Je prefere cette version d e pourboire pour 11!! mais je n' avaispas cet élément!
Pour le vol il y avait sans doute des solutions meilleures, par ex. je vais sur Zanzibar via Nairobi à moins de 600€, si tu fais avec le meme shema tu prends:
PAR NBO KILimanjaro- aller
JRO kil./ Zanzibar 115us
et retour Zanzibar NBO PAR
tu devrais arriver aux environs 750€
Je ne suis pas meprisant pour les beach boys...ils bossent, plutôt pour les touristes
qui , en méconnaissant l ile payent très cher des excursions avec un guide, ..
Et cela devient vite une reference en matière de prix pour le suivants….
Quant à Stone town je pense qu il injuste de la dénigrer ici, et de la ramener simplement à ses boutiques de souvenirs...
Je vais essayer de vous répondre même si je n’ai pas réussit à tout déchiffrer dans vos 2 messages.
- Le prix de mes billets d’avion ne me semblent pas chères surtout avec Emirates et en multi-destination.
- Le pourboire est un geste de remerciement et non de salaire même si ils comptent beaucoup dessus. Le métier qu’ils font mérite bien ce pourboire à mon sens. Je fais partie de ceux qui ne donnent jamais rien au restaurant car ils ont déjà un salaire correct et le niveau de service est rarement à la hauteur (bref j’habite à Paris 😉).
Ici, ils ont vraiment été à fonds durant toute l’ascension
- Honnêtement, Zanzibar c’est chouette mais après un safari ou le kili. Il faut pas y aller juste pour cela. Il vaut mieux aller à Maurice autrement...
Une questions pour vous. Qu’est ce qui vous a plus à Stone Town ? Je suis sans doute passé à côté.
Bonjour, merci pour tonmessage, j y reponds avec plaisir;
On s etonne quand un émir donne 500€( un billet) de pourboire au portier du Martinez à Cannes...pour lui c est negligeable; pour le portier…. le prochain qui lui donne 10€ sera considéré comme un radin, et ne tiendra pas compte du geste, non?
Je mesure toujours ce que je donne , pour ne pas risquer d 'être considéré comme un américain...et je prefère acheter aux vendeurs locaux leurs produits-je me garde de nepas changer les habitudes par des gestes inconsidérés......….
Pour STONETOWN, comme beaucoup, je la trouve attirante, avec ses dédales de ruelles, mais au dela, il faut voir la partie supérieure de smaisons, tu as du le voir, avec ses terrasses en bois exotiques dominant la ville avec vue imprenable sur le port, meme les hotels ont la leur pour le petit dej. et c est magique!
J ai beaucoup discuté avec des commerçants, des jeunes femmes qui vendent des friandises rouges (?) qui me racontent leur vie, la sortie des ecoles coraniques en bleu et blanc , des jeunes filles toutes excitées qui cherchent à être prises en photo( c est vrai!!) le jardin au milieu de la ville, le poumon de Stonetown...les femmes avec leurs parures resplendissantes, la gentillesse proverbiale de tout ce peuple, hommes , femmes, prêt à vous aider …( je ne parle pas des pseudos guides) la densité de circulation auto mais qui reste limpide! les restaurants dans des cadres digne des mille et une nuits….après des escaliers éprouvants!...
oui j ai beaucoup aimé! je ne connais pas d'autres villes ds le monde( et j en connais) qui aient autant de charme et d'originalité!
Je ne continue pas le débat sur Stonetown car chacun se fait sa propre impression dessus 😉
Après deux semaines seuls sur le Kilimandjaro et dans les parcs, le monde présent nous a probablement rebuté.
Pour les pourboires, pas besoin d'être désobligeants envers les américains. Il s’agit là aussi de culture différente.
Je suis passé par une agence locale pour éviter d’engraisser les agences internationales au profit de l’économie locale (et au passage payer moins chère 😎).
Au final, ce que j’ai laissé correspond à la moyenne.
Bonjour a tous
A 2 mois du départ 😎
Je viens de faire un nouveau virement à kessy
J ai donc versé 50% , et je fais un dernier virement mi aout
Tout est confirmé de leur part
Pour moi , le matériel est pret , les vaccins sont faits ( fièvre jaune, diphterie et hepatite)
Juste une petite question svp : avez vous acheté des capsules pour purifier l eau?
Merci
Hello,
Non, ils s’occupaient de faire bouillir l’eau. Ça évite le mauvais goût de l’eau avec ses pastilles.
Aucun soucis.
Bon entraînement avant le départ.
Bonjour,
Notre départ le 9 septembre approchant je vais faire un peu de change pour avoir des dollars
Pouvez m indiquer le montant des pourboires pour:
1/ ascension 2 personnes , voie machame 7 jours
2/ safari pour 2 personnes sur 5 jours
Merci d avance
Bon we
Les pourboires conseillés sont (je ne sais plus ou j'ai eu ces info) :
Senior guide : $20 – 25 per day from the whole group
Assistant guide : $15 – 20 per day from the whole group
Cook : $12 – 15 per day from the whole group
Waiter : $10 – 12 per day from the whole group
Porter : $8 – 10 per day from the whole group
Summit porter : $12 – 15 per day from the whole group
Toilet crew : $10 – 12 per day from the whole group
Pour notre part, au Kili on a donné 12$ par porteur, 25 pour le guide et 20 pour son assistant (on était 3 et il faut un assistant a partir de 3, on a pas le choix)
on a vu des français qui donnait 8$/j aux porteurs, soit - que ce qui est conseillé : j'ai trouvé cela minable car l'économie réalisée est minime sur un voyage, mais pour eux c'est important
En safari, pour les chauffeurs il est conseillé 20-25$/jour suivant la satisfaction : on a donné 25$/j au chauffeur du safari qui était vraiment très bien, qui nous a cherché et souvent trouvé des animaux ds des lieux improbables.
Je pars dans 2 semaines et je voulais refaire un point sur le matériel pour l'ascension du kilimandjaro et notamment sur l'organisation des sacs :
- Combien de kilos doivent peser nos sacs à dos ?
- pour ceux qui ont déja fait l'ascension qu'aviez vous avec vous dans vos sacs et qu'aviez vous donné aux porteurs ?
Merci beaucoup pour votre aide, je m'y prends un peu tard mais je rentre de voyage et j'ai pas eu trop le temps de me remettre dans les préparatifs avec le travail. 😊
Je pensais que c'était 12 kg, mais si mes souvenirs sont bons, la pesée obligatoire au départ accepte jusqu'à 20 kg (à vérifier avec le guide ou l'organisateur au départ), ce qui me semble très élevé (impossible de faire un sac de 20kg , même en comptant duvet et matelas)
- pour ceux qui ont déja fait l'ascension qu'aviez vous avec vous dans vos sacs et qu'aviez vous donné aux porteurs ?
