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

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

This safari is particularly well-timed. July is an excellent month for visiting all three parks. In the Serengeti, July marks a prime period for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration, as the herds are typically moving into the northern Serengeti, often preparing for or undertaking the dramatic Mara River crossings. The dry season (June to October) overall offers fantastic wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense.

Pack lightweight, comfortable clothing in neutral, earthy colors (khaki, green, brown, tan) to blend in with the environment and avoid attracting tsetse flies (which are attracted to dark blue and black). Layering is key!

• Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and trousers for sun and insect protection, shorts for warmer parts of the day, a light jacket or fleece for cool mornings and evenings, and possibly a light rain jacket (especially during shoulder seasons).
• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers are essential, along with sandals/flip-flops for relaxing at the lodge.
• 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 (crucial for wildlife!), 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 spotting distant wildlife.
• Documents: Valid passport (at least 6 months validity), visa, flight tickets, travel insurance details, and vaccination certificates (if required).

Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Tanzania. 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, 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, snacks, and smaller tips. Major credit cards are accepted at most lodges, but be aware that a surcharge (usually 3-5%) often applies. ATMs are available in larger towns like 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 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/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. If traveling directly from a non-risk country (like the US, UK, Canada, Australia, most of Europe), it is generally not required unless you have a stopover in an endemic country.
• Personal Safety: In cities, be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone at night, and use reputable 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 by safari guides and lodge staff who rely on them to supplement their income.

• 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.
• Lodge/Camp Staff: Many lodges and 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.