Tanzania Safari FAQs

The essential details for travelling to Tanzania with Polecat Safaris.

Planning your safari should feel exciting, not complicated. Here are answers to some of the questions our guests ask most often before travelling to Tanzania.

What is my luggage allowance on safari?

For safaris that include light aircraft flights, luggage is generally limited to one soft-sided bag of up to 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, including hand luggage.

We recommend a soft duffel rather than a hard suitcase, as it is easier to store in safari vehicles and aircraft.

Important: allowances can vary between airlines and routes. We will confirm the applicable luggage allowance for your specific itinerary before departure.

What currency is used in Tanzania?

The official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). However, US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted within the tourism industry.

We recommend carrying some small-denomination USD notes for personal expenses and tipping. Credit and debit cards are accepted at many lodges and hotels, although connectivity can vary in remote areas.

Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality.

Many international visitors require a visa to enter Tanzania, and eligible travellers can apply through Tanzania’s official online visa system before departure.

We recommend checking the latest requirements well in advance of your trip. Polecat Safaris can guide you through the process and provide general assistance, although visa approval remains the responsibility of Tanzanian immigration authorities.

Is Wi-Fi available during my safari?

Wi-Fi is available at many of our lodges and camps, particularly in main areas and guest rooms.

However, connectivity can be limited or slower in remote wilderness areas. Your safari is also a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with the landscape around you.

For guests who need to stay connected, Polecat Safaris can assist with Tanzania SIM and internet arrangements where available.

What is included in my safari?

Your inclusions depend on the safari itinerary and accommodation category you choose. A typical private Polecat Safaris package may include:

• Private safari vehicle
• Professional private safari guide
• Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
• Meals as specified
• Game drives and planned activities
• Airport and lodge transfers where stated
• Domestic flights where included
• Drinking water during safari
• Tanzania SIM and internet arrangements where included

Every itinerary is individually prepared, so your personal safari quotation will clearly show what is included and excluded.

Are laundry services available?

Yes. Laundry services are available at most of our lodges and camps, making it easier to pack light.

Laundry arrangements and charges vary between properties, and some safari camps may include a light laundry service depending on the package.

What health precautions should I take before travelling?

Tanzania is located in a malaria-risk region, so travellers should seek advice from a qualified travel-health professional before departure regarding malaria prevention and any recommended medication.

Yellow fever requirements depend on your nationality and recent travel history. Travellers arriving from, or transiting through, certain yellow-fever-risk countries may need to present a valid vaccination certificate.

We recommend checking the latest health requirements well before your journey.

Can I bring my drone to Tanzania?

Drones are subject to strict regulations in Tanzania.

Do not operate a drone unless you have obtained the appropriate permits and authorisation from the relevant authorities.

If you are considering bringing a drone, please discuss this with us before your safari so we can advise you on the requirements.

Are single-use plastics allowed in Tanzania?

Tanzania has restrictions on certain single-use plastic items.

We encourage our guests to travel responsibly by avoiding unnecessary plastic packaging and carrying reusable alternatives wherever possible. A reusable water bottle is particularly useful during a safari.

What should I wear on safari?

Comfort is key.

We recommend lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral or earthy tones such as beige, khaki, olive and brown. Early mornings can be cool, while afternoons are often warm, so layers are ideal.

Comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, a hat, sunglasses and a rain jacket are also useful.

Is Tanzania suitable for a luxury safari?

Absolutely.

A luxury safari in Tanzania can combine beautiful lodges and camps, private vehicles, experienced guides, domestic flights, carefully planned routes and a relaxed pace.

At Polecat Safaris, we believe luxury is not simply about where you sleep. It is also about having the freedom to slow down, enjoy your surroundings and experience Tanzania without feeling rushed.

Can I combine my safari with Zanzibar?

Yes. Tanzania and Zanzibar combine beautifully.

We can arrange safari and Zanzibar packages, including domestic flights between the mainland and Zanzibar, depending on your itinerary.

You can choose from a short safari followed by a beach stay or a longer journey combining wildlife, culture, landscapes and the Indian Ocean.

What is the best time to visit Tanzania for safari?

Tanzania can be visited throughout the year, but the best time depends on what you want to experience.

The dry season is popular for classic wildlife viewing and the Great Migration in northern Serengeti, while the green season brings lush landscapes, dramatic skies, excellent photography, birdlife and the spectacular calving period in the southern Serengeti ecosystem.

There is no single answer for every traveller. The right season depends on your interests, preferred pace and the experience you want from Tanzania. We have written about the green season in more detail in Why We Love the Green Season in Tanzania.

Is Tanzania safe for safari?

Tanzania is an established safari destination with a well-developed tourism industry.

During a Polecat Safaris journey, your professional guide will manage the safari experience and advise you on appropriate behaviour around wildlife, camps and local communities.

As with any international journey, we recommend following normal travel precautions and current official travel advice.

Will I have internet and phone reception in the Serengeti?

Mobile coverage varies considerably.

Some areas have good reception, while remote parts of the Serengeti and other wilderness areas may have limited or no signal.

This is one reason we recommend downloading important documents and keeping essential information available offline before travelling.

What about tipping?

Tipping is not compulsory, but it is customary in Tanzania’s safari industry when guests feel they have received good service.

The appropriate amount depends on the length and style of your safari, the size of your group and the service provided.

Your Polecat Safaris consultant can provide current tipping guidance before your journey.

What happens if I need help during my safari?

You are supported throughout your journey.

Your safari guide will be your main point of contact while you are on safari, while the Polecat Safaris team remains available to assist with operational or travel-related matters.

For urgent situations, please use the emergency contact information provided with your final travel documents.

Still Have Questions?

Every Polecat safari is designed around the traveller, so if there is something you are unsure about, ask us before you travel. Our full pre-departure guide — luggage, packing lists, seasons, health and money in more detail — is at Travel Information, and you can reach the team any time through the enquiry form.

From your first airport transfer to your final game drive, our goal is simple: to make your journey feel effortless, personal and unforgettable.