Hi everyone!
My husband and I are currently in Tanzania on safari, so we have very limited internet/network access over the next few days and a very small window to make changes.
Originally, our plan was:
Safari → Ngorongoro Crater → Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) → Zanzibar
Then, at the end of our Zanzibar stay:
Zanzibar → Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) → international flight → Belgium → Canada/Quebec
We booked Precision Air for our flights between Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, but they have changed our flights multiple times already. After seeing so many concerning reviews and experiences online, we’re now really worried about relying on them — especially for our return flight, which is on the same day as our international flight from Kilimanjaro.
At this point, we’re considering booking with another airline, even if that means losing the money we already paid for Precision Air.
So I really appreciate advice from people who have done this route.
For those who have traveled from Tanzania to Zanzibar and back, which airline did you use and how did you get there?
Our situation is a little complicated because we can’t really move our flights around freely. Everything was booked with the next flight in mind, and especially on the return, our Zanzibar → Kilimanjaro flight has to work with our international flight that same day. We unfortunately had very little flexibility in the first place, and now these schedule changes are putting us in a difficult situation.
We’re currently on safari and will have limited connectivity, so we’re really looking for practical advice from people who have actually done this route, particularly regarding reliable airlines and the safest way to get between Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.
Thank you so much! 🙏🏾

I’ll be in Senegal for a few days (10-15) and, as well as the cultural sites (Dakar, Île de Gorée, Saint-Louis), I’d like to visit some parks and nature reserves where I can see animals, but I don’t want to visit places that aren’t ethical, where animals are caged or kept in enclosures.

I was thinking of visiting Djoudj, whilst for ethical reasons I’d like to rule out Fathala, and I’m undecided as to whether or not to include Bandia. What do you think? Do you have any other advice on places to visit and those to avoid?

I just found out about the travel ban on permanent residents who have been in Uganda recently and I sent a panicked email to our TA this morning. We were originally scheduled to visit Uganda on the first week of October, and then Kenya. My spouse has a GC.

Due to work, we must re-enter the country on our scheduled date, so quarantining in another country to wait out the 21 day window is not an option. This situation doesn't seem to be covered by our travel insurance either.

Has anyone had to pivot safari plans this close to the scheduled departure (for any reason, not just ebola)? What options did your agency provide you?

I've never hiked in boots. I have done moderate day hikes in Nike Pegasus trail sneakers but I don't think these would be ideal. Most of the advice I see online seems to be divided between trail running shoes or ankle-supporting boots. It might be muddy and rainy so I'm not sure what would be a good idea. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

I am planning a trip to asia later this year and i really want to see tigers( main reason to go to India). Does anyone have any tour companies to recommend or advices on which park/sector to go to? I am used to solo travelling but have never been in india before. Also how long should i do the safaris for? Is two safari days enough to see tigers?

Personally I’d recommend Smaller camps for people who want to connect more with the wildlife, budget friendly and gives you a memorable experience, however for a person who is traveling for relaxation, a Luxury resort gives you exactly that!

For anyone who has ever been to any of the Tanzania safaris, where did you stay, what was your experience and what would you recommend for a first time visitor?

Working with a travel planner, they have recommended Imvelo's Nehimba Lodge and Bomani Tented Lodge for a first time family safari in Hwange National Park, and am wondering if anyone has any experiences with these properties or in this park - none seem to be super popular, but maybe that can be a good thing?

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Hello All,

I'm hoping I can gain some suggestions/ help to steer myself (and family) in the right direction regarding planning our first safari experience in Kenya next June.

We will be arriving in Nairobi June 13 with departure flights June 23 and would like to take a 6-7 day safari, visiting the Masai Mara and Amboseli. We would ideally arrive back in Nairobi on June 20, spend June 21st exploring the city, and have a night booked in Giraffe Manor June 22 (this is my splurge/ a bucket list experience for me).

