Tanzania Hunting Season

Of all the African hunting countries, Tanzania is without a doubt the one that most stimulates the imagination of hunters and non- hunters alike. This former German colony once known as Tanganyika became an English territory after the First World War. In 1964, along with new found independence, its' name was changed to Tanzania.

The greatest hunters of the twentieth century have celebrated Tanzania, its wildlife and its hunting, as being among the most abundant on the African continent. The most famous of these great hunters include President Theodore Roosevelt whose safari in 1905 required nearly 300 porters, and Frederick Selous, arguably one of the greatest white hunters of all time, who at over sixty years of age lost his life in 1917 while fighting for the Africa he loved so well against the German Army. As for literature and film, they too hold a special place for Tanzania, not the least of which are Hemingway's novels...

Tanzania has long been considered the ultimate hunting safari destination in Africa. Fulfilling the dream of a traditional big game hunting safari, the likes of which so many hunters have read about, continues to be a big draw to Tanzania unspoiled wilderness.

Tanzania enjoys a beautiful coastline along the Indian Ocean and shares borders with Kenya and Uganda to the north, Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west, Zambia and Malawi to the southwest and Mozambique to the south.

Tanzania is home to a wide range of African wildlife and still allows the hunting of four of the famous Big Five species; Elephant, Lion, Buffalo (Syncerus Caffer Caffer) and Leopard. And it's no wonder with over 40 species to hunt, including some of the best big game hunting found in Africa.

The wildlife of Tanzania includes an enormous variety of potential hunting trophies such as Cape Eland (Taurotragus Oryx), Roan Antelope (Hippotragus Equinus), Roosevelt Sable (Hippotragus Niger Roosevelti), Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus Strepsiceros), Lesser kudu (Tragelaphus Imberbis), Coke's Hartebeest (Alcelaphus Busephalus Cokeii), Lichtenstein's Hartebeest (Alcelaphus Lichtensteinii), Western Hartebesst (Alcelaphus Buselaphus), Topi (Damaliscus Korrigum), Fringe Eared Oryx (Oryx Beisa Callotis), Brindled or Nyasa or Blacked Tail Gnu (Connochaetes Taurinus), Common Waterbuck (Kobus Ellipsiprymnus), Defassa Waterbuck (Kobus Defassa), Situtunga (Tragelaphus Spekeii), Common Reedbuck (Redunca Arundinum), Bohor Reedbuck (Redunca Redunca), Impala (Aepyceros Melampus), Grant's Gazelle (Gazella Grantii), Robert's Gazelle (Gazella Grantii Robetsii), Thomson's Gazelle (Gazella Thomsonii), Waller's Gazelle (Litocranius Wallerii), Common Duiker (Cephalophus Sylvicapra Grimmia), Peters' Duiker (Cephalophus Callipygus), Kirk Dik-Dik (Madoqua Kirki), Klipspringer (Oreotragus Oreotragus), Oribi (Ourebia Ourebi), Bushpig (Potamochoerus Porcus), Warthog (Phacochoerus Aethiopicus) Hippos and Crocodiles are also hunted.

Tanzania also hosts a large population of Cheetahs (Acinonyx Jubatus) as well however they are fully protected and may not be hunted.

All these species are spread over three main hunting areas in Tanzania but all are not found in every area. The hunting areas are the Masai Land to the north, the Selous to the south, and the central and western regions...

The trophy quality is outstanding and many trophies taken have qualified for prestigious awards in Safari Club International. Over 150 hunting concessions are distributed throughout Tanzania and shared amongst the forty plus outfitters licensed to conduct tourist hunting.

Within these areas, the Tanzania hunting territories are immense in accordance with the vastness of this country. They can cover up to a million acres, in some cases over two million acres... In Tanzania the hunting territories are open, not fenced. The land is leased to predominantly foreign hunting outfitters which ensure their management and maintenance. There are dozens of hunting outfitters in Tanzania of which the large majority are French, South African or Zimbabwean with some English, American, Spanish and Italian hunting outfitters as well.

