Tanzania is a true safari destination, full of adventure and emotion, as well as a haven for African wildlife. Tanzania’s national parks will undoubtedly entice enthusiasts of wild animals with its plains and savannah landscapes.
Each park, whether in the north or south, is unique and full of animals in the midst of a thriving natural environment. Tanzania will astonish you with its face-to-face encounters with the great kings of the savannah in the heart of animal sanctuaries (such as the Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater in the north and the Selous Reserve in the south), as well as its encounters with the numerous local ethnic groups, including the legendary Maasai.
Without forgetting the Zanzibar archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, which is the ideal destination to unwind after a day of safaris and end your trip in style.
Find all of our recommendations and let yourself be guided while you prepare for your vacation to Tanzania.
Choose the best time to visit Tanzania
Tanzania, with its tropical environment all year, is a country where you may travel for the majority of the year. There are two distinct seasons: a dry season that lasts from June to October and December to February, and a wet season that lasts from mid-March to mid-May and November to mid-December.
The dry season, which runs from June through September, is the greatest time to visit Tanzania because the weather is dry, sunny, and slightly cooler. In the four corners of the parks, you will be able to observe animals searching for water. However, you will have the best opportunity of seeing zebras and wildebeest in full migration during the wet season.
Adopt a vacation formula tailored to your preferences and book with a travel agency like Greg Adventures.
Is a visa required for a travel to Tanzania?
A visa is necessary for citizens of the European Union to enter the nation; it costs 50 euros and is valid for three months for a single entrance. A valid passport, a passport photo, a photocopy of your return travel document, or a certificate from your travel agent will be required to secure your visa.
The official website of your Tanzanian embassy or consulate contains all current information about the paperwork required for entry into Tanzania.
What is a typical week-long itinerary in Tanzania?
There are hundreds of options, from tours to themed trips to off-the-beaten-path excursions; there is something for everyone! The great Tanzanian classic, however, is a two-week safari/beach vacation.
– From Arusha, visit the northern parks (Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park), and try a short hike up Kilimanjaro.
– Fly to Dar es Salaam and spend a day exploring this port city – Rent a car and drive to the Selous Game Reserve – Take a ferry to Zanzibar and relax on the spice island’s dream beaches to round off your trip.
How does a Tanzania safari work?
Tanzania is explored, discovered, and experienced in 4X4 vehicles with an experienced guide-driver. Allow yourself to be guided and discover Tanzania’s national parks while in good hands.
The driving is done by the driver-guide. He is an expert on the country, its fauna and flora, and will gladly share his knowledge with you during your trip. Tanzania, unlike other African countries, cannot be explored independently (self-drive).
When going on safari, leave early in the morning to maximize your chances of seeing the most wildlife. Throughout the day, you will come across a variety of animals.
What sanitation and vaccination precautions should I take?
We recommend consulting your doctor two months before your departure for most countries in East Africa, including Tanzania. Make sure you’re up to date on your DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, and polio) immunizations, and consider being vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, as well as typhoid fever, depending on where you’re traveling. Speak with your doctor, who will be able to provide you with guidance.
On the ground, hygiene has little to do with France, and the country’s sanitary situation is inadequate. Here are some pointers to ensure optimal safety:
– Drink only bottled water and do not wash your teeth with tap water (the purity of water is assured in premium hotels), – Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit, ice cream, and ice cubes.
How do Kilimanjaro excursions work?
Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and the world’s highest mountain, soaring 5,896 meters above sea level in the savannah’s heart.
The goal of every mountaineer is to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trek to the peak takes several days, ranging from 5 to 10 days depending on the difficulty of the ascent and the number of paths available.
Preferably, choose the dry season, which lasts from June to October, followed by the wet season, which lasts from January to March.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a breathtaking experience that is best enjoyed with the assistance of knowledgeable and experienced guides who will ensure your safety and oversee your progress.
What are some traditional Tanzanian dishes?
During your stay, you will eat the majority of your meals at your hotel, lodge, or camp. During safaris, picnics will be provided. Ugali (maize porridge), wali (rice), and nyama choma (grilled goat meat) are native cuisine staples that are consumed almost everywhere in the country. Fresh, high-quality produce, primarily fruits and vegetables, is inexpensive in markets. Delicious fish, shrimp, and other delicacies can be found along the coast. Finally, Swahili cuisine, with its various types of curry, some of which are quite potent, and flavors based on coconut and other spices, can be found in Tanzania…
Which Tanzanian parks should you visit?
