Traveling to Tanzania and going on a safari is an epic experience that combines some of the world’s wildest nature, vibrant culture, and, of course, plenty of adventure. If you’re wondering how to prepare my trip to Tanzania, here you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip step by step. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to prepare your safari-oriented trip with complete safety. It includes countless practical tips, recommendations, and everything other websites don’t usually tell you.
Before embarking on this wonderful adventure, make sure your health is fully covered. In the vast majority of cases, vaccination is not required, but if you arrive in Tanzania from a country with a high risk of yellow fever transmission, or have an extended stopover in one of those countries (such as Kenya), you will be asked for a yellow fever vaccination certificate. There are other countries where it is possible to contract yellow fever; we provide a list here for you to review and be completely safe before your trip.
Remember that the yellow fever vaccine is administered at least 10 days before entering a high-risk country.
Your doctor may also recommend other preventive vaccinations such as typhus, tetanus, hepatitis A and B, or an antimalarial treatment to prevent malaria.
As advice against insects, it is important to use a good insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing in the evening, and keep a mosquito net up whenever possible.
If you need more information about vaccinations for your trip to Tanzania, please contact our team at Safaris Africa United.
Once we’ve decided to travel to Tanzania, the question arises: When should I go on my trip? It’s best to visit this wonderful country during the dry season (approximately June to October), as the climate is more stable, the roads are passable without major problems, and the animals are concentrated in water areas. This combination of elements makes safaris more accessible and rich in sightings.
As a second option, we have the option between December and February. It’s true that during this time there may be light rains, but it allows you to see baby animals and nature is more «alive.»
On the other hand, if we decide to go from March to May (especially April), it is considered the long rainy season, and some lodges or trails may be difficult to navigate and less comfortable.
Also remember that, depending on the altitude (for example, in the Ngorongoro Crater or in mountainous areas), the nights can be cold, so you should bring a jacket or fleece. It is always recommended to bring warm clothing at any time of year due to nighttime temperature drops.
When deciding when to go, we also recommend:
Regardless of when you plan your trip to Tanzania, it is a country that will captivate you with its wild beauty.
To enter Tanzania, you’ll need a passport with at least six months’ validity and some pages free for stamps. A visa is required in most cases and can be obtained from the official Tanzanian government website.
Another option is to issue a visa upon arrival at the airport or land border. They can issue a visa for you upon payment of the fee ($50).
If you have any problems, when you book your trip to Tanzania with us, we will assist you, if necessary, throughout the visa application process, so you can obtain it with complete confidence.
The country’s official language is Swahili, but don’t worry, English is the most widely spoken language for tourism. However, if I were thinking about how to prepare my trip to Tanzania, I would learn a few basic words like hello (habari), how are you? (habari yako | habari gani?), or thank you (asante). Tanzanians are very hospitable, and you’re sure to get better prices in stores by trying to connect with them.
As for the time difference, for example, with England, there isn’t much difference. Depending on the time of year, the time difference is +3 hours in winter and +2 hours in summer, something to keep in mind when making calls or planning your trip.
Is Tanzania a safe country? The short answer is yes. It’s even one of the safest in all of Africa, as long as you take the usual precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night, not displaying valuables, using authorized taxis, etc. Once you’re in the presence of our Safaris Africa United guides, it’s best to always follow their instructions. They are highly experienced local guides, and their advice will ensure a fun and enjoyable stay.
Upon arriving in this country, another safety question may arise:
Is the water in Tanzania safe to drink? Regarding this question, you can only drink bottled water, and make sure it’s not opened before drinking. You’ll even need to use bottled water when brushing your teeth. We’ll always have bottled water available for you in our safari vehicle.
For emergencies, we recommend that you carry the contact information for your country’s consulate or embassy in Tanzania, as well as travel insurance. This way, you can enjoy the wonders of Tanzania with complete peace of mind.
To call the country from abroad, the prefix is +255 (for example, +255 XXX XXX XXX). It’s also worth noting that Tanzania’s toll-free emergency number is 999. Keep this information in your pocket for safety reasons.
Finally, remember to follow the guides’ instructions carefully: stay in the vehicle and don’t try to approach the animals; respect their space.
Take note: a good packing list will make the difference between a comfortable safari and one with minor annoyances. For clothing, ideally, it should be comfortable, loose-fitting, and in neutral tones (khaki, beige, olive green, etc.) to blend in with the surroundings. Bring both short-sleeved and lightweight long-sleeved shirts, a sweater for the evenings, and a raincoat if you plan to go during the rainy season.
Don’t forget long pants, comfortable sandals for the lodge, sturdy hiking shoes, a cap or hat to protect you from the sun, sunglasses, and a scarf to protect yourself from the dust or the cold. Personally, I would also add a swimsuit; some lodges have swimming pools, and in Tanzania, apart from safaris, there are some idyllic beaches.
For accessories, the list is as follows: a basic first-aid kit, powerful insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, a plug adapter (the current in Tanzania is 240 V and 50 Hz), and an external battery for your phone or camera.
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling. In mid- to high-end lodges and on safaris, you can usually pay with VISA/Mastercard or even US dollars. Euros are also accepted, but to a lesser extent. We recommend bringing small bills for change and for local expenses, or if you’re traveling to a more remote area.
Tipping is a very common gesture in Tanzania: it’s usually left for the lodge staff, the guide, and the driver. It’s a symbol of gratitude and is given in dollars or euros, but it’s up to you whether you want to give it or not.
When purchasing local handicrafts (Maasai fabrics, wood carvings, handmade jewelry), be aware that haggling is part of the deal. You can also shop at lodge shops that accept credit cards.
If you’re planning a romantic trip or honeymoon, Tanzania offers a wonderful combination of safari and relaxation. After exploring the savannah, the Big Five, and spectacular sunrises, you can relax on an incredible beach on the island of Zanzibar. It’s an unparalleled experience that combines adventure and romance.
Traveling to Tanzania isn’t just another trip; it’s a destination you’ll remember forever, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks to this guide on how to prepare my trip to Tanzania, it’s time to get started and embark on the vacation of your dreams. Get in touch with us.
We hope to see you soon!