Hi there, We’re currently planning our trip to Tanzania for August 2025. We’re a family with two teens (16 and 14) and we’re used to traveling with our backpacks, using local transport to create authentic exchanges with locals.

We’d like to do a short safari (2 days and 1 night) during our 3-week trip on a small budget.

If we had to choose just one park in Tanzania in August, which one would you recommend?

Is it easy to rent a jeep with a driver in August without going through an agency in Tanzania?

Who can help us decode the rates offered by agencies? - Park entry: how much per person? Does it vary by age? Are the rates different depending on the park? - Cost of the driver and a guide? - Is accommodation in the park taxed? - Do we need to budget for a tip?

Hi everyone,

We’re a family of four (two daughters aged 18 and 21) and we’re planning a three-week trip to Tanzania. Zanzibar would be our main base, but we’d also like to do a safari on the mainland. Could you share any tips on: - the ideal length for such a safari, the best place to go during this period (and easily accessible by flight from Zanzibar) - your recommendations for the most suitable type of stay for a family like ours - reliable local agencies with reasonable prices that could help us with this plan

Thanks in advance!

Albin

hi, We’re thinking of traveling to Tanzania in June (more specifically the first half) and would love to hear about your experiences, especially regarding the Serengeti safari. Is it a good time to see the animals? Would it be better to go later? For those who’ve been there during this period, do you recommend it? thanks in advance

Following the post-election chaos this week, read carefully: https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/conseils-par-pays-destination/tanzanie/ In particular: "For French travelers needing to take flights from Tanzanian airports, most international flights are canceled until further notice. It’s recommended to go to the airport only if your flight is confirmed by your airline. It’s advised to postpone any travel plans to Tanzania unless absolutely necessary."

...

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a safari and I’m torn between Kenya and Tanzania. I’ve read quite a few articles online, and one in particular really helped me see things more clearly. I’m now leaning more toward Kenya for its authentic vibe and local culture, but I’d love to hear some opinions before making my final decision.

Have any of you hesitated between these two destinations? Even better, has anyone done a safari in both countries? What were the factors that tipped the scales for you? I’d love to hear all your experiences!

While I wait for your replies, and if it might be helpful to some, I’ll share the article I found really useful on the topic.

Thanks in advance for your tips! Fabien A.

Hi there, I’ve reached out to a few agencies for a week-long family safari next summer before heading to Zanzibar.

So far, the itinerary looks like this: Day 1: Late arrival at JRO and overnight in Arusha Day 2: Drive to Tarangire, park visit, and overnight in Tarangire Day 3: Tarangire, drive to and overnight in Karatu Day 4: Ngorongoro and overnight in Ngorongoro Day 5: Drive to Serengeti and safari in Seronera Day 6: Serengeti and overnight near Lobo Day 7: Serengeti and overnight in Seronera Day 8: Flight from Seronera to Zanzibar

On paper, it covers "everything," but maybe there’s a bit too much time lost on the road... Any alternatives?

To simplify (and cut costs), I was thinking: Day 1: Late arrival at JRO and overnight in Arusha Day 2: Arusha National Park with a walking safari and meeting the Maasai (?) Day 3: Drive to Tarangire, park visit, and overnight in Tarangire Day 4: Full day in Tarangire Day 5: Tarangire, drive to and overnight in Karatu Day 6: Ngorongoro and overnight in Ngorongoro Day 7: Morning in Manyara or Natron and drive to JRO Day 8: Flight to Zanzibar

Your thoughts and recommendations are welcome... Thanks

Hi everyone,

We have the opportunity to spend about ten days somewhere for Christmas, and I’m really tempted by Zanzibar. I’ve been dreaming for a long time about the Spice Island, Stone Town, diving...

Which hotels could you recommend? Not a big "resort"—we’re more into "boutique hotels" or even an Airbnb house. Somewhere quiet (we’re not party animals).

I’m thinking of staying the first few nights in Stone Town and then moving to a beach, preferably one where we can swim regardless of the tides, without ending up in seaweed and mud at low tide.

I’m a bit lost with all the beaches because apparently, the north is very crowded, the south is very windy, and the east has some good and some not-so-good spots, with big tides or not... HELP! 🤪

I’d like to limit myself to a maximum of 2 different places to stay over the 10 days.

