Safari Tanzania: A 7-Day African Dream
Tanzania – the very name conjures images of untamed wilderness and mystery. My recent trip absolutely shattered all expectations! I've put together everything I learned, from getting a visa and booking a tour to costs and little tips, hoping it helps anyone else dreaming of a true African safari adventure.
Weather in Tanzania During May
I traveled in May, which is considered the off-season (end of the rainy season), bringing some key advantages:
- Fewer Crowds: The wildlife reserves were practically empty, with only a couple of groups at a time.
- Lower Prices: Tour prices are significantly lower compared to peak season.
- Ideal Weather: There were occasional showers (especially in Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara), but for the most part it was sunny and perfect for spotting wildlife and taking photos.
Flights to Tanzania
I flew from Ho Chi Minh City to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), with a 5-hour layover in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia). No yellow fever vaccination was required since I didn't leave the airport and the layover was under 24 hours.
The ticket was a bit pricey, around 36 million VND round trip, since I booked fairly last minute. Booking earlier (around 3 months in advance) can land you much better deals.
Tanzania Visa
Applying for an eVisa online was quick and easy, costing 50 USD (~1.3 million VND).
eVisa website: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
Important Note: Finalize your tour operator before applying for the visa, as you'll need to provide their information.
When selecting the visa processing location, choosing China or Kenya can potentially speed up the process.
Tanzania Sim Card
After arriving at the airport, my driver helped me purchase a sim card in Arusha. It cost around 800,000 VND for 10GB, with stable coverage, enough for basic needs like checking maps, texting, and calling.
Booking a Safari Tour
I booked my safari through SafariBookings – a user-friendly platform that allows you to compare multiple tours based on itinerary, budget, and destinations.
I sent them my desired destinations:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
The tour operator then created a custom itinerary and provided a quote. I chose a 7-day, 6-night all-inclusive package, including:
- Accommodation (luxurious, clean lodges)
- All meals
- Private airport transfers and transportation throughout the trip
The price ranged from 1,850 – 2,100 USD per person (for 1-2 people), excluding optional hot air balloon ride (around 500 USD per person).
Pro Tip: You can absolutely negotiate and adjust the itinerary with the tour operator via email.
(Originally they quoted 2100 USD/person, then after negotiation agreed to 1850/person)If you're concerned about the tour operator's reliability, search for their company name on Tripadvisor to check reviews from past travelers.
Tipping in Tanzania
Tanzania has a strong tipping culture.
I typically tipped our guide around 10 USD per person per day, as they were incredibly professional and attentive. They helped to spot a leopard that other guides did not see. Their expertise truly enriched the experience.
When leaving a hotel, leave tips in the tip box at the front desk.
Sample Budget
| Item | Cost (VND) |
|---|---|
| Flights | 36,000,000 |
| eVisa | 1,300,000 |
| All-inclusive Safari Tour | ~48,000,000 |
| Sim Card & Incidentals | ~3,000,000 |
| Tips | ~2,000,000 |
| Total | ~90,000,000 |
Other Useful Tips
- Bring a power bank, sunscreen, and a light jacket for early mornings/sunsets.
- If you can, splurge on a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti – it's expensive but worth it.
This trip was truly a dream come true – a place where elephants, lions, zebras, and antelopes appear right before your eyes, wild, vibrant, and breathtaking. If I have the chance to return, I hope to slow down a bit, spend more time relaxing, immerse myself in the vast nature, and fully embrace every moment. Experiencing the Serengeti at dawn from a hot air balloon is an experience I will never forget.
#tanzania