Tanzania Safaris From The Best Safari Companies in Tanzania

Tanzania Safari Costs

Budgeting and planning costs part of booking any Tanzania safari. Prices vary widely based on factors like type of accommodation, activities, parks visited, group size, and time of year. Basic options like camping safaris average $200-$300 per person daily while luxury lodges average $700-$1000+ daily. Mid-range lodges and tented camps fall around $350-$550 per day. These prices include park fees, game drives, meals, and guides. Budget extra for flights which run $100-$500+ between parks.

Beyond day rates, costs for safari packages range from a budget under $1500 total per person for 5-7 days up to $10,000+ per person for lavish high-end 2 week itineraries. Safaris averaging 10-14 days will generally total $3000-$5000 per person when including good lodges and activities. Remember peak season from June to October means highest rates.

Ways to save include avoiding peak months, camping instead of lodges, using budget accommodation outside parks, self-driving instead of guided, packing meals, and joining group tours. But don’t skimp too much on activities and park time to see wildlife. Find balance between saving money and having optimal experience.

Tanzania rewards travelers who strategically prioritize where to splurge versus save. Focus budget on maximizing time on game drives, visiting top parks and reserves, and quality accommodation for necessary comfort. Then scale back on things like internal flights, fancy restaurant meals, and expensive hotels in transit. This provides affordable African safari without sacrificing wildlife viewing and adventure. With planning, Tanzania is doable on most budgets.

With diverse parks and climates, best time for Tanzania safaris depends on your priorities. June to October dry season is considered peak for clear skies, minimal rain, and easily spotted wildlife clustered near dwindling water sources. Annual wildebeest migration river crossings also occur July-August in Grumeti and Mara Rivers, a huge draw. But lodging rates highest and crowds are larger.

November to February wet season has afternoon rain showers, green landscapes and newborn animals. Migratory birds abound November-March. Though wildlife dispersed, still excellent viewing when sunshine emerges after rain. Far fewer tourists and discounted lodge rates.

March to May rainy season has heavy rains making wildlife viewing tougher and travel challenging. Parks are still accessible and lovely when rain pauses. Lowest lodging rates with few tourists.

September to October shoulder season has excellent weather, scenery and wildlife activity as the landscape dries out. Migration enters southern Serengeti. Affordable lodging before peak rates resume.

No definitive “best” time – each season has advantages. Prioritize weather, costs, crowds, wildlife goals when choosing travel months. Be flexible in wet season and research seasonal patterns to maximize sightings year-round.

Tanzania Visa Requirements

Most foreign nationals need tourist visas to enter Tanzania. Single-entry visas can be obtained upon arrival at airports and land borders for $50 USD paid in cash. Multiple entry visas must be obtained beforehand through the embassy. Allow 1-2 months for processing.

Passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry with at least one blank page for visa. Carry photocopies of key pages in case lost.

No visa required for stays under 90 days for citizens of East African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo), several Southern African nations, and some island nations like Mauritius. Check current rules.

Yellow fever vaccination certificate required by all travelers over 1 year old coming from or transiting countries with risk of yellow fever transmission per WHO. Get vaccination at least 10 days before travel. Carry certificate.

COVID-19 entry regulations change often. Currently, age 5+ must show proof of full vaccination. Unvaccinated need negative PCR test taken 72 hours pre-departure. Check Tanzania requirements before booking.

Visas cannot be obtained at land borders with Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda or Burundi. Obtain beforehand.

Validate yellow fever and visa documents before departing and carry hard copies. Double check latest visa rules and arrive prepared.

Packing List for Tanzania Safaris

Packing for a Tanzania safari means preparing for adventure in remote wilderness. Focus on versatile layering for fluctuating temperatures and activities. Here’s a checklist of essentials:

– Neutral toned lightweight pants, shirts, socks for game drives

– Fleece jacket and sweatshirt for cool evenings

– Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen for sun protection

– Sturdy hiking shoes or boots for walking safaris

– Sandals for camp/lodge downtime

– Headlamp or flashlight for dimly lit camps

– Binoculars for wildlife viewing

– Camera with zoom lens and extra batteries

– Tanzania travel adapter to charge electronics

– Light rain jacket, especially if visiting November-May

– Mosquito repellent and medications like antimalarials

– Tanzanian Shilling cash for gratuities, souvenirs and any extra expenses

– Photocopies of passport, visas, travel insurance

– Prescription medications in original containers

– Toiletries and personal medications

– Antibacterial wipes or gel for on-the-go hand sanitizing

Pack casual versatile clothing you can layer, prioritize sun protection, and bring gear suited for rugged travel and wildlife viewing. Soft duffel bags are better than hard suitcases for frequent packing/unpacking. Keep important documents secure but accessible. Focus packing on comfort and preparedness.

Top parks include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara National Park in the north. In southern Tanzania, top reserves are Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve

Most visitors spend 5-7 days on safari as part of a 10-14 day Tanzania trip. This allows time to visit 2-4 parks at a relaxed pace. Add more days to visit additional parks or trek Kilimanjaro.

Most visitors fly between parks and cities. Self-driving is popular but requires 4WD rental. Public buses are budget-friendly. Joining tours or hiring a driver simplifies logistics. Choose what suits your budget.