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!
I don’t have enough experience with self-drive, so I’ll answer about the parks in January.
The migration usually reaches the southern Serengeti by then. Visiting the Ndutu area, the south, and the center of the Serengeti will be amazing. Lions, cheetahs, leopards, servals... and tens of thousands of wildebeest, zebras...
Tarangire will be very green with "leafy" baobabs—I loved it in January. Lots of elephants.
Ngorongoro is packed with tourists; I visited once, and that was enough for me...
Avoid Manyara Park—the lake is high, and few trails are open.
A great discovery you haven’t mentioned: Arusha National Park, one day, with different landscapes, colobus monkeys, and blue monkeys for a change.
I’m not familiar with the southern parks.
Best regards
Hi,
Thanks for your feedback, it’s really interesting!
I’ve given up on the self-drive idea... For organizing the safari: how did you plan your trip? Did you go through a local company you could recommend, or did you arrange everything yourself with a driver-guide?
About Ngorongoro, I’d actually read several reviews about the large number of tourists. So, do you advise skipping it entirely, or including it anyway for a first-time visit to Tanzania?
Ndutu does seem like a great option for this time of year.
And regarding Arusha, I meant Arusha National Park—sorry for the confusion. I was thinking of spending a day there, especially to mix up the landscapes a bit and see the monkeys.
Thanks again for your tips!
Hi there,
I was there in January thanks to a stroke of luck... A traveler canceled, it was posted on another travel forum where I was logged in, and just like that, I joined the other 5 people.
So I didn’t choose the agency—it was Tanzania Specialist (Dutch and Tanzanian), definitely one of the agencies with the largest number of vehicles.
We saw a lot of them; the drivers share info about the best spots.
We had a good driver who respected the animals—no off-roading in the Serengeti (which is forbidden), unlike some others.
For a first trip, if you’re planning more in the future, the northern reserves might actually be better suited. I’ve been to the northern reserves twice but never in January.
I loved Tarangire Reserve and visited both the north and center of the Serengeti (both times in September/October).
Since you see images of Ngorongoro everywhere in magazines, I went there the first time—huge disappointment. I’d advise against it. It’s no longer a safari; it’s like Place de la Concorde at rush hour… packed with tourists. (Just my personal opinion, of course.) I swore I’d never go back. In Tanzania, I was disappointed by Ngorongoro and Lake Natron (only those two).
If you’re heading to the northern reserves, you’ll obviously want to fly into Kilimanjaro Airport. If you’re going to the southern ones, it’s better to arrive in Dar es Salaam.
But really ask yourself if Zanzibar is necessary for your trip.
Personally, in seven safari trips to Tanzania (both north and south), I’ve never been to Zanzibar. It all depends on what you’re looking for in this trip! If you’re a fan of wild nature, you won’t get bored (at least, not according to my tastes).
Even in 15 days, don’t try to visit too many reserves. Nowadays, we stick to 2 reserves over 2 weeks (just to clarify: I’m 77 years old…!!)
I’d recommend going through an agency (I’ve always done that). In the north, we used "LéopardsTours." At the time, it was the biggest safari agency in the country.
Then there was the discovery of the southern Tanzania reserves...
For us, MIKUMI, RUAHA, and SELOUS were a revelation.
We went five times to these reserves (2 trips each time over 15 days).
These reserves are less crowded, wilder, and the lodges or camps more intimate.
A mix of truly wild nature and an "Out of Africa" atmosphere.
Safaris in the south are a bit pricier but offer a completely different atmosphere, in our opinion.
Our southern safaris were organized by the ASANTERRA agency in Dar es Salaam, run by a Belgian.
Happy to provide more details (except for financial questions, which I never discuss).
I'm used to traveling in South Africa and organizing my trips myself, but I get the impression that organizing a safari in Tanzania is quite different.
I know that self-drive isn't really suitable for Tanzania.
Hello,
Just to clarify: Why don’t I travel in Africa by driving our vehicle myself?
We’ve been to Botswana, Namibia four times, Kenya (four times), and Tanzania seven times, always with a driver.
The goal of these (our) trips is to enjoy ourselves!! To discover what we’re going to explore without constraints, so I can’t imagine driving during those times.
I should also mention that driving in Kenya or Tanzania is particularly stressful, and the unwritten "rules of the road" are very different from what we’re used to.
