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All You Need to Know About Safari
Embark on the ultimate adventure with a Tanzania safari, where you’ll experience breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and world-renowned national parks. Whether you're a first-time traveler or a seasoned adventurer, it's helpful to be prepared. Discover the best times to visit, essential packing tips, and collect sufficient information to make your Safari adventure an unforgettable journey into the wild.
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Types of Safaris
Game Drives:
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The most common type of safari, where you explore the wilderness in a 4x4 vehicle with an experienced guide, searching for the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and other wildlife.
Walking Safaris:
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A more intimate and immersive experience where you explore the bush on foot with a guide. Walking safaris offer a unique perspective, allowing you to notice the smaller details of the ecosystem.
Balloon Safaris:
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For a bird’s-eye view of the landscape, a hot air balloon safari offers a serene and breathtaking way to observe wildlife from above.
Cultural Safaris:
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A unique combination of exploring the landscapes of a national park and getting acquainted with the local communities.
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When to Go on Safari in Tanzania
Dry Seasons:
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Generally, the dry season is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources and the vegetation is less dense, making them easier to spot.
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There are two dry seasons, in which you can experience different events.
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In the period from mid-December to the beginning of March, the weather is generally dry, with a moderate temperature, and the skies are clear. In this dry season also the calving of millions of wildebeests occur (Jan-Feb).
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June to the beginning October is another dry period. June and July are especially favorable for their cooler temperatures.
Wet Seasons:
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The wet season is ideal for bird watching and witnessing lush landscapes. It’s also the time when many animals give birth, offering the chance to see newborns.
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Between the dry seasons, there are also two different wet seasons.
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One is from late October to early December, which is called the short rain season. The early part of November is often still manageable. You still have chance on some good days, but it will be generally wet.
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The periode from mid-March to the end of May carries the name long rain season. In this time of year the rains can be long and it's not a good time of year for a safari adventure.
Migration Season: ​
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If you’re interested in the Great Migration, plan your safari around the timing of this natural phenomenon, where you can witness millions of wildebeests, and there predators, covering the plains of the national parks.
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The Great Migration is a cycle of a whole year, but the best time to behold this happening, is from December to March in Serengeti National Park, including the calving season in January and February.​​​
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What to Pack for Your Safari
Clothing:
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Pack lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors to blend in with the environment. Include long sleeves and pants for protection against the sun and insects, a wide-brimmed hat, and a warm jacket for early morning and evening drives.
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It's helpful to dress in layers, as mornings and evenings can be chilly, but you'll appreciate having shorts and t-shirts when the sun comes out.
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Comfortable, sturdy shoes or boots for walking safaris and general comfort.
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Since it is a holiday, pack a pair of flip-flops and your swimwear, as you probably will have the opportunity to relax at a pool or maybe just to have some drinks at your lodge's bar.
Accessories: ​
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Binoculars are recommended. If you have the opportunity one per person.
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A good camera with a zoom lens, including multiple batteries and their charger.
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Enough sunscreen, to cover the whole tour. You'll probably need it everyday.
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Insect repellent, which might not even be needed, but in some areas or periods it will be useful.
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A good pair of sunglasses are essential, as Tanzania is located just below the equator and the sun can be very strong.
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Wall sockets use an English 3 pin plug, which requires the use of travel adapters for those of other countries.
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It's advised to carry some local currency for tips, small purchases, and emergency expenses.
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For using data in Tanzania, you can purchase a local SIM card or an e-SIM.
Health Essentials: ​
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Pack any necessary medications, a first aid kit, and consider anti-malarial tablets if traveling to malaria-prone areas.
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Please remember that healthcare in Tanzania may not match the quality or availability you're accustomed to in your own country, so it's essential to bring any medications you routinely need, as they may not be readily available.​​​
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Staying Safe on Safari
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Listen to Your Guide:
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Always follow the instructions of your guide. They are trained to ensure your safety and the protection of the wildlife.
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You might receive instructions from other locals, always consult with your guide before taking any action.
Respect Wildlife:
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Keep a safe distance from animals, avoid making loud noises, and never try to feed or touch them.
