Tanzania Safari Tours
Serengeti Migration, Ngorongoro & Zanzibar

With a German passport, you need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, plus an eVisa. You can apply for the visa online in advance via the official Tanzanian immigration website – it costs around 50 dollars and takes a few minutes. Theoretically, you can also do it on arrival at the airport, but then you will have to expect longer waiting times.
It is best to apply for the eVisa two weeks in advance, print it out and pack it with your passport. Then it will be quicker at the airport.
Click here for the online visa application

Your travel kit should definitely include US dollars, which are accepted as a means of payment in almost all areas. The Tanzanian Shilling (TsH) can be exchanged locally (for USD or Euro). ATM withdrawals are possible with EC cards with the Maestro symbol and with major credit cards. If you are unsure whether your EC card will also work in other African countries, it is best to contact your financial institution beforehand. Credit cards are only accepted in larger hotels and restaurants in the cities, not on safari.

Swahili is the main language and is spoken by almost everyone, regardless of ethnic group. With over 120 different ethnic groups, Tanzania is incredibly diverse and Swahili unites them all. English is widely understood as a second official language, especially in hotels, with safari guides and in tourist areas.
A few Swahili basics open doors: Jambo (hello), Asante (thank you), Hakuna Matata (no problem – yes, it’s real), Pole pole (slowly, slowly – that’s how Tanzania ticks).
Culturally, you should know: Outside of beach resorts and safari lodges, shoulders and knees are better covered, especially on Zanzibar (Muslim dominated) and in villages. Respectful clothing goes down well. The Ujamaa principle – community above all else – is deeply rooted. People are incredibly hospitable and helpful. When taking photos of people, always ask beforehand, especially in rural areas and with the Maasai.

During summer time, Tanzania is one hour ahead of us, in winter it is two hours. Jet lag is therefore hardly noticeable – a big advantage. You can get going straight after arrival.

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry from Germany to mainland Tanzania. Please note the different regulations for Zanzibar: If you are traveling from a yellow fever area, you must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination to enter Zanzibar – exception: the stay in a yellow fever-endemic area was less than 12 hours (or transit).
The standard vaccinations according to the recommendations of the Robert Koch Institute are recommended, as well as exposure prophylaxis to protect you against malaria and dengue fever.
Make an appointment with a tropical medicine specialist or a family doctor who is experienced in travel medicine around 6 to 8 weeks before departure. This will give you enough time for multiple vaccinations if necessary.
For up-to-date information, please read the information provided by the Federal Foreign Office

A packing list for Tanzania could look like this:
Neutral colored clothing: For safaris, colors such as khaki, brown or green are best as they blend in well with the natural environment.
Long-sleeved shirts and long pants: these help to protect you from sunburn and insect bites.
Lightweight, breathable clothing: As Tanzania has a tropical climate, clothing made of cotton or linen is ideal.
Swimwear: For visiting the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar or the pool at your lodge.
Sturdy hiking boots: these are essential if you are planning to go hiking
A warm jacket or sweater for cooler nights
Rain jacket or poncho: Especially important if you are traveling during the rainy season.
Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor for the skin as well as a sun hat and sunglasses.
Insect repellent: To protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
Binoculars: A must for safaris to observe wildlife from a safe distance. 8×42 or 10×42 are ideal
Camera with telephoto lens, at least 200mm, better 300 to 400mm for decent animal photos.
Headlamp or flashlight: Useful for early morning or late evening safaris, or when staying at campsites.
Reusable water bottle: It is important to stay hydrated during your trip. Many lodges and camps offer filtered water for refilling.
A lightweight backpack: For day trips or hikes.

Tanzanian cuisine mixes African, Arabic and Indian influences – definitely more than just “safari food”.
Ugali is the staple food: solid corn porridge served with meat, fish or vegetables. It sounds simple, but it is really good and authentic.
Mishkaki can be found on almost every street corner: marinated, grilled meat skewers with cumin, coriander and chili. A real treat.
Pilau is spicy spiced rice with meat from the Swahili coast with its Arabic influence. Aromatic and hearty.
Samosa – the Indian dumplings are everywhere, filled with minced meat or vegetables, deep-fried and crispy.
Chai Maziwa is Tanzanian tea with lots of milk and sugar, often spiced with ginger or cardamom. The perfect morning pick-me-up.
Kilimanjaro or Safari Lager are the local beers – refreshing after a dusty day on safari.
Notes: Alcohol may not be consumed on the street in Tanzania. Street food is usually safe if it is freshly prepared – it is best to go where the locals eat.

No, better not. The locals are used to it, but for us Europeans the risk of gastrointestinal complaints is too high.
Drink bottled water – you can get it everywhere for little money. In safari lodges and hotels, you can get filtered drinking water to refill your bottle, which you can use without any problems. Do not use tap water for brushing your teeth either. Be careful with ice cubes in drinks (usually okay in tourist restaurants).
Take a sturdy, reusable water bottle with you and fill it up at the lodges – saves plastic and money. There are usually refill stations in lodges and camps.

Tipping is important in tourism, but it should always be voluntary and recognize good service.
For safari guides and drivers, 10 to 20 dollars per day and person is customary if you were satisfied with the service. For private trips, tip the guide directly at the end, for group trips a joint envelope is often collected.
At the hotel or lodge: 2 to 5 dollars for porters, 5 to 10 dollars for room staff at the end of the stay, 5 to 10 percent in restaurants (if not already included in the price).
As a tour operator, we pay our local partners fair wages. Tipping is always voluntary and only intended for exceptional service – you are under no pressure.
Have small US dollar bills ready (1, 5, 10 dollars), then it’s easier.

