Discussion
With the aim of going to see an elephant I'm looking at 2 weeks in Tanzania around October. Probably 4 or 5 days doing a safari, and then heading to Zanzibar for a few days of beach time and RnR. This doesn't quite fill 2 weeks, so can anyone advise any other things to do, or what should I be doing in Tanzania? Am probably not going to have time to do Kilimanjaro, which I think takes another 4 or 5 days, and walking up hills isn't really my thing. Have never really been to Africa before and quite happy to spend some time in the capital and get a feel for the place if there is any reason to?
Tanzania is great for the big five. It's worth visiting the serengenti, the Ngorogoro crater and Tarangire national park. If you only want elephants, Botswana and Namibia are a better bet, ther are thousands of them. We did the safari followed by Zanzibar bit and wouldn't bother with Zanzibar again. If you want the beach in our experience Mauritius is better. So would a safari that took in the three locations above and then a flight to Mauritius.
There’s bob-all to do in dar other than sit in traffic. There are some nice places to overnight though, I saw one of the best live blues bands in my life in one of them.
I’d simply extend the safari, 4-5 days isn’t long enough to do the northern circuit properly. You could add a couple days for lake manyara as well.
I’d simply extend the safari, 4-5 days isn’t long enough to do the northern circuit properly. You could add a couple days for lake manyara as well.
Im in Kenya so know a bit. October is a good time for the Wildebeest migration in the Mara which spans Kenya and Tanzania.
A safari can be absolutely incredible, there's no such thing really as a cheap one but you can price it at all levels from bunks in dormitorys to suites on stilts.
I'd say book locally with a reputable company as opposed to a Hayes and Jarvis type operator as you get better value and its more authentic.
I've not been to Zanzibar but go to the coast often as we have a place in Mombasa and also go to Malindi and Watamu. I think Zanzibar is a bit limited for things to do and not easily accessible but sure it'll have its fans.
Have fun and feel free to ask away.
A safari can be absolutely incredible, there's no such thing really as a cheap one but you can price it at all levels from bunks in dormitorys to suites on stilts.
I'd say book locally with a reputable company as opposed to a Hayes and Jarvis type operator as you get better value and its more authentic.
I've not been to Zanzibar but go to the coast often as we have a place in Mombasa and also go to Malindi and Watamu. I think Zanzibar is a bit limited for things to do and not easily accessible but sure it'll have its fans.
Have fun and feel free to ask away.
Never done Tanzania but I've been to Mauritius a few times and spent two weeks in Zanzibar last year. Both of them revolved around kiteboarding so we had a focus and only worried about other things to do on no-wind days. There's a lot more to do on Mauritius but we absolutely loved Paje on Zanzibar. We had a room right on the beach and all the entertainment, food, etc. was on the beach. Stone town was really interesting for a day trip. If I was choosing to go back to one of them it would be Zanzibar every time.
Zanzibar tends to get overlooked by many British travellers - partly because there's no direct flights, I think. It is a great place. I was fortunate enough to work on a project there and made a couple trips just before Covid.
As above, Stone Town is an interesting place to wander around and discover. Glorious Beaches, cool beach bars (Livingstone's, if it's still there, has a brilliant vibe). Lots of the usual water-based activities and some inland excursions worth looking at.
As with most of Africa, you're never more than a stone's throw away from abject poverty and being an island, you can't help but notice this in Zanzibar. And don't think the money you spend with and in fancy fiver-star resorts benefit the locals in any meaningful way.
As above, Stone Town is an interesting place to wander around and discover. Glorious Beaches, cool beach bars (Livingstone's, if it's still there, has a brilliant vibe). Lots of the usual water-based activities and some inland excursions worth looking at.
As with most of Africa, you're never more than a stone's throw away from abject poverty and being an island, you can't help but notice this in Zanzibar. And don't think the money you spend with and in fancy fiver-star resorts benefit the locals in any meaningful way.
Tighnamara said:
Visited over 10 years ago, we split between Selous (now Neyere) and Ruhaha areas, hardly saw any other tourists and great wildlife.
More remote and not so easy to access but was well worth it.
We did the same in 2009 when we honeymooned there, two camps and did drives with only the driver and guide as well as boat safaris. Was really great apart from Hippos getting a bit shirty with us and a massive elephant charging across a river just at twilight. More remote and not so easy to access but was well worth it.
We did Zanzibar but didn’t spent enough and it felt like a crap end of a holiday as the safari camps were brilliant.
