What to Expect on a Tanzania Safari

Time line on a Tanzania Safari

For most people, holidays mean spontaneity and control of their time. So, what better than a safari combining comfort and untamed wilderness, to deliver this freedom? It may come as a surprise, then, to arrive in camp and find your daily routine dictated by the workings of the bush and the logistics of running a remote operation. Dawn alarm-calls, set mealtimes and a ban on solitary walks (there might be a hippo behind that bush) makes it all sound more like boot camp than `Out of Africa’. Yet the day is designed to maximise game-viewing success as well as your safety and comfort.

For a taster of a typical day on safari and a framework of timelines click here. Remember, however, that this is a general outline and some lodges or camps adjust it slightly to fit around activities and scenery available.

Camp staff is generally as accommodating and flexible as possible. It’s fine if you’re tired and want to skip a game drive or a meal. If it’s pouring with rain at dawn, the game drive can take place later, when the rain has stopped but before it gets too hot again. Ultimately, life in a lodge or camp revolves around you having the most enjoyable and successful Tanzania safari possible.

Click here to see how a typical day on safari is organised.

Wildlife viewing on a Tanzania Safari

What you see or don’t see is part knowledge and planning, and part luck; which really is the true adventure of a Tanzania safari. Be open with your driver-guide about what you do and don’t care to see. He has a pretty good idea of what kind of animals will be in certain locations depending on the season, weather, time of day, and other factors.

However, the animals can’t be ordered out to stand parade for you. There might be a game drive where you ‘just’ see antelopes, buffalos, and zebras, to name but a few, but no cats and there might be others where the Big 5 are just waiting to be photographed by you! Our recommendation is to take joy in whatever wildlife you see (small does not mean insignificant) as each game drive is different and every species special in their own right. Frankly, you will be surprised by just how fascinating you will find even the smallest detail!

With an open mind each game drive out in the Tanzanian bush will bring a sense of awe and wonder to you. And…don’t forget that many camps and lodges in national parks are strategically located, allowing you to enjoy observing animals in the comfort of your accommodation without any time restriction.