Embarking on a safari in Tanzania is an unforgettable adventure! From the breathtaking Serengeti plains to the majestic Ngorongoro Crater, your journey will be filled with incredible wildlife and stunning landscapes. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, here are 10 essential travel tips:

1. Get Travel Insurance

Before setting off on your safari, purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and evacuation services. Keep a copy of your insurance details and emergency contacts with you at all times.

2. Prioritize Personal Safety

Tanzania is a safe travel destination, but basic precautions will help ensure a trouble-free experience:

• Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
• Store your passport and valuables in a secure place at your lodge or camp.
• Be cautious in crowded areas like airports and markets.
• Avoid walking alone at night.
• Keep cameras, phones, and bags secure.

3. Managing Cash, Credit Cards & ATMs

Tanzania primarily accepts US Dollars, but local Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) may be needed for small purchases.

• Carry a mix of cash (newer than 2009) and at least one credit/debit card.
• ATMs are available in major towns but dispense local currency only.
• Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks.
• Be cautious when using money changers and always count your cash.

4. Understanding Electricity & Plugs

Tanzania operates on 220-240V electricity with plug types D & G. Pack a universal travel adapter if needed. Some safari camps use solar power or generators with limited charging times, so bring extra batteries or a power bank.

5. Mobile Connectivity & Internet Access

Mobile coverage is available in most areas, but remote safari locations may have limited service.

• Check with your service provider about international roaming.
• Consider purchasing a local SIM card (Vodacom or Airtel) for better rates.
• Many lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi, but the speed may be slow.

6. Drink Safe Water

Always drink bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues. Most safari lodges provide purified water—carry a reusable bottle to refill and help reduce plastic waste. Stay hydrated, especially in the warm climate.

7. Be Prepared for Dust

Tanzania’s dry season (June to October) can be dusty, especially on game drives.

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Use a scarf or buff to cover your nose and mouth.
• Keep cameras and electronic devices in dust-proof bags.

8. Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is customary in Tanzania but remains optional. As a guideline:

• Safari guide: $10-25 per day
• Camp/lodge staff: $10-20 per day (pooled tip box)
• Porters: $1-2 per bag Always tip in USD or Tanzanian Shillings.

9. Supporting Local Communities

Many lodges support local villages and conservation projects. Instead of giving money or gifts to children on the street, consider donating to reputable community initiatives. A great idea is bringing school supplies or sports gear like soccer balls for local children.

10. Respect Wildlife & the Environment

Tanzania’s wildlife is its greatest treasure. Always follow ethical safari practices:

• Keep a safe distance from animals.
• Do not feed wildlife.
• Follow your guide’s instructions.
• Minimize waste and use eco-friendly products.

By following these tips, your Tanzanian safari will be a safe, enjoyable, and responsible adventure. Karibu Tanzania – welcome to the wild!

Safari Departure Time: Safaris usually start between 7:00 AM and 8:30 AM. We will confirm your exact pick-up time the day before.

Arrival in Arusha: We strongly recommend arriving in Arusha at least one day before your safari to avoid delays and allow time to rest.

Last Day Timing: The safari ends in Arusha between 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM. If you plan to fly out the same day, book your departure flight from Kilimanjaro Airport no earlier than 8:00 PM.

Health & Safety:

• Consult your doctor about malaria prevention medication before traveling.
• Yellow fever vaccination is NOT mandatory unless you are coming from a high-risk country.
• Bring essential prescription medications, motion sickness tablets, and basic first-aid supplies.

Clothing Recommendations:

• Wear lightweight, breathable, and neutral-colored clothing (avoid black and blue as they attract tsetse flies).
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
• A light jacket or sweater is recommended for early mornings and evenings.
• Comfortable walking shoes are essential, especially for nature walks.

Flexible Safari Dates: Your safari dates are completely flexible, and we can arrange your tour for any preferred dates.

Safari Packages:
We offer various safari options, including:

• 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, and extended safaris.
• Private and group safaris.
• Customizable itineraries tailored to your preferences.

Accommodation Options:

• Choices range from budget camping, mid-range lodges, to luxury lodges and tented camps.
• Upgrades are available upon request.
• Some lodges have limited Wi-Fi—please check in advance if this is essential.