Most of the Tanzanian terrain consists of shrub savannah, dry and green grassy savannah, broken up by areas of somewhat dense forest. In some regions there are Sahelo-Sudanes zones such as in the northern most part of Masa land which can be very dry and semi-desert like. In the Selous region some of the forests can be quite dense. The overall terrain is generally flat and offers little difficulty other than in the Masai country where some areas can be quite rugged.

Hunting in Tanzania is done on foot but given the vastness of the hunting concessions, it is often necessary to make long journeys by car.

There are many well established hunting companies that usually hold many hunting blocks and whom provide outstanding professional service, uncompromising quality of superbly equipped and comfortable tent camps and well maintained four-wheel drive custom designed safari hunting vehicles. The temporary camps/facilities are erected prior to the start of the hunting season and removed in accordance with the hunting regulations at the end of the season. All include electricity and often modern communications such as satellite phone, even satellite TV as well. The western style cuisine is often of high quality.

For the Selous and the central and western areas, the hunting territories can only be reached by plane. The flight from the capital, Dar-es-salaam, is on average one and a half to two and a half hours.

For the Masai land, hunting areas are reached by car from Arusha, a journey that normally requires three to four hours.

Climate in Tanzania

Rains typically begin in November making hunting into December impractical in Western and the Selous areas. Northern Tanzania can be hunted to the end of December.

World Weather Online provides a very detailed look at current weather conditions, weather forecasts, a history and almanac for predicting average weather conditions during the time while you will be traveling in that part of the world. Click here for Tanzania's climate and temperature forecast.

Tanzania Hunting Season & When Hunting is Allowed

Hunting Season - July 1st to December 31st (starting 2011 the hunting season is extended through March 31)

Trophy hunting may take place within the hours of daylight during the hunting season, no hunting is allowed at night and no hunting is allowed with artificial light.

The Tanzanian government strictly controls the minimum number of days for a hunting safari based upon the species being hunted. Above and beyond the government regulations, the hunting outfitter may also impose their own guidelines as to the minimum number of days required to hunt certain species or combination of species.

A 7 day hunting safari is the minimum allowed and can include up to two Buffalo and the most common plains game species.

A 14 day hunting safari is the minimum hunt which can include up to two Buffalo, the most common plains game as well as some of Tanzania's less common plains game species.

A 16 day hunting safari is the minimum number of days if you desired to take a third Buffalo which also allows you to hunt all of the species available on the 14 day hunting safari.

A 21 day hunting safari is the minimum number of days required to be able to hunt up to three Buffalo, a Lion, an Elephant, the most common plains game as well as some of Tanzania's less common plains game species.

Lion and Leopard may only be hunted at once if on a 1 x 1 hunting safari, if on a 2x1 hunting safari both clients must share one Lion and one leopard permit.

Lion must be at least six years of age.

The minimum legal length for Leopard is 51.2 inches (1.30 meters), measurement taken from the tip of the nose to the base of the tail.

The minimum legal size of the ivory for an Elephant is not less than 67 inches (1.70 meters) in length or less than 44 pounds (20 kilograms).

The minimum overall length for Crocodile is 94.50 inches (2.40 meters).

Hunting from a vehicle is not permitted, though the vehicle can be used to reach the area from where hunting on foot can begin.

Shooting an animal from a vehicle is not permitted, a person actually needs to be 219 yards (200 meters) away from a vehicle to shoot an animal.

No animal may be chased or driven by a vehicle.

Hunting of female, young and/or immature animals is prohibited.

Hunting is not permitted within 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) of a National Park.

Hunting is not permitted within 1,100 yards (1 kilometer) of a an airplane landing area.

Hunting is not permitted within 547 yards (500 meters) of any water place or salt lick with the exception of the following species Hippopotamus, Sitatunga, Waterbuck and Birds.

You will find information about the bird hunting season in Tanzania near the bottom of this page.

Species to Hunt in Tanzania

Tanzania offers almost sixty species of game for trophy hunting, including four of the big five which consist of Elephant, Lion, Leopard and Buffalo. The most commonly hunted species in Tanzania are Buffalo, Impala, Hartebeest, Wildebeest, Warthog, Zebra, Waterbuck, Hippo, Crocodile and Eland.

