Travel tips for a safari in Tanzania

Travelling on a safari in Tanzania is one of the most exciting experiences you can have in your lifetime.

Since I watched the famous film “Out of Africa” with Meryl Streep and Robert Redford many years ago, I have been dreaming about a safari in Africa.

But to fully enjoy your safari, it is necessary to be prepared because it is not an ordinary trip.

Photo © SEKO Tours, Safari in Tanzania: an elephant, a lioness, a leopard

Tips: What to know before you go on safari in Tanzania

So, there are some things that you should know before your trip to safari in Africa.

📌 Best time to go on Safari in Tanzania

Generally, Tanzania is a year-round safari destination. But, the best time to go depends on what you want to see.

♦ June to October: Dry season, sunny and pleasant days, cooler nights.
This is the best time for a safari, especially for watching the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
Average daily temperatures are around 30° and night temperatures are from 17° to 20°.
◊ January to February: Great for birdwatching and witnessing the calving season in the southern Serengeti.
♦ November, March to May: rain season.
There are fewer tourists than usual, and prices are lower. But, you can expect heavy rains in April And May.

Important note:
Book your accommodation and safari tours with a company with good reviews, and clear pricing that understands your travel style (budget, mid-range, or luxury).

I found SEKO TOURS company, which specializes in crafting tailor-made Tanzania safaris. And I am planning my safari trip with them 🙂

Besides safaris, they organize travel to Zanzibar and Mount Kilimanjaro trekking.
You can contact them here for a free tour quote.

SEKO TOURS

🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements

Most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival or apply online (e-visa) on the website: Tanzania Immigration Department, before your travel.
Actually, it is recommended to apply for a visa online, and it saves time at the airport. It takes usually about 10 days to be issued. Read carefully the visa guidelines.

To apply for a Tanzania visa, you’ll need:
♦ A passport valid for at least 6 months after the final day of travel.
◊ A completed visa application form.
♦ Proof of travel (e.g., flight itinerary, return ticket, hotel reservation/tour itinerary).

Visa: Tourist single-entry visa: 50 USD, Multiple-entry visa: 100 USD.
A tourist visa is valid for 90 days.
The owners of American passports will have to apply for a Multiple Entry Visa.

Note: Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Photo © SEKO Tours, safari in Tanzania road

💉 Vaccinations & Medication

Before your safari trip, check with your doctor and local institute at least 6–8 weeks prior about vaccinations and medication.

Recommended vaccines:
♦ Yellow Fever
According to the World Health Organization’s classification, Tanzania currently poses a low risk of yellow fever. But, it is recommended to get a vaccine against yellow fever. And, it is mandatory if you’re entering from a country with a risk of transmission.

◊ Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (especially if you’re planning on visiting rural areas).

Bear in mind to bring with you a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate or other immunisations.

Malaria is present in Tanzania. There is no vaccine against malaria, so…
♦ Take antimalarial tablets as prescribed.
◊ Bring an insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.
♦ Sleep under mosquito nets provided by most lodges.
◊ Pack a small first aid kit with motion sickness pills, antihistamines, anti-diarrheal meds, and any personal prescriptions.
♦ Don’t eat dairy products unless you know they have been pasteurized.
◊ It is not allowed to touch animals, to avoid bites, or serious diseases (rabies and plague).

👜 Essentials to bring

◊ Itinerary and Confirmation Documents. 
Keep copies of your passport, certificate of vaccination, itinerary, flight tickets, hotel reservations, and tour activity confirmations. It’s always good to have both, digital and printed copies during your travels.

♦ High SPF sunscreen.
◊ Insect repellent (preferably with DEET or Picaridin).
♦ Binoculars for better wildlife spotting.
◊ Camera with extra batteries and memory cards.
♦ Reusable water bottle.
◊ Power bank or solar charger.
♦ Travel adapter: Tanzania uses UK-style plugs.

