Do mobile phones get reception on a safari in Tanzania? Does Wi-Fi work in the lodges? And can you use the internet in the Serengeti?
These are very common questions before setting off. The most realistic answer is that the internet in Tanzania is available in many places, but you shouldn’t expect a constant connection whilst on safari.
The quality of the connection does, in fact, vary considerably between towns, lodges, tented camps and remote areas of the parks.
Wi-Fi in Tanzania: internet access at lodges
Most hotels and tourist lodges have Wi-Fi, but the quality of the service can vary.
In accommodation near built-up areas, the connection can be relatively stable. In more remote lodges and tented camps, however, Wi-Fi may be available mainly in communal areas and may vary in speed.
For WhatsApp, email and text messages, it’s generally sufficient. For video calls, business meetings or transferring large files, however, it’s best not to take it for granted.
Will your phone work during a safari?
During game drives, the situation changes.
Mobile phone coverage in national parks can be patchy: you may have a signal in one area and lose it shortly afterwards.
This is particularly evident in the Serengeti, where distances are vast and some areas are far from populated centres.
So, having a local SIM or an eSIM can be useful, but it doesn’t mean you’ll have internet access everywhere. If there’s no coverage in a particular area, your phone won’t be able to connect to the network.
Internet in Tanzania: coverage in the parks
Coverage is not the same across Tanzania.
In areas close to towns, main roads and accommodation facilities, it is generally easier to get a signal. Within the parks, however, the situation can change even during the course of a single day.
It is therefore normal to pass through areas with no mobile signal during a game drive.
This does not necessarily mean you will be cut off for the entire trip: you will often get a signal again once you reach an area with coverage or return to the lodge.
Local SIM, eSIM or roaming?
There are several ways to use your mobile phone in Tanzania.
You can keep your SIM card and use roaming, but you should check the charges and terms and conditions with your mobile network operator first.
Alternatively, you can buy a local SIM card or use an eSIM, if your smartphone is compatible.
A local SIM card or an eSIM can be handy for accessing mobile data even when you’re not connected to the lodge’s Wi-Fi. However, the choice of SIM card does not affect network coverage in more remote areas.
If you buy a SIM card in Tanzania, please also bear in mind that there are registration procedures in place in accordance with local regulations.
Does WhatsApp work during a safari?
Yes, when you have an internet connection.
WhatsApp can be used as normal for messages, voice calls, photos and sharing your location.
However, when you are out of coverage, messages will be queued and sent once your phone is back online.
It is therefore perfectly normal to receive several notifications all at once after returning to the lodge.
Wi-Fi during game drives
On safaris organised by Tracks of Africa, the vehicles are equipped with Wi-Fi.
It’s a useful service when travelling, but it’s important to distinguish between Wi-Fi available on board the vehicle and a guaranteed internet connection.
Wi-Fi also depends on the coverage available in the area you are travelling through. In some remote areas, the connection may therefore be unavailable or may be temporarily interrupted.
How to prepare your phone before your safari
A few simple precautions can make your journey more comfortable:
• save bookings and important documents on your phone
• check your roaming conditions
• consider a local SIM or eSIM
• leave some space for photos and videos
Before you set off, you may also find it useful to consult our guide on how to organise a safari in Tanzania, where you’ll find further practical information to help you prepare for your trip.
It is also a good idea to let family and friends know that you may be out of contact for a few hours during the safari.
So, will you have internet during your safari?
The answer is yes, but not always and not everywhere.
In lodges and in the more touristy areas, it will generally be easier to get a signal. During game drives, however, it is common to come across areas with no coverage.
The best way to deal with the situation is therefore to set off well prepared, without taking your internet connection for granted throughout the day.
If you’re still finalising your itinerary, you can also find out how a bespoke safari in Tanzania works, tailoring the route, duration and parks to visit. And perhaps this is one of the most wonderful aspects of a safari: for a few hours, your phone can take a back seat, making way for the savannah, the animals and the experience of the journey.
