Tanzania

Why Tanzania on an organized tour?

Tanzania is one of the few destinations in the world where nature still sets the tone. Here, a lion crosses the track in front of your 4x4, thousands of wildebeest dive into a swollen river, and in the evening the Serengeti sky absorbs the last glimmers of light with nothing to interrupt them.

The organized tour makes perfect sense in Tanzania: the distances between the parks are long, the tracks muddy in the rainy season and the entrance fees are calculated per person per day. A local operator knows the movements of the animals, the exclusive camps off the beaten track, and optimizes each day of the game drive to maximize the sightings. It's the best way to experience the great migration without logistical stress.

Zanzibar rating:most tours include a 4 to 5-day extension on the island of Zanzibar. Accessible by domestic flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro (1 hour, 150-250 USD), the island offers paradisiacal beaches and the historic medina of Stone Town to unwind after the intensity of the parks.

When to go to Tanzania?

Northern Tanzania (Arusha, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire parks) has two favourable seasons. The dry season from June to October is the reference: low vegetation, animals concentrated around watering holes, perfect weather. July and August combine wildebeest migration and optimal conditions. In January-February, the birthing season in Ndutu is a unique spectacle. Zanzibar is excellent from June to October and from December to March.

Budget: how much does a safari in Tanzania cost?

Tanzania is a premium destination. Park entrance fees (60 to 100 USD per person per day) partly explain the prices: they are included in the organized tours. A meal at a local restaurant in Arusha costs 8 to 15 EUR. Safari lodges charge in US dollars, so bring cash for tips.

The essential steps

Northern Tanzania is home to the great icons of safari. Here are the stops that make up most of the tours, from Arusha Porte des parcs to Zanzibar the Spice Island.

Photo gallery

Typical routes

These routes are educational examples to illustrate what is possible. They do not correspond to a specific product. Use the questionnaire to find the tour that really suits you.

Practical advice

Formalities and visa

French nationals must obtain an e-visa before departure. It costs 50 USD (about 46 EUR) and can be obtained on the official eservices.immigration.go.tz portal. Allow 5 to 10 working days for processing. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry. Print your approval: it is scanned on arrival.

Vaccines and health

No vaccination is mandatory if you arrive directly from France. However, the yellow fever vaccine is required if you are transiting for more than 12 hours through an endemic country (Kenya, Uganda, DRC). Malaria is present throughout the country: drug prophylaxis is essential, starting before departure. Consult a travel doctor or vaccination center before departure.

The Great Migration: Understanding the Calendar

The Great Wildebeest Migration is a circular phenomenon that follows the rains and does not follow a fixed schedule:

• January-February:Birth season in Ndutu (southern Serengeti). More than 500,000 calves are born in a few weeks, attracting predators en masse.
• April-May:heavy rains, herds in the western Serengeti. Less recommended period (difficult roads).
• June-August:Climb north and cross the Mara River. Spectacular crossings, peak of the high season.
• September-November:Gradual return to the south. Short rains in October-November, fewer people and lower prices.

A river crossing is never guaranteed: wildebeests follow their instincts, not a schedule. Plan 2-3 nights on the Northern Serengeti to maximize your chances.

Getting around and logistics

All transfers between parks are included in the organized tours (4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof). Domestic flights Arusha-Zanzibar or Kilimanjaro-Zanzibar cost USD 150-250 per person. Roads are in good condition between major cities; tracks in parks are dirt and get muddy in the rainy season. In the dry season, some tracks are very dusty: bring a scarf or buff.

Culture and uses

Tanzania is a predominantly Muslim country on the coast and Christian inland. Respect for local customs is always appreciated. In villages and rural areas, an outfit covering the shoulders and knees is welcome. Swahili is the national language (habari? = how are you?) but English is included everywhere in the tourist circuit. Tips are essential for guides and lodge staff: allow 10 to 20 USD per day per guide, 5 USD per night for lodge staff.

Frequently asked questions