10 Things to Know Before Going on a Safari in Tanzania

Tanzania is the perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. And for many, it's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience nature at its finest, unparalleled in scope and grandeur. But if this is your first time planning a safari, you'll probably have some questions about getting started, what to bring and what you can expect.

So to help you prepare for an adventure of a lifetime, here are ten things to know before going on a safari in Tanzania.

1. Choose the Perfect Safari Destination for You

Tanzania is a country of exceptional natural diversity: from game drives across the savannah of the Serengeti National Park to the natural wonders, the rich cultural heritage, and abundant flora and fauna of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, from white sandy beaches of Zanzibar to the highest mountain of Africa - Tanzania has it all!

If you're looking to physically challenge yourself on one of the world's most iconic and stunningly beautiful treks, consider scaling Mount Kilimanjaro. Africa's tallest mountain has seven routes and can accommodate all fitness levels. Some routes are steep and daring, perfect for professional trekkers and mountaineers, while most have trails more suited for the generally fit or families.
Then there is exotic Zanzibar, known locally as Unguja. Enjoy beautiful beaches, go snorkeling or scuba diving to see the coral reefs, or catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming close to shore. Visit historical Stone Town, a charming cultural heritage site, and enjoy good food, shopping, and entertainment.

In contrast to that, you can visit the rainforests of Gombe and Mahale Mountain National Park to see the chimpanzees, or visit Lake Manyara and admire the flamingos lining its shores. Including a couple of off-beat destinations in your itinerary will give you a genuine feel for Tanzania.

Every destination in Tanzania provides something unique, and finalizing your safari travel plans given such spectacular choices will be no easy undertaking. At Sababu Safaris, we're here to help you create a custom itinerary for a truly unforgettable safari experience. Take a look at our sample itineraries to get a better idea. 

2. Time Your Safari Wisely

Before making your safari dream vacation a reality, careful planning will make all the difference in your enjoyment and the overall quality of your experience.

Most travelers to Tanzania prefer to visit during the dry season, from June through October. Marked by warm, dry weather, the grasses shorten and thin across the savannahs, making the animals easier to spot as they amass around the waterholes. Of course, this is the high season in Tanzania, so expect some crowds.

One of the most spectacular events in Tanzania is the Great Wildebeest Migration of the Serengeti. Though this is a year-round migration covering the entire region, extraordinary events like the calving season (January-March) and river crossings (July-October) attract most visitors.

Travel during the rainy season (March-May) appeals to fewer tourists because heavier rainfall can cause some roads to wash away, and the tall grass makes it more difficult to spot animals. For more information on the best time to visit Tanzania, please read our blog.

3. Your Guide is Your Buddy

Venturing into the wilderness of Tanzania might be a little nerve-wracking for new travelers. But fret not. Our guides at Sabubu Safaris will ease your way and accompany you every step of your journey.

Guides are an integral component of your safari experience. Our guides will introduce you to the best of Tanzania as you travel and take in your surroundings along the way.

Sababu guides are friendly, certified professionals with many years of experience and extensive knowledge of the terrain and wildlife. They gather intel about sightings from other guides and, thanks to their expertise and sharp eyes, can spot animals that would've otherwise escaped your notice.

Communicate with your guides. Feel free to ask any questions that arise throughout the safari, and they will do their utmost to provide the best answers and solutions. You can share your views and preferences on wildlife viewing or places to see. And, of course, always adhere to their advice as they guide you safely through your safari. Cordial, respectful communication between all parties will ensure the safest, most enjoyable safari experience. 

4. Organize Your Gear

A Tanzanian safari is an epic trip, and preparation will reduce the inevitable stress of long-distance travel to a foreign country. It will take some careful planning, and you'll need to be realistic about the sort of gear that will keep you comfortable and healthy on a safari. 

When it comes to clothing, remember to pack light but right! You'll have luggage limitations in size and weight to accommodate small domestic planes, but there will be opportunities to do laundry as you travel. You can't go wrong with light and neutral colored, layered clothing that is breathable and quick-drying. 

Tanzania is a paradise for wildlife photographers. If you plan on photographing the wildlife and gorgeous vistas of Tanzania, make sure you have a proper camera with appropriate lenses. Those who rely on their smartphone camera almost certainly will not be able to capture the full grandeur of the living landscape. 

We always provide binoculars in your safari vehicle but feel free to bring your own as well! And just as important are a mosquito repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and any personal care items, such as an extra pair of glasses, that you require.

5. Take the Recommended Health and Safety Precautions

Tanzania is a safe place for tourists, and its people are hospitable and welcoming. However, you'll need to exercise personal responsibility and take appropriate health and safety measures to protect yourself.

Your health is your first and foremost concern. Make sure you are properly vaccinated and medically cleared to go on safari. Pack an adequate first aid kit and keep copies of your passport, vaccine documentation, and health and travel insurance.

