6 Days Safari from Karatu, Tanzania
Embark on a thrilling 6-day safari from Karatu Tanzania, exploring Tanzania’s top wildlife destinations: Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Eyasi, and Tarangire. Discover diverse landscapes, spot the Big Five, while immersed in the breathtaking beauty of these iconic national parks. This safari promises an unforgettable adventure through Tanzania's most renowned wilderness and cultural rich areas.
Prices from: 2,800$
- Tarangire National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park.
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Lake Eyasi
- Arusha
WHEN IS THE BEST TO VISIT TANZANIA?
Many travelers ask themselves, ‘when is the best time to visit Tanzania?’ The best time to visit Tanzania depends on the wildlife you want to spot. The rain dictates the country’s seasons and wildlife numbers, so you’ll have a slightly different experience depending on when you choose to visit.
Tanzania’s headline attraction is the Great Migration, which unfolds year-round across the Serengeti. Between July and October, many travelers flock to witness the dramatic spectacle of massive wildebeest and zebra herds crossing the Mara River—chaos erupts as they try to evade crocodiles and other predators lying in wait. However, this season also brings an increase in vehicles throughout the park.
Tanzania’s ‘green season’ is much quieter between November and mid-June. While there’s a chance of rain showers, especially in March and April, it’s a fantastic time for birdwatching as migratory species arrive in their thousands. You’ll also see Great Migration herds with their newly born calves.
Herd of the Great Migration in the Serengeti
The mass movement of wildebeest in Tanzania each year, culminating in the Mara River crossings between July and October to mid-November.
In their search for fresh grazing, herds that can number thousands of animals risk the crocodile-infested river and the awaiting leopard on the far bank in many hazardous river crossings.
November’s short rains bring new life to the grasslands of the southern Serengeti-Ndutu. They also bring the wildebeest, who can detect rain from more than 50 kilometers away.
The herds converge on the Serengeti’s short grass plains to give birth to their young from January to February.
From March, the herd starts moving in search of new pasture through the Western and Eastern Corridor of Serengeti, which brings them to the Mara River around the Last week of June.
Tanzania weather
Tanzania's weather varies by region, but there's always a great time to visit! The coastal areas tend to be the hottest and most humid, while the northern regions and highlands enjoy cooler temperatures due to their altitude. Throughout the year, temperatures typically range from 22°C to 31°C. At night, temperatures can drop to between 10°C and 22°C. Zanzibar, located near the Equator, boasts a distinctly tropical climate, making its beaches particularly inviting.
Tanzania weather: the seasons
Tanzania has two seasons yearly: the wet and the dry season. The wet season (also called the rainy season) runs from the end of October right through to December, and then again from the end of March to the end of May. They are referred to as the ‘short-’ and ‘long rains’. These tropical rains mostly start late afternoon and continue all night till early morning. The rains of Africa are famous worldwide and are a soothing, enchanting sight to behold during a trip to Tanzania!
Tanzania Travel Advice
With almost a decade of experience, we’re proud to be able to offer customised Tanzania travel advice that is second-to-none. Here we answer your top questions regarding need-to-know Tanzania travel advice.
Is Tanzania safe to travel?
“I want to visit Tanzania, but is it safe?” This is a common question we receive from clients seeking travel advice. The short answer? Yes! Tanzania is one of the safest destinations in Africa, welcoming over a million tourists each year. Traveling with the experts at Kilidove Tours prioritizes your safety. Our private safari experiences, led by knowledgeable and professional guides, enhance your journey and provide you with complete peace of mind.Read more from us Tanzania safety tips for more information on safe travel in Tanzania.
What is the population of Tanzania?
Tanzania has a population of nearly 60 million people and is one of Africa’s most ethnically diverse countries, home to around 125 different ethnic groups. More than 100 languages are spoken across the nation, reflecting its rich cultural tapestry.
The Tanzanian people are renowned for their hospitality, warmly welcoming tourists to explore their stunning nature, wildlife, and culture. Engaging with locals is one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of the country and its traditions, making it highly recommended during your discovery of Tanzania!
