Frequently Asked Tanzania Safari Questions
We have compiled a list of answers for the most frequently asked Tanzania Safari questions that we receive from our clients. If you have any question that is not included here or there is an answer that needs further explanation to you, please feel free and get in-touch with our experts.
Q: I am interested in a Tanzania safari… What is my next step?
First of all, have a look at our proposed Tanzania safaris and Zanzibar holiday packages, which can be found here on our website. These itineraries offer an idea of the day to day activities and approximate pricing. Travel dates can be chosen by you.
Ready to go? Booking a Tanzania safari is easy!
Just call us or contact us online via our contact form. One of our consultants will contact you, via phone or email; with details of your booking to offer further assistance as we tailor-make your Tanzania holiday. In case you prefer one of our pre-set itineraries, please remember to quote your preferred safari itinerary NAME.
Then Leave the Rest to Us:
Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including clothing recommendations, suggested reading lists, and other details.
Q: What kind of vehicles do you use?
Our principal aim on all of our safaris is to make your trip as enjoyable, comfortable, and unforgettable as possible. We have a number of safari vehicles, and for each tour we use the vehicle most suited to group size and safari style.
For game drive safaris, you will be travelling in one of our custom-built Toyota Land cruisers or Land Rovers; unique and specially developed with plenty of space and a pop-up photographic roof hatch to ensure the best safari experience in the safest manner.
For town transfers and excursions, you will be travelling in a fully air-conditioned Toyota minivan. Anyone of our fully equipped safari vehicles may be used for your safari. Zilla Expeditions does however reserve the right to make use of different vehicles due to unforeseen circumstances or during high season.
See our vehicle page for information and photos on the kind of vehicles you will use while in Tanzania
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Tanzania?
For game viewing, the best time to visit Tanzania depends on your priorities. Much of Katavi National Park is accessible only during the dry season (June to mid-October), and this is also the best time to visit Tarangire.
In the Serengeti, the wet season is the best time to see the enormous herds of wildebeest, though the migration patterns vary and are difficult to predict. The dry season is best for seeing predators.
In Zanzibar, there isn’t a “best” time to visit – the weather stays warm and humid year-round with some humidity off-set by the Indian Ocean breeze. Rainfall can happen any month but the heavy rains fall from mid-March to May and November to December. While it does rain, it is not a true rainy season. You’ll occasionally get full days of overcast weather during this time but it is a rarity and the showers usually happen overnight and in the early morning, with the clouds clearing in the afternoon.
Q: I’m travelling with young children – is a Tanzania safari a suitable holiday?
Yes, a safari is suitable for children. For clients travelling with young children, we will guide you to family safari lodges and camps that specifically cater to families and children. Itineraries and activities will be designed keeping in mind the young children’s preferences.
Q: Do you offer balloon safaris?
Yes, balloon safaris can be included in your itinerary upon request. Balloon safaris are organised early in the morning hence enabling one to sail across the plains watching game as it rises from slumber at the break of day. These can be organised at the Serengeti, Ndutu, and Tarangire National Park.
Q: What does the price of the trip include?
Accommodation and meals as indicated in the itinerary, usually as follows:
- Tanzania Wildlife Safaris: Full Board meal plan
- Zanzibar Holiday Packages: Bed & Breakfast basis
- Please note, depending on the itinerary, this may change.
- Game drives, transfers and all activities specified in the itinerary
- English speaking guide/driver who is always there for you; Drive in 4×4
- Landcruiser / Land Rover (used according to travel privately or as a group)
- All Park entrance fees, safari briefing
- Clean, sealed bottled drinking water while on safari
- All Government taxes and levies
Q: What does the price of the trip not include?
- Flight tickets (Unless specified)
- Flying Doctors (offer evacuation to Nairobi medical emergency, for more
- information, visit the Flying Doctors page)
- Personal expenses (drinks, telephone charges, laundry, etc.)
- Gratuities to drivers, guides
Q: What do I need to pack for a safari?
