How to prepare for a Safari Tour in Tanzania – In 15 Easy Steps

Planning a Safari Tour in Tanzania feels exciting, doesn’t it? You might’ve seen the photos. You’ve read about the wildebeest migration, the lions perched on kopjes, and the flamingos painting the lakes pink. But when you sit down to actually plan it, that’s when the questions start coming.

Where do you go? When’s the best time? How much will it cost? What should you pack?

Relax. You’re not alone. Many first-time safari travellers feel the same way. So, let’s sit down, as if we’re having coffee, and walk through exactly how to prepare for a safari tour in Tanzania — step by step — making it simple, clear, and fully organised.

By the end of this guide, you’ll feel like you’re ready to pack your bags and head to Tanzania. Let’s get started.

Step 1: First, Understand What Tanzania Offers

Safari Tours in Tanzania aren’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a collection of incredible landscapes, animals, and cultural moments — each one a bit different.

The moment you land, you’ll feel it. You’re not here for just a vacation. You’re here for something deeper. And knowing what Tanzania Safari packages offer helps you shape that journey.

Here’s a quick safari snapshot to help you start narrowing things down:

Experience	Where to Go
The Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo)	Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti
The Great Migration	Serengeti (Central, North, South, or West, depending on season)
Big Cats in Action	Central Serengeti, Ndutu (great for cheetahs and lions)
Birdwatching Paradise	Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Serengeti
Cultural Encounters	Maasai Villages, Hadzabe tribe at Lake Eyasi
Beautiful Landscapes	Lake Natron, Ngorongoro Highlands, Tarangire
Hiking Adventures	Arusha National Park, Ngorongoro Highlands, Lake Natron
Special Extras	Hot air balloons, night drives, walking safaris

Tip: Take a piece of paper and jot down what excites you most. This short list becomes your starting point for everything else in your Tanzania safari Preparation.

Step 2: Set Your Budget — The Backbone of Your Safari

Let’s get straight to the part everyone secretly worries about: the budget. Planning Safari Tours in Tanzania isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your choices shape your cost — and thankfully, there’s a wide range to fit different travellers.

If you want the full comfort of a Private Tanzania Safari, where it’s just you, your guide, and your vehicle, you’re going to pay around $350 per person per day. This gives you freedom to move at your own pace, stop when you want, and enjoy private game drives.

For those open to sharing, small group safaris can lower the cost to about $250 per person per day, especially if you’re joining a group of around six travellers. It’s a great option for friends or solo travellers who enjoy meeting others.

If you’re adventurous and don’t mind simple amenities, Budget Camping Safaris bring costs down by roughly 20% compared to basic lodges. You’ll sleep under canvas but still enjoy the full wildlife experience.

Of course, if you’re dreaming of ultra-luxury private tented camps, personal chefs, and premium lodges, then expect to pay upwards of $1,500 per person per day.

Your timing matters too. Travel during March to May or November to December (the low season), and you’ll find excellent discounts on mid-range and luxury accommodations.

Don’t forget the extras:

• International & domestic flights
• Visa fees
• Tips for guides and staff
• Souvenirs
• Optional activities (balloon safaris, cultural visits)
• Zanzibar beach extensions

In reality, a 7-10 day Tanzania Safari Tour can range anywhere from $3,500 to $15,000+ per person. Having this ballpark helps you plan confidently.

Step 3: How long should you stay on safari?

The truth is that the longer you stay, the more you see. You don’t have to spend weeks and weeks on Safari Vacations in Tanzania, though. It all depends on how much time you have and what you want to see.

Some people who travel only have a few days. And that’s fine. You may still get a great introduction to Tanzania’s wildlife in just 2 to 4 days. These shorter safaris usually only go to parks that are easy to get to from Arusha:

• Tarangire National Park is known for its elephants and huge baobab trees.
• Lake Manyara is home to flamingos, hippos, and the uncommon tree-climbing lions.
• You might be able to see all of the Big Five in one day in Ngorongoro Crater.

