Tanzania safari, Africa

Travel guide and travel reviews...

Tanzania safari guide

Tanzania is the largest country in Eastern Africa (93,700 sq. km) and lies just south of the equator. It is a very peaceful place and the locals are very welcoming and gracious. Tanzania historically was a British colony until it gained independence in 1961; therefore they do speak a mix of fluent English and Swahili. It has a tropical climate predominately made up of two seasons; the rainy season (usually April - May) and the long dry season. The main tourist attraction for Tanzania is safari (Swahili for journey). Many people flock each year to be taken back to nature and see herds of elephants and wilder-beasts amongst others in their thousands on the african flood plains and grasslands.  In some national parks you may be able to see herds of up to 3,000 elephants at a time!

Tanzania has more land devoted to game reserves than any other wildlife reserve in the whole of the world. Tanzania has fourteen national parks with an area estimated at 33,660 sq. km (13,000 sq. miles). This beautiful country also has the most amazing landmarks known such as Lake Victoria and Mount Kilimanjaro.

To venture onto the northern safari circuit you will most likely be flying into Kilimanjaro Airport (preferred) or Dar es Salaam. Safaris can basically be organised in three ways. You can hire your own car and then a tour guide when you arrive at the national parks or buy a package deal but much of the choice can be taken away from you with regards to flights, hotels and places to see or you can arrange your safari separate to your flights which will give you much more freedom of choice and flexibility.

Arranging your safari - If you are intending to safari on the northern circuit it would be advisable to arrange this from Arrusha (in the north); this will save you time form lengthy drives and also if there are any problems with the tour you can sort things out locally. The northern circuit is made up of Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks; visit tanzaniaparks.com for a map and descriptions of the reserves (you do not have to visit all the parks). To organise the safari the following tour operators are recommended. Prices will vary depending on the type of accommodation available (camping to luxury safaris), how many people are on the tour and the type of guide hired.

Luxury safaris - Amazing Tanzania

amazingtanzania.com , Coastal Travels , Nomad Tanzania , Hoopoe Adventure Tours.

Mid-range safaris - Green Footprint Adventure

greenfootprint.co.tz , Tropical Trails , East African Safari and Touring Company.

Budget camping safaris - Nyika Treks and Safaris

nyikatreks.com, Duma Explorer , Nature Discovery , IntoAfrica , Kilimanjaro Guides and Porters Union

  • If your safari doesn't start until the day after you arrive make sure you have arranged accommodation for the day of your arrival.
  • You will need a visa to visit Tanzania; you can arrange this prior to travelling (tanzania-online) or a white card will be given to you in-flight; a fee will need to be paid to the immigration officer.
  • You will need inoculations before traveling to Tanzania.
  • Bring insect repellent.
  • Barclays and other major banks have branches in most major towns such as Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
  • Jambo or Si Jambo means 'hello', asante means 'thank you'.
  • Tourist Information is on Boma Road.
  • Currency - Shillings.

    • Flights to Kilimanjaro Airport (KIA)

    Kilimanjaro International Airport is 48 km east of Arusha and off the Moshi Highway.

    To and from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

  • If you have arranged a safari check whether this includes pick-up and drop off at your accommodation to and from the Airport.
  • If you are arriving by Air Tanzania or Precison Air there is a free shuttle into Arusha or Moshi. KLM passengers can be charged a fee of $10.
  • Taxi - Outside the arrivals lounge and can cost around $50 into Arusha.

    • Flights to Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR)

    Dar es Salaam International Airport is 11 km southwest of the city off the Nyerere Highway.

    To and from Dar es Salaam Airport to Dar es Salaam

  • Taxi - Outside the arrivals lounge and will charge around Tsh12,000 into Dar es Salaam city centre (you can haggle).
  • Bus - Most buses may finish about 8 km from Dar es Salaam city centre at Ubungo bus station; a taxi from here will cost around Tsh6,000.
  • If you are moving onto Arusha for a northern safari you can either hire a car and drive otherwise you can book an internal flight through Coastal Travels  Precision Air , ZanAir , Air Tanzania.
    • Activities and sightseeing on Safari

    Northern safari circuit - visit tanzaniaparks.com Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks.

    Eating and drinking on Safari

    Rice and Ugali (cornmeal porridge) are Tanzanian staple food accompanied by goat, chicken, beef, vegatables and fish. More types of dishes are available in the towns. Fruit is available everwhere such as bananas, papayas and pineapples. Whilst on safari you will eat picnics in the day. If your a tea lover you will be happy to know that the national non-alcoholic beverage is 'chai' tea.

    Tanzanians do drink alcohol which include beer, cider, spirits, liquors, wine and Pombe (home brewed beer).

    Tanzania Safari ClimateJanFebMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec
    Average Temperature (celsius)2827272624.524232319252626