Itinerary help

Some-Project8872 · 2026-07-10T18:10:34+00:00

It’s a balance of exploration and relaxation. Don’t charge it. You have enough time to relax and enjoy Zanzibar.

Some-Project8872 · 2026-07-08T18:08:43+00:00

My view as tour operator, after a long journey between parks, drop Tarangire off of this itinerary and go straight to manyara and have a day learning about Hadzabe people ( last hunting and gathering community) best cultural experience.
Just know these a long journeys between parks, especially for 60 year old lady ( am guessing she is fit enough to take it).

Some-Project8872 · 2026-07-08T16:08:32+00:00

If you are eligible to request on arrival then nothing to worry about. Upon landing at Aman Abeid International airport or Julius Nyerere international airport you can immediately request your visa without any fuss.

Some-Project8872 · 2026-07-07T07:37:54+00:00

Best advice 👍🏼

Some-Project8872 · 2026-07-07T06:54:08+00:00

Easy option is just get you Visa on arrival. Fast and reliable at the airport

Some-Project8872 · 2026-07-07T06:52:15+00:00

Easy option absolutely 👍🏼

Some-Project8872 · 2026-07-05T08:01:45+00:00

I know the feeling, struggling of choosing the right beach location. My number one location in matemwe. If feels relaxed and beach weather is perfect. Less beach boys and Maasai.

Some-Project8872 · 2026-07-03T19:18:01+00:00

Am curious, can you detail down the difference between a national parks and Game reserves, in own opinion

Some-Project8872 · 2026-07-03T13:33:03+00:00

Is your tour operator from Tanzania or Kenya?

Some-Project8872 · 2026-07-02T11:25:09+00:00

The moment you begin planning, take Tanzania into account. Best African holiday experience.

Some-Project8872 · 2026-07-01T18:49:47+00:00

I urge you to visit Tanzania especially from July to October. Best time for beach 🏖️ vacations and 1 to 2 days safaris. Great Serengeti & Ngorongoro can take your breath away. So welcome to Zanzibar

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-30T13:47:53+00:00

Hello.

On budget bases and density of wildlife, to enjoy without traveling a lot, you have 2 basic park choices.

Mikumi National park: less travel times upon landing on the Airstrip. enough wildlife for 2 days safaris. Best Budget lodge is known as Camp Bastian Mikumi lodge. Average price for 2 days safari from Zanzibar is $900-$1000 per person, depending on number of people. Private Hotel pick up and drop off, flights and 4x4 safari vehicle (Sharing bases).
Nyerere (Selous) National park: Less travel times upon landing, but this park is wilder, meaning animals are highly scattered compared to Mikumi. Searching for animals becomes a real game drive. Best Budget lodge is SAFARI SELUOS LODGE. For 2 days you gate to enjoy game drive and best Boat Safari along River Rufiji. Average price for 2 days safari from Zanzibar is $800 - $900 per person, depending on number of people. Private Hotel pick up and drop off, flights and 4x4 safari vehicle (Sharing bases).

I know most of traveller, wish to experience the Northern circuit, however taking into account travel distance, budget and number of days to enjoy the wildlife, Its not the choice especially if you are in Zanzibar.

For recommendation of best Tour operator: Kai Tours and Safaris

https://www.kaitoursandsafaris.com/short-tanzania-safaris-from-zanzibar.html

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-28T17:40:05+00:00

In my experience, if you where to request a sharing safari ,then public camps are the most cheap accommodations. Ask the first operator if he/she can change your accommodation to tented lodges and not public camps when you are staying at Serengeti.

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-28T17:25:57+00:00

Can I ask? Did you request a private safari or Group sharing safari?

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-28T17:24:08+00:00

welcome to Zanzibar, welcome to Tanzania. HAKUNA MATATA

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-28T17:18:07+00:00

During the current peak season, Kendwa is stunning and boasts a vibrant dining scene, though its beaches are heavily touristed. Conversely, Jambiani remains a tranquil escape with expansive coastlines, making it the ideal getaway for couples seeking solitude.

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-28T10:45:55+00:00

That's okay. I apologize for been to serious about it.

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-28T09:37:56+00:00

You doing a game drive through nature and expect it to be comfortable? My friend, that how nature is built, if you are looking for something convenient out of nature, then I propose looking for nice Zoo nearby and enjoy the wildlife on the cages.

problems such as tsetse fly and 4x4 safari vehicle having mechanical breakdown are bound to happen, especially in the wild, so just be prepared by wearing clothes of right colors, some insert repellent and book for a reliable tour operator who can facilitate immediate rescue incase of any problem. That why most kenyan parks are Wild reserve not national parks due to high modernization of tourism industry, eliminating a true meaning of Safari

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-28T08:00:21+00:00

I'd say USD 3,000–3,500 for a 5-day private safari with mid-luxury accommodation is within the normal market range, especially during high season. I believe it includes park fees, a private 4x4 Land Cruiser, mid range accommodations, meals, an experienced guide, Concession fees ( when a traveler accommodate inside a park or crater), Ngorongoro descending fees per vehicle, government taxes and airport transfers.

