In message
"Laura Jarvinen" wrote:
> Hi,
>
>
>
> I'm planning on going to Tanzania for 2 weeks end of August. I'll probably
> fly from Paris to Nairobi, take a bus to Arusha, go to a 4-5 day safari
> (Serengeti / Ngorongoro), and then take a flight to Zanzibar where I'd like
> to stay for a week or so (beach, snorkling, day-trips around the island...).
Hmmmm
in late August, the migration will be in the Masai Mara in Kenya, so the
Serengeti will be very quiet. How about considering a safari in Kenya (Masai
Mara and Samburu) then fly on to Zanzibar?
Or do Zanzibar first then the safari.
Mind you, Ngorongoro is great at all seasons, AIUI.
Cold in early July, maybe someone else can tell you about late August.
> Would someone have personal experience on this kind of a trip, I mean there
> are plenty of websites but some concrete advice would be welcome to help me
> choose a safari and a good hotel in Zanzibar. What comes to the safari, a
> reasonably priced trip on a 4x4 with modest accommodation is fine.
You don't need a 4x4 in August: it's the dry season.
In Kenya it's quite unusual and usually more expensive to be in a 4x4,
especially in peak season.
In Tanzania, a 4x4 seems more standard: but you have less space.
I found it quite cramped in the vehicle, and that was just two of us and a
driver, usually it's four or six unless you pay for a 'private' safari.
Anyway, whatever you decide, try to have a longer safari if at all possible.
You'll really regret it if you don't!
> About Zanzibar, I'm looking for the best beaches, secure environment,
> good food! I'd like to stay on a beach in a good hotel with some
> activities (swimming pool, bar, excursions...) and if possible maybe dine
> out once or twice instead of staying at the hotel: this means staying in
> a secure place where we can go out without a guide...
There's lots of accommodation on the island at all price points.
Just outside Stone Town, we stayed at the Mbweni Ruins Hotel, which has a
bar, a beach, mangroves and a pool, and is the base for Chumbe Island, which
is a good all day excursion: allegedly the best snorkelling in the Indian
Ocean. You can book other excursions from there too, or book them yourself.
You can eat at the Hotel or in Stone Town: they were quite concerned about
security when we were there. A 'must' is having dinner at Emmerson's and
Green's: you book through your own hotel's reception: they seem to expect
this. They (Mbweni Ruins) sent a driver to take us into and he came back for
us. That was a few years back: I'm not sure how security has been recently.
Alternatively you can stay on Chumbe Island, though once you're there,
you're there, if you see what I mean.
> What about moving around on the island on a day-trip, are there any >
transports?
Oh yes.
There are daladalas and taxis are cheap and plentiful.
Anyway you can see some pix and Zanzibar info starting at
http://www.v-liz.com/safari/tanzania/zanzibar/zanhom.htm
Also lots of pix/info on Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Masai Mara, Samburu etc.
Try kicking off at http://www.v-liz.com/safari/index2.htm
> Any information is welcome; this is my first trip in Africa!
Safari njema
Liz
--
Virtual Liz now at http://www.v-liz.com
Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Seychelles; Galapagos
"I speak of Africa and golden joys" |
