Going on safari for the first time is exciting, but it can also feel like a lot to plan. What happens on a game drive? What should you wear? Is it safe? Our guides in Arusha answer the questions first-time visitors ask us most, so you can arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy every moment.
What a typical safari day looks like
- Early morning: breakfast at sunrise, then out on a game drive when animals are most active and the light is soft.
- Midday: a picnic lunch in the park or a break at your lodge during the hottest hours.
- Afternoon: another game drive as the animals become active again.
- Evening: back at camp before sunset for dinner and stories around the fire.
You travel in a 4×4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, so you can stand up for views and photos. Your guide drives, finds the animals and explains what you are seeing.
Step 1: Choose the length and route
For a first safari we recommend 4 to 6 days in Tarangire, the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. This combination gives you elephants, big cats and the Big Five. Read how many days you need for a Tanzania safari and our guide to the best safari parks in Tanzania.
Step 2: Choose your safari style
- Mid-range lodges: comfortable rooms, hot showers and good food. Our most popular choice.
- Camping: sleep in tents close to nature, at a lower price.
- Shared group safari: the most affordable option, ideal for solo travellers.
Not sure which suits you? Read private vs group safari in Tanzania.
Step 3: Pick the right time
June to October is the dry season with the easiest game viewing. January to March is calving season in the southern Serengeti. November and March to May are greener and quieter, with lower prices. See the best time to visit Tanzania.
Step 4: Prepare your documents and packing
- Visa: most visitors need a visa. Read our Tanzania visa and entry guide.
- Travel insurance: check the latest entry rules before you travel; we confirm them with every guest.
- Health: talk to your doctor or a travel clinic about vaccinations and malaria tablets.
- Packing: neutral-coloured layers, a warm fleece for early mornings, a hat, sunscreen and binoculars. Use our Tanzania safari packing list.
Safari etiquette and safety
- Always stay inside the vehicle unless your guide says it is safe to get out.
- Keep your voice low near animals and never feed them.
- Follow your guide’s advice; they know the animals and the rules of the park.
- At camps, ask for an escort after dark if your tent is away from the main area.
Tipping on safari
Tips are not included in safari prices but are very much appreciated by guides and camp staff. Many guests give their guide a tip at the end of the safari, in an envelope, in US dollars or Tanzanian shillings. Ask us for current guidelines when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I see the Big Five?
Lions, elephants and buffalo are seen on most safaris, and the Ngorongoro Crater gives you a good chance of black rhino. Leopards are shy, so every sighting is a special moment.
Is a safari tiring?
Days start early and game drives can be long, but you spend most of the time sitting comfortably in the vehicle. Your guide can adjust the pace to suit you.
Ready for your first safari? Browse our Tanzania safari packages or get a free tailor-made quote. Our team in Arusha will help you plan every step.
