Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions. If your question is not listed, please contact us and we give you an answer as soon as possible.
Travel information
When is the best time to go on safari in Tanzania?
Tanzania is a yearround safari destination with excellent wildlife viewing.
The dry season (June–October) offers the most reliable game sightings. The short rains in November and December are mild compared to the long rains in spring.
From November to March, wildlife viewing remains superb and crowds are smaller.
March to May brings the long rains with April as the peak. Some camps close, though rewarding itineraries are still possible and often more affordable.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Tanzania is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino), plus cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hippos, antelopes and countless bird species. Sightings vary by park and season.
Is Tanzania safe for safari travel?
Tanzania is considered one of the safest countries in East Africa, known for stability and a welcoming atmosphere, especially in safari regions and Zanzibar.
Can I drink the tap water?
No, stick to bottled or filtered water.
What are the best safari parks in Tanzania?
Popular top parks are:
Can I see the Great Migration?
Yes, the migration is visible in Tanzania for most of the year. The exact location depends on the season and rainfall patterns:
- June–July: The herds gather in the Western Corridor near the Grumeti River. This period often includes exciting river crossings and large wildlife concentrations.
- July–September: This is the peak time for the spectacular Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti, where thousands of animals brave crocodilefilled waters.
- January–March: In the southern Serengeti, the calving season takes place. Around 400,000 calves are born within a few weeks, attracting predators and offering incredible wildlife viewing.
Which airport should I fly into?
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for the Northern Circuit
- Dar es Salaam (DAR) for Southern parks
- Zanzibar (ZNZ) for island beach destination
How should I dress in Tanzania?
Dress modestly when visiting local communities in Tanzania, as this reflects cultural and religious norms. At your lodge or on the beach no dress code is required, but in public it’s respectful to keep shoulders and legs covered.
What should I pack for a safari holiday?
- Documents such as: passport, itinerary, travel insurance, vaccine certificate and others that may be necessary.
- Any medication and pharmaceuticals you might need, also include medication for possible common situations like headaches or diarrhea.
- Sunblock, sunglasses, hat.
- Your camera.
- Clothes: Comfortable and casual clothing, preferably with khaki, beige, or green colors. Pack t-shirts, shirts with long sleeves, long pants, a sweater, and a jacket (for the cold mornings), swimwear (if the accommodations you selected have a pool or if you do a beach extension), and comfortable hiking shoes. Toiletries.
- Insect repellent (30% Deet).
- Universal adapter.
What should I take when I go on safari
- Binoculars. Wildlife is often observed from a distance, and binoculars allow you to zoom in for a clearer and more detailed view of the animals.
- Mosquito repellent. We advise DEET as mosquito repellent and we recommend to cover exposed skin (arms and legs) early in the morning and in the evening.
- Sunscreen for protecting your skin from sunburn is highly recommended.
Will my phone work?
Coverage is decent in towns, but can be limited in the parks. Many travelers buy a local SIM card.
Are the safari jeeps equipped with charging ports?
Yes, the safari jeeps are equipped with charging ports that can be used during the drive. However, we also recommend bringing a power bank to ensure that your devices can be charged at all times.
Which telephone number do I have to call in case of emergency?
Emergency telephone number is 112.
Do I travel private or in a group?
You are travelling private, in a private jeep with a personal guide.
Travel documents
What travel documents do I need for Tanzania and Zanzibar?
- Passport
Tanzania and Zanzibar require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your departure date, with a minimum of four blank visa pages available. - Visa
A tourist visa can be obtained on arrival at the airports in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, and Zanzibar, or you may apply for an online eVisa prior to your trip. Visa fees must be paid in US Dollars for ca $50,- per person or cash when issued on arrival at airport. - Zanzibar extra insurance (ZIC)
Zanzibar requires all travelers to have an additional insurance policy (ZIC) before arriving on Zanzibar. This rule applies regardless of whether you already have health insurance or travel insurance. The mandatory insurance can only be purchased online through the website: https://visitzanzibar.go.tz/ and costs US$ 44 per person for adults aged 18 and above, and US$ 22 per child aged 3 to 17.
What travel insurance do I need?
Travel insurance is your own responsibility, and it’s advised to arrange coverage in your home country. A good policy should protect you against loss or theft of belongings, medical costs, and emergency repatriation. If you plan activities such as scuba diving, canoeing, mountain biking, or other highrisk adventures, make sure your insurance includes the appropriate coverage. Tanzania Lodge and Safaris Ltd. cannot accept liability for these activities.
