So that you can prepare yourself in the best possible way for your trip to Tanzania, we have prepared some important questions and answers for you:

How much does a safari in Tanzania cost?

Tanzania is not a cheap travel destination. When planning their safari, many travelers are mistaken in confusing the local cost of living with the travel expenses.

For us as a provider of individually planned safari offers, the question of the price of a safari cannot be answered in one sentence or with one amount. A number of factors determine the price of the trip. These are essentially :

  • The travel season and the duration of your safari. There will be differences between high and shoulder season and the low season, which roughly corresponds to the rainy season.
  • Which national parks and for how long do you want to visit the parks? Depending on the park, different entrance fees apply.
  • Would you like more travel offers such as day trips?
  • How big is the tour group per safari vehicle? We plan with up to a maximum of 6 travelers per vehicle. The larger the travel group, the lower the share of costs for vehicle and guide per person.
  • Which standard of accommodation and which type of board is chosen.

Starting prices for a 5-day private safari for 2 persons (without flight) in mid-range accommodation (hotel/lodge/tented lodge) in the low-season with full board start from about US$ 2,000 per person. On such a safari you would visit the Serengeti, spend the night there, visit the Tarangire and Manyara National Park, experience the wildlife in the Ngorongoro Crater and start your safari stay with a half-day exploration of Arusha National Park.

Our tip:

By compromising on the luxury of your accommodation, you can drastically reduce your costs.  Stayingin a tented camp instead of a luxury safari lodge is not only an affordable African safari option, but also offers you authentic romance of sleeping in the African bush under tarpaulins. The most tented safari camps have amenities like flush toilets like you know it from home, hot showers, comfortable beds and even swimming pools.

How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

There is no uniform price that is generally charged for climbing Kilimanjaro. The price is determined by the route chosen – there are 6 – and the duration of the ascent. A number of factors such as, rescue costs, nature conservation fees, camping fees, hut prices, fees for guide and porters and the Tanzanian VAT of 18% determins the price.

Nature conservation fees: (entrance fee for the Kilimanjaro)

US$ 70 per person per day on the Lemosho or Machame route.

Rescue Costs:

US$ 20 per person.

Camping costs:

US$ 50 per person per day.

With the exception of the Marangu route, overnight stays at campsites.

Hut fee on the Marangu route:

US$ 60 per person per night.

Crater fees for overnight stay INSIDE the crater

US$ 100 per person per night.

Guide and porter fees:

US$ 2 per employee per day.

As of March 2023

(Existing exceptions for children and citizens of East African states not taken into account)

Our tip:

For a 6-days ascent calculate per person:

  • Machame Route 2,600 US$
  • Lemosho Route 3,200 US$
  • Marangu Route 2,200 US$
  • Umbwe Route 2,600 US$
  • Rongai Route 2,500 US$
  • Londorosi Route 3,500 US$ (Northern Circuit)
When is which season in Tanzania?

The seasons for the national parks in the north of the country can be divided into three (seasonal) times. Peak, High and Low season. It should be noted that the times do not apply uniformly to every park and may overlap. For example, if it is still high season in Tarangire National Park in January, it can already be peak season in the Serengeti at the same time.

PEAK SEASON (July to September / mid-December to February)

The dry season, also known as peak or high season, refers to the months of July to September, when animals gather en masse around waterholes and rivers to drink. The vegetation is thinner, which makes it easier to find animals. This is arguably the best, but also the most expensive time for a safari. Popular safari destinations are seeing a high number of visitors this season.

HIGH SEASON (June and October)

This is an industry term that refers to the transition between the rainy and dry seasons – the time in between when there may be occasional showers, but not yet continuous rain.

LOW/GREEN SEASON (November and December / March to May)

This safari term refers to the period of warm, rainy months. This is the perfect time to explore the country at its greenest and most serene when nature is in full bloom. In contrast to the dry season, the green season is considered the time with fewer travelers and cheaper prices. Wild animals may be harder to spot because of the tall grass, but they are also spread over a larger area and not just limited to a few waterholes.

When is the best time of year for a safari?

 

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Day °C 26 27 27 25 26 26 27 27 27 27 26 25
Night °C 19 19 19 19 18 18 18 19 19 20 19 19
Rain mm 73 77 125 186 76 30 8 9 44 90 145 130
Rainy days 21 20 25 28 20 10 5 9 16 20 27 25

 

January to February …

… is the time to experience the wildebeest migration in the southern Serengeti. Now wildebeest and zebra are giving birth to their young. Up to 8,000 young wildebeest are born every day. The air is filled with new life and dust as thousands of animals gather in herds and newborn calves take their first steps. It is also the time of packs of wild dogs and hyena clans that contribute their part to the spectacle of this cycle of life.

