Top 20 answers that pop in every Traveller’s mind while planning for a Tanzania Safari
Tanzania is a country that is believed to be a storehouse of joy and pleasure with the ever-flowing fountain of breath-taking beauty. The country is believed to be created by god’s hand with that has gives a healing touch to mind and soul.
Sealed with national parks, volcanic peaks, beaches connected to the Indian Ocean, untamed game view Tanzania Safari Tours attracts more than 900,000 tourists each year.
It’s not only about Tanzania Safari, but also about exploring some life-changing adventures. However, before planning Tanzania Safari Adventure, many travelers get confused with various questions.
Here are some Tanzania FAQs we get asked by our travelers mostly.
How safe is it for me to Travel to Tanzania?
Well, this is the prime question we get asked by almost all of our travelers. We would like to assure the country is very safe to visit. There are hardly any reports of tourists getting harassed or any crime against tourists. You need to be a little careful (which is a genuine step no matter where you go), be in contact with your group members or trip operators always, and go for the safe option of traveling.
A Tanzania Safari is so safe that there are many female solo travelers come to visit the country and return safe and happy.
What will be able to see in Tanzania?
The answer can be a little tough as the answer have an endless list. The first steps you keep in the land of Tanzania will start to amaze you with its natural beauty and amazing locals. The first and foremost to explore on a Tanzania Safari are the national parks. The country offers 16 national parks and game reserves with untamed wildlife.
Not only the wildlife but also the national parks of the country are twinkling with breathtaking panoramic views. Nature will fill your soul with joy and goodness. The sound of birds, the dancing waves of wind, smiling flowers and more are waiting in the country.
Not only the national parks but also you can discover some of the finest beaches in Zanzibar. The soft white sand, slow palm breeze, and fresh seafood are enough to capture your senses.
How Much Does A Safari Cost?
While facing Tanzania Safari FAQs, the hardest question is to answer is the price as it differs with many factors. It is too hard to estimate an approximate price. However, most of the safari operators have pricing from budget-friendly to luxurious. Also, it depends upon elements like;
- How many days itinerary you choose (longer itinerary will cost you more)
- What types of accommodation you want (while mobile camping cost you less luxury permanent tents and lodges cost you more)
- Are you travelling in a group or a solo visitor?
- If you are looking for any extra services? (Special dinner arrangement or a balloon safari or flying safari etc.)
What Are The Accommodation Standards Like?
The accommodation standard varies as per your choice. There are 3 types of accommodation you can find during your safari trip to Tanzania.
Camping safari – It is basic tents that are enough spacious for one person. The tents are usually clean and come with comfortable beds and mattresses. The tents are temporary and usually settled until you are staying in the region.
Luxury Tents – These are usually semi-permanent camps with great ambiance and come with all modern amenities. It comes with an attached bath area and most of them have decks to sit out enjoying the view of the campsite.
Lodges – These are rooms with bricks and solid walls. Lodges can be of various ranges; from budget to luxury. While budget lodges are quite good and maintain a normal standard luxury ones offer outstanding service.
Will There Be Wifi On Safari?
Apart from a few permanent lodges, you may not get WIFI connection in other areas during your Tanzania Safari Tours. Few Tanzanian phone companies provide internet service to some areas of Serengeti. However, don’t expect it to be too fast. You can though discover the internet throughout the city area.
Check If You Require a Visa or Vaccination
Vaccination – The country has no mandatory vaccination apart from yellow fever as it is a mosquito prone area. However, the country is free from yellow fever but if you are coming from any place that is yellow fever endemic then you need to produce a yellow fever certificate.
Visa – Before coming to Tanzania you need to acquire a visa with a passport that is valid for 6 months after you come to the country. You can obtain an e-Visa. However, there are a few countries in which citizens don’t need a visa to enter Tanzania. Know if you require a visa or you can enjoy a visa-free entrance to Tanzania.
