Get answers to all your Tanzania safari questions - from costs and timing to safety, packing, and what to expect on your adventure.
Planning a Tanzania safari raises many questions. This comprehensive FAQ addresses the most common concerns, helping you prepare for an unforgettable African wildlife adventure.
Planning and Logistics
How far in advance should I book?
Booking timelines vary by season:
- Peak season (July-October, December-January)9-12 months ahead
- Shoulder season3-6 months ahead
- Green season1-3 months ahead, sometimes last-minute
- Luxury camps with limited capacity12-18 months for peak dates
What's included in a safari package?
Typical inclusions:
- Accommodation (lodge, camp, or hotel)
- Meals as specified (usually full board on safari)
- Game drives with qualified guide
- 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Park entrance fees
- Airport/hotel transfers
- Bottled water during drives
Usually excluded:
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages (unless specified)
- Optional activities (balloon safaris, etc.)
Do I need a visa?
Most nationalities require a visa:
- Available on arrival at major airports
- E-visa available online before travel
- Single entry: $50 USD
- Multiple entry: $100 USD
- Passport must be valid 6+ months from entry date
What vaccinations do I need?
Recommended vaccinations:
- RequiredYellow fever (if traveling from endemic country)
- RecommendedHepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus
- ConsiderRabies, Meningitis
- MalariaProphylaxis strongly recommended (not a vaccine)
- Consult your travel doctor 6-8 weeks before departure
Wildlife and Game Drives
Will I see the Big Five?
The Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino):
- Serengeti and Ngorongoro offer best chances for all five
- Lions, elephants, buffalo: Very likely
- Leopards: Common but elusive—requires patience
- Rhinos: Best seen in Ngorongoro Crater
- Multi-day safaris dramatically improve odds
How long are game drives?
Typical schedule:
- Morning drive: 3-4 hours (6:00 AM - 10:00 AM)
- Afternoon drive: 3-4 hours (3:30 PM - 6:30 PM)
- Full-day drives: 8+ hours with picnic lunch
- Flexibility based on wildlife activity
Can I get out of the vehicle?
Safety regulations vary:
- Generally, you must stay in the vehicle in national parks
- Designated picnic areas allow exit
- Walking safaris available in some areas with armed rangers
- Private concessions often have more flexibility
- Always follow guide instructions
Is safari safe?
Safari is very safe when following guidelines:
- Stay in the vehicle unless directed otherwise
- Don't lean out or make sudden movements
- Keep quiet near animals
- Follow all camp safety rules
- Wildlife attacks on tourists are extremely rare
Accommodation
What's the difference between lodges and camps?
Lodges:
- Permanent structures
- Solid walls and roofs
- Often larger with more amenities
- May have pools, restaurants, bars
Tented camps:
- Canvas structures (ranging from basic to luxury)
- More intimate bush experience
- Often in prime wildlife locations
- Can range from simple to ultra-luxury
Is there electricity?
- Lodges usually have 24-hour power
- Camps often use generators (limited hours) or solar
- Charging stations typically available
- Bring adapters (Tanzania uses UK-style 3-pin plugs)
Is there WiFi?
- Most lodges offer WiFi (sometimes limited to common areas)
- Remote camps may have no connectivity
- Speed varies significantly
- Consider disconnecting—it's part of the experience!
Health and Safety
What about malaria?
Malaria prevention is important:
- All safari areas are malaria zones
- Take prophylaxis as prescribed by your doctor
- Use insect repellent (DEET 30%+)
- Wear long sleeves and pants at dusk/dawn
- Sleep under mosquito nets
Is the food and water safe?
- Safari operators provide safe drinking water
- Food at reputable camps/lodges is safe
- Avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources
- Street food requires caution
- Dietary requirements can usually be accommodated with notice
What if I have a medical emergency?
- Guides carry first aid kits
- Flying doctors service available for evacuation
- Travel insurance essential—verify it covers medical evacuation
- Major hospitals in Arusha and Dar es Salaam
Practical Matters
What should I pack?
Safari essentials:
- Neutral-colored clothing (khaki, green, brown)
- Layers for temperature changes
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Binoculars
- Camera with zoom lens
- Insect repellent
- Personal medications
How much should I tip?
Tipping guidelines (per day, per group):
- Safari guide: $15-25 USD
- Safari driver (if separate): $10-15 USD
- Camp/lodge staff (tip box): $10-20 USD
- Tip in cash at end of trip or stay
What currency is used?
- Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is official currency
- US Dollars widely accepted for tourism
- Bring newer bills (post-2006, no tears or marks)
- Credit cards accepted at some lodges
- ATMs available in Arusha and major towns
Can I use my phone?
- Mobile coverage in parks varies
- Good coverage near gates and major camps
- Remote areas often have no signal
- Local SIM cards available in cities
- Roaming charges can be high—check with provider
Safari Experience
Is safari suitable for children?
Family safaris can be wonderful:
- Many camps welcome children (age limits vary)
- Some offer family-specific programs
- Private vehicles recommended for families
- Consider children's attention spans for game drives
- Age 6+ generally recommended for full safari experience
Can I combine safari with other activities?
Popular combinations:
- Safari + Kilimanjaro climb
- Safari + Zanzibar beach
- Safari + gorilla trekking (Rwanda/Uganda)
- Safari + cultural experiences
What if it rains?
- Game drives continue in light rain
- Heavy rain may delay departure temporarily
- Rain brings different wildlife behaviors
- Vehicles have waterproof covers
- Pack a light rain jacket regardless of season
Still Have Questions?
Every safari is unique, and specific questions deserve personalized answers. Contact our team for detailed information about your particular interests, concerns, or circumstances. We're here to help you plan the perfect Tanzania safari experience.
