Safari Frequently Asked Questions
Tanzania Safari FAQ are the common Frequently questions asked by many clients about Safari
When is the best time to go on a Tanzania safari?
January, February, March: Beautiful weather however, some slightly windy weather possible at the end of the day; still green and fresh due to the small rainy season in November. Good climate to visit the parks of northern Tanzania. In addition, not as many tourists as during high-season July and August.
April, May: Rainy season, thus often windy and rainy but also beautiful sunny days are possible; very few tourists, lower prices. We personally love this time of the year. However, the parks in the south are not very appealing during that time of the year and many lodges are not open to tourists.
June: Beginning of dry season, often blue skies. The nature becomes green again, still not too many tourists around. However, the observation of animals can be slightly tricky due to lush green and thus more scattered food-sources and hiding possibilities. It is also the beginning of the touristy season for the national parks in the south of Tanzania, northern parks are welcoming tourists throughout the year.
July, August: These months are clearly high season and some national parks count ten times more vehicles than during low season. If you decide to travel during this time of the year, you need to reserve your places very early. Overall, nature is drier than during other times of the year, but good time to observe animals which often come together at some of the remaining water spots.
September, October: End of the dry season, and only little water remaining, mostly brownish colors. Best period to clearly see the animals, however, generally fewer animals during dry season in Central Serengeti.
November, December: Calm period across most national parks, beautiful landscape with beautiful colors, mostly greener than the months before due to the small rainy season in November. The highest temperatures are between December and February
What should I pack for a Tanzania safari?
Visitors to Tanzania should pack light, comfortable clothing that is suitable for the climate and activities, such as hiking boots, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. Visitors should also bring a camera with a zoom lens, as well as any necessary medications and toiletries.
- Wear clothing in neutral colors: beige, brown, and green. Do not wear camouflage, but do not worry if you wear blue, red, purple, black, or white. Just try to avoid very bright colors and patterns, and you’ll be okay.
- Wear layers that you can take on and off as the weather changes. It is typically cold in the morning, hot in the afternoon, and cold again at night. Bring jackets or wear layers that you can take on or off as you need.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
What type of accommodations are available on Tanzania safaris
Tanzania safaris include a variety of accommodation options, ranging from luxury lodges and tented camps to low-cost camping. Guests have the option of selecting the level of luxury that best matches their interests and budget.
What type of vehicles are used for Tanzania safaris?
Tanzania safaris typically use 4×4 vehicles that are specially designed for wildlife viewing. These vehicles can be open-air jeeps or closed vehicles with air conditioning, depending on the visitor’s preferences.
How to Book Tanzania Safari
With us, booking a safari is quite simple. Planning your trip to Tanzania’s numerous attractions and the places you want to see is what we advise you to do first. Give us a call, and we’ll help you create the finest, most personalised Tanzania itinerary possible for your requirements. To reserve your reservations, you must pay a 30% deposit. The remaining balance must be paid in full 120 days prior to your safari date.
Following that, you must buy your international plane tickets at least 6 to 9 months prior to the dates of your safari. After that, you must begin applying for your Tanzanian visa online or in person at the Tanzanian Embassy’s offices in your nation.
This is followed by buying your travel insurance and takes the necessary vaccinations before your travel.
How Much Does Safari Cost
The price of your Tanzanian safari might range from $200 to $3,000 and more. This Tanzania Safari price covers transportation from and to the airport, lodging, three full meals a day in Tanzania, domestic transport, park fees, Tanzania Safari crew costs, drinking water, etc.
International airline prices, visa fees, travel insurance costs, and prolonged tour stays are the main cost exclusions. We advise getting in touch with our travel specialists right away if you want detailed information on how to travel cheaply in Tanzania.
What are safari guides, and why do they matter
In the African bush, your host is a safari guide. They’ve spent years learning everything they can about wildlife, flora, safety, and landscapes. These are safari professionals who may make or ruin your safari trip. They’ll follow the animals, answer your questions, explain what you’re seeing and feeling, and make sure everything runs well.
Is an African safari safe?
