11 Essential Tanzania Safari Tips for First-Time Visitors (2024)

Are you planning your first Tanzania safari adventure and feeling overwhelmed with all the information out there? Planning for a safari trip can be intimidating, especially if you are a first-time visitor to this beautiful country. Let me share some Tanzania safari tips and tricks to enhance your experience.

Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s most iconic and diverse wildlife reserves, including the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. With its stunning landscapes and rich wildlife, a safari in Tanzania promises an incredible journey into the heart of the African wilderness.

In this guide, I will help you with everything you need to know before your Tanzania Safari and how to plan your perfect safari. Let’s get started. There is a bonus section at the end for my Indian readers.

Table of Contents

1. Best time to visit Tanzania for a Safari

The best time to visit Tanzania for safari is during the dry season, i.e. from June to early October. This is the time when you’ll find a lot of wildlife near water sources and it even gives glimpses of scenes from The Lion King.

The weather is also very pleasant and not too cold and there is barely any rainfall. But this also means it is the busiest season for tourism. By busy season I mean 25-30 jeeps if a big 5 or a big cat is found.

Now if you want to see the biggest wildlife migration then you have no other option other than to visit it during this period. If you want to see fewer people and a safari a little cheaper on the pocket, you should visit it in the shoulder season which is from December to February.

It is best to avoid the safari during the rainy season because the animals also hide to get cover and the roads will be horrible.

2. Choosing the right safari company

I can’t stress enough how important it is to choose the right safari company for a memorable safari experience in Tanzania. I researched more than 30 companies based on my budget and other necessities to finalize the safari company.

More than the company it’s your guide who is important, they will accompany you throughout the safari and have to be very knowledgeable about the parks and the animals. I was very lucky to have found Omary who was my guide because of whom I was able to experience the greatest wildebeest migration.

To make sure you choose the right safari company, I have provided a checklist of questions you should ask the company before you book them. Find the checklist at the end of this blog.

I can vouch for two companies with whom I had the best experience in Tanzania

Serengeti Landmark Tours: +255 629 484 291
Benson Safaris: +255 788 841 723 (Private Safaris only)

You can directly contact them and book your hassle-free Tanzania safari

3. Different national parks in Tanzania for safari

There are two main national parks that you cannot miss: Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Both these places have abundant wildlife and are the best spots not just in Tanzania but the whole of Africa.

Let me share a little more information about these places and the other national parks that you can visit on your trip to Tanzania.

Serengeti National Park – Treasure Trove of Wildlife

Serengeti National Park is a true treasure trove of wildlife, located in Tanzania. The name Serengeti is derived from the Maasai word Siringit which means endless plains. The park stretches over 30,000 sq km. To put this into perspective that’s equivalent to the size of the country Belgium. The park looks just out of a movie, well parts of The Lion King were based on this.

You will find all the species of animals from giraffes, hippos, and cheetahs, to all the Big 5, Ugly 5, and many more species. From the Big 5, rhinos are the rarest to spot because of their smaller number and poaching. Don’t be surprised if you do see 2-3 different prides of lion on the same day.

Ngorongoro Crater – Big 5 Haven

The reason why Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best spots in Africa to experience wildlife is because of its size. It’s just 264 sq km big and you can find every animal possible, lions, African elephants, rhinos, hippos, hyenas, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest. Because it’s so small the chances of spotting the Big 5 in a single day are even higher. Another great part about the crater is it is the largest inactive caldera(Large depression formed when a volcano erupts and collapses). This place too will give you vibes from The Lion King movie.

Tarangire National Park – Did someone say elephants?

If you’re an Elephant lover, you are going to love this place. The Tarangire National Park is famous for its herds of elephants and baobab trees also known as Trees of Life. There is not one corner in the park where you can’t spot elephants. Tarangire makes a great option to start your Tanzania safari experience.

Lake Manyara National Park – Tree Climbing Lion?

What makes Lake Manyara National Park famous is the unique population of tree-climbing lions, which is not seen in the other national parks. It is a different sight altogether when you see the lions resting on the branches of the trees. Lake Manyara is also home to a wide variety of wildlife and bird species.

Lake Natron – Flamingos and Red Lake

Lake Natron is famous for its flamingoes and the red color of the lake. The lake’s unique color is due to the presence of microorganisms and bacteria. The combination of the pink flamingos against the red lake creates such an amazing view.

If you’re fancying an adventure, do climb Ol Doinyo Lengai, the only active volcano in Tanzania that is in the same region.

Selous Game Reserve – Boat Safari

Did you think Serengeti was a big national park, then let me introduce you to Selous which is the biggest national park in Africa. Contrary to Serengeti, this park sees a lower footfall from tourists. But one cannot miss the boat safari in Rufiji River when visiting Selous National Park.

Gombe Stream National Park – Jane Goodall and her Chimpanzees

Gombe National Park is famous for being the place where renowned primatologist Jane Goodall conducted her groundbreaking research back in 1960. Wouldn’t it be cool to see the chimpanzees who are the close living relatives to us humans? Jane Goodall’s research revolutionized our understanding of these primates at Gombe National Park. Seeing the chimpanzees here is still very high on my bucket list.