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most international travellers will need a visa to travel to Tanzania. Your visa can be requested online through the official visa website from the Tanzanian government. Please note that this is the only official link for Tanzania visa applications.
It is also possible to get a tourist or business visa for a single entry on arrival at the main ports of entry to Tanzania. This visa for Tanzania is valid for three months. You may be asked to provide proof of your return journey, and costs are $50 per person, US Citizens $100 per person.
When arranging your trip to Tanzania with Tanzania specialist, we guide you through every step of the visa and administration process.
Passport requirements
Passports should have at least six months of validity after the final day of travel.
Safety First: Our travel insurance advise
When traveling to Tanzania, we recommend booking your travel insurance through a reputable provider that offers comprehensive coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related risks. Consider the following options:
Travel Insurance Comparison Websites: Platforms like InsureMyTrip or Squaremouth allow you to compare different policies from various insurers.
Dedicated Travel Insurance Providers: Companies such as World Nomads, Allianz Travel, Axa, and SafetyWing specialize in travel insurance and are well-suited for adventurous travelers.
Your Current Insurance Provider: Check if your existing health or auto insurance covers international travel, as they may offer add-on travel insurance.
Always ensure that your policy includes essential coverage such as emergency medical expenses, evacuation, and any specific activities you plan to undertake in Tanzania.
What vaccinations are needed for Tanzania?
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required for travellers one year of age and older coming from – or who are in airport transit for more than 12 hours within – a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
In addition to standard vaccinations such as MMR and TDP, the CDC and WHO recommend vaccinations for Tanzania, such as Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid. Yellow fever and rabies vaccinations are also recommended depending on the traveller’s activities. As of January 2023 there are no more COVID-19 restrictions in Tanzania, and vaccinations or PCR-tests are no longer necessary before traveling.
As with all international travel, we always advise you to consult your physician for professional health advice before travelling to Tanzania.
What is the time in Tanzania?
Tanzania is GMT + 3. To put that into terms we all understand, check out the time difference from Tanzania to LA, New York, London and more below.
Los Angeles: -10 hours
New York: -7 hours
London: -3 hours
Berlin: -2 hours
Hong Kong: +5 hours
Tokyo: +6 hours
Sydney: + 8 hours
Auckland: +10 hours
What is the currency of Tanzania?
The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling, although dollars and euros are also accepted in most places in Tanzania.
Language in Tanzania
There are over 100 different languages spoken in Tanzania. The official languages, however, are Swahili and English. You can expect all your Tanzania Specialist guides and hosts to speak English, but if you’re looking to learn a few words of Swahili before your trip, get a few step to start learn swahili useful words in Swahili!
Swahili and English are the official languages in Tanzania, but Swahili is spoken by almost everyone. In the tourism sector, however, English is widely spoken by the majority of people.
Traveling in Tanzania, especially to East African destinations like Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zanzibar, is more than just a vacation; it’s a bucket-list adventure to cherish for a lifetime. For detailed travel advice on Tanzania or to start planning your custom vacation, feel free to reach out!, contact us now.
We look forward to share our beautiful places in Tanzania with you soon!
Tanzania Yellow Fever Requirements
Tanzania yellow fever requirements can sometimes seem confusing, but we’re here to help! As a yellow fever-free country, Tanzania is safe to travel when it comes to steering clear of this virus. On this page, we answer all your questions on the yellow fever virus and whether a yellow fever vaccine is required for Tanzania.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Tanzania?
Great news: for the vast majority of travellers to this beautiful country, you do not need this vaccine! According to the World Health Organization's classification, Tanzania currently poses a low risk for yellow fever. If you reside in a country with no risk of yellow fever, you do not need the yellow fever vaccine as part of your required travel vaccinations.
What is yellow fever?
