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Month: November 2022

A Tanzania Safari in December – Witness the Wildlife and Adventure!

Posted on by admin_scenic

The month of December in Tanzania is known as the shoulder season. Christmas and New Year make late December a little busier, adding a festive charm to the experience. Even though there are short rains, December is still a wonderful month to go on Tanzania Safari Tours.

You can witness the amazing wildlife that the emerald season brings, along with outstanding photographic opportunities thanks to the lush and vibrant surroundings.

A Tanzania Safari in December promises adventure, beauty, and unique experiences. Here’s our complete guide to why this month is a great time to explore Tanzania’s wild side.

1. Why A Tanzania Safari in December Is a Great Choice?

Tanzania is regarded as a great winter holiday destination. There are a bunch of reasons why. The following are the top 6 reasons why December is an ideal month for a Safaris In Tanzania :

Tanzania Safari in December
Tanzania Safari in December
  • The weather in December is perfect as it’s not hot and the rainfall is also very less.
  • The frequent rains before December turn the whole barren land into a lush and vibrant grassland.
  • You may get great deals on Tanzania Safari Packages and accommodation costs. The costs are significantly low as compared to the dry season.
  • Visitors will also experience fewer crowds compared to the other months. So, they will enjoy a private and exclusiveSafari in Tanzania.
  • Tanzania is regarded as a paradise for birdwatchers. And, December is a great month for birdwatching. The short rains help bring out many colourful native birds for birders to spot.
  • December is also referred to as the calving season. You may get opportunities to see some animals giving birth while on game drives.

Even though wildlife is easier to observe in the dry season, you’ll still get loads of opportunities to spot Tanzania Wildlife in December. Especially in the national parks located in the Northern Circuit. These reasons make December one of the Best Times to Visit Tanzania for a rewarding safari experience.

2. The Climate of Tanzania in December

There is a slight chance of rain in December, known as ‘short rains.’ Apart from the rain, the weather is very pleasant in December. With typical temperatures ranging from 26 Celsius to 33 Celsius.

  • Daytime maximum temperature – 33 Celsius.
  • Night-time minimum temperature – 17 Celsius.
  • Average Sunshine Hours – About 11 hrs.
  • Average Rainfall – Around 205 millimetres.
  • The number of Dry Days (approx.) – 23 days.
  • The number of Rainy Days (approx.) – 8 days.
  • Humidity – 88%
  • Cloud Cover – 30%

Sunny and Warm temperatures make December one of the best months for a Tanzania Safari Tour.

3. Activities That Visitors Can Do in December

There are many activities that you can engage in a Safari In Tanzania. Below are the top 4 activities for visitors to do on a Tanzania Safari in December:

Game Drives – December is one of Tanzania’s best months for wildlife safaris. The climate in December is not very hot and the vegetation is greener than ever. Game Drives at this time are magnificent and will provide an up-close encounter with the wildlife of Tanzania.

Cultural Tours – There’s a saying that without experiencing the native culture, you won’t get an authentic feel of any country you visit. Besides national parks, you should also experience the way of life of the local people. There are Iraqw villagetours available in safaris in Tanzania. You can use this chance to learn about the fascinating culture of Tanzania.

Hot Air Balloon Rides – Going on a hot air balloon safari is going to be one of the most enriching experiences in your life. It’ll provide a bird’s eye perspective of the rich plains and gorgeous views of the sunset. And, you’ll get to witness the wildlife of Tanzania from a unique perspective.

4. Best Places to visit in December

Now, let’s look at some of the best places that you should visit in Tanzania in the month of December. The following are the top 3 destinations that you should add to your Tanzania itinerary when visiting in December:

Best Places To Visit
Best Places To Visit

Option 1 – Serengeti National Park – Labelled as the pride of Tanzania, the Serengeti is teeming with some of the best and most varied species of Tanzania Wildlife. In December, you can see herds of animals on the move from the Central to the Southern region of Serengeti.

Option 2 – Ngorongoro Conservation Area – The area is renowned as one of the best places in Africa to see the endangered black rhinos. Migrating herds can be seen around the Serengeti-Ngorongoro Border in December.

Option 3 – Lake Manyara National Park – Situated in a wonderful setting, Lake Manyara National Park is famous for its huge elephant herds and tree-climbing lions. Birdwatching is also excellent in the month of December in the park.

Our Recommendation – Another great destination we highly recommend is Tarangire National Park. It has numerous wildlife and birdlife to enjoy. No matter which option you select, you’re guaranteed to have great Safaris in Tanzania.