Bring clothing suitable for daytime heat and chilly evenings. If you are allergic to dust, keep a mask on hand. Avoid flashy or overly-bright clothing, and do not bring any valuables. Take care to double-check that you are packing everything essential for your health and safety throughout the entire trip.

And, whatever concerns arise during the safari, discuss them with your guide. They are your ultimate go-to source to facilitate and support you through any concerns.

6. Plan to be Tech-Free

Going on a Tanzanian safari will take you away from everyday life, and for that, you'll need to make arrangements in advance. 

First, be sure to have enough cash ready . Though you'll find some accommodations will accept credit or debit cards, don't count on it, as many will not have this facility. Having cash on hand will also make it easier to buy in local markets, catch a cab, or tip people in hotels and restaurants. If you run out of cash, your guide will help you locate the nearest ATM, but it could take some time and effort. And it won't hurt to have a few Tanzanian shillings in your wallet. 

If you are a photo enthusiast, bring extra batteries and memory cards. Though lodgings and restaurants have WiFi, you might sometimes experience issues with low connectivity. So, plan ahead and take care of necessary payments or communications beforehand.

You might as well plan on unplugging and disconnecting from the digital world while in Tanzania. Try not to let this be a hindrance--this could be the perfect digital detox you've needed for a while.

7. Respect and Observe... But Do Not Disturb

Observing wildlife in their natural habitat is one of the major draws to Tanzania, and the country is brimming with wildlife. From the Big Five to the critters and crawlers, each is worthy of awestruck attention and respect as they go about their lives unhindered by safari travelers.

Unfortunately, sometimes travelers interfere with the natural interaction between animals. Travelers must use caution when in proximity to wild animals, careful not to provoke, or interfere in their activities. Animals are well accustomed to seeing safari vehicles driving across the plains, often walking up to and sitting underneath one for shade or even climbing up onto the vehicle for a good look around. But they fear humans outside the vehicle. 

Always listen to your guide and follow their instructions to the letter. They have the experience and knowledge of the appropriate ways to draw close to animals for the safest and best view possible.

Be patient. Do not interfere with nature. Experience the breathtaking beauty of animals in their natural habitat.

8. Get Ready to Face Some Challenges

While safaris are a fantastic extraordinary experience but they're not necessarily a relaxing, laid-back cruise vacation.

Waking up early--really early – might be a challenge for some. As animals are more active at dawn, getting out on the road as the sun comes up will be the best time for sightings. And, worth mentioning, the scenic beauty of the landscape as the sun rises over the horizon is truly magnificent.

But game drives are not a piece of cake if you’re on the road for several days. The dust, the warm midday temperatures and cold evenings, the insects, and the rugged terrain all pose unique challenges. While it's true that many lodges and camps are luxurious to suit the needs of the more sophisticated traveler, being out in the bush for hours at a time and processing an overload of impressions can be exhausting. Each safari will keep you on your toes.

9. Have an Open Mind

When people think of going on safari, they picture mild, sunny days, lions lazing around in the distance, and zebras running by. While this can be true, safari life is not always what you see on TV, edited to show viewers only its most appealing aspects. In real life, it will require patience and flexibility.

For example, sudden rains might turn the roads into rivers and delay your drive or make the wildlife go into hiding and harder to spot. Or, you might be expecting to see an animal, and no matter how long you wait or search for it, they don't appear on a particular day.

Often tourists plan on seeing the big cats only, like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. But if all you're looking for are big cats, you could miss wildebeests, impalas, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and many other smaller animals moving past. Tanzania is teeming with hundreds of thousands of majestic creatures roaming an immense landscape.

Each moment of your safari is distinctively beautiful. Keeping an open heart and mind, free of preconceived notions of what each day might bring, will open your eyes to the full wonder of your surroundings while on safari in Tanzania.

10. Make Up Your Mind to Enjoy Every Minute of It

Tanzania promises visitors to the country a vividly unique experience every time and at every destination. From game drives with the country’s abundantly diverse wildlife to mountain and savannah landscapes, a safari in Tanzania will be an unforgettable experience. You'll witness an ever-changing world, with no guarantee that you'll ever see again what you were fortunate to see on your journey.

Immerse yourself in the wildest and most beautiful settings, connect with nature and with loved ones, take pictures, and be humbled by nature's magnificence. Though you may face small challenges along the way, be open for what you experience to cherish every moment.

Wrapping Up

Taking the above pointers to heart will help set you up for the best safari experience of a lifetime. 

If you're ready to realize a lifelong dream and experience the magic of safari in Tanzania, feel free to contact us to learn more about Tanzania. Whether traveling solo or planning to take your family on a safari, we will help you create the perfect itinerary for your dream safari vacation. Visit our blogs to learn more about Tanzania.