Jusqu'au dernier camp : 3 litres d'eau (c'est ce que les guides demandent de boire), qqs vivres de course (le minimum, car le repas de midi est copieux et il ya a aussi un gouter ), un coupe vent, de la crème solaire, appareil photo 😏 , une micro-polaire (sauf le 1er jour ds la forêt ou il fait chaud), crème solaire, papier toilette 😊 , une cape de pluie si le mauvais temps menace... et c'est a peu près tout
Le dernier jour, le sac est quasiment vide car vu le froid tu porteras tout sur toi (gant, guêtres, bonnet, tous les vêtements chauds) , excepté appareil photo eau et vivres de courses
Le(s) porteur(s) s'occupent du reste : vêtements de rechange, lampe, (petite) trousse de toilette, chaussures légères utilisées aux camps , vêtements chauds du jour du sommet, pharmacie (a partager avec le reste de l'équipe)...
Du coup, pour être très concret, nous n'avons besoin d'apporter qu'un seul petit sac à dos pouvant contenir environ 5-6Kg ?
Les porteurs ont déja des sacs ? On apporte juste nos affaires à mettre dedans ?
J'essaye d'avoir des informations précises avec Kessy mais ils me répondent toujours ok my friends, hakuna matata 😄
La taille des sacs se mesure en volume pas en kg !
Pour être a l'aise, un sac intermédiaire fait l'affaire, entre 15 et 20 il me semble
Les porteurs mettent les sacs ds un sursac plus gros, il faut donc juste un sac qui ferme, style sac de sport le + léger possible, avec toutes tes affaires dedans
J'essaye d'avoir des informations précises avec Kessy mais ils me répondent toujours ok my friends, hakuna matata 😄
Je me souviens , j'ai du échanger 20 mails, et a chaque fois tout ce que je leur demandai c'était aussi tjs la même réponse "ok my friends ... no problem " 😎 I
Ils arrangent tout, j'avais fait aussi le safari avec eux, ils ont acceptés tous les chgt ss discussion, chgt de lodge ss supplément, itinéraire, .... hakuna matata 😉
Les 2 frères sont super sympa ... qd tu verras Serafin, il te parlera de la bière Kilmandjaro au retour du sommet avec de grands sourires ... un régal ces gens 🙂 🙂
Bonjour Pierre,
Je pense que ton ascension est terminée
Nous on est arrivé de matin , le briefing est terminé et on attaque demain
Hyper sympa l equipe kessy brothers
En plus ils prêtent tout le latis qu on aurait pu oublie
Pour nous trek a 2 et donc 2 guides , 7 porteurs , 1 cuistot et 1 porteur pour les toilettes
Merci à tous les participants du forum pour leur précieux conseils
Apres ce trek et safari, on prépare la patagonie......
C’est gentil je me doutais que tu montrerais avec Elia, il m’avait dit qu’il remontait avec un groupe de français le mercredi. Ce fou ! 😏
Français très moyen mais super sympa c’était un plaisir de grimper avec lui en apprenant le swahili
Je voulais t’écrire et te donner des conseils avant ton départ mais j’ai été prit dans une mésaventure avec Sal salinero hôtel, qui nous ont facturé 85$ cash une machine à laver... 😠
Alors cette ascension ??
Il faut que l’on partage nos expériences !
Nous sommes actuellement en route pour JRO, le Kibo est dégagé 🙂
Ce soir nous dormons à zanzibar ça va nous faire du bien !
Nous avons été globalement déçu par Kessy Brothers pour la partie safari, le véhicule, le guide... par contre on s’est régalé niveau animaux !!
Je ferai sûrement un carnet à mon tour pour raconter tout ça.
On vient de quitter Franck à l’aéroport et oui ça a été très compliqué ... surtout le début du safari.
Franck parle bien français mais la communication était catastrophique on avait plus l’impression d’etre en voyage scolaire qu’en safari de rêve à 7000$...
Le programme n’était pas respecté, nous n’avions pas notre mot à dire sur les horaires, sur ce que nous voulions faire dans les parcs... tout était très compliqué !
A chaque fois que je demandais quelques chose c’etait soit :
- ouais ouais !
Soit
- Hakuna matata pole pole
Traduction : tais toi c’est moi le guide !
Pourtant même si je suis habitué au
safari en self drive je ne pense pas être un client compliqué ...
À côté de ça la voiture était carrément trop petite pour 4, avec mes longues jambes et toutes nos affaires de camping pour 10 jours. Ils mettaient environ 1h pour la charger tous les matins et on devait rouler doucement parce qu’on avait tout sur le toit ... on était toujours en retard, on avait plein d’affaire avec nous, aucune place pour les jambes, l’horreur. On ete très loin du véhicule confortable qu’on avait demandé en réservant en Février.
Tout les autres touristes avaient des énormes véhicules spacieux. Les autres guides francophones m’ont dit que de véhicule n’était pas du tout adapté a 4 pour 10 jours de camping ...
Le lendemain du Ngorongoro Alison a craqué et fondu en larmes j’ai cru qu’elke Allait tuer Franck , Doriane notre amie s’est éloigné du camp pour pas exploser... grosse tension !
Arrivés au serengeti on en pouvait plus j’ai dit à Franck qu’on ne pouvait pas continuer comme ça et je lui ai demandé d’appeler Kessy pour changer de véhicule et ils nous ont envoyé boulet !
Sympa quand on vient de l’autre côté de l’Atlantique et qu’on lache quasiment 7000$...
À côté de ça Franck était hyper nonchalant, le matin du Manyara il s’est réveillé en retard...
La voiture est tombé plusieurs fois en panne de starter/batterie ...
Voilà rapidement !
Ça s’est amélioré sur les derniers jours mais heureusement, HEUREUSEMENT qu’on a adoré le serengeti ce qui nous a fait un peu oublié le reste ... un peu.
Ajouter à cela la machine à laver à 85$ au Sal Salinero, les massai qui te réclament de l’argent sans arrêt... 🤪
Vraiment pas de bol d'être si mal tombé
C'est bizarre car tout s'était bien passé pour nous avec Kessy :
- 4x4 en bon état sans être flambant neuf (on en voit qui ont l'air de sortir de l'usine le matin !). Comme on était 2, on ne manquait pas de place !
- on a un peu douté au début, car au bout d'une heure de piste on a crevé . Ensuite plus de crevaison c'était donc la faute a pas de chance, et a la piste très très caillouteuse vers le lac Natron, pas terreuse comme ailleurs. Le chauffeur a même prêté une roue a un magnifique 4x4 d'agence haute de gamme qui avait du crever plusieurs fois, car ils embarquent tous 2 roues de secours
- le dernier jour il nous a fait le coup de la panne en traversant le dernier village avant le Tarangire : en 1h de bricolage et soudure avec les gars du village tout est rentré ds l'ordre, ça nous a permis d'aller acheté des fruits au marché 🙂
- chauffeur super sympa tjs a la recherche du meilleur coin pour débusquer des animaux
- le chauffeur nous demandait ce qu'on préférait qd il y avait plusieurs possibilités , en nous présentant au mieux les <> choix
- bouffe au top matin et soir .... raz le bol des lunch Box 🙁 mais c'est ds toutes les agences
Bonjour a tous
Petit retour après 5 jours de safari en private à 2 et guide francophone ( franc)
Nous avions choisi la formule private 2 personnes et nuitées en tented camp ou lodges
Pour nous la voiture était bien remplie mais suffisante pour nos valises et nous ( glacière avec bières, coca , eau et soda)
Rien sur le toit , donc toit ouvert pendant les safaris
On a fait tarengire, serengeti , ngorongoro et lac manyara
On a vu tous les animaux possibles de très pres, juste le rhinocéros à la jumelle.....