We’ve always had very friendly drivers who we got along well with, and who taught us a lot about nature and the country.
Since our trips are mainly focused on wildlife and nature, having a certified driver with a trained eye for spotting animals is definitely a plus.
Finally, in Tanzania’s reserves—getting back to the topic of your post—the tracks crisscross and intertwine without any signs. In the southern reserves (Ruaha and Selous in particular), not having a driver would mean sticking to the main tracks and missing out on many amazing wildlife encounters. Not to mention that with animals, the driver knows how to interpret early signs of imminent danger...!
Another detail: authorities (the rangers) are particularly suspicious of people without a guide or driver and keep an eye on them, ready to fine them or sometimes invent infractions... that’s Africa for you!
You’re much younger than me, so your perspective on all this is probably very different, I imagine. But I wanted to share these details.
That said, of course, you can absolutely set your own itinerary and choose the lodges or camps you want to stay at.
I went on a trip/safari in Tanzania in October, outside of school holiday periods, and visited Serengeti and Ngorongoro parks.
I absolutely loved these two parks, even though they’re completely different:
- Serengeti is a vast park covering nearly 15,000 km² with dreamy landscapes—savanna, rivers, small lakes... a real spectacle in terms of both flora and fauna. Depending on the time of year, you might witness the incredible wildebeest migration.
- Ngorongoro is a majestic crater that you first see from viewpoints at the top before descending. Once inside, it’s a true wildlife and plant-life spectacle in an exceptional setting.
I chose to travel outside of school holidays, and the crowds weren’t as heavy as described in the posts above.
I think if you take this factor into account, you shouldn’t rule out this park—it’s a real gem.
Personally, I went through a small local agency based in Arusha, Mwanga Africa Tours, which handled my safari exceptionally well (Serengeti & Ngorongoro & Kilimanjaro region). They’re professional, friendly, and reliable (Masai guide who speaks French). And compared to bigger agencies, they were reachable at all times, even during the trip, which is important.
Plus, they tailor the trip to your preferences instead of selling a pre-packaged deal.
wakalamwangaafrica@gmail.com
Insta + TripAdvisor: Mwanga Africa Tours
Yes, there are several ways to travel depending on everyone's tastes and expectations.
But that doesn’t explain why self-drive was immediately ruled out, since the person usually seems to prefer that option?
Personally, if self-drive weren’t possible, I’d go to another country.
But that’s not the case in Tanzania.
I just don’t get why so few people take the plunge.
It’s easier to organize than Botswana and less expensive in some ways (permanent lodging).
And Botswana’s tracks are particularly sandy, isolated, and treacherous.
I’m in some Facebook groups, and when someone wants to do a self-drive trip, almost everyone jumps on them like it’s worse than mounting an expedition to Mars.
When you read some reviews, that’s not the case at all.
It’s really frustrating for those who prefer self-drive to always be offered guides, drivers, etc.
Thanks so much for all these details—it’s a huge help!
Being able to set my own itinerary and choose the lodges myself while still going through an agency/driver works perfectly for me. It’s reassuring.
Your feedback on the southern reserves has me thinking, too. But for a first trip to Tanzania, following your advice and others’, I’ll look into a northern route instead: Serengeti/Tarangire/Arusha and a stop at Ngorongoro… I think I’d regret not doing it once I’m there. Since it’s the Great Migration, I’ll try to include Ndutu.
As for Zanzibar, my partner really wants to end the trip with a few days at the beach 😊. She’s been dreaming of South America for a change, and Zanzibar is my bargaining chip 😉!
Do you have any lodges you’d recommend that really stood out to you?
Thanks again for your help!
Hi Rémy,
Thanks so much for this detailed feedback!
I really like the idea of a small local agency that can build a custom trip. Mwanga Africa Tours seems to fit exactly what I’m looking for, so thanks for that.
As for Ngorongoro, your feedback reassures me too. I think it’d be a shame to skip it completely, especially for a first trip to Tanzania. I’ll probably include it, especially since we’re traveling outside school holiday periods.
Thanks again for the agency contact and for sharing your experience!
Hi Attila,
Thanks for your feedback! I totally get your point of view, and I’m definitely not ruling out self-driving in Tanzania—far from it.
