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Preparing for a Tanzania safari — the journey begins long before you arrive

Preparation

Your Safari Preparation Timeline

What to do and when, from 12 months out to departure day.

The Preparation Is Part of the Experience

A Tanzania safari is not a holiday you book at the last minute and then show up to. The preparation — the reading, the planning, the anticipation — is part of the experience itself. Knowing what to expect, having the right gear, understanding the terrain and the wildlife, arriving in the right physical condition — these things are what separate the traveller who gets the most out of a safari from the one who simply sees it.

This timeline covers what to do and when, from 12 months out to the morning you are collected from your Arusha hotel. We have based this on 47 years of sending travellers to Tanzania. It is what we tell every client before they travel.

📅

6–12 months before

Book Your Safari

Contact operators, compare itineraries, confirm your guide and vehicle, and pay a deposit to secure your booking. Peak season departures can sell out 12 months ahead.

✈️

6–12 months before

Book International Flights

Start monitoring flight prices and book when rates are favourable. Consider the timing of your safari when selecting flights — arriving the day before the safari starts is wise, to account for any flight delays.

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8–6 weeks before

Travel Health Preparations

Visit a travel health clinic for vaccinations (allow time for multiple doses if needed), discuss malaria prophylaxis, and get any prescriptions you might need in Tanzania. Start any prophylaxis course as directed by your doctor.

📄

6–4 weeks before

Apply for Visa

Apply online at Tanzania Immigration Services if using the e-visa process, or confirm that you will obtain a visa on arrival. Ensure your passport has 6 months validity and blank pages.

✅

4–2 weeks before

Confirm Final Details

Confirm your safari itinerary with your operator. Receive and review your pre-departure document. Confirm airport transfers. Check that your travel insurance is active and that you have the emergency contact numbers.

🧳

2 weeks before

Begin Packing

Check the kit list, purchase any missing items, charge all electronics, download entertainment for flights, and ensure your camera is working and you have sufficient storage. Notify your bank of travel dates.

📞

1 week before

Final Confirmation

Confirm your airport transfer times, ensure you have received all contact details for your guide and camp, print or save your itinerary and emergency contacts, and notify your operator of any last-minute changes.

🌍

Departure day

Arrive in Tanzania

Arusha is the gateway for northern circuit safaris. Arrive the day before your safari if possible — this buffers against flight delays and allows you to rest before the early starts. Your guide will meet you at the airport or your Arusha hotel the morning your safari begins.

Essential Gear Checklist

The items that most affect your experience on the ground

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts (neutral colours)

Sun protection and insect bite prevention

Walking shoes / hiking shoes

Required in parks; sandals not suitable for game drives

Warm fleece or layer

Surprisingly cold on early morning game drives

Windbreaker / rain jacket

Essential in green season; useful in any season

High SPF sunscreen

African sun is intense; reapply during game drives

DEET insect repellent

Mosquitoes present; prevention of bites is essential

Headlamp

More useful than a torch in camp at night

Binoculars

Wildlife at distance — a good pair transforms the experience

Camera with telephoto lens

You will want to photograph what you see

Lip balm with SPF

Lips burn easily at altitude and in the wind

Preparation Questions

How far in advance should I start planning a Tanzania safari?+
For peak season (June to October), begin planning 6 to 12 months before your travel date. The best camps — particularly those on the migration corridor and the rim of Ngorongoro Crater — fill 12 months ahead. For green season (November to May), 3 to 6 months is typically sufficient. Regardless of season, earlier booking gives you more choice of camps and guides. The one exception: international flights should be booked as early as possible regardless of season, as these fill quickly.
What should I book first — flights or safari?+
In an ideal world, you book the safari first and then the flights once the dates are confirmed. However, international flight prices are often lower when booked early, so many travellers book flights first and then confirm the safari around the same time. The two can be booked simultaneously once you have agreed your itinerary with your operator. Do not book non-refundable flights before your safari is confirmed.
What vaccinations do I need for Tanzania?+
If you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country, you need a yellow fever vaccination and certificate. For most travellers from Europe, North America, and Australia, no yellow fever vaccination is required for entry into Tanzania unless you are arriving from an endemic country. Routine vaccinations should be up to date. Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended for safari areas. Hepatitis A and B are recommended for most travellers. Consult a travel health clinic at least 8 weeks before departure.
What is the Tanzania visa process?+
Most nationalities can obtain a Tanzania tourist visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Dar es Salaam Airport, or can apply online via the Tanzania Immigration Services website before departure. The tourist visa costs approximately $50 USD for a single entry, valid for 90 days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and has at least two blank pages.
What should I pack for a Tanzania safari?+
Pack light and pack practically. Safari lodges and camps provide laundry services, so you do not need a different outfit every day. The essentials: neutral-coloured, lightweight long-sleeved clothing; comfortable walking shoes; a warm layer for early morning game drives; a windbreaker or rain jacket in green season; high SPF sunscreen; insect repellent with DEET; a headlamp; and any personal medications. Binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens are the two items that will most affect your experience. Avoid bringing cotton clothing, as it retains moisture and chill in the morning.
Do I need special travel insurance for Tanzania?+
Yes — comprehensive travel insurance is essential for Tanzania, and standard policies often do not cover safari activities. Ensure your policy covers: emergency medical evacuation by helicopter (this is not optional — the cost of evacuation from a remote part of the Serengeti can exceed $30,000); trip cancellation and interruption; loss of personal effects; and activities you plan to do, including game drives and any walking safaris. Read the fine print carefully and confirm directly with your insurer that safari activities are covered.

Ready to Start Planning?

We will send you a full preparation checklist and answer any questions you have before you book.

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