De superbes photos et un réel plaisir ( et beaucoup de poussiere)
Attention , le côté pourboires n est pas négligeable
Pour 2 , climbing 910$ pour 7 jours et safari 115$ pour 5 jours , mais ça reste au bon vouloir de chacun
Effectivement pour pierre, a 3 dans la voiture et le matériel de camping, pour 10 j je ne vois pas comment tout pouvait rentrer......
Je ferai un retour plus détaillé dans qq semaines
On est très satisfait de la prestation de kessy
Avec de nombreux petits plus qui nous ont bien arranges
Bonjour ,
Ce voyage a vraiment été une aventure géniale avec d excllents souvenirs
Ca sera difficile de faire mieux
Si vous avez des idées de prochains voyages / aventure avec des conseils , je suis preneur :)
J avais l idee de la patagonie pour octobre 2020
Mais c est très très chers et certains sont déçus des montagnes car on aurait la même chose dans les Alpes
Dans l attente de vos idees
Merci
.... J avais l idee de la patagonie pour octobre 2020
Mais c est très très chers et certains sont déçus des montagnes car on aurait la même chose dans les Alpes
Les amis avec qui je suis allé au Kili voulaient remettre cela a l'Aconcagua : j'ai refusé car l'ascension est longue (une dizaine de jours) et très monotone contrairement au Kili ... sans parler du budget
Ce qui est bien avec la Tanzanie, c'est qu'on a pu effectuer 3 voyages en 1 😏 :
- de la montagne avec le Kili, ça m'a bien changé de la rando et de l'alpinisme dans les Alpes
- un safari : c'était notre 1er est on a trouvé cela extraordinaire. On ne pensait pas que les animaux seraient aussi nombreux et proches, et on a été ébloui par la beauté des paysages
- du repos au bord de plage de rêve : bien qu'ayant parcouru pas mal de plages en Asie du sud-est (et il y en a de splendides), je n'ai jamais vu d'aussi belles couleurs qu'a Jambiani à marée basse avec les dégradés de bleus et verts et les jardins d'algues
.... Si vous avez des idées de prochains voyages / aventure avec des conseils , je suis preneur :)
On est plutot tourné vers l'Asie que l'Afrique, mais on n'a jamais fait une semaine de marche comme au Kili.
En une douzaine de voyages en Birmanie, Philippines, Cambodge, Laos, Malaisie, l'Indonésie (4 fois), Vietnam, Thailande , Sri Lanka, on a parcouru pas mal de régions différentes, des volcans, des iles peu habitées, des iles désertes, des forêts tropicales, des plages de rêve, des montagnes avec rizières en terrasse, etc ... il y a de quoi faire 🙂 et le budget dans ces pays n'a rien a voir avec la Tanzanie, on s'en sort souvent pour très peu😎
Chacun a sa propre définition du terme "aventure" , mais je dois dire que notre voyage 2018 aux Moluques (archipel à l'est de l'Indonésie) mérite assez bien d'être appelé d'aventure :
- improvisation totale chaque jour pour le lendemain a cause des transports : les bateaux inter iles sont aléatoires, pannes, météo, ... les annulations sont légions, ce qui confère ce coté aventure au voyage aux Moluques. J'aime bien ce petit coté imprévu ... sauf qd vous ne pouvez pas aller sur les iles dont vous révez depuis des mois (les iles Banda) parce que le bateau est en panne pour une durée indéterminée🤪
- quasiment personne ne parle anglais ce qui est parfois bien compliqué pour se déplacer, se loger, etc ...
- pas de logement au standard occidental (évidemment pas de resort luxe), très souvent du très basique
- on a rencontré 4 touristes en 3 semaines, et encore tous au même endroit, donc on a cette impression d'être (un tout petit) peu un "aventurier" en étant les seuls blancs ds ces iles
Plus aventureux, il y a le Kamtchatka, la traversée du TIbet entre le Xinjang et Lhassa (un vieux rêve qui ne réalisera jamais) ou la traversée Gabon-Rwanda par la République Démocratique du Congo (ça c'est même pire que de l'aventure !!!) 😏 😉😎
Désolé, mais tout cela nous éloigne du forum Tanzanie 😊
Pas trop le temps de trainer sur Voyageforum ces derniers temps 🙁
Content que votre voyage se soit bien passé 🙂
Nous étions 4 à l'arrière, dont moi avec mes 1m97...
Et bien c'est justement ça le problème... tout ne rentrait pas ! 😄
Enfin avec le temps on ne garde que les bons moments, nous nous souvenons d'un magnifique voyage et je n'ai même pas encore prit le temps de détruire le Sal Salinero sur tripadvisor. 😊
Par contre les masaii faut plus nous en parler !! 😇
Alors dis moi, comment as tu trouver le Franck ???
Finalement nous lui avons quand meme laissé un pourboire mais je me suis permis de lui faire un petit topo et quelques remarques/conseils à l'aéroport.
Par contre les masaii faut plus nous en parler !! Angélique
J'ai dans l'idée d'aller en Tanzanie en 2021. En self drive ( encore plus après avoir lu cette discussion...😏) et sans kilimandjaro ni zanzibar ni même serengetti...
C'est quoi le problème avec les masais ?
(Sans faire un trek, il n'y a pas de randonnées à la journée dans le secteur kili meru ?)
En quelle saison envisages-tu ton safari ? Question inutile, en fait, car le Serengeti est incontournable en toute saison...
Se priver du Serengeti, quel dommage !
C’est, c’est, les mots me manquent, c’est comme ne manger que la croûte de la pizza, la sauce du homard à l’américaine, n’écouter que le prélude de Parsifal, ne regarder que la première minute de 2001, arrêter la lecture de la Recherche après son fameux incipit, emporter en safari son reflex sans objectif, j’arrête...
Bon, j’exagère peut-être un chouïa, quoique...
Safari njema! Bon safari !
BL, qui rêve d’un cinquième serengetien safari (en été)
En fait, ce ne serait pas seulement un safari mais un mélange de safari, de paysages, de petites randonnées et de plage.
En fin mars début avril ou pourquoi pas novembre.
Se priver du Serengeti, quel dommage !
Peut-être.
