Helpful information to plan for your safari holiday in Tanzania

Safaris with Ajabu Adventures are very safe. You’ll always explore wildlife from our specially equipped 4×4 vehicles with an experienced guide. Our carefully selected lodges combine comfort and safety; of course, we’re on the ground with 24/7 support.

Expect unforgettable encounters with the Big Five, herds of wildebeest and zebra, colorful birdlife, and fascinating predators. Of course, it all depends on the region and season of your safari. Every day brings something new to discover!

Every safari is led by a skilled, local guide who knows the parks, wildlife behavior, and hidden gems. They ensure you get the most out of each encounter, while keeping you safe and informed.

A safari day usually starts early, when animals are most active at sunrise. But the rhythm is flexible; you decide how much adventure or relaxation you’d like. Curious about what a day on safari actually looks like? Discover it in detail in our A Typical Day on Safari in Tanzania blog.

Tanzania is situated close to the equator and therefore has a pleasant, tropical climate. Especially the northern parks are delightful, with an average temperature of 20 to 30 degrees. Keep in mind that in some areas, like Karatu and the Ngorongoro Crater, it can be cooler, and temperatures can drop significantly, especially at night.

The European summer is Tanzania’s winter. It runs from June to September and also marks the dry season. From September, temperatures slowly rise again. During the springtime, in September-October, the jacaranda trees will bloom lushly, and you will find Arusha covered in a beautiful purple glow. From October to November, the short rains appear. However, you can expect passing rain showers up to March. By the end of March, the big rainy season usually starts and lasts until the end of May.

The Tanzanian coast and islands are generally hotter and more humid than the country’s northern regions. Temperatures at Mount Kilimanjaro, which is always covered in snow and ice, and Mount Meru are much lower and can easily drop below zero.

Check out our article about the best time to travel to Tanzania. This gives you a better idea of what to expect in each month of the year.

A trustworthy safari company takes the time to listen before they sell. At Ajabu Adventures, every journey starts with a personal conversation. We discuss your wishes, pace, travel style, and the moments you dream of. We know every lodge and route we recommend, work directly with our local partners in Tanzania, and keep communication clear and personal from the first call until you return home. That’s how we ensure your safari feels effortless, authentic, and entirely your own.

We don’t book international flights, but we’ll take care of your domestic flights to Zanzibar and any transfers. Of course, we can also provide tips for the best routes and help you explore and choose the most convenient international flights.

You’ll need a visa for Tanzania, which can be obtained online or on arrival. You must also have mandatory travel insurance for Zanzibar. We provide detailed guidance and a checklist during the booking process and ensure you have all the links and advice you need. You can find more details on visas and insurance on our Travel Tips page.

Once we’ve finalized your itinerary together, we’ll personally guide you through the booking process. You’ll fill in a simple booking form, and as soon as we receive your deposit, your safari is officially confirmed. Then, you can relax knowing everything is in our hands.

Mostly your international flights, travel insurance, and packing your bags. We make it simple by giving tips, checklists, and links so you can prepare effortlessly. This way, you can focus on your adventure without any stress.

When booking your international flight, make sure it matches the start and end points of your safari itinerary. We will be happy to review possible flights with you and advise you based on your itinerary and location.

From Europe, the most comfortable and direct airline to consider is KLM. Other airline options include Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. Apart from your international flight, Ajabu Adventures can arrange any domestic flights and other ground arrangements between your arrival and departure.

To compare available routes and fares, check out KAYAK.

Tanzania’s time zone is GMD+3. Please be aware that Tanzania does not change the clock to winter or summer time.

Fun fact: there is also a time called Swahili time, which can lead to confusion. You will probably not experience this, but Swahili time is measured from sunrise to sunset and is six hours ahead of our time. For example, 01:00 A.M. in standard time is 7:00 in the morning in Swahili time (1 hour after sunrise).

Every visitor is expected to have a valid visa to enter the country, unless the country of origin has a treaty with Tanzania under which the visa is not required. Kindly note that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after you depart from Tanzania and have at least 2 blank pages.

