Plan Your Trip to Tanzania: Best of Tanzania Tourism
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Itinerary Considerations
When planning a safari in Tanzania, it's essential to consider the overall pace and flow of your itinerary. Some travelers have suggested spending more time in each park to fully enjoy the experience, rather than rushing through multiple parks. For instance, extending stays in Tarangire and Serengeti National Parks allows for deeper exploration and a more relaxed pace.
Accommodation Choices
Accommodation locations play a crucial role in your safari experience. Travelers have recommended staying inside the parks to reduce travel times and enhance wildlife viewing opportunities. Options like staying at lodges or tented camps within the parks, such as those in Central Serengeti or near Ngorongoro Crater, are favored for their convenience and proximity to wildlife.
Seasonal Timing
Choosing the right time to visit can significantly impact your safari. For example, the northern Serengeti is ideal for witnessing the wildebeest migration during specific months like September. Additionally, some travelers have noted that visiting in less crowded months can provide a more intimate and enjoyable experience.
Budget Planning
Your budget will dictate many aspects of your safari, from accommodation to the type of safari (private vs. group). It's advisable to balance between cost and convenience, as staying outside the park might save money but increase travel time. Some travelers suggested budgeting for internal flights to maximize time at each location and reduce road travel.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Destination Choices
Some travelers suggested that Tanzania is a fantastic destination for a honeymoon, especially with options like wildlife safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, or relaxing on the beaches of Zanzibar. The blend of adventure and relaxation caters to a wide range of interests.
Activities and Timing
According to forum posts, July is an excellent time for a honeymoon in Tanzania due to the wildebeest migration in the Serengeti, which is a spectacular sight. Additionally, travelers have recommended including activities like hot air balloon rides and cultural tours, such as visiting Maasai villages.
Accommodation Suggestions
Travelers have called out specific accommodations that cater to honeymooners looking for romantic settings. Suggestions include staying in tented lodges like Kubukubu in the Serengeti, which offers a unique and intimate experience, or luxury lodges with spa facilities for a more relaxed stay.
Safety and Logistics
For many users, the considerations of travel logistics and safety are important. It’s generally advised to plan transportation and activities through reputable tour operators to ensure a smooth and secure experience. This includes arranging transfers between parks and possibly flying directly from the safari locations to Zanzibar.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Inter-city Bus Travel
According to forum posts, Tanzania offers various inter-city bus services such as Kilimanjaro Bus and Dar Express, which are praised for their comfort and reliability. Travelers have called out that prices for these buses range between 33,000 and 36,000 Tanzanian shillings, covering routes like Dar es Salaam to Arusha, with journey durations of approximately 10-14 hours.
Local Transportation Options
For local travels within cities or nearby locations, users have recommended using dalla-dalla, a local bus service, as a budget-friendly option. These buses can get crowded but offer significant savings compared to private cars. For example, travel costs from Stonetown to Matemwe in Zanzibar are under $1 on a dalla-dalla, compared to $30-40 by private car.
Long-Distance Bus Specifics
Some travelers mentioned specific long-distance buses like Aboud bus and BM coach for their reliability and suggested booking online. They highlighted that these buses provide safety features like speed monitoring connected to a central office, ensuring compliance with speed limits.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Camp Recommendations
Some travelers recommended Tanzania Bush Camp for a more secluded and immersive experience, noting its location along the Turne Spring. Others mentioned Thorn Tree Tented Camp along the Lobo Road, which is praised for its great meals and is considered a budget-friendly option.
High-End Options
For those looking for luxury, Mara Katikati Tented Camp was suggested due to its proximity to river crossings and excellent service. Additionally, Kubu Kubu Tented Camp is noted for its balance between a lodge and camping experience, offering large tented rooms on stilts with spectacular views.
Location Specific Suggestions
For visitors interested in the northern Serengeti during migration season, Mara Kati Kati and Serengeti Heritage Camp were highlighted for their proximity to the Mara River, facilitating access to river crossing views. In central Serengeti, travelers have called out Serengeti Pure Tented Camp and Kubu Kubu Tented Camp for their strategic locations and amenities.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Flight Options
According to forum posts, flights within the Serengeti are available, connecting various airstrips such as Kogatende, Seronera, and others. Travelers can utilize these flights to efficiently move between different parts of the park, which is especially useful given the vast distances and challenging road conditions.
Road Transfers
Travelers have discussed road transfer options that include hiring private cars or organizing transfers through tour operators. These road journeys can be lengthy and may traverse rough terrain, requiring sturdy vehicles like 4WDs for a safe travel experience.
Cross-border Transfers
For moving between Kenya and Tanzania through the Serengeti, some users mentioned coordinated transfers involving Kenyan and Tanzanian tour operators. These typically involve road transfers to border points like Isebania, followed by a continuation of the journey with a different operator.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Airline Options
According to forum posts, travelers have several airline options for flights between Arusha and Zanzibar. Precision Air and Air Tanzania are frequently mentioned, with Precision Air operating from both Arusha Municipal Airport and Kilimanjaro Airport, while Air Tanzania operates only from Kilimanjaro Airport. Other mentioned airlines include Flightlink, Air Excel, Auric Air, and Zan Air, which operate from Arusha Airport.
Airline Reputation
Some travelers said that Precision Air is generally reliable and has an excellent safety record. However, there are mentions of occasional delays. Air Tanzania, on the other hand, has instances of flight cancellations and delays but is satisfactory when operational. Flightlink and Air Excel are also recommended by users for their reliability.
Additional Considerations
For many users, the convenience of airport choice is significant. Traffic to Kilimanjaro Airport can be heavy, and it's advisable to choose the airport closest to your location in Arusha to minimize travel time to the airport.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Outdoor Activities
According to forum posts, Arusha offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking excursions to waterfalls and the nearby Mt. Meru, walking safaris in Arusha National Park, and visits to hot springs. Travelers have called out the Tululusia waterfall and Ngurdoto Crater as notable hiking destinations.
Cultural Experiences
Some travelers mentioned that cultural tours are a significant attraction in Arusha. These include visits to local tribes such as the Maasai and Chagga, as well as tours of local coffee plantations. The Maasai Market and the Cultural Heritage Center were frequently recommended for those interested in local crafts and art.
Wildlife and Nature
For many users, the proximity to prominent national parks is a major draw. Arusha serves as a gateway for safaris to Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater, offering abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.
This summary was generated by AI from Tripadvisor forum posts.Was this helpful?Visa Extension Options
Some travelers have shared that extending a visa in Tanzania can be done through the immigration offices in major cities like Dar es Salaam and Arusha. It's advisable to approach these offices before your visa expires and provide a compelling reason for extension along with necessary documents such as a return ticket if applicable.
Experience at Immigration Offices
Travelers have reported mixed experiences with visa extensions. While some managed to extend their visas easily, others faced difficulties. In Arusha, for example, one visitor was able to extend their visa by paying $50 and providing a justification letter. However, discrepancies such as the extension not being recorded in the immigration system have been noted, which could cause issues at the airport during departure.
Alternative Methods
Another method discussed by travelers is exiting Tanzania and re-entering, commonly through neighboring countries like Kenya or Malawi. This might allow for a new visa upon re-entry, though success is not guaranteed and depends on the discretion of border control authorities.
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