Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania as A Safari Destination : When is the best time to visit Tanzania? Tanzania is good all year round, however the best time to go on a Tanzania safari depends entirely on what you want to see and experience, the best time to visit the major national parks in Tanzania like Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park and Tarangire National Park is from June to October when the country is at its driest. However, you can have a great experience all year round with all the parks. In the dry months, the parks offer amazing wildlife sightings as the vegetation is less dense at this time of the year.
June to October also coincides with the Migration Mara River Crossing at Grumeti and Mara River.
If you are visiting Tanzania ‘s coast, Zanzibar and other islands, the best time to visit is between June and March.
Where is Tanzania located?
Tanzania is located in the East African region and is one of the East Africa countries situated south of the equator bordering the Indian Ocean, the country also includes the Zanzibar Archipelago and neighbors several countries namely Kenya and Uganda in the North, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo in the west and Mozambique, Zambia and Malawi to the South. Because of the country’s close proximity to many excellent destinations, Tanzania safaris are always filled with adventure.
What is there to do in Tanzania?
Tanzania offers rewarding safaris, coastal escapes, ancient cities, rich culture and remarkable cuisine. A part from excellent wildlife sightings in iconic wildlife parks and reserves such as Serengeti national park, selous game reserve and Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Nyerere and many more.
Tanzania is a delightfully amazing safari destination for an African experience.
There you are looking to spot the Big Five, witness the Great Migration or climb to the summit of the highest mountain in Africa, visit Maasai Village, scuba dive in Zanzibar or wander on the vibrant streets of Stone Town, Tanzania has amazing experience to offer to everyone.
What’s the best safari in Tanzania?
The best safari in Tanzania solely depends on what you want to see and do, there are various safari experience to do in Tanzania including the most famous Great Migration, the journey of the Great Migration does not take place in one single setting.
Therefore, when and where to go in Tanzania will determine whether you get to see this annual migration. With the Great Migration not passing through Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park you can still enjoy spectacular year-round Big 5 safaris. Tanzania safari destinations like Ngorongoro Crater are filled to the brim with a wide variety of wildlife for excellent sightings.
You can combine your Tanzania Tour with a beach getaway in Zanzibar Archiepelago, gorilla trekking in Rwnada and Uganda.
How to get to Tanzania?
Most safaris in Tanzania start from Arusha Town located in the North of Tanzania, the city has two main gateways that is Kilimanjaro International Airport and Arusha Airport, Arusha Airport is located about ten minutes from the City Center and is used predominantly for region/ domestic flights. Kilimanjaro International Airport is located about one hour away from the city and is used for international flights.
There are many connecting flights to Tanzania from North and South America, Middle East, Asia, Austria and Europe. These flights are operated by many flight companies including KLM. Emirates, Swiss Air via Zurich, South African Airways and Qatar Airlines fly into Dar es Salaam. Also, British Airways no long flies directly to Tanzania.
Is Tanzania a malaria area?
Unfortunately, Tanzania is located in a malaria area so please note that you should always speak to your doctor about malaria prevention before traveling.
However, note that it is entirely possible to have a safe, malaria – free holiday in Africa that is by using prophylactic drugs. Here are some of the tip
Tip 1: Repel the mosquitoes
The female mosquito responsible for transmitting malaria is a silent mossy so chances are high that you will not hear it that is why you need an insect repellant lotion to repel them away, always wear long sleeved shirts and long trousers in the evenings and mornings.
Safari lodges and camps have screened windows and doors, air conditioning systems and mosquito nets to protect you more from the mosquitoes.
Tip 2: ALWAYS take anti-malaria tablets
The most effective way to protect yourself against malaria while in a Tanzania safari is by taking Prophylactic tablets.
Please Note that you have to speak to your doctor before taking these tablets to ensure that you take the right ones as well as a correct dosage before entering the malaria area.
Tip 3: Keep an eye out for symptoms and finish your course of meds
In case you start noticing any flu – like symptoms, you must get a malaria test to be safe and catch it early because malaria reacts well to early treatment. Do not stop taking your medication until the course is complete.
What language is spoken in Tanzania?
Kiswahili is the official language in Tanzania, however English is widely spoken in commercial areas including the major parks and reserves in Tanzania. In terms Swahili and Kiswahili are used interchangeably, though the term Swahili normally refers to the people while Kiswahili refers to the language.
All guides and drivers in Tanzania can usually speak English are very helpful, most of the population in Tanzania speaks Kiswahili and very little English. Learning a bit of Kiswahili can be very helpful when communicating during your Tanzania safari.
Here are some phrases to get you started.
- Jambo – hello
- Karibu – you’re welcome
- Sante – thank you
What currency is used in Tanzania?
The local currency in Tanzania is Tanzania Shilling, however USD is generally accepted as long as the print is past 2007. Most places will give you change in USD that is if you pay in USD and same goes to Tanzania Shillings. Most tourism places in Tanzania accept USD and Credit Cards at most establishments such as hotels, lodges among others.
Many vendors in Tanzania do not accept American Express, so its better to travel with Visa or MasterCard.
What is the culture like in Tanzania?
Tanzania is extremely rich in age – old cultures, traditions and religious beliefs, this beautiful country is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. Tanzanians are very friendly and harmonious people with great respect for their fellow humans and most particularly elders.
Religious beliefs are strong in Tanzania with Christianity and Island being the most prominent, most Muslims are in Zanzibar however visitors should be aware of the conservative nature of these destinations, behave and dress accordingly.
Women should always keep their knees and shoulders covered, T-shirts that cover the shoulders and shorts for women are acceptable as long as they are not too short. Women should wear and carry a wrap to cover their legs in the village and towns as revealing clothes are considered offensive to locals most especially in Zanzibar and Muslim areas.
On Beaches in Zanzibar and within the confines of beach hotels, normal swimwear is acceptable (no-nudity).
Tanzanians are quite happy with visitors taking their pictures, however you should always ask for permission first. it is unacceptable to take pictures for some ethnic groups as they believe that the flash of a camera will steal your soul.
