Safari FAQs

The long dry season, from June to October, is the classic choice: the grass is short and animals gather near water. January and February are excellent in the southern Serengeti, where the wildebeest calve. The rainy months bring green scenery and fewer vehicles. The right month depends on what you most want to see.

Five to eight days suits most first safaris on the northern circuit, with time for Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Crater and at least two nights in the Serengeti. Three or four days works for Tarangire and the crater on their own, or as an add-on to a Kilimanjaro climb or a beach stay on Zanzibar.

The wildebeest herds are in the Serengeti ecosystem all year, but where they are depends on the month and the rains. Calving usually peaks in February in the south, and Mara River crossings usually happen from about July to October in the north. Nobody can promise a crossing on a given day, so we plan time in the right area.

The parks, the park rules and the wildlife are the same. A mid-range safari uses comfortable lodges and tented camps, often just outside the parks. A luxury safari uses premium camps, more often inside the parks or on the crater rim, with more space and more attentive service. Many travellers mix the two on one trip.

A private safari gives you your own vehicle and guide, so the day runs at your pace and you stay at sightings as long as you like. A small-group safari shares the vehicle with other travellers. Private travel suits families, photographers, honeymooners and anyone with particular interests. Tell us which you prefer when you plan.

Most visitors need a visa or some form of entry permission, and the rules depend on your nationality. They also change, so check the official Tanzania immigration website and your own government's travel advice before you book flights. If Zanzibar is on your route, check whether it has additional requirements of its own.

That depends on your health, your route and where you are travelling from, so speak to a travel health clinic or your doctor several weeks before you go. They will also advise on malaria prevention, because malaria is present in much of Tanzania, including the safari areas and Zanzibar. Check yellow fever certificate rules for your route.

Safaris in Tanzania's main parks are well established and generally safe when you follow your guide's instructions. Stay in the vehicle unless your guide says otherwise, and walk with a staff escort after dark, because most camps are unfenced. In towns, keep valuables out of sight as you would anywhere. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly advised.

Yes. Many families travel on safari in Tanzania, and a private vehicle makes it much easier. Many camps set minimum ages, and activities such as guided walks usually have higher age limits, so check them when you choose where to stay. Fewer parks and at least two nights in each place keep the pace comfortable for children.

Pack light in a soft bag, because light-aircraft flights usually limit luggage to around 15 kg per person; confirm with your airline. Bring neutral colours, warm layers for cold early drives and crater rim mornings, a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent and binoculars. Keep medicines in your hand luggage. Our packing list guide has the full checklist.

Zanzibar is a short domestic flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro, so a few days on the beach after a safari is easy to arrange. Kilimanjaro shares the same arrival airport as the northern parks, and many travellers climb first and then recover on safari. Mention either when you plan and we will build it into your route.

It depends on the season, the comfort level, the number of travellers, the length of the trip and whether you drive or fly between parks. Because of that, we quote every safari individually. Tell us your dates, group and preferred comfort level when you plan your safari, and the proposal will show what is included and what is not.

Lodges and camps in Tanzania cater to international travellers and are used to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other diets, as well as allergies. Tell us about any dietary needs when you plan, so they can be passed on to each place you stay. For serious allergies, carry your own medication and a written note of the allergy.