TANZANIA Species to Hunt

These species may be available on the hunting license in the country; however they may not be available on quota anywhere in the country. Also individual hunting outfitters may or may not be given any quota or have any remaining licenses left for some species.

Some of these species may not be able to be imported back into your country of residence. You can find information on the importation of sport hunted trophies at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service at Permits or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) at www.cites.org.

Giraffe, cheetah, rhino and wild dog are protected game and cannot be hunted in Tanzania.

More than one of a species may be taken on different hunt licences. Occasionally an outfitter may reduce this number in order to stretch his quota. For example, the Government allows 2 Cape Buffalo per hunter to be taken on a 10 day hunt but an outfitter may restrict this to 1.

Elephant trophy fees are incremental based on the weight of the tusks.

On a 21 day 2x1 hunts, it is usual for the hunters to only be able to hunt 1 of the key species (such as lion, leopard, lesser kudu etc) between them.

Big Five Species

(click on animal name for detailed info and pictures)

Buffalo Cape - (10,16,21/28 Days)
Elephant - CITES I (21/28 Days)
Leopard - CITES I (21/28 Days)
Lion - CITES II (21/28 Days)

Animal Species

(click on animal name for detailed info and pictures)

African Wild Cat - CITES II (16,21/28 Days)
Baboon Chacma - CITES II (10,16,21/28 Days)
Baboon Olive - CITES II (10,16,21/28 Days)
Bushbuck East African (16,21/28 Days)
Bushpig - (10,16,21/28 Days)
Civet - (16,21/28 Days)
Crocodile Nile - CITES II (16,21/28 Days)
Dik-Dik Kirk - (16,21/28 Days)
Duiker East African - (16,21/28 Days)
Duiker Blue - CITES II (16,21/28 Days)
Duiker Harvey's Red - (16,21/28 Days)
Eland East African - (21/28 Days)
Eland Patterson - (21/28 Days)
Gazelle Grant - (10,16,21/28 Days)
Gazelle Roberts - (21/28 Days)
Gazelle Thomson - (10,16,21/28 Days)
Genet Cat - (16,21/28 Days)
Gerenuk Southern - (21/28 Days)
Grysbok Sharpe - (16,21/28 Days)
Hartebeest Lichtenstein - (10,16,21/28 Days)
Hartebeest Coke - (10,16,21/28 Days)
Hippopotamus - CITES II (21/28 Days)
Hyena Spotted - (16,21/28 Days)
Hyena Striped - (16,21/28 Days)
Impala East African - (10,16,21/28 Days)
Impala Southern/Common - (10,16,21/28 Days)

Jackal Silver Back - (16,21/28 Days)
Klipspringer - (21/28 Days)
Kudu Greater East African - (21/28 Days)
Kudu Lesser - (21/28 Days)
Monkey Vervet - CITES II
Monkey Blue - CITES II
Oribi - (16,21/28 Days)
Oryx Fringe Eared - (21/28 Days)
Ostrich - (21/28 Days)
Porcupine Cape - (21/28 Days)
Puku - (21/28 Days)
Honey Badger/Ratel - (21/28 Days)
Reedbuck Chanler Mountain - (16,21/28 Days)
Reedbuck Common - (16,21/28 Days)
Reedbuck Eastern Bohor - (16,21/28 Days)
Roan Antelope East African - (21/28 Days)
Sable Antelope Common - (21/28 Days)
Sable Antelope Roosevelt - (21/28 Days)
Serval - CITES II (16,21/28 Days)
Sitatunga East African - (21/28 Days)
Steenbok - (16,21/28 Days)
Suni East African - (16,21/28 Days)
Topi - (10,16,21/28 Days)
Warthog - (10,16,21/28 Days)
Waterbuck Common - (16,21/28 Days)
Waterbuck East African Defassa - (16,21/28 Days)
Wildebeest Nyasa - (10,16,21/28 Days)
Wildebeest White-Bearded - (10,16,21/28 Days)
Zebra Burchell/Selous Plain - (10,16,21/28 Days)

Shot Placement Guide for the Perfect Shot

Click here to visit our shot placement guide, the most comprehensive shot placement guide of African game online.

