Practical tips for planning the perfect Safari (for your way of travelling)
A safari is an experience that many of us desire to live at least once in our lifetime. The incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, unforgettable sunsets, and exploration of different cultures make a safari in Tanzania a unique adventure, rich in emotions and with a strong emotional impact.
However, in planning the perfect safari, there are many factors to consider; from choosing the parks to visit and the time of year, to selecting the tour operator, defining the budget, and booking accommodations. There are many organizational details not to be underestimated, but with a little preparation and the right help, the process will be simpler than you might believe. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know to plan your first unforgettable safari through some of the most beautiful and famous national parks in Africa.
For 10 years, we have been planning tailor-made safaris in Tanzania and thanks to this experience, I will guide you step by step to the best organization of the perfect safari.
GETTING STARTED
To get a first idea of itineraries and costs, I suggest reading the article on safari tours in Tanzania, where you will find some of the most popular circuits, their pros and cons, starting costs, and the post on how to organize the trip in Tanzania & Zanzibar (with itinerary ideas).
Some recommendations before starting
Any reputable safari company should be able to personalize the trip. Safari is a rather expensive experience, and it is essential to be realistic on one hand, but it is also essential to be able to find the best compromise that can find the ideal solution for every potential traveler.
Do not be fooled by a predefined package with an apparently convenient price. Safaris in Tanzania are particularly expensive because park entrance fees and taxes are very high, and starting management costs are unavoidable. There is no cheap safari. Furthermore, all travelers are different.
Everyone has different expectations and may desire different experiences. In this section, I will try to provide you with simple advice on how to get the most out of your safari. Since there are many experiences and parks to choose from, opting for a random “predefined package” just because it fits your budget is rarely exactly what you are looking for and risks leaving you regretful once you are on the trip.
Words you will often use during a safari in Tanzania
During a safari in Tanzania, you will often hear specific terms that are essential to better understand this unique experience:
Safari
Safari is a Swahili word that means “journey”. A safari is a journey through Africa with the aim of observing and photographing wildlife. It can last several days and usually includes various activities, including game drives, boat safaris, walking safaris, etc.
Game drive
A game drive is an excursion carried out in a vehicle (a 4×4 off-road vehicle, usually a 4×4 land cruiser with a raised roof) with the specific purpose of observing and photographing animals in their natural habitat. This is one of the main activities during a safari. In Tanzania, unlike other African destinations (such as South Africa or Namibia), the game drives start in the morning and end in the afternoon, with no return to the lodge during the day, so there is no distinction between morning game drives and afternoon game drives.
National Park
National parks are protected natural areas, created to preserve biodiversity and allow public enjoyment. In these areas, flora and fauna are protected by specific regulations.
Conservation Area
Conservation areas can be privately or communally owned, designated to protect specific animal or plant species, or an entire ecosystem. Unlike national parks, they may include inhabited areas and sustainable use of natural resources. For example, in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the Maasai can live and graze their animals in the area.
Game Reserve
A game reserve is a protected area similar to national parks, but generally offers more flexibility in activities that can be carried out, such as walking safaris or boat safaris.
Sleeping during a safari in Tanzania
During a safari in Tanzania, you can find different types of accommodations that cater to all price ranges. Like anywhere else in the world, quality and cost are closely related. That being said, in my personal opinion, luxury safari camps and lodges rarely justify their price.
They are spectacular, indeed, but you won’t spend much time in the facility since most of the day will be spent out on game drives. There’s no need to opt for the highest level unless you plan to stay in the structure all day or if the costs for this type of safari are not a concern.
The most luxurious camps and lodges can cost up to $3000 per person per night, while still very high-quality solutions in excellent locations with good service are much less expensive (between $300 and $400 per night), and you can be sure that your experience will not be affected. I always find the quality of Tanzanian accommodations to be very good and high-end without having to focus on luxury.