You can obtain your visa directly at the airport or apply for it online in advance. This can be done through the Tanzania Electronic Visa Application System. The application can take 1 to 3 weeks, and you will receive the confirmation by email. By applying for the visa in advance, you may save a lot of time at the airport.

The cost of a tourist visa is US $50 per person, except for US citizens, who pay US $100. It is advisable to double-check the price before you leave.

We strongly advise taking travel and cancellation insurance during your stay in Tanzania, which covers Africa. If you are planning to climb Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, it is recommended to check with your travel insurance company whether mountain climbing is included. The same applies if you go diving, which might require additional insurance.

When traveling with Ajabu Adventures, we will automatically sign you up for the AMREF Flying Doctors Tourist Evacuation (excluding day trips).

When traveling to Tanzania, we recommend contacting your doctor or local travel health clinic for personalized advice based on your safari itinerary.

Upon arriving in Tanzania, it is advisable to plan for one extra day to rest and acclimatize to the new environment and climate. Changes in diet and high altitude may cause diarrhea, headaches, and/or loss of appetite. Be aware of the intense sunrays in Africa. Wear a hat or cap, stay well hydrated, and use some extra salt if necessary. Drinking ice-cold beverages is not recommended because your stomach and intestines can be overstressed. Do not drink tap water; only use mineral water from sealed bottles.

If you are going to climb Mount Kilimanjaro or Mount Meru, we will make sure to organize a medical check-up at least twice a day, or more often if necessary. Your expedition guides are medically trained in altitude sickness, and we always take oxygen onto the mountain.

Ajabu Adventures does not have any luggage restrictions; however, airline companies do. Please remember that if you have a domestic flight, it is essential to check the limitations, as they often differ from those for international flights. Also, check out our safari packing list to help you pack smart and light.

It is essential to keep your camera and other equipment dust-free and in cool places to extend their lifespan. You can recharge your batteries in our safari car or at your hotel/lodge. If you would like to take a picture of the local people, please first ask for permission. It is not permitted to take photos of formal people/objects, such as police officers, military, barracks

Yes, tipping is common in Tanzania. In small, local restaurants and bars, a tip is not necessarily expected (though it will be greatly appreciated). In more luxurious restaurants, you can tip about 5-10% of the bill. Most hotels and lodges have a tip box at reception where tips can be left at the end of your stay. For accommodation, consider tipping around USD $10-20 per night.

The tipping guideline for your private safari guide/driver is USD $30 per guide per day.

Tipping for the climbing crew during an expedition to Mount Meru or Kilimanjaro is different. The guidelines will be provided with the proposal for your climbing tour.

Tanzania is a safe, stable, and friendly country. In large cities and busy areas, such as markets and bus stations, it is advisable to keep an eye on your belongings. Please leave valuable jewelry at home. In the evenings, do not walk the streets; instead, take a private taxi.

A visit to the African national parks is completely safe if you take the following points into consideration:

• Always listen to your safari guide’s advice.
• Do not get out of the vehicle in a park without the guide’s permission.
• Follow the rules that are set by accommodations or tented camps.
• Do not go for a walk alone at night.
• During hikes, walks, and canoe safaris, you should follow the rules outlined during the briefing.

Electricity in Tanzania is 220-240V. Power failures can occur regularly; therefore, it is advisable to bring a flashlight. Most places will have a generator to ensure power when electricity fails. However, during the night hours, these are often turned off. We advise you to use a universal adapter to use your electrical appliances. All our safari vehicles offer charging possibilities for mobiles and cameras.

Tanzania has good cell phone coverage. A Tanzanian prepaid SIM card can be bought anywhere and makes calling each other in Tanzania much cheaper. The international code for Tanzania is +255.

In general, the internet connections in Tanzania are reasonable. Most lodges and hotels offer Wi-Fi. In addition, you can consider buying an eSIM. This allows you to activate a mobile data plan without a physical SIM card for a limited period.

