Question 1

Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

You likely need to arrange a visitor’s visa before arrival. Check out your country’s visa requirement status here. Once you finalise your online application, your visa will immediately be processed. Make sure your passport has a validity of at least 6 months and ensure that you have at least 1 blank visa page before submitting your visa application.

Question 2

How do you get to the Serengeti National Park?

Accepted Answer

When starting a Serengeti safari, most travellers begin in the town of Arusha and fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is about 320 km from the park's southern entrance. You can then reach your lodge by aircraft, flying to one of seven airstrips, or opt for a drive in a safari vehicle. Driving takes around 8 hours and might not be the most comfortable but you can expect some wildlife sightings along the way.

Question 3

Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most visitors will need a visa to enter Tanzania. You can apply for an eVisa online or obtain one on arrival at the main entry points, depending on your nationality. It’s best to check the latest visa requirements 4 to 6 weeks before your trip.

Question 4

What vaccinations are required for Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

A yellow fever vaccination may be required if you’re arriving from a country where yellow fever is present. However, immigration is known to ask for yellow fever certificates from all arriving passengers regardless of the destination. It's a good idea to make sure you have it to avoid any disruption to your travels.

It’s advised to be up-to-date with routine vaccines and consider additional vaccinations like hepatitis A and B and typhoid. Consult with your healthcare provider for current travel health recommendations.

Question 5

What wildlife can I expect to see in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Tanzania is renowned for its rich wildlife. You can expect to see the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—along with cheetahs, wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, hippos, and a variety of bird species. The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are particularly teeming with wildlife.

Question 6

How do I get to Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

International travellers often fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam. These airports receive direct flights from various global cities.

For JRO, direct connections include flights from Amsterdam, Istanbul, and Doha. DAR has direct flights from major hubs such as Dubai, Doha, Amsterdam, Istanbul, and Addis Ababa, among others.

This range of direct flights makes Tanzania accessible from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa.

From these airports, domestic flights and road transfers can take you to popular safari destinations and Zanzibar.

Question 7

Can I go on a walking safari in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Yes, walking safaris are popular and provide a unique way to experience the wilderness. Accompanied by expert guides, you’ll get close to nature and gain a deeper understanding of the landscape and smaller wildlife.

Question 8

Is there malaria in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Malaria is present throughout Tanzania, with higher risk in coastal regions (including Zanzibar), lowland areas like the Serengeti, and near Lake Victoria. High-altitude regions like Kilimanjaro have lower risk, but travellers are still advised to take preventive measures.

Question 9

Can I do a sleep-out in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Tanzania offers several opportunities for sleep-out experiences, allowing you to immerse yourself in the wilderness under the African sky. These experiences typically include guided walks to the sleep-out location, meals around a campfire, and sleeping arrangements that allow you to fully appreciate the nocturnal environment.

Question 10

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular safari regions and major cities. It’s important to stay alert, use reputable guides, and take standard safety measures.

Question 11

When can I see the Great Migration in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

It's possible to see The Great Migration all year around in Tanzania. Key events include the calving season in the Serengeti (January to March) and the dramatic river crossings from June to July as the herds move north toward Kenya.

Question 12

Can I combine my safari in Tanzania with a trip to Zanzibar?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! A safari adventure pairs beautifully with a beach escape to Zanzibar. After exploring the wildlife in parks like the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater, you can unwind on Zanzibar’s white sandy beaches and enjoy its rich culture and history.

Question 13

What are the luggage restrictions for fly-in safaris in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

For fly-in safaris in Tanzania, luggage is usually limited to soft-sided bags weighing between 15 and 20 kilograms (33 to 44 pounds), depending on the airline.

Question 14

What currency do they use in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, but USD is also widely accepted, especially at tourism spots. Change is given in both USD and Shilling, depending on what you pay with, although it’s advisable to carry USD for tips and local markets. Credit cards are accepted at most stays where you can get signal. Visa or MasterCard are preferable over American Express due to limited acceptance.

Question 15

What language is spoken in Tanzania? Will my guide speak English?

Accepted Answer

The official languages in Tanzania are Swahili and English. Most safari guides speak fluent English and are well-trained to communicate with international travellers, ensuring informative and engaging experiences.

Question 16

Will there be WiFi/electricity at the safari lodges in Tanzania?

Accepted Answer

Many safari lodges and camps in Tanzania provide electricity, either full-time or at specific hours. WiFi is often available, though it may be limited or slower in remote areas. Checking with your accommodation or travel expert beforehand is a good idea if connectivity is important.

Serengeti National Park West

A wilder Serengeti corner, marked by river drama and big-cat territory.

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Have Questions?

Our FAQs about Serengeti National Park West

Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?

How do you get to the Serengeti National Park?

Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?

What vaccinations are required for Tanzania?

What wildlife can I expect to see in Tanzania?

How do I get to Tanzania?

Can I go on a walking safari in Tanzania?

Is there malaria in Tanzania?

Can I do a sleep-out in Tanzania?

Is it safe to travel to Tanzania?

When can I see the Great Migration in Tanzania?

Can I combine my safari in Tanzania with a trip to Zanzibar?

What are the luggage restrictions for fly-in safaris in Tanzania?

What currency do they use in Tanzania?

What language is spoken in Tanzania? Will my guide speak English?

Will there be WiFi/electricity at the safari lodges in Tanzania?

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