A Tanzania Safari tour is one of the best African adventures you can be part of. Tanzania is diverse and offers a variety of safari tour experiences.
Without proper guidance though, you can easily mess up on your Tanzania safari tour, especially as a first-timer. In today’s read, we are looking at tips and basic information that are essential for a successful Tanzania safari tour.
Planning your Tanzania Safari tour
Safaris to any African destination is as not cheap as you might assume. This is why thorough planning is essential. It is important to look for the most appropriate and convenient flights to Tanzania. Tanzania is served by many international flight operators and the country also has its national airline.
Notable airlines that offer flights to Tanzania include Air Tanzania, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Kenya Airways. Other major international airlines you can opt for include KLM and Emirates. With a direct flight and one with less connecting time, you easily get to Tanzania and start your adventures.
Applying for and securing your Visa is also important. Tanzania has an online system where you can directly apply or can visit a Tanzanian Mission in your Country. United States of American Citizens are required to apply for the Multiple entry visa. This has 6 months validity and costs $100 per person.
Featured Tanzania safari destination
Tanzania featured safari tour destinations range from open savannas, beaches, and unique wildlife features among others. Depending on your budget and interest, you can visit multiple of these. Northern Tanzania safari tour destinations like Serengeti are a Must. The park is home to big cats, four of the big five mammals, and many other animal species.
Serengeti National Park tour adventures are supplemented by other destinations like Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater. A northern Tanzania safari tour is most recommended when visiting the country for the first time. Experiences here from the wildebeest migration, balloon safaris, nature walks and the big cat’s experiences are fulfilling and remarkable.
Southern Tanzania also offers unique experiences that are more exclusive compared to the north. It is recommended for honeymooners and those who prefer intimate safari experiences. Southern Tanzania is also ideal for photography as you can follow the wildlife species you are interested in with minimal interference.
The most remote Tanzania safari tour destinations are those in the west and southwestern parts. They include Katavi National Park, Mahale Mountains, and Gombe National Park. These are all best accessed by air transport but worth the time.
Accommodation
Accommodation is key on any tour you intend to take. Tanzania has several of these from mobile tented camps to luxurious safari lodges. The country has one of the highest concentration of accommodation facilities but they get fully booked in the peak tourist season.
Depending on the Tanzania safari tour destination you plan to visit, ensure to have your accommodation booked in advance. Many accommodation facilities in Tanzania discount their rates during the low tourist season. If you are on a tight budget you can consider visiting in April, May, and November.
All Tanzania safari lodges and camps are strategically located at major safari tour destinations. This gives you a great opportunity to start your adventures right from your lodge.
When to Visit
Tanzania safari tours are possible throughout the year. The dry season months from June to August and December to February receive the highest tourist numbers. During the dry season, it is easy to spot wildlife as a number gather at waterholes to freshen up. All the game drive trails in protected areas are marram and easily accessed during the dry season.
The wet season months are still great times to visit Tanzania as well. The rains favor the growth of a lush vegetation cover and some major herbivores can easily spotted while on game drives.
Depending on the time of your visit, it is recommended to pack appropriately. Some parts of Tanzania a relatively dry but temperatures drop in the night and early morning. You can therefore pack both light clothes and sweaters to help you deal with both conditions. Most Tanzania safaris are done in the comfort of a vehicle. Open shoes are ideal for this but it is best to also have hiking shoes in case you opt to go for a walk.
Other safari tour experiences
The East African region has many other safari tour experiences you can be part of. Uganda is for example a prime primate trekking tour destination. It is home to the highest chimpanzee and mountain gorilla populations. The country is also home to savanna wildlife species and you can enjoy a primate trekking and savanna wildlife safari in Uganda.
Rwanda, the land of a thousand hills is also exceptional. It is also home to mountain gorillas, chimpanzees, and other primates. Mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda is done in Volcanoes National Park. The park together with Uganda’s Mgahinga and DRC’s Virunga form the great Virunga conservation area. The conservation area is home to the last remaining groups of mountain gorillas.
If you want to stick to the open savanna wildlife adventures then you can visit Kenya. Kenya tour destinations like Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu are impressive. Whichever destination you choose to visit ensure to book your tour with a local tour operator for easy management and trip arrangement.
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