Tanzania is part of East Africa region also referred to as the great lakes or the horn of Africa region. This East African country is not only incredible but is the largest of the East African countries. Tanzania has some of the world’s most amazing attractions as she is blessed with an awesome array of nature’s own wonders. Tanzania is home to the highest free-standing mountain in the world, the Mount Kilimanjaro and together with her neighbor Kenya plays host to the largest mammal migration in the world, the Annual Great Migration. An Africa safari in Tanzania is one exploration you wouldn’t dare miss nor plan wrongly.

Why Choose Tanzania

For an African wildlife enthusiast, a mountaineer or one who has an interest in culture, an African safari in Tanzania is just not a paradise and a historical pot, it is the final African safari lovers haven. With the Big Five in the ‘garden of Eden’. Proper knowledge and good planning is essential if you want to have fun in this heaven.

Research on Tanzania

The starting point for your Africa safari in Tanzania would be doing a little research on Tanzania, Go through articles on-line, guide books, attraction and what to do when in Tanzania. You can also talk to family and friends who have been to Tanzania to get a proper advice. You will also get several safari companies online who can help you with the destinations you need to go to.

Best Time to Go

An Africa safari in Tanzania offers one the opportunity to see the great migration. Depending on where you want to see this, timing is very essential. In June, you will be able to see the great wildebeest migration moving from Tanzania to Kenya, this won’t be a good view as you will be seeing them from behind. At the end of October and early November, the migration normally goes to Tanzania and being at Serengeti during this period will most definitely give you the best views. For those who would like to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the months of January to March, July – mid-October would be proper as these are not rainy months.

Dressing Code

An African safari in Tanzania is not an official business to have ties and suits around. It is time to relax and loosen up. What is the best way to do this than have some light clothing and clothes that can dry fast. As for colors, neutral tones which that blends with the natural environment around you is proper. A good warm jacket/ Jumper would help with the areas that could be chilly especially in the mornings and evenings. As for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing, warm clothing will be necessary. As for climbing equipment, you can hire them on arrival.

Getting To Tanzania

Tanzania has 3 international Airports, Kilimanjaro International that is 70 kilometers from Tanzania safari capital Arusha, Mwalimu Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam – the economic capital and Zanzibar Airport in Zanzibar. If you will be doing wildlife or climbing the Kilimanjaro, you will definitely land at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and travel to Arusha by road. If going to Zanzibar, you can possibly go there directly or have a connecting flight from Nairobi, Mombasa, Arusha or Dar. One can also get to Dar by cruise ship from Mombasa or Dar es Salaam.

Visa for internationals is a requirement for one to enter Tanzania. This varies between US $ 50 – 100 depending on your country of origin. You can get this from an Embassy, high commission or consulate near you early enough or on arrival at the entry point.

Security and Personal Safety

Just like any other city, one should avoid walking at night or carrying valuables around. Seek advice on places to go alone from your guide. When on Tanzania safari keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife around your accommodation and camp sites where you set up, don’t walk alone to your room or tent at night or when visibility is low.

Local Greetings come in Handy

Grab 2 or 3 words, they might come in handy in some places. Greeting is very important in Africa and is a sign of respect. Learn some Kiswahili greeting words. This not often makes the guides, traders, lodge staff, border control personnel and the park staff comfortable to serve you but might just get you some discount with a trader or favor with children and is often appreciated. The effort is always much appreciated.

Currency

Tanzania shilling is the local currency, however, there are other major currencies that are in use in major hotels, curio shops, and banks. This includes the US $ and the British Pound among other international currencies. There are Forex bureaus and banks where you can change your money to local currency.

Bargain and Haggling

Do not be scared to haggle on the price as this is common in any country in Africa. It will just make you get the best at a bargain.

Enjoy Yourself

For some of us, a safari is a way to know the world, to make new friends and learn about others in order to appreciate them, their tradition and culture. You can not do this without having fun and sharing the experience with new people from all over the world.