Emergency & Pre-Trip Information: Serengeti National Park

Critical Contacts

Emergency Services

Police, Fire, Ambulance: 112 (Tanzania national emergency number).
These contacts are for immediate crisis situations.

Operator & Insurance

Your Safari Operator's emergency line is your main contact for in-park issues.
Keep your Travel Insurance 24/7 emergency line and policy number readily accessible.

Hospitals & Embassies

Closest well-equipped hospitals are in Arusha.
Locate your country's embassy/consulate in Dar es Salaam or Nairobi.

Chronological Planning

-12 Months Ahead

Decide on preferred travel dates (wet/dry season).
Book international flights (often 11-12 months out).
Book your safari package; popular camps fill quickly.

-4 Months Ahead

Apply for your Tanzania e-Visa online (Immigration.go.tz).
Schedule a travel health clinic appointment for vaccinations/malaria prophylaxis.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance, including medical evacuation (World Nomads).

Immediate Preparations

Month Before

Confirm all your bookings and transfers.
Obtain your malaria medication prescription and fill it.
Break in any new footwear for comfort.

Week Before

Print all essential documents; store digital copies.
Charge all electronics: phone, camera batteries, power banks.
Pack luggage within weight limits, especially for internal flights.

Pre-Trip Considerations

Required Bookings

International flights.
Internal flights to Serengeti airstrips.
Safari vehicle and professional guide.
All accommodation (lodges or camps).
Park fees (pre-arranged by tour operator).

Research & Home Prep

Read up on Serengeti wildlife and the Great Migration.
Research Tanzanian culture.
Secure your home (lock doors/windows).
Arrange for pet care and mail collection.
Inform a trusted contact of your itinerary.

Arrival & Departure Flow

Orientation & Funds

Receive a briefing from your guide; exchange currency or use an ATM in Arusha.

Departure Prep

Plan to arrive at Kilimanjaro (JRO) at least 3 hours before your international flight.

Safety Information

Be aware of critical contacts and procedures. Always follow instructions from park rangers and your guide.

Further Exploration & Resources

Visual Journeys

Wildlife Features

"Serengeti" (Discovery Channel series)
A beautifully filmed series focusing on the wildlife and drama.
"Planet Earth" (Africa episodes)
Features stunning sequences from the Serengeti.
"African Cats" (DisneyNature)
A family-friendly film focusing on lions and cheetahs.

Deep Dives

Documentaries offer profound views
Gaining insights into the Serengeti's ecosystem.
Explore the ecosystem's dynamics
Discovering the intricate balance of nature.
Witness animal behaviors
Observing wildlife in their natural habitat.

Cultural & Community Connections

Local Rhythms

Listen to traditional Tanzanian music or Bongo Flava, a popular local genre.

Artistic Expressions

Explore Tinga Tinga paintings, a distinct Tanzanian art form.

Online Forums

Join TripAdvisor or dedicated safari forums to ask questions and share experiences.

Swahili Foundations

Essential Phrases

Learn basic Swahili greetings (Jambo, Asante sana).
Phrases for everyday courtesies (Karibu, Tafadhali).

Learning Applications

Use apps like Babbel or Duolingo for basic Swahili.
Pimsleur offers audio-based language learning.

Knowledge Enrichment

These resources offer valuable information for preparing for and enjoying your Serengeti safari. Utilize them to elevate your journey.

Emergency & Pre-Trip Information