Following countries can enjoy a visa-free entrance to Tanzania for 3 months –
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Botswana
- Brunei
- Cyprus
- Dominica
- Eswatini
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Hong Kong
- Jamaica
- Kenya
- Kiribati
- Lesotho
- Macau
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Malta
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nauru
- Papua New Guinea
- Romania
- Rwanda
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Saint Lucia
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Samoa
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- South Africa
- Tonga
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Tuvalu
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- United Kingdom British Overseas Territories citizens
- United Kingdom Guernsey and Jersey passport holders
How long ahead do I need to Plan for my Safari?
If you want to go for a Tanzania Safari vacation then it would be wise to plan it a little early like 6 months prior. As there are a lot of things you need to get prepare with that might take you a long time. You need to acquire the visa, book your ticket, choose a good tour operator, take travel insurance as well as medical insurance is advisable, know more about and decide which places you should visit, etc. It will take you around 6 months to be completely ready for the trip.
Will I be able to use my credit cards to buy things?
No, you need to carry cash for shopping. Visa Card and Mastercard are widely accepted in international standard hotels only. You can, however, debit cash from the ATMs of the city area. Tanzanian currency is measured in Tanzania Shilling symbolized as Tsh. Cashless transactions are not widely accepted in the country. So it is preferable to keep cash while go for shopping in Tanzania.
When should I visit Tanzania for a safari?
The country is great for visiting throughout the year. However, it is considered to be more suitable for planning a Tanzania Safari trip in the dry season. Due to the proximity to the equator the country experiences 2 climates.
One is the dry season that continues from June to October and the other is the wet season from March to May. While the dry season is good to visit as the sky stays clear and there is almost no rainfall. The wet season is ideal for the birders as well as for those who are looking for a budget-friendly vacation in Tanzania. It continues from March to May.
However, apart from Northern circuit national parks’ southern and western circuits, national parks are hard to access in wet seasons.
Can a Safari be organized, based on my budget?
Yes, undoubtedly it is possible. We have various packages that are crafted carefully as per our experience with our clients. You don’t need to choose from already existing packages. You can choose your preferred itinerary, and time as well as let us know your preferred budget and we will come up with the best suitable package itinerary for you.
How does the exact safari itinerary look like?
Safari itineraries are the packages and the stops that you will be going to visit. One itinerary usually combines up 2, 3 or more national parks. To know more about how itineraries are crafted visit some of our popular itineraries here @ https://www.travelpartners.co.tz/tanzania-safari-packages.
What type of vehicles do you use on safari? What if I want to cancel my tour?
For safari like most of the safari companies, we use 4X4 vehicles to drive through the dusty roads of national parks. All our vehicles are comfortable having an open roof to see the animals and take a photo of them. Sometimes a minivan with an open hatch is used for safari too.
You don’t need to worry about the cancellation. If you are having any problem with your vacation plan then you can cancel it. We don’t charge any cancellation fee however; there are many tour operators who charge a cancellation fee.
How far in advance should I book my Tanzania safari?
We recommend booking it at least a year ahead. Almost 900,000 visitors are coming to Tanzania each year. So for getting your suitable choice, you should book your Tanzania Safari Tours at least one year prior. However, if you are going to plan your safari in rainy seasons you can book it a little delayed. Booking 6 to 8 months before is fine as wet seasons of the country don’t welcome more travelers.
What Is The Difference Between A Private Safari and A Group Tour?
No matter you choose a group safari or private safari both are enjoyable. In a group safari, you travel with a big or small group of fellow minded people. It is a great chance to know people from different corners of the world. In a private safari trip, you will enjoy a completely exclusive and comfiest safari trip.
While group safaris are more fun-filled private safaris are more luxurious. Private safaris are controlled by you however, in group safari you have to move with the whole group.
What extra activities to explore on a safari?
