East Africa Birding and Wildlife Safaris
Tanzania
Amazing birding and wildlife tours in Tanzania
Birding and Wildlife Safaris in Tanzania
Tanzania is a world-renowned safari destination, offering an incredible blend of birding and wildlife experiences. With its diverse ecosystems, from the Serengeti plains to Selous's wetlands and the Usambara Mountains' montane forests, Tanzania is a paradise for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike
Birding Safaris in Tanzania
Tanzania boasts over 1,100 bird species, making it one of the best birding destinations in Africa. Whether you're an avid birder or a casual observer, Tanzania offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness a variety of bird species in their natural habitats.
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Tanzania Birding Tour
Tanzania travel tips
Tanzania is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular destinations like Zanzibar, Serengeti, and Mount Kilimanjaro. However, as with any travel, caution is advised in urban areas like Dar es Salaam and Arusha, where petty crime such as pickpocketing or scams can occur. It’s best to avoid isolated areas after dark and to secure valuables. Wildlife areas are safe with guided tours, but always follow safari protocols. For health safety, travelers should have appropriate vaccinations, use mosquito protection (due to malaria risk), and have travel insurance. Always stay informed about local safety guidelines and emergencies.
Tanzania offers a rich culinary experience influenced by its diverse cultures and coastal location. Some popular tourist dishes include:
Ugali: A staple food made from maize flour, cooked into a dense, dough-like consistency, often served with meats, vegetables, or fish.
Nyama Choma: Grilled meat, usually goat, beef, or chicken, often served with sides like ugali, rice, or a vegetable salad. It's a popular dish at local eateries and barbecues.
Sukuma: A leafy green vegetable, similar to collard greens, typically cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. It is commonly paired with ugali or rice.
Zanzibar Pilau: A flavorful spiced rice dish, often with meat or seafood, reflecting Zanzibar's rich spice history.
Samosa: Fried pastries filled with spiced meat or vegetables, widely enjoyed as street food or a snack.
Seafood: With a long coastline, dishes like grilled fish and prawns are commonly served, especially in coastal regions like Zanzibar.
These dishes showcase Tanzania’s vibrant food culture, combining rich local ingredients and international influences.
Tanzania’s wildlife climate is characterized by a mix of tropical, temperate, and semi-arid conditions, which influence the behavior and distribution of animals. The country’s diverse ecosystems range from coastal areas, savannas, and forests to the highlands, each offering unique climate conditions.
- Coastal and Lowland Areas: Regions like Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, have a tropical climate with two distinct rainy seasons: the long rains (from March to May) and the short rains (from November to December). These areas are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging between 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). The rainy seasons are critical for wildlife, as they determine the availability of food and water sources.
- Savanna and National Parks: In the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Ruinsori, the climate is more temperate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season (June to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around waterholes, making them easier to spot. During the wet season, animals are more dispersed across the landscape.
- Mountains and Highlands: Areas like Mount Kilimanjaro experience cooler temperatures, especially at higher altitudes. Wildlife in these regions is adapted to the cooler environment, with species such as elephants and buffalo found at lower altitudes, and more specialized species higher up.
This varied climate supports Tanzania’s diverse wildlife, making it a prime destination for safaris year-round.
In Tanzania, the official currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). However, for tourists, US dollars (USD) are widely accepted in major tourist areas, hotels, lodges, and many shops, especially in larger cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar.
Here are some key points to consider for tourists:
- Tanzanian Shilling (TZS): This is the official currency used for most transactions in the country. It’s advisable to have some local currency for smaller purchases, local markets, and rural areas.
- US Dollars (USD): US dollars are commonly used for larger transactions such as booking safaris, paying for accommodations, and shopping in major tourist areas. It’s important to use newer USD bills (issued after 2009) as older notes are not always accepted.
- ATMs and Currency Exchange: ATMs are available in major cities, and most accept international cards (Visa, MasterCard). Currency exchange services are also available at banks, exchange bureaus, and airports.
- Credit and Debit Cards: Many establishments in tourist areas accept international credit or debit cards (Visa, MasterCard). However, smaller businesses may prefer cash payments.
It’s a good idea to carry a mix of Tanzanian Shillings and US dollars while traveling in Tanzania for convenience and flexibility.
In Tanzania, the standard voltage is 230V with a frequency of 50Hz. Tourists should be aware that the country uses Type D and Type G electrical plugs, which have three round or rectangular pins.
- Type D plugs have three round pins in a triangular formation.
- Type G plugs have three rectangular pins, commonly used in the UK.
If your devices use a different plug type or have a different voltage requirement (e.g., 110V for North American electronics), you will need a plug adapter and potentially a voltage converter to safely use your electronics in Tanzania. It’s always a good idea to check your device’s voltage compatibility before traveling. Many modern devices like laptops and phone chargers are dual voltage (e.g., 100V-240V) and only require an adapter for plug type. However, for non-dual voltage devices, a converter is necessary to avoid damage.
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