- Don’t cut your trip too short
Experiencing Tanzania’s wildlife parks – even just one or two – takes time. And then there’s the beach- and island-hopping along the coast, hiking in the highlands, trekking on [Kilimanjaro visiting village markets and so much more. A week is barely enough for a quick introduction, but your visit will be more rewarding with at least two weeks and ideally three or more.
- Wildebeest have their clocks
Seeing wildlife is a sure thing. But logistics can get trickier if you’re hoping to experience a specific event, such as the peak of the wildebeest migration. Camps along the migration route generally get booked up well in advance, and the wildebeest move to nature’s rhythms and their internal clocks. To catch the excitement, start planning early. Check with the camps for recommendations, as their guides will be tracking the rains and the movement of the animals. If the wildebeest don’t cooperate, take things in Tanzanian stride: hakuna matata (“no problem”) – there’s so much other wildlife to see.
- [Tailor your travels]
Tanzania is a year-round destination, but it’s worth considering the seasons. Check [LP’s Tanzania guidebook] travel in the dry months from June to September for wildlife-watching, hiking and Kilimanjaro treks. Visit in the wet months (February to May) for birding, lower prices and fewer crowds. Also remember, while the rainiest months from March to May can get really rainy, there’s still plenty of sunshine.
- Set aside money for tips
Safaris and treks can be costly, but the fees you pay shouldn’t be considered as full compensation for the drivers, guides, cooks, and porters who will be the ones helping to make your trip memorable. Tipping is a standard part of the experience, and a generous tip for a job well done will be greatly appreciated by those who depend on this income for their livelihood. Your safari or trekking company will be able to provide guidelines.
- Carry a credit card for parks and ATMs, and cash for everywhere else
Credit cards (Visa or MasterCard) are required for paying national park fees and can be used in major tourist establishments. Elsewhere, you’ll need cash. Change is rarely available, so carrying some smaller denominations will come in handy.
- Tanzanian time
It’s not just the wildebeest who have their own clocks. Tanzania does, too. When checking things like opening hours and transport schedules, confirm whether the listings are in Western time, or according to the Tanzanian clock. This is a 12-hour system that works in accordance with sunrise and sunset. It starts at 1 o’clock just after dawn (7 am), moves towards 12 o’clock in the evening (6 pm), and then repeats during the night.
- A safari is about so much more than just spotting the “Big 5”
Take time, plenty of it, in wildlife and birding areas. To begin, plan for at least several nights in a single park to get a sense of the subtler rhythms of the bush and the wealth and diversity of the local wildlife. Sometimes you may have to ask your guide to turn off the motor and just sit, waiting to experience whatever may come by.
- Take time for greetings
Tanzanians have a wonderful sense of community, and greetings are an essential part of any conversation. Styles range from streetside-casual (*Mambo vipi? “*How are things?”) to more formal (Habari za asubuhi, Habari za leo, “Good morning, good day”). Whatever the form, they are never omitted and never rushed. Conversations with an older person should always start with the respectful Shikamoo (literally, “I clasp your feet”). If you forget, some older Tanzanians might even remind you by first saying marahaba (the standard reply). Handshakes also aren’t rushed – Tanzanians will often continue to hold hands throughout their conversation.
- Learn some Swahili
You’ll probably do this anyway without even trying, as everywhere you go you’ll hear karibu (“welcome”), pole pole (“slowly”) and asante (“thank you”). Beyond this, Swahili is such an inclusive, melodic language and attempts to learn it are greatly appreciated. Making the effort to master even just a few simple phrases will go a long way in facilitating cultural interactions and easing your travels.
- The right hand
In Tanzania, the left hand is traditionally reserved for sanitary purposes. Always use your right hand for eating and for passing things. Receive gifts with both hands, or with the right hand, while touching your left hand to your right elbow.