Tanzania Safari Travel Guide
Why Choose Tanzania for Your Safari?
Renowned as one of the best wildlife safari destinations in the world, Tanzania offers unmatched encounters with nature across its spectacular National Parks and conservation areas.
We've Got You Covered
From the moment we pick you up at the airport to the moment we bid you farewell, we take care of every detail of your adventure. Still, we know you may have many questions as you prepare for this incredible journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions asked by our travelers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for or need more personalized assistance, feel free to contact us at:
📧 info@pundamilia-traverse.com
We are always here and happy to help!
Preparing for a safari
What is a “Safari” and a “game drive”?
The word “Safari” means “trip” in Swahili, the lingua franca of Eastern and Central Africa. In modern travel, a safari refers to an adventure into the wild—exploring National Parks in specially customized 4x4 vehicles designed for comfort and optimal wildlife viewing.
Our safaris typically start in Moshi or Arusha, the main safari gateways in northern Tanzania. From there, a 2–3 hour scenic drive takes you to one of the region’s iconic National Parks.
Once you arrive at the park, your day begins with an immersive game drive—an opportunity to encounter the incredible wildlife of East Africa in its natural habitat. Tanzania is home to some of the world’s most celebrated parks, including:
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Serengeti National Park
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Ngorongoro Crater
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Tarangire National Park
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Arusha National Park
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Lake Manyara National Park
For travelers seeking more exclusive or off-the-beaten-path experiences, we also organize custom safaris to Tanzania’s lesser-known but equally enchanting parks, such as:
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Rubondo Island National Park
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Mkomazi National Park
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Saadani National Park
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Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)
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Mikumi National Park
These tailor-made itineraries are ideal for guests looking for unique wildlife encounters away from the crowds.
Game drives usually conclude around 6:00 PM, after which your group will head to the lodge or tented camp reserved for the night. Here, you can relax, enjoy dinner, and prepare for another day of adventure.
What is a Lodge?
Lodges are small, intimate hotels located inside or near National Parks. They are designed to offer guests a close-to-nature experience while still providing exceptional comfort and service.
Most lodges feature private, stand-alone bungalows or luxury tented suites, giving you greater privacy and a sense of exclusivity surrounded by the beauty of the African wilderness.
Many lodges incorporate elements of traditional local architecture, blending harmoniously with the environment while offering modern amenities to ensure a relaxing and memorable stay.
What should I bring with me on safari?
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing for daytime game drives, as temperatures are generally warm. Evenings in the northern highlands can be chilly, so be sure to bring a warm layer or two for cooler nights.
If you plan to participate in guided walking safaris (which must be booked in advance), comfortable walking shoes are essential.
You should also bring the following safari essentials:
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A wide-brimmed hat
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Sunglasses
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Sunscreen
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Light scarf or buff (optional but useful)
For a comprehensive guide on what to bring, please refer to our full packing list.
Are there any restrictions for those wishing to visit National Parks?
There are no official age restrictions for entering Tanzania’s National Parks. However, it’s important to note that game drives typically involve spending long hours in a safari vehicle, often from early morning until just before the park gates close at 6 PM. This can be challenging for very young children.
For this reason, we do not recommend safaris for children under 2 years old.
That said, our game drives can be customized to suit your preferred duration, making them more comfortable for families or travelers who prefer shorter excursions. There are also designated picnic areas within the parks where you can relax, stretch your legs, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the African wilderness.
Safaris in National parks and Game Reserves
What is the duration of a safari?
The duration of a safari in Tanzania is entirely based on your preferences. You can choose anything from a single-day game drive in one of the nearby National Parks to an extended multi-park safari lasting up to two weeks or more.
Typical Game Drive Duration
A standard game drive lasts 4 to 8 hours, depending on your itinerary and wildlife viewing opportunities. After the game drive, guests return to their lodge for relaxation and leisure.
What to Expect at the Lodges
Most safari lodges offer:
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Comfortable, well-appointed accommodation
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Wi-Fi access (though speeds may vary due to remote locations)
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Delicious meals prepared on-site
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Swimming pools at many properties for post-safari relaxation
Whether you prefer a short adventure or a long, immersive wildlife experience, your safari can be fully tailored to match your schedule and interests.
At what time do safaris start?
We highly recommend starting your game drive early, ideally between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM. Early departures offer several important advantages:
Why Early Morning Is the Best Time for Safari
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Cooler temperatures — mornings are more comfortable and pleasant for game viewing.
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Peak wildlife activity — many animals are most active during the early hours before the midday heat sets in.
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Fewer tourists — arriving early helps you reach key wildlife areas before most visitors.
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More time in the park — Tanzania’s park fees are charged per day, not per hour, and all parks close at 6:00 PM. Starting early ensures you make the most of your full day inside the park.
