Tanzania Safari FAQs

Best time to visit

When is the best time to visit Serengeti National Park?

Described as “The Greatest Show on Earth”, witnessing the annual Great Wildebeest Migration is one of the biggest drawing cards for safari-goers in Tanzania. The migration sees millions of wildebeest and zebra traverse Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Maasai Mara each year. 

The calving season, occurring from January to March, invites safari-goers to witness the herds of wildebeest and zebra give birth to their young. 

The best time for game viewing is over the dry season from June to October, when the vegetation is sparse and animals gather around water sources. 

For those looking for action-packed wildlife sightings, we recommend visiting Tanzania from July to October to witness the famous Mara River Migration crossings.

Find out what to expect from the annual Wildebeest Migration here.

When is the best time to visit Tarangire National Park?

Tarangire National Park is a year-round safari destination. However, in the dry months between July and November, you will find the highest concentration of wildlife in the park, especially near the Tarangire River.

When is the best time to visit Lake Manyara National Park?

Lake Manyara National Park is a very scenic park with a compact game-viewing circuit. For spotting big game, safari-goers should aim to visit during the dry season from July to October. The rainy season, from November to June is a good time to visit for bird-watching and canoeing.

When is the best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro?

The best months to climb Kilimanjaro are January, February and September when it is warm and dry.

When is the best time to visit Zanzibar?

The best time to visit the island of Zanzibar and Pemba is between the months of July and October when there are fewer tourists escaping the European winter and there’s little chance of rain. 

Activities in Tanzania

What activities can I experience in Tanzania?

The Northern Tanzania circuit is most popular for its morning and afternoon game drives, as well as night drives, walking safaris, bush dining experiences and cultural excursions. Hot air balloon safaris are available in Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. In the South West (Selous, Ruaha, Katavi, Mahale and Gombe) you can sometimes do water activities, as well as bush walks, fishing excursions, chimp trekking and hot air balloon safaris in Ruaha. 

Explore our Top 7 Things to do in Tanzania.

I am a keen photographer, is Tanzania the right option for me?

Tanzania is the perfect destination for the keen photographer and the diverse landscapes and phenomenal wildlife sightings are incredible to capture. 

Most safari guides are experienced photographers and will find the best spots for clients to take the most stunning photographs; A selection of 5-star safari lodges and camps  have photographic vehicles available at an additional cost.

Tanzania and Families

Should I travel to Tanzania with my family?

Tanzania is a child-friendly safari destination and the closed safari vehicles allow children to join game drives 

Most camps also offer child programs to keep children entertained during their stay. It is also recommended to look at camps that have a swimming pool for the kids to enjoy in addition to  the safari element.

Logistics

How do I access Tanzania?

If you are visiting Northern Tanzania, the best airport to arrive at is Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA/JRO). KLM has daily flights from Amsterdam. Ethiopian and Kenya Airways also fly into Kilimanjaro.

If you are planning to visit Zanzibar, southern and western Tanzania, you would want to fly to the capital Dar es Salaam. European carriers that fly into Dar es Salaam include British Airways, KLM and Swissair (which codeshares with Delta).

Regional flights to Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and parts of Northern Tanzania regularly fly from Nairobi (Kenya Airways, Air Kenya) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines). Precision Air has several flights per week to Entebbe (Uganda), Mombasa and Nairobi.

Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?

Most nationalities can obtain a visa upon arrival, however, the queues at immigration can get very long and time-consuming. We recommend applying for your visa prior to arrival. 

What should I pack?

Most camps offer complimentary laundry services. Washing in Tanzania is however done by hand and therefore underwear (bras, panties and men’s underwear) are not included in this service. The camps do provide washing powder in the tents for it to be done by guests themselves. This is due to prevailing local traditions in the country. 

We recommend packing only a few essential items as your luggage is restricted to 20kg in a soft bag. Our comprehensive packing guide will assist you with what to pack for your safari. Please note that plastic bags are not allowed in Tanzania. 

I have dietary requirements, what should I do?

Most dietary requirements can be organized provided they are requested well in advance. The camps in Tanzania are located in remote locations and thus need time to prepare for the various dietary requirements. 

Be sure to inform your LuxVenture® Designer of any allergies you may have and if you will be celebrating any special events on your trip.

Why is Tanzania more expensive than other safari destinations in Africa?

Tanzania is a more expensive safari destination because of its infrastructure. It is a lot more expensive to get items of convenience and necessity to the national parks and other remote areas. The government also needs to protect nature and wildlife so imposes fees to fund their different conservation projects.

How long on average are the road transfers in Tanzania?

Road transfers can range from 1 hour to 7 hours. However, most long drives, between 4 to 6 hours, are within Ngorongoro and the Serengeti when you go out for a full-day game drive.

Should I fly or drive in Tanzania?

Deciding whether to fly or drive will depend on your preferences. In Northern Tanzania, both options are great. However, we suggest fly-in safaris in the South West regions: Selous, Ruaha, Katavi, Gombe and Mahale National Park. The Southern Circuit is more scattered and unexplored; the roads are not good and the driving distances are long. 

Should I visit Kenya or Tanzania?

Generally, Kenya is considered the better option for families with younger children, because more of the lodges and camps have family-friendly elements like private vehicles, age-appropriate activities and family suites. Tanzania is becoming more family-friendly but Kenya still has the edge for family travel.

Couples and adventurers are spoilt for choice: both Tanzania and Kenya offer sensational honeymoon suites, exciting activities like chimpanzee or camel trekking, and excellent Migration viewing.