Safari FAQ

You can plan a Tanzania safari at any time of year, but the optimal time depends on your interests. If watching the wildebeest migration is the major reason for your trip, make sure to plan with us ahead, as the Serengeti can become quite crowded. The greatest time to watch the Serengeti migration is from June to September, and you’ll likely stay in different regions of the park based on that year’s migration pattern. Seventh Heaven Safari has years of experience planning around the migration, so we will curate your adventure unlike any other safari company to maximize your chances of witnessing this great phenomenon. Below is some more information about the different seasons in Tanzania:

There are 3 main safari circuits in Tanzania:

• Northern Circuit (most popular) – In most cases, you will fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), near the gateway of the Northern circuit. These destinations can be found in the Northern Circuit: 
  • Arusha National Park is a scenic park dominated by Mt. Meru with views of Mt. Kilimanjaro on clear days. 
  • Tarangire National Park (NP) is home to massive elephant herds that gather around the Tarangire River. 
  • Lake Manyara NP protects an abundance of wildlife in a beautiful setting below the Rift Valley slope. 
  • Ngorongoro Crater, where it’s not unusual to see the Big Five in one day. 
  • Serengeti NP offers top wildlife viewing and a chance to witness the spectacular wildebeest migration. 
• Southern Circuit – The off-the-beaten-track character of the Southern safari Circuit makes for a holistic wilderness experience. In most cases, you will fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and fly or drive on to Ruaha or Nyerere National Park (NP). These destinations can be found in the Southern Circuit: 
  • Mikumi NP has great animal concentrations (especially buffalo and elephant) in the ‘Dry Season’. 
  • Nyerere NP offers a combination of game drives, boat trips and walking safaris; formerly known as Selous Game Reserve.
  • Ruaha NP is home to an incredible variety of animals including wild dogs. 
• Western Circuit – Tanzania’s Western safari Circuit is remote and exclusive. It combines an off-the-beaten-track classic safari in Katavi with chimp trekking on the jungle-clad slopes rising up from Lake Tanganyika in Gombe or Mahale. These destinations can be found in the western circuit: 
  • Mahale Mountains National Park (NP) or Gombe NP for the best chimpanzee trekking in Africa. 
  • Katavi NP offers excellent wildlife viewing in the ‘Dry season’ with superb wilderness appeal.

Tanzania safari costs vary depending on a number of factors, including tourist activities, accommodation type, number of days, seasonality, group size etc.  However, a good rule of thumb is to budget USD$400-$500 per person per day as a starting point for a mid-range safari.  Camping safaris, for example, are typically less expensive than resort safaris. The time of year has a significant influence as well. If you’re willing to travel during the rainy season, you’ll get a discount, but visiting during the peak of the wildebeest migration will cost you more.

At Seventh Heaven Safari, we are experts at considering all variables based on your preferences and customizations.  We always provide lodging and activity suggestions off the beaten path to make your money go as far as possible – something many other safari companies rarely do.

We suggest carrying at least $1000-1200 USD, composed of recent bills from 2009 onwards in good condition, as they are universally accepted. This amount should include a mix of $100’s, $20’s, $5’s, and at least 30-50 $1’s. Tanzania is a heavy tipping country, so come prepared to tip your guide, lodges, camps, and activity operators.  Reserve the $100’s for tipping, as they offer a more favorable exchange rate compared to $1’s. While some souvenir shops accept credit cards, be aware of potential international transaction fees associated with their use.

There are ATM’s in most towns and cities in Tanzania and they are the best way to get ahold of local currency.  Please note that most ATM’s charge a fee, sometimes quite a lot.  To avoid further surprises, be sure to check with your bank before traveling to Tanzania to see if they charge additional fees for out-of-bank ATM transactions.

A Visa is required and this can be obtained in advance or on arrival. The single entry visa cost is US$50, while the multiple entry visa is US$100 (Canadian, EU/UK passport) or US$100 (USA passport holders can only apply for multiple entry visa). If your first point of entry in Tanzania is into Kilimanjaro Airport, Dar es Salaam Airport or Zanzibar Airport, we recommend you obtain your visa in advance (prior to travel) as there can be long delays at these two airports for anyone obtaining visas on arrival.  Visit the link below for the most up to date information.  

