Tanzania is located in East Africa. Our beautiful country lies along the Indian Ocean to the East and is just south of Kenya. We are located 6.3-7.0 degrees below the equator - but of the most part the Northern Circuit of Tanzania has comfortable temperatures year round - it is not as hot as you think it may be here! We boast an amazing diverse wildlife population year-round, some of the biggest mountains and lakes in Africa, as well as abundant white sand beaches. Tanzania’s time zone is GMT - 3 hours. Please see our blog post on Tanzania.
Tanzania has moderate climate year round. The two main seasons for safari in Tanzania are from December - March and then from June - October. These are typically the dry seasons and provide excellent wildlife viewing experiences as well as excellent climate for visiting our beaching or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. There is a short rain season from November-December with lighter rains and a more intense rain season in late March-May - while rains may seem like a negative for safari, they rates are lower and there are less visitors at this time so a more private experience may be had. If you want to visit some of the Western Circuit, June-November is the main time to visit this region. The Southern Circuit is harder to access during the rainy season. • Classic Safaris & The Great Migration: June to October is the dry season, offering sunny skies, comfortable temperatures, and excellent game viewing across Tanzania. This is also prime time to witness the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration in the Serengeti National Park, where millions of wildebeest thunder across the plains. • Witnessing the Wildebeest Calving: If you're interested in seeing the adorable wildebeest calves, late December to March is ideal. You'll find them concentrated in the southern Serengeti's Ndutu Plains. • Birding & Lush Landscapes: November to May is the green season, with occasional rain showers. This is a fantastic time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive in abundance. The scenery is also lush and vibrant during this time. • Zanzibar Beach Bliss: Zanzibar offers a tropical paradise experience year-round. However, June to October coincides with Tanzania's dry season, ensuring sunshine-filled beach days. • Western Safari Circuit: While you can visit the western circuit at any time of year, most of the lodges are seasonal and only open from June-November. Ugalla River National Park is also only accessible from mid-June through October. • Photographic Safari: While anytime of year can be good, March-April and November-Dec tend to be greener seasons and the clouds in the sky make for more dramatic photographs. .
Yes, Tanzania is considered to be in the malaria zone. There is a risk of malaria infection in many areas of mainland Tanzania. Here's a breakdown to keep in mind: • Mainland Tanzania: Nearly all of mainland Tanzania is considered at risk for malaria. The risk varies by region, with some areas having higher transmission rates than others. • Zanzibar: The island of Zanzibar also has a risk of malaria, although generally lower than mainland Tanzania. However, this shouldn't deter you from your adventure! Here at Off the Beaten Path Safaris, we can provide you with all the information you need to stay safe and healthy during your trip. We recommend talking to your doctor about oral malaria preventative medications as other safeguards you can use to protect yourself while here. Here is a resource that can provide more details.
There are 3 main airports in Tanzania that most of our tourists fly in / out of. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main airport we recommend for those who are arriving for safari with our company where safaris begin in the town of Arusha. There are many international airlines who fly into JRO including KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways and Precision Air. The other airports that you may book into or out of include Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar, Tanzania. If you are spending time in Zanzibar/Pemba/Mafia Islands one of these two airports is recommended for your departure flight home. In addition, we can arrange a local flight from either to JRO if you safari starts in Arusha.
