The best time to take a Tanzania safari vacation is June through September, especially if you want the best animal viewing during your safari. This is a great time to view the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti!  If you'd like to see the migration calving season then January, February and early March are best to travel. If you want to climb the 5th highest peak in the world then put Mount Kilimanjaro on your bucket list. The best time to climb is December, January and February. 

The must haves include layers of clothing (long-sleeved tops, fleece jackets, comfortable shorts and/ or pants).  Bring a wide brimmed hat or baseball caps to protect you from the sun. We recommend packing sunblock, Mosquito spray (Picaridin or 30% DEET), binoculars, bandanas and of course a camera or cell phone. A detailed packing list will be provided once your safari is confirmed.  Pack light as washing is available at most camps for a small fee. They do not wash women's undergarments so plan to hand wash or bring enough for the trip. Washing detergent can be requested at the camp office.

It is always good to check on the government websites prior to going.  Currently a tourist visa for a US Citizen is required and costs $100 USD.  This can be applied for online in advance of travel or you can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at the airport in Tanzania.  Additionally, your passport must be valid at least six month from your departure date.

You load up your vehicle in the morning and head out with your guide for a day of fun! You will explore the national parks and drive from one to another.  There will be interesting stops along the way which may include a visit to a Maasai Village.  Box lunches are part of the day and lunch will be taken in a shady spot or picnic area. Box lunches include a drink, a sandwich, a piece of fruit and a dessert.  Later in the afternoon you will head back to the lodge to shake off the dust and enjoy a relaxing dinner where everyone shares about their day.

Since the safaris are inclusive of meals (full board including water, coffee and tea), it is not necessary to bring a lot of cash.  However, there may be some shopping along the way so a credit card and cash may be desired. Some lodges have small gift shops which accept cash.  There are a couple of Tanzanian craft shops that may accept credit cards but all will accept cash. If you are interested in Tanzanite then bring your credit card and talk with your leader before the trip to discuss options.  As a note, only new USD bills are accepted from 2013 or later and in good condition (no marks, tears or dog-ears).  No change is usually given so carry small bills for tips or trinkets. Items not covered by the safari would be tipping, visas, departure taxes, curios and extra meals at hotels/ restaurants, drinks and laundry. 

We recommend that you take out travel protection that offers to protect against cancellation, lost luggage, trip interruption and offers emergency assistance.  Emergency Medical Evacuation (minimum coverage of $50,000 per person) is a requirement of all safari camps in Eastern Africa. The camps/lodges will have a first aid kit, however in the case of a medical emergency, you will be transported to the nearest medical center or hospital. If you have health concerns, we highly recommend Global Rescue which offers many evacuation services in addition to travel insurance.

Internet access has become much more reliable and most camps offer Wi-Fi in the common areas and this may extend to your rooms.  However, Wi-Fi does vary and depends on the location of the camp. Cell phone charging and camera battery charging is available in most camp lounge areas and in your room. Cell phones and camera batteries often have dual voltage built in. If not, you will need to bring your own adapters, and converters. Most safari vehicles now offer USB charging capabilities while on a long drive.  Bring a minimum of two batteries (we recommend three batteries) if you need to have your video battery recharged, you can do so while out on a safari activity and still have spare with you.

A hair dryer is not recommended to bring as most camps will provide them in your room. Flat irons require a lot of electricity and we don't recommend you bring them due to the variability of the current. It may ruin your flat iron. Since electricity may not always be available, we suggest you take a power inverter if you require a C-Pap machine as the camp will be able to provide 12 Volt battery power.

Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Malawi and Seychelle use Type G adapter or Type D. I recommend you bring one of each for your room. South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia and Botswana use Type M adapters.

Bottled water is available for purchase everywhere. On most game drives light refreshments (water and sodas) are provided a cooler.  Always ask first whether you are paying for water and soda. It is very important to drink plenty of water especially during the warmer months.  It is recommended that you drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration. 

Please contact your physician to discuss your trip and what vaccinations you may require. Depending on the country you are visiting, how long you are staying and where you are staying and the risk of diseases found in that country, vaccinations may be recommended.  Malaria is a disease spread through mosquito bites and is found in most African Countries and precautions should be taken.  Anti-malarial medication is a tablet and not a vaccine. Depending on the country you visit will determine the type of Anti-Malarial drug recommendation.

A safari group leader coordinates the experience, ensuring safety and organization while enhancing the adventure. They provide valuable insights about wildlife and local culture, foster group cohesion, and address any concerns. Ultimately, their role is to create a memorable and enjoyable journey for everyone involved.

A safari guide is crucial because they provide expert knowledge about wildlife, ecosystems, and safety. They enhance the experience by helping you delve into the intricacies of nature, spotting animals, and sharing fascinating stories. Ultimately, a good guide ensures that you not only see the beauty around you but also understand and appreciate it fully, making your adventure both safe and enriching.