Flexible Scheduling
While early departures provide the best wildlife experience, this is only a recommendation. Your comfort and preferences come first. Our professional guides will adapt the schedule to suit your wishes, ensuring you enjoy your safari at your own pace.
What is a safari vehicle?
Pundamilia Traverse & Escapade operates a modern fleet of customized 2020–2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 4x4 safari vehicles, designed to provide maximum comfort, safety, and visibility throughout your journey.
Features of Our Safari Fleet
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Ergonomic, comfortable seats for long hours on game drives
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On-board fridges to keep your drinks and snacks cold
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Electrical charging outlets for cameras, phones, and other devices
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High-quality binoculars for enhanced wildlife viewing
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Fully equipped first-aid kits for added safety
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Pop-up roofs that allow you to stand, observe, and photograph wildlife with ease and comfort
Our vehicles are meticulously maintained to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience across Tanzania’s diverse terrain.
Is food available during a safari?
All our safari packages are offered on a full-board basis, ensuring you are well taken care of throughout your journey.
What’s Included
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Breakfast – Enjoyed at the lodge before departure for your game drive
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Lunch – Served as packed lunch boxes, which you can savor at designated picnic spots within the National Parks
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Dinner – Served at the lodge after your day’s adventures
Snacks & Beverages
A selection of water and soft drinks is always available in the vehicle’s fridge. We also provide tea, coffee, and snacks, all included in your safari package price.
How long are the drives between Parks?
The National Parks in northern Tanzania are located relatively close to one another, typically requiring only 2 to 3 hours of travel between destinations.
Can one exit the car during a game drive?
Tanzania National Parks regulations strictly prohibit leaving the vehicle while inside the Parks, both for visitor safety and to protect the fragile local ecosystem. However, this does not mean you will be confined to the vehicle all day. All Parks feature designated rest and picnic areas where you can stretch your legs, take a stroll, and enjoy lunch in the shade.
Who else is going to be in the car with me?
The cost of a safari depends entirely on the type of tour you choose. Joining a group safari is more affordable, as expenses are shared among all participants. However, this option also means you will spend your safari with travelers you may not have met before.
If you prefer a more private experience, you can opt for an exclusive (private) safari. In this case, the only person accompanying you—besides your family or friends—will be your dedicated English-speaking safari driver/guide.
Who is a safari guide?
Your driver on any Pundamilia Traverse & Escapade safari is responsible for your safety and comfort throughout the entire tour. All our drivers are also professional wilderness guides who are eager to share their extensive knowledge of the African bush, its wildlife, and its unique flora and fauna.
Are photo and video recording allowed on safari?
According to National Park regulations, photography and video recording are permitted as long as no specialized equipment is used. You are free to use personal photo and video cameras of any kind. However, permits are required for any filming intended for commercial use. This requirement does not apply to images or videos shared on personal social media.
Drone use is strictly regulated and allowed only with prior permits, which must be obtained in advance. The application process is detailed and permits are generally issued only for projects with significant social value.
If you require such a permit, please inform your Tour Manager well ahead of time so we can initiate the necessary formalities.
Is it safe to bring children on safari?
Bringing children on safari is not only safe but also highly educational and enjoyable for them. Observing wild animals in their natural habitat—rather than in a zoo—is an unforgettable experience that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. However, please keep in mind that spending several hours in a safari vehicle may be challenging for children younger than two years old.
How can we diversify our safari?
One of the most unforgettable experiences on safari is a hot air balloon flight over the Serengeti plains. These flights typically last 1 to 2 hours, offering a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the iconic landscape and its abundant wildlife.
In addition, National Parks with lakes often offer canoeing experiences, perfect for a closer connection with nature. For those seeking panoramic aerial views, single-engine charter flights over the parks are also available.
For more details on these and other optional activities, please contact your Tour Manager, who will provide all necessary information and help you plan your adventure.
Are chartered flights possible between the Parks?
Airstrips are available at or near all of Tanzania’s National Parks, making air travel a convenient option. Flying between parks—especially when visiting one or more of the southern parks—can save significant travel time compared to driving.
For more information on flights, schedules, and arrangements, please contact your Tour Manager, who will provide all necessary details to plan your itinerary efficiently.
Is Wi-Fi available at hotels and lodges?
All hotels and lodges included in our safari packages provide Wi-Fi and Internet access. However, please keep in mind that connection speeds may be limited due to the remote locations of many lodges and National Parks.
Should I tip the safari driver?
Tipping is customary in Tanzania and is a way to show appreciation for excellent service. We recommend $10–$30 per person per day of your safari, depending on your satisfaction with the service provided. See our tipping guidelines for a more detailed info
For detailed information on booking and payment, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
For additional guidance on topics such as entering Tanzania, accommodations, safety, travel insurance, and more, visit our Articles page for comprehensive information.