Safari in Tanzania

1). Choose a Season

The Serengeti has two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The dry season, which occurs June through to October, is generally viewed as the most optimal for wildlife viewing.

This has nothing to do with the volume of animals, but instead the ease of seeing them. Shorter grass makes animals more easily visible, whilst drying streams and shrinking waterholes cause many animals to flock to an increasingly smaller area.

The Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti offers absolutely phenomenal wildlife spotting all-year round. January and February are also great months to visit.

2). The Great Wildlife Migration

The Serengeti is the primary location for one of earth’s most spectacular natural events: the Great Wildlife Migration. This is a monumental movement of over two million animals – primarily wildebeests – across the landscape in an endless pursuit of fresh water and grass. To see such a massing of animals is a mesmerizing sight. So regardless of when you visit Tanzania, you have the possibility of catching it.

3). Choosing the Correct Itinerary

A longer safari ups your chances of seeing the Big Five.  Most safari-goers are understandably very keen to spot all of the Big Five, along with some other famous animals like cheetahs and hippos. So spend more time if you have it.

You should be able to see all the major animals on our 3 or 4 day safari – but you might not. Inevitably, the longer the stay, the better your chances of seeing as much wildlife as possible. We normally see lots of Elephants in Tarangire National Park and the Serengeti has more lions than anywhere else in Africa! Last time I was in the Ngorongoro crater we saw the big five!!

4). What to Wear 

Turns out there’s some science behind the khaki and earth tones people wear on safari! These neutral colors repel the heat and do a good job of disguising any splotches of African dust and soil. Two colors to avoid are blue and black, as these have been found to attract tsetse flies. Not what you need in your life! In terms of fabrics, you want to wear light and breathable materials, as it can get really hot on certain safari drives.

Protect yourself from the sun and cover up on a game drive, as you spend many hours outdoors. Don’t be the red-faced tourist with the peeling nose. Instead, wear a wide-brimmed, round hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a long-sleeved top, preferably one with a collar. Zip-off trousers are a good option so that you have the best of both worlds.

Covering yourself is also a handy way to help avoid mosquito bites. (You do, of course, also want to carry mosquito repellent, which you should reapply regularly.

It can get cold at night which surprises to many visitors, but as the sun sets, the temperatures cool considerably in the Serengeti. Don’t expect to be sleeping au naturel. Long-sleeves, trousers and jackets are very wise.

5). Bring the Right Photography Equipment

For those hoping to capture excellent photography out on safari – equipment is key. The truth is that a smartphone or basic point-and-shoot won’t really cut it on safari. Bring binoculars if you are a smart phone user.

You’ll see plenty of wildlife up close, but a strong digital zoom or a lens with a focal length of at least 200 mm and above is necessary for those more distant shots.

Q). Can we leave baggage and do laundry at the hotel?

A). We use the Sheraton hotel in Arusha and they have a secure room for baggage that you need to leave at the hotel. The hotel has a laundry service.

Q). What are the best months for Safari?

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Q). What will the food be like on Safari?

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Q). How much is the visa fee to enter Tanzania?

A). Right now the visa fee ranges from USD $50 to $100. For US clients it is $100, while most European countries will pay $50.

Q). What vaccinations do I need to enter Tanzania?

A). Tanzania does NOT have Yellow Fever in the country, so they only require you to show proof of vaccine for Yellow Fever if you are from a country that does have Yellow Fever. Or transiting for more than 12 hours in an airport located in a country with risk of Yellow Fever Virus transmission. Here are some recommended for vaccinations entering Tanzania: Tetanus, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Hepatitis B, Poliomyelitis, Cholera, covid19 and tablets to protect you from getting malaria. Learn more.

Q). What additional expenses will I incur?

A). Here are some additional expenses that you will incur. Visa Entry, meals in Arusha, Tips, laundry, souvenirs and trip insurance.

Q). How much should I tip the driver?

A). We recommend tipping the staff as a group on the last morning of the trip We recommend tipping the driver $10 per person, per day.

Q). What insurance do I need to have?

A). We recommend insurance that covers trip cancellation cover, repatriation along with medical expenses.