Yellow fever is a viral disease transmitted through mosquito bites. Symptoms usually develop within 3 to 6 days and may include fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches. It’s important to note that yellow fever can be serious; approximately 15% of those infected may develop a severe or life-threatening illness.
As Tanzania is safe from yellow fever, if you are directly travelling from Europe or the United States, there are no yellow fever vaccine requirements.
Tanzania yellow fever requirements
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is only required upon arrival if you are traveling from a country with a risk of the virus or if you are transiting for more than 48 hours through such a country. Currently, this list does not include any countries in Europe or the United States.(View the full list of Yellow Fever high-risk countries).
Receiving the yellow fever vaccination
The yellow fever vaccination is administered as a single dose and should be given at least 10 days before entering a high-risk yellow fever country. A single dose provides lifelong protection against the yellow fever virus, so be sure to obtain proof of vaccination from your doctor or healthcare provider. If you are required to get the yellow fever vaccine before traveling, you will need to present your proof of vaccination upon arrival in Tanzania.
If your doctor advises against the vaccine due to underlying health issues or other factors, you can still travel to Tanzania with an official letter from your doctor.Presenting this letter to the immigration officer upon arrival will waive the vaccination requirement, allowing your trip to proceed as planned.
How to get your visa for Tanzania
After you’ve booked one of our Tanzania safaris or Zanzibar holidays (hooray!), Next, you’ll need to apply for your tourist visa, which can often cause some anxiety and uncertainty. How do you apply? Where should you go? What documents are necessary? Fortunately, obtaining a visa for Tanzania is quite straightforward, especially when you book with us. Read on to learn more!.
When traveling to Tanzania, you have the option to obtain your visa online or upon arrival*. Both methods are valid, although the Tanzanian government encourages the online option to highlight the country's modernity. Below, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of each method. But first, let’s discuss the costs.
TANZANIA VISA: HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Visa costs for Tanzania vary slightly depending on your nationality. If you’re coming from Europe, the fee is $50. For US citizens, a multi-entry visa costs $100. Both visas are valid for three months, but the multi-entry visa allows you to leave the country and return using the same visa within one year.
The amounts mentioned above apply when you purchase your visa online. If you choose to apply upon arrival, the costs are either $50 or €50 (or $100 for the multi-entry visa). It’s a bit surprising since €50 is worth more than $50. Regardless, you can also pay with a credit card, in which case the fee is $50 or $100 plus any applicable credit card fees. The choice is yours!
ONLINE APPLICATION
The Tanzanian government favors online applications, and to be honest, there are several advantages to this approach:
- The process is relatively easy, especially with the explanatory PDF you get when booking through us.
- You board your plane knowing your visa is arranged and paid for.
- Upon arrival, you only have to wait at one counter to get your visa stamped.
To apply for a visa online, you go to the official portal of the Tanzanian government. We advise you to NOT apply through any other website because they are either more expensive or scams. We know of several travellers who lost their money through these scams, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. The official portal is:
https://visa.immigration.go.tz/
Those who book with us receive a special PDF guide to help them through the application process, and our travel consultants are always available for advice. While we can’t apply for your visa on your behalf, this support makes it nearly foolproof. After submitting your application, it can take up to ten days for your visa to be processed and approved, so be sure to print or download it before you travel. Upon arrival, you’ll simply need to queue at the immigration counter to have your visa stamped in your passport. Then, you can collect your bags and you’re all set!.
APPLY FOR A VISA UPON ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA
If, for any reason, you can’t or don’t want to apply online, you can still apply upon arrival as of September 2024*. Be prepared for a bit of classic African bureaucracy, but overall, the process is quite straightforward.:
- Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll need to fill out an application form. Make sure to have a pen handy and have the address of Kilidove Tours, along with the details of your first lodge, ready for reference.
- Apply at the visa counter.
- Go to a second counter to pay your visa fee, and pay either in cash or by credit card.
- Go to a third counter, and get the visa stamped in your passport.
- Get your bags and you’re good to go.
