Tanzania FAQs
1. What is the best time of the year to visit?
There is no one best time to visit Tanzania but there are two peak periods between January and March and again from July to August corresponding with the calving season for the wildebeest (January to March) and when the wildebeest are in the northern Serengeti crossing the Mara River (July to October). The heaviest rains fall in April and May and it can be difficult to get around the parks at times and some lodges are closed. That being said, anytime of year can be a great time to visit Tanzania and we would be more than happy to prepare a custom safari itinerary for you making sure you get the best experience possible.
2. When is the migration?
Contrary to what most people think, the migration is taking place all year. Depending on the month and weather patterns, the big herds of wildebeest, zebra and to a lesser extent gazelles can be found in different parts of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Zoom Photo Safaris has a presence on the ground in Tanzania so we are in the best position to plan an itinerary that takes into account the optimal places to be according to the time of year.
3. Will I need a visa and how much does it cost?
Please visit the United Republic of Tanzania website http://www.immigration.go.tz/ to see what the visa requirements, cost and application process are for your country.
4. How much money will I need to bring with me?
Most safaris are all inclusive with the only extra costs being for drinks, laundry, phone/ internet, souvenirs and gratuities. There are numerous ATM machines that dispense Tanzanian Shillings only. Aside from Tanzanian Shillings you can also pay in $US cash at most places but be sure to only bring notes that are newer than the year 2006.
5. What sort of camera and binoculars will I need?
6. What sort of food and drinks will be served in the camps?
All meals are prepared from fresh, local ingredients and washed in bottled or filtered water. There will be a plentiful supply of clean drinking water available both in camp and in your vehicle whilst on game drives or transfers along with a wide variety of fresh juice, sodas, wine and spirits.
7. What sort of insurance will I need?
8. Will I need to take any medicine or have any vaccinations?
As far as vaccinations are concerned, none are compulsory but a number are strongly recommended including Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A & B and Tetanus. You might also want to consider Meningitis and rabies shots. For up to date information please consult the Tanzanian Government website or contact us here at Zoom Photo Safaris.
9. What clothes, toiletries and medication should I pack and what is my weight allowance?
10. Are gratuities expected and what should I pay?
Gratuities are not mandatory in Tanzania but they are appreciated. We suggest that you leave group tips in camps and lodges and don’t hand over money to individuals – there are usually boxes for this purpose and if not, you can hand cash in an envelope to the manager on departure. The only individual tips you might want to leave are for your guide and driver. A gratuity guideline will be sent to you specific to your itinerary and number of participants prior to departure.
11. Will there be Internet access on safari?
Many of the camps and lodges now have complimentary Wi-Fi however you should expect to go days without access particularly in the more remote tented camps.
13. What is the voltage in Tanzania and what plugs are used?
Electricity in Tanzania is based on the English system, which means it is supplied at 230 Volts & 50Hz. The plug sockets are 3-pin, square as in the UK but you needn’t worry about bringing more than one adapter, as Zoom Photo Safaris will provide you with a 4-socket universal power strip for the duration of your stay You also needn’t worry about bringing a power converter as all camera battery chargers and computers run on 120 – 240 Volt range. Please do not bring hair dryers with you as they will not work in most camps – you will however be provided one in select lodges and hotels.