Things to consider when planning a safari to Tanzania

Thinking of going on a Tanzania safari? You’re not alone! We understand that choosing from such a vast selection can be more than overwhelming. In this article, we highlighted the most important things to be factored into your travel, such as your budget, what you want to see (and do), your preferred type of accommodation, and your mode of transportation.

1.Tanzania safari destinations:(where, which parks to go & what you can see)

Tanzania safari destinations are simply divided into circuits, the northern, southern & western circuits which combine attractions you can visit in a region, these circuits are far from each other would require a flight in between or at least 10hours drive, so with the short time, you will have to decide the destinations you want to visit so below is a brief elaboration of the circuits & what they are famous for.

Note: this circuit is popular also the most accessible you can fly directly to Kilimanjaro international airport only needing a local flight to Zanzibar for the beach stay J

• Southern circuit, with parks such as mikumi, selous, ruaha (largest park, also home to over 10% of the world population of lions & highest number of elephants in Tanzania), these parks are great but with accessibility not as easy in comparison to the northern circuit, these parks will require you to fly to dar es salaam international airport & take a second flight to the region

• Western circuit, having chimpanzee treks in Gombe national park & kitulo national park which was primarily established to protect its fauna “the Serengeti of Flowers” these parks provide a unique experience however like the southern circuit it is less accessible would require a second flight after you land into dar es salaam international airport

2. Tanzania safari:  comfort “your safari style”

You need to know which safari suits you best & of course your budget, below are different Tanzania safari styles

• Private or shared tour

A private Tanzania safari is one you do yourself or with your group with our guides while a shared safari is one you get mixed with other travelers and be in a group (mostly a group of 6)

Why a private safari or a group safari?

Private safari	Group safari
-very comfortable	– can be slightly uncomfortable as there is more luggage, persons but same space
-guaranteed departure at any chosen dates	-fixed departures or need to request a guarantee on departure
-can be customized, you can tailor your trip   to your requirement	-limited customization (you chose one of the packages)
-Slightly expensive option	-slightly cheaper option
-same schedule, same accommodation, the same program	-slight changes can be made in schedule, timings to fit group set up e.g. an itinerary set to start to park a, then b & lastly c  can start with park c, then b & lastly a (if  some clients opt for 2 parks but on the same date)
-organized & operated by safari soles	– in some circumstances as unbearable number of cancellations tour can be operated as a joint operation with affiliate companies (been strategic to survive post covid 19 early travels)
-luxury of your own space	-pros & cons of sharing space with other travelers
-for lodging tours, we can quote lodges of your choice & you can get back to the lodge for rest during the day	-for lodging, we quote comfort lodges of our choice as each client can have a different recommendation & you can’t go back to lodge during the day unless all group stays at same lodge & decides too

Accommodation place, are you going to sleep inside the park or outside the parks

Sleeping inside the parks provide a better experience as animals are more active when it is cooler thus in the early mornings & late evenings which is almost not possible to experience while sleeping outside the parks as game drives are done on park regulated time frame (can’t check in the parks or out beyond a certain time)

Note: only 1 of our packages has zero nights in the parks, all packages going to Serengeti will camp or lodge inside the parks

Sleeping inside parks	Sleeping outside parks
Better experience enjoying early & late evenings	Limited experience with early morning & late evenings
High costs (camping fees is 35usd, lowest lodging cost 150usd in Serengeti, 200usd in Ngorongoro,120usd  in other parks with concession fee 59usd (concession fees is the equivalent of camping fees for those staying in lodges)	Costs are relatively lower as lodgings & camping outside is cheaper & no park camping or concession fees