There are two rainy seasons in Tanzania - the short rains from November-December the long rains from late March-May. With that said, when it rains in Tanzania is it not typically all day long and tends to be more so at night time. Long Rains: March to May • Heaviest Rainfall: This is the wettest time in Tanzania, with frequent afternoon downpours, especially near the coast and on islands like Zanzibar. • Temperatures: Expect warm temperatures, generally in the low to mid 30s degrees Celsius (mid 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit). • Landscape: The countryside transforms into a lush paradise. Wildlife viewing can be good as animals gather around permanent water sources. However, some roads may become muddy and less accessible. • Upsides: Fewer crowds compared to the dry season, beautiful scenery, and sometimes better wildlife viewing around water sources. • Downsides: Frequent rain showers, higher humidity, and potential travel disruptions on muddy roads. Short Rains: November to December • Lighter Rainfall: This is a shorter and less predictable rainy season with lighter showers, typically concentrated in the afternoons. • Temperatures: Temperatures are warm and pleasant, similar to the dry season. • Landscape: The land is generally greener than the dry season, but not as lush as the long rains. • Upsides: Pleasant weather with occasional rain showers, fewer crowds compared to peak dry season. • Downsides: Rain showers can disrupt travel plans, and some areas might experience unpredictable weather patterns
Here's a breakdown of the best times to climb Kilimanjaro, considering weather conditions, crowds, and overall experience: Prime Climbing Seasons: • December to Mid-March: This is the traditional peak climbing season on Kilimanjaro. It boasts the warmest temperatures, clear skies in the mornings and evenings, and minimal rain. This makes for comfortable hiking conditions and stunning visuals. However, it's also the busiest time with larger crowds on the mountain. • Mid-June to October: This is another favorable climbing season with clear skies, minimal rain, and pleasant temperatures. It's less crowded than the December-March window, making it ideal for those who prefer a quieter experience. However, nights can be colder compared to the peak dry season. Considerations for Shoulder Seasons: • Late March to May (End of Long Rains): This shoulder season offers fewer crowds and potentially lower prices. However, expect more unpredictable weather with occasional rain showers, especially in the rainforest zone. Higher humidity and muddy trails can also be a challenge. This period might be best for experienced climbers who are comfortable with these conditions. • November (Short Rains): Similar to late March to May, November sees fewer crowds and potentially lower prices. However, there's a chance of encountering short afternoon rain showers. Temperatures are generally pleasant, but some unpredictability in the weather patterns is possible.
Yes there are options for budget clients. One option is to join a group joining safari, where the costs of the vehicle are divided across everyone in the car, reducing the individual cost per client. While our safaris tend to be private - we may be able to coordinate a group joining safari upon your request. Other ways to reduce the cost of safari include ground camping and staying outside the parks to reduce park fees to the client. If you give us an honest budget we can let you know what is or isn’t possible with that budget and our company
Absolutely! Balloon safari is possible in several of the national parks, although we are partial to balloon safari in Serengeti given the vast plains which make for an amazing visual experience. Balloon safaris happen in the early morning - you will depart at sunrise and the duration of the balloon trip is highly dependent upon the weather. After you have landed we will coordinate a warm breakfast for you. Just let us know in advance if any or all people in your group would like to participate. And don’t worry if you have a fear of heights- not everyone has to join in!.
Tanzania is rich in different tribal cultures and experiences. During the planning phases we can talk about including one or more options for cultural immersion with some of our local tribes. Common visits include the Maasai Tribe in Ngorongoro, the Hadzabe and Datoga Tribes in Lake Eyasi, and the Chagga Tribe near Mount Kilimanjaro. We can also always take you on a town tour, take you to local artisans and even schedule a cooking or language class if you are interested - just ask while we are planning your itinerary. This will be listed as inclusions or optional activities for your safari.
We have 2 different types of safari vehicles for safari: 1. Standard Land Cruiser with pop up roof for 360 degree views and windows that open in close. All of our cars have V8 engines to ensure the needed power to get around on safari. 2. Luxury Open Vehicle: upon request the open vehicle can be used for safari. This is a vehicle that meets you in the park and dose not transport you between parks. Please see this link for images of our open and closed vehicles as well as airport transfer vehicle.
Laundry service is available at most lodges for an additional but very reasonable fee. Please note that because laundry is done by hand, they do not typically launder underwear for you. Also, because laundry is line-dried, it’s best to provide laundry upon arrival to a camp/lodge where you will be staying for more than one night to allow time for during. Quick dry clothing is best if possible.
Yes! We can add a visit to our spice islands to the end of your wildlife safari or climbing adventure. Or we can plan an exclusive beach holiday for you! Take the worry out of planning and leave the details to our skilled team.
We can arrange everything except for your international flight to and from home. All internal flights will be arranged by us as requested and cost included in the quote provided.
