Best off season safari experience in Tanzania

Tanzania a hot African safari destination open all year and most of its tourism activities are not affected by changes in weather. Tanzania is situated in East Africa and one of the rich tourism destinations in this part of Africa. Tanzania is world famous for the start and end of the great wildebeest migration a natural phenomenon amongst the 8 wonders in the world.

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The off-season of Tanzania is normally March, April, May and November when less tourists are received in the country. Even though Tanzania receives a multitude of tourists each year, the off-season or low season normally has a drop in the numbers.

Some of the safari activities in Tanzania include game drives, water activities, cultural experiences, archeological destinations and museums, birding and others. The Tanzanian National Parks where safaris happen include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro, National Park, Tarangire National Park and others.

What to do During Off Season In Tanzania

Game safaris in Tanzania

Tanzania is a game safari hotspot in Africa hosting the Great Wildebeest Migration from Serengeti National Park every year. The time of starting the great wildebeest migration is hard to determine but follows a certain pattern that many tourists want to be part of it. The great wildebeest migration happens over a period of time and those interested in being part of it normally receive updates from various sources on the ground.

The game drives during a Tanzania safari are best rewarded early morning or late afternoon when more animals scatter to their day hangouts. Some of the animals you can expect to see on a game safari in Tanzania include Wildebeests, herds of elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, giraffes, rhinos, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, wild dogs, primates and others

Some of the Tanzania game parks include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro, National Park, Tarangire National Park, Nyerere National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Saadan National Park,  Mahale and Ngombe National Park, Ruaha National Park

All safari vehicles on game drives in any of these Tanzania game parks are expected to follow the guidelines of set by the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA). Using a 4x4 wheel drive vehicle while on safari in Tanzania is a great choice

Birding on Tanzania safari

Tanzania hosts over 1000 of bird species that survive across the country. The country still has some of the untamed habitats where a number of birds can thrive. Some of the birding destinations in Tanzania include Saadani National Park, Serengeti National Park, Udzungwa Mountains, Usambara Mountains, Nyerere National Park and others

Some of the birding of Tanzania include Red billed Hornbill, Shoebill, African fish eagle, Secretary bird, Lilac breasted roller and others

The best time to do birding in Tanzania is the off-season which is normally November to April when chances of disturbance by the busy vehicles on game drives especially in game parks as you try to observe the birds is minimal.  In this season, even the migratory birds are expected to be on ground as this is breeding season for the local birds.

Water activities in Tanzania

The eastern border of Tanzania is shared with the Indian Ocean therefore providing a coastline for a number of beach activities. Zanzibar Island which is also called the spice island and part of Tanzania is a great tourist destination.

Some of the water activities to do on Tanzania safari include scuba diving, beach activities, snorkeling, deep sea diving, cruise shipping, beach activities, tubing, beach weddings and others. For destination functions by the beaches of Tanzania, advance arrangements are required for better preparations. Ensure to wear the safety gear while sailing on the ocean.

Sports fishing on freshwater bodies in Tanzania like Lake Victoria, Lake Malawi and others can be arranged but you need a permit first. Some of the fish species you may catch on a sports fishing adventure in Tanzania include Tilapia, Nile perch, Mudfish, Lungfish, Orchids in Lake Malawi and others.

Chimpanzee trekking in Tanzania

Tanzania has some of the still surviving natural habitats for the Chimpanzees and other primates. The Mahale National Park and Gombe National Park Tanzania are habitats for the chimpanzees in Tanzania where chimpanzees trekking takes place. More than 700 chimpanzees are recorded as residents of this tropical rainforested park.

On the way to find the chimpanzees, you may also spot other primates like olive baboons, vervet monkeys, black and white monkeys and others. An array of birds are residents of Mahale National Park and Gombe National Park in Tanzania. Contact us for more information.

Archeological sites visit in Tanzania

Tanzania is a cradle land where early man is believed to have spent time because of the archeological discoveries found in places like the Olduvai gorge in the Ngorongoro crater area. The oldest skull of early man was discovered by Dr Louis Leakey.

More research is being done in the Ngorongoro crater area even up to date. While in Ngorongoro National Park. You may encounter animals like elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, impalas, zebras to mention but a few.

Cultural Experience on Tanzania Safari

Tanzania is a multicultural destination even though the most spoken local language in the country is Kiswahili. The Masai culture stands out in the country as they are stuck to it up-to-date. The Masai are mainly cattle keepers who have stuck to their norms even amidst the wave of modernity that is sweeping across the world.

The Masai are mainly cattle keepers, stay in homestead called the Manyatta, and have a unique dress code of bright red checked attire and beads. The dance moves of the Masai are amazing as you can just say jump and the dancers say how high. It is a contiguous style of dancing that may entice you to join. The Masai are residents of the Ngorongoro crater area in Tanzania.