A 7- to 10-day Tanzania Safari Vacation is what many people would call the sweet spot if you had a little extra time. You can take your time and see everything on the Northern Circuit:

• Serengeti National Park has boundless grasslands with lions, cheetahs, and the famous Great Migration.
• The Ngorongoro Crater has a quite stunning landscape.
• Lake Manyara and Tarangire have a lot of animals and beautiful views.
• If you’re feeling brave, you could even add a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro.

Bonus Tip: If you don’t have a lot of time but still want to see Serengeti, you might wish to fly straight there. You won’t have to drive for a long time; you’ll get right to the animals.

Step 4: Choose the Best Time for Your Safari

After you’ve figured out your budget and how many days you can spend, it’s time to answer one of the biggest questions in safari planning, Tanzania — when is the Best Time for a Safari in Tanzania?

The season you pick shapes your entire safari: what animals you’ll see, how many other travellers you’ll bump into, and even how much you’ll pay.

Let’s break it down simply:

Dry Season (June to October)
This is the most popular time for Tanzania Safari Travel Tips to recommend — and for good reason:

• Wildlife viewing is at its best. Animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.
• If you time it right, you can witness the Great Migration river crossings in the Serengeti.
• The skies are clear, roads are dry, and there’s hardly any rain.
• But be prepared — prices are higher, and parks are busier.

Short Dry Season (January to February)
This brief window offers something unique:

• It’s calving season in Ndutu and Southern Serengeti — when thousands of wildebeest give birth.
• With so many newborns, predators like lions and cheetahs are highly active.
• Fewer tourists make for more peaceful game drives.

Wet Season (March to May & November to December)
Don’t overlook this season — it has its charm:

• The parks turn lush and green, stunning for photography.
• It’s heaven for birdwatchers, as migratory birds arrive.
• Best of all, you’ll find great deals on Tanzania Luxury Safari packages, with lower lodge prices and fewer crowds.

Simple Tip:
There’s no single “best” time — it all depends on whether you care most about wildlife, prices, or privacy.

Step 5: Private or Group Safari? The Big Decision

At this point in your planning, it’s time to decide how you want to experience Safari Tours in Tanzania — on your private journey or as part of a group.

If you’re looking for full control, a Private Tanzania Safari gives you:

• Your guide, who can adjust each day to your pace.
• A custom schedule based on your interests — whether it’s big cats or birdwatching.
• Total privacy — perfect for couples, families, or photographers.

For travelers wanting a more budget-friendly option, Group Safaris work well. They offer:

• Lower prices by sharing the vehicle and guide.
• A chance to meet new people from around the world.
• A fixed itinerary and schedule, which means less flexibility but easier planning.

Reality Check:
If it’s your first time, most travellers find private safaris more rewarding. You get flexibility, comfort, and a far more personal wildlife experience, while group safaris help reduce costs if your budget is tight.

Step 6: Choose Where You’ll Stay – It’s Part of the Adventure

When people think of safaris, they usually picture the animals. But where you stay each night plays a big role, too. Your accommodation becomes part of the whole Tanzania Safari Preparation experience.

Some travellers like to keep things basic and adventurous. If that sounds like you, Budget Camps are a great option:

• Prices range from $80 to $200 per night.
• You’ll sleep in simple tents or small lodges.
• Facilities are basic but comfortable.
• You still get the same wildlife experiences during the day.

Others prefer a bit more comfort after long days out on game drives. That’s where Mid-Range Lodges fit in:

• Cost is usually $300 to $700 per night.
• You’ll have cozy rooms, private bathrooms, and proper meals.
• It offers a nice balance between comfort and cost.

And then there are those looking for something truly special — Luxury Safari Lodges:

• Prices start from $1,000 per night or more.
• You’ll enjoy stunning views, fine dining, and personal service.
• Many offer private decks where you can watch animals right from your room.

Helpful tip:
Try to stay inside or close to the national parks. You’ll spend more time watching animals and less time driving to get there.

Step 7: Getting to Serengeti – Fly or Drive?

