Question 1

When is the best time to visit Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

The dry season from June to October is ideal for general game viewing across the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Ruaha and Selous/Nyerere — animals concentrate around water and visibility is excellent. The Great Migration in the Serengeti follows a year-round circuit: river crossings of the Mara are best from late July to October, calving on the southern plains peaks in February. Zanzibar is best in the dry months (June–October and December–February), avoiding the long rains of April and May.

Question 2

How many days do I need for a Tanzania safari?

Accepted Answer

A classic Northern Circuit (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti) needs 7–8 days minimum, plus travel. Adding Zanzibar comfortably brings you to 10–12 days. For Southern Tanzania (Ruaha and Nyerere) plan a separate 5–7 day fly-in trip. Combining North + South + Zanzibar is a 14–18 day adventure best done by light aircraft.

Question 3

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Most Western and Commonwealth visitors require a visa. Apply online via the official Tanzania eVisa portal (immigration.go.tz) before travel — the standard tourist visa is USD 50 (USD 100 for US citizens). Some nationalities can also obtain a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro or Julius Nyerere airport. Your passport must have at least 6 months' validity and one blank page.

Question 4

Is yellow fever vaccination required?

Accepted Answer

Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (including Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and most of central/west Africa). Travellers arriving direct from Europe, the UK, USA, Australia or South Africa do not need it for entry, but it is recommended if you are doing a multi-country East African trip. Always carry your yellow card.

Question 5

Should I fly between parks or self-drive?

Accepted Answer

Tanzania's parks are best experienced on a guided safari with a local driver-guide in a 4x4 game vehicle, not self-drive. Distances between parks are large and roads are rough. Most visitors fly between the Northern Circuit and Southern parks, and between mainland and Zanzibar, on light aircraft (Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Regional Air). Within each park, your camp arranges all game drives.

Question 6

What is the Great Migration and where do I see it?

Accepted Answer

The Great Migration is the year-round movement of around 1.5 million wildebeest, plus zebra and gazelle, in a clockwise loop through the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem. Mid-December to March: calving on the southern Serengeti (Ndutu). April–June: herds move north and west. July–October: dramatic Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti. November: herds return south. The right camp at the right time of year is everything — we can advise.

Question 7

Can I climb Mount Kilimanjaro on the same trip?

Accepted Answer

Yes — many travellers combine a 6–8 day Kilimanjaro climb (Machame, Lemosho or Marangu route) with a short Northern Circuit safari and a few days on Zanzibar. A Kilimanjaro climb requires fitness and acclimatisation; book through a licensed operator with KPAP-affiliated porter welfare standards.

Question 8

Is Tanzania a malaria area?

Accepted Answer

Yes — all of mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar are malaria zones. Speak to your travel doctor about prophylactics (commonly Malarone or doxycycline). Use DEET-based repellent, sleep under treated mosquito nets (provided in all camps), and cover up at dawn and dusk.

Question 9

How do I book a Tanzania safari through SafariStays?

Accepted Answer

Tanzania camps and lodges are enquiry-only on SafariStays at launch — submit an enquiry and our team responds within 24 hours with availability, a tailored quote, and suggested combinations across the Northern Circuit, Southern parks and Zanzibar. We work directly with the camps and arrange all internal flights, transfers and park fees.

Question 10

Are SafariStays prices the same as booking direct?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SafariStays passes through camp rates with no markup. You pay the same rate as direct, with the benefit of a single trusted point of contact, multi-camp itinerary planning, and combinations with Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, Kenya or Zanzibar.

Question 11

Are park fees included in the rates?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the camp. Most fly-in safari camps include park fees, conservation fees, all meals, drinks (excluding premium imports) and twice-daily game activities. Drive-in lodges and budget camps often quote room-only or B&B with park fees extra. We'll always confirm exactly what's included in your quote.

Tanzania Travel FAQ

Planning Your Trip