Tanzania

[Sunsetintheeast]

We want to go on a trip to Tanzania. I'd like to see the migration so plan to go later in the Summer hols. We would also combine it with sometime in Zanzibar. Apart from that we have no ideas where to start with giving a spec.

Any suggestions from those that have been? Thanks

I really want to go but flights are ££££. Any recommendations?

The crater floor is relatively small though. With a proliferation of camps you won’t be alone. That ship has long sailed. Tarangire is huge and less visited. It’s a different experience.

We saw the migration while staying in Governor’s Camp in Kenya. It was early September. I found it spectacular, but quite harrowing when the wildebeests were swarming across the rivers and the young and slower animals were being picked off by waiting crocodiles and lions. But then all safaris are not for the faint hearted, circle of life and all that, so make sure your children are well prepared. We witnessed a lot of kills of young animals by cheetahs and lions.
We stayed a couple of nights in Stone Town, and used a guide to take us to a Spice Plantation. You must also see the Red Colobus monkeys, which are unique to a small area in Zanzibar. There are some lovely resorts on the coast. We stayed at Pongwe Beach.
Trailfinders were very helpful.

I agree on the ‘authentic’ comment. It’s what has put me off a few other options. Feels akin to a bloody large safari park. Although not sure the safari park would allow the lions to kill a baby rhino which is what we saw in Namibia! (I was a bit traumatised by that).

Oh dear! I’ve seen many kills but that’s a real shame as rhinos are endangered. My DC got most engaged with animals in the Mara River at the migration. However they did understand about animals needing to eat and that they are not vegetarian.

Did you go to Kenya for that @TizerorFizz? I really want to see the migration and wondering if I’m conflating what should really be two holidays.

Yes. Stayed at Governors Camp in the Masai Mara, Kenya, as poster above. We travelled late August I remember. There are vast herds of Wildebeest in Tanzania but they cross into the Masai Mara. September is a good month for Mara River crossing. Expert Africa has a moving map which details where the herds should be at different times of the year. Unfortunately it’s rain dependent and not exactly the same every year. Look for camps bearish to the river but be warned, it’s busy! There might be better viewing opportunities in Tanzania with fewer people around.

We went on honeymoon in 2008 with Travelbag. A quick Google says they are still going. Stayed in the luxury lodges, 6 people in a jeep type vehicle. Twas amazing. Saw soooooo much wildlife, just not the migration 😔. Would love to take the kids when they are older, it used to be 15 for a safari, not sure now. Also had a week in a luxury hotel on Zanzibar - it was nice, but there are much better beaches much nearer and I'm not sure I'd bother again with the beach stay. Whatever you do, it will be unforgettable.

There are camps that take children these days. Activities organised for them. Some camps are 12 plus. It’s a safe holiday and as long as Dc are ok between game drives and get up in the morning, it’s fine. Our Dc were taken to Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania and the Galápagos Islands. I think youngest was about 8 when we first went.