Essential Information
Visa: To enter Tanzania, most nationalities need a visa, which can be obtained either in advance or on arrival.
Health: To ensure you have received all required immunizations and to obtain any necessary medications, speak with a doctor or travel clinic.
Insurance: To cover any unexpected medical costs and other expenses while visiting Tanzania, travel insurance is a necessity.
Money: Carrying both local money (Tanzanian Shilling) and US dollars is advised because some locations might only accept one of the two. Major cities have ATMs, but remote locations might not have access to them.
Clothing: For warm days, wear lightweight, breathable clothing; for chilly mornings and evenings when temperatures can drop, wear a warm layer.
Gear: A comfortable and successful safari requires a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and binoculars. Check out the gear I bring with me on most of my trips.
Booking: To guarantee availability and lock in the best prices, booking a safari in advance is advised, especially during the busiest travel period. If you're going on your own, more info below.
Respect wildlife laws and regulations: To ensure the safety of both you and the wildlife, abide by the rules and regulations established by the park administration.
Route Map
Learn how to download the map for your own offline use by reading how I navigate on the trail .
Itinerary
The following was our itinerary for the group tour. However, if you're doing this on your own, you can easily add extra days here and there if you like a park.
| Day | Itinerary | Details |
|---|---|---|
Day 11 | Arusha | |
Day 22 | Tarangire National Park | |
Day 33 | Lake Manyara & Mto Wa Mbu | |
Day 44 | Serengeti | |
Day 55 | Serengeti | |
Day 66 | Ngorongoro | |
Day 77 | Ngorongoro | |
Day 88 | Lake Eyasi & Arusha | |
Day 99 | Depart |
Personal Highlights
Tanzania is home to several beautiful national parks, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Lake Eyasi. Keep reading to discover each of these places, and how to visit them on your own.
Serengeti
This vast national park is home to a variety of wildlife, including the big five (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffaloes). There are rocky hills, grassy plains, and acacia woodlands in the diverse landscape. Along with having numerous rivers and lakes, the park is also home to a variety of birds and other animals.
Ngorongoro Crater
There are many different kinds of animals living in Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater, including large predators like lions and leopards as well as herbivores like buffalo and giraffe. There are numerous smaller lakes and streams inside the crater, which is surrounded by thick grasslands and forests. The crater's rim offers stunning views, making it a well-liked location for tourists to view sunsets.
Tarangire
Large elephant herds, baobab trees, and a variety of birdlife can all be found in Tarangire National Park. The park is a great place to go on game drives and nature walks given that it is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including lions, leopards, zebras, and giraffes.
Lake Manyara
Flamingos are common in Lake Manyara National Park and are frequently spotted there along the lake's shores. Along with a wide range of other animals, the park is home to elephants, giraffes, and baboons. It is a great location for game drives and for visiting the hot springs inside the park.
Lake Eyasi
A grassy savanna and an acacia forest surround the shallow soda lake known as Lake Eyasi. Numerous bird species can be found around the lake, making it a well-liked location for birdwatching. The Hadzabe and Datoga tribes, who have inhabited the region for centuries, also call the lake home. These communities can be visited, and you can find out more about their way of life.
Weather and Seasons
Dry Season
June to October
Little rain, clear skies, scarce vegetation
Best For:
Wildlife
Safari
Visibility
Wet Season
November to May
Heavy rain, thunderstorms, occasional flooding
Best For:
Photography
Scenery
Low crowds
The best time to visit Tanzania depends on your interests and what you hope to see and do while you are there. Depending on the season, Tanzania's weather can change dramatically.
Recommended Gear
For a Tanzanian safari, prioritize sun protection with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm, alongside essential insect repellent. Bring binoculars for wildlife observation, a camera with extra batteries, and memory cards. Pack light, breathable clothing, warm layers, and waterproof gear. Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots. Carry a first aid kit with personal medications, a refillable water bottle with a purification system, and a power bank. Bring cash in Tanzanian Shillings and US dollars, along with passport, visa, and travel insurance documents for a well-prepared and enjoyable safari experience.
The provided gear list is a suggestion, tailor it to your needs. Prioritize safety by packing and preparing well for a happy, adventurous hike. Interested in all of my gear recommendations? Explore all gear to see what I recommend for filming, travel, and fun :)
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Safety Disclosure: This travel guide is intended for educational purposes only. Readers are urged to conduct their due diligence, verify current conditions, and research the most recent information independently. Conditions along trails and relevant details may change, necessitating the confirmation of accurate and updated information from reliable sources or local authorities before undertaking any travel or outdoor activities.
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