nattiep

I'm planning a trip to Tanzania with my parents. Our goal is to focus on the Serengeti as well as Ngorongoro. We've been looking at a few tour operators with African Dreams, CC Africa Safaris and Roy's providing us with the most feedback. However, as I go through these messages, I realize there are so many out there to choose from. I'm beginning to get overwhelmed for our trip - which we would like to book soon. My questions for this very helpful group are (1) preferred tour operators (any that I should include in my search?), (2) is 7 or 8 days enough to get a good taste of the area, (3) flying local carriers for shorter flights - safety, ease?(we're flying BA to either Dar Es Salam or Nairobi), (4) Zanzibar - after 8 days with my parents, I may need to time to unwind before I head back to Chicago for a stressful job - is it worth it to go out there solo (given travel time) for some more R&R? Sorry for so many questions, but I'm beginning to go mad planning this trip (so many options!) -- one last thing, we're not on a tight budget - likely pay mid-level prices (one or two levels below luxury). Thanks in advance!!

allycb

Hi there,
We went to Tanzania in Sept 2005. Our circuit was:
1 night Manyara
3 nights Serengeti
1 night Ngorongoro
2 nights Tarangire
= 7 nights safari
then 5 nights in Zanzibar. To answer specifically your questions:
1) The companies you mention are all used regularly my posters on this board. If you do a search for the names, you should get a lot of information. When we chose our operator, we contacted three in total....I agree in the end, if you contact too many, it all gets a bit much!
2) We spent 7 nights on safari and that was definitely enough to get a taste for the area. It would have been nice to have had longer in the Serengeti, but you can't have everything! I would definitely recommend Tarangire - especially in Oct.
3) We drove everywhere within the safari circuit, and we actually really enjoyed the drives, even though they are very bumpy! Perhaps, if you are going with your parents, it would be a good idea to fly back from the Serengeti. As for long-haul flights, I would recommend trying to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. I believe that only KLM does this, but it saves time. We flew in and out of Nairobi, and it adds on travelling time. Then if you went to Zanzibar, you could fly out of Dar.
4/ I would recommend Zanzibar, even if you are on your own, but it does depend on your interests. I would stay in Stone Town (we stayed in the Serena Inn and we loved it!), and then you can relax by the pool, and go on a few day trips to do the Spice Tour, Prison Island, etc. It depends what you are into!!
If I can help you with anything else, please feel free to ask! You are going to have a fantastic trip!

atravelynn

1. You have a good cross section of operators. Roy’s is Tanzanian based. CC Africa is a larger African company with contacts worldwide. Africa Dream Safari is a US-based Tanzanian specialist. All have been used with success by Fodorites.

Overwhelmed? One Fodorite contacted 70 some agents! You could post the itineraries from these companies with any costing information you are comfortable sharing and see what others think.

2. 7-8 days is enough for a “good taste of Tanzania.”

3. Safety, ease = fine. You’ll need a local carrier carrier to get from Nairobi or Dar to Kilimanjaro-Arusha, where you’ll likely start. You can also drive between Nairobi and Arusha in a private vehicle or in a minibus-type vehicle. Driving is the most common mode of transportation while on the Northern circuit Tanzanian safari. You might fly to the northern part of the Serengeti.

4. No knowledge

My answers are very similar to Allycb. You are getting a consensus.

ShayTay

You might also contact Kibo Guides. I've used them several times and think they do a great job for a reasonable price. They also use properties of their sister company, Tanganyika Wilderness Camps, which I really enjoy.

I think you'd really enjoy a few days on Zanzibar. Consider Pongwe, which is a small, quiet resort on a beautiful beach. The food is great, as well.

Travelnat

I second ShayTays referral to Kibo Safaris. I just returned from my 1st safari w/Kibo and it was way more than fantastic.

As far as I'm concerned, the most important factors on a safari are the guide, the location of your accomodations and your vehicle.

Our guide, Dieter Burian was fabulous. A walking talking field guide w/a very keen eye, great sense of humor, gifted storyteller, impeccable manners. He is not only in tune w/animals but is totally in tune w/people too.

Our lodging was great. Alot of that had to do w/my desire to stay away from large run of the mill lodges etc if $$$ allowed. I fussed, fiddled and fidgeted w/our itinerary for atleast 8 months and ended up being at the right places at the right times. Whew. Josiah at Kibo was extremely patient and flexible as we were waitlisted at 2 properties (which both came through).

Our rig was a Toyota Landcruiser as requested, w/air con (totally unexpected). Ours was not "stretched" and I think that works well for 2 or 3 people plus driver/guide. Kibo does not do pop tops and that was fine for us. Used sunscreen liberally and came home w/a nice tan.

This safari has set a very high bar for any future safaris for me and I will definately use Kibo.

Previous posters have pointed out that you have a good cross section of tour operators. You may want to post your tentative intin here for feedback and fine tuning and then submit to your safari operators for a price comparison.

We travelled by road the whole way and that was fine, as I'm very very glad that we did the Crater after the Serengeti. I prefer to "work" for my sitings and to view them alone or with as few other vehicles as possible. Internal flights are a good way to cut down on travel time and will give you another element to your safari.

Tho we did not go to Zanzibar, I wouldn't hesitate to go. Simplicity is what I like, so Pongwe Beach Hotel filled the bill me.

I can certainly appreciate your frustation planning your safari. It can be overwhelming. Be patient, and keep reading trip reports for Tanzania on this board, they will inspire you.

VDB

I suggest Good Earth Tours - they carefully helped us customize each day including TZ and Zanzibar. Most importantly once we got there we were escorted and taken care of EVERY step of the way!

I think 7-8 days is good. We did 9 and you will be fine with that. I suggest flying to the farthest point and making your way back. It's nice to get an arial view of all you will see.

As for Zanzibar, everyone seems to have great things to say about Stone Town. We arrived one evening, spent the entire next day (walking tour and Prison Island) and left early that evening for the other side of the island. In my mind this was perfect! I too am from Chicago and didn't care for another big city experience...too many people and beggers. It was more quiet at one of the beach resorts.

ShayTay

Travelnat, I'm glad you've had the same experience with Kibo that I've had. Josiah has been MORE than patient with all my inquiries and adjustments. Our group of 10 will be traveling with Kibo in Tanzania the last two weeks of June. Where did you stay? (or did I miss your trip report?)

Some of us are going on to Zanzibar. I use Ocean Tours Zanzibar to book that portion of my trip. We're staying at Shooting Star Lodge, as Pongwe couldn't guarantee us ocean-front rooms, important for the sea breeze as they have no AC.

oopsindia

I remember the feeling well, and painfully. Way, way too much info as I was planning a safari to Tanzania for me and my high school graduate daughter last June. By chance, I ended up reading a review on this site from another 18-year-old who had gone with his family using Naipenda Safaris. I picked up the phone on a Saturday morning, called the person who turned out to be the company owner, Jo Bertone, and both ended my search and began what was one of the most beautiful times in our lives. This whole thing is about trust, because you never will have enough info. I went with both my head and heart, and it was a positive, life-changing decision. I would be happy to share as much more as you would like. thanks & aloha

worldarc

try talking to Tanzania Odyssey who are amazing (www.tanzaniaodyssey.com)