TANZANIA TRAVEL ADVICE

At Maasai Warrior Safaris, our passion lies in delivering unbiased advice and exceptional safari experiences to our clients. Our team of Maasai Warrior Safaris Experts is permanently based on the continent, possessing extensive travel experience and firsthand knowledge of the recommended destinations. They routinely assess new lodges, experiences, and activities to ensure they align with our clients' expectations.

There's nothing quite like receiving current and relevant travel insights directly from individuals who have experienced it.

Tips for Planning Your Tanzania Safari:

Time Your Visit: Carefully plan your itinerary to match your travel preferences, whether it's witnessing the Wildebeest Migration or climbing Kilimanjaro all the way to the top.

Early Booking for High Season: Secure your spot early, especially for Tanzania's popular safari destinations and well-situated camps at Wildebeest Migration hotspots, often booked out up to a year in advance.

Select Your Activities: While morning and afternoon game drives are standard, consider unique excursions like night game drives, guided bush walks, and hot-air balloon safaris, which may be limited to specific areas or camps.

Expect Crowds in High Season: Tanzania's prominent national parks like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire can attract substantial crowds from June to October. Opt for a visit during the low or Green Season (around November to March) for fewer crowds and excellent game viewing.

Money and Spending:

Tanzania's official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, but we recommend using US Dollars in cash. Credit cards and traveler's cheques, although generally accepted, may incur transaction fees. ATMs are available in major towns and cities but not within national parks and game reserves.

Tipping is customary for lodge staff and drivers/guides, contingent on good service during your Tanzania safari. Confirm whether a service charge has been included in your bill. In major Tanzanian cities, a customary 10% tip is suggested in restaurants and bars where a service charge is not included.

Health: Malaria poses a widespread threat across Africa, underscoring the importance of consulting your medical practitioner or travel clinic at least three months before your departure or as soon as your holiday plans are confirmed. If your journey takes you to areas with a high risk of malaria, it is crucial to adhere to the prophylactic regimen and take the prescribed medication without missing doses. Additionally, in regions where insect-borne diseases such as sleeping sickness, tick bite fever, and dengue are less common but still possible, it is advisable to take precautionary measures. These include wearing long-sleeved clothing and using insect repellent. Many camps and lodges provide insect repellents and are equipped with mosquito nets.

There is no risk of yellow fever in Tanzania.

Wildlife: We exclusively recommend accommodations featuring qualified and well-trained guides who will accompany you during your safari. These guides possess a comprehensive understanding of wildlife behavior and are equipped to avoid potentially hazardous situations. It is crucial to bear in mind that the encountered animals are wild and reside in their natural habitat. Never exit the vehicle without your guide's permission. Always adhere to your guide's instructions and remain vigilant of your surroundings. Even within the camp premises, where many are unfenced and situated in the natural habitat of free-roaming wildlife, it is essential to follow the advice and instructions provided by your guides.

Weather: During the day, temperatures in northern Tanzania can reach up to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) and can drop down to 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).

Crime: Safaris typically occur in remote areas, away from villages, towns, and cities, resulting in generally low crime risks for visitors traveling to tourist destinations. Reputable companies or the accommodations themselves handle transfers (by road or air) between airports, hotels, and lodges, ensuring that you are not left unattended at any time during your safari, minimizing the likelihood of encountering problems. While no country can guarantee 100% safety, it is prudent to take precautions and rely on common sense when traveling. In fast-paced areas, avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing flashy, expensive jewelry; instead, secure such valuables in a safety box at your lodge/camp or, ideally, leave them at home. Never leave your luggage unattended at the airport, and avoid walking in deserted suburbs, particularly after dark.