A budget safari in Tanzania

Forget the swanky safari lodges and luxury tented camps, nothing beats pitching a tent and camping when it comes to saving money and sticking to a tight budget. Whether it’s a pop-tent out of your backpack or a rooftop tent on your self-drive safari vehicle, the rustic camping option takes you close to nature and stretches your money further. Self-catering, street food, eating in local restaurants and travelling by public transport all help to keep costs in check, while simultaneously exposing the traveller to the local people and culture of Tanzania.

Culture in Tanzania

With almost half the country’s population being Muslim, it is important to respect their more conservative Islamic cultural norms by dressing less provocatively and covering up when exploring their ethnic strongholds, such as Zanzibar, the other Spice Islands, and along the east coast of Tanzania. The holy month of Ramadan, the religious importance of Fridays, and the need to pray five…

Shopping in Tanzania

Most mainstream tourist destinations in Tanzania offer opportunities for souvenir shopping. Popular gifts to take back home include: Maasai tartan blankets and beadwork, Tanzanite jewellery, traditional woodcarvings and hand-printed batik fabrics. As a general rule, you’re much more likely to find a bargain at a local market as opposed to in a shopping centre or craft shop frequented by…

Southern safari circuit in Tanzania

The southern safari circuit sprawls across southern Tanzania. From the gigantic Selous Game Reserve in the east to Mahale Mountains and Gombe Stream national parks on the shore of Lake Tanganyika in the west, this is wildest Africa and the domain of adventurers and explorers. Between Africa’s deepest lake and the Selous World Heritage Site lie the diminutive Mikumi and Udzungwa…

Affordable safaris in Tanzania

If it is value-for-money that you’re after, then it would be best to travel outside of the peak season (June to September) because rates tend to be inflated due to the excess demand. Many of the lodges and camps – both on the safari circuits and scattered across the Spice Islands – offer generous off-season discounts with the ‘emerald season’ (AKA the rainy season) typically…

Dining in Tanzania

Tanzanian cuisine is both unique and incredibly varied with a strong Indian influence permeating many of the dishes. Along the coast and throughout the Zanzibar archipelago spicy foods are common with coconut being a leading ingredient. Regions of Tanzania’s mainland also have their own unique local foods. Some typical mainland Tanzanian foods include: wali (rice), ugali (maize porridge),…

Travel advice for Tanzania

The following practical information and travel advice is worth knowing as you look to plan your trip to Tanzania and embark on the safari of a lifetime: Tanzania’s unit of currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, which is necessary for purchasing souvenirs, drinks and food in local shops and restaurants, but all hotels, lodges and other tourist establishments readily accept US Dollars and…

Popular Tanzania Safaris

These popular itineraries can be customised to match your budget and travel dates