I know this question has been asked many times before, but it's just so difficult to decide! We are 2 girls who are planning to go to Africa for 3 weeks next year, probably in September or October. We have narrowed it down to either Zambia/Malawi (possibly just Zambia with a few days on Zanzibar on our way back to Europe to avoid the bilharzia in Lake Malawi..) or Tanzania (possibly combined with either Rwanda or Uganda). We want great scenery, wildlife (I have been on a safari in South Africa before, but my friend hasn't), beaches++. I understand that in September/October the migration is normally in Kenya - is it still worth doing the Northern Circuit or would we be better off going to the parks in the South?
Any information and recommendations on all the mentioned countries (we will be on a budget, so we are not interested in really expensive lodges etc) would be very helpful!

That time of year I would recommend Kenya and the Mara. However, do not know if there is a reasonable place to stay. Mara Serena may be OK. There is a campground I understand in the Mara.

Sorry no expert Fodorite has responded to help you. Have only gone once to Africa, last month to Kenya, absolutely enjoyed it

Kevin from California

Hi! Yes, September the migration will be in the Masai Mara and it will be awesome!!!

Other good safaris for September would be Zambia or Botswana. South Africa (Sabi Sands) is a good year round destination.

Hari

Here are a few good options in Zambia that will not break the bank:

www.luangwa.com (Kafunta Safaris)

www.kasakariverlodge.com

www.bushcampcompany.com

I have personally stayed at Kasaka River Lodge, Kafunta River Lodge and Kafunta Island Bush Camp and they all offered excellent safari experiences.

You could even combine Zimbabwe with Zambia quite easily. For Zimbabwe, try African Bushcamps:

www.africanbushcamps.com

Hello,

You may want to look into combining Mozambique with Zambia (rather than Zanzibar) -- there are good connections via Joburg and this may save you some money on international flights, as the routes to Joburg are much more competitive than those to Dar (the normal gateway to Zanzibar). There are some lovely beach lodges in Mozambique and it's off the beaten track so it will be much less crowded and less expensive as well.

Cheers,
Julian

There are bilharzia-free areas along Lake Malawi, including around Senga Bay, where I stayed during my visit. The inland, lakeshore beaches are not as nice as the coastal beaches, but swimming in Lake Malawi is like swimming in an aquarium (with lots of cichlids). Flatdogs, at South Luangwa in Zambia, is an affordable option, and you could overland from Mfuwe to Lilongwe and on to Lake Malawi.

Below are my thoughts. Here are my biases: Never been to Malawi and no great interest; want to go to Southern Tanzania; Loved Kenya, No. Tanzania, Zambia & hope to return.

Great scenery--every option

Wildlife--the migration will produce the greatest number and variety of species. In Sept/Oct, I'd recommend the Mara in Kenya. One of the most intimate and moving wildlife experiences is spending an hour with the gorillas. I would recommend Rwanda slighty over Uganda.

The above combo would be slightly more spectacular than Zambia's offerings. But you'd have a wonderful and wild/remote time if you chose Zambia. Plus you could do walking & canoeing.

Beaches--I know nothing.

Minding the budget--Northern circuit of Tanzania would be less expensive than the Southern circuit. Transportation is also more convenient. You can easily add the Maasai Mara and Rwanda onto the Northern circuit, as well as Zanzibar.

Let us know what you decide. Three weeks is a nice long time.

We did Rwanda for 9 days...including a few on Lake Kivu (not the same as the beaches of the Indian ocean, but definitely relaxing) and then 7 days in Kenya (Nakuru and the Mara). If you have 3 weeks you can feasibly do Rwanda, Kenya (Mara and Nakuru) and Zanzibar or more easily Mombasa area. Look into flying on Kenya Air from either the states or London (don't know where you're based) as they could price out your whole trip through Nairobi. Good luck!

Lynn, thanks...Rwanda is going into my "List".

Hari

Hello,

The Southern circuit in Tanzania wouldn't necessarily be more expensive than the Northern circuit if you plan to stay in small tented camps. However, the Northern circuit would be less expensive if you want to go the hotel route (Serena/Sopa). Flights to Dar, at least out of London, are often less than flights to Kilimanjaro.

September/October is the perfect time to see wild dogs in Selous and Ruaha.

Cheers,
Julian