Tanzania Safaris

TANZANIA SAFARIS.

Referred to as the “United Republic of Tanzania”, this beautiful and naturally endowed country is found in the East African region and just south of the Equator. It is bordered by Uganda to the north, Kenya to the north-east, Zambia to the south-western, Comoro Islands and the azure waters of Indian Ocean to the Eastern side, Burundi and Democratic Republic of Congo to the West as well as Malawi and Mozambique to the south.

The country became a sovereign State in the early 1960s after the amalgamation of formerly separate States – Tanganyika (mainland) and Zanzibar (Island), although the former extends for more than 95% of the entire joined area of 947,303 square kilometers (94,730,300 hectares/365,756 square miles). At the extreme north-eastern side of this country is Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa in addition to being the World’s highest free-standing Mountain. With a total population of over 61,193,226 people (as of 2021 estimation), Tanzania is the second most populous country in the African Continent (after South Africa).

Tanzania is a significant historical site where numerous outstanding hominid fossils have been discovered, and these include the 6-million year old Pliocene hominid fossils in Olduvai Gorge. Interestingly, the second deepest Lake in the whole World (Lake Tanganyika) is also found in this country with 1436 meters of depth while the spectacular East African Rift Valley system that runs in two stunning north-south arms also branch through Tanzania (on the mainland) before leaving numerous narrow and deep depressions that were later filled up with water to form lakes.

When you talk of African safaris, Tanzania is the first name that comes to every traveler’s imaginations because unlike other countries such as South Africa and Kenya that are always thronged by visitors, this country offers secluded and raw wilderness experiences. There are over 19 National Parks in this country, although popular names like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha National Parks paint a brighter picture of the country’s tourism.

Why Visit Tanzania?

There are a million and more reasons to visit Tanzania, from the beautiful white sand beaches to the secluded Island, from towering mountain peaks to the lowlands, from the secluded wilderness areas to the historical sites, this country is just a jewel to behold. The following are reasons why Tanzania shouldn’t miss on your bucket list.

Mount. Kilimanjaro.

At the height of 5,895 meters above sea level, the iconic Mount. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in African continent and also the highest free-standing mountain on earth. The base and slopes of this mountain protect the magnificent Mount. Kilimanjaro National Park, with a wide range of wildlife and bird species. Some of the best and most rewarding mountaineering or climbing experiences can be achieved on Mount Kilimanjaro, although the ideal time to climb is dry months of late-June to October.

This Mountain features three stunning volcanic cones that include Mawenzi, Kibo and Shira although its highest peak is Uhuru. Climbers that take on Mount Kilimanjaro are not only rewarded with views of its snow-capped peak but also occasional sights of forest elephants, black and white colobus monkeys, forest buffaloes and elands among others.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area is another wonderful reason to visit Tanzania and is found between Lake Manyara and Serengeti National Parks. This Conservation area is marked by a huge Caldera with constant supply of lush grasses and water that draws numerous wildlife and bird species. Common wildlife species here are zebras, elephants, lions, Thomson’s gazelles, Black rhinos, Cape buffaloes, wildebeests, gazelles, zebras, yellow baboons and many others. Birding tours in this area are conducted within the spectacular Lake Magadi where millions of pink flamingos and many others are found.

Tranquil white sand beaches of Zanzibar.

The phenomenal Island of Zanzibar is the main vacation/relaxation spot in Tanzania for its spectacular white sand beaches as well as turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. These Beaches are part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, comprising of stunning Islands although Pemba offers the most secluded, raw and beautiful beaches in the World. Also, visitors interested in authentic beach adventures such as beach walks, beach games as well as adrenaline activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming with sea creatures should try out Zanzibar.

Serengeti National Park.

What are Tanzania safaris without the magical Serengeti National Park? This Park takes pride in its sweeping plains that teem with millions of wildlife that include lions, wildebeests, zebras, gazelle and impalas and one of the parks where you can witness the magical wildebeest migration. This is one place you can see the big five animals after short minutes of wildlife viewing. Serengeti is the second largest Park in the country after Nyerere National Park but draws more visitors than the latter.

Expect to see Black rhinos, Defassa waterbucks, crocodiles, lions, hartebeests, wildebeests, elands, buffaloes, Roan antelopes, yellow baboons, leopards, elephants, cheetahs, serval cats, warthogs, Thompson gazelles, caracal, jackals, striped hyenas, zebras, impalas, African wild dogs, Topis, Masai giraffes, Hippos and many others.

Olduvai Gorge.

Another interesting and legendary reason to visit Tanzania is the magnificent Olduvai Gorge, a prominent archeological site known for sheltering hominid fossils. These fossils were first excavated by Dr. Louis Leakey in 1911 when searching for butterflies in the area. Besides the skulls, visitors are introduced to popular footprints of a man, woman and child at the Laetolil at a stone throw from Olduvai Gorge.

Other magnificent attractions in Tanzania include the stunning Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Stone Town (historical and largest City in Zanzibar Island), Tarangire National Park, the pristine Mafia Island (popular for some of the World class scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities), Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park, Gombe Stream National Park popular for Jane Goodall chimpanzee studies, Lake Victoria-the largest freshwater Lake in the Continent, Mahale Mountains National Park for face to face encounters with chimpanzees and many others.

When is the perfect time to visit Tanzania?

The perfect time to visit Tanzania largely depends on the safari destination you are visiting. For a destination like Serengeti National Park, it is recommended to visit from June to September when the annual Great Migration is at its peak while months of June to October are perfect to explore Selous Game Reserve as well as Tarangire National Park and visitors planning safaris to the incredible Katavi National Park can visit from August to October.