From March to June and from November to December

are the rainy seasons in Tanzania. However, this does not mean that the time of the start strictly follows the calendar and that it rains continuously for 24 hours. At pleasant temperatures, a mix of sun and rain awaits you. Then expect heavy rain showers, strong winds and thunderstorms. During this time you have to expect restrictions on your planned safari adventure, but you also enjoy advantages that only this travel time offers. The landscapes become green again and blossom anew, the vegetation becomes more lush again. In autumn, the herd animals are in large numbers on their way back to the southern Serengeti. However, rainfall can mean that some slopes in the parks can not be used temporarily. Travelers on a smaller budget benefit from lower accommodation prices and less tourist rush during these weeks.

The dry season from July to October

is the best time to observe the animals that gather in large numbers at the waterholes. At the same time, the lower vegetation allows predators such as lions, hyenas, cheetahs and leopards to be spotted more easily. Now is the time to experience live the television images of thousands of wildebeest in columns of sometimes up to 40 kilometers crossing the Mara River in September and October at the risk of their lives. The period from June to August is considered the main tourist destination in most parks in the north with higher overnight prices. From September, temperatures become more pleasant again, crowds decrease and prices become more affordable again. For many travelers, these weeks into November are the ideal time to travel.

Our tip:

Travel during low/green season! Prices for safari tours and accommodation are lower at this time of year – usually from around November to April, depending on the destination. The rain transforms the African bush into lush, emerald landscapes that offer breathtaking photo conditions beyond parched grass savannahs. In addition, there are far fewer crowds of tourists in the national parks and game reserves.

DO I NEED A VISA?

Guests of almost all nationalities need a visa for Tanzania. A single entry tourist visa is granted for a maximum of 90 days. In order to avoid waiting times upon arrival, we recommend that you apply for your visa electronically using the following link https://visa.immigration.go.tz/ . This is quick and easy. Within a week you usually get your visa, also online. All you have to do is print it out at home and show it when you enter the country. You can also apply for the visa on arrival at the airport, which is just as easy. In both cases, the visa costs – as things stand today – 50 US $, which must be paid in b ar and US $ when applying at the airport.

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after departure.

When entering Tanzania, you must fill out an entry declaration form at the airport and present it to the visa officer.
We’ve included the relevant form here: entry declaration form-ARRIVAL
You can fill it out before you start your trip and copy it later at the airport.
This way you are well prepared and may get through visa control a little faster.

 

IS TANZANIA A SAFE TRAVEL DESTINATION?

Tanzania is considered a safe African travel destination. Nevertheless, you should observe a few rules that also apply to other holiday destinations. Always keep an eye on your property. On your safari, follow the safety instructions of your guide or park ranger. Do not move through the cities at night – especially alone – on foot. Do not carry large sums of cash with you, beware of pickpocket. Leave your jewellery at home. Make copies of your most important ID, insurance and travel documents and store them in a secure location. 

CAN I ALSO GO ON A SAFARI AS A SENIOR

Simple question – simple answer: YES! Planning a safari for senior guests is no different from planning any other safari. Maybe you just put more emphasis on the relaxation and luxury side of your holiday. For Tanger Safaris there is no age limit for planning the perfect safari for you and with you.

HOW DO I COMMUNICATE IN TANZANIA?

Many locals, especially in the tourist centers, speak English. A few chunks of Swahili are highly appreciated by the locals:

Pole pole: slow

Asante: thank you

Karibu: please, welcome

Kwa heri: goodbye

Jambo or Habari: Hello

Reply to Habari: nzuri (spoken:nsuri)

DO I HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE IN TANZANIA?

If there is no social security agreement between your country and Tanzania, you cannot get insurance cover for Tanzania through your statutory health insurance. We recommend that you check with specialist insurance providers about your foreign insurance cover.

DO I NEED TO BE VACCINATED FOR TANZANIA? WHAT ARE THE COVID REGULATIONS UPON ENTRY?

In Tanzania there is no legal obligation. When you enter Tanzania and Zanzibar directly, no compulsory vaccinations are required. About COVID regulations please contact the embassy of Tanzania in your country.

As far as vaccination protection is concerned, it should be said that every person planning a trip to Tanzania should have the standard vaccinations generally recommended for its country Above all, about a current vaccination against tetanus (lockjaw). If closer contact with the local population is expected, vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended.

IS THERE MALARIA IN TANZANIA?

