20 Essential Things You Need To Consider Before Backpacking Tanzania

 

Tanzania is a dream in itself. With varying landscapes, diverse wildlife, serene beaches, and hospitable people, a traveller can’t ask for more from a given destination. Along with luxury and budget Tanzania Safari Tours, backpacking is getting quite popular lately. And because of good reasons. It’s cheap, the best way to travel like locals and meet with natives. So here is our 20 things to know before backpacking Tanzania for your next Tanzania Safari trip.

1.    Driving Distances Are Long

Africa is the second largest continent in the world, and most of the tourist places are scattered throughout the country. So the travel time from one spot to another is considerably large, even within a same country. So if you’re planning to cover everything in your list in one go, you might be disappointed.

2.    You’re Going To Be Uncomfortable

The African continent as a whole is still a developing continent. Most of the countries are still underdeveloped. So needless to say your entire journey isn’t going to be smooth and you have to adjust and compromise wherever required. That’s the law of nature.

3.    Always Carry These Essentials

·         Toilet Paper ·         Hand Sanitizer ·         Eye Drops ·         Lip Balm ·         Wet Wipes ·         Phone Charger ·         Power Bank ·         Head Torch

·         Insect Repellent ·         Sunglasses ·         Entertainment ·         Water ·         Food ·         Scarf ·         Medication

4.    Get on Africa Time

Although unofficial, you’ve to get used to the African time zone. From Eastern Time Zone it is..... Well, it runs at its own pace. As opposed to American and European countries where everything is on the move, in Africa, people tend to have a relaxed attitude. So things can and do get delayed from their stated time.

5.    Choose Accommodation Location Wisely

To enjoy Tanzania Safari Tours you have to really choose your locations wisely. Stay in places where there are great staffs and owner. Check out if people going through the same routes are living in there. You can take the help of internet in this regard. This will fight both boredom and loneliness.

6.    The Internet is Sketchy

We said in the above Para, “Take the help of the internet,” but do bear in mind that the internet connection in Africa at times can get quite annoying. The WiFi connection in resorts, public places, and cafes too tend to be moderate to weak. When you do come across a strong one, use it to the fullest.

7.    You Will Stand Out

If you’re coming from outside Africa, be prepared to be outstanding -- past, stand out. Due to your facial features, skin tone, hair makeup, and body structure, you’re not going to get mixed among them.

8.    People Will Assume You Are Rich

You’re prone to be assumed or misunderstood as a rich person with a Lamborghini in the garage even if you’re a backpacker with few hundred dollars in your pocket.

9.    Be Prepared for Unwanted Attention

Because you look different and people assume you have tons of money, unavoidably you’re going to be stared at. While most of them are harmless, it does get annoying sometimes. Enjoy the status.

10.    Learning a Few Local Words is Invaluable

As you move through Africa, you’ll be coming across different street signs and herders that are written in local language. By learning a handful of local words, you’ll make your travel easier. You’ll also be respected more in the community for your efforts in learning them.

11.    Backpacking Tanzania is NOT Expensive

Tanzania is still a developing continent, and hence the standard of living is lower and the everyday items are priced well below normal. Thus almost everything seems super cheap which makes your tour inexpensive.

12.    Don’t Be Afraid to Take Your Time

Tanzania Safari Tours take upwards of a week, and planning them requires time, effort, and patience. Even during your tour, there will be instances where you’d have to improvise and make some quick decision. But during those sorts of events, take your time and don’t hurry yourself into something messy.

13.    You’re Going To Need Some Dollars

There are very few institutions in Africa that accept US Dollars, mainly large resorts and tourist parks. So to go to the lesser visited places, you need to exchange them to the local currency. So have some extra dollars as a backup option.

14.    Visa Is More Widely Accepted Than MasterCard

Two of the biggest financial card companies, Visa and MasterCard, are in use in the country; however it is the former which lead the way in terms of acceptance in the country. Thus having a Visa card puts you in a good position to conduct transactions in more number of places.

15. Don’t Believe Everything You Read

Media often puts Africa in a bad rep and makes it look like a terrible place to travel to. But after your Tanzania Safari, you’ll find that quite often it’s the opposite. So don’t blindly believe everything you come across on TV or social media, they just want your attention for a bit.

16. Check the Visa Requirements

Different countries in Africa have their own specific visa requirement, some being easier to obtain than others. So make sure you check the requirement for each country.

17. Know What You Can and Can’t Photograph

Some countries and territories have strict photographic rules and there will be signs in places screaming, “No photography zone.” As a traveller, respect and obey that.

18. It’s About the Journey, Not the Destination

While destinations are what most wait for, the journey from one place to another can be equally fun and fulfilling.

19. Every Day Will Be an Adventure

While in Africa, you’ll wake up to a new adventure every single day.

20. It’s probably the Best Thing You’ll Ever Do

Amidst fear, scepticism, doubt, and procrastination, after your African Safari would have concluded, you’ll come to the realization that it’s probably the best things you could have done in your life.

Backpacking in Africa is not easy and demand its own set of rules and ethics which you have to quickly integrate into yourself. But with the aforementioned points, we believe you’re in a much better position to make decision for yourself and prepare yourself accordingly.

We, at Kinesi Tours & Safari, have been providing safari trips to Tanzania for multiple years and have established ourselves as one of best Tanzania Safari Operator. Kindly Contact Us today for booking Tanzania Safari Holidays and start backpacking right away.