Thanks in advance! 😉

Bonjour,

L’avenir de la Selous Game Réserve, réserve de gibier du Selous, s’est encore obscurci. Après le braconnage quasi industriel (la Tanzanie aurait perdu les deux tiers de ses éléphants en quatre ans, après l’annonce de mines d’uranium dans la réserve et du barrage hydro-électrique dans les gorges Stiegler, l’inscription de la réserve au patrimoine menacé de l’humanité, la réserve a été scindé pour créer au nord dans 30 000 km2 le Nyerere National Park, ainsi nommé en l’honneur du premier président de la Tanzanie, le Mwalimu Julius Nyerere.

Il semblerait donc que ce qui était un projet est devenu une réalité mais je trouve très peu d'informations récentes.

Avez-vous des informations plus complètes comme dates de mise en exécution effective, fees, tracé du parc, etc. Pour ceux qui reviennent de la réserve/parc, avez-vous remarqué des différences ?

Amitiés à tous et bises aux autres

BL

Est ce que quelqu’un qui connaît et/ou aurait séjourné au Mbuyuni Beach hôtel à Jambiani pourrait me donner son avis sur l’hebergement?

Hello, With so many agencies out there, we're feeling a bit lost. Could you please share your experience—like recommending your agency if you were happy with them—and tell us why, and if possible, what budget we should expect? Feel free to send it in a private message :)

We’re just the two of us, and ideally, we’d like to go in a 4x4 alone or with another couple, or in a very small group.

Thanks so much in advance!

Hello, I went on a safari from Arusha 20 years ago organized by a local agency called Sirocco, I think. It was fabulous (8 tourists, 2 4x4 vehicles, 1 driver, 1 guide, and a cook). I’d love to find those same safari conditions again (immersion in simple conditions within the Serengeti, notably), but I’m struggling to find that kind of offer (lodges, tent camps, etc.). Do you have any contacts? Thanks

Hi there, We’re heading to Zanzibar in early January and I was wondering if it’s really safe given the post-election events that happened earlier this month. We heard there was severe repression during the protests (that’s putting it mildly) and that the internet was shut down. How’s the situation now? What’s the vibe like in Zanzibar? Is it safe to travel there? If any of you are currently there, I’d really appreciate hearing your firsthand experience. Have a great day, Lazurite

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a Tanzania trip combined with Zanzibar for 15 days (8+6 days). The setup: a private trip for two, in July or August.

We’re heading to Tanzania primarily for the safari experience—the animals, photography, and stunning landscapes. The classic Northern Circuit for beginners is Arusha / Tarangire / Ngorongoro / Serengeti.

But that’s a lot of driving if we do the full loop... and I’ve read it’s better to take your time in the parks rather than spend all day in transfers (saw that in Lonely Planet).

So, beginner’s question... Do you think Arusha / Tarangire / Ngorongoro is a good alternative? We’d skip the legendary Serengeti but could spend more time in the parks and avoid long stretches of rough roads (prioritizing paved routes instead)... Maybe adding Lake Manyara to the mix.

For context, we did Kruger about ten years ago (5 days self-drive).

Bonjour,

En février 2020, j'ai acheté des billets d'avion (2 personnes) pour un séjour en Tanzanie du 31 octobre au 11 novembre 2020. J'ai également contacté Juma Sumbi qui m'a établi un devis qui nous convenait. En raison du Covid 19, je n'ai pas envoyé d'acompte à Juma mais je lui ai dit que ce devis me convenait. Le vol pour Kilimandjaro (Air France départ de Paris) a été remplacé par un vol Lyon Amsterdam Kilimandjar de KLM. Retour inchangé.

J'ai recontacté Juma il y a 2 semaines par mail pour savoir s'il pourrait assuré sa prestation. nJe n'ai, à ce jour, pas eu de réponse. J'ai essayé de l'appeler par What'app, sans succès, numéro non reconnu puis appel direct. Cette fois j'ai eu un message en anglais disant de réessayer car numéro indisponible pour l'instant.

