FAQ

FAQ Safari

Which vaccines should I have before going to Tanzania?

The only compulsory vaccination for travelling to Tanzania is the yellow fever vaccine. Make sure you have it at least 10 days before departure. We also recommend vaccinations against typhoid, hepatitis A and B, DTP, meningitis A and C, and rabies. Preventive treatment against malaria is essential. Contact your GP before your trip.

Is the yellow fever vaccine compulsory for going to Tanzania?

The only compulsory vaccine for travelling to Tanzania is the yellow fever vaccine. Make sure to have it at least 10 days before departure. We also recommend vaccination against typhoid, hepatitis A and B, DTP, meningitis A and C, and rabies. A course Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is compulsory for travelling to Tanzania. It is the only compulsory vaccine, but others are strongly recommended. Contact your doctor before your trip.

How much does a safari in Tanzania cost?

If you take into account the accommodation budget, the price of excursions, the price of safaris, the cost of living, as well as the visa, the estimated cost of a trip to Tanzania is €1,765 per person for an average budget over one week.

Can you go on foot safaris in Tanzania?

Of course, it is perfectly possible to go on walking safaris in Tanzania. These hikes mainly take place at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, Meru, Udzungwa, Mahale and Gombe.  The possibility of going on walking safaris in Africa is judged by the places where predators are generally absent. You will, however, be accompanied by a ranger for your walk. 

When can you see the migration in Tanzania?

The Great Migration of the wildebeest and zebras is probably the phenomenon that attracts the most tourists to Tanzania. It can be seen in Serengeti National Park, the largest park in the country.  From January to March, the herd is in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and mainly in the Ndutu region. This is where the births can be observed! From April to August, the migration heads back towards the Maasai Mara (Kenya) north of the Serengeti. They first travel to the west of the park, passing through the western corridor where you can witness the crossing of the Grumeti River, then head north to join the Kenyan grazing grounds. 

How many days should be allowed for a trip to Tanzania?

To travel in Tanzania and discover the must-sees of the north, you need to allow at least 8 days. To have more time to appreciate the trip, we recommend setting off on a 10 to 15-day journey for the northern parks and a short stopover in Zanzibar.  If you also want to visit the south, then you will need to allow at least a month.  If you are short of time, do not try to visit all the parks. Prefer a relaxed pace rather than a hectic one if you want to make the most of it and soak up the landscapes. 

Are safari guides in Tanzania certified?

Safari guides in Tanzania are certified. In fact, it is forbidden to go on safari in the country without a certified driver.  discover our guides

What is the best time to travel to Tanzania?

The climate in Tanzania is generally divided into two zones: the inland highlands experience a temperate tropical climate, while the flat coast has a humid equatorial climate. The higher you go, the lower the temperatures will be; the lower you go, the hotter it will be, sometimes very hot. There is not really a best time to travel to Tanzania. The best time for you will depend on what you want to see and the places you want to visit. To go to Zanzibar, the months from June to October are ideal from a climatic point of view, as temperatures do not exceed 30°C, or only very rarely, and this is the period when rain is at its least frequent. For climbing Kilimanjaro, the best periods are from January to April and from July to October. Safaris in Tanzania, meanwhile, are possible all year round, even during the rainy season, from March to early May. This period gives us the advantage of not being overwhelmed by too many tourists and also of having a better chance of spotting animals. 

What is the best season for a safari in Tanzania?

In Tanzania, the dry season runs from May to October. It is followed by a short rainy season in November-December, but the days remain very pleasant and rain is still quite rare. By contrast, Tanzania experiences a heavier rainy season from mid-March to early May. During this period, the nights are cool, particularly around Ngorongoro, where temperatures can drop below 10°C. Many will tell you that the best season for a safari in Tanzania is the dry season. However, it is also the most touristy, which can be more of a drawback if you were hoping to find yourselves alone facing the wild expanses offered by Tanzania’s parks. That is why, in our view, there is no best time to go to Tanzania. Each month has its advantages and we recommend choosing your travel dates more according to what you want to see than according to the weather. For example, if you travel from September to December, you can observe the elephant migration in Tarangire National Park or follow the great wildebeest migration across the Serengeti from April to December.

Where can you see the Big Five in Tanzania?

The legendary Big Five, what we all dream of seeing on safari! The lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhinoceros are very easy to spot in Tanzania, mainly in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. If you go there during your stay, you can be pretty sure of seeing at least four out of five. 

From what age can you go on a safari in Tanzania?