There is also much confusion about the different accommodations that can be booked during a safari. I mention the 5 main categories (which in turn are distinguished into: moderate, upgrade, and luxury categories, with the exception of camping, which is indeed a basic camping setup in general).
Standards in Africa are not comparable to those in Europe, power outages can occur, and due to the remote areas where the facilities are located, some services that we expect from medium to high-quality accommodations may not always be available. I have written a specific post describing the safari accommodations to choose from: where to sleep during a safari (the different types of accommodation).
Camping
When it comes to camping during the safari, it refers to an igloo-style tent that is pitched at designated spots. Bathrooms are shared as are the dining areas. A cook will take care of the kitchen and meals.
Although basic, it could offer you an authentic and unforgettable experience in the wild African nature! This is the most affordable option but requires adaptability. I do not recommend it for families traveling with small children due to the lower security and lack of space for little ones.
Lodge
A lodge is a fixed masonry structure generally located outside a park/reserve (there are very few inside). The rooms are often spacious bungalows and can be similar to hotel rooms. The rooms are usually quite large and spacious and all have private bathrooms and usually a terrace. Many lodges have pools and electricity is available 24 hours a day, although power outages frequently occur in Tanzania.
Tended camp
A tented camp is a kind of lodge where the rooms are built in large tents. They are generally small structures with no more than 12 tents (rooms), making them intimate and private.
As the name suggests, accommodation will be in large canvas tents, often surrounded by a permanent terrace. Usually, electricity is provided by a generator for a few hours a day or is generated by solar panels (a generator is used on overcast days). The services are often very good, and some camps, those of the luxury category, may have a pool. The restaurant typically consists of a large permanent tent in the center of the camp.
Tended lodge
A tented lodge is a type of accommodation that combines elements of a fixed lodge with those of a tented camp.
A key point of difference is that tented lodges tend to have more solid and permanent structures compared to tented camps. Although both offer accommodation in large canvas tents, tented lodges are usually built on elevated platforms or wooden terraces and have solid wooden or stone structures that integrate the tents.
In terms of amenities, tented lodges usually offer a higher level of comfort than tented camps. These can include 24-hour electricity, private toilets, hot showers, and in some cases, even a pool. However, both offer a more immersive and closer-to-nature experience compared to a traditional lodge or hotel.
One of the great advantages of tented lodges is that while offering a certain level of comfort, they still remain very integrated into the surrounding natural landscape, allowing visitors to experience the feeling of truly being “in the middle of nature” without giving up certain conveniences.
Mobile Tented Camps
Smaller than tented camps, they feature semi-permanent structures to have minimal impact on nature. They are often seasonal camps, depending on the areas, and some move several times a year to follow special events like the great wildebeest migration in the Serengeti. When they dismantle the camp, there should be no visible trace left.
Do not expect a pool or luxury facilities, but you can definitely enjoy the best locations. These camps are designed to ensure the best safari experience and create an intimate atmosphere shared with other enthusiasts. They often have no more than 4-8 tents and are usually the most expensive.
How to choose the right Safari accommodation
In Tanzania, accommodations of all categories and levels are available, but choosing the right one can be challenging, especially if relying solely on websites or reviews. Some properties may look stunning in photos but disappoint in reality, while others may be advertised as beautiful but are actually located in remote areas of the parks, making them difficult to access and increasing driving times significantly.
It is important not to book accommodation in Africa without thorough research or seeking advice from those who work with Tanzania and select the best properties according to their standards. In the safaris we offer, you can rest assured that you will receive accurate information about the accommodation, and the selected lodges offer excellent services at fair prices. I personally visit the properties we work with and dedicate time to confirm partnerships when I return to Tanzania.
Another important point to note is that tour operators have access to confidential rates significantly lower than those obtained by booking directly.
Meals during a Safari in Tanzania
During a safari, meals are typically organized on a full board basis, including three meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Drinks (soft drinks and alcoholic beverages) are usually not included unless specified otherwise. Water is provided during game drives as part of the default option since there are no other alternatives outside the lodge.