Visa Information – Tanzania Immigration Department

This is one of the most frequently asked questions. Tanzania is generally safe, but, like traveling to any location, this does not imply it is without perils. Because petty theft can occur, it’s critical to keep your valuables safe. Avoiding walking alone in secluded regions and only using certified providers for transportation or excursions are two more precautions to take. Whenever feasible, keep your passport and cash or credit cards on you. Plus, your driver/guide will be with you the moment you walk outside the airport until you get dropped off at the airport!

Packing for a safari can take a lot of effort, but with the proper choices, the effort is well worth it! We have put together a printable packing list for you here. The summarized version is to pack light, choose neutral colors, and prepare for warm and chilly weather.

Travelers to Tanzania should be up to date on essential immunizations and be carefully advised on recommendations for travel vaccines, including Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Polio, and Tetanus. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis B; Meningococcal Meningitis; Rabies; Typhoid.  Always consult a medical professional to better understand which vaccines may be required; each country is a little different!

The government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you are traveling directly from the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia (for example) and transit through another country, it is not required.  Always consult a medical professional!

• Your budget
• The duration
• Your level of comfort
• The group size
• What month you will travel
• What you want to see (determine where we will take you)
• Extra activities (i.e. Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro, etc.)

Absolutely, but families should consider these: 

1) Families going on safari should be aware that although most safari camps and lodges welcome children of (nearly) all ages, some have a minimum age restriction of 4 and 12 years. Seventh Heaven Safari will consider this aspect when selecting the appropriate accommodation for your group. Activities might also have a minimum age restriction. 

2) Many safari camps have now developed children’s activity programs. For the ages of 4-8 years, these programs mostly consist of a guide who entertains the children with a range of activities around camp (including story-telling, painting/drawing animals, birding and bug collecting). They will keep an eye on them while the parents go on a game drive or any other activity. This can then develop into short bush walks, during which they help the children collect pods, feathers, insects and leaves. 

3) Most parents want to experience wildlife viewing with their children. When the children are a little older, 8-12 years old, they are able to fully appreciate going on a game drive.

4) Seventh Heaven Safari strongly suggests to families on safari with younger children to book a private game drive vehicle with us. This way, you are not infringing upon other guests and can return to camp when the children have ‘had enough’. 

Additional Notes: Most safari lodges and camps place a strong emphasis on peace, tranquility and getting back to nature! This may not be your children’s style! An ‘adults’ safari is really not suitable for many young children who often become bored and act up. Parents must ensure that their children do not infringe upon the enjoyment of other guests.

In terms of pricing, most safari camps/lodges consider anyone over 12 years of age to be an adult, and they generally pay adult fare. Very few safari camps/lodges offer discounts to children over 12 years, and even children under 12 years need to be sharing with an adult to receive a discounted rate.

Many safari camps and lodges have swimming pools. Be sure to include this information when you contact us, and we will find the perfect lodges for you!

The accommodation you choose can directly affect whether or not you have a good or bad safari experience, so making a careful choice is essential for an epic safari experience. Accommodation is one of the most important factors to consider when planning a safari; specifically, selecting the type of lodging must be a significant consideration. 

The choice is typically made based on your financial situation and the level of comfort you want to have while on a Safari. There are many types of accommodation in Tanzania to stay at during your safari. Seventh Heaven Safari summarized them into 3 types of accommodation: 

