Best Time for Tanzania: 

The best time to visit Tanzania largely depends on your interests, but generally, the dry season from late June to October is ideal for wildlife viewing, especially in places like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. This period offers clear skies and less vegetation, making animals easier to spot.

If you’re interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the months of January to March and June to October are the most popular due to better weather conditions. For those looking to see the Great Migration, visiting between June and September is perfect, as this is when the wildebeest cross the Mara River. If you prefer fewer crowds and lower prices, the shoulder seasons in late October to December and early January can also be good, but be prepared for some rain.

Tanzania has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons:

Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time for wildlife viewing. Expect warm temperatures, especially in the day, and cooler nights. Rainfall is minimal.

Wet Season (November to May): The long rains occur from March to May, while short rains typically fall in November and December. During this time, temperatures are warm, but heavy rains can affect travel and wildlife viewing.

Temperatures: Coastal areas, like Dar es Salaam, are hot and humid year-round, while inland regions can be cooler, especially at higher altitudes like Kilimanjaro.

Microclimates: Tanzania’s diverse geography means weather can vary significantly from one region to another. The northern parks (Serengeti, Ngorongoro) have their own microclimates compared to the southern parks (Ruaha, Selous).

Overall, if you’re planning a visit, be prepared for varying conditions based on the time of year and the region you’re exploring!

Tanzania Health:

Here’s the information you need to stay safe and healthy. Medical services in Tanzania are limited and depending on your illness or injury, you may need to be medically evacuated to a major city for a higher level of treatment. We’re recommending carrying a travel first aid kit which contains the basics plus extras such as bandages, anti malarials, antipasto tablets etc. that way you can start to treat any potential health issue before seeking medical assistance.

Bring any medications you may need with you, along with a doctor’s letter outlining what they are for, to save wasting your holiday time finding them while traveling. Pharmacies in major cities tend to have good supplies but can have medications with short and past expiry dates or the quality is not to western standards, so check you before buy.

Vaccinations for Tanzania:

Travelers heading to Tanzania are typically recommended to receive the following vaccinations:

1. Yellow Fever: Required if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
2. Hepatitis A: Recommended due to potential exposure through food and water.
3. Hepatitis B: Recommended, especially for longer stays or if you might have medical procedures.
4. Typhoid: Recommended for travelers, particularly those staying with friends or family or in areas with poor sanitation.
5. Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis (Tdap): Ensure routine vaccinations are up-to-date.
6. Rabies: Considered for those at risk, such as travelers planning to work with animals or who will be in remote areas.
7. Meningococcal Meningitis: Recommended if traveling to certain regions or during outbreaks.

Always consult with a healthcare provider or travel clinic to tailor vaccinations to your specific travel itinerary and health needs!

Tanzania Visa:

To visit Tanzania, most travelers need a visa, but requirements can vary based on nationality. Here’s a general overview:

Types of Visas:

1. Tourist Visa: For leisure visits.
2. Business Visa: For business-related activities.
3. Transit Visa: For passing through Tanzania to another destination.

Application Process:

• Online: Many travelers can apply for an e-Visa through the Tanzanian government’s official e-Visa portal. This is the most convenient option.
• Embassy/Consulate: Alternatively, you can apply at a Tanzanian embassy or consulate in your country.

Requirements:

• • A valid passport (with at least six months’ validity and blank pages).
  • A completed visa application form.
  • Passport-sized photos.
  • Proof of onward travel (flight itinerary).
  • Accommodation details.

Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant’s nationality.

Duration: Tourist visas are typically valid for up to 90 days, with a single entry. Extensions may be possible, but you’ll need to apply while in Tanzania.

Always check the latest visa requirements and procedures before your trip, as they can change!

Tanzania Safari Packing List:

Carry-on/daypack essentials:

• Underwear and a change of clothes.
• Kindle
• Snacks for long flights and layovers
• lip balm and a small tube of hand lotion
• Camera, batteries and all chargers.
• Comb or brush
• Itinerary for your safari/trip
• Passports and necessary Visas and proof of shots
• Extra zip lock bags and tissues
• A neck rest and small blanket.
• small container of Ibuprofen, melatonin and cold medicine/Benadryl

Main suitcase packing list:

• Light jacket
• raincoat that will fit over the light jacket
• 2 short sleeve t-shirts
• 2 long sleeve t-shirts (preferably button down that will fit over your t-shirts.
• 2 pair long pants
• 2 pair shorts
• one pair pajamas – lightweight
• Sun hat or visor
• 3 pair socks
• underwear
• one pair sandals
• one pair sneakers or casual close toed shoes
• two sundresses (for females – especially if you are going to Zanzibar or another island after your safari)
• one nice button down and khakis (for men)
• bathing suit
• deodorant
• sunscreen and lip balm
• Make-up
• insect repellent
• Prescriptions meds.
• Benydryl or other allergy med.
• Bandaids, bug bite stick, pain reliever, extra saline, and eye drops.
• anti-malarial
• journal or notebook to log animal sightings
• small bag to hold stuff you m ight want to bring on game drives i.e camera, batteries, water, sunscreen
• extra ziplock bags
• Tide stick or Tide packets for quick cleaning on the fly
• Glasses
• Sunglasses
• Flashlight

Tanzania Safari FAQs

How safe is it to travel to Tanzania?

On your Tanzania Safari Tours, you will receive a warm-hearted welcome from the generous people of Tanzania who are eager to help and assist visitors. If you are wondering what is The Best Safari in Tanzania – Try cultural tours to interact with the local tribes. Although Tanzania is safe, petty thefts are common in busy areas so responsible handling of your luggage and valuables and keeping them safely in your hotel rooms will save you from unnecessary disappointments. We suggest you hinder from wearing too much jewellery or carrying too much cash while on your safari.

How safe is the water and food in Tanzania?

When travelling through Tanzania it is best to drink bottled water. This is a usual Tanzania Safari Faq’s query that we come across. As numerous brands of bottled water are served in all restaurants and lodges you won’t fall short of them. In terms of food defer from ice, raw vegetables, and salads while eating at street restaurants. Hygiene is not an issue at high-end lodges and restaurants. You should also avoid eating in empty restaurants as the. And at the coast make sure your sea-food is properly cooked.

Typical food in Tanzania?

The tasty and delicious Tanzania Food served in the safari camps/lodges are cooked by our professional cooks. You will get freshly baked bread, and produce soups and salads, apart from various lunch and dinner items when meat, fish or pasta dishes are served. The usual day begins with a cup of tea and biscuits. In your brunch, you will be served sausage, cereals, toast, fruits, eggs and bacon. Then the warm delicious buffet lunches are served with salads, quiches and cold meats. At dinner expect an appetizer followed by fish, meat and pasta dishes. The day ends with a stunning dessert, cheese or tea/coffee. As the Tanzanian crew work so hard, Tipping in Tanzania Safari is considered a customary tradition.

What should I wear on safari in Tanzania?

In our well-articulated Safari Packing List Tanzania, we have mentioned the best and the most necessary items that you simply cannot miss on your safari. This includes which is usually a modest wear and light clothing, that is comfortable and of neutral colours. This is because the warm plains will not require long sleeve clothes except while sleeping at the camps and lodges. Good quality walking show is of great help on the safari. Pack sunhats, sunglasses and sunblock to stay protected from the sun.