When you book with Off the Beaten Path Safaris, be assured that you will have a private safari. Only the people traveling with your will be in your car(s). If a group joining safari is desired, we can see if there are others who would like to travel at the same time as you. But we would never add others to your trip unless specifically requested and discussed.
Visa can be arranged in advance for some visitors to Tanzania by following this website. However, if not arranged in advance, please know that a visa can be purchased on arrival to Tanzania.
Don’t worry - we have you covered. We will always inquire about special dietary needs for your group prior to arrival and we will be certain that this information is passed along to your lodges and camps. Tanzania’s hospitality services are very accustomed to accommodating all dietary needs, including but not limited to specific food allergies, gluten-free, vegetarian, kosher, etc.
Yes! Regardless of your arrival time, or if your flight is late, please be assured that our team will meet you at the airport, assist you with luggage and get you to your hotel in Arusha/Moshi as specified on your itinerary. Airport transfers are fully included in the cost of your package.
Yes you can use a credit card to pay for your safari. Just ask us and we will provide a link for payment. It does attract some additional surcharges, which we will relay to you should you want to pay via this method. Credit cards are also accepted in Tanzania and Zanzibar, however, sometimes in the bush on safari, internet connections are poor and machines cannot be used. So it is best to bring cash on safari to pay for any extras that you may wish to purchase.
Safety is of the utmost importance when climbing. If you are not feeling well or do not think you can continue on your trek, we will do everything to get you to safety. The recommended first line of action is to attempt to descend to the lower altitude in the company of a mountain guide. You may choose to remain at base camp and wait for other climbers so that you descend together. In the event the client would like to come down earlier than the others, there might be extra costs for additional transfers and accommodation in Arusha or Moshi.
We always use highly trained professional mountain guides for all of our mountain trekking adventures. In the event of any incident, the mountain guide will immediately inform the office via a phone call and the park authority via radio call. The national park operates a rescue service, and the ranger stations at the huts and campsites around the mountain are linked to each other and to the park headquarters by radio. In the vast majority of emergency cases, the problem is altitude related and the solution is immediate descent to a lower altitude. Our mountain crew are all experienced at dealing with such cases and can bring trekkers down to safe altitudes very quickly and without park assistance if it is not immediately available. All trekkers pay a rescue fee to the Kilimanjaro National Park (included in the price). If a client cannot walk because they are injured or sick, the guides, assistant guides, and porters will assist this trekker down. There is no extra charge for coming down. However, you will not get money back for the mountain days you missed, and you will be responsible for transfers costs from the mountain gate to Arusha, as well as medical assistance and extra hotel nights. We highly recommend travel insurance to cover any medical expenses and further evacuation.
The weight limit for airlines in Tanzania varies depending upon the airline and flight you are taking. However, often a 15kg limit applies. Soft sided luggage is recommended as it is more flexible for the planes to get them into their luggage holds. Additional luggage weight can be purchased but the size should still be small. Click on the links below for specific airlines policies • Regional Air • Precision Air • Coastal Aviation • Auric Air • Safari Air Link
We strongly recommend that you talk to your personal physician or travel health expert to discuss recommended vaccinations and medications when traveling to Tanzania. There are no required vaccinations for entry into our country, with the exception of Yellow Fever. Yellow fever vaccination may be required for entry into Tanzania, depending on your travel itinerary. Here's a breakdown of the key points: • Mandatory for Travelers from High-Risk Countries: If you're traveling to Tanzania from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission, you will be required to show proof of vaccination upon arrival. • Mandatory with Long Transit: Even if you're coming from a yellow fever-free country, vaccination is required if you have a long transit (over 12 hours) at an airport in a yellow fever risk country. • Click here for a list of countries where Yellow Fever is present and vaccination is required for entry into Tanzania. Here are some commonly recommended vaccinations for Tanzania: • Hepatitis A • Typhoid • Yellow fever (depending on your itinerary) • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) • Rabies (depending on activities and risk factors) Additional Considerations: • Malaria is a risk in most areas of mainland Tanzania. Talk to your doctor about malaria prevention medication well before your trip.