• CAMPING – Your tent will be erected by your safari team each day of your safari. A mattress and sleeping bag are included with the tent. This is a simple form of lodging, and the tents lack both power and a private bathroom. Because there are designated camping spots in the national parks, using a tent allows you to have the most immersive wildlife experience. The tents can accommodate up to two people sleeping together. You will have a chef with you if you choose to camp in tents, and the chef will prepare meals wherever the tents are pitched. 
• TENTED CAMPS – These are typically rectangular-shaped tents or buildings with canvas walls and a sturdy roof. Unlike the tents in the camping option previously mentioned, these tents are not set up every day. Each tent is typically furnished with a comfortable bed(s), furniture, incredible indigenous art work and private bathroom. Wi-Fi connections are provided at the common area. Depending on the camp you select, social spaces like a dining and lounge area, a bar, a library, and even a swimming pool will be available. Again, incredible indigenous art in the common areas is displayed, which enhances your Tanzania safari experience. Some tented camps are permanent, while others are temporary to follow the Great Migration. Yes, every 3-4 months, everything in a temporary tented camp will be moved to the next selected location! 
• SAFARI LODGES – These are often big, sturdy buildings composed of materials like stone, brick, wood, and thatch. A lodge is made up of several smaller structures that house the guest rooms, in addition to one major building that is strategically placed. Depending on the lodge you select, the main building may include a dining and lounge space, a bar, a library, and even a swimming pool.  The primary distinction between lodges and tented camps is that lodges have durable, stable buildings, whereas tented camps lack such durable, stable structures. Regardless of the types of accommodation you choose, you will be staying in an exclusive area surrounded by stunning vistas and wildlife!

Four people can sleep in an accommodation. But remember, there is only one very small bathroom! You can have one king size bed or 2 double beds. 

For families: depending on the ages of the children, the camp/lodge may require one adult to sleep in the same accommodation with the under age child (or children). This is a safety measure against young children wandering out of their tent – reacting badly to animal roaring or approaching the accommodation. Babysitters are often available to allow the parents to enjoy an evening meal together without the kids.

• Diverse landscapes
• Amazing wildlife
• Long drives and early starts
• Minimal internet coverage
• Changing weather
• Unique culture
• Exciting activities
• Unique accommodations

Mainland Tanzania and the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar are stunning destinations. Visiting both provides a wonderful experience of the best that Tanzania has to offer. Following the safari of a lifetime with an exotic beach escape makes it the perfect combination. 

The white sandy beaches of Zanzibar, and azure waters flanked with barrier reefs, offer tropical island living at its best. Zanzibar has about 25 beautiful beaches. The best beaches are on the north and east coast of the island, such as Nungwi Beach and Kendwa Beach. They are both perfect places to relax and enjoy laidback beach life. 

Why not wash off the dust of your safari with a dip in the Indian Ocean?

But wait, there is more than just relaxing in Zanzibar; there is an array of water-sport activities such as snorkeling, diving, fishing, sailing (spot dolphins or humpback whales), kite and windsurfing in the crystal blue waters. Swimming among the wonderful reef fish and marine creatures is a favorite, as you can see turtles, rays, barracudas, octopus, zebrafish, Moorish idols, and lionfish, just to name a few. 

Finally, there are fascinating cultural and historical activities: visit a spice farm, Stone Town, Prison Island Palace Museum, or Christ Church Cathedral. Discover Jozani National Park, Cheetah’s Rock or go island hopping.

At Seventh Heaven Safari, we take pride in considering your holiday to the fullest extent.  Though your guide will likely not accompany you to Zanzibar, we will coordinate all transportation from the mainland of Tanzania to your resort on Zanzibar Island (or vice-versa if you start in Zanzibar).

The climb is more of an advanced hike, so no specialist mountain climbing skills or certifications are necessary. You must have done extensive hill-walking or aerobic exercise in the run-up to your Kilimanjaro climb. If you do not currently have a good level of fitness, it may take many months of training to reach a suitable fitness level to enjoy the walk. 

To prepare for the trek, it is recommended to engage in at least 2 to 3 months of training prior to arriving in Tanzania. If you are already in shape and comfortable with hiking, then that is even better. While the more fit you are, the more enjoyable your climb will be, there is no need to hit the gym for hours at a time to prepare for Kilimanjaro. The main point of fitness when it comes to Kilimanjaro is endurance because you will be walking for long hours every day. If you imagine what it’s like walking up and down hills for 6 or 7 hours a day, this is what it’s like to climb Kilimanjaro. This is one of the reasons why we encourage all climbers to walk outside and hike as part of their training as well as going to the gym for other exercises. 

