Frequently Asked Questions About Tanzania Safaris

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a year-round natural movement involving millions of wildebeest, together with large numbers of zebras and gazelles, as they travel across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of fresh grazing and water.

The experience changes with the seasons, and the best time to visit depends on which part of the migration you hope to witness.

• January–March | Southern Serengeti and Ndutu: This is the calving season, when thousands of wildebeest give birth across the open grasslands. It is an exceptional time for witnessing newborn calves and the predators that follow the herds.
• April–May | Central and Western Serengeti: As the herds begin moving towards the north and west, the landscape becomes greener following the seasonal rains. Some roads may become more challenging during this period.
• June–July | Western Serengeti: The migration progresses towards the Grumeti River, where visitors may have opportunities to witness wildebeest crossing the river.
• July–October | Northern Serengeti: This is the principal season for the famous Mara River crossings, as the herds move between Tanzania and Kenya. These crossings are unpredictable and cannot be guaranteed on a particular day.
• November–December | Central and Eastern Serengeti: Following the short rains, the herds generally begin moving southwards towards the southern plains in search of fresh grazing.

It is important to understand that the migration does not follow a fixed timetable. Rainfall, grazing conditions and the availability of water influence the movement of the herds, meaning their exact location can change from one year to another.

Choosing the right safari dates, location and accommodation can make a significant difference to your experience.

Arranging a safari with Exclusive Wilderness Trails is a straightforward process. We specialise in privately guided, tailor-made journeys, allowing you to explore Tanzania according to your preferred travel dates, interests, accommodation standards and budget.

Here is how the booking process works:

Step 1 – Tell Us About Your Travel Plans

Get in touch with our team and share your preferred travel dates, number of travellers, budget and the kind of safari experience you have in mind.

Step 2 – Design Your Safari

Based on your requirements, we recommend suitable destinations, safari routes and accommodation. We take into consideration the season and wildlife movements to help create a well-planned journey.

Step 3 – Receive Your Personalised Itinerary

We prepare a detailed safari proposal outlining your daily activities, destinations, accommodation arrangements and the corresponding quotation.

Step 4 – Confirm Your Reservation

Once you are satisfied with the proposed arrangements, we provide the booking terms and payment instructions. Your reservation is confirmed following the required booking and payment procedures.

Step 5 – Prepare for Your Arrival

Before your journey begins, our team shares useful travel information and assists with the practical arrangements needed for your safari.

From your first enquiry to your arrival in Tanzania, our aim is to make the planning process clear, convenient and well organised.

Safari clothing should be comfortable, practical and suitable for changing weather conditions. Lightweight garments are ideal for daytime game drives, while warmer layers are useful during early morning departures and cooler evenings.

We recommend choosing natural, neutral colours such as khaki, beige, brown and olive green, which blend well with the surrounding environment.

Recommended safari clothing includes

• Lightweight shirts and T-shirts for daytime activities.

• Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for additional protection against the sun and insects.

• Comfortable safari trousers or shorts.

• A warm fleece, sweater or jacket for early morning and evening game drives.

• Comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots.

• A wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection.

• Sunglasses and a lightweight scarf.

Weather conditions can vary considerably between Tanzania’s safari destinations. The Ngorongoro Highlands, for example, can be particularly cold in the early morning and evening, even during warmer months. Carrying a warm jacket is therefore advisable.

If your safari includes guided walking activities, comfortable clothing in subdued colours is preferable to bright garments. Above all, choose clothing that allows you to move comfortably throughout the day.

Packing for a safari does not need to be complicated, but bringing the right personal essentials will make your journey more comfortable. Most safari arrangements, including transport, accommodation and meals, are organised in advance, leaving you to concentrate on enjoying the experience.

We recommend including the following items in your luggage:

Important travel documents

• Valid passport and relevant travel documents.

• Visa documentation, where applicable.

• Travel insurance details.

Personal safari essentials

• Camera, spare batteries and memory cards.

• Binoculars for observing wildlife at a distance.

• Sunscreen and lip balm.

• Insect repellent.

• Personal medication and a small first-aid kit.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Sunglasses and a sun hat.

• Hand sanitiser and personal toiletries.

• Comfortable walking shoes.

• Power bank and suitable charging adapters.

• A lightweight daypack for personal belongings.

An important note about luggage

If your safari involves domestic flights between destinations, check the baggage allowance with your airline before travelling. Small safari aircraft often have restricted luggage allowances and require soft-sided bags rather than hard-shell suitcases.

We recommend checking these requirements when finalising your itinerary so that your luggage is suitable for the entire journey.

Tanzania has an excellent range of safari accommodation, from comfortable lodges and traditional tented camps to exclusive luxury properties located in some of the country’s most remarkable wildlife areas.

The right choice depends on your budget, preferred level of comfort, travel season and the destinations you intend to visit.

The main accommodation categories include:

Luxury Safari Lodges and Camps

Designed for travellers seeking a higher level of comfort, these properties offer spacious accommodation, attentive service, quality dining and carefully selected locations. Some also provide additional facilities and personalised experiences.

Mid-Range Lodges and Tented Camps

These offer a comfortable balance between quality, location and value. They are an excellent option for travellers who want a rewarding safari experience without necessarily choosing the most expensive accommodation.

Budget Accommodation and Campsites

For travellers working with a more modest budget, Tanzania also offers affordable lodges, basic tented accommodation and campsites. These provide an opportunity to experience the national parks while keeping overall safari costs manageable.

Mobile Great Migration Camps

These seasonal camps are established in different areas of the Serengeti to remain close to the movement of the migration. They are particularly appealing to travellers who want to spend more time in the areas where the herds are expected to be found.

