We're interested in an adventure (least touristed) safari. Thinking about Tanzania or Botswana. What are the advantages/disadvantages of each? What time of the year is best in each of these countries?
Tanzania OR Botswana
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I think this is a very difficult question to answer as each country has so much to offer. I was in Botswana in June and Tanzania in March and found the game viewing wonderful. Wilderness Safari, which we used in Botswana have great camps, but you are with other people in their vehicles. In Tanzania we did a private safari and loved being in control of our time. Driving through the bush in Botswana, seeing the animals was exciting, but seeing the migration in Tanzania was truly amazing. For a first trip to Africa you can't beat the northern ciruit in Tanzania. Ruaha and Katavi National Parks would be something to look at if you want less tourists, however these parks are expensive to get to.
I have been to both counties (Botswana in 2008 and Tanzania just last month) and would love to return to both. Here are our photos and trip reports from both countries - they should provide answers to some of your questions. Robin
http://bert-and-bin.smugmug.com/Travel/Kenya-Tanzania-2009/9504315_Lmned/1/638901400_BHybf
http://bert-and-bin.smugmug.com/Travel/Botswana-2008/6570901_ZUKvn/1/418318816_Pyvk6
"For a first trip to Africa you can't beat the northern ciruit in Tanzania." I'd agree with Raelond.
How nice Canadian Robin has gone the two places you are considering.
This question comes up often. Here it is from the past.
For June
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35095738
For July, 1st trip
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34781676
In general
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34935136
This one includes Kenya along with Tanzania vs. Botswana
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34781676
What a nice dilemma you have.