Tanzania is one of Africa's top safari destinations. Do you know that Safari actually means 'journey' in Swahili? Tanzania safari holidays are the perfect example of an African safari – combining Big Five game viewing with epic landscapes. Tanzania is the envy of most safari countries, being home to the most known National Parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Let's figure out why famous travel magazines consider Tanzanian safari adventures the best among other African countries.
(this is me in Serengeti National Park during my hard work time in Tanzania, 2018)
Animals in the National parks of Tanzania are not afraid of passing cars, often just pass by and lie down close by the wheels. And this is one of the advantage of doing safari in Tanzania. Remember that in Tanzania you should hire a safari guide. Safari guide who knows where to drive - a very important person in a safari car. He is able to find the right spot to observe wildlife animals. A safari driver will be your guide at the same time. All the guides cooperate with the help of walkie-talkies. It helps to find African animals quickly. It is a sort of "safari etiquette." Best time to go on an African safari. I have been on safari trips during all the possible seasons. Low season: the end of February - May; November - December Be aware to have a raincoat and proper boots if you are traveling during the rainy season. Animals from the rain do not become more passive, so if your vacation happens in the low season, feel free to buy a safari holiday. In a safari trip in March, there is a definite plus. An interesting fact is that the mating season begins in February and all have a certain number of offspring. So, in March, it is very noticeable. You can see not only adult representatives of the inhabitants of the parks but also their mini copies. The best time to visit Tanzania is from July to October when the country is at its driest. This coincides with the great migration river crossings. August and September are the best times to see the great migration — and your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. Come early October, the rainy season in Tanzania will commence, and the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti. This is a reason why the cost for a safari trip in the high season maybe increase twice.
(Me observing giraffe in Serengeti National Park)
How much does a safari trip cost?
The price of a safari tour is determined by few factors:
Accommodation type. There are few types of accommodation during a safari trip as camp, hotel, and lodge. Adventure camping safaris in Tanzania cost about $150 to $430 per person per day. This is one of the cheapest ways to travel in Tanzania.
Permits. To enter the territory of absolutely any National Park of Tanzania, you need to buy an "entrance ticket" or, an entry permit for a visitor and safari car. Tourists have to pay ten times more than locals.
Safari group tour or private trip. The more people in the group, the lower the cost on a safari (the permit per car is divided between everyone). If you share the room on your safari trip, the cost will decrease as well.
(an authentic Maisai dance performance in Four Seasons Serengeti)
Useful tips on safari tours.
Wildlife safari in Tanzania continues about 4 hours till lunchtime, then an hour for a break and we add approximately 2 hours of transfer to your accommodation or even just to an exit gate. Total from 5 to 7 hours in the car every day. To leave a safari car is strictly prohibited. Now the question is: where to go for a toilet? There is no chance to find the specially constructed toilet during game driving. Only at the entrance/exit from a National Park or in dining areas.
Take a portable charging device. If the safari is on the budget, it is a high chance that the safari car will not have any socket to charge your devices. Be sure to not be left without a camera at the right moment!
Bring warm clothes. You will have to leave early in the morning for game driving. Most lodges are not heated, so it can be quite chilly in the evenings. In the daytime, I advise you to wear clothes covering the legs, arms, and head. In the dry season, it can be hot but remember about Tse-Tse flies. They are not life-threatening, but rather unpleasant to be bitten.
Make yourself comfortable during transfers and take a pillow. As you remember, you will leave for safari tours so early and transfers between some parks can reach up to 8 hours. Trust me, you will need a nap!
I had such a memorable and lifetime experience during my safari tours all around Northern Tanzania. What can be better to observe wildlife in their natural habit? It is truly unique. Have you ever been on a safari trip? If so, where and how do you find it?