Walking safari in Tanzania

Experience the Tanzania safari from a different point by taking a guided walking safari. You must be in the company of an armed ranger guide and follow the trails constructed by the regular visitors. Each tourist is expected to follow the guidelines set by the management of the safari destination where this activity happens.

Some of the Tanzanian destinations where to do the walking safari include Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro National Park and others.

Visit the Museum in Tanzania

The National Museum of Tanzania is a combination of about five museums in Tanzania aimed at preserving the historical and cultural items in the country. In 1934, the Museum of Dar es Salaam was set up, Village Museum in Dar es Salaam, National Natural History Museum, Arusha Declaration Museum in Arusha and Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Memorial in Butiaba.

Each of these museums stores some of the collections from the historical and natural items of Tanzania.

Hiking Mountain Kilimanjaro

The off shoulder season for a hike up Mountain Kilimanjaro is a great moment for those wishing not to share this experience with crowds of people. The trails along the Mountain Kilimanjaro may be covered by overgrown grass along the way but you get to the summit as the rangers in your company use the machetes to open up these trails.

Enjoy the amazing vegetation that surrounds mountain Kilimanjaro until you get to the top where you find the all year around snowcapped top. Do not forget to pack the necessary items to support this hiking adventure on Mountain Kilimanjaro.

Hot air balloon on Tanzania safari

Enjoy the aerial view of a number of Tanzania National Parks while on a hot air balloon. While up in the vessel, you get to spot a number of wild animals including elephants, buffaloes, waterbucks, bushbucks, zebras, gazelles, crater lakes, different landforms to mention but a few.  

The size of the basket of the hot air balloon is limited so there is a maximum number of people allowed per time. Chances of a hot air balloon while on safari in Tanzania may be possible in Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro National Park and others.

What is the cost of Tanzania safari in the off shoulder season

Tanzania is a costly safari destination no matter the season but during the off season, chances of receiving a discount may be available. In the low season, sometimes the service providers like accommodations may discount their price to break even and so even those who take a Tanzania safari in this period may make use of this opportunity.

The cost of Park entrance to the Tanzania National Parks is compulsory for every visitor no matter the package of safari you choose. The cost of entrance fees to Tanzania National Parks vary too.

Other costs expected on Tanzania safari may include transport, accommodation, tips, souvenir costs other relevant expenses for a Tanzania safari.

Is Tanzania safe for a safari during Off season

The security of the National Parks of Tanzania is managed by the ranger guides from Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA). They work jointly with other security organs to keep law and order in and around the game parks.

At a personal basis, your security starts with you so ensure that you protect your belongings from possible thieves. Do not try to step out of your room in the night especially if staying inside the game parks where wild animals are expected to roam.

For a tour of Dodoma the main capital of Tanzania or Dar es Salaam, keep away your belongings from potential thieves on the streets. For a taste of Tanzanian cuisine, avoid street food to protect yourself from chances of getting food poisoning.

Try to avoid counting large sums of money in public as this exposes you to chances of wrongdoers. Avoid engaging in unlawful activities while in Tanzania or else you can end in prison or pay a costly penalty

For a hike on Mountain Kilimanjaro, carry the necessary hiking gear and pack enough supplies to support the time taken on this mountain. In case you are affected by altitude, do not try to push on while on your way to the highest peak of this mountain because you may lose your life.

Some streets in Dar es Salaam or Dodoma are not demarcate so you can easily get lost but try to keep in touch with your mates in case you travel as a group or ask for direction from a responsible person. Contact us for more information.

Packing List For Tanzania Safari

• Foldable water bottle where you have to keep some drinking water for you to use for quenching thirst while on safari.
• Safari shoes especially if you have to walk as the ground is sometimes very hot and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces in the wilderness.
• Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like tsetse flies
• If you have to trek the chimpanzees, ensure you carry the right safari boots that will protect your feet from the harsh conditions in the jungle.
• Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
• Sunglasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
• Some warmers because most safari destinations in Tanzanian experience cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
• Safari wear in colors that are wilderness-friendly in colors like khaki, tan and others. Try not to use colors that can attract stinging insects like blue, black and white.
• For chimpanzee trekking safaris in Tanzania, you need a mask as this is one adopted measure to prevent chimpanzees from catching human communicable infections. Chimpanzees have about 98% human DNA which makes them susceptible to human communicable infections which may lead to their massive death.
• Extra batteries fully charged to exchange with in case you one runs low.
• Duffel bag so that you can carry your belongings in case you have to help yourself.
• Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are no easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
• Snacks to munch on when you are on safari in case you get hungry.
•  A camera to keep memorable moment while on safari in Tanzania there many moments that happen
• Travel Adapter and charger in case you need to recharge your gadgets.
• First aid kit in case of any emergency during your visit in Tanzania

For more information and bookings, please contact our team.