Serengeti National Park

Situated in East Africa, Tanzania is surrounded by the Indian Ocean to its Eastern side, endowing us with the allure of Zanzibar.

To the North of Tanzania lie Kenya and Uganda, while Rwanda, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Burundi can be located to the west. To the South of Tanzania are Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique.

There are multiple methods of reaching Tanzania, but typically, you'll arrive by air at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam (640 kilometers, or a 2-hour flight from Arusha City), or at Kilimanjaro International Airport (a 45-minute drive from Arusha City).

Tanzania is in the GMT+3 time zone, which signifies that there's no time variance between their summers and winter seasons.

The primary language of Tanzania is Swahili, spoken by the majority of our population. Additionally, we boast a diverse array of over 100 tribal languages! Thankfully, English is prevalent in major urban centers and areas frequented by tourists. At Shammah Wonders Safaris, our driver guides are proficient in multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. When making reservations with us, please indicate your preferred language for our guides.

Typically, the Tanzanian dry period commences in early June and extends until late October. Subsequently, the 'short rains' arrive from late October or early November until mid to late December. Following this, there's a break from late December to mid-March, after which the 'long rains' set in from the end of March to May.

Naturally, climatic patterns may fluctuate annually, so it's essential to be ready for any eventuality.

We assure you'll find Tanzania very safe and welcoming. Like anywhere else globally, exercising common sense is key. Avoid displaying valuables and embrace the natural wonders, culture, and people of Tanzania without worry.

While many visitors come to Tanzania primarily for wildlife experiences, they often depart with a broader and deeper understanding. Why? A significant part of this is attributed to our amicable, hospitable, and diverse populace. Tanzanians encompass various ethnicities and religious beliefs, coexisting harmoniously, making Tanzania one of Africa's safest destinations.

Whether you aim to ascend Kilimanjaro or cross off an African Safari from your list of dreams, we're thrilled to assist you in planning.

Reach out to us today with your particular preferences, and our team of Tanzania experts will craft a customized itinerary that will exceed your expectations.

We eagerly anticipate your arrival!

Tanzania witnesses two periods of rainfall, known as the 'long rains' from late March to May and the 'short rains' from late October or early November to mid-December.

The majority of lodgings will readily take credit cards. However, if you prefer cash transactions, it's advisable to utilize US Dollars. Please be aware that US Dollar banknotes dated before 2009 are not accepted. For credit card payments, either MASTERCARD or VISA are recommended.

Numerous airlines operate direct routes to Tanzania, with frequencies ranging from daily to thrice weekly. Carriers offering nonstop flights include KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Condor Charter Flight, and RwandAir, which serve Kilimanjaro International Airport. Additionally, airlines such as Emirates, South African Airways, Etihad Airways, and EgyptAir offer daily flights to Dar es Salaam International Airport.

The official currency in Tanzania is the Tanzanian Shilling (Tshs). However, it's important to note that Tanzanian Shilling cannot be imported or exported. Nonetheless, it can be easily converted to US Dollars, Euros, and other currencies within the country.

Should you need to exchange currency while in Tanzania, numerous banks across the country provide currency exchange services. It's advisable to always obtain a receipt for currency transactions.

For currency needs, we recommend bringing US Dollars from your home country, as they are widely accepted.

However, if you find yourself in need of cash while in Tanzania, there are numerous ATM machines available in Arusha City where you can withdraw additional funds before embarking on your safari or trek. It's important to note that US Dollars cannot be withdrawn from ATMs, and there is a maximum withdrawal limit of 400,000 Tanzanian Shillings, which is equivalent to less than 200 USD. Therefore, it's essential to consider this limit when withdrawing cash.

Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that many small towns or beachside hotels may lack ATM facilities, so it's advisable to ensure you have sufficient cash before traveling to remote areas or the beach.

While we understand the inclination to show kindness and establish connections with community members, it's not advisable to distribute gifts randomly. If you wish to make a donation or present gifts, please inform us, and we can arrange this for you. Additionally, we can offer guidance on suitable gifts or donations.