Now comes another important decision in your Safari Planning in Tanzania — how will you get to the Serengeti? Since the park sits deep inside the country, reaching it requires a bit of thought.

Many travellers choose to Drive from Arusha. While it takes 7 to 11 hours, the journey offers its adventure:

• You get to visit other parks along the way like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater.
• The changing landscapes give you a feel for Tanzania’s natural beauty.
• It breaks the long trip into smaller, scenic pieces.

On the other hand, if you want to save time, you can fly directly into the Serengeti:

• It’s just a 1-hour flight from Arusha.
• Adds roughly $200–$500 per person to your safari cost.
• Perfect if you want to skip long hours on rough roads and maximize your time with wildlife.

Smart Tip:
Many travellers do a combination — fly one way, drive the other. This way, you get the comfort of flying and still enjoy some of the scenic drive.

Step 8: Things to do on your safari that will make it even better

When people think about going on a safari, the first thing that comes to mind is the game drives. But there are a lot more things to do in Tanzania that will make your trip even more unforgettable.

• The Hot Air Balloon Safari is one among them. You get up before the sun rises, get into the balloon basket, and drift quietly over the plains as the sun rises. You’ll be able to observe animals from above, the early mist, and the delicate light that makes everything look lovely.
• A Tanzania Walking Safari is a terrific way to get even closer to nature. With a knowledgeable guide, you’ll walk through the bush and learn about animal trails, vegetation, and small animals that you might not see from a car.
• You can also meet people from the area. You can learn about how people here live, hunt, and cultivate by visiting the Maasai or Hadzabe tribes. Many of these modes of life have not altered in decades.

You might also like to do these things:

• A bush sundowner is when you watch the sun go down with a drink in your hand.
• Canoeing on Lake Manyara, where you glide across tranquil waters with birds all around.
• You might observe animals that only come out at night on a night game drive.

If any of these sound good, you should book them early while you’re still making plans for your Tanzania Safari. A lot of these events don’t have a lot of space and fill up fast.

Step 9: Choosing the Right Safari Operator

Once you’ve planned your trip, you need to pick someone who will handle it all. The Safari Operator you choose makes a huge difference. They’ll arrange your guide, your vehicle, your route — pretty much your entire experience depends on them.

When choosing, always check:

• Are they licensed and insured? This ensures you’re working with a legal and safe operator.
• Look at their Tripadvisor reviews. Aim for companies with 95% or higher positive feedback.
• Make sure their communication is clear and timely. You want someone who answers your questions and explains details.
• Pricing should be transparent, with no hidden fees or surprises.

Pro Tip:
Before booking, ask for the full itinerary. It’s smart to compare 2 or 3 different safari operators to see who offers the best plan for your Tanzania Safari Tour.

Step 10: Book Your Accommodation Early

Once you’ve picked your safari dates, don’t wait too long to book your lodges. In Tanzania, the best camps fill up fast. This is valid especially if you’re planning to visit during the busy seasons, like when the Great Migration is happening.

For popular months, it’s smart to start booking 6 to 12 months in advance. That might sound early, but places inside the parks or with the best views get reserved quickly.

Once you’ve found the lodge you want, most operators will hold the room for a few days. But you’ll need to send a deposit fairly quickly to lock it in. Waiting too long often means fewer choices or missing out completely.

Booking early not only gives you better availability but sometimes better prices too. You’ll feel more relaxed knowing everything is secured while you focus on getting excited for your Tanzania Safari Tour.

Step 11: Always Check the Booking & Cancellation Rules

Before you make any payments for your Tanzania Safari Tour, take a little extra time to read the fine details. The booking and cancellation policies of every Tanzania Safari Operator are different. So, it’s important to understand how exactly they work.

Here’s what you should check:

• Look over the payment schedule — when is your deposit due, and when is the final balance expected?
• Understand the cancellation policy — how much refund can you get if plans change?
• Check the refund process — how long will it take to get your money back if needed?
• Make sure every agreement is in writing — emails, invoices, and confirmations.

