Question 1

When is the best time to travel to Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

For wildlife safaris the best time to travel to Tanzania is from July to October. This is the dry season when viewing opportunities are better due to vegetation dwindling making the bush less dense while animals congregate around water holes to drink. Keep in mind that this is the peak season and Tanzania attracts a lot of visitors from all over the world so it can be busy plus it’s a more expensive time    of year. On the other hand, the shoulder season, November to March is a great time to travel too. Although the bush is thicker so it’s harder to see wildlife, this time of year has less visitors and can be more affordable  For more information about the best time to travel to Tanzania, including its’s coastline, check out our Best Time to Visit Tanzania guide.

Question 2

When is the great wildebeest migration?

Accepted Answer

The great wildebeest migration in Tanzania and Kenya is the largest annual migration of around 1.5 million wildebeest and thousands of zebras, antelopes, gazelle, impala and eland. The migration is a result of dwindling grazing making the animals move to greener pastures following the rainfall pattern. This large-scale migration is fraught with dangerous river crossings where predators are lying in wait. The migration continues year round as the animals travel in a circular route from Tanzania to Kenya and back again. The rains in April and May get the herds of wildebeest on the move in the Serengeti on their journey towards the Masai Mara, Kenya. Once they have reached Kenya, they graze in the Mara. In a few months, the vegetation is exhausted and the animals start their journey back to the Serengeti, and the cycle repeats.  Check out our Great Migration Timeline to see how the wildebeest migration progresses over the months.

Question 3

Is Tanzania a family-friendly safari destination?

Accepted Answer

From the postcard-perfect beaches and large open skies to the majestic animals and spectacular wilderness, Tanzania offers children mesmerising sights and wildlife adventures. Tanzania is a family-friendly safari destination, but before you hop on to the plane, you’ll need to do some research.  There are some safari lodges and camps that have age restrictions for children. When you book a safari tour, discuss this with your tour operator and find out details about the restrictions; it might be a lodge or camp which only accepts children over a certain age, or it could be some of the activities where there are age restrictions such as walking safaris or game drives. Some camps offer children-specific activities for families. In terms of safety, it is quite safe to take your kids on a safari, just ensure that they listen to the guide at all times.

Question 4

How safe is it to travel in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Tanzania is one of the safest destinations in East Africa. The locals are generous, friendly and eager to help visitors. However, you need to take the necessary precautions, including storing your valuables in the hotel safe and carrying only what’s necessary (camera equipment, cards, cash, jewellery, or any other valuables). On a safari, your safety will be in the hands of your guide. Make sure that you follow everything your guide says and do not wander around in the wild.

Question 5

What should I wear and take on safari in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Pack comfortable clothing suitable for sitting in safari vehicles and other safari activities.  Don’t pack bright colours (or camouflage patterns); stick to neutral brown, beige, khaki and white.  Bring light-weight cotton clothes which can be layered up in cooler weather. Pack long sleeve shirts and trousers to wear from dusk to prevent mosquito bites. During the winter months, mornings and evenings can be very cold so pack a fleece, hats and gloves.  Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and swimwear for both safaris and beach holidays.  If you plan to visit mountain areas such as Mount Kilimanjaro, you need to pack a fleece, rain jacket, and walking boots or shoes.  Additional items which are good to take on safari include binoculars, torch and adapter, and of course don’t forget your camera!

Question 6

What languages are spoken in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Even though Swahili, a Bantu language, is the official language of Tanzania and majority of the population speak it, not everyone in Tanzania speaks it. They might speak a variation of the Bantu languages as there are quite a few Bantu and Nilotic languages spoken throughout Tanzania. English is the second official language, spoken by a large number of Tanzanians – a remnant of colonial rule (formerly known as the Tanganyika territory).

Question 7

What currency is used in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Although Tanzania’s official currency is Tanzanian Shilling, which is accepted throughout the country, US Dollars are also widely accepted in a majority of tourist areas. However, the locals don’t usually accept US dollar notes printed before 2009. We recommend visitors exchange money at authorised dealers in Tanzania plus there are options to use ATMs to get the local currency. Most of the Tanzanian outlets accept Mastercard and Visa.

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Tanzania Safari – Frequently Asked Questions

Tanzania Safari – Frequently Asked Questions

Tanzania Safari – Frequently Asked Questions