Yes, pack a type G adapter (British standard with 3 rectangular pins). German plugs do not fit directly – in hotels, lodges and airports you will usually find type G, more rarely type D. Universal travel adapters are practical and versatile. Mains voltage 230V/50Hz is compatible with German appliances.

Wi-Fi is usually available, but enjoy a digital detox in the bush lodge! In cities and hotels – Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Moshi and Zanzibar – there is usually good WiFi, enough for WhatsApp, emails and social media.
Things get exciting in safari lodges. In the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire, many camps have weak Wi-Fi or none at all – and to be honest, that’s wonderful. You are here to experience nature. Some premium lodges now offer Starlink internet if you really need to be reachable.
Download offline maps before the safari (Google Maps works offline). Take a power bank with you, electricity is sometimes rationed in remote camps, often only in the evenings. Enjoy the digital time-out.

Don’t worry – Tanzania safaris are very safe! The national parks are excellently guarded and your guides are experienced professionals with excellent routes. The Foreign Office only gives the usual advice: Be careful in big cities, don’t travel alone at night, keep valuables safe. It’s all common sense.
We have over 15 years of experience and have accompanied thousands of guests to Tanzania – from families with children to solo travelers. Tanzania feels safer than many big European cities. The people are friendly, helpful and proud of their country.
To wildlife: As long as you follow your guide’s instructions, encounters are completely safe. Respect the animals, but don’t be afraid.

July to October for the dramatic Mara River crossings – the same every year! The 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles follow the eternal rain-grass cycle:
January-March (South Serengeti): Calving season – 8,000 wildebeest babies are born every day, predators try to take advantage of the newborns’ weakness.

April-May (West/Central): Herds migrate to the north and west. Advantage: low season means cheaper, fewer tourists. Some camps are closed, but wildlife remains spectacular.

June-July (Grumeti): First crocodile crossings – Grumeti River Crossings in the Western Corridor. Less dramatic than on the Mara, but impressive. Huge crocodiles are waiting, first victims fall.

July-October (North/Mara): Highlight! Mara River Crossings. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeest plunge into the raging Mara River. Crocodiles snap, panic breaks out, dramatic scenes. You find the herds in the North Serengeti, Kogatende region, on the border with the Masai Mara. Important: The crossings cannot be planned, the herds decide spontaneously.

November-Dec (South): The herds return to the south. Fresh grass after the first rains. Less spectacular, but still impressive.
Tip: July-October for action, February for calves, April/May cheaper with fewer tourists.

Yes, and some of them are serious. Tanzania is culturally rather conservative, especially outside tourist areas.
Plastic bags have been banned nationwide since 2019, including as bin liners. They will be confiscated at the airport when you enter the country. Use reusable cloth bags.

In towns, villages and on Zanzibar, shoulders and knees should be covered, especially for women. Zanzibar is a Muslim country and respectful dress is highly appreciated. Outside the resort, hotel or beach, avoid tank tops, crop tops, hot pants or miniskirts.
In safari lodges and national parks, neutral colors are important – khaki, olive, beige, brown. Bright colors scare off animals. Never wear camouflage clothing, as this is prohibited by military law throughout Tanzania and penalties are possible. Long, light clothing protects you from the sun and insects.
Swimwear is completely okay on beaches and in resorts. Nevertheless, put something on on the way to the beach, a pareo or T-shirt.
Consequences for violations are usually mild for tourists, often just a friendly warning. But you want to be respectful and appreciate the local culture.

Tanzania has more than just Zanzibar. The mainland coast offers authentic, less frequented beaches.
Kilwa Kisiwani in the southeast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with historic ruins dating back to the 13th century. Turquoise water, white sandy beaches, absolutely pristine. Perfect for beach lovers interested in history.
Jimbizi Beach near Kilwa Masoko is a hidden paradise without mass tourism. Few small lodges, lots of peace and quiet. Ideal after a safari in Selous or Nyerere National Park.
Bagamoyo, north of Dar es Salaam, is a historic coastal town and former trading stronghold. Relaxed beaches with local flair, easy to combine with a safari start in Arusha.
Mafia Island is part of the Zanzibar archipelago, but is an island in its own right. Famous for whale shark snorkeling from October to March. Authentic, untouched diver’s paradise, much quieter than Zanzibar.

The big advantage of the mainland beaches: you don’t need an extra flight like to Zanzibar. Perfect for anyone who wants to combine safari and beach in an uncomplicated way.

Yes, Tanzania is one of the best Big Five destinations in the world. The chances of seeing all five are very good if you visit the right parks.
The Ngorongoro Crater is the champion: here you are very likely to see all the Big Five in one day. The crater has the highest rhino density in East Africa and is a natural amphitheater full of animals.
The Serengeti is home to huge lion populations, especially in the Seronera area, and the shy leopards in acacia trees. Rhinos are rarer, but possible. You are sure to see elephants and buffalo.
Tarangire is an elephant paradise: From June to October, huge herds of up to 300 animals roam the park. There are also lions, leopards and large herds of buffalo.

On a 5 to 7-day safari with Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Tarangire, our guests see at least four of the Big Five in over 90 percent of cases. The fifth animal – usually the rhino or the shy leopard – is sometimes a matter of luck. Early morning game drives from 6 a.m. increase the chances considerably, as this is when the animals are most active.

Tanzania is for every budget. This is a common misconception – of course there are spectacular luxury lodges, but there are also excellent mid-range and budget options. There are also some spectacular mid-range lodges in Tanzania. You are not paying for brand and luxury, but for a fantastic location and real safari atmosphere: such as Santcuary Swala in Tarangire National Park or the Lake Manyara Tree Lodge on the lake of the same name.

All lodges and camps can also be found here in our overview