And remember: flight prices usually go up the longer you wait. Booking early helps you save on both your safari and your flights.

Step 12: What to Pack for Your Safari

Packing for your Tanzania safari tour isn’t complicated. But it’s good to plan carefully. The important factor is to stay comfortable, protected, and keep your luggage light.

For clothes, stick to simple, neutral colours. Bright colours can attract insects, and dark colours like black and navy tend to draw tsetse flies.

The following items are a must-add to the Tanzania Safari Packing List:

• Light shirts and pants (neutral colours work best)
• A light jacket or fleece for cool mornings
• Sturdy walking shoes for game drives and camp walks
• Sandals for relaxing at the lodge
• A sunhat and sunglasses to handle the strong African sun

Don’t forget your essentials:

• Insect repellent and any malaria pills your doctor recommends
• A small first aid kit for minor cuts or headaches
• Sunscreen — the sun can be intense even on cloudy days
• Power adapters (Type D & G) for charging devices
• Binoculars — essential for spotting wildlife at a distance

Pro-Tip: Use soft-sided bags. They fit better in safari vehicles and small aircraft.

Step 13: Managing Your Money During the Safari

Before you Travel to Tanzania, it’s a good idea to know how money works on safari.
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the native currency, however, most hotels, lodges, and safari businesses will gladly accept US dollars. Just make sure your notes aren’t from before 2009, as many places won’t take them. You’ll still want to carry some cash with you for small things:

• Tips for your guide and lodge staff
• Souvenirs or local markets
• Visa fees when you land
• Any small purchases along the way

While many lodges accept cards, keep in mind they often charge extra fees, usually around 3.5% to 7.5% per transaction. ATMs do exist, but are only found in larger towns like Arusha or Dar es Salaam. Out in the bush, you won’t find any.

Simple advice:
Bring both cash and a card. That way, you’re covered for anything.

Step 14: Sort Out Your Travel Documents Early

Let’s talk about paperwork — not the fun part, but it’s important.

• Start by looking at your passport. It needs to be valid for at least six months from the day you arrive in Tanzania. If it’s even close to expiring, renew it now to avoid any last-minute problems.
• Then there’s your Tanzania Visa. Most people can apply online — it’s called an eVisa, and it’s pretty easy to do. Some travellers can even get their visa when they land. But if you’re from a country that needs a referral visa, start early. That process can take a while.
• Depending on where you’re flying from, you might also need a Yellow Fever certificate. Not everyone needs it, but check your route to be sure.
• Also, make sure you have Tanzania Travel Insurance. You hope you won’t need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad you have it.

Finally, make a few copies of everything — your passport, visa, and insurance. Print them and also save digital copies on your phone or email, just in case something goes missing during the Tanzania Safari Trip.

Step 15: Get Yourself Ready for the Safari Experience

Safari isn’t like a normal holiday. You need to be ready for how the days actually feel.

First, expect long drives. Some days, you might be in the vehicle for 8 to 10 hours, just driving around the parks. The roads are rough, sometimes very dusty. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s very different from city driving.

You’ll also be getting up early. Many game drives start before sunrise, because that’s when animals are easiest to spot. The mornings can feel cold, but by midday, it often gets hot.

And the animals? They do their own thing. Some days you’ll see lions, elephants, or cheetahs right away. Other days, you may have to wait and search a bit longer.

Just take it as it comes. Every day is different, and that’s what makes a safari special.

Final Takeaways

At first, planning how to get ready for a Safari Tour in Tanzania could seem like too much work.

But if you break it down into smaller parts, like figuring out where you’re going, when you’re going, how much money you have, where you’ll stay, and what you’ll do, it becomes a very exciting trip long before you even get on the plane.
For years, we’ve been making custom Tanzania Safari vacations at Africa Exotic Holidays. You can just show up and enjoy your once-in-a-lifetime vacation because our expert crew takes care of everything. We’re ready to help you make your dream of going on an African safari come true.