It is worth noting that some high-end properties offer an All-Inclusive (AI) option at an additional cost, which includes both meals and drinks, whereas in the full board option, drinks are charged separately. I generally advise against choosing the All-Inclusive option as most of the time is spent away from the lodge on excursions, making the extra cost for drinks not worthwhile.
Costs of a Safari in Tanzania and budgeting
Planning a safari in Tanzania can be as thrilling as the experience itself, but it is essential to consider the costs associated with such a journey. Various factors, including accommodation, park fees, safari activities, duration of the trip, season, and meal types, influence the final cost.
The aim of this section is to provide a comprehensive guide to understand the expenses of a safari in Tanzania, allowing you to plan your dream trip within your budget. For further details, I recommend reading an article on the most popular safari tours in Tanzania.
Group Size
The daily cost of a vehicle/guide/driver remains almost the same regardless of the number of people in the vehicle. Hence, more people mean more opportunities to share costs. However, overfilling a vehicle solely for cost-saving purposes is not advisable.
Safari vehicles are typically of two types: regular 6-seater cars (short cars, becoming less common) and extended 8-seater vehicles (long cars) for safaris. One seat is occupied by the guide. For shorter safaris, you might use the front seat, while for longer safaris, I recommend 4 passengers in regular cars and 6 passengers in extended vehicles to accommodate luggage.
Tip: Avoid safari companies that use central seats in their vehicles, except for open vehicles, as this significantly limits the view.
Accommodation and type
It is needless to say that sharing rooms (if traveling in a group of friends or family) is a more economical option. If you are friends traveling together, you could save a lot by choosing a double room with single beds, instead of two single rooms or a triple room instead of a double and a single room. Large families (4 or 6) can book family rooms and/or connecting rooms. However, these are usually limited, 1 or 2 per property, and should be booked well in advance.
TO KNOW
As in other parts of the world, in Tanzania, accommodations have maximum occupancy regulations per room. If there are 4 of you and no family rooms are available, it is not possible to “squeeze in” and have more people sleep in a room than allowed (for example, 4 in a triple room). You will need to opt for two double rooms.
Duration of Safari
The most expensive part of your trip to Tanzania, including the flight, will likely be the safari. So, if you are planning a week-long safari in luxury accommodation, be prepared to pay a considerable price. Luxury facilities can cost $1000 to $3000 per night. For most people who have never been on a safari before, typically 3-4 days of safari in two parks or a 6-7 day safari visiting 2-4 parks may be sufficient.
There are no limits to the duration, but generally speaking, in reference to the northern parks, a duration between 5 and 10 days (which would be a very comprehensive circuit) is quite common. Based on my experience, 6-day safaris are the most popular and well-received.
Park fees and other expenses associated with the final safari quote can be complex to calculate. For example, to enter the Serengeti, you must pass through Ngorongoro, and the fee for Ngorongoro must be paid in full even if you are just in transit. Also, when sleeping inside the parks, additional fees must be paid (so the more nights you spend inside the parks, the more expensive the safari will be).
The parks you visit have a significant impact on the total cost, as you pay daily fees that are valid for 24 hours. These fees are higher in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro compared to Lake Manyara and Tarangire. While they are high, remember that these wildlife conservation fees are what enable the protection of the animals you will see.
Season
This is a very important factor. Camps, lodges, and hotels have seasonal prices. If you plan to travel when the season changes, prices can easily increase (or decrease) significantly from one day to the next (for example, late October, which is still high season, and November, which is shoulder season, or late May, which is low season, with June becoming high season).
This is why it is important to receive proper advice and because prices vary depending on travel dates. Furthermore, “low season” does not necessarily mean an unfavorable period to visit a specific area. Simply, fewer people choose to travel at that time because it may not align with traditional holidays.