5. Accommodation Options in December

Early December is also one of the Best Time to Visit Tanzania because you’ll get to benefit from reduced accommodation costs. Keep in mind that late December includes holidays, so the cost of Tanzania Accommodations may go up.

When planning to visit Tanzania over Christmas or the New Year, ensure to choose and book your accommodation options in advance.

Our Recommendation – Some of the finest accommodations we recommend are:  Lemala Nanyunkie Lodge, Tarangire Safari Lodge, and Sanctuary Ngorongoro Crater Camp. Book a couple of weeks in advance so you won’t face any last-minute difficulties.

Accommodations
Accommodations

6. The Northern Safari Circuit in December

Experiencing theWildlife Of Tanzania in the Northern Circuit is a delight in the month of December. Some locations in Tanzania flourish in December like the Seronera region (in Central Serengeti) and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Due to the seasonal short rains, December is considered an awesome time for birdwatching. The migratory birds arrive back in the national parks of Tanzania in flocks.

7. Best Safari itineraries during December in Tanzania

We provide some of the best safari itineraries for your full enjoyment of the Tanzania Safari Tour. If you plan to visit Tanzania in December, the itineraries listed below will provide top-notch facilities:

  • 7 Days Big Five Safaris In Tanzania – Including Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
  • 10 Days Southern Tanzania Safari – You’ll get the opportunity to visit and explore the national parks of Ruaha and Nyerere.
  • 8 Days Tanzania Classic Safari – This itinerary includes Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, and Tarangire National Park.

Our Recommendation – You can tailor-make your preferred itinerary as well on a Tanzania Safari in December.

8. What Travellers have said about Tanzania Safaris in December!

Below are the opinions of past travellers who experienced a Tanzania Safari in December with African Scenic Safaris:

Phenomenal

Dec 2021 • Solo

Amazing 3 days safari Temba was a fabulous guide. Knowledgeable and took us to all the right spots to see the animals.

Harry Rana   –    UK Visited: December 2015 Reviewed: Feb 22, 2016

Email Harry Rana

Funny and informative

Booked a 5-night safari for 3 people including my parents, which spanned Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.

1. Our guide (Rasheed) was excellent. He was funny, inquisitive and very informative. He spoke very good English and managed our trip well. I found his knowledge and anecdotes very informative and it was a great way to learn about the animals and their importance to the local culture.

2. The trip was organised from the pick up to the drop at the airport without missing a beat. The accommodations were great and I found the individuals at each of the lodges very friendly and approachable.

3. I found the price to be very fair and I found the pricing structure appropriate. It provided a level of certainty.

4. I would definitely recommend the company and I hope to arrange another trip during the dry season.

Thanks

Harry

To read more reviews like these, you can visit the pages mentioned below:

Experience a wonderful Tanzania Safari in December!

Finally, December is a great month to visit Tanzania filled with adventure and excellent game viewing. You may end up paying a bit more than other months for your Tanzania Safari Package at this time of the year. But your experience will be more than worthwhile!

A Tanzania Safari in December will give you a glimpse of stunning landscapes, great wildlife moments, and a special way to enjoy the festive season.

All our Safaris in Tanzania are tailor-made and are planned around your interests, comfort, and style. Get in touch to start planning your December safari today!

Simbo Natai
Simbo Natai, founder of African Scenic Safaris, crafts sustainable, meaningful Tanzanian journeys rooted in his deep local knowledge and passion.
Director, African Scenic Safaris

What Is the Flight Cost from The USA To Tanzania?

Posted on by admin_scenic

The flight costs from the USA to Tanzania start from $436 per person onwards. Even though there are no direct flights from either North or South America, there are many airlines that connect to Tanzania via one or two stops.

If you’re going on Safaris In Tanzania from the US, you should be aware of the of this to add on your Tanzania Safari Cost. So, what exactly are the flight costs from the US to Tanzania?

List of Airlines Flying into Tanzania from the USA

Many airlines fly into Tanzania from the USA. Below is a list of the top 9 airlines with costs:

These are the airlines that visitors choose most often to fly to Tanzania from the US.

Our Recommendation – Keep in mind that flight costs are not covered within your Tanzania Safari Cost from the USA. And, if you want to go on a Tanzania Safari, then you’ll have to pay the flight costs yourself.

Type of Flights from USA to Tanzania & Tanzania Safari Cost

There are various types of flights that visitors can choose to fly into Tanzania. We’ve explained them briefly below:

Type of Flights
Type of Flights

1. One-Way Flights

If you’re not sure about how long you’d like to stay in Tanzania, then you can choose one-way flights. The following are some of the preferred one-way flight options preferred by US travellers:

Our Recommendation – One-way flights are often cheaper and have flexibility regarding the method of payment. And, you’ll be able to seamlessly plan a safari itinerary while in Tanzania.

