Is it safe to self drive in Tanzania?

This is one of the main question we are asked most often by prospective travelers seeking to explore Tanzania and Africa as well.

Africa’s biggest enemy is the international media who represent all 54 Africa countries as a single entity and not as unique and individual countries with their own characteristics. This misrepresentation is actually due to lack of education on the part of the media.

It would come as a surprise to many people to find out that there are in fact areas that are worse off in more developed countries than in the “dangerous” African countries. No country can claim to be 100% safe, and so as with travel to any new or unknown destination, it is advisable to take certain standard security precautions.

Visitors to Tanzania should take the same precautions as they would normally take in any other destination worldwide. Keep an eye on your purses, wallets, passports, money and cameras when walking in a crowd. Avoid walking in the cities at night and place valuables in your hotel safe. Choosing a knowledgeable operator such as Self Drives Tanzania as your specialist is the best move you could make.

While at safari lodges and tented camps you are typically far removed from human settlement and crime in the camps is virtually non existent (we have never heard of it and have been traveling to the camps for years). We advise that valuables be locked away or kept under the supervision of the camp or lodge manager, or better yet, left at home if you are at all concerned.

Most of your travel time in Tanzania is likely to be spent away from the large cities where crime is most prevalent. You will be visiting areas and regions that are remote and where crime is almost non existent. Even if your holiday involves spending time in the cities, having a company like ours able to choose the appropriate lodging, locations and simple security advice, you will find the cities we recommend are as safe as travel almost anywhere.

Finally, we simply do not recommend destinations that are not completely safe. This is why you will find that we do not recommend every country in Africa. We have lived in Africa, we know its cultures, and we know what is safe and what is not. In the same way we only recommend the finest safari camps, we also only recommend certain cities while away from “the bush”.

What are the medical health precautions and issues?

As vaccination requirements change on occasion, we recommend that you check with your local doctor or health department for the latest health precautions. The most important health consideration in Tanzania is Malaria and it is strongly recommended that prophylactics (i.e., oral tablets) be taken as a preventative precaution. You are not legally required to have any vaccinations unless you are traveling from a region where yellow fever is prevalent, in which case an inoculation will be required against the disease.

Certainly you need not rush off and get every possible innoculation and take every pill under the sun just to travel to Africa. Do not go overboard with the information put out by the disease control centers. We return time and again to Africa and to the bush and have only ever taken Malaria prevention tablets. A course of anti-Malaria tablets is advisable and many doctors advise a dose of Hepatitis A vaccine. We recommend that you visit with a local travel health specialist for complete details and safety.

Many parts of Africa do have problems with their water and foods; however, the food and water in Tanzania is much safer than the rest of Africa, especially in the safari camps and hotels you will be travelling to. Please do not over-react to the detriment of you own enjoyment. We have never experienced any problems with the food or water in any of the camps or hotels we have travelled to over the years.

As long as we’re discussing water, one thing you must be careful of, especially during the hotter summer months and in the desert areas, is dehydration. Plenty of fresh bottled water is always available at all of the camps throughout the day and should be consumed regularly and in quantity. We have seen many guests, even experienced African travelers, who forget to drink enough water and become dehydrated. A case of dehydration will usually put you out of action for up to a day and is no fun. All the camps stock rehydrating tablets which help to set you right again, but we wanted to mention it as this is the most common ailment we have observed among guests on safaris. Drink lots of water!

More on Malaria: The most serious risk while travelling to East Africa on safari is malaria. We will not “talk down” this risk as we both know people, albeit all individuals who live and spend time in the Africa bush, who have contracted malaria. This is NOT something to take lightly and it can be a lethal and at the very least, a long and uncomfortable disease.

Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the parasite called Plasmodia. There are four identified species of this parasite causing human malaria, namely, Plasmodium vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale and P. malariae. It is transmitted by the female Anopheles Mosquito. It is a disease that can be treated in just 48 hours, yet it can cause fatal complications if the diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

It is re-emerging as the # 1 Infectious Killer and it is the Number 1 Priority Tropical Disease of the World Health Organization. The CDC estimates that 300-500 million cases of malaria occur each year worldwide and 1.5 million to 3 million people die of malaria every year (85% of these occur in Africa), accounting for about 4-5% of all fatalities in the world.

Humans get malaria from the bite of a female malaria-infected Anopheles mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected person, it ingests microscopic malaria parasites found in the person’s blood. The malaria parasite must grow in the mosquito for a week or more before infection can be passed to another person. If, after a week, the mosquito then bites another person, the parasites go from the mosquito’s mouth into the person’s blood. The parasites then travel to the person’s liver, enter the liver’s cells, grow and multiply.

