When one talks about safari, one thing comes to mind, and that’s short of extreme exploration of the African savannah wilderness. And to that accord, Tanzania best suits as the best option for such particular safari tours. However, identifying the safari destination to focus on for your next adventure is half the job done. The main work is actually preparing or planning a safari to the chosen destination, in this case, Tanzania. On the African continent, few beat Tanzania on safari adventures, and categorically, it is the best safari destination in Africa for safari.
Planning a safari to Tanzania
After identifying Tanzania as the safari destination, the next step is to select which places within it offer an unparalleled safari adventure. Now, this is where we, as your expert local tour operator, come in. We center our focus on what the visitor is interested in and what they wish to see. Every decision is aligned with the desires of the visitor. Planning a tour to Tanzania is not as simple as it may sound. This is because it involves booking accommodation options, payments of travel permits like park entrances, hiring safari vehicles, and guides, among other things.
This is why it is very necessary to contact a local expert tour company like Monteero Safaris to handle all your tours. This assures that you just show up, sit and relax, and trust us, we take you through the untamed African wilderness to realise your wildest dreams. It is not the best move to travel directly to Tanzania, in terms of handling and planning your trip by yourself upon arrival. Africa is not a very straight continent where you can maneuver your way through using Google Maps. It is a very sophisticated, large continent with vast wilderness that can make you get lost.
Frequently Asked Questions about planning a safari to Tanzania
As the anticipation for exploration builds up to capacity, as the love for nature captivates one, many questions are usually raised. Some of these questions and their answers include the following.
- How long should a safari in Tanzania last?
A safari in Tanzania should last between 10 and 12 days. This is because Tanzania is a really massive country with incredible safari destinations. To explore some of its finest destinations, one needs at least 10 days. It is also important to note that these destinations, such as national parks and game reserves, are massive and take time to explore. The roads are also quite bumpy and thus last longer when driving through these destinations. Game drives, for instance, require 3-4 hours in the morning session and 3-4 more hours in the late evenings. This is a time when wildlife is most active.
- Can one go for a safari in Tanzania with children?
Yes, one can go for a safari in Tanzania with children. Safari with family is one of the amazing times to spend as a family. Most of the lodges in Tanzania have children’s programs that can keep them entertained even off safari. Children, by their nature, need constant supervision even when they are in a safari destination. Make sure they do not provoke the wildlife and keep silent when in close encounters with these animals. However, it is very advisable to travel with children eight years and above.
- Is the risk of malaria high in Tanzania?
Tanzania, just like any other African country, has a high prevalence of malaria. This is why measures are taken to reduce this spread, such as having treated mosquito nets in all the lodges and accommodation facilities. Visitors are also advised to carry malaria pills and to be vaccinated against malaria. It is also worth noting that there are places in Tanzania that are malaria-free.
- Is it expensive to have a safari in Tanzania?
It depends on what the visitor is interested in, but safaris in Tanzania can be either cheap or expensive. The costs for such a safari are raised by the accommodation and the need for a private experience.
- What to pack for a safari in Tanzania?
The packing list for a safari in Tanzania should include safari clothing, both light and heavy gear. Don’t be too fashionable and focus on dull colours, but also not dark, as black and dark blue attract tsetse flies. Include cameras and binoculars, and long clothing that protects one from bugs and strong direst sun. Pack insect repellents and sunscreen, as the days can be very hot.
- When to visit Tanzania for a safari?
The dry season is a good time to go on a safari in Tanzania. The dry season takes place from June to October, this is the peak season. And from January to February classified as the calving season when there is much higher predator activity. During this time, it is very easy to predict where the animals can be as they usually concentrate along watering holes. During this time, they are also active when the sun goes down. The highly sought-after great wildebeest migration also happens in the dry season.
- Which vaccinations do one need to go for safari in Tanzania?
The yellow fever vaccination is the top requirement for one to have before flying to Tanzania for safari. However, on a personal level, visitors can have different vaccinations, such as the malaria vaccine, for extra protection.
- Between the Northern circuit and the Southern circuit, which one is best for safari?
Depending on what the visitor is interested in specifically, each circuit presents incredible experiences. The Northern circuit is worth more for exciting safari adventures, and the Southern circuit for nature activities like birding and game walking safaris. Tanzania’s two circuits bleed with unmatched experiences. The Northern circuit includes destinations like;
Serengeti National Park, which features the great wildebeest migration, where millions of wildebeests, gazelles, and zebras cross the Mara River into Kenya. The Ngorongoro Crater is also in this circuit and assures visitors of the highest concentration of wildlife in the world. It is a one-off experience of spotting Africa’s formidable and ferocious predators working it out on the big stage.
The Southern circuit brings to your attention the southern destinations of Tarangire National Park, Nyerere National Park, and Ruaha National Park, among others. These offer a much slower game viewing experience and a much more intimate time with nature.