Hunting License & Permits for Tanzania

Your hunting outfitter will initially apply for your hunting license and permits (also known as a game license) on your behalf as required by the government of Tanzania. Your outfitter will require basic information from you to fill out this application.

Hunting permits in Tanzania will only be issued to hunters in possession of the minimum caliber required for the game that is listed.

Bow-hunting in Tanzania

Bow-hunting in Tanzania started during the 2005 hunting season when the government began issuing bow hunting permits. Tanzania is the most expensive country in Africa today with daily rates many times more than other sub Saharan African countries. The other reason bow hunting in Tanzania is so expensive is that the license and government area fees for bow hunting are double that of those for rifle hunters. This country offers tremendous opportunities for bow hunters however few operators have the experience to conduct bow-hunting safaris, so careful selection of the hunting outfitter is very important.

Tanzania does not have an additional bow qualification for professional hunters, however a professional hunter licensed by the Tanzanian Wildlife Division is required to be present during the hunt to guide and protect the hunting client.

Bow-hunting big five and/or dangerous game, such as bow-hunting Leopard, Lion, Cape Buffalo and Elephant is illegal in Tanzania.

Importation of Bows & Arrows into Tanzania

It is legal for hunters to import bows for bow-hunting purposes into Tanzania and no import permit is required. A bow-hunter may also bring a back up rifle(s) along with him on his bow-hunt, if desired for which a temporary firearm(s) importation permit must be applied for (see section below). When hunting on a bow-hunting permit, no matter what weapon is being used to hunt, the government area and license fees for bow-hunting will apply which is double that of those for rifle hunters.

Minimum Equipment Requirements for Bow-hunting in Tanzania

Tanzania does not have any minimum equipment requirements for bow-hunting so common sense will apply or here below find the requirements for South Africa.

Big Game
Bow Kinetic Energy 80 ft/lbs
Arrow Weight 700 grain
(Elephant, Rhino, Hippo, Buffalo)

Medium Game
Bow Kinetic Energy 70 ft/lbs
Arrow Weight 550 grain
(Kudu, Eland, Oryx / Gemsbok, Hartebeest, Wildebeest, Zebra, Giraffe, Sable Antelope, Roan Antelope, Waterbuck, Tsessebe, etc.)

Small Game
Bow Kinetic Energy 40 ft/lbs
Arrow Weight 400 grain
(Warthog, Nyala, Springbok, Impala, Blesbok, Duiker, Steenbok, Ostrich, Caracal, Black-Backed Jackal, Game Birds, etc.)

Minimum Equipment Requirements for Rifle Hunting in Tanzania

The minimum equipment requirement for rifle hunting in Tanzania is .240 caliber for any game other than dangerous game.

The minimum equipment requirement for rifle hunting in Tanzania is .375 caliber for dangerous game or big game hunting.

Tanzania does not require a minimum energy (Eo - muzzle velocity) for calibers used.

Hunting permits known as game licenses in Tanzania will only be issued to hunters in possession of the minimum caliber required for the game that is listed.

Traveling with Firearms & Ammunition

Traveling to Africa usually requires taking at least a couple of different airlines as well as departing from several countries whose laws and regulations are constantly changing. And they all have their own rules, regulations and laws for which it is your responsibility to be aware and in compliance with all of them.

Permits & Importation of Firearms & Ammunition into Tanzania

The following section contains the basic information you will need to know.

Temporary importation of firearms and ammunition into Tanzania is free of charge and the process is quick and easy.

Your hunting outfitter will send you a form to fill out and return to them so they can arrange for your firearms and ammunition temporary import/export permits months prior to your arrival as required by the government of Tanzania. This permit will be based upon the firearm information you provide to your outfitter so it is very important that you carefully consider which firearms you will be bringing with you, as once you have submitted the form you will not be able to change your mind. It is very important that all weapons serial numbers be exactly the same when you arrive as what was issued on your import/export permit. Last minute changes of mind cause more problems regarding gun permits than any other reason. Exact number of ammunition is also important.