ALawson said:
Tighnamara said:
Visited over 10 years ago, we split between Selous (now Neyere) and Ruhaha areas, hardly saw any other tourists and great wildlife.
More remote and not so easy to access but was well worth it.
We did the same in 2009 when we honeymooned there, two camps and did drives with only the driver and guide as well as boat safaris. Was really great apart from Hippos getting a bit shirty with us and a massive elephant charging across a river just at twilight. More remote and not so easy to access but was well worth it.
We did Zanzibar but didn t spent enough and it felt like a crap end of a holiday as the safari camps were brilliant.
I shudder to think how much it would cost to do today, but it was a total contrast to some of the stories you hear about scores of tourists mobbing one lion.
Zanzibar was a bit of an anti-climax in comparison. Would have preferred an extra night or two in the safari camp.
LT completely agree, I think we spent £9k including flights and the 2 camps were superb, food was first class considering the constraints on logistics. It’s one of my best holidays ever.
The thought of being in a vehicle with 8 other tourists would take a little of the he magic away.
The thought of being in a vehicle with 8 other tourists would take a little of the he magic away.
Also visited in 2009, and in October, but did a 7-day tour of the northern parks - Tarangire (elephants, mainly), Lake Manyara (missable), Serengeti (south with lions, cheetah, etc etc. and the quieter north, where we saw a leopard lazing in a tree then go make a kill, as well as the start of the great migration across from the Masai Mara, and loads of other stuff) and then Ngorongoro (must-see - bit of everything, great setting).
Zanzibar is probably location-sensitive. The hotel we were recommended (this was before TripAdvisor became ubiquitous) turned out to be a bit middle-of-nowhere with a small beach, but we know others who have had better experiences.
Agree with the comments to try to find a recommended/reputable local safari operator. You're also far better off, if you can afford it, chartering the whole LandCruiser/LandRover/etc with driver to yourself, as you're then on your timetable not someone else's.
Zanzibar is probably location-sensitive. The hotel we were recommended (this was before TripAdvisor became ubiquitous) turned out to be a bit middle-of-nowhere with a small beach, but we know others who have had better experiences.
Agree with the comments to try to find a recommended/reputable local safari operator. You're also far better off, if you can afford it, chartering the whole LandCruiser/LandRover/etc with driver to yourself, as you're then on your timetable not someone else's.
Tighnamara said:
Visited over 10 years ago, we split between Selous (now Neyere) and Ruhaha areas, hardly saw any other tourists and great wildlife.
More remote and not so easy to access but was well worth it.
We did those two and Mikumi. The wildlife was very different in each.More remote and not so easy to access but was well worth it.
Altogether a fabulous experience thanks to great drivers/guides, going at the right time of year ( you don t want the grass to be taller than the interesting wildlife ) and making sure
that we had an open vehicle shared only with 2 friends.
Been travelling to Tanzania mainland and Zanzibar since 2013. Been to Serengeti and Selous. Serengeti is vast in comparison to Masai Mara.
Kenyan safari and flop in Mombasa works well. Other Kenyan coast resorts are available. It is relatively easy.
If you are going to Serengeti then you will fly NBO to Kilimanjaro Airport and then on light aircraft to one of the bush airports. The small aircraft only allow 15kg of luggage…which may be limiting for some in the group. Usually the hotel you stay in will keep luggage pending return assuming you fly out via the same point of arrival. The key to a really good Safari is whether the guide / driver is prepared not just to listen to his radio and follow all the other guides but actually knows where the wildlife are and doesn’t radio that in to everyone else. We have spent 3 hours watching a Cheetah teaching her cubs how to take down gazelle. He didn’t radio that one in. My close encounter with a Leopard was simply looking down 3 m as it walked past the balcony of the room.
Ngorongoro Crater will be busy but the earlier you are up in the morning the better.
If you have travelled light ie 15kg you can fly out of the park to Dar es Salaam and then short hop to Zanzibar.
If you have left luggage at hotel you will need to return to collect & either fly out through Arusha ( Kilimanjaro) airport.or possibly through Lake Manyara assuming it has been transferred.
Selous ( another wildlife ) has been off the radar for some while because a new Hydro Dam was being constructed to provide power for Tanzania. This is now complete. I understand that wildlife viewing is improving but you would need to check. Rather than fly to Selous we like being driven and in and out as the route is through numerous small villages and you see Tanzania from a different perspective, especially when your driver will be buying goods to sell and food for his family as you return to Dar.