An example is the month of May. May is considered low season in the Serengeti as it marks the end of the so-called “rainy season.” However, statistically, the Serengeti experiences less rain during this period, offering beautiful green areas and fewer tourists – making it the perfect time to visit, with equally advantageous prices.
Although it varies greatly from lodge to lodge and from area to area in Tanzania, here is how seasons are usually classified in Tanzania:
Travel Season Legend:
- Peak Season – Late December/Early January – July, August, and September
- High Season – January, February – June and October. The months between January and March are considered low season in Southern Tanzania
- Shoulder Season – November/Early December
- Low Season – March 15 to May 15 (during this period, park fees are slightly lower, around $10 less than the costs of high season).
How much a safari in Tanzania cost?
The costs for a safari in Tanzania vary depending on the type of accommodation chosen, the season, the parks to be visited, and the number of people on board. Therefore, it is difficult to provide exact estimates. But to give you a rough idea, based on a private safari for two people, the costs are roughly as follows:
- Camping safari: Starting cost from $350 per person per day.
- Moderate lodge or tented camps safari: Starting cost between $420 and $450 per person per day.
- Upgraded lodge or tented camps safari: Starting cost between $600 and $700 per person per day.
- Luxury lodge or tented camps safari: Starting cost from $1000 per person per day.
It is important to note that all these costs include park entrance fees, concession fees, a 4×4 vehicle for the safari with a guide, fuel, and full board accommodation. So even though these prices may seem high, remember that they cover a wide variety of services and costs that make the safari experience possible.
Parks for Safari in Tanzania
Tanzania offers two main safari circuits: the northern circuit and the southern circuit. Each of them includes unique and breathtaking parks that offer different safari experiences.
Northern Circuit
- Serengeti National Park: Famous for the annual wildebeest and zebra migration, the Serengeti boasts vast savannahs where you can see the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and buffalo). In addition to the rich wildlife, this park offers spectacular panoramas and wide-open spaces.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area: This vast protected area includes the Ngorongoro Crater, an inactive volcanic crater that hosts a wealth of wildlife. The high density of predators and variety of species make every safari an unforgettable experience.
- Tarangire National Park: Characterized by large herds of elephants gathering around the Tarangire River during the dry season, this park is also known for the majestic baobabs that dominate the landscape. The combination of wildlife and fascinating landscapes make it a must-visit.
- Lake Manyara National Park: Located at the foot of the Great Rift Valley of Eastern Africa, Manyara offers an incredible diversity of ecosystems, from acacia forests to hot springs. Its tree-climbing lions and over 400 bird species attract wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
- Arusha National Park: This park, though small compared to many of its counterparts, offers an extraordinary variety of wildlife and landscapes. From open grasslands to mountain forests and lotus-covered lakes, Arusha National Park provides the opportunity to see zebras, giraffes, buffaloes, various antelope species, and in rare cases, the black-and-white colobus monkey.
To explore the northern circuit, the usual starting city is Arusha (Arusha Airport or Kilimanjar).
Southern Circuit
- Selous Game Reserve: The largest wildlife reserve in the world offers a unique safari adventure, with the possibility of exploring by foot, boat, or jeep. The low visitor density makes this destination perfect for those seeking an authentic wilderness experience. Typically, 3/4 days of safari are sufficient to visit this reserve.
- Ruaha National Park: It is the largest national park in Tanzania, famous for its elephant population and the rarity of wild dog sightings, making encounters with these animals truly special. The landscape varies from plains to mountains, offering an exceptional variety of habitats.
- Mikumi National Park: Located between the Uluguru Mountains and the Rubeho Mountains, this park offers a good combination of wildlife and fascinating panoramas. Mikumi is home to a good population of lions, elephants, zebras, and giraffes, making sightings relatively easy for visitors.
To explore the southern circuit, the usual starting city is Dar Es Salaam.
Both circuits offer extraordinary experiences, with a combination of breathtaking landscapes and wildlife sightings that are hard to forget. For more information, read the post: Tanzanian safari tour, some safari ideas.
