10 Tanzania Safari Do’s and Don’ts : Those enjoying travel and adventure Tanzania is the perfect destination for you. This stunning nation in East Africa, which borders the Indian Ocean, has something to offer everyone. You don’t even need to leave this sunny haven to satisfy your vacation needs thanks to big cities and unspoiled scenery. Tanzania has everything you need to make your safari trip wonderful and unforgettable, including wonderful beaches like those in Zanzibar; amazing Tanzania wildlife safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro; diverse cultures like those of the Maasai and Hadzabe tribes; and unique landscapes like Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru.
You should be aware of a few things before visiting Tanzania, just like you would in any other country. It’s crucial to respect others, be aware of cultural differences, and follow proper protocol. In terms of health, it’s also essential to take the appropriate steps to avoid ending up in a hospital bed.
There are certain safari do’s and don’ts that you must be aware of and adhere to in order to keep yourself safe while visiting wild animals in their natural habitat in Africa or Tanzania. Tanzanians are courteous people and won’t likely shout out when you make a cultural faux pas, but it doesn’t stop them from rumoring in silence when they see muzungu (foreign tourists) dressing improperly, kissing in public, or engaging in other etiquette faux pas. We have suggestions on what to do and what not to do to help you plan and have the ideal holiday in Tanzania. Here’s how to appreciate others while avoiding cultural faux pas to gain their friendship.
GOOD SAFARI ETIQUETTE IN TANZANIA
Do sort out your visa early.
You will need a visa to travel to Tanzania, so don’t panic (or maybe do if you wait until less than 10 days before departure). Verify that the visa is the appropriate one for your trip, that the length and purpose of your stay are covered, and that you have at least six months remaining on your passport from the application date. For the most recent information about Tanzania travel visa and passport, visit immigration.go.tz.
Do check which injections you need.
Before traveling, make sure you have the appropriate vaccinations and access to anti-malarial medication. The optimal time to resolve this is six weeks prior to departure, but if you wait until then, it’s still worthwhile to schedule an appointment with your neighborhood doctor.
Do bring a good camera.
A phone simply won’t do for this one because you’re going on a safari. If all you can see is a spotted smear, it would be difficult to convince your friends back home that you saw a leopard. And the images themselves serve as proof, right? Did it not happen if you didn’t Instagram it? OK, we’re just toying with you. You’re doing it properly if the only reason you go on a safari is for the memories. However, we strongly advise investing in a camera with a good zoom if you’d like to take some spectacular pictures while you’re at it. You can get a versatile camera that can go with you on all of your future excursions, from city getaways to beach retreats, even if it is only a basic point and shoot, 10 Tanzania Safari Do’s and Don’ts
Do dress for the occasion.
The first items on your packing list should be walking shoes, binoculars, and your best khaki outfit (complete with a stylish safari hat, of course). We’re not trying to make you look foolish, either. Okay, so if you don’t already have binoculars, don’t worry about buying some; your guide will have some available for you to borrow. However, it is really advised to wear neutral-toned clothing, as anything too flamboyant could drive animals to flee. Obviously, the goal of this game is to appear as unassuming as possible. Again, dress in layers because the savanna may get cool early in the morning.
Do remember insect spray.
In addition to being unsightly, mosquito bites may make you uncomfortable and itchy for days, which is not ideal if you have a week of game drives planned. For this vacation, a bug repellent might just become your new best buddy. And keep in mind that, despite the appearance that these bothersome insects only come out to play at dusk, you are a delicious target 24 hours a day. Think of it as sunscreen. Apply frequently, and after taking a shower or a plunge in the pool, be sure to reapply.
Do tip your guides.
You should never forget bring some US dollars in your bag, which you should use to tip each guide once the safari is complete. The entire industry anticipates this. The experienced drivers from Focus East Africa Tours will be with you continuously during the tour to answer questions, provide cultural context, and make this one of your most memorable travel experiences.
ADDITION INFORMATION ABOUT DO’S IN TANZANIA DURING A SAFARI TOUR
How to dress in Tanzania
Men and women should both cover their knees and shoulders in public because Tanzania is a highly conservative country. Women typically only wear skirts, although as long as they aren’t too form-fitting, foreign women are welcome to wear jeans or pants.
You might be tempted to walk around in shorts and swimwear in Zanzibar, but keep in mind that the island is largely Muslim. You can get away with wearing skimpy clothing on the beach, but as soon as you enter a village, you must cover up. People do notice if you violate the dress code, as I’ve seen locals ask bikini-clad girls passing through Stone Town (Zanzibar’s Old Town) to put clothes on.