Je pense que, malheureusement, Juma a fait les frais de la situation due au Covid.

Je cherhce donc à savoir s'il est envisageable de faire ce séjour, si des voyageurs se rendent en Tanzanie actuellement et des coordonnées de guides francophones travaillant comme Juma Sumbi.

Merci d'avance pour vos éventuels retours.

Bonjour, Je dois me rendre de Moshi à Lushoto. J'ai lu que l'on pouvait prendre le bus de la compagnie Dar Express qui va à Dar es Salaam et descendre à Mombo, puis prendre un dalla dalla de Mombo à Lushoto. Est-ce correct? Y a t'il des bus directs Moshi-Lushoto? Quelqu'un peut-il me renseigner? Merci

Bonjour à tous,

Notre couple envisage de voir en 2020 des animaux sauvages en toute liberté sans nuire à leur tranquillité et dans un pays qui les respecte. Nous avons pensé à trois destinations le Kenya, la Tanzanie ou la Namibie. Nous souhaitons aussi traiter directement avec une agence locale sérieuse. Nous vous remercions pour votre collaboration et aide.

Daniel

Bonjour à tous, J'ai réservé un véhicule pour un séjour en Tanzanie, J'ai malheureusement perdue ma maman et je n'avais bien entendu pas le coeur à partir en vacances, J'ai dû annuler toutes mes réservations ... Tout le monde a été compréhensif au vu de la situation hormis safari 4x4 hire qui n'a pas voulu me rembourser quoi que ce soit ! J'ai perdu ma maman je peut perdre 1000 euros mais je trouve cela inacceptable de ne pas avoir de coeur à ce point ...c'est lamentable !!

I booked a vehicle for a trip to Tanzania, I unfortunately lost my mom and I didn’t hear the heart to go on vacation, I had to cancel all my reservations ... Everyone was understanding in view of the situation except safari 4x4 hire who did not want to reimburse me anything! I lost my mom I can lose 1000 euros but I find it unacceptable not to have a heart at this point ...c is pathetic!!

Hi everyone, I’m planning a two-week trip to Tanzania at the end of December and beginning of January, including 3 or 4 days in Zanzibar. But after reading some posts about the island, I’m wondering if it’s really worth it.

Are the beaches on the mainland just as idyllic as Zanzibar’s? I’ve also seen there are other islands, like Mafia Island, which is less touristy.

Another question: for my arrival, I don’t want to stay in Dar es Salaam, as big cities don’t really appeal to me. Would Bagamoyo be a good base, or would you recommend somewhere else?

To give you more details, I’m not traveling with a tour operator—I’m more of a backpacker and prefer local transport.

Thanks for your advice!

Hello everyone, My husband and I are planning our honeymoon in Tanzania, hoping to go on a safari and spend a few days in Zanzibar, or even on Mafia Island. We’d like to work with a local agency, both for financial reasons and because we usually travel backpacker-style, adapting activities as we go. Apparently, for safaris, it’s better to plan a bit ahead. We’re thinking of going in September–October 2026. My mother has health issues that could worsen, so I’d like to have a backup plan in case I need to cancel at the last minute. Do you know if credit card insurance covers trips booked with local agencies? Or is there another way to insure it? Have any of you had to cancel a trip last-minute for personal reasons? Thanks in advance for your feedback, Sandra

Hi there,

I'm looking for a reliable agency for a safari in Tanzania starting from Arusha.

I was considering Sumbi Extra Miles Safari. Has anyone got any feedback on them? Thanks in advance! Arnaud

Hi there, for a 15-day trip to Zanzibar, I’d love all your tips and help (where to go, accommodation, etc.). Thanks in advance!

Hi,

This is new—just announced!:

The Tanzanian government has recently implemented a new regulation banning the use of foreign currencies for domestic transactions. The Bank of Tanzania issued a notice requiring all local payments to be made exclusively in Tanzanian shillings (TZS).

More info:

https://www.agenceecofin.com/actualites/0505-128083-tanzanie-interdiction-de-lusage-des-devises-etrangeres-dans-les-transactions-locales

https://partir.ouest-france.fr/magazine/it-is-now-impossible-to-pay-in-foreign-currency-in-tanzania/

...

