10 things we wish we had known before going on safari in Tanzania

Businesses in Tanzania use WhatsApp to communicate. We found this really weird as we just aren't used to speaking to companies in this way. Don't be surprised if you drop them an email they ask to move communication over to WhatsApp. It's normal!! If you aren't happy communicating in that way, just let them know you would like to stick to email.

Some safari companies may offer you a video call to discuss your requirements or itinerary. Again this is really normal - if they are a good company they want to build rapport with you and ensure they are building you the perfect itinerary!

Tsete files (and flies in general) can be a real problem, depending on the time of year you visit and also in some parks - Tarangire National Park is particularly prone to them. Bear in mind you are travelling in open trucks and stopping to observe wildlife, so they can be a nightmare and their bites do hurt!! Use insect repellent and cover arms and legs.

Tanzania like to deal in US Dollars so we recommended you take that for cash. They do have their own currency, the Tanzanian shilling, but the US Dollar is more stable.

Tipping guides is not an expectation, but it is greatly appreciated. Guides are a wealth of information and bear in mind they will stay with you for your whole trip and do all the driving. They don't get paid a huge amount and many of them also work other jobs. If you feel your guide did a great job and you feel comfortable tipping, then we would highly recommended it!

There may be restrictions on the type and size of your luggage as it has to fit in the back of a safari truck! This is especially important if you are doing a camping safari as they will also be transporting all the camping gear, or if you opt for a group safari as there will be very limited space!

Surprisingly it can get very cold on safari in the mornings and evenings! Make sure you pack layers, particularly at higher altitudes like the Ngorongoro Crater rim. During the day it will be very hot, so make sure you pack the sun cream as well!

A lot of tented camps won't allow you to use hairdryers! This is because the camps can't sustain the high voltage that hairdryers require!

Plastic carrier bags are banned in Tanzania (and a number of other countries in Africa!) so please leave these at home. Resealable bags (like Ziplock bags you are required to use for airlines) are an exception to the rule, but these need to leave the country with you.

The smell of an animal carcass will stay with you forever! It's not a nice smell, that's for sure, and it's inevitable you will come across a carcass at some point on your safari!