Tanzania Safari FAQs – Your Ultimate Guide
Planning a Tanzania safari? Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about costs, safety, the best time to visit, what to pack, and more. Start your adventure with confidence!
Best months: June to October (dry season)
Why?
- Excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources
- Clear skies and minimal rainfall
- Ideal for witnessing the Great Migration in the Serengeti (July-September)
☔ Rainy season (March-May, November-December) – Fewer tourists and lush landscapes, but roads can be muddy.
📌 Pro tip: If you want to see the wildebeest calving season, visit in January-February in the Southern Serengeti.
The cost varies based on the type of safari:
| Type of Safari | Budget (per person/day) | Experience Level |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Camping | $150 – $300 | Basic tents, shared facilities |
| Mid-Range Lodge | $300 – $600 | Comfortable lodges, game drives |
| Luxury Safari | $600 – $1500+ | High-end lodges, private guides |
✅ Included in Safari Costs:
- Park fees
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Guided game drives
- Airport transfers
🚫 Not Included: International flights, visas, tips, travel insurance, personal expenses.
📌 Pro Tip: Traveling in a group can lower per-person costs significantly.
Yes! Tanzania is one of the safest safari destinations, with well-regulated national parks and experienced guides.
✔ Safety Tips:
- Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
- Stay inside the safari vehicle unless instructed otherwise.
- Avoid night walks in the wilderness.
- Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying expensive items in cities.
📌 Pro Tip: Book with a licensed safari operator for a secure and well-organized trip.
Tanzania is home to over 90 species of mammals and 1,100+ bird species!
🐘 Big Five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Rhino, Buffalo)
🦓 Wildebeest Migration (July-September, Serengeti)
🦒 Other Highlights: Cheetahs, Giraffes, Hippos, Crocodiles, Wild Dogs
📌 Pro Tip: Want to see rare black rhinos? Visit the Ngorongoro Crater!
✔ Clothing: Neutral-colored, lightweight clothes (avoid bright colors)
✔ Footwear: Comfortable hiking shoes or sandals
✔ Gear: Binoculars, camera, extra batteries
✔ Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, hat, sunglasses
✔ Documents: Passport, visa, travel insurance, vaccination card
📌 Pro Tip: Pack a light rain jacket if traveling during the rainy season.
✔ Visa: Required for most travelers ($50 for most nationalities, $100 for U.S. citizens). Apply online via Tanzania Immigration or get it on arrival.
✔ Vaccinations:
- Yellow Fever (required if coming from a country with yellow fever risk)
- Recommended: Malaria pills, Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid
📌 Pro Tip: Carry a printed copy of your eVisa and vaccination records.
| Feature | Serengeti | Ngorongoro Crater |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Vast plains (14,750 sq km) | Small crater (260 sq km) |
| Wildlife | Big Five + Migration | Dense concentration of animals |
| Best For | Watching the Migration | Rhino spotting & scenic views |
📌 Pro Tip: Visit both for a full safari experience!
5:30 AM – Wake up & light breakfast
6:00 AM – 9:30 AM – Morning game drive (best for predators)
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM – Brunch & rest at the lodge
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM – Afternoon game drive
7:00 PM – Dinner & campfire stories
📌 Pro Tip: Early mornings & late afternoons offer the best wildlife sightings.
1️⃣ Choose your travel dates
2️⃣ Select a trusted tour operator (check reviews!)
3️⃣ Decide on a budget & safari type
4️⃣ Book flights & arrange visas
5️⃣ Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure!
📌 Need Help? Contact Otto Safari Guide for customized safari packages!
Testimonials
Don’t Take Our Word – The guests have spoken!
It was one the best trip. Team is amazing. We spent full two days in the park with excellent guide and unbelievable moments. Highly appreciated and recommended
Alexey_petuninNovember 19, 2023
The Trip of a Lifetime - I cannot race brought about Otto and our safari experience. It was the trip of a lifetime and our family will never forget our experience.
Otto is just amazing, his passion about Tanzania and the animals is really a wonderful character trait. Otto doesn’t just take you on game drives, he teaches you about the animals, the ecosystem, and Tanzanian culture/history.
There are so many safari companies to choose from, but Otto’s company is smaller and focused on working with sustainable lodges/camps and Tanzanian owned businesses. We really loved that we could visit Tanzania and also support local business owners and the community. Otto and his team have excellent communication and will listen to all your inputs when crafting the perfect safari experience.
The safari was incredible - we saw all of the Big 5 and more. We wouldn’t have changed anything about our itinerary. The scenery and seeing the animals in their environment is truly special and Otto goes out of his way to make sure you have an authentic experience.
With all the choices for safari you can’t go wrong if you book with Otto. Should we get the chance to return for another trip we will absolutely book with Otto, and we will recommend him to all our friends and family.
RayaRayisa0184July 1, 2023
Unique safari experience - We warmly recommend booking Safari with Otto. The contact in advance was uncomplicated and he was always available for questions. We did a 3 day safari at the Nyerere National Park. We later learned that you can also go there by plane, however we recommend taking the car at least in one direction as it offers you an impression of Africa outside the big cities or touristic spots. Besides, there are a lot of fruit stands on the way where you can buy delicious and locally grown fruit. We loved Otto's calm way of explaining and the huge knowledge about African Wildlife but also about the people and the country. There was no question he could not answer.
All in all, we were very happy about the tour, Otto was an excellent guide and we can't imagine anything which could have been better at this trip!
karomagaMarch 4, 2023
Start Planning Your Dream Safari!
Got more questions? Contact us today to plan a tailor-made Tanzania safari!
📧 Email Us info@ottosafariguide.com | 📞 Call/WhatsApp: +255 786410157