Accommodation options vary depending on the nature of your trip. For instance, Kilimanjaro treks offer limited choices compared to lavish retreats in Zanzibar.

Nevertheless, Tanzania caters to all budgets, offering options from budget-friendly to luxurious accommodations.

At Shammah Wonders Safaris, our safaris feature four accommodation styles tailored to your preferences and budget: Basic, Comfort, Comfort Plus, and Luxury.

We exclusively collaborate with top-tier accommodations within each category. Basic accommodations are situated on public campsites with shared restroom facilities. In the other three categories, accommodations boast private bathrooms. These rooms are spacious, equipped with either twin or king-size beds, a vanity, and a wardrobe for luggage storage. Lodges and tented camps within the National Parks utilize generators for power. It's worth noting that while some accommodations provide 24-hour access to hot showers, others offer hot showers only during specified times in the morning and evening.

The expense of a journey to Tanzania varies based on various factors, including the itinerary, lodging preferences, duration of the trip, and the size of your group. Upon consultation with us regarding your preferences, we will design an itinerary and provide you with detailed cost estimates.

Although many establishments provide water purification methods, it's advisable to consume bottled water during your visit to Tanzania. Bottled water is easily accessible throughout your stay and is also provided by Shammah Wonders Safaris for safari excursions.

The domestically brewed beer is of high quality, with options such as Serengeti, Safari, and Kilimanjaro. For a unique experience, you can also sample mbege (a homebrew from the Chagga community) or banana beer. Imported beers are also exceptional, with the Tusker Kenyan variant being particularly popular among our favorites.

Our wildlife is abundant, ensuring you'll never experience a dull moment. With over 35 species of large mammals, alongside numerous captivating smaller creatures and a remarkable array of insect life, there's always something to marvel at. Additionally, Tanzania boasts well over one thousand bird species and a plethora of intriguing reptiles.

While there are no guarantees of sightings, a typical game drive might include spotting the iconic African elephant, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, hippopotamus, olive baboons, and impressive big cats such as lion, leopard, and cheetah. Keep an eye out for jackals and hyenas as well. Moreover, in the otherworldly Ngorongoro Crater, you might have the fortune of glimpsing a rare black rhinoceros.

The most enriching aspect is not merely observing these animals, but also gaining invaluable knowledge about them from our expert driver guides. Even if you're not an avid birdwatcher, your driver-guide will point out some of our vibrant avian residents, such as the majestic African fish eagle, the grey-headed kingfisher, or the pearl-spotted owl. And as for the vultures... well, you'll spot those on your own.

Fed up with monotonous meals? Brace yourself for a burst of flavor. In Tanzania, eateries offer a plethora of options that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you satiated without the burden of heavy calories or cholesterol! Thanks to its varied geographical regions, the cuisine in this nation is incredibly diverse, ensuring there's something to suit every palate: from international travelers seeking an authentic African culinary journey, to backpackers vacationing with their families yearning for Indian cuisine prepared over open flames.

There are no certainties when it comes to wildlife sightings, but our driver-guides are dedicated to locating the ‘Big 5’ and an array of other captivating species. You'll undoubtedly have a high probability of encountering the Big 5, contingent upon the selection of parks included in your itinerary. For instance, if your aim is to witness a black rhinoceros, it's advisable to incorporate Ngorongoro into your schedule.

Certainly. The baggage allowance, encompassing both checked and carry-on luggage, is 15 kilograms. However, an exception applies when an airline operates ATR aircraft for flights connecting Arusha or Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam: on these routes, the weight limit increases to 20 kilograms.

All travelers are required to acquire sufficient travel insurance before embarking on their journey to Tanzania. Insurance plans must offer extensive coverage, including medical evacuation, trip cancellation, arrangement curtailment, and baggage loss, for any unforeseen circumstances.

To mitigate the risk of these biting insects, opt for attire in neutral tones (such as khaki, beige, green, olive, or light brown), as tsetse flies are attracted to bright colors. While most individuals experience no adverse reactions to their bites, some may endure itchiness and swelling.

Tsetse flies predominantly inhabit woodland regions of Tarangire and specific areas of Serengeti, exhibiting peak activity during daylight hours.