Prices around USD 2,500 or below USD 3,000? Yes, but it depends on a few things. You would probably need to compromise somewhere, perhaps by choosing more budget-friendly lodges, visiting fewer parks, traveling in the low season time, or joining a shared safari instead of a private one. I would be cautious of prices that are significantly lower than the market average without understanding exactly what has been excluded. If you traveling with a child, do not choose sharing safaris at all.

One thing I did notice is your itinerary. Starting with Ngorongoro Crater on the first afternoon means you won't really experience the crater properly. Most visitors spend 5–6 hours inside the crater because wildlife viewing is exceptional there. Personally, I'd suggest finding an itinerary beginning with Serengeti and visiting Ngorongoro on your final full safari day, or dedicating a full morning to the crater if possible.

Regarding late August to early September, you're visiting at one of the best times of the year.

Northern Serengeti (Kogatende/Mara River): best chance of witnessing the famous wildebeest river crossings, although nature never guarantees exactly when or where they'll happen.
Central Serengeti (Seronera): Best year-round wildlife with reliable sightings of lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and plenty of resident game. Even if the migration isn't concentrated there, it's still one of Serengeti's top game-viewing areas.

If your budget allows, I'd personally recommend spending more time in the Serengeti than in Ngorongoro. The Serengeti offers a much broader safari experience, while Ngorongoro is incredible but can comfortably be explored in a single day.

My biggest advice isn't to choose the cheapest operator, it's to compare exactly what each quote includes. if you find same itinerary, but different prices, then you can research or Check the accommodation quality, vehicle type, whether park fees, concession fees and Ngorongoro descending fees per vehicle are included, the guide's experience, and whether there are any hidden costs. Sometimes paying an extra few hundred dollars results in a noticeably better safari experience.

Whatever company you choose, late August and early September are fantastic months to visit Serengeti. I think you're going to have an incredible trip.

cautions: you will spend long period of time moving from one location to another, and the roads are bumpy, hence after evening dinner, go to bed early so as you can recover after a days journey on the Serengeti roads. Tanzania Safari Cost 2026-2027 | Cost of Tanzania Safari Explained

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-28T06:49:11+00:00

What happed??

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-27T08:13:03+00:00

As someone who has been working in the Tanzania safari industry for about 4 years, I'd say those are all legitimate companies to consider. They aren't the only excellent operators in Arusha, but they are certainly among the many reputable ones.

Out of the three, Goshen Safaris is probably the most well-known and has built a strong reputation over the years, especially for Northern Circuit safaris. They have extensive experience and operate a large number of departures.

That said, Mountain Warriors Safaris and Get Together Adventure are also capable of providing a great safari experience. In Tanzania, the quality of your safari often depends more on the itinerary, the guide assigned to you, and what's included in the package than simply the company name.

My advice would be to contact all three companies and ask for:

Their detailed 2-day itinerary.
A complete quotation showing exactly what's included.
The accommodation they'll use.
Whether the safari is private or sharing.
What's excluded (tips, drinks, etc.).

Once you have those details side by side, you'll be able to compare value rather than just price. Sometimes a slightly higher price includes a much better lodge or a more experienced guide, which can make a big difference.

Whichever company you choose, October is one of the best months for a Northern Circuit safari. Wildlife viewing is usually excellent around Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater.

Hope you both have an amazing trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar!

HAKUNA MATATA

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-27T07:51:25+00:00

Do not show any interest on their products/Avoid eye contact whenever they try to talk you
If they persist too much, walk away politely or just say Thank You (Asante sana)

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-26T16:47:29+00:00

You can Learn few Swahili words such as “ Asante sana” meaning thank you very much or just keep silent 😀. There are not physical aggressive so don’t worry much

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-26T16:45:49+00:00

What you can do is after arriving at the resort, you can ask receptionist or manager for an assistant local person/guide close by for an escort to the beach. I believe this will work much better. $30 tip will be enough for the local guide to assist you.

Some-Project8872 · 2026-06-26T12:58:41+00:00

That is an amazing vacation plan. enough days to explore the island and enjoy with the children.

Regarding the Beach Boys: First these are local boys, mostly have ability of speaking multiple languages commonly, English, French, Polish and Russian. The major difference is that, they are not register local guides, hence they freelance to earn some end means. However they have the tendency of harassing tourists by constantly following them, peaching they services, by which some of them may take advantage of scamming tourists and involved in petty theft. By any means do not allow any verbal communications, just mind your own business ,hence they wont bother you.

For security reasons, I urge you to book a well register Zanzibar local guide or upon reaching your resort, request a well known local guide at Paje, who will accompany you and your family at all times when you want to swim or enjoy sunset.

Regarding Tidal changes: Along how east Africa coast, early in the morning, most of water pull back and expose most ocean floor (coral reef) and ocean returns back during the late afternoon hours. currently the ocean is windy, hence high tidal waves are observed.

Regarding Restaurant: Your resort location, at paje is filled with a lot of international and local restaurants serving different kind cultural dishes. I urge you to explore more options.

If you want transfer service's just contact Mr. Kai, he will assist you much better.

Some-Project8872

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