During this time when the parasites are in the liver, the person has not yet felt sick. The parasites leave the liver and enter red blood cells; this may take as little as 8 days or as many as several months. Once inside the red blood cells, the parasites grow and multiply. The red blood cells burst, freeing the parasites to attack other red blood cells. Toxins from the parasite are also released into the blood, making the person feel sick. If a mosquito bites this person while the parasites are in his or her blood, it will ingest the tiny parasites. After a week or more, the mosquito can infect another person. The safari camps in East Africa are not located in densely populated areas and this greatly reduces the risk of being infected by malaria.

Anopheles mosquitoes start biting by late evening and the peak of biting activity is at midnight and early hours of morning. Protect yourself against the bites in the evenings and early mornings by applying mosquito repellant, wearing garments that cover the body as much as possible, and at bedtime, by using mosquito nets without fail.

All of the camps provide mosquito repellant in the tents and in the lounges and on game drives. Most also provide mosquito “coils”, an incense-like slow-burning substance that produces a smoky repellent that can be lit inside the tent before heading for dinner so that the tent is cleared by bed time. Finally, the majority of the camps also provide a mosquito netting over the beds to keep the “mossies” out while you sleep. Wearing lightweight long pants instead of shorts and covering the ankles especially is also very helpful during dinner and in the evening hours. Use the bug spray after sundown on game drives as well.

Remember that the best precaution against malaria is to reduce the likelihood of being bitten. The next best precaution is to begin and complete a full regimen of anti-malarial medication for your safari. The medication usually begins before you leave and is completed after returning home. Check on the internet or with your physician for further information.

Is it safe to self drive in Tanzania

What are the entry requirements?

All people traveling to East Africa require a valid passport and visas to be allowed into these countries that include Tanzania. It is advisable to check with the consulate of the country that you intend to visit as requirements can change without notice.

Is Tanzania an expensive or difficult destination to travel to?

It is surprisingly easy and less expensive than you might think. If you were to compare the cost of a trip to Hawaii, staying in decent hotels, compared to the same time on a continent that offers a unique and once in a lifetime experience, it appears that for a totally new experience, the minimal increase in cost is worth every penny.

The even bigger drawing card of the region, particularly Tanzania, is that the US Dollar is so strong and the value of the local currencies is so low that it is extremely inexpensive once you are there. You find that you can eat like a king at a very nice restaurant for the price of a Burger King combo back home.

Most other worldwide regions are relatively cheap to get to but costly once there, so in theory there is a balancing effect when you consider it might be slightly more expensive to fly to Africa, but once there, it is extremely cost effective. An even bigger bonus of the safari industry is that it is all inclusive in most parts (i.e., meals, drinks, game drives and guides) are included, so there is no additional need to pay for anything once you have arrived, except for perhaps the odd curio.

How much money should I bring on my Tanzania safari?

Most of the hotels and safari camps we recommend take Master Card and Visa credit cards for purchases of curios and even accept them for guests to pay gratuities to the camp staff and guides. A note on gratuities at the safari camps: Gratuities are not expected, but a reasonable tip would be US $5 per guest, per day for your driver/guide and perhaps $3-5 per day for the overall camp staff. Believe me that this amount will seem like nothing after you experience the fine service in these accommodation options we offer! Again, these can be paid for with credit card so cash is unnecessary.

If you are visiting Arusha, Zanzibar or even Dodoma, visiting one of the local markets that offer beautiful African wood carvings, batiks and other very inexpensive but nice arts and crafts. For the flea markets, you will typically want some cash. These artisans make excellent momentos of your trip or as gifts for your friends and family. The shops and restaurants in Arusha, Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar as well as the hotels in Dodoma all take credit cards.

Are wildlife animals dangerous?

Most of the parts visited in Tanzania are in areas where you are within the natural habitat of the wildlife and so there are no fences surrounding the camps. In national parks like Serengeti National Park, animals roam freely and you still need to be cautious.

The best advice to be given here is to listen to your guide’s instruction while in camp, ensure that your tent flaps are not left open and doors are closed etc. At almost all the camps the guides walk you to and from your tents and they are trained to handle any situation, should it arise. Keep in mind that animals do wander through the camps during the day and at night, so at all times just be aware of your surroundings and you will be fine. Having wild animals in such close proximity is one of the main reasons people visit the area – enjoying them in their natural habitat is what makes the experience all the more special.

