5 Top Things to know before planning a safari to Tanzania
Being among one of the top safari destinations in Africa, planning a safari to Tanzania can be both exciting and frustrating. With so many fantastic destinations to choose from and all logistics to be met for a successful safari, one can easily get confused. Below are 5 things one should know before planning a safari to Tanzania.
1. Choosing the best safari tour operator
Although this may sound like an easy task, you will be surprised at how many safari companies may not deliver your expected safari experience. A safari tour operator helps you plan your dream safari by putting together a list of activities and destinations of your preferred choice. Getting the right safari tour operator guarantees success in planning and having a memorable safari. As there are hundreds of safari companies out there, some still use old vehicles that break down often or use inexperienced guides and may even nickel and dime you for park fees, gas, and more. Such experiences will cost you more than your budget and leave you with bad memories of your safari in Tanzania. No matter the safari tour operator you end up choosing, always make sure to check the reviews of the safari company and all the hotels and camps you will be staying at during your safari.
2. Vaccinations required
Before traveling to Africa or anywhere globally, you may need to receive a vaccination or two, depending on your destination. Some vaccinations may take up to six months to complete, requiring you to plan ahead of time. Consulting the CDC or with your doctor to confirm which diseases are widespread in the destination you will be going to and which vaccinations are required to travel should be among the first things to be done before you even start planning your safari. Coronavirus vaccination is one of the widespread vaccinations you will require before traveling to any destination. For a safari in Tanzania, you will require vaccinations for yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and take some malaria pills. Our health is of utmost importance, and the CDC highly recommends getting all required vaccines before traveling.
3. Getting the right gear
The key to a successful safari is to be as relaxed as possible. Besides finding the right destinations and amazing accommodations, getting the right gear is important for a comfortable safari. East Africa is considered warm throughout the year, but some months may be hotter or colder than others. During your safari, you may be required to keep the sun and the bugs away from your skin. Although there are no specific gears required for a safari in Tanzania, you may need to bring lighter clothes and less bright clothes depending on your type of safari and the time you are having your safari. Have a bug spray or even insect-repellant clothes to ensure that you don’t get nasty bites from tsetse flies or mosquitoes. Getting to know the kind of gear you will require before planning your safari will save on the cost of purchasing and bringing unnecessary clothes.
4. Always bring some little cash.
One of the most important tips to know before planning your safari, is always carry some cash with you on your safari. Even if your camp’s website says they accept credit cards, don’t expect them to. You’re in the middle of nowhere, and despite the best efforts of the personnel, things like electricity, Wi-Fi signal, and even the credit card reader might go wrong. Even when using your credit card, having some little cash on you is better as you may find yourself in areas where credit cards are not used, or in case you may need to buy some souvenirs or leave tips to your tour guides. one other important thing to know, do not go flaunting around your cash or expensive items for security purposes.
5. Get ready for a bumpy ride.
Many of the roads between the parks and those within the parks are unpaved and made mostly of dirt and rock. To put it in other words, while on safari, be prepared for bumpy rides most of the time. Along with the bumps comes the dust, especially during the dry season. Do not expect to stay spotless while on your safari, as there will be clouds of dust, especially if you are following behind other vehicles or when passing oncoming cars. Always consider bringing something such as a buff or a neck gaiter to cover your nose and mouth in case there are clouds of dust. With the bumpy rides, your safari can be quite tiring, therefore ensure to get some modest rest in between animal sightings or while transferring to different parks. Even with the bumpy rides, and dust, an off-road adventure brings out a true classic African safari.
Tanzania brings out an authentic African safari experience with some of the best destinations and accommodations to make your safari memorable. Good planning ensures a successful and personalized safari experience that you will forever cherish. With the above tips and with the help of our abled tour operators, you are ready to plan your perfect safari to Tanzania.
