There are approximately  22 national parks in Tanzania managed by TANAPA, covering about 15% of the country’s land. Additionally, these 22 Tanzania National Parks are in four geographical divisions called the safari circuits. The Northern circuit is the most famous, with national parks like Tarangire, Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Additionally, the southern Circuit Tanzania National Parks include remote parks like Ruaha, Nyerere and Udzungwa Mountains.

The Western safari circuit parks are usually accessible by air transport because of the undeveloped road systems. So, they include Tanzania safari parks like Mahale and Katavi National Park. Eastern circuit Tanzania Parks are a blend of coastal areas and the wild, so they include parks such as Saadani and Rubondo Island National Park. Besides the 22 national parks in Tanzania, this country has about 26 other wildlife management centres.

The national parks are owned by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) with strict management. Also, the revenue from these national parks in Tanzania goes to different government projects, like constructing roads that go to different safari destinations. Also, activities allowed, for example, game drives and walking safaris, are non-consumptive; they do not affect the environment or its resources.

Secondly, wildlife management centres are owned and governed by the communities in Tanzania. So, the revenue generated here goes directly to sustaining the community through jobs. Also, consumptive activities in these wildlife centres, like hunting animals, where travelers pay a specific amount to hunt, but with limitations are common.

1. The yellow fever vaccination is one of the crucial vaccinations before going on a Tanzania safari.  So, without the yellow fever vaccination certificate, some Tanzania parks might deny the traveler entry.
2. The Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccines are also important for anyone who wants to visit any of the national parks in Tanzania. Since Hepatitis A and B are transmitted through blood and body fluids like sweat, park authorities ask for evidence to show someone is safe to reduce the risk.
3. Lastly, for some diseases that have no vaccine, like malaria, travelers are advised to take preventive measures. For example, use of a mosquito repellent and sleeping inside a treated mosquito net to prevent malaria while on your trip yo Tanzania.

The Tanzania safari costs mostly depend on the National Park one wants (parks have different permit and entry fees). For instance, if one is planning a 3-day safari in Serengeti National Park, they will incur more expenses compared to spending the 3 days in Tarangire. So, the differences in the costs like the entrance fees whereby in Serengeti national park its approximately $80 and in Tarangire $60 per day, influence your Tanzania safari cost.

Also, other factors like accommodation type, experiences one would like to do and the number of days one is to take influence the cost of a Tanzania tour. Generally,  if one wants a budget and private Tanzania safari experience, it can cost from 200$-450$. Then, for a mid- range Tanzania safari tour enthusiast, the trip cost ranges from $500 to $750 per day with additional experiences like walking safaris.

Lastly, the ultra- luxury safaris in Tanzania can cost from 950$ to 3000$ per day, where everything offered here is more private and exclusive.

A typical 7-day northern circuit safari in Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) costs:

• Budget: $2,000-3,500 pp
• Mid-range: $3,500-6,000 pp
• Luxury: $7,000-15,000+ pp

5. How Safe Is a Safari in Tanzania?

Tanzania is one of the African countries with 100% political stability. So, from the park entry points, there’s a strict security protocol that is followed. During the game drives in the Tanzania parks, each safari vehicle must have a game ranger and a professional guide. Hence, the tourist’s safety is a priority in all Tanzania national parks.

6. Do I Need a Tourist Visa for Tanzania?

Yes, a tourist Visa is needed for a foreigner who wants to visit the Tanzania safari parks. Most especially if they are from international countries like the USA, Uk, or Asian countries, to avoid any disturbances by the park’s authorities at the gate. Or even while attaining the park permits.

So, apply online for your Tanzania Visa on the e-visa website of immigration (evisa.go.tz) or on arrival at the airport. Visa is free for some countries (All East African Countries).  Check for your nationality, since a visa will be required when obtaining a park entry/permit in Tanzania.

7. Is Food and Water Safe in Tanzania?

This genuinely depends on where one buys their food when in Tanzania. Food from Tanzania lodges and camps is generally safe (certified kitchens, fresh prep). Also, most authentic restaurants are certified to sell healthy and nutritious foods, and they are usually checked by the authorities for proper sanitation.

On the other hand, street food in Tanzanian towns is riskier, so opt for reputable spots. Additionally, tapwater is considered unsafe for people, who are advised to boil it before consuming it.

8. What Payment Methods are allowed at the Tanzania National Park Gates?

Payment methods allowed at the park gates are cashless. So, these include Mpesa(mobile money), credit cards, and also cards offered by the government authorities known as the TANAPA cards. Hence, without payment of park entrance fees, travelers cannot obtain a permit to explore any of the national parks in Tanzania. 

Tanzania overall receives a tropical climate, with the long dry season happening from June to October. Additionally, this season is popular for wildlife viewing in Tanzania because of the great weather. Also, temperatures in this dry season are between  20 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees celsius. Secondly, the shorter dry season is from January to February, where temperatures range between  24 and 29 degrees Celsius.

On the other hand, the long wet season in Tanzania occurs from March to May. So, temperatures range from 17 degrees celsius in the night and can go up to 22 degrees Celsius during daytime. Also, this is the same for the shorter rainy season from November to December in this country.

10. When is the best time for safari activities in Tanzanian national parks?

 The best time to visit Tanzania for safari activities is from June to October. Since this is the dry season, travelers combine both the wildlife and the Zanzibar Beach safari experiences. Also, activities like climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are easier during this time since the trekking routes are firm and dry. In Serengeti National Park, the Mara River crossings inbetween this park and Masai Mara also normally occur during this time.

However, the best time to go on a safari in Tanzania parks varies depending on which activity you want to do. So, do birdwatching in Tanzania in between November and April since this is when the wet season supports growth of lush vegetation. Hence, this attracts migratory bird species to Tanzania National Parks like Ngorongoro.

11. When is the worst time for travelers to visit Tanzania for wildlife safaris?

The worst months to visit the National Parks in Tanzania for a wildlife safari is from March to May. Since these months align with the wet season, game viewing safaris in Tanzania become difficult as animals need to be tracked down. This is because they usually disperse during this period due to availabilty of new water sources created by the heavy downpours. 

12. What are entry requirements for any of the 22 National Parks and reserves in Tanzania?

• Passport valid for atleast 6 months( foreigners)
• National Identity card
• Entry permit ( usually booked in advance)
• Yellow fever certificate.

14. What are some of the rules travelers should follow when visiting national parks in Tanzania?

• Listen and adhere to the Tanzania National Parks rules and regulations laid down by your safari guide. Also, remain in the safari vehicle unless otherwise for your safety.
• Respect the community members that co-exist with the national parks forexample during Maasai cultural interactions. So, travelers to Tanzania are advised to dress modestly and ask for permission when taking pictures.
• Drivers should follow designated pathways in any of the national parks in order not to pose a threat to the wild animals in Tanzania.
• Visitors in any parks of Tanzania should maintain a distance from the wild animals. Similarly, avoid feedingor touching them without consent from their guide.
• Respecting the environment is also crucial, so do not dump but collect trash in the designated bins.
• All Tanzania parks’ entry time is from 6:00 AM and the closure time is 6:00 PM.

15. When is it advisable for one to book a Tanzania safari?

If one is coming in between the months of July and October, it is best to book your safari at least six months before, since this is the peak season. So, the demand for safari holidays in the different national parks in Tanzania is high, whereby one can easily miss out if they book late.

But in case one is coming in the months from March to May, they can book 3 months before because this is the season of low demand. So, it is easier for one to get a permit in any of the national parks of Tanzania.