The game drives are conducted in Pop up roof vehicles like Land Cruiser GX, Land Cruiser V8, Safari Jeep and more which really gives you the opportunity to  get up close and to see that animals from an unimpaired viewpoint. Many people argue that animals only see the vehicle as it would a tree (albeit, a tree that moves”) and not the people in it. This point is debatable but, personally, with hundreds upon hundreds of hours spent on game drives, we feel that most of the animals, and certainly the primates like Baboons and Monkeys and most likely the larger cats like Lions, are keenly aware of human presence.

But they do not, for the most part except if you are in an area that has seen poaching from a vehicle, view a Land Rover with people in it as a threat. The animals actually become habituated to the vehicles and eventually ignore them for the most part – this allows guests to view animals exhibiting their natural behavior. It is truly a pleasure, I can assure you.

Occasionally an Elephant, especially the females in the breeding herds, become annoyed and their protective, motherly instincts take hold and they chase a vehicle off, but this is rare. Also, the guides in various national parks are very good with reading an Elephant’s moods and will avoid situations which could be potentially dangerous. Mostly, you are in no danger whatsoever if you listen to the guides and keep aware of your surroundings – always remember that you are in a wild place, with wild animals. After all, this is Africa’s allure!

What type of food is served on Tanzania safari?

Enjoy some of the local dishes that are served in hotels, lodges, camps and restaurants. Most foreign visitors are very impressed with the quality and quantity of food provided while on Tanzania safari. Some of the more up-scale camps provide food, presentation and service which rivals that of a 5 star hotel in any top city. The tables are elegantly set under the stars, under thatch or even in a boma – and you will never go hungry.

The standard 3 meals a day is done away with in the bush as the meals are geared around the game viewing times and activities. Typically one starts off with a light continental breakfast upon waking before heading out on the early morning activity. Guests usually return at about 10/11 am for a large brunch, which incorporates meals from both the breakfast and lunch menus. A light tea and snack is offered before the afternoon activity and upon returning to camp in the early evening, a hearty three-course dinner is enjoyed followed by after dinner drinks around the campfire.

The camps are able to cater for all food types as long as they are made aware at the time of booking so as to ensure sufficient time to fly in the necessary supplies.

Is there electricity in Tanzania safari camp sites?

Most camps have generators on site with 220v electricity or they make use of solar panels. The generators are not normally heard by guests as they are run for a couple of hours at a time in the morning and afternoon while guests are enjoying their activities.

The electricity is used to power ice machines, fridges and freezers that keep the food and drinks cool and fresh. The generator charges batteries that provide the power for the bedroom lights and overhead fans in the rooms. There is plenty of power available to charge batteries for cameras and video cameras, but not for hairdryers and the likes.

For most mobile tented camps there is no electricity; lighting is by paraffin lamp and campfires in the true traditional style of Africa. For any lodges in Tanzania there is ample electrical power.

Is communication with the “outside world” possible while on a safari?

For most people wishing to visit the remote parts of East Africa, getting away from civilization so to speak, is the major attraction and reason for going. As with electrical power, communication by phone, fax, etc. is out of the question given the remote locations of the camps. All camps do however have radio communications with their town/city offices in case of any emergencies. Most lodges in Tanzania offer full telephone and internet services for those who do not wish to detach from the world completely.

What is the weather like in Tanzania?

In general the climate in East Africa is as near perfect as you can get with dry season temperatures during the long dry season period that takes place during the months of June to September. During this time, afternoon temperatures are usually between 20°C/68°F and 30°C/86°F but vary greatly according to altitude and location.

During the wet season of the year that takes place between March to May, the country receives a lot of rainfall and it may get cold during this time.

Suggested items to pack on your safari

  1. Good quality sunglasses – preferably polarized. Tinted fashion glasses are not good in strong light.
    2. Sun hat.
    3. Golf-shirts, T-shirts and long-sleeved cotton shirts.
    4. Shorts/skirts.
    5. Long trousers/slacks.
    6. Sweat pants/sweat shirt.
    7. More formal attire for your stay at prestigious city hotels or on one of the luxury trains.
    8. Underwear and socks.
    9. Good walking shoes (running/tennis shoes are fine).
    10. Sandals.
    11. Swimming costume.
    12. Warm sweater.
    13. Warm Anorak or Parka and scarf / gloves for the cold months
    15. Camera equipment and plenty of film (or digital storage
  2. If you wear contact lenses, we recommend that you bring along a pair of glasses in case you get irritation from the dust or pollen.
    17. BINOCULARS – ESSENTIAL (and Newman’s bird book if you are keen).
    18. Personal toiletries (basic amenities supplied by most establishments).
    19. Malaria tablets (if you choose).
    20. Moisturizing cream & suntan lotion.
    21. Insect repellent e.g. Tabard, Rid, Jungle Juice, etc.
    22. Basic medical kit (aspirins, plasters, Imodium, antiseptic cream and Anti-histamine cream etc).
    23. Tissues/”Wet Ones”.
    24. Visas, tickets, passports, money, etc.
    25. Waterproof/dustproof Ziploc bags/cover for your cameras.

