This trip will take you through two of Tanzania's most famous wildlife areas:

• Serengeti National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area (including the Ngorongoro Crater)

The Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater offer excellent wildlife viewing year-round.

• Dry Season (June to October): This is generally considered the best time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense. This period also coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti.
• Green Season (November to May): This period offers lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. While the Migration is still present, its location varies.

Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing in neutral, earthy colors (khaki, green, brown, tan) to blend in with the environment and avoid attracting tsetse flies. Layering is key due to temperature fluctuations.

• Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and trousers (for sun/insect protection and cooler evenings), shorts for daytime, a light jacket or fleece for cool mornings and evenings.
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are essential, along with sandals/flip-flops for relaxing at the camp.
• Essentials: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, strong insect repellent (with DEET), toiletries, any personal medications, and a small first-aid kit.
• Electronics: Camera with a good zoom lens (highly recommended!), extra batteries/power bank, plenty of memory cards, and a universal travel adapter (Tanzania uses Type D and G plugs, 220V). Binoculars are a must-have for spotting distant wildlife.
• Documents: Valid passport (at least 6 months validity from your return date), Tanzanian visa, flight tickets, travel insurance details, and vaccination certificates (if required, especially for Yellow Fever).

Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa. It is highly recommended to obtain an e-Visa online through the official Tanzania Immigration Services website (www.immigration.go.tz) well in advance of your travel. While visas on arrival are available for some nationalities at major entry points like Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), pre-applying online is generally more efficient and stress-free.

The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). While US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted in tourist establishments and for safari payments, it is legally mandated that all domestic transactions must be conducted in TZS. It's advisable to carry some small denominations of TZS for local purchases, snacks, and smaller tips. Major credit cards are accepted at most lodges, but a surcharge (usually 3-5%) often applies. ATMs are available in larger towns like Moshi and Arusha. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks.

Your safety is paramount, and your experienced safari guide is trained to ensure a secure experience.

• Stay in the Vehicle: Always remain inside the safari vehicle unless your guide explicitly states it's safe to exit at designated areas.
• Maintain Distance: Never approach or feed wildlife. Observe animals from a safe and respectful distance.
• Hydration & Sun Protection: Drink plenty of bottled mineral water throughout the day. Use high-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect against the strong equatorial sun.
• Malaria: Tanzania is a malaria risk area. Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance about anti-malarial medication. Use insect repellent, especially from dusk till dawn, and sleep under mosquito nets (provided by camps).
• Vaccinations: Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance regarding recommended vaccinations (e.g., Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B). A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from, or have transited for more than 12 hours through, a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
• Personal Safety: In towns, be aware of your surroundings and take licensed taxis. Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Follow Guide's Instructions: Always listen carefully to your safari guide's instructions; they are there to ensure your safety and provide the best wildlife viewing experience.

Yes, tipping is customary and greatly appreciated. It's an important way to acknowledge good service from your safari guide and camp staff.

• Safari Guide: A common guideline is $20-35 USD per day from the entire group, or $10-15 USD per person per day if on a shared group tour. This is typically given at the end of the safari.
• Camp Staff: Many camps have a communal tip box at reception. A general guideline is $8-10 USD per guest per day for the general staff (excluding your guide). This is distributed among housekeepers, waiters, chefs, etc.
• Tipping should always be based on the quality of service you received. You can tip in USD or Tanzanian Shillings.