- Dress in natural colours like browns, beiges, and khaki. Shorts or trousers and short-sleeved shirts/blouses or T-shirts in cotton are generally preferable. Light woollens may be required in the evenings and early mornings, especially in the northern circuit.
Comfortable walking shoes are ideal in the bush, especially for walking safaris.
Sunglasses, hat, suntan lotion, freshen-up towels, and mosquito repellant cream are a must.
- Carry a camera, plenty of film and replacement batteries
- Baggage should be kept to a minimum, soft bags are best
Q: What is a budget camping safari?
Budget camping safaris are among the most popular options for visitors who want to explore Tanzania’s many game parks and conservation areas. The safaris embark on the same circuit of national parks and game reserves as any other more expensive safaris; guests get to feel like they’re experiencing an ‘on the ground’ adventure by camping in beautiful locales.
Q: Do I need any vaccinations or medications before coming to Tanzania?
No immunisations are required by law to enter Tanzania if you are travelling directly from Europe or the US. However, we advise confirming with your resident doctor.
If you are travelling from a country where Yellow Fever is present you will need to prove you have had the inoculation. It is also crucial that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Tanzania. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend to visit Tanzania.
It is also recommended that you are up to date with your polio and tetanus vaccinations. Rabies is also prevalent and if you’re planning to spend a lot of time in Tanzania, it may be worth getting the rabies shots before you go.
Several vaccinations are highly recommended when travelling to Tanzania, please contact your physician for most up-to-date information.
Note: Our advice above is just a guide and should not replace a consultation with your doctor
Q: Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
See the Tanzania High Commission Page for information on passports and visas to Tanzania. Contact your nearest Tanzanian Consulate for further advice on Tanzania Visa
Despite being part of the union of Tanzania, Zanzibar remains independent. Passports and a Tanzanian visa are required for even a single day’s visit. Requirements may change so you are advised to contact your nearest Tanzanian Consulate before finalising your travel arrangements
Q: Can I store luggage with you to be picked up at a later point during my trip?
In case you are travelling with excess language, we can safely store your larger bags at our offices and return them to you at a later stage; hence, dividing your things in different bags will be practical. If you must carry more stuff, please inform us at the time of reservation and we will try to make arrangements, keep space available or give suggestions.
Q: Will I see the Great Migration?
Please see our overview of the movements of the migrating herds. Take this as a rough guideline and keep in mind that it is impossible to predict the exact location of the migration. Nevertheless, your safari guide will try his level best to bring you close to the daily moving herds.
The most important thing to remember is that game viewing in Tanzania is truly excellent all year round. Even if you are not there for the great migration, there are resident herds all year round.
Q: What can I expect to eat and drink?
The food on safari is of a very high standard and ranges from simple to gourmet. You can expect a mix of African, European, and international cuisine comprising of fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade soups, meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes.
Excellent South African wines, local beers, sodas, and alcoholic beverages are available at all camps and lodges and are usually not included in the trip price. We highly advise the use of bottled drinking water of which is supplied at most accommodation and during bush safaris.
Q: How is the electricity situation in Tanzania?
Tanzania’s past has left it with several different international standards of delivering power. Electricity is delivered at 230 Volts (Plugs D & G.) but varies on the connections, so be sure to bring a Universal Adapter. Also, if outlets are not available in your permanent tented camp, the main building or bar area will have outlets so you can recharge your camera. You can also bring a cigarette lighter adapter to charge your camera while travelling in your vehicle.
Q: What is the local currency and do I need any?
The local currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Most of the time, you can use US Dollars in Tanzania, particularly in tourist areas, and major credit cards are accepted at most hotels, lodges, and camps. However, we do advise having some local currency on you in case you want to purchase from a local shop. Major towns and airports have Forex bureaus where you can exchange most of the major currencies such as US Dollars, British Pounds, Euros, etc.
Q: You say that gratuities are not included. Is tipping obligatory?
Though it is not compulsory, tips are expected as a sign of appreciation for good service. Our general recommendation is to tip moderately and in accordance with the level and quality of service provided.