Altitude acclimatization is essential to reach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.  A guided trek with Seventh Heaven Safari incorporates several acclimatization opportunities along the way to maximize your chances of successfully summiting.  Our guides have climbed all routes of Kilimanjaro many times – you will be in good hands!

The Tanzanian government has implemented a prohibition on single-use plastic bags, such as shopping bags. However, you are permitted to utilize Ziploc bags for storing loose items and keeping belongings dry.

Operating drones in Tanzania without a license and special permit is prohibited by law. To obtain a drone permit, operators must possess a pilot’s license for aircraft, and the request must be submitted to the defense department for approval. Given the considerable cost and time required to obtain a drone permit, we advise against bringing one along and recommend leaving it at home. If caught operating a drone without proper authorization, both you and your guide could face imprisonment.

When you book with Seventh Heaven Safari, your comfort, health, and safety are our top priorities. Please include any dietary restrictions when you contact us to build your itinerary, and we will incorporate them without a problem. We will ensure the lodges understand your dietary needs; they are able to accommodate just about anything with enough advanced notice.

In general, your cell phone will work well when on Wi-Fi at your camps/lodges, but cellular data may not work without a SIM card purchased in Tanzania inserted into an “unlocked” phone. There are alternative options, so please check with your home country’s cell carrier before traveling with us.

Your guide will be with you every step of the way, including during your travels to Tanzania. You will be provided proper contact information upon booking with us.

Your guide will meet you at the airport as soon as you land in Tanzania. If your journey starts in Zanzibar, we will coordinate your transfer from the airport to the resort, and a representative will meet you there.

Travel insurance is highly recommended for your trip to Tanzania. Your plan should cover trip cancellations, medical and repatriation costs, and high-altitude trekking if you plan to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. We recommend the following travel insurance providers:

Travel Guard (US residents only)

World Nomads (residents of US and most of Europe)

Weather conditions on Mount Kilimanjaro can vary depending on the time of year and the altitude. Kilimanjaro’s location near the equator means that temperatures are generally mild at the base but can become extremely cold at higher elevations. Here’s a general overview:

Base: At the base of Kilimanjaro, temperatures are usually warm, ranging from around 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F) during the day.

Midway: As you ascend, temperatures drop. At the halfway point, around the forest zone, temperatures can range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

Alpine Zone: At higher elevations, the temperatures become much colder. In the alpine desert and moorland zones, temperatures can range from -10°C to 10°C (14°F to 50°F) during the day, dropping below freezing at night.

Summit: At the summit, temperatures can plummet to well below freezing, sometimes reaching as low as -20°C (-4°F) or even colder, especially at night. Additionally, wind chill can make it feel even colder.

In terms of precipitation, Kilimanjaro experiences distinct wet and dry seasons. The dry seasons (January to March and June to October) are generally better for climbing, as there’s less chance of rain. The wet seasons (April to May and November to December) bring more precipitation, including rain at lower elevations and snow at higher elevations.

It’s crucial for climbers to be prepared for a wide range of weather conditions and to have appropriate clothing and gear, including layers for warmth, waterproof and windproof outerwear, and sturdy hiking boots.

Tanzania, located near the equator, doesn’t adhere to the traditional four-season pattern seen in many other regions. Instead, it experiences two main seasons: wet and dry. While temperatures may fluctuate, they generally don’t exhibit the dramatic shifts observed elsewhere. The optimal periods for scaling Kilimanjaro are typically January, February, June, July, August, September, October, and December, which coincide with the peak tourist season.

It’s advisable to avoid Kilimanjaro during Tanzania’s two rainy seasons. The long rainy season spans from late March to early June, while the short rainy season occurs from November to early December. Even during purported “dry” spells, climbers may encounter heavy downpours due to the mountain’s unpredictable weather. Always be prepared for cold and wet conditions.