Tanzania Discovery Journeys are the ultimate and classic African adventures everyone wants to be part of. The country has diverse beautiful wild places ranging from open savannas, forested highlands, and Marine Wildlife ecosystems that are home to several wildlife species. Discovery Journeys to Tanzania are mainly nature-based but the country’s rich History, culture, and heritage also make it more desirable.
It is never easy organizing for a Tanzania safari and Discovery Journey. Choosing between the many safari destinations alone is a challenge given the limited time and schedule and going over all the travel logistics does not seem easy either. In this travel guide, we will therefore look at the 5 things you must know before taking on Tanzania Discovery Journeys for your proper guidance.
Bucket List Discovery Journeys Destination
Tanzania is East Africa’s top bucket list destination for savanna wildlife and Beach holidays. Many of the region’s most visited Safari destinations are located in Tanzania. These include Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Nyerere, and Ruaha National Parks.
Northern Tanzania is the most visited of all and this means it gets so busy and lodges get fully booked. Tanzania is among the countries in East Africa with the highest bed capacity but still lodges get fully booked. Some Tanzania Discovery Journeys like the wildebeest migration adventures are often crowded during the peak season. The high tourist numbers in the north do not deny you the ultimate safari experience you paid for.
Southern Tanzania is less crowded when compared to the north and also has some of the largest national parks. These include Nyerere National Park which is the region’s largest protected area. Nyerere which is formally Selous is home to the savanna’s finest wildlife including the rare wild dogs.
Zanzibar Island is fairly popular for honeymooners and some resorts also get fully booked. You should therefore bear all these in mind when in your initial preparation of your Tanzania Discovery Journeys. It guides you on the best destinations to visit depending on your adventure preferences.
Weather Seasons
Tanzania has two weather seasons: the dry and the wet season that directly affect on travel. The dry season spans from June to October and from mid-December to February. During this dry season, there are minimal rainfall disturbances and chances of wildlife viewing are perfect. Wildlife photography is great with a boost from Natural light.
Major game drives and hiking trails are dry during the dry season which makes safari expeditions easily executed. Several animals gather at waterholes and can easily be spotted.
Tanzania Discovery Journeys are also possible during the wet season from March to May and from October to November. These months are best for birding as it is when several bird species are in full plumage. Migratory birds from as far as Europe as also in the region which increases the bird species diversity and viewing. The rains favor the growth of lush vegetation and a steady supply of water. With this, some animal animals do not have to move far and can therefore be easily spotted.
Some lodges close during the wet season and those that remain open discount their rates. If you are on a tight budget and would like to take on Tanzania Discovery Journeys the wet season is ideal.
Tanzania Visa Policy
Tanzania has a friendly visa policy. East African citizens and those coming from countries with a bilateral understanding with Tanzania do not require a visa. Other nationalities have the option of applying for a Tanzanian visa online. The best tourist visa to apply for is a single entry that is valid for 3 months days since many safari tours rarely exceed 30 days.
You are notified by email whether the visa process has been a success or failure. There is also an option of requesting a visa through a Tanzanian Mission or embassy in your home country.
Citizens of the United States of America visiting Tanzania are required to apply for the Multiple entry visa. This costs USD 100 per person and is valid for a year. When applying for these visas you are required to attach supporting documents including a passport with 6 months of validity.
Currency Used
When you travel you naturally spend on Meals, buying souvenirs, and other personal expenditures. The Tanzanian shilling is the country’s national currency that is widely used and commonly accepted. The US dollar, Euros, and pounds are also widely accepted in urban centers and Hotels.
It is however important to exchange some money to the local currency to ease your purchase and transactions. Credit cards are also used but not all facilities have provisions for that even in urban centers.
Tanzania Safari Packing List
Packing the right items for safari is important when taking on Tanzania Discovery Journeys or any other safari adventures. Tanzania lies within the tropics and has incredible weather throughout the year. Even during the wet season the sunshines and you therefore recommended to pack light clothes for your safari.
Some areas in Tanzania like the Ngorongoro Crater have their temperatures drop down during the night. You can always carry a sweater or warm poncho and scarf to keep warm.
You can always have both open and closed shoes. The closed shoes are suitable for hiking and nature walks while the open shoes are ideal for relaxing in. It is recommended to carry extra batteries for the camera since Tanzania Discovery Journeys are a blast and full of photography moments. Mosquito repellants and sunscreen are also good to have a long.
Tanzania is an iconic safari destination and you can explore this and many other epic adventures including Rwanda Gorilla trekking tours.