1. Where is Tanzania located and what can I expect?
Tanzania is located in East Africa. Our beautiful country lies along the Indian Ocean to the East and is just south of Kenya. We are located 6.3-7.0 degrees below the equator – but for the most part the Northern Circuit of Tanzania has comfortable temperatures year round – it is not as hot as you think it may be here! We boast an amazing diverse wildlife population year-round, some of the biggest mountains and lakes in Africa, as well as abundant white sand beaches. Tanzania’s time zone is GMT + 3 hours.
2. When is the best time to visit Tanzania for safari?
Tanzania has moderate climate year round. The two main seasons for safari in Tanzania are from December – March and then from June – October. These are typically the dry seasons and provide excellent wildlife viewing experiences as well as excellent climate for visiting our beaches or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. There is a short rain season from November-December with lighter rains and a more intense rain season in late March-May – while rains may seem like a negative for safari, the rates are lower and there are fewer visitors at this time so a more private experience may be had.
3. Is Tanzania in a malaria zone?
Yes, Tanzania is considered to be in the malaria zone. There is a risk of malaria infection in many areas of mainland Tanzania. Nearly all of mainland Tanzania is considered at risk for malaria, with some areas having higher transmission rates than others. Zanzibar also has a risk of malaria, although generally lower than mainland Tanzania. However, this shouldn’t deter you from your adventure! Here at Tatu Tours and Safaris, we can provide you with all the information you need to stay safe and healthy during your trip. We recommend talking to your doctor about oral malaria preventative medications and other safeguards you can use to protect yourself while here.
4. Which airports should I fly into for Tanzania?
There are 3 main airports in Tanzania that most of our tourists fly in/out of. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main airport we recommend for those arriving for safari with Tatu Tours and Safaris, where safaris begin in the town of Arusha. There are many international airlines who fly into JRO including KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways and Precision Air. The other airports include Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar Es Salaam and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar. We can arrange local flights between these airports if needed.
5. What are Tanzania’s rainy seasons like?
There are two rainy seasons in Tanzania – the short rains from November-December and the long rains from late March-May. When it rains in Tanzania, it is not typically all day long and tends to be more so at night time.
6. When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro? Prime Climbing Seasons:
Shoulder Seasons:
7. Do you offer budget safari options?
Yes, there are options for budget clients. One option is to join a group joining safari, where the costs of the vehicle are divided across everyone in the car, reducing the individual cost per client. While our safaris with Tatu Tours and Safaris tend to be private, we may be able to coordinate a group joining safari upon your request. Other ways to reduce costs include ground camping and staying outside the parks to reduce park fees. If you give us an honest budget, we can let you know what is or isn’t possible with that budget through our company.
8. Is balloon safari available?
Absolutely! Balloon safari is possible in several national parks, although we are partial to balloon safari in Serengeti given the vast plains which make for an amazing visual experience. Balloon safaris happen in the early morning – you will depart at sunrise and the duration depends on weather. After landing, we coordinate a warm breakfast for you. Just let us know in advance if any or all people in your group would like to participate.
9. Can I experience local tribal cultures?
Tanzania is rich in different tribal cultures and experiences. During the planning phases with Tatu Tours and Safaris, we can talk about including one or more options for cultural immersion with some of our local tribes. Common visits include the Maasai Tribe in Ngorongoro, the Hadzabe and Datoga Tribes in Lake Eyasi, and the Chagga Tribe near Mount Kilimanjaro. We can also arrange town tours, visits to local artisans, and even schedule cooking or language classes – just ask while we are planning your itinerary.
10. What types of safari vehicles do you use?
We have 2 different types of safari vehicles:
11. Is laundry service available during safari?
Laundry service is available at most lodges for an additional but very reasonable fee. Please note that because laundry is done by hand, they do not typically launder underwear. Also, because laundry is line-dried, it’s best to provide laundry upon arrival to a camp/lodge where you will be staying for more than one night. Quick-dry clothing is recommended.
12. Can you arrange visits to Zanzibar?
Yes! We can add a visit to our spice islands to the end of your wildlife safari or climbing adventure. Or we can plan an exclusive beach holiday for you! Take the worry out of planning and leave the details to our skilled team at Tatu Tours and Safaris.
13. What do you arrange vs. what do I need to book myself?
We can arrange everything except for your international flight to and from home. All internal flights will be arranged by us as requested and cost included in the quote provided.
14. Will my safari be private?
When you book with Tatu Tours and Safaris, be assured that you will have a private safari. Only the people traveling with you will be in your car(s). If a group joining safari is desired, we can see if there are others who would like to travel at the same time as you. But we would never add others to your trip unless specifically requested and discussed.
15. How do I get a visa for Tanzania?
Visa can be arranged in advance for some visitors to Tanzania by following the official website. However, if not arranged in advance, please know that a visa can be purchased on arrival to Tanzania.
16. Can you accommodate special dietary needs?
Don’t worry – we have you covered. We will always inquire about special dietary needs for your group prior to arrival and we will be certain that this information is passed along to your lodges and camps. Tanzania’s hospitality services are very accustomed to accommodating all dietary needs, including but not limited to specific food allergies, gluten-free, vegetarian, kosher, etc.
17. Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes! Regardless of your arrival time, or if your flight is late, please be assured that our Tatu Tours and Safaris team will meet you at the airport, assist you with luggage and get you to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi as specified on your itinerary. Airport transfers are fully included in the cost of your package.
18. Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes, you can use a credit card to pay for your safari. Just ask us and we will provide a link for payment. It does attract some additional surcharges, which we will relay to you should you want to pay via this method. Credit cards are also accepted in Tanzania and Zanzibar, however, sometimes in the bush on safari, internet connections are poor and machines cannot be used. So it is best to bring cash on safari to pay for any extras that you may wish to purchase.
19. What happens if I get sick while climbing Kilimanjaro?
Safety is of the utmost importance when climbing. If you are not feeling well or do not think you can continue on your trek, we will do everything to get you to safety. The recommended first line of action is to attempt to descend to the lower altitude in the company of a mountain guide. You may choose to remain at base camp and wait for other climbers. In the event you would like to come down earlier than others, there might be extra costs for additional transfers and accommodation in Arusha or Moshi.
20. What emergency procedures do you have for mountain climbing?
We always use highly trained professional mountain guides for all our mountain trekking adventures with Tatu Tours and Safaris. In the event of any incident, the mountain guide will immediately inform our office via phone call and the park authority via radio call. The national park operates a rescue service, and ranger stations are linked by radio. In most emergency cases, the problem is altitude related and the solution is immediate descent. Our mountain crew are experienced at dealing with such cases and can bring trekkers down to safe altitudes quickly. All trekkers pay a rescue fee to Kilimanjaro National Park (included in the price).
21. What are the luggage restrictions for domestic flights?
The weight limit for airlines in Tanzania varies depending upon the airline and flight you are taking. However, often a 15kg limit applies. Soft-sided luggage is recommended as it is more flexible for the planes to get them into their luggage holds. Additional luggage weight can be purchased but the size should still be small.
22. What vaccinations do I need for Tanzania?
We strongly recommend that you talk to your personal physician or travel health expert to discuss recommended vaccinations and medications when traveling to Tanzania. There are no required vaccinations for entry into our country, with the exception of Yellow Fever.
Yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into Tanzania, depending on your travel itinerary:
Commonly recommended vaccinations for Tanzania include:
Additional Considerations: Malaria is a risk in most areas of mainland Tanzania. Talk to your doctor about malaria prevention medication well before your trip.