When you go on an African safari, you will encounter wild animals and inaccessible areas. It’s not a zoo. Everything is wild and unpredictable. Yet, this does not mean that it is unsafe.
You will be given regulations and guidelines that you must observe and listen to at all times from the start of your safari. It’s all about respecting your safari guide, the wildlife, and being wise.
- Do not wander around alone just because you do not see any animals nearby. Your safari guide or camp staff need to check nearby areas for your safety.
- Do not leave your tent at night without supervision. After dark, you will always have an escort around your camp or lodge to keep you safe.
- Listen to the advice of your safari guide at all times. They understand animal behavior and will know-how and win to approach animals and what to do in every situation. Trust your guide to take care of you.
Can kids go on safari?
Yes, kids can go on safari. In fact, they can have an amazing time and learn so much. Family safaris are a great idea. However, age and maturity are factors.
Most safaris only accept kids who are at least 4 years old for their safety. They need to be able to follow directions, sit in a car for long hours, sleep in a tent at night, and remain calm and quiet when required.
According to National Parks Regulations and Accommodation above 14 Years old is an adult.
Do you need vaccinations to go to Tanzania?
No, immunization is not required to enter Tanzania by law. However several vaccinations are highly recommended when travelling to Tanzania like malaria or yellow fever. You must consult a personal physician before taking these vaccinations. For any health-related guidance, you can also consult our experts who will guide you regarding this personally.
How much is a Tanzania visa ?
Tourist visa is US$50 per person for other countries except American citizens $100 to be paid in cash on arrival or you can apply visa online,which take up to 3 weeks to be approved, citizens of some countries may have to get the visa prior to departure. Make sure you check with your country’s authorities in advance or our immigration website for more details.
Purchase the visa upon arrival is easy, and it is not necessary to arrange everything beforehand. Buying a visa upon arrival does not take much time at all. Forms can be obtained at the airplane/airport/border upon arrival. All you need to do is fill out the form and pay the fee, and you will get a visa stamped in your passport.
Please make sure you have all the necessary jabs. A Yellow Fever jab, for example, is one legal requirement for being allowed to enter the country. It is not necessary to bring any pictures to get your visa, but please be aware that your passport has to be valid for another 6 months after departing from Tanzania.
How much does it cost to fly to Tanzania?
The flying cost varies depending on the period of booking, time or season (peak or low season) or the location of departure. Tanzania has 3 main airports which people usually fly into. They are:
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (between Arusha & Moshi)
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam)
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)
These airports are closer to the safari destinations. You can land at any of these airports depending on your convenience. Our driver will pick you up straight from the airport for your convenience.
Where is Tanzania on the map?
Located in East Africa, Tanzania is bordered by the Indian Ocean on its Eastern Side, blessing us with the beauty of Zanzibar.
North of Tanzania you will find Kenya and Uganda, whilst Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi can be found to the west. South of Tanzania is Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.
What is the official language of Tanzania?
Tanzania has two official languages: English and Swahili. But the national language of Tanzania is Swahili.
What if I am a single traveler?
We’ve no problems in arranging Safaris for single travelers. We do have a slight addition in the price for single supplements costs. If the client wishes, we can try and place them together with other clients in the same car if they have the same itinerary / timings.
What is the difference between basic camping,wilderness camping, tented camps and luxury mobile tented camping?
There are several different kinds of accommodations we use whilst on safari. Most are self explanatory, and details are given in your proposed itineraries. However, the differences between the kinds of camping can sometimes be confusing
- Basic camping – igloo tents, pitched on public campsites, with sleeping mats with sheets, folding camp furniture, and all food prepared by a professional camp cook. We can hire out good quality sleeping bags at USD 30 per bag.
- Wilderness camping – not dissimilar to basic camping, but pitched on private campsites, and with a little more comfort! We provide larger tents, folding camp beds, “proper” bedding , large towels and portable camp showers, as well as the usual folding furniture.