Mais comme je n'y serai pas allée, je ne saurai pas si j'ai raté quelque chose ou pas...😉
L'idée est vraiment de ne pas être en organisé même à 2 avec chauffeur-guide privé.
Ne pas faire trop compliqué point de vue piste et rester dans un budget raisonnable.
Et ne pas se retrouver à 50 au même endroit...
Je lorgne plutôt vers Tarangire, Mkomazi, Manyara pour la partie animalière.
Je sais, ça ne répond pas vraiment à ta question, mais il y a en tout cas des randonnées autour du Ngorongoro et dans les gorges de je-sais-plus-quoi au sud du Serengeti....
Muriel
Si tu diffères de moi, mon frère, loin de me léser, tu m'enrichis (Saint Exupéry)
Afrique de l'Est et Australe › Tanzanie · 29 replies
Je vais essayer de rendre ce que l'on m'a donné quand j'étais dans la préparation de mon voyages. c'est à dire pas mal d'infos, de conseils et de retour sur…
Afrique de l'Est et Australe › Tanzanie · 3 replies
Qlq infos fraiches pour cette voie et un grand merci à l'agence Congema déjà citée sur ce forum, agence très fiable et très sympathique, très bonne ambiance…
A tous ceux qui veulent tenter le kilimanjaro, voici quelques informations récentes. Malgré le début de la saison des pluies, nous avons tenté l'ascension…
Après des années d'absences sur le forum, je reprend la plume pour donner mes conseils aux voyageurs de ce site. Je viens ici vous faire part de notre…
Nous avons fait un safari en Tanzanie du 7 février 20236 au 17 février 2026. Cela reste un très bon souvenir. Nous étions un groupe de 6 personnes. Voici le…
Hello everyone!
It's been a year since I've been longing for South Africa. Our first trip in August 2025 amazed us, and—rarely—it was a unanimous hit with our little family! We were touched to the core, and from the moment we got home, we couldn’t stop talking about going back. 😄
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who gave me advice on the itinerary for that first trip (Johannesburg loop: Blyde, Kruger, Eswatini, St. Lucia, Durban, Drakensberg)! Thanks to you, our trip went like a dream!
Since then, I haven’t stopped reading articles and discussions on VoyageForum to keep my head in South Africa a little longer!
So, we finally caved and just booked our tickets for January 2027 (from the 3rd to the 26th), with a plan to do a road trip from Cape Town to Johannesburg in about 3 weeks.
I’ve got a rough itinerary that seems great based on what I’ve read on various forums, but there are still some uncertain points, and that’s where I could use your advice.
3/01: Arrival in Johannesburg at 11:45 PM
4/01: Flight to Cape Town, pick up rental car. Afternoon sightseeing
5,6,7/01: Cape Town to visit the big classics in the area (any tips for finding accommodation: which neighborhood, a specific place?)
8/01: Overnight stop before Oudtshoorn—but where??? (Is it essential, or is the CT-Oudtshoorn drive manageable? If so, I’d gain a day in Oudtshoorn. Google Maps shows over 5 hours of driving...)
9,10/01: Oudtshoorn (or would 3 nights be better to really enjoy the area?)
11,12/01: Knysna, Plettenberg Bay (to have time for hiking—if you’ve got hiking tips, I’m all ears!)
13,14/01: Tsitsikamma (still to have time for hiking—who knows the must-do hikes in the area? But maybe 4 nights in the Knysna-Tsitsikamma area is too much—I’m not sure)
16,17/01: Addo Elephant (I’m torn between 3 nights at Addo or 3 nights at Mountain Zebra. Based on travel journals, especially Michel’s on MZ, I’ve scheduled 3 nights at MZ 😄...)
18,19,20/01: Mountain Zebra NP
21/01: Camdeboo NP (because it looks so beautiful!)
22/01: Overnight stop (where?) before wrapping up the trip with either 2 or 3 nights at Golden Gate NP or the Lesotho option, which appeals to me, but I don’t know if it’s doable in 3 days to be back in Johannesburg by the afternoon of the 26th.
That’s my trip idea for now...
I’m eagerly waiting for your advice, ideas, and comments...
Can’t wait to be back there again!
In Nov./Dec. 2022, I went on a safari in the region and we suffered from the extreme temperatures caused by the "El Niño" phenomenon in the Indian Ocean at that time. On top of the extreme heat, there can be torrential rains, flooding, etc., which have led to disasters with casualties.
We just got back from ten days in Tanzania. We were lucky enough to be guided by Gishaman. Always in a great mood, a good driver, and an excellent guide. Thanks to him, we not only saw the Big Five in one day but also loads of other animals. He works for the local agency Blit Safaris, which provided excellent support throughout our trip. Highly recommended!
I’m planning a potential trip to Namibia for a classic circuit in April 2027.
I’m surprised by how expensive the accommodations inside the parks are—really steep! Is it possible to stay outside the parks but still close enough to enjoy the game drives?
Do you have any recommendations for more reasonably priced lodging? I’m okay with spending 200 to 250 € per night.
No camping—the friend I’m traveling with absolutely refuses 😉, but maybe upgraded tents would work.
Hi everyone,
We’re revising our travel plans for January 2027. Originally, we were considering Uganda for about 14/15 days, but given the current health situation and the restrictions that might affect my partner, who’s American, we’ve decided to switch to Tanzania instead.
I’m used to traveling in South Africa and organizing my trips myself, but I get the impression that planning a safari in Tanzania is quite different.
I know self-drive isn’t really an option in Tanzania. So my main question is: can you organize your own itinerary and book lodges directly, then hire a local driver-guide? Or is it better to go through a local agency that handles the entire safari?
For the itinerary, which parks would you recommend for a first-time visit in January? Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara, Ruaha, Arusha, Selous…
We’d also like to include Zanzibar to end the trip with a few days at the beach. Over 14/15 days, does that sound realistic or too ambitious?
Finally, for flights, is it better to arrive at Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) based on the itinerary we’re considering?
Thanks in advance for your feedback, especially on the best way to organize the safari and which parks to prioritize in January!
Hi, I'm looking for information on the road conditions in Moremi. We're leaving in 15 days, and from what I've heard, the roads are pretty tough to drive on. Any advice?
Thanks
Dream of standing on the roof of Africa at 5,895 m?
I’m looking for 4 people to complete our group for the Kilimanjaro ascent in Tanzania.
📅 September 17–28, 2026
👥 Small group
🥾 Suitable for experienced hikers
🏔️ Goal: Uhuru Peak – 5,895 m
🇹🇿 Local team specialized in Kilimanjaro
🎒 Porters during the ascent
🍽️ Meals and trek organization included
🧗♂️ Trip led by a French state-certified Mountain Leader
September is a great time to attempt the Kilimanjaro ascent.
🔥 Only 4 spots left. The departure is confirmed.
No need to be a mountaineer—just be in good shape, love hiking, and want to experience an incredible adventure.
👋 If you’re alone, no problem: you’ll join our small group directly.
