Tanzania Safari

Follow Alice is registered both in the UK under Follow Alice Ltd and in Tanzania under FOLLOWALICE Tours (T) Ltd. Follow Alice Tanzania is 100% locally owned and holds all of the necessary licences to perform Kilimanjaro climbs and Tanzania safaris.

Yes, you need a Tanzanian visa to visit Tanzania, unless you're a national of one of the countries listed here. The cost of a 90-day Tanzanian visa is $50. US citizens, however, must purchase a year-long, multiple-entry visa for $100. We highly recommend obtaining a visa online before heading to Tanzania. While some nationalities can purchase a visa upon landing, these queues can be long and tiring. You can apply for an e-visa at www.immigration.go.tz. We recommend applying at least two weeks in advance of your trip.

Please note that in addition to a Tanzanian visa, you also need a passport that's valid for at least six months after your departure date.

This is a hard question to answer. The longer you spend on safari, the more animals you'll see, and the greater the variety you're likely to spot. If you're hoping to spot the Big Five, for instance, one day probably won't cut it. But if you give yourself four to five days, you might well manage it.

What we can say is that you need to factor in travelling times when heading on safari. For instance, from Kilimanjaro International Airport (gateway to the Northern Circuit), you can reach reserves like Arusha National Park and Lake Manyara National Park within hours and go on safari that same day. But Serengeti National Park, on the other hand, is quite a drive, so you should factor in a day of travel each way. Fortunately, the drive to Serengeti takes you past Ngorongoro Crater, which is a MUST, as well as some other attractions really worth a visit like Olduvai Gorge.

Please chat to us for advice on how long is needed based on what you want to see and where you want to go.

We feel Tanzania is by far the better option. This is because most – in fact, almost all – of the Great Migration takes place in Tanzania, not Kenya. Further, the chaotic river crossings of the migration herds take place in Tanzania, not Kneya.

To learn more, please read Kenya vs Tanzania – which offers the better African safari?

Yes, Tanzania is a reasonably safe country. And the northern region where we take clients on safari is especially safe. That said, we always advise using your common sense. We might also add that if you travel with a local who knows the in's and out's of the area and its wildlife and communities, then you know you're going to be really safe during your travels.

Please read more in How safe is Tanzania?

Generally speaking, a self-drive safari is only advisable if your really know what you're doing. You should be adept at driving a 4x4, and have researched thoroughly how to conduct a safe safari. We think that most people would do better with a guided safari, as you don't have to bother with hiring a vehicle, researching where to find the animals, and so on. Further, a safari driver-guide is well trained in spotting animals and can share fascinating information about what you're seeing.

To help you decide, and learn more on this topic, please read All you need to know to plan an epic Serengeti safari.

Yes, a safari is perfectly safe, provided you know what you're doing! Never forget that you're in the presence of dangerous animals, and you must play by their rules to avoid being hurt. Those wanting to do a self-drive safari should ensure they do their homework thoroughly. We recommend going on safari with a trained safari driver-guide who not only looks after you but also knows where to find the animals and can tell you details about what you're seeing.

You can learn more in Safari safety tips (not just for dummies).

Tanzania has three major international airports:

The latter is the most convenient for the parks of the Northern Circuit. The airport is located just outside of the city of Arusha, which is the gateway to the Northern Circuit.

In addition to flights to Tanzania, you may consider flights to Nairobi in Kenya, from where you can catch a bus shuttle to Arusha, or a one-hour plane ride to JRO. Note, however, that you'll need to obtain an additional visa if you choose to drive from Kenya south into Tanzania.

In deciding which flights to book, you should take your full trip into consideration. For example, if you would like to spend a couple of days in Zanzibar after your safari, it might be best to book a one-way ticket from your home to JRO for the safari, another one-way ticket from JRO to ZNZ after the safari, and then a final one-way ticket from ZNZ back to your home.

Tanzanians use the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). It's a very weak currency, so €1 buys you about 2,820 TZS.

A regular cappuccino will set you back by about 4,500 TZS (or €1.60), while a small bottled water will cost you 745 TZS (or €0.45).

There are no specific vaccine requirements for visitors to Tanzania. However, be aware that the Government of Tanzania does require proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you're travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever.

You might also like to talk to your doctor about getting the following vaccinations (which are standard in developed countries) before travelling to Tanzania: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, polio, MMR and meningococcal meningitis.

As the situation with Covid-19 is an ever-changing one, please speak to us about this and we'll advise you on the Government of Tanzania's current coronavirus rules and regulations.

The best time to visit the Serengeti depends on what you most want to see. Some folks want to see births and baby animals, for instance, while others want to see as many animals as possible. Some folks want good bird-spotting, and others want to see lush vegetation and wildflowers. And, of course, many want to see the Great Wildlife Migration and its river crossings. Please read Best time to visit the Serengeti to identify the best months for each of the above-mentioned highlights. Also feel free to chat to us so we can advise you further.

You might also like to read our 8 must-know Serengeti safari tips.