Getting ready for my next trip to Tanzania
Planning Tips
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Be sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date, and has sufficient blank pages.
- Arrange your visa in advance if possible.
- Get your yellow fever vaccination card if you'll be arriving in Tanzania from a yellow-fever endemic area.
- Consider buying travel insurance.
What to Take
- binoculars
- mosquito repellent
- sunglasses
- rain gear for wet-season travel
- field guides for safaris and/or birding
- yellow fever vaccination card
- extra contact lens solution and your prescription glasses (as the dust can be irritating)
- Swahili phrasebook
What to Wear
Casual and smart but comfortable clothing will be appropriate everywhere. Highland areas get cool at night, so pack a light jacket if you'll be anywhere at altitude. Throughout the country, and especially along the coast, women can't go wrong by avoiding sleeveless tops and by erring on the side of modesty, with skirts or pants. Don't forget a sun hat or cap for the strong tropical rays.
Top Tips
- Tanzania is very large. Getting around is time-consuming, and often expensive and uncomfortable. You'll likely have a more rewarding trip by picking one or two areas of the country to focus on and explore in more depth.
- Learning some phrases in Swahili will be helpful and fun, especially in off-the-beaten-track areas.
- If you're travelling by bus, leave as early as possible to maximise safety and comfort.
- If you're combining wildlife safaris and the coast, plan your coastal travels for the end of your trip for maximum relaxation.
- Especially if you're travelling overland, pack light. These days, most essentials are available in Tanzania, and having a small, light pack will help greatly on buses and in small planes.
Popular Tours and Safaris
- 3 Days Tanzania Lodge Safaris Mikumi and Udzungwa
- 2 Day Tanzania Lodge Safari to Tarangire and Ngorongoro
- 4 Days Tanzania Lodge Safari to Tarangire, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- 5 Days Tanzania Safari Serengeti Wildebeest Migration
- 3 Days Fly-in Tanzania Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- 5 Day Amazing Tanzania Honeymoon Safari
- 12 Days Ultimate Tanzania Honeymoon Safari Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar
- 7 Days Fly-in Luxury Tanzania Couple Safari
- 3 Days Tanzania Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Short and Sweet
- 10 Days Tanzania Safari To Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Cultural Tours