📧 Send me a message for the full program, price, and all the details.
Don’t hesitate to share this post with your hiking friends! 😊
Mafate Randos
Just returned from a three-week family trip to Kenya (with three kids aged 10, 12, and 15), and I wanted to share my experience. Forums were super helpful in planning this trip, especially if you want to get a bit off the beaten path.
First off, Kenya is an amazing destination with incredibly friendly and welcoming locals. It was easy to travel around because you can always find someone to give you directions or help you out.
For practical tips—though you’ve probably read this elsewhere—get a Safaricom SIM card when you arrive at the airport so you can pay via M-Pesa (you can top it up with a credit card using the Wise app) and chat with people on WhatsApp. It’ll make your life *so* much easier (booking trains, buses, park entries, etc.) and save you from carrying too much cash or hunting for ATMs.
Also, we went during the first three weeks of July, which wasn’t peak tourist season.
One thing to note: even if you’re using public transport and budget accommodations, Kenya can still be pricey because tourist attractions add up fast—often more expensive than in France. But honestly, it’s usually worth it!
We started our trip with a 5-day homestay. We were welcomed by a really lovely family in Loitokitok with a view of Kilimanjaro right from their garden entrance (just a heads-up: in July, it’s often shrouded in mist!). To find them, search for Greenfield Homestay in Loitokitok. It was a fantastic experience, especially with kids! On top of transfers, they organized several outings with locals: a hike to the Tanzanian border, a motorcycle ride on the foothills of Kilimanjaro, and a day safari in Amboseli. You can book with them eyes closed! For the safari, Anthony (who’s English-speaking) took us around—he’s from the area and knows the park like the back of his hand. Highly recommend him!
Anthony then drove us to Isiolo, a town in the north that’s just starting to open up to tourism. We wanted to see the Monday livestock market, where different ethnic groups gather to buy and sell goats, sheep, and cows (according to Lonely Planet). We were a bit disappointed and wouldn’t recommend it. We also visited Ngare Ndare Forest, which has a stunning waterfall, an interesting walk with an armed ranger (elephants are common), and a suspension bridge for admiring the canopy. Just make sure to let them know you’re coming at least three days in advance to guarantee a ranger will be available. We also did a second safari day in Samburu—it’s a great complement to Amboseli and totally worth it!
Next, we headed to Naivasha (still with Anthony). We found a place on Airbnb (Jasmine House) at Fischerman’s Camp, a campsite we really loved! You’ll spot hippos, monkeys, and beautiful birds there. We organized several activities: a boat ride on the lake to see birds, zebras, and giraffes; a bike safari in Hell’s Gate Park (the campsite is right by the entrance and rents bikes); and a hike to Crater Lake (departing by boat from the campsite), where you walk among zebras, giraffes, and different gazelles. Naivasha is way more touristy than Loitokitok or Isiolo, but there’s no shortage of things to do.
Finally, we spent our last week in Watamu on the coast. To get there, we took an overnight ENA Coach bus from Naivasha to Mombasa, booked via https://www.travler.africa/. It was comfortable and fast, but you’ll need to call the driver to arrange a pickup spot—the restaurant staff at the campsite helped us out with that! Then we took an Uber to Watamu since we had a lot of luggage (we skipped the matatu).
Watamu is nicknamed "Little Italy" because of all the Italian tourists. When we were there (third week of July), it wasn’t peak season yet, so the beaches weren’t cleaned. But we loved the laid-back vibe and how easy it was to get around. We *highly* recommend the marine turtle rescue center—it’s fascinating (especially with kids) and supports a great cause! We were a bit disappointed by the marine park, though—maybe because of the season? There weren’t many fish, and jellyfish kinda ruined the snorkeling. The mangrove tour is also a must-do.
For the trip back to Nairobi, we took the express train from Mombasa. We booked our tickets when we first arrived in Kenya (since payment is only via M-Pesa). The train is reliable and comfortable, and we saw lots of elephants along the way. Just a heads-up: there are *a lot* of security checks, and we almost weren’t allowed to board with our Opinel knife…
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
All in all, we had an amazing trip—so much variety, great encounters, and the magic of safaris!
My trip to South Africa is getting closer (still 2 months to go 😏), and I’m diving back into my itinerary: from Saturday to the following Sunday around Cape Town, then from Sunday to the following Saturday in Kruger.
For Cape Town, the plan was to avoid changing accommodation every day (we’ll do enough of that in the second part) but still see different landscapes.
I know, I’m missing out on a lot, but you’ve got to make choices, and after all this time, I know what I like—and especially what I don’t (or like less) 😉
Here’s the breakdown:
Arrival Saturday at 11 AM: heading to Hermanus (2 nights). The idea is to stroll along the cliff path in the afternoon, and possibly drive to the Klein River Lagoon. Sunday: Stony Point, then depending on time and weather, a hike in Kogelberg Nature Reserve or Fernkloof Nature Reserve (which seems less scenic but has shorter walks).
Monday: drive to Franschhoek (1 night). If everything lines up, a hike in Jonkershoek NR and a visit to a wine estate.
Tuesday: drive to Mountceder Lodge in the Cederberg (2 nights). I’m thinking of visiting the Stadsaal Caves and the elephant paintings, and maybe one of the hikes listed on the lodge’s site or Maltese Cross.
Thursday: heading to Hout Bay for 3 nights. In no particular order: a classic day trip around the peninsula, half a day at Kirstenbosch Gardens, and half a day at Lion’s Head.
Sunday: flight to Johannesburg.
My questions are mostly about (short) hikes:
Has anyone here done hikes in Kogelberg, Fernkloof, or Jonkershoek?
At Mountceder Lodge (Michel, if you’re reading this… 😉), has anyone tried the hikes (guided or not) offered by the lodge?
There’s still half a day to fill when we’re in Hout Bay—any ideas (not necessarily hikes)?
Lastly, regarding safety: the French foreign ministry (always alarmist, but still) recommends hiking in groups. Is it really risky in broad daylight? (I’m not sure a group of two women counts as a "group"…)
Thanks in advance for your answers, ideas, and comments!
Question: we’re doing a 3-week trip in Namibia, including 5 days for Victoria Falls.
I’ve booked one night in Brandberg, and then I have some questions.
I was thinking of spending 2 nights in Palmwag, then heading to Etosha for one night in Okaukuejo and then 2 nights in Halali.
Alternatively, from Brandberg, I could book a night near Galton Gate and then enter Etosha.
I’m not really sure about the distances, especially with a 4x4.
Same for the return trip: Halali to Windhoek seems long. Maybe it’d be smart to break it up on the way back? (We have 2 days to get back if needed.) If so, where?