Meals & Dietary Preferences:

• We provide vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary options—please inform us in advance.
• Most safaris include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with snacks and drinking water available.

Luggage Restrictions:

• If you are taking a domestic flight, there is a 23 kg  soft bag limit per person.
• For safaris, we recommend soft-sided duffel bags instead of hard-shell suitcases.

Payment & Currency:

• We accept payments in USD, EUR
• Credit card payments may have additional transaction fees.
• ATMs are available in major cities, but cash is recommended for remote areas.

Tipping Guidelines:

• Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Suggested amounts:
  • Safari guide: $10–$20 per day per person.
  • Camp/Lodge staff: $5–$10 per day per person.

Photography & Equipment:

• A good camera with a zoom lens (200mm–400mm recommended) for wildlife photography.
• Extra batteries and memory cards.
• A binoculars is recommended for better wildlife viewing.

Connectivity & Charging:

• Some lodges and camps offer Wi-Fi, but it may be slow.
• Safari vehicles have charging ports, but bringing a power bank is a good idea.

Weather & Best Travel Time:

• Tanzania is a year-round safari destination, but the best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June – October).
• The Great Migration in the Serengeti occurs from June – July (river crossings) and January – February (calving season).

Park Entry & Regulations:

• Respect wildlife—keep a safe distance and avoid making loud noises.
• No feeding animals.
• Do not litter—carry all trash back with you.
• Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.

Hot Air Balloon Safari (Optional):

• Available in Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks.
• An incredible experience to witness wildlife from above at sunrise.
• Booking in advance is recommended.

Cultural Visits (Optional):

• You can visit a Maasai village to learn about local traditions.
• Other cultural experiences include visiting Hadzabe and Datoga tribes near Lake Eyasi.

Travel Insurance:

• We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost luggage.

Emergency Contacts:

• We provide 24/7 customer support during your safari.
• Our guides have radio communication and mobile phones for emergencies.

What to Pack for Your Camping Safari in Tanzania

Packing the right items ensures you have a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience. Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:

Clothing & Accessories

Warm clothes (for chilly mornings and evenings)
Light, breathable clothing (neutral colors are best for game drives)
Comfortable sneakers or hiking shoes
A hat or cap to protect from the sun
Sunglasses (preferably polarized)
Lightweight rain jacket or poncho

Toiletries & Personal Items

Towels & a small travel pillow
Toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, and deodorant
Wet wipes & toilet paper
Moisturizer & lip balm (the air can be dry)
Mosquito repellent (bug spray)
Sunscreen (high SPF recommended)

Gadgets & Essentials

Binoculars (if possible, for better wildlife viewing)
Camera or smartphone with extra batteries & memory cards
Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries
Power bank for charging devices

Other Useful Items

Small backpack for daily essentials
A refillable water bottle
Snacks (energy bars, nuts, or dried fruit)
Medication (any prescribed medicines, plus painkillers, antihistamines, and motion sickness tablets)
Travel documents (passport, insurance, and permits)

Note: If you have large luggage, you can leave it at our office or your hotel and take only a small bag for your safari.

Planning a safari adventure? Here’s a comprehensive list of the top 10 items you must pack to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

1. Essential Travel Documents

Make sure to carry your passport, itinerary, travel insurance documents, and e-tickets. It may seem obvious, but these are crucial for a hassle-free experience.

2. Prescription Medications

Pack all necessary prescription medications in your hand luggage in case your checked baggage goes missing. Bring enough to last the entire trip.

3. Eyewear & Sun Protection

• Bring an extra pair of prescription glasses in case one gets lost or damaged.
• Pack sunglasses, a hat, sunblock, long-sleeved shirts, and lip balm to protect yourself from the sun.

4. Camera, Binoculars & Video Equipment

• Binoculars are a must for optimal wildlife viewing—choose at least 8x or 10x magnification.
• A good camera enhances your experience, capturing stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural moments.