For a migration safari, accommodation location deserves particular attention. Staying in Ndutu during the calving season or Northern Serengeti during the Mara River crossing season can help reduce unnecessary driving and provide more time for wildlife exploration.

At Exclusive Wilderness Trails, we recommend accommodation based on the safari route, seasonal wildlife movements, availability and your individual preferences.

The cost of a Tanzania safari varies according to the type of experience you choose. Factors such as the number of travellers, length of stay, accommodation category, destinations, travel season and transport arrangements all contribute to the final price.

For example, a privately guided safari with luxury accommodation and domestic flights will generally cost more than a road safari using comfortable mid-range lodges or budget camps.

What determines the cost of a safari?

The main elements that influence your safari quotation include:

• National Park and conservation area fees.

• Private safari vehicle and professional guide services.

• Accommodation and meal arrangements.

• Domestic flights, where included.

• Optional activities, such as hot-air balloon safaris.

• Travel season and accommodation availability.

How many days should I spend on safari?

The ideal safari duration depends on the destinations you want to visit and how much time you would like to spend exploring each area.

As a general guide:

• 3–4 Days: Suitable for a shorter Northern Tanzania safari covering selected national parks.

• 5–7 Days: A good duration for exploring Tarangire, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.

• 8–10 Days: Allows a more extensive wildlife experience, with additional time to explore different parts of the Serengeti.

• 10–14 Days: Ideal for a more comprehensive journey combining several wildlife destinations, guided walking experiences and cultural activities.

If witnessing the Great Migration is your main priority, we recommend allowing sufficient time in the relevant Serengeti region. Spending more time in the right location is often more rewarding than covering too many destinations within a limited number of days.

At Exclusive Wilderness Trails, every safari is individually designed and priced according to your travel plans, preferred accommodation and overall expectations.

Before travelling to Tanzania, it is important to familiarise yourself with the country’s entry requirements and any recommended health precautions. Requirements can differ depending on your nationality, country of departure and travel history.

Visa Requirements

Many international visitors require a tourist visa to enter Tanzania. Eligible travellers can apply online through the official Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal before departure.

Visa eligibility, application procedures and fees depend on nationality. We recommend checking the latest requirements before making your travel arrangements.

Official application website: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/

Vaccinations and Health Precautions

Yellow fever vaccination requirements depend on your travel itinerary and the countries you have visited before arriving in Tanzania. Travellers arriving from, or transiting through, certain yellow fever risk countries may be required to present an international yellow fever vaccination certificate.

We also recommend consulting your doctor or a recognised travel health clinic before departure for advice on recommended vaccinations, malaria prevention and any personal medical precautions.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended for anyone visiting Tanzania. Your policy should provide appropriate cover for medical emergencies, hospital treatment, emergency evacuation and unexpected trip cancellations or interruptions.

If you take prescription medication, remember to bring an adequate supply for the duration of your journey and keep it in its original packaging.

Taking care of these arrangements before departure will help you travel with greater confidence and peace of mind.

A Tanzania safari offers much more than simply travelling through national parks in search of wildlife. It is an opportunity to experience Africa’s natural landscapes, observe animals in their own environment and enjoy the changing atmosphere of the wilderness throughout the day.

No two game drives are ever quite the same. Wildlife movements are unpredictable, and every outing brings the possibility of a different encounter.

What Does a Typical Safari Day Look Like?

Early Morning – The First Game Drive

The day usually begins early, when wildlife activity is often particularly rewarding. Depending on your arrangements, you may enjoy an early breakfast at the lodge or have coffee and a light breakfast before setting out with your safari guide.

Morning to Midday – Exploring the Wilderness

Your guide takes you through different sections of the park, looking for wildlife and identifying opportunities to observe animals in their natural surroundings. This is also an excellent time for photography and enjoying the scenery.

Midday – Lunch in the Bush

Depending on the itinerary, lunch may be served as a picnic at a designated location within the national park or at your lodge. A bush lunch provides an opportunity to pause and enjoy the surroundings before continuing your safari.

Afternoon – More Wildlife Encounters

After lunch, the safari continues with further wildlife exploration. Your guide may visit different habitats and areas depending on animal movements and the day’s conditions before returning to camp or lodge in the late afternoon.

Evening – Relaxation at Your Lodge or Camp

After a day in the wilderness, you can relax, enjoy dinner and reflect on the day’s experiences. Your safari guide will usually discuss the following day’s plans and departure arrangements.

What Wildlife Can I See in Tanzania?

Tanzania is home to an exceptional variety of wildlife, with different national parks offering different habitats and opportunities for sightings.

Depending on the areas you visit, you may encounter:

• Lions, leopards and cheetahs.

• African elephants and buffaloes.

• Black rhinoceros in selected protected areas.

• Giraffes, zebras and wildebeest.

• Hippos and crocodiles.

• Hyenas, jackals and various antelope species.

• A remarkable diversity of resident and migratory birdlife.

The Northern Safari Circuit, particularly Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park, offers outstanding opportunities to observe Tanzania’s wildlife.

Will I Definitely See the Big Five?

Tanzania is one of Africa’s outstanding destinations for Big Five wildlife viewing. The Big Five consist of the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros.

Although there are excellent opportunities to encounter these animals, sightings can never be guaranteed. They live freely in their natural habitats, and some species, particularly leopards and rhinoceros, can be more difficult to locate.

Our experienced safari guides use their knowledge of the parks, wildlife behaviour and local conditions to help maximise your opportunities for memorable encounters.