You might be motivated to purchase a kanga, a brightly printed wrap that native women wear as skirts, head wraps, and slings for infants. Keep modesty in mind when wearing one, and try not to tie it too tightly around your waist; it’s best if your contours aren’t easily visible.
Village visits
Tanzania depends heavily on tourism for its income, so when you visit a hamlet, be prepared for locals to try to sell you jewelry, carvings, and other trinkets. Haggling is fine, as the dealers often mention an inflated price for outsiders. Simply flash a nice grin and begin negotiating. Tanzanians value charm and don’t like confrontational tourists too much, 10 Tanzania Safari Do’s and Don’ts
Don’t give candy or other modest presents to youngsters you meet, because doing so can encourage them to quit school and become full-time beggars.
Greetings in Tanzania
Greetings is more crucial in Tanzania as it shows where your respect and manner is. Because of the focus placed on individuals and connections in this culture, it is considered impolite to start a conversation without first asking about the other person’s day, job, kids, etc. People will occasionally shake your hand and then hold it in place for a while. It’s only a friendly gesture, so don’t freak out.
Respectfully, the elderly are honored and greeted. To show respect, always say shikamoo, which means “good morning/evening” to someone older than you. The reply, marahaba, which means “I accept your respect,” acknowledges your regard. As you shake hands with an elderly person, you can also bow slightly and cup your left hand around your right elbow to show more profound respect.
When you see members of a tribe dressed in their traditional garb, it can be enticing to grab your camera, but doing so is impolite. Additionally, you should be aware that Maasai people frequently request a little tip in exchange for photographs.
THE DON’TS/NOT-SO-GOOD SAFARI ETIQUETTE IN TANZANIA
Don’t drink anything that’s not bottled.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, as the adage goes. This also applies to Tanzanian tap water. Make bottled or filtered water your go-to option for drinking and brushing your teeth because it will always be available. It’s best to avoid ice and salad that may have been washed in tap water, but while dining in lodges, we wouldn’t worry about it because they know what they’re doing, 10 Tanzania Safari Do’s and Don’ts
Don’t fear the food.
It would be difficult to find a lodge where the food didn’t appeal to you because they are more than capable of satisfying even the pickiest palates. There will be lots of options, whether you decide to fully immerse yourself in the local food (think grilled meats and endless ugali) or would rather stick to what you know. You simply need to tuck in at this point.
Don’t forget to get your beauty sleep.
For those early morning game drives, you’ll need to be alert; no amount of coffee (Tanzania is noted for its outstanding coffee) can make up for a late night. You’ll need to get to bed by 9pm in order to achieve the recommended amount of eight hours of sleep, as your alarm may be set for as early as 5am some days. Additionally, if you get a good night’s rest, you won’t lose any time during the day snoozing when you could be taking in the views and sounds of the breathtaking surroundings.
Don’t bring any plastic bags into the country.
That implies that you must also leave the small plastic bag that you used to pack your liquids in your hand luggage before leaving the UK. We support Tanzania’s decision to ban plastic bags as of June 1st, 2019. Simply avoid bringing in plastic to avoid any charges.
Don’t take pictures of people without their permission.
Taking images of individuals without their consent is a big no-no, much like pointing or staring. Although it’s acceptable to be fascinated by Tanzania’s tribal customs and desire to photograph tribal people, it’s always preferable to inquire beforehand. The majority of the time, the locals will gladly comply or even invite you to take pictures with them. In terms of tourism, they are familiar with the process. A token of appreciation, such as a little gift of cash or the purchase of a memento from the person in question, would be suitable when (or if you feel it is essential).
Other important do’s and don’ts for your Tanzania safari include
It’s improper to touch food or other people with your left hand. This hand should only be used for bathroom purposes; do not eat, shake hands, or give money or gifts with it. Instead, use your right hand.
Don’t sniff your food or refuse to try a dish when you’re invited to eat with a local family, since you run the risk of offending the cook.
Remember that Tanzania is a conservative nation, so refrain from cuddling or kissing your partner in public, even if you’re in Zanzibar for your honeymoon.
Conclusion, the wild places are what safari is all about and Tanzania is full of these places. It’s all about paying respect to the amazing wildlife that lives there. Decide on a competent and skilled outfitter, tread cautiously, and show a real interest in Tanzania culture. You will undoubtedly have a life-altering encounter if you keep these in mind.
