Tanzania Safari FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
A Tanzania safari is a bucket-list adventure, but it comes with questions when’s the best time, how much will it set me back, or what’s the deal with safety? Whether you’re dreaming of Serengeti’s plains or Ngorongoro’s crater, here are your top Tanzania safari FAQs answered simply.
1. When Should I Go on a Tanzania Safari?
- Quick Answer: June-October for dry weather; December-July for the Migration.
- More Info: Dry season (June-October) is prime animals crowd waterholes, and trails are easy. Migration fans love December-March (calving) or June-July (river crossings). Wet season (March-May) is quieter and greener but muddy great for birders or budget travelers.
2. How Much Does a Safari Cost?
- Quick Answer: $150-$600 per day.
- More Info: Budget camping starts at $150-$250/day (tents, basic food). Mid-range is $250-$400/day (lodges, guided drives). Luxury runs $400-$600+/day (fancy stays, private tours). Add flights ($800-$1,500 from the U.S.), visa ($50-$100), and tips ($10-$20/day). A 5-day trip might be $1,500-$3,500.
3. Is Tanzania Safe for a Safari?
- Quick Answer: Yes,
- More Info: Parks and tourist hubs like Arusha are chill crime’s rare. Wildlife’s the wildcard; stick with your guide and don’t wander. Malaria’s real use pills and spray. Cities like Dar es Salaam need more caution. Solo’s fine with a solid operator.
4. What Wildlife Will I See?
- Quick Answer: Big Five and heaps more.
- More Info: Lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinos shine in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire. Throw in wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, and cheetahs—plus birds galore. Migration season (Dec-July) means millions of wildebeest; Mkomazi’s got rare rhinos.
5. Do I Need Shots Before I Go?
- Quick Answer: Yes, some are a must.
- More Info: Yellow fever’s required if you’re from or stopping in a risk country (like Kenya)—bring proof. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine shots (tetanus, MMR) are smart. Malaria’s pill-only—start before you land. Hit a travel clinic 4-6 weeks out.
6. What Do I Pack for a Safari?
- Quick Answer: Light clothes, binoculars, basics.
- More Info: Neutral gear (khaki, beige), hat, hiking shoes, rain jacket (March-May). Binoculars and a camera are clutch for spotting game. Add sunscreen, bug spray, and a small med kit. Use a soft duffel—hard bags don’t fit in 4x4s (15-20 kg max).
7. How Do I Get to Tanzania?
- Quick Answer: Fly to Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Dar (DAR).
- More Info: No direct U.S. flights—try Turkish via Istanbul or Qatar via Doha (18-24 hours, $800-$1,500). Visa’s $50-$100 (online or on arrival). From airports, tours handle transport, or grab a local flight to parks ($100-$300).
8. What’s the Food Like?
- Quick Answer: Fresh, filling, and local.
- More Info: Camping gets you stews, eggs, and fruit; lodges serve buffets—grilled meats, ugali, and sweets. Try nyama choma (grilled meat) and Tanzanian coffee. Operators tweak for dietary needs—just ask ahead.
9. Can I Add Kilimanjaro to My Safari?
- Quick Answer: Yup, with extra time.
- More Info: Pair a 5-7 day Kilimanjaro climb with a 3-5 day safari—10-12 days total. Operators like Kilisa Tours bundle these ($3,000-$5,000). Pack trekking gear and altitude meds (Diamox).
10. Do I Need Insurance?
- Quick Answer: Yes, and Zanzibar demands it.
- More Info: Get $100K medical and $250K evacuation coverage—remote parks need it. Zanzibar’s $44 ZIC policy is mandatory (90 days) since Oct 2024. Total cost: 5-7% of your trip ($200-$400 for $5K).
