Tanzania is one of the best tourist locations in the world. The amazing region offers everything that is needed to make a vacation perfect, from good food, to excellent accommodation. Tourists can enjoy comfort and luxury as they visit sandy beaches, spectacular safari parks, and bustling cities. Here is a guide that can help tourists plan their trip to Tanzania in 2021.
- When to go?
An important step in planning a vacation is to decide the best time for the tour. The ideal time to visit Tanzania is from June to October, when the region faces its dry season, so tours are not interrupted by rain, and wildlife viewing is perfect. As the Great Migration of wildebeests is an extraordinary sight that tourists should not miss, they should visit in these months, or come in January or February to witness the calving season when baby wildebeests are born, and game viewing is generally at its best. Both these times (June to October, and January to March) are feasible for climbing the Kilimanjaro.
- Where to go?
Tanzania is home to some of the most amazing tourist locations in the world. Tourists can visit safari parks such as the Serengeti, Arusha National Park, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Gombe, Mahale Mountains, and Tarangire National Park, where they can enjoy game drives, walking tours, cycling trips, or hot air balloon safaris. The national parks are excellent for wildlife viewing as they are home to animals such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, zebras, antelopes, waterbucks, wild dogs, gazelles, mongooses, elephants, rhinos, hippos, and buffaloes!
Tourists can also visit the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro which is the tallest mountain in Africa, and offers an extraordinary trekking experience. They can go to the bustling city of Dar Es Salaam where they can try street food, visit the museum, and interact with locals. Cultural tours to Maasai villages offer an enriching and unforgettable experience. At Lake Manyara, travellers can enjoy a relaxing bird watching experience, as the lake is home to birds such as flamingos, herons, cuckoos, crowned eagles, hornbills, doves, and kingfishers!
- What to pack?
Packing lists are essential in planning a trip. Tourists must keep all important documents such as IDs and travel documentation, necessary medication, cash, a cell phone, spare batteries, a camera, a water bottle, toiletries, and clothing. If they plan to partake in adventures such as camping or trekking, they must keep flashlights, sleeping bags, hiking shoes, maps, and tents. Appropriate dressing is essential, so visitors must carry comfortable walking shoes, light colored and light weight fabrics that are breathable and attract less attention, and an extra layer such as a scarf or jacket. Clothing with pockets is advised. They must also carry sunscreen and sunglasses to get protection from the sun.
- COVID Guidelines
In 2021, it is important to note how tourism is affected by the covid pandemic. It is compulsory to wear masks in public places and the airport, and tourists must avoid crowded areas. Tourists should get tested before their visit and travel only if they have a negative report. Wearing gloves is a good idea, and one must sanitize or wash hands as frequently as possible. It is wise to carry a pocket sized bottle of hand sanitizer which has at least 60% alcohol. Tourists must always adhere to SOPs and social distancing guidelines during their trip.
- Important Tips
There are some tips that tourists should keep in mind in order to have a good trip. They must always follow COVID related rules and regulations. Keeping cash is a good idea as it saves ATM fees. To keep safe, one should not travel alone or at night, and should share his/her itinerary with a trusted contact. All bookings should be made online beforehand to avoid any last minute troubles and to avail any discounts that might be available. Lastly, street food is a tasty and cheap alternative to expensive restaurants and provides a unique insight into the local life and culture of the region.
We hope this guide can help tourists have a great trip to Tanzania in 2021!