Hunting permits in Tanzania will only be issued to hunters in possession of the minimum caliber required for the game that is listed (.375 caliber for dangerous game or big game hunting and .240 caliber for any game other than dangerous game).

There is a limit of three rifles plus one shotgun per hunter that may be imported into Tanzania for trophy hunting purposes. However if traveling through South Africa a maximum of two firearms are allowed even if you are just in transit. Some European countries also have greater limitation than Tanzania as to the number of firearms which can be brought into their country even while in transit.

A maximum of one hundred (100) rounds of ammunition may be imported per firearm, however you may encounter greater restrictions from the airline(s) you are traveling on or country you are departing from or other countries you may be visiting or transiting through.

Only ammunition for the specific caliber(s) you are bringing may be imported.

Black powder rifles are permitted in Tanzania, however it is illegal to transport on commercial airlines black powder and percussion caps. These may be purchased in Tanzania but it is best to contact your hunting outfitter to organize for it well prior to your hunt as it may need to be special ordered.

No automatic, semi-automatic firearms are allowed.

No handguns are allowed.

Tanzanian Professional Hunters Association (TPHA)

In 1934 a flourishing hunting industry had existed for over 40 years in East Africa. Professional hunters from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda recognized the need to form a body to establish and maintain standards of conduct and a code of ethics. On the 12th of April 1934 these professional hunters met in Nairobi at the Norfolk Hotel and formed the East African Professional Hunters Association (EAPHA). At that time, The EAPHA became involved in the licensing system of professional hunters and one could not obtain a license to hunt in East Africa without being reviewed and approved by a joint panel of examiners compiled of the Wildlife Division (WD) and members of the EAPHA. This was considered necessary as the EAPHA was conversant with the duties and requirements of professional hunting.

In the 1960's, after each of the East African countries achieved independence and drifted apart in political ideology, the Tanzanian Wildlife Division called for the formation of the Tanzanian Professional Hunters Association (TPHA). On the 28th of April 1966 the TPHA was established and worked independently of the EAPHA, which continued with its mandate in Kenya and Uganda. TPHA continues to work with the same focus as EAPHA, and is committed to elevating the competence, professionalism and the standard of ethics of all Tanzanian professional hunters.

TPHA members have to attain necessary levels of competence, skill and ethics required for the responsibility of a professional hunter. For information on Tanzanian Professional Hunters Association (TPHA) click here to visit TPHA web site for more information regarding basic hunting laws and regulations in Tanzania and more.

Association of Bid Game Professional Hunters (AGGC - Association des Guides de Grande Chasse)

Many professional hunters in the former French colonies in Africa are French nationals and members of the Association des Guides de Grande Chasse. Click here to visit ACP web site for more information.

Association of Professional Hunters in France (ACP - Association des Chasseurs Professionnels)

Click here to visit ACP web site for more information.

Tanzanian Hunting Operators Association (TAHOA)

Founded in 1988 by hunting companies operating in Tanzania on the request of the Tanzanian government. the Tanzanian Hunting Operators Association (TAHOA) was formed to join the hunting companies which operate in Tanzania in order to speak in a sole voice in the framework of the relationships between the Association and
the Tanzanian Government and more particularly between the Association and the Ministry o Tourism Natural Resources and Environment, (Directorate of Wildlife and Directorate of Tourism). Formed also to settle, on eventual request, any dispute between the companies members of the Association and its clients, to promote and support any project connected with the preservation of wildlife and its biotope and to collaborate closely and permanently with the governing authorities in charge of Wildlife, Environment and Big game Hunting.

For information on Tanzanian Hunting Operators Association (TAHOA) click here to visit TAHOA web site for more information regarding basic hunting laws and regulations in Tanzania and more.

Tanzania Ministry of Natural Resources & Tourism (MNRT)

To visit Tanzania Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism web site click here.

Tanzania Hunting Permits & Licenses

The wildlife authorities and the government of Tanzania allocates quotas by species to each hunting block or hunting territory on an individual basis.

Your hunting license and permit will be applied for and obtained by your hunting outfitter well prior to your arrival, please check with your outfitter as to the current charges or if the cost of this paperwork is already included in the price of your hunt.