Hi there, I’m planning our trip for February 2026. I’ve done my homework, but I’d still love your insights in case I’ve missed anything.

Arrival in Stone Town – 1 night

Jambiani – 6 nights. Activities with a guide: Mnemba, Safari Blue Mangrove, Nakupenda sandbank, etc. Without a guide, we’re thinking of renting bikes on the beach, visiting Maalum Cave, Jozani Forest ??? (no strong opinions), N’tende ??? What do you think? Quad biking?

Nungwi – 3 nights, mostly chilling and a sunset boat ride.

Last day: on the way to the airport, visit Stone Town and a spice farm.

For Jambiani, I was considering Garden Beach Bungalow. Any other accommodation recommendations?

Thanks a million for your feedback...

Hi there, We’d like to do a fly-in safari in February or March 2026 in Southern Tanzania’s parks (Nyerere—formerly Selous—and Ruaha...). Why this choice? Because we’ve already been lucky enough to visit the northern parks in Tanzania. Why this time of year? Because it’ll be my birthday (a big one!).

Now, some agencies are strongly advising against this February-March period. Has anyone had experience with a safari during this time?

Otherwise, where should we go for a safari in February-March? Just a heads-up—we already have "quite a bit of experience" in East and Southern Africa and love trying new things. https://www.youtube.com/@lolodetoul54

Thanks, fellow Africa fans!

Hi, I went on a safari with a Maasai guide in several national parks in Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Arusha National Park, etc.). There are very few Maasai guides, so it’s pretty special to be able to do a safari with one of them. He doesn’t just explain the animals but also the Maasai culture and can even take you to villages where the Maasai live—not those where you pay $50 to see three Maasai jumping around.

I’ll leave his contact details here, and you can reach him on WhatsApp: +255 69 219 0474 Just a heads-up: all communication is in English

Bonjour. Je cherche un guide local francophone pour nous concocter un circuit d'1 semaine sur Zanzibar. Merci.

Bonjour à tous,

Au-delà des Safaris, j'aimerai découvrir les différentes ethnies et cultures.

Avez-vous des villages/villes traditionnelles à me conseiller ? Connaissez-vous des marchés locaux et typiques où je pourrai aller ?

Bref, vous l'aurez compris, je recherche des rencontres, de l'authenticité et des traditions.

Merci pour vos conseils !

Claire

Bonjour nous allons partir en famille en Tanzanie (enfants de 8 et 11 ans) au mois d aout. Nous avons uniquement acheté les billets d avion et arrivons à Daar le Salam. Nous hésitons entre les parcs du sud ou du Nord. Avez vous des conseils ? Faut il forcément passer par une agence? Si oui auriez vous des agences locales à nous conseiller avec des budgets raisonnables ? Ou des logements qui vous ont plu tout en étant dans des budgets standards? Merci pour votre aide.

Bonjour,

Nous partons au mois de Juin avec une petite agence locale. Hors billet d'avion : Le coût pour 10j 9 nuit est de 3000€/pers en safari privée, juste mon mari, le guide et moi.

Un safari africain reste quand tout les cas cher mais on a fait un même devis chez FRAM et ils nous tarifé 4500€/pers pour 2/3j de moins !

Faîtes bien le tour. :)

Bonjour, J'envisage un voyage en Tanzanie pour visiter les parcs, surtout Serengeti, lac Manyara et Ngorogoro. Je vois que la plupart partent en package tour soit avec une agence ou un chauffeur -guide. Moi je préfère explorer individuellement, en voiture de location. J'ai fait ça au Kruger Park et ça s'est bien passé malgré le fait que je me suis retrouvé à devoir traverser un troupeau de plusieurs centaines de nous qui barraient la route... Bref, ma question: je vois qu'on peut bien louer un véhicule à Arusha, est-ce envisageable de faire le tour des parcs indépendamment ? Alors je comprends que peut-être dans certains cas on doit avoir une 4x4 et s'aventurer hors des pistes, donc j'envisage de prendre des excursions à la journée, ponctuellement, mais pas d'avoir un package d'une semaine avec la même personne qui va m'emmener dans les logements et les restos ou elle a des commissions etc.

Merci