These are not all the national parks Tanzania has, but these are some of the best ones to experience the wildlife in Tanzania.

4. How long should a safari be in Tanzania

A safari in Tanzania can be for as little as 3 days to even 3 weeks, it all depends on your budget and preferences. The majority of safaris are 5-7 days long and generally cover the North circuit in Tanzania, which includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater & Tarangire. You can also choose longer safari options to visit the other remote safaris and experience specialized activities like walking safaris or hot air balloon rides.

If you want to experience the great wildebeest migration, it’s best to opt for a 6-day safari and stay at least a day in northern Serengeti.

5. How much does the Tanzania safari cost?

The most important aspect of your Tanzania safari is the budget, and how expensive is it going to be. When compared to Kenya, the Tanzania safari are a little more expensive but they also provide a unique experience.

Tanzania Safari for a budget traveler

For a traveler to experience Tanzania safari on a budget, it is very much possible and there are two ways of doing this. Book your safari well in advance, this means maybe 3-4 months before your safari date. You can also travel on a budget by booking a camping safari or joining a group safari. A budget safari would cost somewhere between $150-$200/day.

Mid-range Tanzania Safari

If you’re planning to do a safari with your family or your partner, a mid-range safari would be a great option for you. Unlike budget safaris, you get to stay in lodges rather than camping tents. If you still want to cut costs, you can opt to join groups but stay in lodges. A mid-range Tanzania safari would cost somewhere between $250- $400/day.

Luxury Tanzania Safari

A luxury safari in Tanzania has no bounds, you can choose to fly into northern Serengeti or stay in the most luxurious camps overlooking the Mara River. You have a plethora of options and activities to choose from. The luxury safaris will cost anywhere starting from $600/day.

6. What to Expect on a Tanzania Safari

Tanzania safari in itself is a thrilling adventure that promises unique experiences. A safari in Tanzania is so much more than a vacation, let’s look at some of the things you are going to experience on your safari.

Varied Landscape

From the vast savannahs of Serengeti to the stunning Ngorongoro crater, from the red-looking Lake Natron to the lush forests of Tarangire National Park, Tanzania has every landscape possible. Each of these landscapes is going to leave you spellbound and astonished. Regardless of which Safari you choose, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Abundance of Wildlife

I don’t even have to say anything about the wildlife in Tanzania, you already know it for the good. But still, let me list down what you can see. The wildebeest and pride of lions in Serengeti, the Big 5 in Ngorongoro crater, the elephants in Tarangire, the chimpanzees in Gombe, and the flamingoes in Lake Natron. You will also spot the ugly 5(warthog(pumba), vulture, wildebeest, maribu stork, and hyenas).

These are just the specialty of some of these parks but you’ll majorly see all of it in all the parks.

Be flexible and open-minded

This is one of the things that I didn’t read anywhere when I was planning. You might see the Big 5 or not see them at all, it’s not really in your hands. You might see a big cat(lion, leopard, cheetah) hunt or just see them sleeping. It’s wildlife so not everything is in our hands.

You might get a puncture or your jeep breaks down completely and you might not be able to complete your safari, so be flexible and open-minded about some of these scenarios. I’m sure your safari company is there to give you the best experience of the Tanzania safari.

Minimal phone or internet coverage

One good thing about the national parks is you barely get any connectivity which makes you more connected to the place and the wildlife. You’re not checking that important mail when one of the lions is on a hunt right in front of you.

You still do get limited connectivity here and there for the most basic calls and messages. Some of the safari companies also offer portable wifi, so do ask them about this.

Food quality

A lot of you might worry about how the food will be on the safari. Let me tell you I had some of the best dishes on the safari and the safari company also provided us with a personal chef. If you let the safari know about your food options, they can arrange all types of food for you. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free, you don’t have to worry about the food.

Where to use the washroom during safari?

You might wonder when on a safari, where do you go for the washrooms? All the campsites and lodges have washrooms. The issue is when you’re on a game drive because you can’t step down from the Jeep.

The best thing is to let your guide know about it so he can find a spot where it’s safe for you to get down, and you generally go behind the jeep or in a small bush. There are also a few washrooms across the national park which can be used. Our guide Omary gave nature’s call a fun name bushy-bushy.

Long Safari Days

Be prepared for early wake-up calls and breakfast because there are going to be long safari days when you leave the camp in the morning by 7 am and do not return until it gets dark. These are the most fun days because you are out in the wild all day and get to see so much different wildlife.

Free massage and face spa

If you’ve booked a Tanzania safari and your safari company doesn’t inform you about the free massage and face spa, then they are not the best company. While as much as free massages and face spas might excite you, they are not exactly what you think.

There are barely any roads in the national parks so be ready to sit in a jeep for 5-6 hours on bumpy paths, that’s your free massage. There is so much dust again because barely any roads that you will notice when you wash your face in the evening or by looking at the condition of your clothes, that’s your free spa. These freebies come with all the safaris.

