• info@leithsafaris.com
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  • Arusha, Tanzania
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Practical Information

When planning a safari in Tanzania, preparation is key to ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and respectful experience. Here’s a guide on essential do’s and don’ts, plus packing tips for clothes, towels, and more.

Do's
  • Respect wildlife and local communities: Keep a safe distance from animals, follow park rules, and support eco-friendly practices.
  • Book with licensed operators: Choose reputable guides and tour companies to ensure ethical tourism and safety.
  • Stay hydrated and use sunscreen: Tanzania’s sun can be intense, so drink plenty of water and protect your skin.
  • Learn basic Swahili phrases: Simple greetings like “Jambo” (hello) can enhance your interactions with locals.
  • Don’t feed or approach wildlife: This can be dangerous and disrupt natural behaviors.
  • Avoid littering or damaging the environment: Stick to designated paths and leave no trace.
  • Don’t wear bright colors in safari areas: Opt for neutral tones to blend in and avoid attracting insects.
  • Refrain from loud noises or disruptive behavior: Respect the peace of the wilderness and other travelers.
  • Clothes: Lightweight, breathable layers (long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats for sun protection); neutral-colored clothing for safaris; comfortable walking shoes or boots; rain jacket or poncho for variable weather.
  • Towels and Toiletries: Quick-dry towels for showers; biodegradable soap, shampoo, and toilet paper; sunscreen, insect repellent, and a first-aid kit.
  • Other Essentials: Reusable water bottle, binoculars, camera with extra batteries, power bank for charging devices, and a daypack for excursions. Pack light to allow for easy movement.

Tanzania offers year-round appeal, but the best time depends on your interests—whether it’s wildlife viewing, beach relaxation, or cultural experiences. Generally, the dry seasons provide optimal conditions for safaris.

  • Peak Season (June to October): Ideal for wildlife safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, with clear skies, cooler temperatures (15-25°C/59-77°F), and abundant animal migrations. Zanzibar’s beaches are also pleasant, though it’s busier and more expensive.
  • Shoulder Season (November to December and April to May): Good for fewer crowds and lower prices. November-December offers short rains but great for birdwatching; April-May has green landscapes post-rains.
  • Off-Season (January to March): Avoid if possible due to heavy rains, but it’s cheaper and quieter. Best for Zanzibar’s beaches if you don’t mind occasional showers.
  • Tips: Book in advance for peak times, and consider combining mainland safaris with Zanzibar for a balanced trip. Check for festivals like the Great Migration for unique experiences.

Tanzania’s diverse geography creates varied climates, from tropical coasts to highland plateaus. Zanzibar, an island off the coast, has a distinct tropical climate.

  • Mainland Tanzania: Varies by region—hot and humid in the east (e.g., Dar es Salaam, 25-30°C/77-86°F year-round), cooler in highlands like Kilimanjaro (10-20°C/50-68°F). Inland areas like the Serengeti are semi-arid with hot days (25-35°C/77-95°F) and cooler nights.
  • Zanzibar: Tropical with high humidity; temperatures range from 25-32°C/77-90°F. It’s influenced by monsoon winds, leading to distinct wet and dry seasons.
  • General Patterns: Two rainy seasons (short rains in November-December, long rains in March-May) and two dry seasons (June-October and January-February). Expect sunny days most of the year, but pack for heat and occasional rain.
  • Advice: Dress in layers, stay hydrated, and use sunscreen. Zanzibar’s beaches are best in the dry season for swimming.

Tanzania experiences two main rainy seasons, affecting travel plans, especially for safaris and outdoor activities. Understanding them helps in planning.

  • Short Rains (November to December): Lighter showers, often in the afternoons. Roads may become muddy, but it’s a great time for green landscapes and fewer tourists.
  • Long Rains (March to May): Heavier and more widespread, with potential flooding. Safaris can be challenging due to wet conditions, but it’s ideal for birdwatching and has lower prices.
  • Impact on Travel: Flights and drives might be delayed; some parks close sections. Zanzibar sees more rain during these periods, affecting beach activities.
  • Tips: If visiting during rains, opt for indoor activities or coastal tours. Pack waterproof gear and check weather forecasts. The rains contribute to lush vegetation, making post-rain safaris vibrant.

Yellow fever is a mosquito-borne disease present in some parts of Tanzania, so vaccination is recommended for certain travelers to prevent infection and meet entry requirements.

  • Who Needs It: Required for travelers from or visiting yellow fever-endemic areas (e.g., parts of Africa and South America). Recommended for all visitors to Tanzania, especially if traveling to rural or forested areas.
  • Vaccination Details: Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel. It’s a single dose providing lifelong immunity. Available at clinics, travel health centers, or airports.
  • Certificate: Carry an International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) as proof—it’s mandatory for entry in some cases.
  • Side Effects and Precautions: Mild side effects like fever or soreness are common. Consult a doctor if you have health conditions. Zanzibar doesn’t require it, but mainland Tanzania does for international arrivals.
  • Additional Advice: Combine with other vaccines like hepatitis A, typhoid, and malaria prophylaxis. Check CDC or WHO guidelines for updates.

A visa is essential for most international visitors to Tanzania. Requirements vary by nationality, so check specifics based on your passport.

  • Visa Types: Tourist visas (up to 90 days), transit visas, or e-visas for ease.
  • Application Process: Apply online via the Tanzania e-Visa portal (eservices.immigration.go.tz) or at embassies. Required documents: valid passport, application form, photos, proof of travel purpose, and payment.
  • Fees and Processing: Single-entry tourist visa costs about $50-100 USD; processing takes 1-7 days online or longer in-person.
  • Exemptions: Citizens of East African Community countries (e.g., Kenya, Uganda) may enter visa-free. Zanzibar has separate rules—visitors can stay up to 90 days without a visa if arriving by air.
  • Tips: Apply early to avoid delays. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months. For extensions, contact immigration authorities in Tanzania.

Travel insurance is crucial for Zanzibar trips, covering health, theft, and trip disruptions in this island paradise.

  • Why It’s Needed: Zanzibar’s remote location means medical facilities are limited—insurance ensures access to quality care if needed.
  • Recommended Coverage: Medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and adventure activities (e.g., diving). Include COVID-19 coverage if required.
  • Providers: Opt for reputable insurers like Allianz, Travel Guard, or local Tanzanian options. Compare policies for Zanzibar-specific risks like water sports or theft.
  • Cost and Purchase: Plans range from $20-100 USD per person, depending on duration and coverage. Buy before departure for full protection.

Additional Tips: Check for exclusions (e.g., pre-existing conditions) and keep policy details handy. Zanzibar’s tourism board recommends insurance for all visitors.

Tanzania and Zanzibar accept various payment methods, making transactions convenient for tourists. Cash is king, but cards are increasingly common.

  • Cash (Tanzanian Shilling – TZS): Widely accepted; carry USD for exchanges (avoid old bills). ATMs are available in cities, but stock up in rural areas.
  • Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas. Zanzibar’s resorts often take cards, but small vendors prefer cash.
  • Mobile Payments: Use M-Pesa or Airtel Money for quick transfers—popular for local purchases and safaris.
  • Other Options: PayPal or bank transfers for bookings; cryptocurrency is emerging but not widespread.

Tips: Notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks. Exchange rates fluctuate, so use official bureaus. For safaris, confirm accepted methods with operators.

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