- Tented camps – semi-permanent tented structures which vary widely in level of luxury. Basic tented camps might be large canvas tents on a plinth or concrete platform, with bed(s), luggage rack, and bathroom. Others might have desks, four-poster beds, luxury outdoor bathrooms, large verandas with coffee table and seating area etc.
- Luxury mobile tented camping – large canvas bedroom tents with four poster beds, veranda and en suite bathroom, private dining tent, bar (with drinks included in the price), private kitchen with dedicated crew to prepare your meals and ensure your stay is truly special. Pitched in special wilderness campsites in locations across Tanzania (though Serengeti is the most popular for this kind of accommodation) Erected specifically for your safari, and with your own dedicated crew of chef, waiters and camp manager, this is often deemed to be the ultimate in luxurious wild Africa.
Do you offer balloon safaris ?
Absolutely, we can add a hot air balloon safari into our offerings. They are accessible in Tanzania in Serengeti (USD 550 per person), Ndutu (USD 550 per person), and Tarangire (USD 550 per person) (USD 550 per person).
Takeoff starts at dawn, and you will fly quietly over the plains for an hour or two, watching the sun rise on a new African day, before landing wherever the wind brings you, where you will have a full breakfast and a drink of champagne in the bush.
How are the road conditions in the National Parks ?
Bumpy on the safari circuits and on the game drives. If you have a back condition then take precaution with back braces, pillows or whatever works for you
How do you handle tour members with special needs ?
What if I get Injured or Sick on Safari ?
Any health or medical emergency will be attended to. If the condition requires hospitalization, you will be evacuated to the nearest hospital immediately. Make sure you have the travel and health insurance cover. It’s highly recommended
What about Bathrooms in the Parks ?
The safari trips have public bathroom facilities. In case you have to go and there isn’t one in sight. Relieving behind the vehicle is a good option. of course with the concurrence of your guide. They are sympathetic to nature calls
Will there be Wildlife Roaming at the Camps and Lodges ?
Wild animals are unpredictable, so be cautious. Don’t get too adventurous when encountering them. Attacks are rare, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Remember that you are the intruder in their territory.
Am I allowed to walk around the National parks ?
When visiting national parks, it is best to stay inside your car at all times, unless your driver guide finds a safe spot to stop for lunch or to stretch your legs. If you enjoy trekking, guided hikes are offered in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro. Long walks are not permitted within the Serengeti National Parks for conservation reasons; nevertheless, some lodges will provide short treks near the resort or camp.
Will there be WiFi Available ?
The majority of hotel facilities will provide WiFi. While WiFi is often accessible, it probably won’t be as fast as you’re used to, but it should still be enough to check email and contact family members back home.
How bad are the tsetse flies ?
Whilst on safari, you may come across the tsetse fly in the Tarangire forests and several Serengeti areas, some more crowded than others. Tsetse flies seem like bigger flies with a stinger, and while most people have no reaction to their bites, others may develop swelling and irritation.
“Benadryl Itch Relief Stick” is a suggested treatment for this. Tsetse flies are drawn to dark blue and black hues. Gentle natural hues such as khaki, brown, olive, beige, and green are suggested for daytime wear. Tsetse flies are most active during the day and remain dormant at night.
Reviews from our Happy Clients
Excellent Customer Service and Support
We had a 7 days luxury safari with Meijo Safaris, we celebrated our honeymoon with a well-arranged itinerary. We had a chance to visit Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngororongoro and Lake Natron.
We received an excellent service throughout our safari, the lodges was very nice and friendly as we also had many animals visiting near the lodges.
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Meijo magic in Tanzania!
I can highly recommend Meijo Safaris. We booked ‘The Best of Safari, Lake Eyasi & Lake Natron’ with mid-range accommodation.
Meijo is a small company that gives you the personal touch. I was impressed that Daudi, the owner, met us at the airport and saw us off the following day. He also met us on our return.
Meijo Safari-The best Safari company and guide!
Meijo Safaris guided by Tariq, experienced guide and naturalist, was a life changing experience for my wife and me.
What made this experience stand out was the reliability, knowledge and care offered by Meijo travels and their guide Tariq.
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