7. Everything you need to know about Wildebeest Migration

This in itself is a big topic, but let me tell you a few points that will help you see the biggest migration on earth.

You need to book your safari between mid-July and mid-August because that is the time when you have the highest chance of experiencing the migration.

Book a minimum of 2 full-day game drives in northern Serengeti, which means staying a night in northern Serengeti to maximize your chances of seeing it.

Be patient about seeing the migration because you might see the wildebeests on the banks of the river but not crossing them, again it’s the wild we can’t control when they cross.

Read about how I saw the greatest wildebeest migration on budget.

8. Photography tips for your Tanzania safari

If you’re also someone like me who likes to take photographs then Tanzania safari is going to be a paradise for you. The most important thing is to carry a telephoto lens, not just any normal telephoto but at least a 400mm lens or a video camera/handicap with a crazy zoom. I carried a 200mm lens but wished so many times that I had a 400mm.

As for the camera anything works, whether you’ve got a Sony, Canon, or a Nikon.

Here is the list of gadgets that I used on my Tanzania safari

9. Packing essentials

Here is a packing list for your Tanzania Safari

3-4 shirts/t-shirts: Loose fitting and lightweight
2-3 khaki shorts or pants
Fleece or a jacket especially for Ngorongoro crater and early mornings
A rain jacket
3 pairs of socks
Nightwear
Shoes/boots and a pair of slippers
Hats and sun protection
Insect repellant cream
Binoculars
Travel adapters and a power bank
Toiletries

It is important to know that camouflage is not allowed to be worn as it resembles the local army. You should also not wear red or any dark colors as some animals get agitated by seeing them. It’s best to wear a light color, khaki, or shades of forest green.

10. Tipping on a Tanzania Safari

It is common practice to tip to show the guides and chefs appreciation. While it is not mandatory, it does help greatly impact their livelihood. It is recommended to tip $10/day per person or anything that you deem fit.

11. Questions to ask your safari company

As I had mentioned earlier here is a list of questions you should ask your safari company before you finalize your Tanzania Safari.

What is included in the safari package?
What is the type of accommodation and can you show me the pictures of it?
What transportation will be used for our safari?
How experienced are the guides and are they certified?
Are there any other optional activities or excursions available?
How do you handle medical emergencies?
Can you accommodate my dietary preferences?
Can you provide previous client testimonials?
In extreme conditions if the jeep breaks down what are the options?
If we miss a game drive because of a puncture or because of an issue in the jeep, how do you handle that?
Is the accommodation before/after included in the safari?
How many people are on the safari(in the case of a group safari?)
What is the payment and cancellation policy
Do you provide portable internet and binoculars during the safari
Are there any additional costs not mentioned in the safari package

I hope this list of questions and this guide helps you plan your perfect Tanzania safari experience. To date, my Tanzania safari has been the best wildlife experience and I hope you too have the same experience.

Tanzania Safari Cost from India

If you’re travelling from India for your Tanzania Safari here is a small breakdown of the costs

Safari cost for 5 days: ₹80,000 per person

Flight costs(from Mumbai): return flights starting from ₹49,000 per person. DM me on Instagram to find these prices

Visa Cost: ₹4,100

The total cost for a 5-day safari from India would be ~ ₹135,000 per person

Spending a week in Zanzibar(Additional): 30,000 per person

PS: The bigger the group the lesser would be the cost per person

Frequently asked questions about planning a Tanzania Safari

Q1. How can I perfectly plan for my Tanzania safari tours?

To perfectly plan your Tanzania Safari make sure to do your thorough research on
– National parks you want to visit
– No of days you want the safari to be
– Which safari lodge you want to stay at
– Packing based on the list above
– Finalizing the safari company

Or Contact any of the below companies to help you

Q2. How many days do you need for the Tanzania safari?

The duration of the Tanzania safari depends on your budget and preferences, On an average it is best to do a 5-6days safari which includes Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park

Q3. Do you need malaria pills for Tanzania Safari?

Yes, it is recommended to take malaria pills when going on a safari in Tanzania as the risk of contracting malaria is high in certain regions. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional or your local doctor before your trip to determine the necessary precautions to take.

Q4. Is Safari better in Tanzania or Kenya?

It depends on the type of preferences you have. I had a better experience in Tanzania because I could see the great migration, and it was very high on my list. Whereas in Kenya I could spot the Big 5 in a single day.

Q5. What is the cheapest way to do a safari in Tanzania?

Ans. The cheapest way to do a safari in Tanzania is to take a group camping safari and book it well in advance(3-4months)

Where to go after the safari?

Still, have some time after the safari and want to relax? You should head to Zanzibar. Here is a list of guides I have written around Zanzibar:

On the contrary, if you want to go on another adventure after your safari, then you should go hiking. No, I’m not talking about Kilimanjaro or Mt Meru. I’m talking about Tanzania’s only active volcano Ol Doinyo Lengai.

I hope the above information helps you plan your perfect safari adventure. If you still have questions about the safari or Tanzania, you can either drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram stories.of.raku