For this first trip, I just think that on a pretty classic Northern circuit, especially with Serengeti and Ngorongoro, organizing things seems easier with a guide/driver. Plus, I’m a bit short on time to prepare for the trip.
But I’m really looking forward to hearing about your next self-drive trip! Can’t wait to use it as inspiration for a second visit to Tanzania and give self-driving a try this time 😊
Yes, there are several ways to travel depending on everyone's tastes and expectations.
But that doesn’t explain why self-drive was immediately ruled out when the person usually seems to prefer this option?
Personally, if self-drive weren’t possible, I’d go to another country.
But that’s not the case in Tanzania.
I just don’t get why so few people take the plunge.
It’s easier to organize than Botswana and less expensive in some ways (permanent accommodation).
And Botswana’s tracks are particularly sandy, isolated, and treacherous.
I follow some Facebook groups, and when someone wants to do self-drive, almost everyone jumps on them like it’s worse than mounting an expedition to Mars.
When you read some reviews, that’s not the case at all.
It’s really frustrating (????? ) for those who prefer self-drive to always be offered guides, drivers, etc.
Hello,
I really don’t understand why your very angry message was addressed to me.
In this thread, I only replied to the original poster who mentioned the possibility—now confirmed—of going through an agency and/or guide.
I saw your own thread but deliberately didn’t respond because I didn’t check any of the boxes in your requests. In particular, I have no experience driving in this region.
I know it’s common in this forum to twist everything in every direction—your message is further proof of that... and in that sense, it’s indeed frustrating.
I also have the right to respond to the author of this post, to whom I’m ONLY providing personal insights based on my experience.
Rest assured, I had no intention of cluttering your own thread. And I don’t use ANY social media....
That you prefer to drive your own vehicle in Tanzania is your right, just as it’s mine not to want to.
We’re ALL different, and our travel expectations and wishes are JUST as varied.
And freedom of expression is—still—alive in this forum.
Puma2A
I hope FlyingH will excuse this off-topic message in their thread.
Do you have any lodges to recommend that left an impression on you?
For our part, our experiences in northern Tanzania date back to 2008 and 2009, so the memories are a bit faded.
Still, I really liked the "LOBO Wildlife Lodge" in the northern Serengeti—especially because the landscapes are different and more varied compared to central Serengeti, and there were fewer people.
I also have great memories of the "Tarangire River Lodge" (again, because of its location).
I’m asking questions about the fact that self-drive is the big overlooked option for trips to Tanzania. Why? And why is there so much negative publicity about it everywhere, while the same negativity doesn’t exist when it comes to Botswana? Anyone can have an opinion on this, whether they’re a self-driver or not.
This isn’t a criticism of how you approach travel—I actually mentioned that in my intro—everyone does things their own way.
The author of the thread also brought up self-drive, which is why I chimed in to say that yes, self-drive in Tanzania is totally possible if that’s your preferred way to travel.
You can also contribute to my thread, which is very general aside from the fact that the trip will be self-drive. Maybe you have thoughts on the route, the timing (muddy roads vs. dry roads, for example), etc.
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has over 450 "official" agencies.
On the ground, people talk about nearly 2,000 operators.
We saw a lot of vehicles from two "giants":
- "Tanzania Specialist": A Dutch agency that sells through intermediaries (like Leclerc, for example)
- "Leopard Tours": An agency from Arusha with over 200 vehicles
We preferred to trust a local French-speaking agency.
"Serengeti Big Cats Safari" for us, but there are others...
For info, Ngorongoro when you come across 4 rhinos...
In the end, we figured that even if the Ngorongoro was a "must-see," the Serengeti was way above it in terms of landscape diversity (and we barely scratched the surface!)
The reality of getting around often looks more like this:
Hi there! For my 60th birthday (yes, I m jumping the gun a bit!), I m starting to plan a self-drive trip to Tanzania (in June). I also considered Zimbabwe but…
East and Southern Africa › Tanzania / Kenya · 3 replies
January 26th marks my first steps in Africa. I usually organize my trips without any assistance. But for Tanzania-Kenya, I need some advice. There will be 4…
Hi there, my wife and I are likely going to spend a week volunteering at the in Bela Bela, near Hatfield, during the third week of May 2027. After that, we’d like to rent a car and spend a week in Kruger Park. What do you think about the timing and the type of vehicle? Also, which spots are best for accommodation so we can experience the park’s different sides? Thanks.