2. Last-Minute Flights

If you plan to visit Tanzania on impulse, then last-minute flights are a good choice. It’ll also save time as you won’t have an extensive amount of time to plan and organize your trip. Some of the airlines that offer last-minute tickets from the US to Tanzania are:

Our Recommendation – Return flights are also included along with a last-minute flight. For example:

If you book a flight for a 5-day stay in Tanzania, then you can return with the same airline. For instance, you can return from Dar Es Salaam airport to JFK airport (the flight will have just one stop, but the duration will be longer).

Airlines-Wise Cost of US Flights – Tanzania Safari Cost

There are a variety of affordable flight options for US travellers who want to fly to Tanzania. The following is the breakdown of flight costs according to different Airlines:

Our Recommendation – All the above-mentioned Airlines have return trips included in the flight costs. Although, the number of stops and the duration of a return flight can fluctuate.

Flights From North America to Tanzania

There are no direct flights to Tanzania from North America available for tourists. You’ll have to make two stops on the way in Amsterdam and Istanbul or a single stop. KLM Airlines has direct flights from North America to Tanzania via Amsterdam.

Likewise, Turkish Airlines also has flights from North America to Istanbul. And then direct flights to Tanzania.

Another option for travellers from North America is to fly directly to Johannesburg from Atlanta. Then, stay overnight nearby the airport and take a flight to Dar es Salaam with South African Airways.

Flights From South America to Tanzania

The most convenient way to get to Tanzania from South America is from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg. You can make use of South African Airways. Then, connect to Dar es Salaam from Johannesburg. The journey will take about 15 hours. Some of the major airlines include Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, and KLM.

What Exactly Are the Flight Costs from The Us to Tanzania?

Finally, an affordable Tanzania Flight Cost from the US starts from $436. And, the average cost of flights from the USA to Tanzania is from $700 onwards. You can use several airlines that fly into Tanzania, e.g. Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM, etc. And, also make use of last-minute and one-way flights from the USA to Tanzania.

If you want to visit Tanzania and experience amazing Safaris In Tanzania, then you’ll have to book the flights yourself. And, the flight costs won’t be covered by Tanzania Safari Packages, also it is excluded from Tanzania Safari Cost.

Simbo Natai
Simbo Natai, founder of African Scenic Safaris, crafts sustainable, meaningful Tanzanian journeys rooted in his deep local knowledge and passion.
Director, African Scenic Safaris

14 Essential Things to Consider for Your Safari Packing List Tanzania

Posted on by admin_scenic

If you’re planning a Tanzania safari, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. However, packing for a safari can be a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. What to pack? What to leave behind? These are a few questions that are obvious to come to your mind while packing for a Safari in Tanzania.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive Tanzania Safari Packing List that includes everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable safari experience in Tanzania.

Are you wondering what I Should Pack for Tanzania? Your Safari Packing List Tanzania requires proper attention to enjoy a hassle-free and stress-free trip!

Tanzania Safari Tours is all about adventure and the thrill of enjoying the game drive and watching diverse wildlife. Pack everything carefully!

Does Proper Organisation Matter for Packing Right? 

Yes, of course! It does

Your Tanzania Safari Packing List can take hours if you do not know what to pack. With long flight times, travellers need to think about what to pack in their suitcases and carry them onward.

Prepare for the worst but expect the best. Also, if you have an internal flight locally, ensure you account for the luggage allowance on these domestic flights

Here are some essential things about the Safari Packing List Tanzania to make your trip memorable!

Proper Organisation
Proper Organisation

1. Keep All the Essential Travel Documents for Your Tanzania Safari Tour

Your essential travel documents for Tanzania Safari Tours include the Passport, E-ticket printout, travel insurance, and itinerary. Consider keeping all the papers in a kit safely! It helps you to find those documents easily. 

It is essential to have a passport with six months ‘ validity before entering Tanzania.

Most travellers have to show the itinerary details! So, do not forget to pack the Tanzania Safari Itinerary confirmed by our tour expert. 

Travel Insurance is essential when travelling for a Tanzania Safari trip. Having travel insurance makes your holiday stress-free and enjoyable. Tanzania Travel Insurancecovers loss, medical issues, or theft during your trip. Make sure to pack your travel insurance document! 

E-ticket printouts make things convenient for travellers, especially when acquiring a visa on arrival! 