A Tanzania Safari is not only to explore national parks and wildlife but also it brings a great opportunity to explore various activities. Here are few of them;
Hot air balloon safari; take a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania especially over Serengeti. The fly starts at just before the sunrise early in the morning. Enjoying the sun waking up from the sky of Tanzania can be truly a blessed moment. Exploring the wide-open savannah field, acacia tree standing in between like big umbrellas, untamed games including predators to plain games can be breathtaking.
Canoeing safari; the country is rich with various rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and other water bodies. You can enjoy a boat/canoeing safari in the national parks of Tanzania. You can enjoy canoeing safari especially in the Momella lake of Arusha and in Lake Manyara.
Walking Safari; you can take a walking safari in a few areas of selected national parks that are free from predators. Walking safaris usually occur with armed guides. It provides an authentic feeling of African Safari.
Apart from these, you can explore various water sports, photographic safaris, bird-watching safari, great migration safari, and more.
Can I visit Tanzania is a low season?
Unarguably yes. You can surely plan your Tanzania Safari Adventure trip in the low season. Usually rainy seasons are believed to be not suitable for a Tanzania Safari; however, that’s only a myth. You can plan your safari year around, however, the southern and western national parks are not accessible during the wet season but Northern circuit parks are easily accessible and the view in the rainy season is truly magical. The lush scenery and the migrated birds along with discounted prices make the rainy season a suitable one for Tanzania Safari vacation.
What to bring on a Tanzania Safari?
Packing for a Tanzania Safari can be tricky however; you don’t need to pack a lot of stuff for visiting Tanzania. Here is a list to give you some idea for your safari packing;
- Converter plugs
- Copy of your passport and travel insurance information
- Light jersey
- Lightweight hiking boots
- A rain jacket
- Insect repellent with 30% DEET
- Sunscreen, Hat, and sunglass
- Full sleeved shirts and trousers
- Camera
- Binocular
- First-aid Kit
Do I need to think of a Cultural tour during Tanzania Safari?
We would highly recommend taking a cultural tour during your stay in Tanzania. A Tanzania Safari is not completed without taking a cultural tour. The country is not only rich in terms of natural views and wilderness but also has a great cultural essence to discover. Almost 120 ethnic tribal groups are residing in the country. Visiting the villages of the tribal people, exploring their lifestyle and rituals, their unique tradition and just chatting with them will bring you excitement. So, don’t miss the opportunity of exploring this iconic part of this country.
What Souvenirs should I purchase from Tanzania?
While visiting any new place we always get excited for purchasing something that will keep our trip’s memory fresh or some gifts for our near and dear ones. Tanzania offers some iconic items to purchase as souvenirs. These areas are colorful and diverse as the country is. Here are few of them;
- Handcrafted Leather Items
- Tanzanite (a gemstone only to find in Tanzania)
- Kanga and Kitenge (beautiful, light, and colourful clothes for women)
- Wood Carvings and Sculptures
- Paintings
- Ceramic art and pottery
- Artifacts
- Stone Carvings
- Jewellery and Beadwork
- Glassware from Shanga Shop (Shanga is a famous shop in Arusha)
- Woven Items (like hand-woven blankets, shopping baskets, table mats, laundry baskets and wall hangings)
- Maasai Shuka (decorative fabric from hand-woven cotton of the Maasai people)
- Masks
- Food Spices
How are the residential people in the country?
Tanzanian residential is mostly tribal people. Most of them belong to the Bantu community. Tanzania people are probably the friendliest and warm people you will ever meet. They are truly charming and innocent people with wide open arms to welcome the visitors. As they know most of their living depends upon the visitors coming from overseas, so they welcome visitors very warmly. Most of the Tanzanian can speak English as it is the official language along with Swahili.
Tanzania is a country that surprises its visitors in each step they keep inside the country. There is so much beauty around the country to touch feel, capture, and experience which is beyond imagination.
Make sure while planning for a Tanzania Safari you should do proper research and get the answer of all your Tanzania Safari FAQs. For step by step help to our travelers, we are also always ready. Just give a visit us @ https://www.travelpartners.co.tz/ .