Jambo! I organized my trip through this kind of group, so I thought I’d share my experience here. We traveled as a group of four, including two kids aged 9 and 11. After requesting around twenty quotes, I decided to book the safari portion with MAKING MEMORIES IN AFRICA. Ally responded quickly and listened to all my requests—unlike other agencies—such as having a French-speaking guide, the order of park visits (Tarangire, Manyara, Serengeti, then Ngorongoro), and a mix of budget hotels and camping to keep costs down. There were still four agencies in the running, and price was the deciding factor. Even though they were the cheapest, I felt better taken care of than with others. For example, all meals were prepared by a Maasai chef, Louis, who accompanied us throughout the trip, while some others ate meals out of cardboard boxes. Samuel, our guide, explained so many things and answered all our questions. José drove us safely the whole way. Everything was done with great cheer!
At the end of the stay, Ally came to meet us and gave us t-shirts with the agency’s logo—we loved that they took the time to hear our feedback in person. In short, I highly recommend them +++, especially since it’s a local agency that also supports a charity for women and children.
For Zanzibar, I organized everything myself. I hesitated for a long time but eventually booked all four nights at the same place. We don’t like crowds, so I initially considered Jambiani but ended up choosing EVERGREEN BUNGALOWS in Bwejuu. We took their first airport-to-hotel transfer since we arrived at night, and it felt safer. Great value for money, in our opinion. Just be aware that it’s quite isolated—perfect for relaxing and going on excursions. There were very few beach vendors, unlike what I’d read about Zanzibar. We lived with our feet in the sand from morning to night, with a small basin of water outside our room to rinse off. Such a lovely spot!
I had asked for some excursion prices before leaving but ended up booking on-site. Not at our hotel, but at a nearby restaurant that was cheaper. After some thought, since we were based in Bwejuu, I wanted to do Blue Lagoon and Pungume (both departing from the south of Zanzibar).
Blue Lagoon: About 3 hours total, with snorkeling on a small reef full of fish (coral wasn’t great) and a stop at a spot with tons of starfish, plus local snacks, fruit, and drinks.
Pungume: An amazing day with a 50% chance of seeing dolphins (we missed them), a visit to the mangroves, then snorkeling at a spot with some nice coral and, of course, fish. We ended with a fantastic grill (tuna, shrimp, squid, lobster, and fries) on a sandbank in the shade.
Finally, before heading to Stone Town, we visited Paje Cave, which is much less known than Maalum. It’s smaller, but we saw bats, went for a swim, and fed the chickens and rabbits (great for the kids). To finish, we explored Stone Town on our own and had dinner at Forodhani Market.
For flights, we flew with Turkish Airlines from Barcelona to Kilimanjaro and back from Zanzibar—no issues there. However, I don’t recommend the Kilimanjaro-Zanzibar leg with Precision Air. Our luggage didn’t arrive, and according to the hotel, this happens often. We only got it back a day and a half later.
March or May 2027.
Around 15 days in the Western Cape,
then 15 days in the southern KNP.
Arrival either in PE or George.
The pros know I’m somewhat familiar with the area... that I don’t camp... that my accommodations can be simple and remote, self-catering but with basic comforts... that I’m looking for spots that are a bit off the beaten path... in a relaxed mode...
From George:
Late arrival... need some rest... Herolds Bay from George to the N1.
Tsitsikamma is catching my eye (Storms River)... with or without a stop in Knysna.
Question:
What’s the current condition of the pass from Knysna to Uniondale? R339.
And while I’m at it, the condition of the R340.
Tsitsikamma, Knysna, and my questions still apply if arriving in PE.
Is the Swartberg still closed?
Any recommendations for accommodation in Prince Albert?
If I cross the escarpment, I’ll continue via Anysberg NR, Touwsrivier... any thoughts?
From there... Tankwa Karoo or Mount Cedar (or both).
Then heading back down to the coast... the highlands of Hermanus or Kogelberg NR (any opinions on the latter?).
Or,
A more classic route along the coast...
If I arrive (fairly late) in PE... any ideas for accommodation in that little area?
Given that Nyathi Camp is winking at me...
(For context... a while back, I stayed at Riverbend (same Addo sector, private concession)... and I visited the ruins of that abandoned lodge at the time, which has clearly been renovated since... located in a very quiet part of Addo...).
Any feedback from the pros?
Well, that’s about it...
I’m open to any other tips or advice!
I’m reaching out with a question about which park to choose for a 3-day safari in Kenya.
After 20 days in Uganda, I’m meeting up with my dad for a 3-day safari (that works for him). We’ll be meeting in Nairobi and have a full day to travel to a park (preferably the farthest from Nairobi to avoid crowds?) and spend 4 nights there before heading back to the capital for our flight to France.
I’d love to hear your recommendations since I’ve read so many great tips on this forum.
At the end of July, we’re heading to Namibia with a group of five for a three-week road trip and visit to the national parks.
We’ve read conflicting info about buying entry tickets—either online (where?) or at the gate when we arrive?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the agencies you used to plan your trip to Uganda.
There’s the whole issue of gorilla permits, which need to be booked in advance and involve a significant financial commitment. That’s where I’m at with my trip planning. Between checking lutb.go.ug/ and reading online reviews, it’s hard to move forward with confidence.
I contacted the French Embassy, but they don’t provide any recommendations. I almost booked with an agency that had a really bad review from February specifically about the permit process.
How did you go about choosing your agency? Given the large sum involved, I’m this close to booking through a travel agency in France for this part.
From what I understand, no matter which agency books the permit, you’re ultimately guided by professionals trained for gorilla trekking based on the permit itself? I’m assuming that’s how it works.
Thanks for your feedback, and I’m really happy to see the forum’s new energy—it’s been super helpful to me in the past.
We’re heading to Uganda next summer for three weeks with our two kids, who’ll be 7 and 9 years old.
We’ve been to Southern Africa before but not East Africa, and after a trip to South Africa two years ago, the kids wanted to return to Africa, while we wanted to explore a new region while staying independent... Uganda’s been catching our eye for a while, and with Rwandair offering relatively attractive prices, we’re going for it!
We’ll be traveling in a 4x4 (self-drive) with roof tents. I don’t have any 4x4 driving experience, so it’ll be a first for me, but we’ll manage 😉 No great apes for us—kids need to be 15, and we don’t want to do that experience without them.
I don’t usually ask the forum much for trip planning, but this time, I’d love your thoughts and advice!
First question: Karamoja or not? At first glance, if we want to add it to a "classic" loop in the southwest, it doesn’t seem realistic—too packed, too much driving. We could consider doing the full loop via Kidepo and then heading down to Murchison, but I’m worried the trip might feel less varied and less kid-friendly. That said, the region looks stunning, and I’m struggling to accept not going at all... What do you think?
If we skip Karamoja, we’d do a loop: Murchison/Fort Portal/QENP/Bunyonyi/Mburo, which seems pretty comprehensive and would let us take our time, which is nice. A few random questions:
- How much time should we plan for the Fort Portal area? I was thinking at least 3 days to visit Bigodi Swamp, walk around the craters, and maybe do a community walk (any thoughts on that?).
