Tanzania – Frequently Asked Questions

15/02/2022

There is a lot that goes into planning a safari holiday and although many safari tour providers will give you a detailed itinerary and lots of information before you depart, there are often questions on your mind such as what clothes to pack, how much money to carry and what are the must-have items you will need. We have put together a list of frequently asked questions by safari visitors to help fill the gaps.

1. How safe is it to travel in Tanzania?

Tanzania is one of the safest destinations in East Africa. The locals are generous, friendly and eager to help visitors. However, you need to take the necessary precautions, including storing your valuables in the hotel safe and carrying only what’s necessary (camera equipment, cards, cash, jewellery, or any other valuables). On a safari, your safety will be in the hands of your guide. Make sure that you follow everything your guide says and do not wander around in the wild.

2. What should I wear and take on safari in Tanzania?

• Pack comfortable clothing suitable for sitting in safari vehicles and other safari activities.
• Don’t pack bright colours (or camouflage patterns); stick to neutral brown, beige, khaki and white.
• Bring light-weight cotton clothes which can be layered up in cooler weather. Pack long sleeve shirts and trousers to wear from dusk to prevent mosquito bites. During the winter months, mornings and evenings can be very cold so pack a fleece, hats and gloves.
• Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and swimwear for both safaris and beach holidays.
• If you plan to visit mountain areas such as Mount Kilimanjaro, you need to pack a fleece, rain jacket, and walking boots or shoes.
• Additional items which are good to take on safari include binoculars, torch and adapter, and of course don’t forget your camera! 

3. How much money should I carry on my Tanzanian safari?

Usually, safari tours and packages are prepaid which includes airfares, meals, vehicles, lodges, camps and some or all activities. Once this is settled before you depart from home, on safari you’ll will need money to tip the guides and accommodation staff, buy any souvenirs, drinks and optional activities. Some of these can be paid for with credit cards, some you will need cash for. Around 50-100 pounds or dollars is probably the most you’ll need to spend per day in Tanzania, plus you can carry traveller cheques and credit cards.

4. What about mosquito nets and repellent?

As malaria is present safari lodges and camps will all provide mosquito nets – whether you’re staying in a luxury lodge or a mobile tented camp, mosquito nets play an important part in preventing malaria. In addition, mosquito repellent is often provided, but it’s well worth bringing your own, plus don’t forget to pack a full sleeve shirt/blouse, and slacks or trousers to wear at dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

5. How safe is the water and food in Tanzania?

The food in safari lodges and camps should be really good as meals are a huge part of the safari experience; relaxing over brunch after an early morning game drive, enjoying a delicious dinner at the end of an active day. Avoid drinking tap water and stick to bottled water provided by your safari guide and accommodation. If you are being more independent, choose any restaurants you visit wisely, and eat only at places that have good reviews and come highly recommended.

6. How to make an emergency call in Tanzania

To reach emergency services in Tanzania dial 112 and ask for the required service.

7. What is the appeal of Ruaha National Park?

Here are a few attractions of Tanzania’s second-largest national park, Ruaha National Park, which is part of the southern safari circuit and one of the country’s less accessible parks, making it one of Tanzania’s hidden wildlife gems.

• Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, primarily large concentrations of big cats – leopards, lions, and cheetahs.
• A high concentration of the largest of the big five animals, African Elephants.
• A spectacular birding destination, it is home to 500 bird species with frequent sightings of ashy starlings and black-collared lovebirds.
• Diverse habitats, including savannahs and miombo woodlands.

8. What wildlife can be seen in Selous Game Reserve?

Selous Game Reserve, the largest national park in Africa, has a high mammal population with around 150,000 African buffaloes, 40,000 hippos, 25,000 impalas, 4,000 lions, 100,000 wildebeest, and 35,100 zebras. In addition, with its 440 bird species, it is a bird watcher’s paradise. Listed below are some of the most popular wildlife species found in Selous Game Reserve.

Animals

• African wild dogs
• African buffalos
• Giraffes
• Impalas
• Lions
• Leopards
• Nile crocodiles
• Waterbucks
• Zebras

Birds

• African spoonbill
• African skimmer
• Brown-necked parrot
• Black-winged stilt
• Common white-headed vulture
• Dickinson’s kestrel
• Pel’s fishing owl
• Racket-tailed roller
• White-fronted bee-eater
• White-backed night heron
• Yellow-billed stork

For more information, take a look at Selous Game Reserve.

9. What wildlife can be seen in Ngorongoro Crater?

The most famous spot in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ngorongoro Crater is one of Africa’s Seven Natural Wonders. Formed from a collapsed volcano, the crater provides year-round food and water for a remarkable amount of wildlife, including the Big Five, which lives here.

Animals

• African buffalo
• Black rhino
• Black-backed jackal
• Blue monkey
• Crocodile
• Elephant
• Eland
• Golden jackal
• Leopard
• Lion
• Oribi
• Serval
• Spotted hyena
• Thomson’s gazelle
• Topi
• Waterbuck
• Wildebeest
• Zebra

Birds

• African spoonbill
• Capped wheatear
• Great white pelicans
• Flamingoes
• Hartlaub’s turaco
• Hildebrandt’s francolin
• Jackson’s widowbird
• Northern anteater chat
• Kori bustard
• Scarlet-chested sunbird
• Silver-cheeked Hornbill
• Verreaux’s eagle

About author

Robin Cormack

MD and Co-Founder. Born in Zimbabwe, Robin has a long history in Africa, and safaris in general, from running lodges to marketing. He is always on the look out for new ideas and products from around the safari world.