Essential Documents
Essential Documents

2. Prescriptions and Medications for Healthcare 

Travelling to Tanzania and thinking about what to pack regarding Health Care! Do not forget to carry essential medicines with a prescription! Your health care is a priority when visiting a new country. 

If you want to stay healthy and fit for enjoying your trip, make sure your Safari Packing List In Tanzania includes medications like

  • Medicines for headache, diarrhoea, or heartburn
  • Insect repellent
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Lozenges for a sore throat 
  • Eye drops

3. Sun Care Essentials

Tanzania’s proximity to the equator results in high sun exposure throughout the year.

Whether it is sunny or cloudy, take the essential steps to stay protected from damaging UV rays. Your Tanzania Safari Packing List should include proper sun care essentials like sunblock lotion or cream, sunglasses, and a hat. 

Sun Care
Sun Care

4. Gadgets for Every Tanzania Safari Enthusiast

Tanzania’s wildlife reserves and national parks offer the best platform to view diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Every safari enthusiast does not want to miss a moment of their Tanzania Safari. Make sure to carry essential safari gadgets like binoculars, video cameras, and cameras to capture every little moment of your Tanzania Safari Tours. 

List of Gadgets Needed on a Safari:

  1. Binoculars
  2. Smartphone
  3. Smartphone Accessories- Smartphone Lenses, Chest Strap.
  4. DSLR Camera
  5. Action Camera
  6. Camera Accessories – Changeable Lenses, Mini tripod, Durable Memory cards, Bean Bags
  7. Sunglasses with Video Function
  8. Solar Rechargeable Pop-up Lantern
  9. Cooling Towel
  10.  Water Filtration Bottle or Straw
  11. Mini Speaker
  12.  Install some useful Safari apps.

5. Clothes and Toiletries to Stay Comfortable & Maintain Hygiene

What to wear on your Travel In Tanzania? This journey exposes you to changing weather. You can feel the heat during a sunny midday and experience the chill at night and early mornings during your Tanzania Safari Tour. 

It is challenging to pack proper outfits for the Tanzania Safari Vacation. Layers of light-breathable clothes in gentle colors like khaki or light green are the best. 

When thinking about What To Take On Safari In Tanzania, consider packing some clothes like

  • Rain jacket
  • T-shirts
  • Fleece jacket/ warm sweater
  • Beautiful outfits for dinner
  • Long-sleeved shirts and trousers
  • Socks

Packing clothes depends on the time of season you are visiting Tanzania. Tanzania’s dry season requires you to pack lightweight clothes that protect you from the sun and heat. The wet season requires you to pack warm clothes and rain jackets. 

Basic Toiletries

Toiletries are essential to maintaining proper personal sanitation! It is necessary for your Safari Packing List in Tanzania! It is better to carry your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoos, conditioners, bug spray, soap, and wet wipes. 

6. Helpful Devices Like Phones, Laptops, Music Devices, & tablets

Your phone, tablet, laptop, and music devices can prove helpful during your Tanzania Safari. The phone can help you locate new places through GPS. Carrying a laptop or tablet can help you do some essential work. Music devices can entertain you when relaxing at one of the best Tanzania beaches. 

7. Luggage for Tanzania Safari Tours

Luggage can play a more complicated role on safari than you might think. A standard rectangular hard case is likely your preferred option for most journeys. You may need to conform to the airline’s stringent requirements for a Tanzania Safari. They operate a small plane for arrival at most parks. Soft side luggage, such as Duffel bags or backpacks, is preferable to large rectangular suitcases. Consider bags that can safely protect your items from dust!

8. Carry a Swahili Phrasebook

Over 120 languages ​​are spoken across the ethnically diverse country! Swahili is a widely spoken official language, and it is helpful to learn a few phrases before your trip. You can start with the basics like Jambo (Hello), KwaHeri (Bye), and Asante (thank you). Pack a Swahili phrasebook to help you on your journey. You will find it easier to connect with the locals if you try speaking their language. Your efforts will surely earn you appreciative smiles from the locals.

9. Money Matters For Your Tanzania Safari Trip

When you Travel To Tanzania with a reliable tour operator, most of your expenses get covered, like accommodation, transport, and meals. However, some things require cash, such as souvenirs and additional activities. It is best to come prepared by including credit or debit cards and money on your Tanzania Packing List. 

If you wish to use cash, bring US dollar bills dated after 2010. 

US bills dated before 2010 are not accepted anywhere, as older bills are easier to forge. You can use your US cash at larger establishments. Keep local currency- Tanzanian shillings handy to use at smaller establishments or tips.  

