Tanzania Safari First Timer Questions — Answered

If you are thinking about a Tanzania safari for the first time, you probably have questions. We have been answering the same ones for 49 years. Here are the 15 that come up most often before a first booking.

Do I need a visa for Tanzania?

Most nationalities get a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Dar es Salaam. Single-entry: $50. East Africa Tourist Visa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, multiple entries, 90 days): $100. Your passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from an endemic country. See our full visa guide.

What is the best way to get around on safari?

You do not self-drive. Tanzania safari circuits require a licensed 4WD operator with a qualified guide. Between major parks, fly from Arusha to Serengeti or a park airstrip, then continue by vehicle. Domestic flights are reasonably priced and save long road transfers. See the full booking guide.

Is Tanzania safe?

Tanzania is statistically very safe for tourists. The main real risks are road traffic accidents and petty theft in cities. As a direct operator with our own vehicles and trained guides, our guides stay with you throughout and we carry satellite radios for remote-area emergencies.

What should I wear?

Neutral colours — khaki, brown, olive, tan — do not disturb wildlife. Layer up: mornings start cold at 6am and warm fast. Bring a light fleece, waterproof jacket, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes. Camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians in Tanzania. See the full packing list.

Can I drink the water?

Tap water is not reliably potable outside major cities. We provide two large bottles of bottled water per person per day in the vehicle. In lodges and camps, filtered or bottled water is available at meals.

Will my phone work?

Most national parks have no reliable mobile signal. Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater rim have partial coverage. The Serengeti has none except near specific lodges. SIM cards (Vodacom, Airtel) are available in Arusha. Our vehicles carry satellite radios for emergencies.

How does tipping work?

Tipping is customary. Safari guide: $10-20 per person per day. Camp or lodge staff: $5-10 per person per day. Group tips are pooled and divided. We handle guide base compensation separately — tips are additional and reflect service quality.

How much should I budget?

Budget: $1,456-$2,184 per person for 7 days. Mid-range: $2,496-$3,640. Luxury: $5,200-$10,400+. All include park fees, accommodation, meals, guide, and 4WD. International flights, insurance, tips, and Zanzibar are extra. Booking direct removes the 25-35 percent commission agents add. See the monthly pricing guide.

What if I get sick during the safari?

Guides carry first-aid kits and have emergency protocols. The nearest full medical facility is Arusha, accessible by road or air from most northern circuit parks. Air evacuation to Nairobi or Dar es Salaam is available for serious emergencies. We require travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage before booking.

What happens if it rains?

Rain does not cancel game drives. Animals are often more active during and after rain. Our 4WD Land Cruisers handle muddy tracks without issue. If conditions become impassable, we reroute to accessible areas. Tented camps and lodges remain accessible year-round.

Do I need malaria pills?

Malaria risk varies by season and park. Dry season (June-October) has lower risk. Higher-elevation parks — Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti — have lower mosquito prevalence. We cannot give medical advice; consult your doctor. Mosquito avoidance (long sleeves, repellent, nets) is effective regardless of medication.

What is the food like?

Safari camps serve much better food than most people expect. Fresh vegetables, grilled meats, salads, daily-baked bread, and fruit are standard at mid-range and above. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary requirements are accommodated with advance notice.

How early should I book?

Peak season (July-October and December-February calving): 6-12 months ahead. Low season (April-May, November): 2-4 months is usually enough. Last-minute safaris are possible but the best camps and guides get reserved early.

Can I do a safari with limited mobility?

Many parks are accessible with assistance. Ngorongoro Crater has steep sections — guests need to get in and out of a vehicle independently. Some lodges have wheelchair-accessible rooms. Game drives use standing-height 4WD vehicles. Tell us honestly what you can manage — there are always alternatives.

Still have questions?

WhatsApp Kassim directly with anything not covered. The how to book a Tanzania safari guide walks through the full process from first enquiry to landing in Arusha.