5. Clothing & Toiletries

While you won’t forget clothes, selecting the right ones is essential:

• Weight restrictions apply on light aircraft flights, usually 12-15kg per passenger, including hand luggage.
• Laundry services are available at most safari lodges, so pack light.
• Choose casual, neutral-colored clothing; avoid bright colors and camouflage patterns.
• Layering is key for fluctuating temperatures:
  • T-shirts & long-sleeve shirts (for sun and mosquito protection)
  • Fleece or warm jacket
  • Convertible safari trousers
  • Comfortable walking shoes/boots & socks
  • Hat, bandana/scarf, and sarong
  • Swimsuit (some lodges have pools)
  • A light raincoat if you expect rain
  • Undergarments
• Check the weather before departure and adjust accordingly.

6. Electronics & Chargers

Pack your phone, tablet, laptop, music device, and most importantly, country-specific adapter plugs.

7. Medical & Preventative Essentials

Carry a small medical kit with:

• Anti-malarial tablets
• Diarrhea and indigestion medicine
• Pain relievers
• Insect repellent
• Antihistamines for bites
• Eye drops
• Hand sanitizer
• Throat lozenges

8. Useful Extras

• Flashlight/headlamp (bush camps can be very dark at night)
• A good book (for downtime and travel delays)
• Travel journal (to record your unforgettable experiences)

9. Hand Luggage Essentials

• Keep it to one item for easier travel.
• Include travel documents, medication, binoculars, a change of clothes, and valuables.
• Check airline restrictions for liquids and sharp objects.

10. Sense of Humor, Patience & Common Sense

• Avoid wearing camouflage clothing, as it may attract unnecessary attention from authorities.
• Leave expensive jewelry at home; take only everyday items like a wedding band.
• Secure your luggage with combination locks or luggage straps to prevent tampering.
• Some airports offer shrink-wrapping services for extra security.

Staying in luxury Serengeti lodges and unique tented camps is one of the many highlights of traveling in Tanzania. There truly is something to suit every traveler. From permanent structures in the middle of the Serengeti to tented luxury safari camps for an unforgettable experience in the wild. But how do you know what’s best for your trip to Africa? We’re here to help! At Tanzania Specialist, we have spent years carefully curating the very best Serengeti lodges and other unique Tanzania accommodation options.

Serengeti lodges or camps: which is best?

Whether you choose to stay in a luxury Serengeti lodge or you opt for a tented camp, you can be assured that you will be treated to a comfortable, safe and,  most importantly, unforgettable experience in the Serengeti. Serengeti lodges are permanent structures in national parks. Often located on vast land areas, they offer privacy and unbeatable comfort for those looking for a more luxurious taste of the Serengeti. 

Tented camps also offer a luxurious experience – albeit with a few more basic facilities. All Serengeti camping accommodation with Serengeti African Tours comes with a private tent and en suite bathroom facilities. The walls may be thin, but they offer a deeply immersive experience of the Tanzanian wild.

Uncompromised comfort in a permanent safari lodge. A private tented resort that’s a little off the beaten track. Sleeping in the Serengeti is the experience of a lifetime. Are you still unsure of what kind of trip would suit your best? Or would you like to combine a tented safari with a luxury lodge? Get in touch with our Serengeti travel experts and get ready to create your dream Tanzania vacation. We hope to see you soon, in a tented camp or a luxury lodge in Tanzania!

Visiting a Maasai village is one of the cultural highlights of our traveler’s dream activities in Tanzania. A rare chance to experience a taste of local life and learn about the traditional cultures of Africa, it’s certainly not hard to see why visiting a Maasai village is at the top of the Tanzania must-see list!

A Maasai village tour is the perfect accompaniment to a Tanzania safari or custom Tanzania vacation. Here we take a closer look at what you can expect from visiting a Maasai Village with Tanzania Specialist, and why you should add a cultural visit to your Tanzania experience.

Who are the Maasai tribe?

The Maasai tribe is one of the most prominent tribes in Kenya and northern Tanzania. The Maasai people ethnically belong to the Nilotic group and have an incredibly rich culture, from their distinct attire to their distinctive Maa language and traditions. Though Maa is the official language of the Masaai, most Maasai people also speak the official languages of Tanzania and Kenya: Swahili and English!

The piercing and stretching of the earlobes is a common practice among the Maasai, with women often wearing colorful beaded ornaments in their ears.