While Tanzanian reserves and national parks are less well-known than their Kenyan counterparts, they are among the most appealing places in the world for anyone looking to see animals in their natural habitat, particularly the “big five” (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceroses, and buffalos). Traditional trips are undertaken in a 4×4 with a guide, and admittance to these parks is not free. Every adult should budget between 30 and 100 euros every day. Safaris can be taken by foot, boat, or canoe.
The Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater are the most famous and frequented parks in the north, while the Selous Reserve in the south is less popular and wilder (but equally beautiful!). The parks are open all year, though some are better for observation than others according on the season.
Between June and October, the scenery in the Ngorongoro Crater is at its most spectacular. The Serengeti National Park is close to the crater and is where the major animal migration occurs in June, July, October, and November. Aside from this period, the park has animals throughout the year. Several cubs can be observed in the Serengeti Park’s southern area during the birthing season, which lasts from January to February (Ndutu).
- Lake Manyara is an excellent site to watch a variety of species between June and October.
- Discover Tanzania’s most beautiful safaris and learn about the best times to see wildlife.
What sights might you expect to see in southern Tanzania?
Travelers who have already visited northern Tanzania should visit southern Tanzania. The south of the country contains a few national parks that are just as impressive because it is considerably wilder and less touristy.
Ruaha National Park, home to tens of thousands of elephants, as well as Mikumo Park and Selous Game Reserve, offer you to see real wildlife via 4×4, river boat, or on foot.
When does the Great Migration take place?
The Serengeti Great Migration is one of Tanzania’s most spectacular natural phenomena, occurring every year. Thousands of wildebeest, zebra, antelope, and predators roam and travel in a loop from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in the east (Ndutu region) to the southern Serengeti, depending on the season. They then go west to the Kirawira plains between May and July, and then north of the Serengeti between July and November, crossing the Mara River and reaching the marshes of the nearby Maasai Mara Park (Kenya).
The wildebeest finally cross the Tanzanian border in November, passing through the Serengeti’s north-east region before continuing their journey. Thousands of wildebeest give birth between December and January, making it a must-see event.
How is Tanzania’s road network?
Few tourists prefer to rent a car in Tanzania for logistical and financial reasons. An all-inclusive safari should be booked through a tour operator. The main roads are in good condition, while secondary roads range from passable to impassable depending on the season. The real challenge of driving in Tanzania is dealing with the locals. Although most vehicles drive on the left side of the road, many do not follow traffic laws or use turn signals… If you must rent a vehicle, choose a 4×4 with driver.
Is hiking possible in Tanzania?
Apart from the famed Kilimanjaro, Tanzania provides trekking fans the opportunity to combine outstanding hiking and trekking experiences with safari experiences. Nothing beats exploring Tanzania’s spectacular landscapes on foot, whether starting from the Serengeti’s northern section and going down the Rift Valley via the Gols Mountains to Lake Natron, or ascending the Maasai’s sacred volcano, the Ol Doinyo Lengai (2878 meters high). Other trekking trails, such as Empakaai Crater, approximately 1.5 hours from the Ngorongoro Crater and great for watching pink flamingo populations and numerous water birds around the lake, are also accessible.
Climbing Mount Meru (4,565 meters above sea level) is a once-in-a-lifetime trekking trip for any good walker who wants to see gorgeous natural surroundings and get a bird’s-eye view of Kilimanjaro.
Can I go alone in Tanzania as a woman?
Women who travel by themselves are generally safe. Tanzanians are a conservative people that will treat you with dignity. However, there are a few guidelines to follow:
- Dress simply and discreetly,
- Avoid going out late at night and sitting alone in a pub,
- Avoid driving to rural locations alone
In Tanzania, where can you sleep?
Tanzania offers a variety of lodging alternatives, including lodges, tented camps, bivouacs, and camping. Some lodging is more intimate and exclusive than others. Most are perfectly incorporated into their surroundings and provide all of the essential comfort.
In Tanzania, you can spend the night in one of the magnificent tented camps and fall asleep to the sounds of the savannah and wildlife. These settlements might be permanent or mobile, following the big migration to get even closer to nature.
Is it appropriate for children?