Please note that bright colors and white are NOT advised while on safari.

Can i bring my children on a Tanzania safari?

Thinking of bringing your children on a safari in Tanzania? This is definitely okay. Families with children between the ages of 8 and 12 will have to book extra rooms to accommodate the children like a family cottage. Depending on the size of the family, this may necessitate additional costs at certain hotels in national parks and in cities

To elaborate further on age issues, children below the age of 5 years are usually given out accommodation and other amenities free of charge as long as they are traveling with their parents.

What is the best time to go on a Tanzania safari?

This is another question that is usually asked by travelers planning to self drive in Tanzania. The good news is that you can explore Tanzania throughout the year but for the best memorable experience, its better you explore the country during the dry season of the year.

Like we mentioned earlier, this season takes place during the months of June to September and December to February. This is the best time you can go on a game drive to spot the wildlife animals as they roam freely in the savannah grassland. Its also during this time that the country is receiving less amount of rainfall that makes trails within national parks less slippery.

The other reason for this is that the water points are fewer and farther between than during the rainy months when the water holes and little remaining green vegetation is widely spread out. The result is that all animals have to come to these watering holes to drink daily and so the wildlife is generally easier to find. Makes sense! The other side of the coin is that the landscape during this dry season is a less colorful and there is a great deal more dust. Photographically, the greens of the summer months are mostly absent and your photos will bear a more brownish color.

Still, with less vegetation and cover for the animals, it is generally easier to spot them. You could drive past a thick, heavily vegetated area in the rainy season and drive right past a sleeping pride of seven Lions and not see them; however, driving the same route in the dry months, without the thick green cover, practically everyone on the vehicle would likely spot the big cats.

However some travelers prefer to visit during the wet season of the year. This is because they prefer the greener, wet months for several reasons. As mentioned, the green colors make the scenery breathtaking. Additionally, the wet season is also the rainy season, one finds dramatically beautiful skies to compliment the lush greens of the landscapes.

Another aspect of the wet months is that most of the antelope species like Impala, and Wildebeest give birth to their young during this time to take advantage of the plentiful, sweet and nutritious green grass which covers the ground during this time. Believe us, the baby animals are everywhere and, in our opinion, the scene of young animals against the verdant green backgrounds with big, beautiful fluffy-white clouds in the sky is unbeatable. Most of the predators also switch to hunting the young animals at this time to try for easier meals and, while this sounds unfortunate for the youngsters, it is part of nature’s way and many more survive than are taken. For those who want to see the predator-prey interactions, the wet season provides some of your best opportunities to see hunting behavior and predator interactions.

Finally, because most visitors tend to focus on the dry season for their safari, th in Africa is considered the “high season” and the operator rates reflect this higher demand with higher prices. Occupancies are higher, safaris must be booked a bit further in advance and your costs are greater. Still, many visitors swear by the winter months as the time to go – it is really a personal preference.

What animals will i see on a Tanzania safari?

The variety of animals found in the various Tanzania game parks is incredible. There high chances of seeing the “The Big Five” – buffaloes, elephants, lions, leopards and rhinos. The big five animals in Africa  is a term originally used by the “Great White Hunters” to refer to the five most dangerous prey animals to hunt. You will be able to see these species on your Tanzania safaris trip in Serengeti, Tarangire National Park, Arusha National Park, the Ngorongoro crater and much more.

Apart from these, you will also spot several species of birds, antelopes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas and many more others.  Finally, we have an extensive list of recommended reading on the various safari areas and wildlife under the “Planning” link at left. These books are perhaps the best way to learn about Africa’s wildlife, and doing a bit of advance study will certainly be worthwhile before you leave on your safari. Alternatively, give us a call and ask and we will gladly answer even the most detailed or specific question on Southern Africa’s wildlife. Talk to us today if you are looking for a tailored safari package that falls within your budget to see these species.

Scroll to Top