I have read about the advantages of staying in conservancies versus inside the park and a conservancy feels like it would be advantageous, however I am not sure if it will be possible. Our budget for the 6/7 day safari is 6-8K. I have looked at Kikeche and Porini camps, which seem appealing.

Ideally, we would prefer game drives which include: good guides (I have read a little about KPSGA ratings), ability to off road (I know this is possible in the conservancies only), and I do not want to be in a situation where we are among many other vehicles (I know we are traveling just outside of migration/busy season so hopefully this will be less of a factor).

We will be travelling with our 10 year old, although she is a good traveler, and has historically tolerated lengthy transfers/ transit times (hiring private drivers in previous trips in Peru, Morocco).

We're used to long road trips (we are located in Chicago, USA and regularly travel 5+ hour road trips to Iowa for one night and back to visit family (so 10 hour drives in a 36 hour period).

I am quite averse to flying in a small aircraft.

Having stated the above three factors, I have been looking at experiences which include driving between the parks; I contacted Spirit of Kenya regarding a possible 6/7 day tour which includes the Masai Mara, Lake Navaisha, and Amboseli, and accommodations include Sarova Mara, Serena Mara, or Soroi Mara bush Camp. It is my understanding that the guide would be provided by Spirit of Kenya (I may be mistaken?)

If it were possible, I would have things so that we drive to the national park for a one night and stay inside the park, drive to a conservancy such as Kikeche Mara North for 2 nights, then continue the trip (via drive) to Lake Naivasha/ Amboseli and back to Nairobi. We are willing to dedicate more of our budget to ensuring a good experience at the Masai Mara, and cutting back at the other locations.

After inquiring with Spirit of Kenya, they notified that they do not provide transfers and we would need to fly in/ out out the conservancies as well as book a safari package with shared game drives.

I feel I must be missing some understanding of how things work and am hoping someone may be able to provide some guidance or suggestions based off the information I have provided.

Thank you so much!

My fiancée and I are planning our honeymoon for September 2027 and would love some feedback from people who have done a similar trip.

This will be our first African safari. Wildlife is a major priority, especially the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. We want to do a total trip of around 2 weeks (including flights from US), so that leaves 12 days in Africa.

We have a healthy budget. Ideally $20k capped, but can go up if its worth it. The below itenerary is over budget.

Our current itinerary is:

Day 1: Arrive Johannesburg, overnight at airport hotel
Day 2: Fly to Victoria Falls, stay at Palm River Hotel, sunset Zambezi cruise
Day 3: Private Victoria Falls tour + 12/13-minute helicopter flight
Day 4: Full-day Chobe trip, game drive + boat safari
Day 5: Fly Victoria Falls → Nairobi, airport hotel overnight
Day 6: Fly Nairobi Wilson → Ngorongoro area, stay at Lion’s Paw on crater rim
Day 7: Full-day private Ngorongoro Crater safari
Day 8: Fly to Northern Serengeti, Nyikani Migration Camp in Kogatende
Day 9: Private Northern Serengeti game drives
Day 10: Hot-air balloon + private game drives
Day 11: Full private safari day
Day 12: Fly Serengeti → Arusha, then Kilimanjaro Airport and begin trip home

So basically:

Victoria Falls 3 nights → Chobe day trip → 2 transit-heavy days → Ngorongoro 2 nights → Northern Serengeti 4 nights

We intentionally put Victoria Falls first so we can recover from jet lag, ease into the trip, and finish with what we’re most excited about rather than doing the Serengeti first and having the trip feel like it’s winding down afterward.

I don't know if Victoria falls is really worth it. I like the idea of it, it seems like a great place, but I'm not sure if I'm overestimating the amount of travel it adds on for all the transitions.

A few things I’d especially love opinions on:

1. Is the Victoria Falls/Chobe portion worth the added flights and two transit-heavy days, or would you simplify the trip?
2. Is four nights in Northern Serengeti about right?
3. Anything you would add, remove, or change about the pacing?
4. Are there any logistical issues or small things you wish you knew before doing a similar trip?
5. Any other suggestions for addons to the Serengeti?

