Most of the work of a safari happens before you leave home. Booking at the right time secures the camps you want, and sorting health and paperwork early keeps the final weeks calm. This timeline is the one we share with guests after they confirm.
Six to ten months before: choose dates and book
Start with the month, because it decides where the wildlife is. Our guide to the best time for a safari in Tanzania explains each season. Then decide:
- How many nights. Five to seven nights covers the northern circuit. Ten or more lets you add the coast or a second region.
- Private or shared. Private safaris give you your own vehicle and guide.
- Accommodation style. Lodges, tented camps or mobile camps that follow the migration.
- Budget. Our guide to Tanzania safari costs breaks down what you pay for.
For July to October and the Christmas holidays, the best camps are often full six to ten months ahead.
Four to six months before: flights and insurance
For the northern parks, fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). For the south or the coast, Dar es Salaam (DAR) or Zanzibar (ZNZ) may suit better. Many travellers fly in via hubs in the Middle East, Europe or East Africa.
Buy travel insurance when you book, so that cancellation cover starts straight away. Make sure it covers medical evacuation from remote areas.
Three months before: health
Book an appointment at a travel clinic at least six to eight weeks before you leave. Some vaccinations need time to take effect. Ask about:
- Routine vaccinations being up to date.
- Hepatitis A, typhoid and others recommended for Tanzania.
- Yellow fever, if your route includes a country with yellow fever risk. A certificate may be checked on arrival.
- Malaria prevention for the safari areas and the coast.
Follow the advice of your doctor and your government’s travel health service. Rules and recommendations change.
Two months before: visa and documents
- Check your passport is valid for at least six months after your arrival date and has blank pages.
- Apply for the Tanzania e-visa through the official Tanzania Immigration website. Avoid third-party sites that charge extra fees.
- Print the visa approval and keep a digital copy.
- Send us your passport details and dietary requirements so we can confirm park permits and lodges.
Your preparation timeline
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| 6–10 months | Choose dates, route and camps. Pay deposit. |
| 4–6 months | Book international flights. Buy travel insurance. |
| 3 months | Travel clinic appointment. Start vaccinations. |
| 2 months | Apply for e-visa. Check passport. Share details with us. |
| 1 month | Pay balance. Buy gear. Collect malaria tablets. |
| 1 week | Pack, print documents, get US dollars, tell your bank. |
One month before: gear
Work through our Tanzania safari packing list. The most common last-minute purchases are a soft duffel bag, binoculars, a warm fleece and a wide-brimmed hat. If you are buying a new camera or lens, get it now so you have time to practise.
One week before: final steps
- Get US dollars in small, recent and undamaged notes for tips.
- Tell your bank you will use your card in Tanzania.
- Print your itinerary, visa, insurance and flight details.
- Download offline maps and our emergency contacts.
- Start malaria tablets if your prescription says so.
- Weigh your bag if you have a light-aircraft flight. The usual limit is around 15 kg.
Preparing yourself
A vehicle safari does not need special fitness, but long days are tiring. Expect early starts, several hours of driving and dust. Guests who arrive a day early in Arusha, rest after the flight and start fresh enjoy the first drive more.
It also helps to know what a normal day involves. Read what to expect on safari in Tanzania so the first morning is not a surprise. Travelling with children? See our guide to a Tanzania safari with kids and our Family Northern Safari.
When you arrive
Our team meets you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and takes you to your hotel. Your guide will brief you before the first drive, check your bags and answer questions. From there, the planning is done and the safari begins. The Northern Loop shows how a first trip fits together.
Frequently asked questions
For July to October and the Christmas period, book six to ten months ahead. For other months, three to four months is usually enough, although popular camps fill early.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about an hour from Arusha. Arusha Airport handles domestic flights only.
No special fitness is needed for a vehicle safari. You should be comfortable with long drives on bumpy roads and climbing in and out of a 4×4. Walking safaris and Kilimanjaro need more preparation.
