Tanzania Safari FAQ

The dry season (June to October) is considered the best time for Tanzania safari, offering excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. However, each season has unique advantages:

• Dry Season (June-October): Best wildlife viewing, Great Migration river crossings, clear skies, cooler temperatures
• Green Season (November-May): Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, Great Migration calving season, lower prices, excellent bird watching
• Peak Season (July-September): Highest wildlife concentrations but also most crowded and expensive

The best time depends on your priorities - wildlife density, weather preferences, budget, and crowd tolerance.

We recommend a minimum of 5-7 days for a proper Tanzania safari experience. This allows time to visit multiple parks and witness diverse ecosystems:

• 5-6 days: Northern Circuit highlights (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire)
• 7-10 days: Comprehensive Northern Circuit with more time for wildlife viewing
• 10+ days: Multiple circuits, Southern/Western parks, or safari + Kilimanjaro combination

Longer safaris allow for a more relaxed pace and higher chances of witnessing rare wildlife behaviors.

Tanzania has three main safari circuits, each offering unique experiences:

• Northern Circuit: Most popular, includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire. Best for first-time visitors and Great Migration viewing.
• Southern Circuit: Less crowded, includes Ruaha, Selous/Nyerere. Better for experienced safari-goers seeking remote wilderness.
• Western Circuit: Most remote, includes Mahale Mountains, Katavi. Perfect for chimpanzee tracking and pristine wilderness.

Your choice depends on your experience level, crowd preferences, and specific wildlife interests.

Booking timelines depend on your travel season and accommodation preferences:

• Peak Season (July-September): Book 9-12 months in advance
• Shoulder Season (June, October-December): Book 6-9 months ahead
• Green Season (January-May): Book 3-6 months in advance

Luxury lodges and Great Migration camps fill up fastest. We can sometimes arrange last-minute safaris, but options may be limited.

Essential safari packing list:

• Clothing: Neutral colors (khaki, brown, green), long sleeves, hat, comfortable walking shoes, warm jacket for early mornings
• Sun Protection: High SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat
• Photography: Camera with extra batteries, memory cards, binoculars
• Health: Malaria prophylaxis, first aid kit, insect repellent
• Documents: Passport, visa, travel insurance, vaccination certificates
• Miscellaneous: Flashlight/headlamp, power bank, universal adapter

Avoid bright colors (especially blue and black) as they attract tsetse flies. Most lodges provide laundry services.

Health requirements for Tanzania:

• Required: Yellow fever vaccination (if arriving from endemic countries)
• Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningitis
• Malaria Prevention: Antimalarial medication recommended for most areas
• COVID-19: Check current requirements (subject to change)

Consult your healthcare provider or travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized advice based on your itinerary and medical history.

Yes, Tanzania is generally very safe for safari travelers:

• Safari Areas: Well-managed national parks with experienced guides
• Accommodations: Established camps and lodges with security measures
• Transportation: Professional drivers familiar with local conditions
• Wildlife Safety: Strict guidelines and experienced guides ensure safe wildlife viewing

Follow your guide's instructions, stay in designated areas, and choose reputable operators. Tanzania's tourism industry is well-developed and safety-focused.

Tanzania offers incredible wildlife diversity:

• Big Five: Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhinoceros (black rhino in select areas)
• Great Migration: 2+ million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles (seasonal)
• Predators: Cheetah, wild dog, hyena, jackal
• Other Mammals: Giraffe, hippo, crocodile, various antelope species
• Birds: 400+ species including flamingos, eagles, hornbills
• Primates: Chimpanzees (Mahale/Gombe), baboons, vervet monkeys

Wildlife sightings vary by season, location, and luck. Our experienced guides maximize your chances of incredible encounters.

Yes! Tanzania safaris can be excellent for families:

• Age Recommendations: Children 6+ for game drives (some lodges accept younger)
• Family-Friendly Lodges: Many camps offer family rooms and kid-friendly activities
• Educational Value: Incredible learning opportunities about wildlife and conservation
• Flexible Itineraries: Shorter game drives, more breaks, child-focused activities
• Safety: Experienced guides trained in family safari management

We design family safaris with appropriate accommodations, activities, and pacing for different age groups.

Both options have distinct advantages:

• Group Safaris: More affordable, meet fellow travelers, fixed itineraries, scheduled departures
• Private Safaris: Flexible itinerary, personal guide, customized pace, exclusive vehicle, higher cost
• Small Group: 4-6 people maximum, balance of cost and flexibility
• Large Group: 8+ people, most economical, less flexibility

Private safaris offer maximum flexibility and personalization, while group safaris provide social interaction and cost savings.

Yes, we accommodate various dietary and accessibility needs:

• Dietary: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, kosher, food allergies
• Medical: Mobility assistance, medical equipment transport, special medications
• Accessibility: Some lodges offer accessible accommodations and vehicles
• Special Occasions: Honeymoon setups, birthday celebrations, anniversary arrangements

Inform us of any special requirements during booking so we can make appropriate arrangements with lodges and ensure your comfort throughout the safari.