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Be mindful of your environmental footprint. Stick to designated paths and avoid littering.​
Health Precautions:
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Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and take necessary precautions to avoid insect bites.
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For preparation you should schedule a visit to your healthcare provider to ensure you’re physically ready for the demands of your chosen tour.
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Discuss any pre-existing conditions, and ensure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations.
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Research the required vaccinations for your destination, such as yellow fever or typhoid, and take them well in advance.​​
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Wildlife
Expectation:
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While safari experiences offer the thrilling possibility of encountering diverse wildlife, it’s important to remember that sightings are not guaranteed. Wildlife can be elusive and unpredictable, and factors such as the time of year, weather conditions, and animal behavior can all influence what you may see. Patience and a sense of adventure are key, as each safari is unique and offers its own surprises and opportunities for discovery.
Different Kinds of Wildlife:
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The Serengeti is home to the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros. Lions are often seen lounging in the grasslands or stalking prey, while leopards are more elusive, typically found resting in trees or dense bush. Elephants and buffaloes roam in large herds, and while rhinos are rarer, they can be spotted in designated areas of the park.
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In total, you can find about 15 species of antelopes in Tanzania, reflecting its varied habitats from savannahs to forests.
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Tanzania is the seventh country in the world with the most bird species, making it a premier birdwachting destination.
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The diverse habitats of Tanzania support a wide array of insect species, including colorful butterflies, as well as various beetles and ants. The rich biodiversity of insects plays a vital role in the ecosystem as pollinators and decomposers.​​
The Great Migration:
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One of the most spectacular wildlife events, the Great Migration involves over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles moving across the plains in search of fresh grazing grounds. This annual migration, which peaks between December to March in Serengeti National Park, is a remarkable display of nature’s endurance and survival.
Predators & Prey: ​
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The Serengeti is a hotspot for predator-prey interactions. Watch for cheetahs sprinting after gazelles, hyenas scavenging after the hunt, and wild dogs in packs, often seen hunting or playing.
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During the Great Migration all predators - lion, leopard, cheetah - will follow the large herds of herbivores.
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For different kind of unique experience, you could consider a night safari, which occur during dusk. It's the time most predators start hunting and you could witness some live action between predator and prey.​
​​Endangered Species:
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The Black Rhino, a critically threatened species, finds a crucial refuge in Tanzania's protected areas. Once widespread across Africa, its numbers have drastically declined due to poaching and habitat loss. The few black rhinos in Tanzania can be found in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.
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The African Elephant faces critical threats from poaching for ivory and habitat loss. Tanzania, with its vast wilderness areas like the Serengeti and Selous, plays a key role in elephant conservation. Although the amount elephants are now large, poaching and habitat loss is still a critical issue.
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The African Wild Dog, known for its distinctive coat and social pack behavior, is endangered primarily due to habitat fragmentation and human-wildlife conflict. Tanzania’s Selous Game Reserve and Ruaha National Park are important strongholds for these elusive predators.
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The majority of Mountain Gorillas are found in Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, some populations extend into northern Tanzania. They face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and disease. Conservation efforts are concentrated on habitat protection and anti-poaching measures.​​​​​​
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Flora & Vegetation
Savannahs & Grasslands:
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Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous landscapes in northern Tanzania, is characterized by its vast savannah grasslands.
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The dominant vegetation here includes tall grasses such as red oat grass and various species of acacia trees, including the iconic umbrella acacia. These grasses provide vital food sources for the herbivores that roam the plains.
Forests & Woodlands:
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The northern highlands, including the Usambara and Pare Mountains, are covered with lush forests and woodlands. The Usambara Mountains, for instance, are home to dense rainforests that shelter a variety of tree species such as mahogany, ebony, and the endangered African violet. These forests are also rich in endemic plant species, providing crucial habitats for wildlife.
Wetlands & Lake Shores:
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The northern region’s wetlands and lake shores, such as those around Lake Manyara, are lined with papyrus reeds and other aquatic vegetation. These wetlands support a range of plant life adapted to the fluctuating water levels and contribute to the region’s rich biodiversity.​​
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