The cost of hunting permits and licenses in Tanzania are very high and are usually included in the cost of the hunting safari, although a few hunting outfitters may charge separately for it.

The following is required regarding permits for trophy hunting in Tanzania:

Clients are only permitted to hunt animals for which a permit is issued.

All animals are subject to quota availability.

Permits must be issued prior to the hunt commencing.

A separate permit must be issued for each individual hunting client.

Clients are expected to abide by all Wildlife Hunting Regulations in Tanzania.

CITIES Permits & U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

The importation of some individual sport hunted trophies requires a CITES permit (i.e. African Elephant, White Rhinoceros and Leopard to name a few), you will need to submit an application to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service if you are planning to import any of the species on their list. You can download the CITIES permit application forms by clicking here. CITES stands for Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, visit their web site at www.cites.org.

Camouflage

The use of Camouflage clothing is allowed in Tanzania during the actual hunt. However we would advise that it only be worn during your hunt and not in town or for travel. For excellent quality camouflage, you need look no further than KUIU

How to Get There

A majority of international hunting clients will fly from their country of origin into Tanzania on a major international airline, many of which offer a route to Dar es Salaam (Dar es Salaam International Airport - DAR) or Arusha and Moshi (Northern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro International Airport - JRO). KLM from Amsterdam, British Airways from London, Swiss International Air Lines from Zurich and South African Airways from Johannesburg.

International Airport in Tanzania

City: Dar es Salaam - capital of Tanzania
Dar es Salaam International Airport
Airport Code DAR
Located 8 miles (12 km) southwest of the city of Dar es Salaam

City: Arusha and Moshi (Northern Tanzania)
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Airport Code JRO
Located 23 miles (37 km) from the city of Moshi and 30 miles (48 km) from the city of Arusha

Major Airlines Flying into Tanzania

Visa & Travel Documents

All foreigners must be in possession of a passport that will remain valid for at least six months after the intended date of departure from Tanzania as well as a round trip airline ticket.

Temporary entry visas for Tanzania are required by visitors from almost all countries outside of Africa. As the list changes from time to time, it is important to verify if you need to obtain a visa based upon your country of citizenship. Entry visas must be obtain prior to arrival in the country. The cost of the visa depends upon the nationality of the applicant and whether it is for a single entry or multiple entries. This should be done well in advance as it can take some time to complete the process which may require sending your passport to their Embassy or Consulate. Entry visa rules can change from time to time, it is important to verify the current regulations before obtaining a visa.

Even though a temporary entry visa can be obtained for a fee at the airport on the day of your arrival it is highly recommended that you obtain your visa well prior to your departure as this process is complicated and time consuming.

To find out if you need to apply for a Visa in advance, a great resource with free information is Travel Document System (TDS) at www.traveldocs.com. If you are in need of a visa, Travel Document System is nationally recognized as a leading authority in the field of international Travel Documents. Travelers are quite often not sure of the specific requirements or documentation required to enter into a foreign country. TDS helps international travelers easily understand what is specifically required of them in order to gain passage into another country and provides visa services for U.S. citizens to most countries for which an entry visa is required www.traveldocs.com.

Traveler's Health & Immunizations

A valid yellow fever inoculation certificate or International Health Certificate including yellow fever proof of vaccination is required upon arrival from all countries to enter Tanzania.

CDC recommends that you see a health-care provider who specializes in Travel Medicine. Find a travel medicine clinic near you by clicking here. If you have a medical condition, you should also share your travel plans with any doctors you are currently seeing for other medical reasons.

Recommended Vaccinations Include:

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Typhoid

Rabies

Routine vaccination if you are not up-to-date including Influenza, Polio, MMR (measles/mumps/rubella) and DPT (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus)

Malaria prophylactics medication is highly recommended and should be considered as mandatory, however we suggest that you visit the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) for their recommendations for travel in Tanzania as mosquitoes in this country are resistant to some antimalarial drugs.

The CDC is most credible online resource for up to date health information. Click here to visit the section dedicated to Traveler's Health specific to Tanzania. Information about vaccinations, diseases, prevention, tips and much more can be found here.