Traveling to Tanzania with a newborn is not advised since very young infants can not endure heat well, the cuisine is unsuitable, the journeys are long, and malaria is too harmful for young children. It is thought that 12 years old is the appropriate age to begin enjoying a vacation in Tanzania. The kids will have a unique and enriching holiday. Hotels and resorts frequently give them a discount. Wildlife watching will appeal to older children who can sit in a car for long amounts of time. The shoreline and beaches are very popular with younger children; when your children are swimming, keep an eye out for jellyfish and sea urchins. Finally, the Kunduchi Wet ‘N’ Wild Water Park, located north of Dar es Salaam, is a massive water complex that will please both children and adults!
What are the country’s significant events or festivals?
Tanzania hosts numerous events throughout the year. A marathon that draws runners from all over the world is held every year in March or February, starting from Moshi and wrapping around Kilimanjaro.
The Sauti za Busara is a three-day traditional Swahili music and dance event conducted on the island of Zanzibar at various dates and locations.
The migration of wildebeest and zebra is another must-see event. It is an astonishing display, a once-in-a-lifetime event in which thousands of animals migrate for greener pastures, but a precise calendar of the migration is difficult to provide because it varies from year to year.
Are you planning to end your journey in Zanzibar?
Whether you’re seeking for stunning beaches, leisure, water activities, or wellness, the Zanzibar archipelago is the ideal place to unwind after your safari. Zanzibar’s main island remains the must-see destination for those looking to mix beaches and culture. The village of Stone Town can serve as your “entry point” to the island of Zanzibar.
The old town of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will entice you with its typical building facades, historical structures like as the Fort, the House of Wonders (known as “Beit El-Ajaib”), and the Mtoni Palace. In terms of beaches, the entire east coast of Zanzibar is full of magnificent beaches with lagoons and turquoise oceans where you may sunbathe, meet fisherman and seaweed gatherers, and even attempt kitesurfing on some beaches. Other islands in the archipelago, including as Chumbe, Pemba, and Mafia, will also provide a tranquil ending to your vacation.
Can we interact with the Tanzanian people?
Tanzania is an East African country with a diverse culture that includes approximately 120 ethnic tribes, including one of Africa’s most mythological, the Maasai.
From the Maasai ethnic group in the northern Longido region to the Hadzabe hunter-gatherers of Lake Eyasi, via the Chagga and Datoga tribes, your guide will take you to villages or markets to meet them in a privileged and polite manner. For a few hours or longer, you will participate in a cultural immersion with a Maasai family in order to learn about and understand their culture, traditions, and way of life. It is a human experience that must be respected and preserved to avoid voyeurism.
What access to electricity, phone calls, and Wifi?
For your journey to Tanzania, remember to carry an adapter; the plugs feature three flat pins. In Tanzania, power outages are widespread. Electricity is generated by a generator in most lodges and campers, which restricts access. Always remember to keep your camera and phone batteries charged. The network for phone calls is still increasing; it includes the major cities but not the furthest reaches of the nature reserves! There are numerous cybercafés and agencies that provide Internet and Wifi connection at a very low cost. You can also get online in higher-end hotels or by purchasing a local SIM card for your smartphone.
What should I bring?
When traveling in Tanzania, it is necessary to pack comfortable clothing in neutral and not too light colors (such as white) to prevent attracting mosquitoes and tsetse flies. From sunrise until sunset, it can be chilly, so carry a fleece or some wool with you.
Take a toiletry kit in your suitcase with vital items like sun cream, mosquito repellant, and a tiny first-aid kit that your doctor will have prescribed before your departure.
Also, keep in mind that bringing plastic bags into the country is prohibited.
Remember to bring your camera to capture all of your safari encounters and memories. Take binoculars and a camera with a 70-200 or perhaps a 150-600 mm lens with you on your safaris to photograph the wildlife you will encounter.
Favorites include:
- Seeing the famed “Big 5” in the legendary Serengeti Park 2. Meeting elephant families in the stunning Tarangire Park
- Unwind on the beaches of Zanzibar’s main island’s east coast.
- Have a Maasai encounter in a trustworthy and genuine village
- Take in the morning flight of hundreds of pink flamingos on Lake Natron.
- Watch the annual Great Migration between Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.
- Visit the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania’s southern parks to see the untamed side of the country.
