Useful in formation for safari, kilimanbjaro climbers and ballon safaris in 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.
DAY-WISE ITINERAR
Note:
this circuit is popular and also the most accessible you can fly directly to
Kilimanjaro international airport only needs a local flight to Zanzibar for the
beach stay J
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
the region, these circuits are far from each other and 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.
Northern circuit
this is the most popular home to famous parks,
Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, great acidic lakes (home to flamingoes),
Mount Kilimanjaro (highest in Africa), Native tribes (Masai & bushmen)
& other minor attractions like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, mount Oldonyo
le Ngai “the mountain of God” is still volcanically active, Mount Meru,
waterfalls & Chemka hot springs
Southern circuit
with parks such as Mikumi, Selous, Ruaha (largest park,
also home to over 10% of the world's 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
2 PAX
1,447 USD
2 PAX
1,447 USD
Group safari
very comfortable
guaranteed departure at any chosen dates
can be customized, you can tailor your
trip to your requirement
Slightly expensive option
same schedule, same accommodation, the
same program
organized & operated by safari soles
luxury of your own space
for lodging tours, we can quote lodges of
your choice & you can get back to the lodge
for rest during the day
Private safari
Group safari
can be slightly uncomfortable as there is more luggage, persons space
fixed departures or need to request a guarantee on departure
limited customization (you chose one of the packages)
slightly cheaper option
slight changes can be made in schedule, timings to fit the group set upitinerary set to start to park a, then b & lastly can start with park c, a (if some clients opt for 2 parks but on the same date)
in some circumstances as unbearable number of cancellations touoperated as a joint operation with affiliate companies (been strategsurvive post covid 19 early travels)
pros & cons of sharing space with other travelers
for lodging, we quote comfort lodges of our choice as each client different recommendation & you can’t go back to lodge during theall 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
Better experience enjoying early & 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)
Sleeping outside parks
Limited experience with ear& late evenings
Costs are relatively lower as& camping outside is cheappark camping or concession
Tanzania safari accommodation type,
where you want to sleep
Camping:
this is an adventurous & budget accommodation style you will be
provided with equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses on the
park grounds
Zebra back of the tent campgrounds & dining hall
Things to know about camping
bathrooms are shared and under park authorities, so like any other shared
bathrooms it can lack toiletries, warm water & have less sanitary conditions
campgrounds are not fenced meaning animals may come really close or
just out of your tent at night “yes, adventure”, best to visit washrooms just
after dinner before everyone sets in his/her tent
safe, campgrounds may not be fenced but it is safe unless you go provoking
animals who will then attack when feeling threatened but park rangers are
also available & armed.
these options are present in the parks, with brick walls its different to the
tented lodges but with running costs & licenses it will cost at least 220usd a
night for single room & about 400usd double room at this price just basic
facilities lodge, you will have to pay up to 350usd for single room & about
600usd for a double room to have lodged with swimming pools & other none
basic facilities. Also, some luxury lodges can have facilities priced to over
10000usd per night e.g. The Serengeti four-season lodge
Tanzania safari tented lodges:
these lodges are made up of tents (large tents) so you have the luxury of the
lodge (private bathroom & beds) but the adventure of camping (hearing
animal’s sounds). A common misconception is that there is a massive
difference between tented camps and non-tented options. The assumption is
that tented lodges are “basic” whilst wooden structured, solid lodges are
more luxurious. In truth, some of the most luxurious camps in the country can
have a canvas covering… As well as a pool, amazing food and all the
amenities in the world.
Aerial view for tented lodges interior view Dining Area
Budget tented lodges from 170usd single & 300usd for double rooms these
with limited amenities. Luxury tented lodges from 400usd single & 700usd for
double rooms will have more facilities
Seasonal/mobile tented lodges:
like tented lodges but they are specially
used or stationed seasonally to follow the migration in the Serengeti &
Ngorongoro conservation area (locations Ndutu & Lobo). As a result of being
stationed up seasonally, these tented lodges don’t have facilities like
swimming pools & electricity is limited to their solar panels.
budget from 250usd single & 400usd for double rooms
Tanzania safari: tour length
How long is it enough for the Tanzania safari? this is dependent on what you
want to see & the season but a minimum of 4days & maximum of 8days is
usually a great time, the exact difference on days will depend on what you
want to see (great wildebeest migration), how many parks, go to the
flamingoes or archaeological sites, you will surely need to discuss this with us
Tip: tours heading for 1 night in Serengeti will stay not more than 24 hours in
the park, 100% of travelers who opted for these tours say if they could have
changed anything they would have opted for an additional day.
Tanzania safari: Ad ons &
getting by options
you can get by the parks by either flying, driving, or a combination of both.
Example: drive into Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Serengeti then fly out to Zanzibar from Serengeti instead of taking the long drive back to Arusha & then fly to
Zanzibar
What should I add to my Tanzania safari experience, what ad on I should
know of, With options such as
Tip: tours heading for 1 night in Serengeti will stay not more than 24 hours in
the park, 100% of travelers who opted for these tours say if they could have
changed anything they would have opted for an additional day.
Tanzania walking safaris
archeological sites
horseback safaris (see options)
Masai village stop (10-20usd)
bush lunch
canoeing safari
Note:: Most ad on can only be possible with private trips as matching these
particular interests & of course involve spending more will be difficult for us
Tanzania safari: Budget
After knowing the options lets know the costs so you can match what you
really want with the amount you are willing to spend, these figures are not
very precise but can help to understand the range
Group & camping safaris – 200usd to 250usd
Private & camping safaris – 250usd to 450usd
Private & lodging safaris – 350usd to 700usd
Tanzania Luxury safaris – over 1200usd
Tanzania Balloon safaris – 570usd (per person per session)
Tipping – 15usd – 20usd per day, per person on a group tour
– 25usd – 50usd per day, per person on a private tour
Prices above are per person per day (so to get actual range just do price *
number of days needed)
Note: Prices above are in range meaning the lowest range is if many people
& high range if solo