As you can see, when applying upon arrival, you'll need to queue three times, while applying online means just one queue at the airport. So, the old-fashioned method might slow you down a bit, but remember, you're in the land of "pole pole"—there's no rush in Africa! You might as well embrace it. And just between us, with so many people applying online these days, that single queue for online applications can be much longer than the three queues for those applying upon arrival. You might even find yourself through faster!.
THE CHOICE IS YOURS
Nowadays, most people prefer to apply online, just to be sure to have that visa in their pocket before travelling. Which is understandable. If you decide to apply online, make sure to be prepared:
- Apply three to four weeks before travelling, in case your application gets denied. This will give you enough time to correct the mistakes and apply again.
- Have a credit card ready for your payment, or know how to make an international bank transfer.
- Have a digital passport-size picture, a picture of your passport’s biodata page (max 300 kB) and a PDF of your flight ticket (max 1 MB) ready.
- Make sure your passport is valid for six months upon return from Tanzania.
- If children travel with only one parent, you need a written document in English with the consent of the other parent for the trip and then you have to upload this into the system.
- Make sure to have a pen at hand when arriving in Tanzania, because sometimes there is still a form they ask you to fill.
If you decide to be a bit adventurous and apply upon arrival, don’t board the plane unprepared either.
- Carry the amount needed for the fee in cash (USD/EUR), or use your credit card.
- No passport-size picture is needed.
- Have a pen at hand to fill in the application form, and the addresses of Kilidove Tours as a host company, and the first hotel you stay in.
- If children travel with only one parent, you need a written document in English with the consent of the other parent for the trip.
It’s up to you how you apply for your visa – whatever gives you the least stress. As long as you keep the end goal in mind: to get that visa. Because only with your visa in hand, you can get your bags and start your safari adventure with us.
*Nationals of some countries need a so-called Referral Visa and are not allowed to apply upon arrival. So make sure to check that before you decide how to apply. Also, applying upon arrival might not be possible anymore in the future for anyone, so make sure to check the immigration guidelines before you leave to confirm that it’s still possible.
East African Tourist Visa is a special visa that allows travelers to visit three East African countries—Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda—on a single visa. This multiple-entry visa is valid for 90 days and offers a convenient option for tourists wishing to explore the diverse attractions of the region without needing to apply for separate visas for each country. It is ideal for those planning cross-border trips to explore the rich culture, wildlife, and landscapes of East Africa, including safaris, mountain treks, and visits to historical sites. The visa can be applied for online or at the embassy of any of the participating countries, and entry must be through one of these three nations.
For more information and to apply, visit the official immigration websites of each country:
- Kenya: https://evisa.go.ke
- Uganda: https://visas.immigration.go.ug
- Rwanda: https://irembo.gov.rw
Note: The East African Tourist Visa does not include Tanzania or Burundi, so a separate visa is required for those countries.
To apply for the East African Tourist Visa, follow these steps:
1. Decide Your Point of Entry
- You can apply for the visa through Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda, depending on which country you will enter first. The application process must be done through the embassy or immigration office of that country.
2. Complete the Application
- Apply online through the official immigration websites of Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda, or visit their embassies if you prefer to apply in person.
- You will need to fill out a visa application form, providing basic details such as your name, nationality, and passport number.
3. Prepare Required Documents
- Valid Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry.
- Passport-sized Photos: Usually, you’ll need two recent passport-sized photos.
- Travel Itinerary: Outline your planned travel route between the three countries.
- Visa Fee: The cost for the East African Tourist Visa is approximately $100 USD.
4. Submit Your Application
- Submit the completed application form along with your documents and payment either online or at the embassy of your entry point country.
5. Receive Your Visa
- Once processed, the visa will be issued to you and will allow multiple entries between Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda for up to 90 days. Processing times may vary depending on your application method, but it usually takes a few days.
Tips:
- Make sure to apply in advance, especially if you are applying online, to allow enough time for processing.
- You must enter the East African region through the country that issued the visa.