- Between Murchison Falls and the Fort Portal area, is it worth breaking up the drive? I spotted Lake Albert Safari Lodge on the shores of Lake Albert—it’s not too expensive and looks nice.
- I’d love to do some easy walks/hikes at the foot of the Rwenzori Mountains, ideally without a guide, but it doesn’t seem straightforward. Do you know if it’s possible to do nice walks independently? I’ve read about hikes in the hills near Kilembe but nothing very specific. Maybe staying somewhere at the foot of the mountains, like Ruboni Community Camp, would allow that.
- Lake Mutanda looks really cool, and so does Lake Bunyonyi... Ideally, I’d like to see both, but won’t that feel repetitive? Is Lake Mutanda worth the detour?
Last practical question, since we don’t have experience with this: for the car with kids, would you recommend two tents (a bit more space) or a four-person tent?
I’ll stop here—already a lot of questions...
Thanks in advance for your feedback, and looking forward to exchanging ideas!
Gabriel
We’re planning our second trip to South Africa in July 2026. In 2023, we did a loop from Joburg, Golden Gate, Drakensberg, Hluhluwe, St Lucia, Eswatini, Kruger, Blyde River Canyon, and back to Joburg.
This time, we’d like to go to Cape Town and do a road trip to Port Elizabeth, then fly back to Joburg to return to Kruger. At this stage of my planning, here’s what it could look like:
D1 to D4: Cape Town and Cape of Good Hope (Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Waterfront, Bo-Kaap, Boulders, Cape Point, Chapman’s Peak Drive). I’ve spotted a few places to stay between Camps Bay and Hout Bay (3 nights).
D5 and D6: Either Karoo NP or Hermanus and De Hoop. Any opinions to tip the scales? I’ll admit I’m already leaning toward Karoo (the "wild" vibe of the landscapes and wildlife encounters appeal to me much more than the seaside, which feels less exotic). If we go for Karoo, where should we stay? Inside the park or in Beaufort West? I’ve seen good reviews for Ko-ka Tsara Bush Camp, but maybe it’s better to stay in the Sanparks cottages to make the most of the park? (2 nights)
Option B is to do Stellenbosch (though vineyards aren’t great in winter) and/or the Whale Route—Betty’s Bay, Hermanus, De Hoop (2 nights near Gansbaai).
D7 and D8: Klein Karoo, Oudtshoorn. Staying at De Cango Guest Farm (2 nights).
D9 and D10: Knysna, Robberg Nature Reserve, Tsitsikamma (2 nights in Plettenberg Bay and 1 night in PE).
D11: Flight from Port Elizabeth to Joburg at 7 AM and drive to Marloth Park.
For Kruger, I’ve booked 2 nights in Marloth Park, 1 night in Skukuza, 2 nights in Satara, and 1 night in Talamati, which we loved. I’ll book the last night in Graskop later since we want to revisit the Blyde Canyon area.
I’d love all the feedback you can give on my itinerary, especially for days 5 and 6.
If you have recommendations for accommodations for 4 people, I’d appreciate those too.
Thanks! 🙂
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
Hi everyone, I’m here to get some advice on visiting KRUGER Park.
From what I’ve gathered through my reading, I understand there are two ways to visit the park:
- Independently with your own vehicle
=> Do you drive all day?
- By booking with a professional
=> Safari early in the morning and late in the afternoon. But what do you do in between?
When it comes to accommodations, the options are:
- Booking in one of the park’s camps, where the lodging is basic but functional
- Booking in a private reserve, which is more comfortable but prohibitively expensive
- Booking outside the park, which means entering the park every morning. But if you want to stay for 3 days, that doesn’t seem practical to me.
Do you have any advice for accommodations?
To be honest, I’m really struggling to understand how it all works...
Thanks to everyone for your help.
Bidule 27
Hey everyone!
Heading to Namibia in a few days and I just read that the entry fees for all parks in Namibia have skyrocketed. Increases between 86 and 100%, and this has been in effect since April 1st (no joke). Have any of you heard about this, and if so, do you know if it’s actually being enforced?
For example, the fee for Etosha has gone from 150 NAD to 280 NAD per day per person.
Thanks in advance!
I’m really interested in traveling to South Africa in September 2020. My question is whether I should go on an organized tour or plan my own itinerary. Organized trips are pretty expensive $$$$, but the security aspect reassures me. I’d love to hear your thoughts on safety in South Africa and whether it’s easy to arrange activities like visiting vineyards, Cape Town, and going on a safari on our own. Which is better in terms of cost—booking an organized trip or doing it ourselves? It’s definitely less exciting to follow a group for 10 days. We’re a couple in our 50s who love nature.
😊🦁
We’re heading out in April 2027 with our 4x4 to explore part of Southern Africa. Right now we’re researching all these beautiful countries and deciding where to ship our vehicle. We’re from Le Havre—has anyone here already shipped from that port to South Africa or East Africa?
As for all these countries, is wild camping allowed, tolerated, easy, or difficult?
We’ve already visited a few, but you can read just about anything online, so getting tips from real independent travelers is way better :)
We’re all ears for any hacks, experiences, or spots you’d recommend.
See you on the road with Doddy
Hi,
I’m starting to plan a great trip for the last three weeks of January 2027 (my first time in South Africa).
After spending a few hours (!) browsing this forum, here’s a rough first draft of my itinerary:
D0 Arrival at JNB
D1, D2 Blyde River Canyon
D3, D4, D5, D6, D7: Kruger
D8, D9, D10: St Lucia and surrounding area
D11, D12, D13, D14: Drakensberg + Lesotho
D15 A very long driving day to the south (hope the AC doesn’t break down!)
D16, D17, D18, D19 southwest coast (so far I’ve noted Oudtshoorn, Robberg Nature Reserve, Wilderness NP, De Hoop Reserve, and a bit of the wine route)
D20, D21 Cape Town (peninsula and a bit of the city) + domestic flight and return flight (departure from JNB at 11 PM)
A few questions before refining this:
- Do you see any major issues with this itinerary?
- We don’t have a choice on dates, and personally, I prefer green landscapes to desert ones anyway, but do you really see far fewer animals in January than in the dry season? Five days in Kruger should give us enough time to spot plenty of different animals despite the tall grass, right? As for the heat, we’re from Réunion, so we’re relatively used to it, even though I know it’s not the same type of heat.
- Can I trust the distances and driving times given by Google Maps?
- Picking up the vehicle in Johannesburg and dropping it off in Cape Town: how much might that cost us? I’m thinking it probably won’t be worse (in terms of time or money, since there are five of us—2 adults + 3 kids) than going back to Joburg after Lesotho, taking a flight to Cape Town, and renting another vehicle... but maybe I’m wrong.
- Finally, wouldn’t it be better to focus on just one of the two regions (either the northeast or Cape Town and the south coast)? If it were up to me, I’d stick to the first part and extend a few stops... but not everyone agrees! And we’re thinking that since it’ll be really hot, a second part of the trip that’s a bit """cooler""" would be welcome.
