tanzania
 

I am planning a trip to Africa with my daughter for a college graduation present- we have about 10 days- would you recommend that we stay in Tanzania for the whole trip? other consideration is Botswana- the information that I've read so far seems overwhelming- where should we fly into?

Tanzania is in East Africa, so best to fly into Kilimanjaro/JRO airport and if you decide to spend a few days on Zanzibar Is after safari, fly home out of Dar-es-Salaam/DAR.

Botswana is in Southern Africa, so best to fly into/out of Johannesburg/JNB South Africa from where there are connecting flights to Botswana, usually Maun.

Where to go depends on 'when' planning to visit. Some months better at one or the other.

Suggest you pick up a copy of Fodor's "Complete Safari Planning Guide" for details of all the African safari countries, with lots of useful information.

Then you can return here with further questions and we'd be glad to comment.

If you have 10 days, then stay in Tanzania. That's about right for a northern circuit safari. If you can add a few days, adding Zanzibar is a great way to end your trip. Sandi notes the airports for your arrival and departure. What time of year are you looking to go? What is your budget? Have you contacted a safari planner? I'd recommend you use one, rather than trying to book directly with an outfitter, since I assume you've not been on safari before. I'd recommend either Africa Serendipity in NYC (Sandi, who posted here for you), or The Wild Source in Colorado (Bill Given, who is also a wildlife biologist.) I love Botswana, but I'd save it for the "next time" (yeah, there will be a "next time"!) East Africa is a great place to start, as you'll see the classic safari landscapes and lots of wildlife.

If just considering the northern circuit of Tanzania - arrive JRO then Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti it can be done in 7 days driving with a guide one way and flying back the other. Then you'll have 3 or 4 days for Zanzibar.

I went by land with a driver towards the Serengeti and then flew from the there via Dar-es-Salaam for a week in Zanzibar.

Sandi can advise on best routing however try for 3 nights minimum in the Serengeti.

You may find Tanzania cheaper than Botswana.

Happy planning! :)

Overwhelmed is often the word chosen.

Also the Bots vs Tanz question comes up a lot.

Check out some of these:

For June
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=35095738


For July, 1st trip
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34781676


In general
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34935136

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...botswana-1.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...r-botswana.cfm


This one includes Kenya along with Tanzania vs. Botswana
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34781676


One thing I'll mention is that in the last few years Bots has been wetter than in the past making viewing a little bit tougher. Still, excellent sightings.

I'm assuming June or July is when you'd go, be please state when.

Before you decide on Bots, Tanz or any other place, decide
what you want out of your safari, such as:


-is seeing the great migration of wildebeest and zebras important?
-certain species you have your heart set on?
-driving safari in a private vehicle with the same guide for just you and your daughter?
-prefer to fly camp to camp and join others in a vehicle?
-looking to join a group trip for the entire 10 days?
-is mixture of small plane charters and driving ok?
-lodges or very nice tents or both or maybe it doesn't matter?
-I see Zanzibar is mentioned in the suggestions. Is that someplace you'd like to include or just stick with a safari?

Do you have a budget you'd like to share?

Both Tanzania & Botswana are great destinations. Whatever you decide, you've picked out a wonderful grad present.

Here's what I mean about higher water in Botswana, which I mentioned above. Still, if a good deal came up for Bots I'd go without hesitation.

http://safaritalk.net/topic/10302-ok...water-already/