Customize your Safari
6-Day Safari from Karatu Tanzania: Explore the Best of Northern Tanzania
Join us on a 6-day safari adventure from Karatu, immersing yourself in the diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and abundant wildlife of Northern Tanzania. This journey offers a perfect blend of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and scenic beauty across five iconic destinations: Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Eyasi.
Tarangire National Park
A full-day exploration of Tarangire National Park, known for its vast elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Spot various wildlife, including lions, giraffes, zebras, and antelope, while traversing the park’s scenic landscapes.
Lake Manyara National Park
Explore Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, diverse birdlife, and stunning alkaline lake. Enjoy a game drive through lush forests and open savannahs, followed by a picnic lunch overlooking the picturesque lake.
Ngorongoro Crater
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Descend into the crater for a day of wildlife viewing, where you can encounter the Big Five and a host of other species within this breathtaking natural amphitheater.
Cultural Experience at Lake Eyasi
Spend the day at Lake Eyasi, where you’ll meet the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Join the Hadzabe for a morning hunt and learn about their unique way of life, followed by a visit to the Datoga tribe, known for their metalwork and bead crafting. This cultural immersion provides a deep understanding of Tanzania’s indigenous communities.
What to Expect:
– Diverse wildlife encounters in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater
– Cultural immersion with the Hadzabe, Datoga, and various tribes in Mto wa Mbu
– Scenic landscapes, from baobab-dotted plains to lush highlands
– Authentic local experiences, including village visits and traditional meals
This 6-day safari from Karatu, Tanzania, is perfect for travelers seeking a comprehensive experience that combines wildlife, culture, and adventure in one of Tanzania’s most vibrant regions.
Known for its large elephant population, majestic baobab trees, and diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
It is known as a birding paradise and home to tree-climbing lions. Lake Manyara has many underground river streams that keep it mostly green throughout the year.
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a vast, unbroken volcanic caldera teeming with wildlife, including the Big Five and a large population of pink flamingos.
Spend the day at Lake Eyasi, where you’ll meet the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes. Join the Hadzabe for a morning hunt and learn about their unique way of life, followed by a visit to the Datoga tribe, known for their metalwork and bead crafting. This cultural immersion provides a deep understanding of Tanzania’s indigenous communities.
- The starting and ending point of the safari, providing a chance to explore local markets, cuisine, and the vibrant city life of Tanzania’s safari capital.
Lastly, these highlights combine spectacular wildlife viewing with rich cultural interactions, offering a comprehensive and unforgettable Tanzanian safari experience. The tour from July to October visits the northern part of Serengeti, where famous great migration takes place. From December to March, the time visits the Ndutu plains in Southern Serengeti, where the calving season occurs.
Pick up from Kilimanjaro Airport
First Night in Tanzania
Meet and greet upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel in Karatu for dinner and overnight stay at Full Board.
Our Choices Includes;
Mid-Luxury: Karatu Tented Lodge
Luxury: Manyara’s Secret Lodge
High-End: Gibbs Farm Lodge
Explore Lake Manyara National Park
First Safari in Tanzania
Visit Lake Manyara National Park, famous for its tree-climbing lions, flamingos, and stunning lake views. This park offers a diverse range of habitats, from dense forests to open plains, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Our Choices Includes;
Mid-Luxury: Karatu Tented Lodge
Luxury: Manyara’s Secret Lodge
High-End: Gibb’s Farm
Black Rhinos of Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater
Prepare for a thrilling day at the Ngorongoro Crater, often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” This unique ecosystem is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and boasts incredible wildlife diversity, including the Big Five. You’ll descend into the crater for a full day of game viewing, followed by an overnight stay at Tarangire.
Our Choices Includes;
Mid-Luxury: Karatu Tented Lodge
Luxury: Manyara’s Secret Lodge
High-End: Gibb’s Farm
Hunting with the Hadzabe
Begin your day with a sunrise hunt alongside the Hadzabe, one of Tanzania’s last hunter-gatherer tribes. Experience their traditional hunting methods, gain insights into their survival skills, and understand their deep connection with nature.