Many Tanzania tourists are looking for a deeper experience in their safari adventure, and wish to visit a Maasai village during their trip to Tanzania. These visits occur during or in between safaris as the Maasai tribe lives close to the national parks – think of lush natural destinations like the vast Serengeti or the Ngorongoro Crater.

Maasai Cultural Tour: What to Expect

When visiting a Maasai village with your private Tanzania Specialist guide, you will start by arriving at the village with a warm welcome. After an introduction to the Maasai village, you will then step into a couple of Maasai houses and huts. You will be guided by your Maasai host to explore the traditional lodgings of the Maasai and how they live.

The Maasai love to share their incredible culture with visitors. So when visiting a Maasai tribe you can expect to see several Maasai traditions firsthand. This includes celebratory dances and songs and a closer look at the beautiful jewelry made with typical Maasai beads.

What to know when visiting a Maasai tribe

Several Maasai villages host many different tours for international travelers every day. This means you should be aware that you may not be the only tourist in the village! Visiting a Maasai village has become a significant part of promoting Maasai culture for many villages in Tanzania. This not only shares the beauty of the ancient Maasai culture but creates an additional source of income for the tribe.

Do’s and don’ts when visiting a Maasai village in Tanzania

• Do ask questions! Your Maasai hosts are there to share their culture and welcome questions about their culture and traditions
• Don’t take photos without permission! Always ask for permission when taking photos of the Maasai village and the Maasai people.
• Do respect your environment. It’s important to remember that this is not a tourist attraction – it is the home of your hosts.
• Do purchase souvenirs. The Massai’s selection of handcrafted souvenirs is fantastic gifts and keepsakes to remind you of your time in Tanzania.
• Do keep an open mind and be ready to learn about this amazing culture!

One last piece of advice when visiting a Maasai village: drink it all in and enjoy every second. Respect and curiosity are all you need to get the most out of this unique travel experience. Ready to get started with planning your ultimate Tanzania travel experience? Get in touch with the travel experts at Serengeti African Tours

Tanzania is a country that many people dream of visiting during their lifetime. If you are thinking of traveling to Tanzania, there is likely one thing that you want to know more information about, and that is the airports in Tanzania.

Like many of African countries, Tanzania is filled with natural beauty and a range of animals that many people dream of seeing in the wild during their lifetime.

For people who dream of safari holidays, Tanzania is normally high on their bucket list. But if you want to travel to Tanzania, you need to fly there.

The Main Airports in Tanzania

Julius Nyerere International Airport

The largest airport in Tanzania is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).

This airport finished construction in 1954, and since then it has been regularly used by people visiting Tanzania.

It is the largest airport in Tanzania, with 3 terminals, so there are a number of flights in/out of this airport.

It is incredibly modern with recent expansion creating a whole new airport solely for international travel, making the airport even larger!

Mwanza International Airport

In the northern part of Tanzania, Mwanza International is one of the most popular.

It is close to the city of Mwanza, and located near the southern shores of Lake Victoria, so a number of tourists will use this airport during their vacation to Tanzania.

Kilimanjaro International Airport

One of the most popular airports in Tanzania is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

This airport is located to the southwest of Kilimanjaro national park and is incredibly popular among people who visit Tanzania to climb this mountain, or who come to go on safaris in the national parks around Arusha.

Arusha Airport

A smaller airport in Tanzania that still works as a major one is Arusha airport.

Arusha airport is located in the city of Arusha, and it is the go-to airport for any domestic travel within Tanzania.

This is a huge part of what contributes to the popularity of this airport.

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport

Finally, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is a popular airport among those visiting the Zanzibar region of Tanzania.

This airport is around 5 kilometers south of Stone Town, so it is perfect for flying to if you want to see the beautiful white beaches of this island during your Zanzibar holiday.

Tips for Traveling in Tanzania

Here are some tips for traveling, and staying safe when doing this, in Tanzania:

• Always travel in groups at night, and never travel alone after dark.
• Choose the time of year that you visit based on what you want out of the vacation (wildlife viewing, wildebeest migration, etc.)
• Ensure that you are fully vaccinated with the recommended vaccines before visiting Tanzania.
• Buy a local SIM card so that you can keep in touch with those back home during your trip.

Summary

In short, in this guide, we have taken a look at some of the main airports in Tanzania, and a range of travel tips to help you get the most out of your vacation.