How to Plan a Trip to Tanzania: Frequently Asked Questions

The safari regions of Tanzania include the world-famous northern parks and the wild, untouched south, with the country’s vast and contrasting topographies creating intriguing safaris.

• The Northern Circuit: This is Tanzania’s most popular safari route, offering a seamless overland journey through its most iconic parks. An itinerary typically starts from the city of Arusha and includes Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, and culminates in the world-renowned Serengeti National Park.
• The Southern Parks: If you want to escape the crowds, the southern parks like Ruaha National Park and Nyerere National Park are among Africa’s most untouched treasures. While infrastructure is less developed, these wild reserves offer an incredibly authentic and remote safari experience.
• Western Tanzania: Completely off the beaten path, this remote region is best known for chimpanzee trekking in the Mahale Mountains and the pristine wilderness of Katavi National Park. It is ideal for second or third-time safari-goers.
• Mount Kilimanjaro: The mesmerizing, snow-capped peak of Africa’s highest mountain is an unmissable sight. Admire it from a distance or embark on a challenging multi-day trek to its summit as a pre- or post-safari adventure.
• Zanzibar: The perfect post-safari retreat, this idyllic island in the Indian Ocean offers white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a rich cultural history in its ancient Stone Town.

For more information, see Zicasso’s Best Places to Visit in Tanzania on Safari.

The best time to visit Tanzania is from June to October. While the country is a year-round destination, with the seasons dramatically influencing the safari experience, this dry season is peak time for a classic Tanzanian safari.

• Dry Season (June to October): This is the peak time for a classic Tanzanian safari. With mild, dry weather and sparse vegetation, animals congregate around water sources, making for optimal and easy game viewing. From July to August, the Great Migration river crossings in the northern Serengeti are a major highlight.
• Green Season (November to March): After the rains, the landscape becomes incredibly lush and green. This period offers phenomenal birdwatching and, from January to March, is the primary calving season for the wildebeest in the southern Serengeti. This means many predators and dramatic wildlife scenes.
• Rainy Season (April and May): Known as the "long rains," this period sees intense and frequent storms that can make some roads impassable and cause many camps to close.

Our Best Time to Visit Tanzania article has more information to inspire your trip.

A typical safari experience is an immersive journey into the wild, with a variety of activities designed to bring you as close as possible to nature.

• A Day on Safari: Your daily schedule depends on the park. In smaller parks, you’ll have morning and afternoon game drives, with a break at the lodge for lunch. In vast parks like the Serengeti, you will often spend the full day exploring, enjoying a picnic lunch in the bush to maximize your time with the wildlife.
• Game Drives: The quintessential safari activity is conducted in an enclosed 4x4 vehicle with large windows and a pop-up roof for 360-degree viewing. Off-roading is not permitted in Tanzania’s national parks.
• Hot-Air Balloon Safaris: For a breathtaking aerial perspective of the Serengeti plains, an early morning hot-air balloon ride is an unforgettable experience.
• Walking and Boating Safaris: Guided bush walks and boating safaris offer a different perspective and are more commonly available in the southern parks like Nyerere.
• Cultural Encounters: A visit to a local Maasai village can be added to most Northern Circuit itineraries. It will give you fascinating insight into the traditional culture of the region.

For more information, take a look at our Types of African Safaris: Different Ways to Experience a Safari.

You should spend a minimum of sevent days on safari in tanzania to properly experience the country’s highlights. Longer trips will allow for an even more immersive journey.

• Classic Safari (7 to 10 Days): This is the ideal length for a comprehensive tour of the Northern Circuit, allowing for at least two nights in each key park without feeling rushed.
• Extended Journeys (10 to 14-plus Days): A longer itinerary allows you to combine the Northern Circuit with the wild, remote parks of the south, or to finish your bush adventure with a relaxing beach escape in Zanzibar.

Find inspiration with our one-week Tanzania safaris.

While never guaranteed, you are almost certain to see your favorite animal if you visit during the dry season, from June to October. Tanzania is world-renowned for its incredible animal density, especially its big cats. An abundance of lions, leopards, and cheetahs thrive here due to the vast herds of prey. You may witness dramatic hunts or see 50 elephants marching together.

Find out more about the animals you may encounter in our Top Animals of Tanzania and Where to See Them.

The different between a camp and a lodge in Tanzania comes down to construction, but both offer luxurious accommodations, exceptional cuisine, and a serene ambiance.