To go on a safari in Tanzania, there is no minimum age. However, there may be age restrictions in the lodges. These vary depending on the lodge, but the minimum age allowed is often 4 years old. This is the case in Off Road Tanzania lodges. If you wish to book other accommodation, we advise you to make sure of the minimum age required to stay there before booking.  Please understand, however, that taking a young child with you will require more supervision on your part and that the establishment hosting you cannot be held responsible in the event of a problem. Likewise, safari days can sometimes be very long for children, as it should be kept in mind that you will be doing a lot of driving. 

Where is the Tanzania embassy in France located?

The Tanzanian embassy is located at 7ter rue Léonard de Vinci, 75116 Paris. Please note: if you were planning to go there to apply for a visa, they no longer issue them.

What is the climate in Tanzania?

The climate in Tanzania is generally divided into two zones: the interior, with its highlands, has a temperate tropical climate, and the flat coast has a humid equatorial climate. The higher you go, the lower the temperature; the lower you go, the hotter it gets (sometimes very hot).

Do you need a visa to travel to Tanzania?

To travel to Tanzania, a tourist visa is mandatory.

  • It can be obtained easily on arrival at the airport; US$50 (USD issued after 2006) in cash will be required for payment.

For added peace of mind, you can also arrange your visa before you depart.

  • By applying online <
  • From now on, the Tanzanian embassy no longer deals with visa applications. Do not go there for this purpose.

In both cases, the documents required will be:

  • a passport whose expiry date must be more than six months after the date of your trip
  • A passport photo
  • Proof of your trip (air ticket or travel certificate)

What type of power socket is used in Tanzania?

In Tanzania, the sockets are type D / G and are 220 and 230 volts. Their frequency is 50Hz. To charge your devices, you will therefore need a British plug adapter.

Which parks should you visit in Tanzania? / Which safaris should you do?

In the north of Tanzania, there are the must-sees:

  • Serengeti National Park
  • Ngorongoro Crater
  • Lake Natron
  • Kilimanjaro

But also those not to be missed:

In the south you will find:

What is Tanzania’s time zone?

The time difference with France is +1 hour in summer and +2 hours in winter.

What language is spoken in Tanzania?

The official languages are English and Swahili. There are also many African dialects: more than 100!

How should you dress on safari? What should you bring back from your trip to Tanzania?

For your safaris, bring light clothing, good trainers, a hat or cap and sunglasses. For better cohabitation with insects, opt for light trousers rather than shorts. Nights can be cool, so pack a jumper or jacket. It is also highly recommended to bring sun cream, mosquito repellent and a torch. For great memories, also think about a camera and a pair of binoculars. Finally, the sockets are British. We therefore advise you to bring an adapter to charge your devices. Please note: check the weight of your luggage before you leave. For domestic flights, only soft bags weighing 15 kg are allowed.

How do you pay in Tanzania / what currency is used?

The Tanzanian currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TSH). €1 is worth 1900 TSH. You will be able to exchange your money at the airport, in most lodges and in banks. US dollars will also be accepted and may be enough for your purchases.

FAQ Zanzibar

Can you hire a car in Zanzibar?

Yes, it is entirely possible to hire a car in Zanzibar. This is also relatively affordable (between €30 and €40 per day). Prices vary depending on the vehicle chosen and the length of the rental.

Can Zanzibar be visited in one day?

Zanzibar is an archipelago made up of around 75 islands! It is therefore not possible to visit Zanzibar in a day.  When people talk about the island of Zanzibar, they often think of the main island: Unguja. Even there, it is difficult to tour it in a day. We recommend spending at least two or three days in Zanzibar so that you have time to enjoy every moment and, above all, to choose in advance the activities or visits you would like to do. 

Can you go scuba diving in Zanzibar?

Of course, and it is indeed the archipelago’s flagship activity! There is extraordinary aquatic wildlife and plant life around the islands that make up Zanzibar. It is especially in the north of the archipelago, around Ras Nungwi and within the Mnemba Atoll, that you will find the greatest number of sites dedicated to scuba diving and snorkelling. 

Can you go on safari in Zanzibar?

In Zanzibar, you can enjoy blue safaris, sea excursions to admire the marine wildlife. You can dive in nature reserves, but also take land excursions to Jozani, where you will encounter many monkeys and tropical birds, or to Prison Island, the island full of giant tortoises. 

Is it dangerous to wander around Zanzibar alone?

During the day, there is no problem, but after dark, tourists are advised not to walk alone in the streets of Stone Town or in isolated places. When you are out and about in Zanzibar, make sure you also wear clothes that are not too short or too low-cut out of respect for Muslim culture, and do not attract too much attention. On the beach, there is no issue with what you wear. 