Due to the many murram roads and the challenging driving conditions, we do not recommend renting a car. Especially in the cities and larger towns, traffic can be busy and chaotic. In addition, your local safari guide can tell you much more about the nature and culture of this country and knows where to look for wild animals. In the cities, it is advisable to take a (private) taxi. Agree on a price before you start your journey.

If you have dietary requirements or allergies, just let us know in advance, and we’ll make sure the kitchen staff are fully informed. Most lodges and camps are experienced in catering to international needs. They are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special diets.

Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing, a hat, sturdy shoes, and binoculars. For a complete guide, see our Safari Packing List with handy tips to ensure you have everything you need.

Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) are used locally, but US dollars and euros are widely accepted. Many lodges take credit cards (sometimes with a small fee), and ATMs are available in larger towns.

Tanzania uses 220–240V electricity with UK-style outlets (Type G). You can charge your devices at the lodges and in most rooms. However, power outages can happen, and although generators usually cover this, they might be switched off at night. But no worries: our safari vehicles also have charging points for mobiles and cameras.

Effective 1 October 2024, all tourists to the Zanzibar archipelago are required to obtain a mandatory travel insurance.

• Costs: USD $44 per person (children up to 3-17 years, 50% discount)
• Validity: up to 92 days from your arrival
• How: via the Zanzibar Insurance Corporationonline application form

Please note that failure to comply with this mandatory requirement may result in denial of entry at immigration checkpoints. The mandatory insurance should not replace your personal health insurance; we strongly recommend traveling with a comprehensive international health insurance for complete protection.

Pack as light as possible. Take lightweight, easily washable cotton clothes and a sweater since it can cool down in the evening. To protect yourself against the sun, we advise you to pack a hat or cap, sunglasses, and sun cream. In many restaurants, you are expected to be dressed casually. On the Islamic coast and in Zanzibar, women must be covered (partly), so they do not wear swimwear or very short shorts in public. Normally, people in Tanzania wear flip-flops or sandals. However, if you plan to walk long distances, it is advisable to bring hiking shoes or trainers.

Colors like blue and black should be avoided during game drives, since they attract tsetse flies and other insects. Tsetse flies like to linger around your feet and ankles. If you visit a park where tsetse flies could be active (like Tarangire National Park), it is recommended to tuck your long pants into your socks (not blue or black). Neutral colors like light brown, olive green, and khaki are suitable for safari activities and are highly recommended.

A comprehensive overview of safari clothing to pack can be found in our Safari Packing List. If you are planning to climb Kilimanjaro, we will include extra clothing advice in your itinerary.

The currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). There are coins of 50, 100, 200, and 500 TZS and banknotes of 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 TZS. Foreign currencies, particularly Euros and US Dollars, are generally accepted and can be converted to Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) at banks and currency exchange offices. Please note that no dollar bills older than 2006 are accepted.

Credit cards can be used at several lodges, though they often attract a service fee of up to 5%. If you would like to know if the accommodations in your itinerary accept credit cards, feel free to check with us. Larger towns offer ATM facilities and currency exchange offices. If you are planning to use your debit or credit card, be sure to notify your bank that you will be traveling abroad, because sometimes banks will deactivate your card if you have not notified them.

Your personal Ajabu Adventures driver/guide will be waiting to greet you at the airport. He will be holding a sign with your name and the Ajabu logo. Because it’s such a small airport, spotting him is easier than finding a zebra in the savannah.

Keep a safe distance from animals, follow your guide’s instructions, and respect park rules. We’ll provide a detailed overview of safari etiquette so you can enjoy your safari safely while helping preserve these natural wonders.

Most lodges offer free Wi-Fi, which can be limited in remote areas. Our safari vehicles provide charging points but no Wi-Fi because we want you to fully immerse yourself in the safari experience. If staying connected to the outside world is essential, we’ll happily advise you on the best solutions tailored to your needs.

Tipping is customary for guides, drivers, and lodge staff and is greatly appreciated. We’ll provide guidance on amounts and best practices so you feel confident and generous without stress.

We greatly appreciate your honest feedback. It helps future travelers make their choices and allows us to keep improving our safaris. Please do leave a review on TripAdvisor or Google Reviews.

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