Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why travel in the off season?
The off season is the best time to travel to Tanzania for several reasons. First, it is less crowded, but you can still see all the wildlife the country has to offer. This means prime viewing while on safari and a real feeling of adventure because it can feel like you’re the only one in the park. Second, the off season brings short and isolated rains, typically overnight. While this will not interfere with your safaris, it does bring a stunning greenery to the landscape, so you’re able to see Tanzania in an incredibly different way than most tourists. Finally, it is better for the local economy. At Off Season Adventures, we strive to promote travel during this time to even out the economic divide between the high and low seasons. Lodges and local shops yearn for business during the off season, so prices are much lower all around.
Which animals are in Tanzania?
Tanzania is one of the best places in the world to see the “Big Five”: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros, but there are also hippo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, monkeys, and so much more!
Is Tanzania safe?
Tanzania is one of the most stable countries in Africa. As the owner of Off Season Adventures, I have never felt unsafe in the country. In my experience the people are very friendly and hospitable to travelers and want nothing more than to show you their country. If you would like more information, you can check out the state department’s website which has profiles on every country, including Tanzania. This link is on our website under “Helpful Links“.
What's the food like in Tanzania?
In the lodges, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are a combination of western and traditional foods. A typical day may include:
- Breakfast: coffee, pastry, and fruit
- Lunched: hard-boiled egg, barbecued chicken, yogurt, juice box, and bread
- Dinner: buffet or family-style dining with western and traditional options. Soups and sauces are typical with Indian influences of spices.
Special accommodations can be arranged if we are notified in advance.
Is the water safe to drink?
The tap water is not safe to drink, but bottled water will be provided to you at no cost during all parts of your trip.
Do I need vaccinations or medications before or during my trip?
This can only be answered by your doctor. Most people get at least anti-malarial pills for their trip, but specifics will need to be discussed with your health care provider. For more information, you can visit the CDC website which can be found under “Helpful Links“.
Do I need a Visa and/or Passport to travel to Tanzania?
Yes to both. For American citizens, a visa and passport are required for entry into the country. We recommend obtaining your visa and passport at least a couple months before your trip. For more information on visas and passports, go to “Visa Information“.
What is the Great Migration and can I see it during the off season?
The Great Migration is the annual movement of mainly wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra around the Serengeti ecosystem. These animals move up from southern Serengeti to northern and back again in search of good grazing land. These herds are in the millions and are miles across in some months, so they’re pretty hard to miss. Depending on which month you travel, our guides will try their best to get you as close as possible to the action. However, because the migration is rain-dependent, it’s hard to predict exactly where they’ll be at any given point. Generally, though, they are in the southern Serengeti in March-May as they give birth to their calves and move up to the northern Serengeti in November. Both these times are during the off season.
