This trip will take you through:

• Tarangire National Park
• Ngorongoro Conservation Area (specifically, the Ngorongoro Crater)

While May is part of the "green season," offering lush landscapes and good birdwatching, late May (when your trip is scheduled) can be a transitional period. The dry season (June to October) is generally considered prime for wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. However, the crater offers excellent year-round viewing due to its unique ecosystem.

Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing in neutral, earthy colors (khaki, green, brown, tan) suitable for layering, as temperatures can vary.

• Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection, a light jacket or fleece for cool mornings and evenings, and comfortable walking shoes or sneakers.
• Essentials: Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent (with DEET), toiletries, any personal medications, and a small first-aid kit.
• Electronics: Camera with a good zoom lens, extra batteries/power bank, plenty of memory cards, and a universal travel adapter (Tanzania uses Type D and G plugs, 220V). Binoculars are highly recommended for optimal wildlife viewing.
• Documents: Valid passport (at least 6 months validity from your return date), Tanzanian visa, flight tickets, travel insurance details, and vaccination certificates (if required).

Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa. It's 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, 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 since July 2024 that all domestic transactions must be conducted in TZS. It's advisable to carry some small denominations of TZS for local purchases 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 lodges).
• 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 lodge staff.

• Safari Guide: A common guideline is $20-35 USD per day from the entire group. For this 2-day safari, consider tipping your guide around $40-70 USD total from your group (e.g., $20-35 USD per person if you are two people).
• Lodge Staff: Many lodges have a communal tip box at reception. A general guideline is $8-10 USD per guest per day for the general staff.
• Tipping should always be based on the quality of service you received. You can tip in USD or Tanzanian Shillings.