Malaria Map of Tanzania

Click HERE to enlarge Tanzania malaria map.

Malaria Maps of Africa

Click HERE for Africa malaria maps, distribution model, endemic / epidemic risk areas, duration of malaria transmission season and duration of malaria transmission season.

Travel Advisory from The U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs

What you should know before you go. You may obtain international travel information by country, warnings for travelers about crime and public announcements about travel abroad in addition to so much other valuable information click here.

Embassies & Consulates

United Republic of Tanzania Embassy in the USA www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org

Click here for a complete searchable database of all embassies and consulates from every country in the world including Tanzania.

Bird Hunting Season in Tanzania

From July 1st to December 31st, a hunter may obtain on license members of the bird species during his hunt. There is a limit as to the number of birds of each species that a hunter can take in a day, these quotas vary from areas to areas and depend upon the bird species as well. Your hunting outfitter will be able to easily provide you with specific information for their area(s).

Bird license fee varies from hunting outfitter and by species and usually ranges between US$ 10 to 15 per bird.

Tourism in Tanzania

Tanzania Official Government Tourism web site, called Tourism Confederation Of Tanzania (TCT), is a good place to explore what options are available for travel outside of your hunting safari, www.tct.co.tz. Another resource would be the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) web site at www.tanzaniatouristboard.com. Your hunting safari outfitter may also offer short excursions up to extensive touring through their company as well.

General Information about Tanzania

United Republic of Tanzania (Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania)
Population 40,200,000
Capital City Dar es Salaam
Languages English (official), Kiswahili or Swahili (official) and numerous tribal dialects
Official Currency Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Denominations in 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 TZS bank notes. 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1 TZS in coin form. To view images of these banknotes, click here. The import and export of the Tanzanian Shilling currency is prohibited. Foreign currency needs to be declared upon entry into the country, no limitation to the amount, however amount to be exported should not exceed amount declared upon entry.
Electricity, the Tanzanian standard is 230 volts AC 50 Hz, square three-pin and round three-pin outlets. Most lodges/camps have generator(s) to power the electricity through rechargeable batteries therefore it is recommended to bring a small power inverter that plugs into a cigarette lighter to invert 12V DC Power to 110V AC for recharging in the hunting vehicle. Generator(s) in most camps are only run during the morning and evening hours and sometimes can be run at other times by special request. Be sure to check with your hunting outfitter in Tanzania what they are using. Click here for more info.
Country Dialing Code 255

Clothing

This extensive packing list is very complete and should be used as a guide to help you with your preparation. Adapt this list according to your preferences, weather and length of your trip, etc.

Safari hunting wear should be comfortably fitting and made of a sturdy fabric. Laundry is done on a daily basis so packing should be done with this in mind. The color of your hunting clothes from hats to boots including your backpack should be green, brown, khaki, olive, or neutral. Avoid light shades of any color and clothing that makes noise. Depending upon the time of the year, darker colored clothing might be recommended.

I recommend layering clothing since temperature changes range from 90°F (32°C) in the hotter months to 84°F (18°C) in the colder months. You should test your layers before your trip, your outer layer should fit easily over the inside one(s) without binding and bunching up. Do not bring clothing items that you are very fond of, the African bush is unforgiving. Should you be traveling during the rainy season it is best to have at least some fast drying synthetic clothing that maintains its warmth when wet.

Long pants, pants should be comfortably fitting and made of a sturdy fabric, the thicker and tighter the weave the stronger and more impenetrable to thorns and insects. I suggest the Attack or Tiburon pants as they are great in the warmer weather. Alpine or Chinook pants with lots of pockets are a great functional piece of clothing.
Shorts, some hunters are comfortable wearing shorts for hunting in warm climates which is fine but there can be drawbacks. I usually advise against wearing shorts for hunting due to the abundance of sharp thorns, twigs and nasty grass which can be hard on your legs. A pair of shorts for camp or travel may be good to bring if the weather is hot, but the choice to wear them while hunting is yours. The Tiburon Shorts are a super lightweight and breathable short that’s great for hot weather hunting.
Shirts
T-shirts
A light waterproof, breathable jacket, for wind or rain
Underwear
Sleepwear
Casual clothing for relaxing at camp and traveling
Swimsuit if it’s a warm time of the year