When exchanging money in Tanzania, use official exchange bureaus, hotels, and banks. Across the country, you can withdraw cash from ATMs with Visa and Mastercard (keep in mind the surcharges). Some hostels, lodges, and high-end shops in Tanzania accept credit cards.

10. First-Aid Kit for Precaution

First Aid Kit has a collection of essential aid supplies that is a must-have with you on a Tanzania Safari trip. When going on a Safari, your list may need more comprehensive and easy access to crucial medicines and gear. Here is a short list of first-aid items to bring with you:

  • Antihistamines
  • Diarrhea medication
  • Anti-nausea tablets (for bumpy flights)
  • Anti-malaria tablets
  • Band-Aids and gauze
  • Rubbing alcohol or antiseptic spray
  • Wet wipes 
  • Sunscreen

Most safari accommodations or hotels have first aid items! It is best to bring your first-aid kit and keep them in an accessible place during the safari trip

11. What should you not pack for the Tanzania Safari Trip? 

  • Shampoo or conditioner- With a respectable excursion company, your resorts or safari camps will offer shampoo or conditioner unless you are on a camping safari. 
  • Jewellery- It is not essential on a safari trip!
  • Heavy pyjamas- Do not carry heavy pyjamas! Lightweight clothing helps you stay comfortable during the safari trip.

12. What to Wear on a Safari in Tanzania?

Bringing the proper clothing and personal items on your Tanzania Safari ensures safety and comfort and increases your enjoyment of the many adventure activities during the safari trip. Some safari lodges in Tanzania offer a next-day laundry service. So you do not have to bring a large amount of clothing. Avoid light colours like white and dark colours of clothes. Bring neutral colour safari clothing such as khaki, light-bark, mid-tone brown, beige, olive, and green. 

Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks, and shoes. Insect repellent is also highly recommended, if not required in most locations. Wearing appropriate shoes for your activities in Tanzania will protect your feet from blisters, thorns, and stones. 

As your Tanzania Safari Activities will vary in intensity and terrain, appropriate waterproof footwear is recommended depending on the itinerary, e.g. B. Hiking boots or safari hiking shoes for long hikes or game drives in Tanzania. Waterproof trainers are best for safari routes, but we generally recommend hiking shoes for comfort as the rough terrain is exposed in Tanzania, and sandals for stretches of beach. Use in the room, even while showering.

What to Wear ?
What to Wear ?

13. Give Emphasis on Tanzania’s Moral Dress!

When traveling to Tanzania, you must respect local customs and beliefs. Tanzanians have moral beliefs, so include proper dress to show respect for their culture and sentiments. When visiting local markets, bazaars, and other attractions, consider wearing long pants or knee-length shorts with a polo shirt. Tank tops, shorts or skirts above the knee, and clothing types that show shoulders or thighs should be avoided. Religious sites such as mosques, temples, synagogues, and churches have stricter dress codes. If inappropriately dressed, someone may ask you to leave the place due to local culture and people’s expectations.

Tanzania's Moral Dress
Tanzania’s Moral Dress

14. General Suggestions and Tips for Safari Packing List Tanzania

For Tanzania, you need a few widespread hints for packing. Soft-sided luggage is helpful to keep and is favoured over hard-sided bags. The lightweight nature of soft-sided bags makes it simpler for you during the travel and safari drives. Keep essential gadgets in a carry-on bag for easy access. In your carry-on bag include things like journey documents, money, medicines, and crucial gadgets. Lock your bags and use the handiest TSA-authorised locks. 

Cameras and other equipment like binoculars are essential during your Tanzania Safari Activities. Keep them inside water-resistant daypacks to get an appropriate storage solution if it rains! 

Your Tanzanian trip is an adventurous, high-paced, once-in-a-lifetime revel that takes you into some of the pristine places in the world. 

Tanzania Safari ensures exciting memories and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Planning for a perfect Tanzania Safari Tour requires packing the essentials. 

To book your Tanzania safari today, contact us at +255 (0) 784 413 801 or email us at info@africanscenicsafaris.com.

Packing List
Packing List

Plan Smart, Pack Right

There are many essential things for your Tanzania Safari Packing List that you can explore on our website.

We at African Scenic Safaris aim to make your Tanzania Safari Experience unique and exciting. We can plan a customised itinerary and provide details about the Tanzania Safari Packing essentials.  Do get in touch with us for more information.

Simbo Natai
Simbo Natai, founder of African Scenic Safaris, crafts sustainable, meaningful Tanzanian journeys rooted in his deep local knowledge and passion.
Director, African Scenic Safaris

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