When to go on Safari in Tanzania
Tanzania is a country rich in natural wonders, with incredible flora and fauna. A safari in Tanzania can be a truly magical experience, but it is essential to plan the trip at the right time.
The period chosen to visit these wonderful lands can significantly influence what you will be able to see and do. Below we will look at the best times of the year to fully experience the magnificence of a Tanzanian safari, taking into account climate changes, animal migrations, and tourist density.
January and February:
There may be some rain, but it typically doesn’t last long and doesn’t affect safaris. You may find slightly more rain in the south, but it usually presents itself as a morning or afternoon shower.
March, April, and May:
These are the months of heavy rains. The South becomes difficult to travel through. However, the North can still be fantastic, and the end of May is particularly beautiful.
June and July:
This is a great time to explore the southern areas. Not too hot and lush after the rains. The North can be crowded but still enjoyable to visit, especially in July (peak season).
August, September, and October:
This is an excellent period to explore the southern regions. It’s not too hot (in fact, it can get cold in the parks at night), and it falls into the dry months. These are the high season months and therefore the most expensive. The rugged western region with remote and secluded experiences is at its best as this is the peak of the dry season in Tanzania.
November and December:
All parks and reserves are wonderful to visit. Costs are lower compared to the immediately preceding and following months (except for the Christmas and New Year period, which falls within Peak Season). In November, there may be some rain, light rains typically occur, with little rainfall, usually in the late afternoon.
Practical tips for organizing a Safari in Tanzania
Before embarking on your adventure, here are some important things to consider when organizing your safari.
Plan the safari well in advance
Organizing a safari should not be taken lightly. It should not be a last-minute adventure, but a carefully planned trip that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the splendor of the wild world.
“Last-minute deals” may seem appealing, although in recent years last-minute offers have only had higher prices (as it is difficult to find accommodations and guides, and airfares reach very high costs), and often do not meet what you may desire from a close encounter with pristine nature. Booking well in advance offers a wider choice and more economical options, particularly for the more popular camps that may require bookings at least 8 months in advance.
Last-minute bookings indeed entail a certain degree of risk, especially for travel during the high season. Many accommodations may already be full, and you may find yourself having to adapt to what is still available (which may be of poor quality or very expensive), which is certainly not ideal for a long-awaited vacation.
Determine your priorities during the safari
The actual travel budget has an important impact on safari planning, which in turn becomes easier if you honestly communicate to the safari designer both the amount but also the priorities of your trip.
It is quite normal to make some sacrifices. The key to making the most of the budget is to recognize the non-negotiable aspects and seek help from an expert. You may not always be able to do/see everything you desire, but you can always seek the best solution for each individual need.
Customize your safari based on your interests (not on what others say)
Choosing the parks to include in the safari may seem simple, but paradoxically, this is where most travelers stumble.
Opting for a location solely based on its popularity is far from the ideal approach. Every place has its unique charm and potential drawbacks, so thorough research is necessary to align your expectations with the realities of each location. Of course, my advice is to seek help and guidance from experts to better understand the best itinerary for your needs.
Choose the Tour Operator based on many factors (not just the cost)
The world of safaris is a complex and crowded universe, with hundreds of tour operators and travel agencies trying to persuade you to choose them. It is essential to choose someone who understands your needs and aligns well with your expectations. Before booking the trip, you should have confidence in the tour operator you are entrusting, try to assess their reliability, and remember: the price should not be the only determining factor.
Seek help from the Safari Designer
If you have read this far, you are probably relatively new to safari experiences in Africa. Some of the best choices for you – given your preferences and the time of year you plan to travel – may be places you have not yet considered or even heard of.
Remaining open to the advice of industry experts is crucial because not every safari is the same, and every traveler is different from others. Do not be afraid to ask questions; a reputable operator will listen to you and try to offer the best to give you a memorable experience. Contact us now to discuss your travel idea and start making this wonderful adventure a reality.
