Visiting Tanzania’s national parks is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With iconic destinations such as Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Nyerere National Park, these protected areas offer some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa. However, they are also delicate ecosystems that require care and respect from every visitor.
Whether you’re on a game drive, walking safari, or enjoying a cultural visit near park boundaries, your actions can directly impact wildlife, local communities, and conservation efforts. That’s why all guests are expected to adhere to established guidelines to ensure a safe and sustainable experience.
To ensure your safety, protect wildlife, and respect conservation efforts, please follow these important guidelines:
DOs
- Follow Park Rules at All Times – Always listen to your guide and obey park regulations.
Park rules are designed to protect both visitors and wildlife. Your guide is trained to ensure your safety and enhance your experience. Ignoring these rules can lead to dangerous situations and legal consequences.
- Maintain a Safe Distance from Animals – Keep a respectful distance when viewing wildlife.
Wild animals can be unpredictable. Staying too close may cause them stress or pro voke defensive behavior. Observing from a distance also ensures their natural behavior is not disturbed.
- Stay Inside the Vehicle During Game Drives – Unless permitted, do not leave the vehicle.
Stepping out of the vehicle in the wild can put you at serious risk. Predators may be nearby and not immediately visible. Only leave the vehicle when your guide confirms it is safe and legal to do so.
- Keep Noise to a Minimum – Speak quietly and avoid loud music or shouting.
Loud noises can scare animals away, disrupt their activities, and spoil the experience for other visitors. Maintaining silence increases your chances of witnessing natural behaviors like hunting or nursing.
- Use Binoculars and Cameras Respectfully – Take photos silently and without flash.
Flash photography can startle animals and may disrupt their behavior. Always respect wildlife by keeping a low profile and using equipment responsibly.
- Dispose of Waste Properly – Always carry your trash out or use designated bins.
Littering harms the environment and endangers wildlife, which may ingest or get entangled in trash. Help keep the parks pristine by practicing “leave no trace” principles.
- Dress Appropriately – Wear neutral-colored clothing like khaki or green.
Bright colors can attract unwanted attention or alarm animals. Earth tones help you blend into the environment and minimize disturbances during game drives and nature walks.
- Support Local Conservation – Respect Park fees as they support conservation efforts.
Entry fees help fund anti-poaching patrols, park management, habitat protection, and support for nearby communities. Paying them contributes directly to preserving these parks for the future.
DON’Ts
- Do Not Feed the Animals – It alters their behavior and may be dangerous.
Feeding wildlife causes them to become dependent on humans and aggressive in seeking food. This can lead to dangerous encounters and sometimes even the euthanizing of the animal.
- Don’t Leave the Designated Paths or Roads – Off-road driving damages ecosystems.
Straying off designated tracks can destroy delicate vegetation and disrupt animal habitats. It can also lead to soil erosion and long-term damage to the park’s ecosystem.
- Don’t Smoke in the Bush – Fire risk and environmental concerns.
Dry vegetation in parks is highly flammable. A single spark can ignite massive wildfires, endangering wildlife and destroying large areas of protected land.
- Do Not Collect Natural Souvenirs – Taking rocks, bones, or plants is illegal.
These items are essential to the ecosystem. Removing them disturbs the balance of nature and violates conservation laws. Photos and memories make better souvenirs.
- Avoid Using Drones Without a Permit – Most parks restrict drone usage.
Drones can scare animals, interfere with breeding and migration, and pose a safety risk to other visitors. Only fly drones if you have a special permit and follow park regulations.
- Don’t Harass or Provoke Wildlife – Never attempt to touch or bait animals.
Wildlife is not tame. Teasing, chasing, or attempting to touch animals can result in injury to you or distress to the animal. Respect their space and observe quietly.
- Don’t Walk Around Camps at Night Unattended – Ask for a guide or escort after dark.
Many camps are located in unfenced areas were wildlife roams freely. For your safety, always request assistance from camp staff when moving around after sunset.
Important Notes:
- Many national parks are unfenced, meaning wildlife can move freely — even near lodges and campsites. Always stay alert and respect your guide’s instructions.
- Tanzania’s national parks operate under the Tanzanian National Parks Authority (TANAPA) and other regional conservation bodies, which actively protect endangered species like black rhinos, African elephants, and big cats.
- Entry fees, conservation levies, and activity permits contribute directly to anti-poaching efforts, habitat protection, and local community development.
Remember: You are a guest in the wild — your actions have a lasting impact. Every responsible decision you make helps preserve Tanzania’s natural heritage and supports the incredible people working to protect it. Let’s work together to ensure future generations can enjoy these treasures too.