If you are going to Zanzibar choice of flight or ferry( about 2 hours ) Probably best to book the better seats in advance if you go by boat and ensure you can see your luggage!
Zanzibar: if you can stay a couple of nights in Stone Town do so. Some of them restaurants are very good. Can’t tell you which ones as names seem to change regularly. A walk around the Old Town is worth it and at least you can see where Freddie Mercury lived as well as understanding a bit more about the slave trade. Prison Island to see the Tortoises is fun but negotiate the prices.
You mentioned Paje. We stay there. I don’t like Nungwi now lots of big hotels - all inclusive and can be a hassle if you are outside the hotel grounds as there are fewer tourists in the main area Nungwi so you will be approached.
Paje has grown over the last 13 years. It is a Kite Surfing beach so it can be windy. Lots of different levels of accommodation from 5* - which are largely outside the Town. We stay off the beach front in a simple hotel but it’s 50m to the beach, and restaurants. Fresh fish is very good. There are some new hotels in the pipeline for the beach front. Paje will change. TUI are in the process of building a 300 room hotel about 500m from the Central Beach in Paje. . Completion Dec 26/ early 27. But doubt many guests will stray as it’s all inclusive ! An alternative is Jambiani which is more laid back at present and has some lovely independent villas and a couple of some proper locally owned restaurants which are good to. You can hire a car. The chances of you being stopped by the Police are high. Be very very respectful. Hope this helps.
Kenyan safari and flop in Mombasa works well. Other Kenyan coast resorts are available. It is relatively easy.
If you are going to Serengeti then you will fly NBO to Kilimanjaro Airport and then on light aircraft to one of the bush airports. The small aircraft only allow 15kg of luggage…which may be limiting for some in the group. Usually the hotel you stay in will keep luggage pending return assuming you fly out via the same point of arrival. The key to a really good Safari is whether the guide / driver is prepared not just to listen to his radio and follow all the other guides but actually knows where the wildlife are and doesn’t radio that in to everyone else. We have spent 3 hours watching a Cheetah teaching her cubs how to take down gazelle. He didn’t radio that one in. My close encounter with a Leopard was simply looking down 3 m as it walked past the balcony of the room.
Ngorongoro Crater will be busy but the earlier you are up in the morning the better.
If you have travelled light ie 15kg you can fly out of the park to Dar es Salaam and then short hop to Zanzibar.
If you have left luggage at hotel you will need to return to collect & either fly out through Arusha ( Kilimanjaro) airport.or possibly through Lake Manyara assuming it has been transferred.
Selous ( another wildlife ) has been off the radar for some while because a new Hydro Dam was being constructed to provide power for Tanzania. This is now complete. I understand that wildlife viewing is improving but you would need to check. Rather than fly to Selous we like being driven and in and out as the route is through numerous small villages and you see Tanzania from a different perspective, especially when your driver will be buying goods to sell and food for his family as you return to Dar.
If you are going to Zanzibar choice of flight or ferry( about 2 hours ) Probably best to book the better seats in advance if you go by boat and ensure you can see your luggage!
Zanzibar: if you can stay a couple of nights in Stone Town do so. Some of them restaurants are very good. Can’t tell you which ones as names seem to change regularly. A walk around the Old Town is worth it and at least you can see where Freddie Mercury lived as well as understanding a bit more about the slave trade. Prison Island to see the Tortoises is fun but negotiate the prices.
You mentioned Paje. We stay there. I don’t like Nungwi now lots of big hotels - all inclusive and can be a hassle if you are outside the hotel grounds as there are fewer tourists in the main area Nungwi so you will be approached.
Paje has grown over the last 13 years. It is a Kite Surfing beach so it can be windy. Lots of different levels of accommodation from 5* - which are largely outside the Town. We stay off the beach front in a simple hotel but it’s 50m to the beach, and restaurants. Fresh fish is very good. There are some new hotels in the pipeline for the beach front. Paje will change. TUI are in the process of building a 300 room hotel about 500m from the Central Beach in Paje. . Completion Dec 26/ early 27. But doubt many guests will stray as it’s all inclusive ! An alternative is Jambiani which is more laid back at present and has some lovely independent villas and a couple of some proper locally owned restaurants which are good to. You can hire a car. The chances of you being stopped by the Police are high. Be very very respectful. Hope this helps.
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