• Luxury Lodges: These are permanent, solid structures, often larger in scale and with facilities like swimming pools, expansive lounges, and a greater number of rooms.
• Tented Camps: Offering a more intimate connection to the bush, these camps feature luxurious canvas tents. You can hear the sounds of the wilderness at night while enjoying all the comforts of a high-end hotel, including en-suite bathrooms and comfortable beds.

Our Types of Safari Accommodations and How to Choose will provide you with more information.

When it comes to voltage and electricity, charging your devices is straightforward, with reliable power available at most safari lodges and camps.

• Standard Voltage: Tanzania operates on a 230V supply with a frequency of 50Hz.
• Plug Type: The country primarily uses the three-pronged, UK-style Type G plug, as well as the Type D plug. Bringing a universal travel adapter is essential.
• Constant Power: Most lodges have a consistent 24/7 power supply from generators. However, some smaller, remote eco-camps may have limited generator hours, often turning off power overnight.

When flying in and out of Tanzania, you will typically arrive at one of two main hubs, depending on your itinerary.

• Northern Circuit and Serengeti: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the primary gateway. Arusha Airport (ARK) is a smaller hub for regional and domestic flights.
• Southern Parks and Zanzibar: Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam is the main entry point.
• Light Aircraft Flights: To travel between parks, especially when combining the northern and southern circuits or connecting to Zanzibar, you will take "safari hop" flights on light aircraft. Be aware of strict luggage restrictions, typically 33 pounds in soft-sided bags.

Tanzania is safe for travel. It is a politically stable country with a well-established tourism industry. Your Zicasso itinerary is designed to ensure you travel securely and comfortably.

• Guided Travel: You will be accompanied by an expert guide for the duration of your safari. It is rare for tourists to spend significant unsupervised time in urban areas.
• Wildlife Safety: It is critical to respect the safety rules provided by your guides and lodge staff, as safari camps are unfenced. This includes not walking unescorted at night and never getting out of the vehicle unless instructed it is safe to do so.

With sensible precautions, you can ensure a healthy Tanzanian adventure.

• Malaria: All of Tanzania is a malaria zone and it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor about taking anti-malarial medication.
• Yellow Fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Tanzania if you are arriving from a country with a known risk of transmission.

Packing light and be practical, focusing on layers and soft-sided luggage.

• Soft-Sided Bags: This is essential due to the strict luggage limit of 33 pounds per person on all internal light aircraft flights.
• Layering System: Pack lightweight clothing in neutral colors. Bring a warm fleece or jacket, as early morning game drives can be very chilly, even in the dry season.
• Key Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, and, of course, your camera and binoculars. Hiking boots are not required.

Zicasso’s What to Pack for an African Safari will provide you with all the information you require.

Yes, Tanzania’s Northern Circuit is a good destination for families.

• Comfortable Travel: Safari vehicles are enclosed and comfortable for transfers between parks. Private vehicles can be arranged for added flexibility.
• Engaging Activities: Many family-oriented lodges offer dedicated children’s programs, such as "Junior Ranger" courses, bush skills, and cooking with the chef.
• Age Restrictions: Be aware that some lodges have age restrictions and may not accept children under 12. Your Zicasso specialist will ensure all accommodations are perfectly suited for your family.

See Tanzania family safari tours and packages for more inspiration.

Tanzania's Northern Circuit is well-suited for senior travelers, provided the itinerary is designed with a comfortable pace in mind.

• Pacing is Key: Extending an itinerary by a few nights can make a significant difference, reducing the length of travel days and allowing for more relaxation time.
• Accessibility: Your Zicasso specialist can ensure your needs are communicated to the lodges and that your journey is designed to be as seamless and comfortable as possible.

Find more inspiration with our Tanzania safaris for seniors.

Yes, with careful planning, there are safaris for travelers with mobility challenges.

• Adapted Vehicles: Certain ground operators can provide vehicles adapted to accommodate guests who require a wheelchair.
• Accessible Rooms: A number of lodges and camps offer rooms that are specifically designed for guests with mobility issues.
• Expert Planning: Working closely with your Zicasso safari specialist is crucial to ensure every detail of your trip is planned to meet your specific mobility needs.

Absolutely. With its dramatic landscapes and intimate lodges, Tanzania is a very destination for couples and honeymooners.

• Romantic Settings: The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater provide a breathtaking backdrop for an intimate getaway.
• Exclusive Experiences: Indulge in private dinners under the stars, sip champagne while watching the sunset over the savanna, or enjoy an exclusive hot-air balloon ride for two.
• Bush and Beach: The classic combination of a thrilling safari followed by a relaxing escape to the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar makes for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Learn more by taking a look at our Tanzania honeymoon packages.