Cold Weather Clothing

Warm jacket or heavy weight fleece
Warm wool sweater(s) or mid weight fleece
Mid weight long underwear
Warm headwear, one that covers your ears can serve a dual purpose
Warm gloves

Footwear

Hunting boots, you should bring two pairs of well broken-in hunting boots or one pair of hunting boots and one pair of trail shoes. Your footwear should be comfortable, light weight, preferably leather, darker in color and have the advantage of a quiet sole for stalking or tracking.
Extra shoe laces for your hunting boots
Casual shoes for relaxing in camp and traveling
Sandals, for wearing around camp when the weather is suitable
Socks, high quality socks are a good idea and will help minimize the risk of blisters.

Accessories

Gloves, that are functional for hunting, preferably leather and dark in color. Fingerless gloves used for biking or weightlifting are ideally suited for shooting and reloading and at the same time they will protect you hands if crawling through the bush.
Headwear, a suitably colored baseball cap and/or wide brimmed safari hat for added sun protection for your neck and ears.
Belt(s)
Bandana/Neck Gaiter, a great multi-purpose item, sun protection (head or neck), wet it will cool you off, handkerchieve, dust mask, etc.
Gaiters, above the ankle to keep your boots and socks free of nuisances such as sand, prickly seeds and sharp grass or to the knee to offer added protection from nuisances, such as bush, sharp weeds, snakes, etc.

Toiletries

Hairbrush/comb
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Dental floss
Q-tips
Soap
Shampoo
Razor and blades
Shaving cream (Non-aerosol for carry on)
Deodorant (Non-aerosol for carry on)
Cologne
Moisturizing lotion
Nail scissors or clippers
Tweezers
Lip balm with high SPF
Sun block with high SPF, We recommend waterproof sunscreen as it lasts longer. Even if sweating. Depending on the area you are hunting, repellant sunblock is an option but unscented is always a good idea.
Ziplock bags, useful and versatile. A good way to contain items that may leak in your luggage.

Travel Accessories

Flashlight, we suggest Ledlenser, their brilliant design and easy-use functionality insures great pleasure for your every need.
Camera, lenses, flash, a second memory stick, charger and/or extra batteries.
Video camera, tapes or memory card/stick, charger and/or extra batteries. Ask your PH to take pictures with his own camera too, it’s a great back up
Lens cleaning kit
Electric converters
Plug adapters

Your Prescription Medication and First Aid

Bruce Watson Safaris has a first aid kit and basic medications are available such as aspirin, ibuprofen, anti-diarrhea pills and band aids.

If you bring prescription medication they should be packed in your carry on luggage and you should have enough to last you through your trip. Your medication must be prescribed in your name and be in their original prescription bottles to avoid problems at customs. If you are carrying liquid medication, be sure to place them in a zip lock bag for airport security.

Your regular prescription medications
Copies of prescriptions for medications that you are carrying
Bee allergy shot or Epipen for those with severe allergies

For your personal needs you may wish to consider bringing some of the following:

Treatments for jet lag
Insect repellent
Itch cream with cortisone
Antibiotic cream
Moleskin or Band Aid blister block or Band Aid cushions
Laxative
Antacid
Eye drops
Motion sickness remedies
Decongestant
Allergy medication

Personal Items

Prescription glasses and/or clear shooting glasses. Theese will help protect your eyes, day or night, against sand, thorns and insects.
Sunglasses.
Contact lenses and solution if preferred. (Glasses are more practical and provide added protection)
Earplugs (for hunting, travel or sleeping)
Cell phone and/or satellite phone (Most hunting areas/camps have wifi access and/or local network; check with your telephone service provider to see if your phone has the capability to be activated.)
Watch
Field guide
Shot placement guide, or click here for the App.
Small notebook and pen to keep journal or take notes
List of addresses or pre-printed mailing labels for sending postcards back home
Something to read
Reminder list of things that you wanted to do or buy

Lion Hunting

Trophy Animals

Wildebeest Hunting

Bubye Valley