Health and medical
Which vaccinations are needed?
Tanzania and Zanzibar require only a few essential health preparations, and it’s best to discuss your personal needs with a qualified travel doctor prior to your trip. They can advise you on recommended vaccinations such as Hepatitis A and the combined tetanus–diphtheria–polio (Td/IPV) vaccine. A Yellow Fever certificate is required only if you arrive from a YellowFeverendemic country or if you have a transit of more than 12 hours in such an area. A travelhealth consultation at home gives you advice that fits to your route, activities, and personal health needs.
Is Malaria medication needed?
Malaria has no available vaccine, so it’s important to discuss preventive medication with a travelhealth specialist before your trip. Typical symptoms include chills, fever, and flulike illness. To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, use an insect repellent containing DEET and wear clothing that covers your skin, especially after sunset.
A travelhealth professional can help you decide which preventive measures best fit your itinerary and health needs
Do all accomodations have mosquito nets?
Our accommodations are equipped with mosquito nets. In tents, it’s important to keep the zippers fully closed to prevent mosquitoes from entering.
Money matters
What are the payment terms of Tanzania Lodge and Safaris Ltd?
Payment and deposit policy
After the confirmation of your booking, you will receive an invoice with the details from your booking. To confirm your travel arrangement and guarantee your booking, we require a deposit via wire transfer to our bankaccount of 30% of the invoice amount within 10 days. The remainder amount (70% of the invoice amount) to be paid via wire transfer to our bankaccount at least 8 weeks before the date of arrival.
If a booking is made within 8 weeks of the date of arrival, we require the full invoice amount to be paid via wire transfer to our bankaccount within 5 days of the booking date.
Child Policy
a. Children 0-3 years, free of charge when sharing with adults.
b. Children 4-12 years old pay 100% of an adult rate when sharing with one adult.
c. Children 4-12 years pay 50% of the amount when sharing with two adults.
d. Children 4-12 years on their safari pay 100%, and the third child pays 25%, when sharing with two adults.
Bankaccount information
Name of the bank: National Microfinance Bank (NMB)
Name of beneficiary: Tanzania Lodge and Safaris Ltd.
Bank account number: 43810024561
Swift Code: NMIB TZTZ
Payment options
What is the cancellation policy of Tanzania Lodge and Safaris Ltd?
50% of the total charges will be applicable for cancellations between 60 and 15 days before the date of arrival. 100% of the total charges will be applicable for cancellations 14 days before the date of arrival.
What is Tanzania’s currency?
50% of the total charges will be applicable for cancellations between 60 and 15 days before the date of arrival. 100% of the total charges will be applicable for cancellations 14 days before the date of arrival.
Can I pay with Euros in Tanzania?
In some tourist areas, you can occasionally pay with Euros.
However, US Dollar is the most widely accepted foreign currency in both Tanzania and Zanzibar. TZS (Tanzanian Shilling) is useful for everyday purchases and smaller payments.
Can I pay with credit card during the trip?
ATMs are available in Dar es Salaam and Arusha, and most major towns, but once you are out on safari (in the bush), you will not have access to either banks or ATMs. Creditcards are normally accepted in hotels and restaurants, but in the smaller lodges or hotels, there is often limited access. We advice to take enough cash in US Dollars. Mastercard is accepted at locations were creditcard payment is possible (Visa Card and American Express are rarely accepted). On Zanzibar you can pay with creditcard.
How much tip is usual to give?
Tipping is not required in Tanzania, but it is widely practiced and many local people depend on it. Only tip when you feel the service has been good.
Accommodations
- Porters for handling luggage or waiters giving a tip is very much appreciated. Generally around US Dollars or Euros 1 – 5 per person or Tanzanian Shilling 2.000 – 10.000 per person.
- Housekeeping staff share mostly a general tip box, where you can leave a small amount at checkout so the whole team benefits.
- Smaller lodges and tented camps usually appreciate slightly higher tips than larger hotels.
Driver/Guide
Your driver/guide is tipped separately, usually at the end of the safari. They very much appreciate receiving it in cash, either in US Dollars or in Euros. As a general guideline, we advise you US Dollars or Euros 10,- per day, per person.