Table of Contents
Tanzania is undeniably one of the world’s most popular destinations for an authentic and rewarding safari experience. With thousands of tourists from all over the world choosing the African country for its sprawling plains, gorgeous scenery, and massive diversity of animals, it makes sense to choose Tanzania as your next travel destination. Read on for our best Tanzania safari tips.
Be Sure to Prepare Thoroughly Before You Go
Lion resting in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Photo by Chen Hu / Unsplash.com
Safaris require specific preparation before heading abroad – you can’t simply pack a bag and go. In particular, be sure to visit a doctor before travelling to Tanzania in order to discuss how to stay healthy. You will want to avoid any potential health risks during your safari experience. Although it isn’t a pleasant thing to think about in regards to such an exciting opportunity, there are risks to your health that are very real, such as malaria.
When you visit your doctor before travelling to Tanzania, you will likely be prescribed some anti-malaria medication to prevent catching the disease during your trip.
It’s also important to ensure that whatever medication you bring is permitted through customs at the airport in Tanzania. Have a doctor’s letter ready just in case.
Choose a Luxurious Place to Stay
In Tanzania, there’s certainly no shortage of luxury accommodation to stay in as you safari. Sprawling resorts with comfortable tents, lodges, and cottages can be found in abundance throughout the country. This will give you plenty of choices when considering what kind of safari holiday you’re looking for.
With it being a once-in-a-lifetime experience, splashing out on a safari makes sense. Often, a luxury safari will be a complete package, including lodging, food, private transport, and fees for parks all included in the price you pay.
But, of course, the accommodation is the main draw when it comes to a luxury safari. The Highlands in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the &Beyond lodges throughout Tanzania are often said to be some of the best.
Come for the Great Migration
Zebras in Serengeti National Park near Arusha, Tanzania
Photo by Ray Rui / Unsplash.com
One of the main reasons to come to Tanzania for a safari is to witness the Great Migration. This annual event sees millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles cross the Serengeti to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, starting in January and arriving in the summer, then circling back to Serengeti in the second half of the year.
The Great Migration is essentially a year-long pursuit of food and water, so it’s constantly ongoing. Explore the Serengeti in winter for your best chance of spotting the event happening in Tanzania.
It’s one of the main reasons why Tanzania is such an undeniable hotspot for safaris. It offers unmatched opportunities to witness the magic of nature, and the Great Migration is a showcase for that.
Pack the Right Things for a Safari
This is a tip that could apply to any safari destination. Pack light! Don’t overload yourself, as you’ll find it very difficult to transport a large suitcase.
If you’re taking small charter planes between different parts of Tanzania (or Africa), there will be strict weight restrictions. Make sure you’re not abusing the system, and try and pack as little as possible into a small case to avoid any complications.
Additionally, make sure you bring clothes that are suitable for a safari. Neutral colors are a good choice for evading the attention of animals. Breathable, light clothing will keep you comfortable in the sometimes oppressive Tanzanian heat.
Watch out When Taking Photos
Baby elephant and an adult elephant in Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
Photo by Chen Hu / Unsplash.com
Unfortunately, taking some photos on your Tanzanian travels isn’t as straightforward as you may think. Smartphones sometimes aren’t allowed for photography, as their GPS location tracking features can be used to the advantage of poachers. Drones also are not allowed, so plan on leaving those at home!
Otherwise, be sure you bring a camera good enough to take photos from a distance. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to get close to certain potentially dangerous animals, so the zoom lens will come in handy.
Sunset over Serengeti National Park in Tanzania
Photo by Chen Hu / Unsplashed.com
Resources to Help Plan Your Safari Adventure:
- Audley Travel: Tanzania Safaris & Holidays – Stop by this website, and get Tanzania itinerary ideas, travel guides, information about local attractions and accommodations…and so much more.
- Deadly Virtual Postcards Lead Poachers to Rare, Endangered Trophy Animals – An interesting and chilling article by Forbes about the very real danger of sharing smart phone photos with GPS locations of your safari adventure.
- Serengeti’s Great Migration: Trip of a Lifetime – Check out this detailed article by The Telegraph about the Great Migration, and find out when and where you have the best chance of being a witness to this fascinating phenomenon.
- What You Should Know Before Packing Your Drone for Safari – Read this post by Discover Africa to find out about the issues, concerns, and laws regarding use of drone photography while on a safari.
Note: Photo credit for the featured images in the beginning of the article goes to Ray Rui / Unsplashed.com
PIN THIS POST! 🙂
Tanzanian Safari Pinterest Pin