💰 Money & Tipping

Currency: Tanzanian Shillings (TZS).
Bring some US dollars in cash – they are useful for tipping, buying souvenirs, paying for visas, and handling personal expenses.
Many safari lodges, hotels, and tour companies also accept USD, especially for larger payments.

💡 Tip: Newer US dollar bills (issued after 2006) are preferred in Tanzania.

🧳 What to Pack for a Safari in Tanzania

👚 What to wear on a safari?

Choose neutral-coloured clothing, such as khaki, olive, beige, brown, and green.
Avoid bright and strong colours, such as red, yellow, and blue, and camouflage patterns (camouflage is reserved only for military personnel). Also, avoid dark and black clothes because they attract mosquitoes.

♦ Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics (cotton or linen).
◊ Long-sleeved shirts and pants: protect against sun and insect bites.
♦ A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
◊ A light jacket or fleece for chilly mornings and evenings.
♦ Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, to protect your feet.
◊ Bring a swimsuit if your lodge has a pool.

🏡 Safari Accommodation in Tanzania

Tanzania offers a range of safari stays. So, you can choose the accommodation that suits your budget.

♦ Luxury lodges in Serengeti or Ngorongoro national parks offer infinity pools and gourmet meals.
◊ Mid-range tented camps combine comfort with adventure.
♦ Budget-friendly campsites have basic amenities.

SEKO TOURS, Tanzania, safari accommodation: Gran Melia Ngorongoro, Tanzania Bush Camp Luxurious Tented, Nyikani migration camp, Tanzania Bush Camp

🐘 How to Behave on Safari: Dos & Don’ts

Dos:
◊ Always, always follow your guide’s instructions.
♦ Stay quiet and respect the animals’ space. The wild animals are not predictable!
◊ Take photos without flash.
♦ Keep your seatbelt fastened and your hands inside the vehicle.

Don’ts:
♦ Never feed the animals.
◊ Don’t wear strong perfumes.
♦ Avoid loud noises or sudden movements, and don’t scare the animals.
◊ Don’t litter, protect Tanzania’s ecosystems.
♦ Don’t use or bring with you plastic bags, they have been prohibited by law since 2019. Use only cloth and paper bags in your travel bags and luggage.

Photo © SEKO Tours, Safari in Tanzania

🔒 Safety Tips for Safari in Tanzania

Tanzania is generally safe, especially on guided tours, but bear in mind these things.

♦ Don’t walk around wildlife areas alone.
◊ Keep valuables locked up in your lodge or hidden in your bag.
♦ Avoid tap water and ice, drink only bottled or filtered water.
◊ Be cautious of petty theft in crowded places while visiting towns.

🕌 Cultural Etiquette & Taboos in Tanzania

♦ Dress modestly in towns and villages, and cover your shoulders and knees.
Tanzania is a country of mixed beliefs including Christianity and Islam, as well as several other conservative traditions and faiths. Shorts, miniskirts and very tight clothing are considered inappropriate and quite provocative.
◊ Avoid public displays of affection.
♦ Always ask permission before taking photos of locals.
◊ Greetings matter: say “Jambo!” and shake hands, but only with the right hand. Generally, avoid greetings, eating, touching, giving or receiving objects with the left hand, because it is considered unclean.
♦ Like in other countries, avoid discussing politics or criticizing the local government.

Photo © SEKO Tours, Masai, Safari in Tanzania

🌍 A Life-Changing Experience: Safari in Tanzania

A safari in Tanzania is not just about seeing animals. It is more than that.

During the safari, you connect with nature and learn about Maasai and Swahili cultures.
And of course, you create memories that you will remember forever.

With the right preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy every moment spent in dusty and magical Africa.
And when I get there, maybe I will have more useful information to tell you.

So, I am waiting for the day to pack my bags and be ready for Mama Africa, the adventure of a lifetime ☺️

Photo © SEKO Tours, Safari in Tanzania: zebras