti.
• Night game drives in select private reserves.
• Guided nature walks led by experienced rangers.
• Some of these activities are only available in specific areas, so it's important to plan your itinerary based on what you want to do.

4. Be Aware of Crowds in Peak Months

From June to October, national parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire are popular and can get crowded. If you prefer a quieter safari, consider traveling in the Green Season (November to March) — you’ll still enjoy great wildlife viewing and lower prices.

5. Go for a Private Safari Experience

Private conservancies and reserves in Tanzania offer a more exclusive safari. You’ll enjoy:

• Fewer tourists.
• High-quality lodges.
• Extra activities like night drives or walking safaris.
• These areas offer the same level of wildlife excitement as the big parks, but with more privacy.

Money & Spending in Tanzania

Currency

The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. Use USD printed after 2006 — older bills are not accepted.

Payments & Tipping

• Use cash when possible. Credit cards may be accepted in some lodges and towns, but they come with transaction fees.
• ATMs are available in major towns but not in national parks, so carry cash before heading on safari.
• Tipping is customary and appreciated:
• For safari guides: around $10–$20 per day per group.
• For lodge staff: $5–$10 per day, usually added to a communal tip box.
• In restaurants or cities: 10% tip if no service charge is included.

Tanzania’s Climate and When to Visit

Tanzania has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons:

Tanzania’s climate is generally warm and tropical, but it varies by region — coastal areas are hot and humid, while the highlands and inland parks are cooler. The country experiences two rainy seasons and two dry seasons, which affect both wildlife movements and travel conditions.

Understanding the seasonal changes is key to planning a successful safari or beach trip.

Long Rainy Season (April – May)

• What to Expect: This is the wettest period of the year. Daily, heavy downpours can make roads muddy and some camps inaccessible. Many lodges and camps close temporarily, especially in the Serengeti and other northern parks.

• Travel Tip: Not ideal for safaris due to limited accessibility and low visibility. However, some lodges remain open and offer low-season discounts. This is a good time for photographers seeking dramatic landscapes with lush greenery.

Short Rainy Season (November – December)

• What to Expect: Rain falls mostly in the form of short, scattered afternoon showers, with plenty of sunshine in between. The rains bring fresh vegetation and newborn animals, especially in the Serengeti.
• Travel Tip: A great time for birdwatchers and travelers seeking fewer crowds. The wildlife is still active, and accommodations remain open with moderate rates. Consider combining your safari with a beach stay in Zanzibar.

Long Dry Season (June – October) – Peak Safari Season

• What to Expect: Clear skies, low humidity, and virtually no rain. This is the best time for safaris because animals gather around permanent water sources, making them easy to spot.

Highlights:

• The Great Wildebeest Migration is usually in full swing between June and September in the Serengeti.
• Excellent visibility during game drives.
• Fewer mosquitoes, so lower risk of malaria.

Travel Tip: This is Tanzania’s most popular travel season, so book well in advance. Prices are highest during these months, but the experience is unmatched.

Short Dry Season (January – March)

• What to Expect: Hot and dry weather with clear skies. Wildlife is still abundant, and this is the calving season in the southern Serengeti — when thousands of wildebeest give birth, attracting predators and offering dramatic wildlife scenes.
• Travel Tip: Ideal for photographers and those who want to avoid crowds while still enjoying fantastic game viewing. Also a great time to visit Zanzibar's beaches after your safari.

What to Pack for a Safari in Tanzania

• Neutral-colored clothes: Light browns, greens, and khakis help blend into nature and stay cooler.
• Warm layers: Morning and evening game drives can be chilly, especially in open vehicles.
• Comfortable shoes: Ideal for walking safaris or exploring the lodges.
• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Binoculars & camera: For amazing wildlife sightings.

For Zanzibar & Muslim areas:

• Women should wear modest clothing in towns (e.g., t-shirts that cover shoulders, long skirts or trousers).
• Swimwear is fine at beaches and resorts but not in public towns.

Local Etiquette and Cultural Tips

• Tanzania is religiously diverse, with Christianity and Islam being the main religions.
• On the coast and in Zanzibar, many locals are Muslim — dress modestly and be respectful in public places.
• Tanzanians are generally warm and friendly. A polite “Jambo” (Hello) goes a long way!
• Always ask for permission before taking photos of people.

Getting to and Around Tanzania

Main International Airports:

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Closest to the northern safari circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara). You may need to transfer to Arusha Airport for smaller regional flights.
• Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR): Good for trips to Zanzibar, Nyerere (Selous), and Ruaha parks.

Safari Transfers:

• Most safaris use 4x4 closed vehicles with pop-up roofs for game viewing.
• Some remote locations like Mahale Mountains may require boat transfers.
• Travel between parks may be by road or light aircraft flights depending on the distance and time.

Visas & Entry Requirements

• Most travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania.
• Apply for an e-visa online at the Tanzania Immigration website. It can take 2 to 3 weeks to process.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
• Make sure you have proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever.

More About Tanzania

History & Economy

• Tanzania has a rich history that dates back over 2 million years, with fossils found in Olduvai Gorge.
• Once a center of the East African slave trade, the country gained independence in 1961.
• Its economy is largely agricultural, but tourism is now the top source of foreign income.

People & Culture

• Home to over 120 ethnic groups, Tanzania promotes a united national identity.
• Swahili and English are the official languages.

Tanzanians are proud of their peaceful and respectful culture — visitors are expected to show the same courtesy.

Nature & Wildlife

Tanzania is one of Africa’s top wildlife destinations, home to 20% of the continent’s large mammals.

• It has world-famous parks like:
• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Selous (Nyerere) Game Reserve
• Ruaha National Park

You can see lions, elephants, giraffes, wildebeest, hippos, and even chimpanzees — all in their natural habitats.