Travel Advice
Essential Information and Travel Tips for Your Tanzania Safari & Holiday
Tanzania Travel Advice – Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip
At Altan Adventure Safaris, we don’t just design safari itineraries – we are based in Tanzania and operate on the ground, ensuring your journey runs smoothly from start to finish. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 for emergencies, providing peace of mind throughout your adventure. We specialize in creating tailor-made, fully serviced safari experiences, but we also believe in empowering our guests with useful Tanzania travel advice so you feel confident and well-prepared before your trip of a lifetime.
Best Time to Visit Tanzania
The best time to visit Tanzania is during the dry season from June to October, when the weather is perfect for wildlife safaris and Zanzibar beach holidays. This is also when the Great Wildebeest Migration reaches its dramatic river crossings in the Serengeti. However, traveling in the green season (November to May) has its own advantages: fewer tourists, lush landscapes, lower prices, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Getting to Tanzania
International travelers usually fly to Tanzania via:
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – the gateway to Northern Circuit safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire).
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam – ideal for southern parks like Selous/Nyerere National Park and Ruaha.
- Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) – perfect for combining safari and beach.
For your safari, you may choose a road safari with an expert driver-guide or a fly-in safari with a small aircraft to save travel time between parks.
Money, Budgeting & Tipping in Tanzania
A Tanzania safari is not a budget holiday, but it offers exceptional value for the experiences you gain. Safari costs depend on factors such as park fees, accommodation standards, travel season, and group size.
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), though US Dollars are widely accepted.
- Tipping: It is customary to tip safari guides, drivers, and lodge staff – around $10–20 per day for guides is standard.
- Budgeting: Consider additional costs for visas, internal flights, and optional activities such as hot-air balloon safaris or cultural tours.
Culture and Languages in Tanzania
Tanzania is home to over 120 ethnic groups and 121 indigenous languages, making it one of the most culturally diverse nations in Africa. The national language is Swahili (Kiswahili), spoken by nearly everyone, while English is widely used in tourism and business.
From the Maasai tribes of the Serengeti plains to the Swahili culture of Zanzibar, each community offers a unique insight into Tanzania’s rich traditions. Learning a few basic Swahili words like Jambo (hello) or Asante (thank you) will enhance your cultural connection.
Weather and Climate in Tanzania
Unlike Europe or North America, Tanzania does not have four seasons. Instead, it alternates between dry and rainy seasons:
- Dry Season (June – October): Clear skies, cooler evenings, best for safaris.
- Short Rains (November – December): Light showers, fewer crowds, greener landscapes.
- Long Rains (March – May): Heavy rain in some regions, but fantastic birdlife.
- Year-Round Temperatures: Generally warm and stable, ranging from 20–30°C (68–86°F).
See our Tanzania weather by month guide to plan the best safari or beach escape.
Tanzania Safari Packing List
Packing for Tanzania requires a balance of comfort and practicality. Our tips:
- Clothing: Neutral-colored safari clothes, lightweight fabrics, a warm fleece for cool nights.
- Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, a wide-brimmed hat, and good binoculars.
- Bags: A soft duffel bag is recommended for fly-in safaris due to luggage restrictions.
Remember – less is more. Laundry is available at most lodges and camps.
Wildlife and Birds of Tanzania
Tanzania is one of the best wildlife destinations in the world, offering everything from the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo) to the Great Migration herds of wildebeest and zebra.
Birdwatchers will be delighted by over 1,000 recorded bird species, including the flamboyant lilac-breasted roller and the endemic grey-breasted spurfowl. Even the smallest creatures – like the dung beetle – play a role in the ecosystem of Tanzania’s national parks.
Every safari is unique, and with expert guides, you’ll discover both iconic species and hidden wildlife treasures.
TANZANIA AT A GLANCE
Get to know Tanzania before your journey. From its landscapes and people to airports, climate, and travel tips – here’s everything you need to prepare for your safari, Kilimanjaro climb, or Zanzibar holiday.
Quick Facts
Category | Details |
|---|---|
Size | 945,203 sq km (364,898 sq miles) |
Population | ~67 million |
Capital | Dodoma (political) – Dar es Salaam (economic hub) |
Top Tourist Cities | Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Stone Town (Zanzibar) |
Official Languages | Kiswahili, English |
Currency | Tanzanian Shilling (TSh / TZS) – USD widely accepted |
Country Code | +255 |
Religion | ~63% Christian, ~34% Muslim, others practice traditional or no religion |
Climate & Seasons
Season | Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
Dry Season | June – October, Dec – Feb | Best for safaris, wildlife is easy to spot, clear skies for Kilimanjaro climbs |
Green Season | March – May, November | Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, great for birdwatching |
Temperature Range:
> Check our Best Time to Visit Tanzania guide for detailed insights. |
Airports
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Visa Information Most travelers need a tourist visa:
NOTE: Always confirm requirements with your nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate. |
Why Tanzania?
- Home of the Serengeti Great Migration
- Ngorongoro Crater – UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The majestic Mount Kilimanjaro
- Idyllic beaches of Zanzibar Island