Travel opens the mind…or at least that's what everyone usually says! While this is undoubtedly true, it's the type and style of travel you engage in that can open your mind to new experiences and cultures. For instance, if you are simply heading over to Miami this summer to visit the usual array of theme parks, you might have a fantastic time, but you won't really get the measure of the place you're visiting. If you are the sort of person who craves new experiences and has a burning desire to not only see new and exciting locations and interact with the local culture, but would also love to get a little deeper with the natural world, then a safari is perhaps the only way to go. And as safaris go, Tanzania just happens to be arguably the most desirable location in Africa because of the quality of tours available, along with a high level of professionalism and fascinating culture. But for the uninformed, it can be tricky assessing which tours are the best to choose, and even once they have selected an option, what they ought to do to prepare. In this post, we are covering all aspects of your Tanzanian safari, from offering a few suggestions of which tour companies are considered the best, to the things you need to do in order to get yourself and your family ready for what will inevitably be the trip of a lifetime.
We begin with arguably one of the most highly rated safari tour companies operating in Tanzania. What sets this operator apart from others is that you have total control over what you see and how. Their highly customizable online portal allows you to browse through a vast selection of options and choose the tours and itineraries that most appeal to you, as well as the style of safari that looks most appealing. For example, you might want to join a safari that lasts a few days and then use the rest of your time exploring this fantastic country. Alternatively, you can book a multi-week tour, allowing you to explore with a dedicated guide and gain a deeper appreciation for the breathtaking natural environments that the country has to offer. To book your next tour with them, check the official Safari Soles Tours website here and browse all Tanzania (and soon Kenya) safaris. Once you find something, it's easy to contact their sales team to gain a little more information and book your trip. What's interesting about Safari Soles is their commitment to constant support throughout the booking process and the tour itself, as well as their very respectable cancellation policy.
While you can inevitably choose how much or how little luxury you want with most of the operators in this post, Safari Soles stands out as one that has a penchant for luxury and the expertise to deliver it. They state that their mission is to provide mobile, light‑touch camps that follow the rhythms of wildlife and take guests into Tanzania's most remote and uncrowded wilderness areas, throughout the region. It is this promise that might appeal to those seeking a more luxurious experience than other options. All of the choices on this list have made it here in part due to the experiences they offer, and also for their commitment to ensuring sustainable tourism practices. But what truly distinguishes Safari Soles is its thoughtful integration of luxury safari experiences with deep-rooted sustainability and community engagement. Even the accommodations they have developed follow sustainable building practices, and they strive to use only the most eco-friendly materials so as to cause as little impact on the natural world as possible.
If ultra-luxury is your cup of tea, then these guys are the ones who can deliver. In fact, it is Micato Safaris that is famous for its list of celebrities and politicians, including George W. Bush Jr., who have graced their tours. With a stated 24/7 concierge at your beck and call (terms obviously apply), and the opportunity to give back to the community by helping to fund a child's education, there is little that this company cannot offer.
This option was actually featured in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards 2024, and while that might not mean much to some, for those familiar with these types of publications and the awards they present, this is a significant achievement. Similar to some of the other options, &Beyond states that they seamlessly blend eco-tourism with a touch of luxury that can make the difference between an average trip and one where you feel like a king being taken out to see the glorious flora and fauna that bless our planet.
Whichever tour company you decide upon, there are a few things you need to keep in mind before you set forth on your trip. From ensuring that you choose the right seasons to travel, to understanding what to pack, these tips will make the difference between a great experience and one that will live on in your memories for years.
If this is your first safari, you may not be entirely aware that the season you choose to travel in can significantly impact your experience. This isn't merely in terms of weather (although that will play a part), but also in the kinds of animals you will see.
These months are generally considered to be the prime time to visit, as many of the beasts you will want to observe will willingly be gathered around the larger and more well-known watering holes. Aside from that, you won't have to experience life in a truck trying to plow through deep, wet, sticky mud for hours on end (or find yourself covered in the stuff!)
So this season might be great for those of a less queasy disposition, as it is the calving season for the many wildebeasts that traverse the plains. The influx of newborns makes the perfect time for the many predators that stalk the area to utilize their inherent hunting abilities. While not for the faint of heart, it presents a fantastic opportunity to observe nature in all its glory, including the more gruesome aspects that many will eschew out of fear of seeing how the real world works.
Visiting during the peak rainy season might not seem like the best time to see, but for those who are unconcerned with getting a little wet, they will be treated to cheaper rates and an almost glowing neon landscape that is soaking up the precious water it has been denied for the past year. Nevertheless, you will need to prepare your mind for the fact that some trails may be inaccessible due to flash flooding, and it might be more challenging to spot the types of animals you would like to see.
Just as you would with a vacation to anywhere else in the world, it pays to spend a bit of time considering what attire and gear you will pack. The difference with a safari is that instead of focusing on sun, sea, and sand, you will have to think a little more practically. This means a decent set of trekking boots, lightweight, UV-resistant shirts, large-brimmed hats, and plenty of bug spray. You will also want to pack several layers of clothing that you can put on when the evening brings a drop in mercury levels, and remove during the heat of the day. If you are traveling during the wetter months, then lightweight, water-resistant clothing is necessary. In that case, a quality poncho will offer the best combination of waterproofing, comfort, and packability.
As for gear, invest in a decent set of binoculars to help you see all the animals that tend to be shy and unwilling to approach your car. It might also be a good idea to bring along a decent DSLR or mirrorless equivalent that will provide greater control over exposure levels and shutter speed than your smartphone camera can offer. If you are traveling from a country that uses 110V, you will also need to invest in a voltage converter to bring your 110V devices up to the 230V used in Tanzania.
If you want your trip to go smoothly, you must pay attention to the documentation. This means obtaining visas, ensuring you have plenty of time in your passport before it expires, flight plans, and any other pertinent information related to the tour itself. The more prepared you are before you travel, the easier your life will be and the more gratification you will receive from the trip (by virtue of not having to worry about such things).
Now, when it comes to vaccinations, you will need to speak with your doctor to get the full lowdown. We can't really offer too much advice here because it will depend on what vaccinations you are able to receive, if you have already been vaccinated against some of the major diseases, or your personal proclivity to vaccinations in general. Nevertheless, even though Tanzania is typically considered one of the safer nations in Africa, it might be worthwhile looking into:
For the most common illnesses of Malaria and Dengue, unfortunately, there doesn't exist any current vaccine able to protect you, meaning that you will have to take all the usual precautions to avoid getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.
When you book a tour with any of the aforementioned travel operators, most costs will be included in the tour price. However, this won't extend to everything, and in most cases, you will be expected to purchase your own food and drinks outside of the tour times, not to mention any tips you might want to offer to your local tour guide for teaching you about this glorious part of the world. You will also likely need to allocate a certain amount for the period before and after the trip begins, as well as for any additional tips you may want to participate in once the official tour has concluded.
When familiarizing yourself with the local norms and customs, nobody is really expecting you to learn Swahili fluently (primarily because English is also an official language), but learning a few words might endear you to the locals more than otherwise. However, whenever it comes to the culture, it pays to understand how they live their lives so that you can avoid any faux pas or awkwardness that might impact the enjoyment of the trip. Again, none of this is essential, as your safari will be tightly organized, leaving little room for such slip-ups. However, it's always nice to learn a bit about the country you're visiting, especially if you plan on traveling alone after the safari.
Participating in a Tanzanian safari is one of those trips that most people could only ever dream of, and in this post, we have offered up three of the very best options available. As long as you prepare well in advance and understand the best seasons to experience your journey, you will end up having one of the more memorable trips of your lifetime.