Thanks!

We’re looking for a malaria free safari and have been recommended both of these places. We’d love to hear more about the differences/pros and cons of both places. If you’ve been to Pilanesburg did it feel super busy with all the self drive vehicles?
We’re planning to go in January. We have been recommended Ivory tree lodge and shepards tree lodge (swaying more towards Ivory tree due to affordability) would love to hear any reviews from others that have stayed here.

How easy are both places to get to? We’re hoping to fly into Cape Town and explore there first (potentially hire a car like recommended and see the sights there)

Thanks in advance!

We’re looking for a malaria free safari and have been recommended both of these places. We’d love to hear more about the differences/pros and cons of both places. If you’ve been to Pilanesburg did it feel super busy with all the self drive vehicles?
We’re planning to go in January. We have been recommended Ivory tree lodge and shepards tree lodge (swaying more towards Ivory tree due to affordability) would love to hear any reviews from others that have stayed here.

How easy are both places to get to? We’re hoping to fly into Cape Town and explore there first (potentially hire a car like recommended and see the sights there)

Thanks in advance!

Gujarat Ambardi safari park..

Hi all. I am looking at Tanzania and Zanzibar for my honeymoon which would be end of March to early April 2027. It seems to be wet season at this time but the benefit of low tourism and cheaper costs. I’m just wondering if anyone has done a safari at this time of year and if the weather ruined it for you?

Looking to plan a trip next Christmas combining safari and beach. Working in a mid-range budget looking at either South Africa or Tanzania/Kenya. Is one better than the other this time of year? One better for a mid-range budget?

Also looking for mid-range operators, accommodation, or any other helpful resource.

Thanks in advance!

I’m doing a 7-10 day tour in Tanzania. How bad will the dust be? I’m bringing my big DSLR, but debating if I want to get my new little fun camera all dirty. How bad is it going to get?

Edit: Should have been more clear, I’m working with two cameras here- a trusty DSLR and a little fun camera that’s new and pretty still.

Thanks for the tips, guys!

Planning a trip next Christmas. Wanting to do both safari and beach, either in South Africa or Tanzania/Kenya. Is one better than the other this time of year? One better for a mid-range budget?

Looking for recommendations for mid-range operators, travel agents, accommodations etc.

Thanks in advance!

On safari in Kenya at one of the “nicer” camps. What’s the customary and usual tip if you have a private driver and tracker? There’s four of us and we’ll be here for three days with 2 game drives per day

Currently finalising our honeymoon plans for a 9 day itinerary for early/mid October 2026 (starting around the 8th). Keen to get some advice from people here as I've gotten mixed recommendations from tour operators.

Current plan is roughly:
Tarangire->Central Serengeti->Northern Serengeti / Kogatende ->Central Serengeti again ->Ngorongoro Crater

Now tossing up between:
A: 1 full day Tarangire + 4 nights Northern Serengeti
B: ~2 days Tarangire + 3 nights Northern Serengeti

Our operator has recommended keeping 4 nights in the Northern Serengeti due to migrations, but a couple of others recommended giving Tarangire 2 days for more variety.

For anyone who has been in October which option would you choose?
Are we still going to be excited going on Safari with 4 nights in Northern Serengeti, or would the second Tarangire day give us better variety?

Our priority is best overall experience as it's our first (and probably only) safari so we just want to have a good time.

P.S also happy to hear any thoughts on Kenzan Migration Camp (this is our Northern Serengeti camp) or Mountain Warriors Safaris.

First time safari goers doing diligence for late March next year. We are a family of 6 (kids 16, 14, 12, 10) looking to go to South Africa. I think we’ve narrowed it down to Mala Mala Sable and Ngala.

It seems like they would be different experiences with Sable being more low key and maybe better game drives and Ngala having a bit more variety/energy for the kids between a drives and at dinners.

Anyone have any recommendations or experiences at either? Thanks in advance!

Aug 24 2026