My Tanzania Safari: A Dream Come True
Tanzania – even the name sounds wild and mysterious! But seriously, my trip blew all my expectations out of the water. Here's everything I learned, from getting the visa to booking the tour, costs, and little tips that might help anyone dreaming of a proper African safari.
Weather in Tanzania in May
I went in May – basically the low season (end of the rainy season), so:
- The upside: Few tourists, the wildlife reserves almost empty with only 2-3 groups, and tour prices are lower than in the peak season.
- Weather: Some scattered rain (especially in Ngorongoro and Lake Manyara), but mostly sunny, perfect for spotting wildlife and taking photos.
Flights
I flew from KL to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), transit in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) for about 5 hours. Didn't need a yellow fever shot since I didn't leave the airport and wasn't staying longer than 24 hours.
Bought the ticket quite late, so it was a bit pricey, around RM6,800 return. If you plan earlier (around 3 months), you can definitely snag a better deal.
Tanzania Visa
Applying for the eVisa online was quick and easy, costing USD50 (~RM235).
Website: https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
A small tip: book your tour company before applying for the visa because you'll need to fill in the tour operator's information.
When choosing where your visa will be processed, select China or Kenya for a faster processing time.
Sim Card
When I arrived at the airport, I asked my driver to help me buy a sim card right there in Arusha. Cost about RM375 for 10GB, signal was stable, enough for basic needs like checking maps, texting, and calling.
Safari Tour
I booked my tour through SafariBookings – a super reliable, easy-to-use platform that lets you compare tours based on itinerary, budget, and points of interest.
I sent them my wishlist of destinations:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
Then, the tour operator designed a custom itinerary and gave me a quote. I chose a 7-day/6-night all-inclusive package, which included:
- Accommodation (fancy, clean lodges)
- All meals
- Private airport transfers and transport throughout the trip
Price ranged from USD1,850 – 2,100 per person (excluding hot air balloon rides, which are about USD500 per person if you want). Good to budget your Tanzania adventure.
You can totally negotiate and adjust the itinerary via email with the tour operator.
(They initially quoted USD2100/person, then I bargained and they agreed to USD1850/person)
If you're worried about the tour operator's reliability, check the company name on TripAdvisor to see reviews from other travelers.
Tipping
Tanzania has a pretty strong tipping culture.
I usually left around USD10/day/person for the guide because they were super professional and attentive.
When leaving the hotel, leave a tip in the tip box at the front desk.
Total Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| Flights | 6,800 |
| eVisa | 235 |
| All-inclusive safari tour | 22,500 |
| Sim card, spending money | 1,400 |
| Tips | 940 |
| Total | 31,875 |
Other Tips
Bring a power bank, sunscreen, and a light jacket for early mornings/sunsets.
If you can afford it, try the hot air balloon ride in the Serengeti – expensive, but totally worth it.
This trip was truly like an African dream come true – where elephants, lions, zebras, and gazelles appeared right before my eyes, wild, vibrant, and breathtakingly overwhelming. If I have the chance to go back again, I hope to travel slower, spend more time relaxing, immerse myself in the vast nature, and fully appreciate every moment.
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