The choice between Tanzania and Kenya for a Great Migration safari is a matter of scale, timing, and spectacle. They are two parts of the same vast ecosystem and the wildebeest herds are oblivious to the border they cross. Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park is immense, offering a feeling of truly endless plains where the migration plays out for about nine months of the year.

This is where you witness the dramatic calving season, from January to March and the long journey north. Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve is a smaller, more concentrated part of that ecosystem. While the herds are typically only in the Mara from late July to October, this is the stage for the world’s most dramatic wildlife event: the frenzied river crossings of the Mara River, where crocodiles lie in wait. The Mara’s smaller size can mean more concentrated game viewing, but also potentially more vehicles during this peak season.

These parks offer world-class wildlife experiences beyond the migration. Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater is a geological marvel, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. It shelters an unprecedented density of wildlife, including the Big Five, in a self-contained ecosystem. It provides an almost guaranteed spectacle of animal interactions in a single day.

By contrast, Kenya’s Amboseli National Park is a landscape defined by its subjects. It is renowned for its vast herds of elephants roaming across dusty plains and lush marshlands, all set against the breathtaking, iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, which rises just across the border in Tanzania. Amboseli offers a quintessential East African vista, while Ngorongoro offers an unbelievable concentration of fauna.

Tanzania has generally positioned itself as a more premium safari destination, particularly on its popular Northern Circuit. Park fees, especially for the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area, are significantly higher than in Kenya. The classic Tanzanian safari often involves more driving between distant parks or costly internal flights. This contributes to a higher overall price point.

Kenya, while home to many exclusive luxury camps, offers a wider spectrum of pricing. It provides more accessible options for mid-range and budget-conscious travelers, with more affordable park fees and a greater variety of accommodation just outside park boundaries.

One of Kenya’s key advantages is its relatively compact and well-connected main safari circuit. Many premier parks, including the Maasai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and Amboseli, are accessible via a four- to six-hour drive or a short flight from Nairobi, which is a major international hub. This makes combining diverse landscapes in a shorter timeframe more feasible.

Tanzania is a vast country. A driving safari on the Northern Circuit (covering Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti) is a classic journey, but involves long days in a vehicle. Connecting the Northern Circuit with the more remote southern parks like Nyerere or Ruaha almost always requires internal flights, making itineraries more complex and expensive.

Tanzania offers a safari experience defined by epic scale and iconic landmarks.

• Unmatched Scale: The sheer vastness of the Serengeti provides a sense of boundless wilderness that is hard to replicate. The Great Migration is within its borders for most of the year.
• World-Famous Landmarks: Tanzania is home to Africa’s most famous geological wonders, the Ngorongoro Crater and Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak.
• The Full Migration Cycle: Witnessing the birth of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest during the calving season in the southern Serengeti is a unique and profound experience only available in Tanzania.
• Remote Wilderness: If you are interested in getting off the beaten path, Tanzania’s Southern and Western circuits, in parks like Ruaha, Nyerere, and Katavi, offer exceptionally wild and exclusive safari experiences.

Kenya excels in accessibility, value, and delivering the most famous wildlife spectacle.

• The River Crossings: The Maasai Mara is the prime location to witness the dramatic, action-packed river crossings of the Great Migration.
• Accessibility and Value: A well-developed tourism infrastructure, more competitive pricing, and easier logistics from the hub of Nairobi make it a great choice for first-time safari-goers or those on a tighter schedule or budget.
• Diverse Circuits: It is easier to combine classic savanna safaris in the Mara with the unique landscapes of the Great Rift Valley lakes or the semi-arid northern reserves like Samburu.
• Cultural Connection: The deep, long-standing relationship between tourism and the Maasai people in the Mara ecosystem offers rich and easily accessible opportunities for authentic cultural encounters.

For information on a safari in both countries, see our Kenya and Tanzania safaris.

You can find recommended itineraries for your trip in our Tanzania safari tours and packages. The captivating country offers incredible journeys for everyone and exploring sample itineraries like ours is a great way to find inspiration, whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family reunion, or a classic Northern Circuit adventure with beach time.

Our travel specialists use their expertise and inside connections to plan and book your entire trip, ensuring you have access to experiences you couldn’t arrange otherwise. When you are ready, fill out a trip request to share your preferences. Our Travel Care team will match you with a top travel specialist who can make your dream safari a reality. They will be available for support throughout your journey, giving you peace of mind from start to finish.

For more information on the African country, see our Tanzania safari guide.