Malaria is transmitted by mosquitoes, which are also found below 2500 meters in cities and national parks. A mosquito repellent such as covering free skin areas and rubbing with mosquito repellent is therefore absolutely necessary. There is no vaccination against malaria! There are various prescription antimalarials for prevention (prophylaxis). If necessary, seek medical advice on this.

WHAT ABOUT MEDICAL CARE ON MY TRIP?

In the event that there is a need for medical action that goes beyond a comparable visit to the family doctor, we have put together some addresses for you:

Hospitals in Arusha and Moshi:

ALMC – Arusha Lutheran Medical Center for some the best hospital in Arusha (24/7 emergency room).

NSK Hospital Arusha (emergency room, radiology, laboratory).

Orbit Polyclinic & Diagnostics (radiology, family doctor, gastroenterologist, dialysis, laboratory).

KCMC – Moshi University Hospital with almost all departments you can imagine.

Hospitals in Dar es Salam

The Aga Khan Hospital, perhaps  the most prestigious hospital in Tanzania

+255 22 211 5151

Sali International Hospital +255 22 2 601 296

Air Rescue & Air Ambulance

Arusha Medivac 24/7 Air Ambulance in Tanzania and Nairobi, Kenya + home visits in Arusha (+255 767996996 / +255 683996996)

Membership possible for protection during the stay

AMREF Flying Doctors (+255 789133133

ARE SAFARIS SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

For children who are old enough, a safari is undoubtedly a wonderful, formative experience and an exciting experience. On most safaris, however, you have to expect  long tours on bumpy roads and slopes. For this reason, we would not recommend a safari with  babies and toddlers. For children under the age of 12, airlines usually offer discounted fares. In many hotels and lodges, extra beds can be provided for children in their parents’ room at reduced prices. However, in some luxury tented camps with low capacity, children under the age of 12 are not welcome guests. 

WHEN AND WHERE CAN I SEE THE GREAT MIGRATION IN THE SERENGETI ?

The millions of wildebeest and zebras in the Serengeti are not always in large herds. The location of the animals depends heavily on the weather, which can vary considerably from year to year. In general, the herds begin to migrate north to the Massai Mara area in July. This migration – the Great Migration – continues until August. With the onset of rainfall in December, the animals make their way back south to the Serengeti National Park.

HOW DO I PAY IN TANZANIA?

The currency is the Tanzanian shilling. The smallest banknote is 1,000 TZS, which is about 0.40 €/cent. For 10 € you get a little more than 25,000 TZS. Euros and US dollars are recommended for transport from your country. Without exception, only dollar bills printed after 2006 are accepted. You can use your credit card and PIN to withdraw tanzanian shillings at ATMs, which are plentiful in Arusha. Your withdrawal will incur fees, which may vary depending on the bank.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST ME IF I WANT TO GO OUT?

The differences between local restaurants and touristic offers are clear and difficult to compare:

Meal/Product Average price
Meal at the local restaurant 1 – 6 €
Dish in the inexpensive tourist restaurant 5 – 8 €
Three-course menu in the mid-range restaurant 15 – 40 €
Domestic draught beer (0.5L) 1.00 €
Imported beer (0.33L bottle) 1.90 €
Coke/Pepsi (0.33L bottle) 0.50 €

 

WHAT CLOTHES DO I TAKE WITH ME?

For the duration of your safari, we recommend choosing light and casual clothing in neutral colors or the typical safari colors such as sand, olive or khaki. Avoid clothing in blue or black color. These colors are especially attractive to tsetse flies. Choose closed shoes in which you have a good kick. Sun bril, hats with fastening straps (so that the wind does not blow your hat off your head when you enjoy the surroundings with the top open) are recommended. Also think about sun and insect repellent. Since it can be cool in evenings, especially between May and August , be happy if you have thought of a thin sweater. As a “dress code” even for 5-star accommodation, it is sufficient if you appear at the main meals in clean casual clothes.

HOW IS THE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IN TANZANIA?

In Tanzania there is 220-240 volts AC. Most sockets fit the British 3-hole plug. Adapters should be brought from home, but can also be obtained here. Occasional power outages are to be expected. We therefore recommend that you think of a power bank for charging your mobile phones, laptops, etc., which you can carry in your hand luggage during the flight. (Not in a suitcase!)

WHAT ABOUT INTERNET / WIFI?

Free Wi-Fi is available in almost all hotels, restaurants and cafés. Mobile Internet from your mobile phone reaches even the furthest regions of your safari with a good connection.

CAN I USE MY MOBILE PHONE IN TANZANIA?

To use your mobile phone, you need a local SIM card, which you can buy for little money as a prepaid card. Your guide will assist you with this upon arrival.