Where should you go in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar is an archipelago located in the heart of the Indian Ocean. It is made up of a multitude of small exotic islands. You therefore have a wide choice of destinations to visit in Zanzibar. Also know that you can stay on one island and easily travel to another during the day to visit it. This will also be an opportunity to enjoy a Dhow ride, Zanzibar’s legendary sailing boat.  The main island, Unguja, is the most touristy. We therefore advise you not to stay there, but rather to visit it on an excursion.  Mafia Island is truly an island worth seeing, especially if you like diving. Indeed, this jewel of the Indian Ocean offers extraordinary marine life, particularly at Chobe Bay, where the shallow coral reefs will amaze you.  Pemba Island is a wild island known as the clove island. It is a rich and vast setting for exploration, offering wildlife, flora and culture that are absolutely worth seeing.  Jambiani is a gem that is absolutely worth visiting, or even staying in! Located in the south-east of Zanzibar, this former small fishing village offers charming lodges far from the large tourist hotels.  Find out more 

What activities can you do in Zanzibar?

Zanzibar offers a wide range of activities. Between sightseeing, diving and relaxing, you are sure to enjoy this archipelago of exotic islands, located in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Of course, if you are staying in Zanzibar, we recommend you visit the old town, Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There you will discover a history, craftsmanship and a particularly memorable cuisine.  You can visit spice plantations, the fishing village of Jambiani, the village of Paje, near the Jozani Forest, as well as seaweed farms. Go on an excursion on a Blue Safari aboard a dhow, Zanzibar’s traditional sailing boat, and discover Chumbe Island, a treasure of the Indian Ocean.  Discover more activities

Can you go to Zanzibar with children?

Of course, you can absolutely travel to Zanzibar with your children. You will find many family activities to do in the archipelago and of course you will enjoy the beaches of the Indian Ocean. However, make sure that your children will be well accepted in the accommodation you choose. Indeed, as with safari lodges, some hotels only accept children from a certain age (4 years old in general). 

What is the best season to travel to Zanzibar?

The best times to go to Zanzibar are the dry seasons: from June to October and between November and February. We recommend this second period instead, because during the first, tourists flock there! 

FAQ Trekking

Do you need to be fit to be able to climb Kilimanjaro?

No need to be a top athlete to climb Kilimanjaro! Many amateur tourists take up the challenge and reach the summit. Of course, we are not saying that it is easy to climb Africa’s roof. The secret is discipline, patience and a minimum of stamina. In any case, one thing is certain: the view is worth it! Discover the advice of a fitness coach 

What is the success rate for climbing Kilimanjaro?

The success rate for ascending Kilimanjaro is close to 90%. So you have nothing to worry about; with a good guide and good preparation, you will make it! Are you looking for a guide? Contact us

Which route should you choose for climbing Kilimanjaro?

The success rate for climbing Kilimanjaro is around 90%. So you do not need to worry ab

The most commonly used route is the Machame route, Whisky Way in English. This is the route that makes the ascent easier for amateur tourists as it offers gradual acclimatisation to the altitude. In terms of scenery, it is also one of the richest in diversity. Between lush forests, banana plantations, deserts and glaciers, you are in for a treat on the natural beauty front!  Other options: 

  • Marangu route (Coca Cola)
  • Rongai route
  • Lemosho route
  • Western Branch

What is the best season to climb Kilimanjaro?

To climb Kilimanjaro, the best periods are the months of December, January and February. It is during these months that temperatures at the summit will be least cold. You can also set off for the summit of Africa’s roof during the months from July to September. In reality, Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of year, except during the rainy season, because the higher you go in altitude, the more likely you are to get drenched! 

How do you prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro?

To climb Kilimanjaro, the best periods are the months of December, January and Climbing Kilimanjaro does not require huge physical preparation. It remains relatively accessible to amateurs.  To prepare yourself to climb this gigantic mountain, we recommend that you get used to walking for several hours at a steady pace. You choose the pace and the breaks, but these should not be too long so that your muscles do not cool down too much.  For your training, take the same clothes and shoes that you will have during the trek. Also take a small backpack, but do not worry, during your ascent, porters will carry the trekking equipment, tents, water and food. Finally, train in all weathers to get used to walking in different weather conditions. You never know what the weather will be like on the day.

From what age can one climb Kilimanjaro?

For climbing Kilimanjaro, the best periods are the months of December and January. Climbing Kilimanjaro does not require a huge amount of physical preparation. It remains relatively accessible. The minimum recommended age for climbing Kilimanjaro is 10 years old. However, please note that the roof of Africa is not accessible to everyone. Although there are trails that are more or less suitable for trekking beginners, you should still have a minimum level of physical preparation. 

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