Visit the Datoga Tribe
Later, visit the Datoga tribe, famous for their intricate metalwork and bead crafting. Engage in an interactive cultural exchange, learning about their time-honored traditions and daily way of life.
Scenic Walk to Lake Eyasi
Your day concludes with a picturesque walk along the shores of Lake Eyasi, where you can admire the breathtaking landscapes and spot diverse birdlife. This enriching experience offers a deep dive into Tanzania’s cultural diversity and natural beauty.
Our Choices Includes;
Mid-Luxury: Karatu Tented Lodge
Luxury: Manyara’s Secret Lodge
High-End: Gibb’s Farm
The Elephants of Tarangire and Baobab Trees
A day spent in Tarangire National Park in northern Tanzania unfolds as a thrilling encounter with nature and wildlife in one of the country’s most diverse and picturesque landscapes.
Morning: Game Drive and Elephant Sightings
– The day typically starts at dawn when the wildlife is most active. As you venture out on a morning game drive, the park’s landscape, dotted with ancient baobab trees and acacia woodlands, creates a stunning backdrop.
– Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant population. Early mornings often provide the best opportunities to see these majestic creatures as herds gather at the Tarangire River or meander through the grasslands.
– Besides elephants, you may spot giraffes, waterbucks, and various bird species, including the colorful lilac-breasted roller and the large ground hornbill.
Midday: Picnic and Relaxation
– As the day heats up, you might stop for a picnic lunch at one of the park’s designated areas, often with views overlooking the river or a landscape teeming with wildlife.
– This time is also perfect for rest, perhaps at a lodge or a shaded spot in the park, as animals retreat from the midday sun.
Afternoon: Further Exploration and Predator Sightings
– As the afternoon cools, another game drive takes you through different parts of the park. This is an excellent time to spot predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards, which become more active as the day cools.
– The park’s diverse habitats, including swamps and savannah, support a rich variety of wildlife. You might see herds of buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, and smaller animals like mongooses, dik-diks, and warthogs.
Our Choices Includes;
Mid-Luxury: Baobab Tented Lodge
Luxury: Ndovu Tented Lodge
High-End: Lemala Mpingo Ridge
Last Day with Us
As our Tanzania experience comes to an end, we will take you to Kilimanjaro or Arusha airport for your onward journey.
Check out of the lodge to Arusha.
After morning breakfast, you will drive to Arusha, where you will be dropped off at the place of your choice.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Professional Safari guide/driver language of your choice is English, French, Italian, Spanish, or German.
- Transportation using 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for easy viewing and photo taking.
- National Park entrance fees.
- Government charges
- Taxes VAT included
- Accommodation with meals included as per your final itinerary includes Bed and breakfast in all town hotels and Full board on safari.
PRICE EXCLUDES
- Personal items of nature, such as alcoholic drinks/beverages.
- Tips and gratuities
- Visa to Tanzania
- International flight to the country
Total comfort and
genuine experience.
A safari from the sky?
Yes
A Hot Air Balloon Safari across the Serengeti is a once in a lifetime adventure. Experience the thrill of a balloon safari, soaring high above the stunning landscapes and wildlife below.
Witness breathtaking views from the sky as you glide effortlessly through the air, capturing memories that will last a lifetime.
Our Balloon safaris are organised in the parks of Tarangire, Ruaha and Serengeti.
Embark on an enriching 6-day safari from Karatu, Tanzania, visiting Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park. Begin your journey at Lake Manyara, known for its diverse birdlife and tree-climbing lions. Next, explore the cultural richness of Lake Eyasi, where you’ll meet the Hadzabe and Datoga tribes and learn about their ancient traditions. Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, a wildlife haven hosting the Big Five in a breathtaking setting. Conclude your adventure at Tarangire National Park, famous for its large elephant herds and majestic baobabs. This 6-day safari offers a perfect blend of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and stunning landscapes in Northern Tanzania.