I imagine many of you have been captivated by the Masai Mara park and/or your safari experience with Tony Crocetta/Melting Pot Safari. Still, I’d like to share my perspective.
First, I’m an avid traveler, especially in love with Africa, which my partner and I have explored a bit (Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Namibia...).
That said, I want to express my deep disappointment with both the Masai Mara and Tony Crocetta’s camp, Melting Pot Safari, where we stayed last year.
First, about the park: it’s stunning, no doubt. But what a highly touristy place! I can’t find the words to describe the horror of being among 30 4x4 vehicles lined up in front of a lioness hunt, let alone encircling her right after her kill while her prey is still alive in her jaws... no respect for wildlife. The same goes for surrounding a young leopard playing with its small prey, a moment when I counted over 50 vehicles, most with their engines running... sickening. I turned away, both my gaze and my camera. What a disaster to see this natural wonder of Africa turned into a tourist hotspot.
Yes, I loved this place on Earth, but no, I won’t "promote" it anywhere or to anyone.
Next, I also wanted to share my dissatisfaction with Tony Crocetta’s famous camp, Melting Pot Safari: where to begin? We booked a private vehicle for four with two friends, and I have no complaints about the vehicle itself (though it obviously came at a cost). The windows and the vehicle weren’t very photo-friendly, but let’s move on.
The trip between the sisters’ guesthouse (which was fine) and the camp went smoothly, except we arrived a bit too late. Result: "We’ll leave for the safari an hour later today because the driver has to respect his rest hours." Perfect—with park formalities, we only spent about an hour in the park that evening. The safari got off to a great start...
During our 12-day stay, we saw some amazing things. Tony wasn’t at the camp—I don’t know what the atmosphere is like when he’s there, but it was rather cold during our trip. Sylvie, his wife, barely looked at us, never asking how our day, night, or game drive went (I think she spoke to us once during the stay, plus the day we arrived, of course). We felt invisible... (if I were mean, I’d say the money had already been deposited into Melting Pot’s bank account.)
The evening meals, if I may say so, were a joke: not enough dessert (aside from fruit, but the few elaborate desserts—like 10 for 18 guests) for everyone, barely enough meat or sides. If you were unlucky like us and ended up with a group of 15 people who decided to skip the starter, you’d better hurry to get your main course, or there might not be any left—and no refills... We always ate our fill, but sometimes we had to serve ourselves in advance.
Finally, I want to correct something about the quality of the meals: seriously, this buffet was really mediocre and far from the culinary standards I’d read about in my pre-trip research (see their Facebook page).
Anyway, let’s move past the food—after all, the avocados were sublime, and we’re not there primarily to eat.
About the tent: the river views were beautiful, and the beds were very comfortable. No running water, individual showers outside the tent, and dry toilets—but it’s Africa, so we weren’t shocked. However, I’m disappointed that for this "modest" price, I wasn’t warned there’d be no soap (and no, I don’t travel with my own soap—and for the price, a little bar in the tent wouldn’t be a luxury). But let’s move on—the hippo views were fantastic. Oh, and to preserve the Masai Mara’s water (which makes sense) and for hygiene reasons, underwear isn’t washed by the camp staff—fair enough. But then what’s that little sign next to the bed? Oh right, for a hefty sum, underwear suddenly becomes "washable"...
Finally, my biggest gripe is about the essential part: the game drives. In France, they sell you a dream with a "photo safari" (what’s the difference, really? A room with a few more electrical outlets?). They promise guides especially suited for photography (not a given, sorry) and vehicles that can get close to animals and go off-road... but here’s the catch: the guides are bound by park laws and hounded by rangers looking to fine rule-breakers. Result: as soon as a white ranger vehicle is spotted, we have to abandon our spot for a wild chase through the grass. Fun once... The next day, we learned that another group’s guide got caught and had to pay $100 for breaking the rules—a sum he casually asked the travelers in his vehicle to cover... because of course, Melting Pot lures tourists with dreams, the poor rangers try to get close, all while breaking park laws... and they break those laws for Crocetta’s company, which, of course, won’t dip into its profits to pay the fines. Basically, it’s "keep the clients happy, but don’t get fined—or the fines are on you or you’ll have to ask the clients directly." Nice boss! Anyway, there were long discussions about this last year, especially among the guests in the fined vehicle. My partner and I found these practices unacceptable, and we were deeply disappointed by this attitude.
I know many people adore this park and/or this company—maybe you were luckier... or maybe you’re less demanding than we are when it comes to respecting rules, nature, and clients. But after traveling through much of southern Africa, I can tell you we personally came back frustrated from this experience and aren’t eager to return... You’ve been warned.
Here’s my feedback after a recent trip to Ethiopia, organized with a local guide.
Despite a signed quote, months of prep exchanges (over eight months!), and phone calls right up to departure day, the guide didn’t honor the commitments we’d agreed on.
Haile Haftu FANUAILE, manager of the agency www.charmethiopiantours.com—who we’d organized everything with—didn’t meet us as promised when we arrived in Addis Ababa. Without any warning, he sent a different guide to accompany us for the entire trip (with a flimsy excuse).
Several parts of the signed quote weren’t respected:
– Services included in the quote but not provided on-site (meals, water),
– Hotels we’d chosen, booked, and paid for were swapped for lower-category places,
– Visits were canceled because the timing wasn’t calculated properly,
– One stop on the itinerary was dropped without any reason or explanation.
We’d paid a deposit for domestic flights, with a promise to refund any overpayment. A month after returning, 150 € per person (there were three of us) still hasn’t been refunded.
I’m sharing this to warn fellow travelers about the importance of solid guarantees to ensure contracts are actually honored. Double-check everything before committing!
Wishing everyone safe and smooth travel prep—Ethiopia is an incredible country!
---
Hello,
Feedback following a recent trip to Ethiopia, organized with a local guide.
Despite a signed quote, numerous preparatory exchanges over eight months, and phone calls right up until the day of departure, the guide did not fulfill his commitments.
Haile Haftu FANUAILE, manager of the agency www.charmethiopiantours.com with whom we had organized everything, did not meet us as agreed upon our arrival in Addis Ababa; without warning us, he sent another guide in his place to accompany us throughout the trip (with a bogus excuse).
Several points in the signed quote were not honored:
– services included in the quote but not provided on site (meals, water),
– hotels chosen, booked, and paid for, replaced by lower-category establishments,
– visits canceled due to lack of time, which had not been calculated correctly,
– one stop on the itinerary canceled without reason or explanation.
A deposit had been paid for the booking of domestic flights, with a commitment to refund the overpayment.
To date, one month after our return, 150 € per person (there were three of us) has still not been refunded.
This testimony is intended to alert travelers to the importance of solid guarantees for contracts that are actually honored, so that everyone can be extra vigilant before committing.
Good luck with your travel preparations, everyone.
Ethiopia is an extraordinary country!
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.
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
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.
