Wildlife Safari FAQs

Wildlife Safari FAQs and the answers to the frequently asked questions put forth by our esteemed Guests:

How safe is it to book a safari through Tanzania Wildlife Safaris?

Our Tanzanian partner organization is an accredited member of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) and is licensed to operate Safaris by the Tanzania Tourism Licensing Board (TTLB) and have what is called a TALA License. Payments to our bank account can be made in full assurance and security. Details of bank transferences to the bank account will be sent on confirmation of a safari.

When is a good time to go on a Safari?

No rigid rule. Tanzania’s northern circuit is usually exceptional during the whole year although we don’t endorse late March through to the end of April because of heavy rains. This can make driving a little slow and vehicles may get stuck. Though, this is also an outstanding time to see the large herds of wildebeest and zebra in the southern Serengeti. Another advantage is that accommodation rates are 10 to 15 percent lower at this time (but not including the Easter season).

The two tourist periods full of activity are mid-July to end of August and mid-December through to mid-March.

How many days for a Safari?

Three days will be adequate to visit Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara or Tarangire. A more genuine period is 7 to 8 days. Don’t try to curtail the Serengeti in lesser time. If time is inadequate, fly one way. Don’t rush it. Distances can be deceptive in Tanzania as only the main trunk roads are tarred. Allow a typical speed of 70 Kilometres per hour for straight driving. In the Parks, the speed limit is 50 Kilometres per hour.

Wildlife Safari FAQs (continued)

Which is a good time to see the migration in the Serengeti?

No hard and fast rule. Tanzania’s northern circuit is usually excellent during the whole year although we don’t recommend late March through to the end of April because of heavy rains. This can make driving a little slow and vehicles could get stuck. Though this is also an exceptional time to see the large herds of wildebeest and zebra in the southern Serengeti. Another benefit is that accommodation rates are 10 to 15 percent less at this time (but not including the Easter season).

The two tourist periods full of activity are mid-July to end of August and mid-December through to mid-March.

What are the good national parks to visit?

All parks have a typical ambiance. You will always find something new every time you visit a park. Some, however, will have a seasonal difference in the number of animals and species to be seen. The periods given below will vary quite a bit dependent on local weather conditions. Exceptionally, they can be as much as six weeks difference.

Tarangire: July to late October - excellent period – a huge number of elephants.

Serengeti – South: January to May is an excellent period. Huge number herds on the Plain.

Serengeti – North: July till October - is an excellent time of the year for wildlife safari in Serengeti North.

Serengeti – West: July to October - is a very lovely time for wildlife safari in Serengeti West.

Serengeti – Central: June and July, and November and December - is a wonderful time for wildlife safari in Serengeti central.

Lake Manyara: Good all year round. Very diverse habitats. Prolific birdlife from April to June. There are lots of elephants.

Ngorongoro Crater: Throughout the year, an excellent time to visit. However, in the rainy season vehicle movements may be restricted.

Note: Wildebeest Migration time is not perfect and this is because of varying weather conditions. Please ask us where the current migration is or where it will be during your safari and we can inform you.

What is Tanzania’s Environment History?

More than 31% of Tanzania’s land area is in national parks, game reserves, forest reserves, and other protected areas. There are 16 National Parks yet to be gazetted.

The Game Reserves allow the filming of animals, primarily by foreigners who enjoy filming them. The game reserves normally act as a buffer zone between National Parks and local communities. The new thought of Wildlife Management / Controlled Areas is being presented to give local communities more control over the natural resources of their area. These zones are normally rich in wildlife and are next to national parks or game reserves.

Poaching is of supreme concern to the National Parks. Large amounts of revenue are dedicated to anti-poaching controls. Some of the better hunting businesses do a great job in community development and wildlife awareness.

Wildlife Safari FAQs (continued)

What are the etiquettes of game viewing?

Be thoughtful of both the animals you are watching and of people who are watching them. Do not make swift movements in the vehicle and do not get out of the car when animals are only 100 metres away. If you do get out of the automobile, look very cautiously for hidden animals in the long grass. You do not want to shock a lion or a hyena.

Is there any hazard from wild animals?

Not really. Do not be out of your vehicle if within 100 metres of an animal. It is very unlikely that you will be challenged with a hazardous situation but if you are it will be entirely unforeseen. Animals can move unbelievably quickly – do not attempt to race a lion back to the car and do not go close to the swamp’s edge if there are crocodiles around. If you are on a walk, follow the directives of your guide or ranger. Buffalos are possibly the most dangerous. Hippos are also hazardous, especially if you happen to be between them and the river.

Lions are rarely a threat, but a lioness will not bear any threat to her cubs. Hyenas eat anything – do not leave any garments or possessions outside your tent, especially footwear.

In some of the perpetual camps, animals will be roaming around at night. There is no danger from them as long as you stay in your tent. Do not distract them as other people may be watching them.

Is Tanzania safe?

Tanzania has had political stability since Independence in 1961. The U.S. Embassy bombing in Dar es Salaam was a terrorist attack focused against U.S. policy in the Middle East. There were a few occurrences of robbery in 1998 from Somali thieves in northern Tanzania. However, the government took swift action and there have been no Somali incidents since. Take the normal precautions for your safety. Travel Advises are available. Some of them, mainly those issued by the USA, seem distrustful of the locals.

Wildlife Safari FAQs (continued)

What is the standard of permanent camps and lodges in Tanzania?

Lodges: Some large group of hotels is operating in the national parks. We suggest booking through us to get the best rates.

Serena Lodges: These are situated in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, Arusha, and Zanzibar.

Sopa Lodges: These are in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire.

Hotels & Lodges: These are in Lobo, Seronera, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Zanzibar regions.

Permanent Camps: Some retain the traditional camp atmosphere others are more like tented lodges. They are comfortable, reasonable and ecological. These have large self–contained tents with a small bar and dining room. The Tanganyika Wilderness Camps, Ang’ata Camps, Nasikia Camps, Kuhama Camps, and Lemala Camps Groups are some of the examples.

Tented Lodges: These are large self – contained tents with Bar and dining room.

Wildlife Safari FAQs (continued)

Is there sleeping sickness and malaria in Tanzania?

Regrettably, yes for both. Zanzibar and the inland coast can have a rather virulent strain of malaria. Take medication before and after your visit. See your doctor for advice and the latest medicines. Indications of malaria are flu-like–aches, chills, fever, high temperature. Occasionally vomiting and diarrhea. if you have these symptoms after having visited a malaria area, inform your doctor.

Sleeping sickness, or Trypanosomiasis, is rare. Most national parks have tsetse flies and it is very uncommon for anyone to contract sleeping sickness. The National Parks have set up tsetse fly traps along the main roads. The traps have no bad on birds or other animals that may prey on insects killed by the traps.

What is the quality of the driver - guides?

Really Good. The driver-guides have wide-ranging knowledge of animals, birds, and plant life, and they are well-informed about the various tribes of Tanzania. They will be pleased to discuss politics and social matters. Tanzanians tend to be rather clued–up on politics and will tell you about the politics of their country. All drivers have a rudimentary knowledge of mechanics.

Wildlife Safari FAQs - We sincerely hope that the answers to the Wildlife Safaris FAQs have clarified the usual queries that are put forth to us by our esteemed guests. If not, you may kindly send us an email with your queries and we shall be pleased to answer.

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