Hello All,
My husband has someone at his office who is a native of Tanzania. He is putting together a trip for interested parties who want to accompany him and his wife to TZ next February 2019. There is an opening and we are considering this trip. We are usually travelers who go on our own and book our own trips. We looked at this trip last year (not with this person) and shelved the idea because of the expense of the trip while having a private driver, etc.
Other than the obvious, what questions should I ask of this person? I've check out the lodges and camps, they seem to be along our tastes. This appears to be a small group of 10-12 which is agreeable. We haven't gotten the price sheet yet--but we have a budget of $12k airfare included.

Thanks, Stacy

How many days is this group trip? Just an FYI but for your budget, you could likely get a private safari for just you two and be able to travel independently. I have a couple of operators I'd suggest (Access2Tanzania and The Wild Source, both of whom I've had very good experiences with). I would not want to do a safari with 10-12 other people. Too many disparate interests and attention spans to try to accommodate. If someone wants to sleep in rather than be up and out on a game drive at sunrise, who makes the decision? If someone gets bored on a sighting, does everyone have to leave? If someone likes birds and others don't, does everyone have to stop and bird along with them? If this is your only shot at a safari, I'd investigate doing it on your own first, and in my experience with your budget, you should be able to if you shop your budget and wishlist around.

First of all ask about whole package expenses because your budget is around $12k.

It's hard to tell what you are paying for the trip. How much does airfare cost? How many days/nights in Tanzania? How many nights in a camp? How many camps? How many people in a vehicle? What type of vehicle? All of these affect the price and enjoyment of the trip.

Yes agree with him. You must get knowledge about these questions.

This trip is still being formulated. There will be two groups of 6 for two vehicles. We've gotten a list of the camps and lodges. Still debating. Thanks for weighing in!

We have decided against this trip. I know many people love Africa, but it isn't a deal-breaker for us. We will use our budget for something in the future. Thanks for your input.

What an exciting trip! Tanzania is an amazing destination that offers some of the best game-spotting in the world.

There is one main aspect I would ask about outside of what was already mentioned.

Tanzania is very famous for the Great Migration, which is the biggest mass movement of mammals in the world. More than 1.5 million wildebeest make their way through Serengeti National Park in search of water. You mentioned your itinerary is for February. During this time, the wildebeest are generally calving, with the chance to see just-born wildebeest and increased predator activity – a really amazing time to go!

Is your itinerary targeting the Great Migration at all? Since the migration changes every year, a good approach is to stay at a mobile tented camp. These camps are still quite luxurious, but move to follow the Migration so that you’re guaranteed to be in the midst of the action.

Happy travels!

Guys what about Kenya??? I heard that Kenya Wildlife is biggest one among world. is it true???

Well, the Maasai Mara Reserve is actually in both Tanzania and Kenya. The Great Migration rotates through the entire area throughout the year, so depending on time of year you'll see the migration if you're in the right place at the right time. The caution with that is that the herds can be unpredictable for many reasons, like drought affecting the grass available, etc. so they don't follow a strict schedule. And you only get to see the dramatic river crossings people usually think of when they think Migration on the Mara River in the July-Sept timeframe. I saw the migration in February in Tanzania, near Ndutu and the sheer numbers was astounding. There are, however, other places in Kenya for wildlife that are unlike anywhere else (Amboseli, Ol Pejeta, Lewa, Samburu) but also parts of Tanzania that are equally as different and interesting (Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Mahale, Katavi). I don't think you can make a bad decision with either of these countries as your first safari. The danger is in realizing that the first isn't always your only safari! I've just booked my fifth safari, which will be my fourth return to the Mara. While I loved and enjoyed both Tanzania and Rwanda, Kenya and the Mara keep calling me back. I keep saying I will branch out "next time" but I never do!

Thank you, mean both countries are equally enjoyable?

Yes, but more importantly, what is often considered the "best" ecosystem in Kenya is also partly in Tanzania too! What is the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya becomes Serengeti National Park when you cross the border into Tanzania. So visiting one or the other offers up a similar experience.

Oh..right thank you.

Yes, I'm going to Kenya this year to see the World's big Safari.

The great wildebeest migration is the biggest highlight in Kenyan Tourism. I hope you get to see it.