Here are some handy pre-safari tips to help you prepare for an adventure of a life time in Tanzania!
Location: Tanzania is located in East Africa and is the 13th largest country in Africa. It is known for its vast landscapes, and of course, its amazing wildlife.Â
Population:Â 60 million people
Time zone:Â 8 hours ahead of New York.
Language: While Swahili is the national language, English is widely spoken.
Climate: Tropical weather most of the time! In the coastal area it will be hot and humid. In the north, you can expect cool weather between May through September. Temperatures vary between 60-70 F during the day but it may be a bit cooler at night. There are two rainy seasons: One is the Long rains season: From Mid-March through May and the other is the Short rains season: From October through November.
Visas: Apply for your Tanzanian e-visa in advance at the following link:
https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa. Please note it can take up to 3 weeks to
receive your e-visa.
Electricity: Tanzania uses 220 volts with UK style 3 pin outlets. Most lodges and camps have generators or use solar power. Bring an adaptor and/or converter if your devices do not run on 220 volts and if you use different outlets at home.
Vaccinations: Against yellow fever if passing via an infected area. If visiting Kenya before going to Tanzania, you need to have a valid yellow fever certificate.
It is advisable to start taking anti-malaria tablets before arrival, and for the duration of your vacation. Please discuss vaccinations and prescribed medications with your doctor well in advance of your safari vacation.
How to dress: In lodges and country hotels, emphasis is on informality and comfort. A fleece or a sweater are recommended for Ngorongoro due to cool weather.
For ladies: Light, easy to wash, easy to dry blouses, skirts, dresses, khaki trousers. For evenings - light dresses in earth-tone colors.
For men: Easy to dry lightweight and casual shirts, khaki trousers in earth-tone colors.
What to bring:
1. Flash lightÂ
2. Safari hat or scarf to protect yourself from the sun
3. Sunglasses and non-toxic sunscreen
4. Digital camera with plenty of memory cards
5. Insect repellant
Currency: US Dollars are widely accepted but the bills must be printed after 2006. You can exchange money in banks or at currency exchange offices.
Credit Cards: Accepted at major establishments, but they usually have a 5% processing fee. Visa and Mastercard are popular credit cards.
Tipping: Driver-guide: approximately $10 per person per day. Tip box for hotel staff: approximately $5 - $10 per person per day. The tip is usually given on the last day and can be done in any currency and is fully at the traveler’s discretion.
Travel Insurance: Please purchase insurance to cover your bucket list trip to Tanzania!
Security tips:
- Do not exchange money in the streets.
- Only take registered taxis.
- Avoid walking at night along deserted streets or poorly-lit areas.
- Always bargain in souvenir shops and markets and keep the sales receipt as you may be asked about it in the airport.
- Do not photograph local people/tribe/Maasai without asking for their permission.
- Do not take photographs of police, military installations or personnel.
- Do not leave valuables in vehicles. Pay special attention to your passports!
- Do not keep handbags/purses/backpacks or other belongings near the window
- When driving through cities or crowded areas, please keep windows closed.Â
- Please wear seat belts at all times.
State of roads:Â Expect safari roads to be bumpy and dusty. You can bring a bandana to to protect from dust, if needed. Safari vehicles are built for this surface, but it may still be bumpy. Driver-guides are experienced to drive on these roads. Note: it is illegal to drive off the tracks during game drives, and your driver-guides could get fined. Please do not ask your driver-guide to just drive to the wildlife.
Punctuality: Please stick to departure times as they are described on your travel itinerary.
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Flights:Â You may be using some bush airstrips for your flights on small Cessna airplanes. Soft-shell bags are recommended for this type of aircraft that do not weigh more than 33 lbs (15kg) per person plus a small hand bag. Do not overpack!
Safari vehicles:Â Vehicles will have electricity to allow you to charge your devices.The outlet is 3-pin square. Please bring your travel adaptor if your devices use another outlet type. Vehicles will have reference books on wildlife, birds, flora and fauna. You will also find a map of Tanzania. There is a pair of binoculars in every vehicle to enhance your wildlife viewing experience.
Documents:Â Please have a printed and electronic copy of all your domestic and international flight tickets with you. For your international flight, ensure you check-in online ahead of time and check your airlines apps in order to stay up to date on any potential flight changes. Have a printed copy of your full itinerary with you, as well as an electronic copy. Store copies of passports and any other important documents in the Cloud before you leave for your safari vacation. Send a copy of your itinerary to your family members or a friend.

Please contact me by email at info@dailytraveldose.com to curate a personalized safari vacation for you and your loved ones in Tanzania!
Photo credits to Takims Holidays! Thank you!
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