Tanzania is the ideal country for safaris. Particularly famous for its Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, the country has its fair share of natural parks and unspoilt areas. Planning a safari in Tanzania? Be careful, it's something you have to prepare for carefully. How do you prepare for a safari in Tanzania?
Take care of the formalities in advance: do I need a visa?
Before planning your trip and itinerary, don't forget that you need to apply for a visa. This is compulsory to enter Tanzania.
You can receive your visa application directly at border posts in Tanzania, such as at the airport or port of Dar Es Salaam or Zanzibar. In this case, you will need to bring cash, i.e. around 50 US dollars. You must enclose a copy of your travel certificate or plane ticket and a passport photo. It will take around 7 days for your visa to be delivered.
It is now possible to apply for an electronic visa or e-Visa for Tanzania. Nothing could be simpler: you need to go to the official website and fill in a form. You must attach to your form a copy of your passport, identity card and any other document you are asked for (different depending on the type of visa you want). It costs around 50 US dollars for a tourist e-Visa. Double that if you want a multiple-entry visa.
You can simplify the task by using a specialist agency to obtain your e-Visa quickly.
Packing well
It's always hot in Tanzania. So it's best to pack light clothes, such as cotton T-shirts and shorts. On the other hand, pack warmer clothes if you're heading for Kilimanjaro. And don't forget your mountaineering equipment, which is essential if you want to reach the summit!
It's also a good idea to pack a first-aid kit containing basic medicines and disinfectants in case of injury. This will help you avoid infections or complications. Mosquitoes are not uncommon in Tanzania, so take your best mosquito repellent and don't hesitate to apply it liberally to your body.
Choosing your safari
You can enjoy different types of safari in Tanzania:
- motorised safaris, as in many parks this is the only option on offer. Safaris are therefore conducted in closed vehicles but with an opening on the roof, allowing a better view. Motorised safaris are possible in the Selous nature reserves, some parks in the south of the country and in Katavi national park.
- the walking safaris, allowing you to encounter "big" animals. Walking safaris are also available in the Selous reserve, or in the Lake Manyara, Ruaha, Serengeti or Arusha national parks. Walking safaris consist of short walks, lasting a maximum of 2 hours, organised in the morning.
- the boat safaris (or canoeing), on the Rufiji or Wamo rivers, offering some of the country's finest boat safaris. If you prefer canoeing, then Lake Momella is the place for you! A boat safari allows you to take your time and visit each park in depth.
An agency service 