Nonetheless, all safari destinations in Tanzania are open all year round yet most travellers avoid the wet season from March to April. The Islands of Zanzibar are mainly explored during the dry season from July to September when temperatures are between 28 to 34˚C and sunshine wonderful for swimming and other water sports.

Cost of a Tanzania safari.

Determining the overall cost of a Tanzania safari is difficult because it can be affected by number of days in the country, category of accommodation, number of tourist activities, transport means and other variants.

However, Tanzania is generally an affordable and rewarding safari destination in Africa, and you will be surprised that it is possible to spend as low as $200 each day for an overland budget safari in this country yet you might need to part with up to $1000 each day for a luxury Tanzania safari. Remember that these costs don’t cover your air ticket, Tanzania visa fees, travel or medical insurance and tipping among others but instead covers accommodation, the safari guide, transport, meals and safari activities in the different spectacular destinations in the country.

Interesting wildlife in Tanzania.

With over 19 National Parks and over 30 Game Reserves in Tanzania, it is not a mistake to refer to it as “Paradise on Earth”. These Protected Areas teem with diversity of faunal species, in form of wildlife-antelopes, cats, amphibians, reptiles and many others. So far, there are more than 430 wildlife species and sub-species in Tanzania alone with about 20% comprising of the Continent’s large mammals such as Rhinoceros, Cape buffaloes, gazelles, elands, elephants, Giraffes, Hippos, zebras as well as wildebeests, and are surprisingly common and found in almost every Protected Area. The most famous safari destinations in this country are Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area where you are likely to see millions of wildebeests, hundreds of zebras, gazelles and thousands of impalas.

Other antelopes in this country’s parks and reserves are Ader’s duikers, hartebeests, bushbucks, Roan antelopes, Sable antelopes, Dik-dik, Topis, Oribis and many others. Primates such as common chimpanzees, black and white colobus monkeys, yellow baboons, vervet monkeys are found in the forested areas of Mahale Mountains National Park.

The commonly-spotted predators in this country are leopards, African wild dogs, serval cats, spotted hyenas, side-stripped jackals, cheetahs, lions, Black-backed jackals and many others. Of the reptiles, it is easier to see crocodiles and Agama lizards yet the exceptional Matilda’s horned vipers, African rock pythons, Forest cobras, Black mambas, black-necked spitting cobras, Puff adders and common egg eaters are found in the Protected Areas.

Is Tanzania safe for tourists?

Regardless of what is said and written about Tanzania, the country is very safe for tourists. However, just like most places you will visit in Africa, cases of robbery, carjacking, assault and mugging are common. Diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and also Covid-19 still remain a risk in the United Republic of Tanzania.

It is therefore advisable to visit when fully vaccinated in addition to wearing face masks, hand sanitizing and avoiding crowded places. When it comes to personal safety, avoid walking alone in quiet and isolated places, avoid displaying valuables such as cash, jewelry and expensive gadgets in public places, respect local cultural and religious norms and many other others.

Vaccination requirements for Tanzania.

The World Health Organization as well as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend vaccination for Hepatitis B and B, Meningitis, Yellow Fever and Typhoid for travellers to Tanzania.

Regardless of all the long list of recommended vaccinations, the country strictly enforces yellow fever vaccination with visitors being required to present valid Inoculation Certificate. Given the Covid-19 pandemic prevalence, you might also be required to add a vaccination document before accessing the country. On top of these vaccines, malaria risk is high in this country hence it is a wide choice to carry some anti-malarial tablets.

Packing for a Tanzania safari.

For whatever you are planning to pack for your Tanzania safari make sure it is light and right. However, your packing list must not miss lightweight and breathable clothing (depending on the activities planned for the safari), sun protection (wide brim hat and sunglasses), rainproof daypack, water bottle, snacks (preferably dried fruits), medical/first aid kit, toiletries, entertainment (music, headphones, magazines and novel to keep you entertained during flights or when relaxing), comfortable shoes (hiking boots), sandals, pair of binoculars, cash, toiletries (toothbrush, lotion, deodorant, hand sanitizer, toothpaste, rain jacket, pajamas, swimwear, warm sweater/jumper and gadgets (camera and smartphone with extra chargers) as well as a small Swahili phrasebook for basic words-greeting, thank you, please and goodbye among others.

Tanzania visa requirements and fees.

Visas for visiting the United Republic of Tanzania are needed for all Citizens except the ones from Christmas Island, Cyprus, Solomon Island, Malta, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Vincent, Kenya, Hong Kong, Guyana, Uganda, Jamaica, Lesotho, Seychelles, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia, Papua New Guinea, Bahamas, Rwanda, Mauritius, Malaysia, Madagascar, Saint Lucia, Antigua and Barbuda among others.

Citizens for other countries especially United States of America, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom and other European Union countries among others are required to present Visas on arrival into Tanzania. These visas can be applied online through Tanzania Immigration Department website or the Tanzanian Embassy in your respective country of origin.

For visa fees, it depends on the category and country of origin. Single entry tourist Visa for United States Citizens is $100 while other countries pay $50 and are valid for 3 months from date of issue. United Kingdom (British) pay £40. Multiple entry and Business visa cost $100 and $250 respectively. Visitors applying for Tanzania visas in the United Kingdom will also be required to pay £70 for double entry, £80 for 6 month multiple entry, £100 for 1 year multiple entry, £180 for Business single entry.

Tipping during Tanzania safari and the currency used.

Tipping during Tanzania safari is recommended although not mandatory. Tipping can be done in the local currency (Shillings) or any foreign currency especially US Dollars, Pounds or Euros. You can tip a driver or guide between $8 and $20 per day.