Hi,
The Wild Card gives access to many parks in South Africa. Since the card is cheaper if you choose the "couple" option, I was wondering what they mean by "couple." Is it simply 2 people, with no family ties, or is it the "official" couple as many people understand it? In my case, I’ll be traveling with 2 buddies. Since there’ll be 3 of us, we could take 1 couple card and 1 individual one.
Thanks in advance
📋 Yes, travel insurance is now mandatory in the ETA application.
Since October 6, 2026, the official Kenyan ETA portal directly includes a step to subscribe to mandatory government travel insurance for travelers required to obtain an ETA, even if you already have your own medical and repatriation insurance.
This insurance adds an official extra cost of $44 plus payment fees of $8, totaling $52 on top of the ETA. The ETA application cannot be completed without paying for this insurance on the portal.
In the end, Kenya followed the Tanzanian "model".....!!
Thirty years ago, I traveled to Zanzibar (Tanzania) with my children. Since I’ve since started a new family, I took the opportunity of a trip to Kenya to bring my new family along: my wife, who’s Kenyan, and my 10-year-old daughter.
Zanzibar has really changed in 30 years.
It’s become the island of taxes.
It all starts upon arrival: I think it’s the only country in the world, besides the visa, where Zanzibar insurance (and no other) is mandatory—it costs 40 €. If you didn’t purchase it before arriving, good luck getting it: the IT systems are unreliable. With a bit of luck, it’ll take at least an hour to process! And of course, this insurance is useless—if you get sick, it’s recommended to use your home country’s insurance because if you use Zanzibar’s, your national insurance won’t cover you anymore.
I wanted to show my daughter the red colobus monkey, which is endemic to Zanzibar. I paid for a tour that was supposed to be all-inclusive. First, we visited a spice farm, where a farm guide took charge of us—meaning commissions were involved, of course! The tour was very good and informative, though. When we arrived at Jenzhi Park (the colobus park), the guide told us he "forgot" there was an entrance fee (50$).
Aware of the system, I decided to book an Ocean Blue tour through the Zanzibar Tourism Office. After two hours of driving, we stopped at a beach—and were left there. No boat was ready to take us. Since my wife speaks Swahili (the language in Zanzibar), after an hour, a captain with his own boat agreed to take us along with his family.
Another attempt. The main attraction in Zanzibar (besides the city) is Changuu, the Prison Island. You have to take a motorboat and pay the captain, which is normal.
But in Zanzibar, to even get on a boat, you first have to pay a tax! Once we arrived at the island, it started all over again! Thirty years ago, access was free, and the entire island (about 1 km²) was open. Today, there’s a small office, and you have to pay a hefty fee to enter. But enter where? A paved path leads to about 15% of the island—the rest is off-limits. In total, I paid 100 € for my wife, daughter, and myself just to visit a tiny portion of the island! Avoid this!
For the rest of our stay, we stayed at a 5-star hotel with golf, horseback riding, tennis courts, evening concerts, etc.—undeniably high-level comfort. One last thing: if you want to rent a car, it’s affordable and useful for exploring the island’s diverse landscapes, but there are speed cameras at every corner on the main roads. The fine is supposedly 100 $, and it’s hard not to get one!
I told you: Zanzibar, the land of taxes. I used to think my country, Belgium, was the tax champion—I’ve found something even better!
I’d like to go to South Africa in August and plan my trip myself (so no travel agency).
Could anyone recommend a good guidebook, please? (Routard, Lonely Planet, Petit Futé, etc.) Thanks!!
I’m starting to plan a trip to Tanzania + Zanzibar in August 2027 for 2 to 3 weeks with my partner.
I’ve never been there before and I’d love some advice, especially for Tanzania where we’re planning to do several safaris in the North.
Specifically:
Do you recommend using a travel agency to organize the trip, or are guidebooks and internet recommendations enough?
If you’ve used a local agency (rather than one in France), which one?
Would you recommend hiring a guide for the entire stay in Tanzania, or is it better to travel independently except in the parks where I’ve read that guides are mandatory?
If you’ve used a local agency (rather than one in France), which one and at what price?
Have you had any bad surprises (hidden fees, inexperienced guide, poor vehicle condition)?
Looking forward to reading your tips! 🙂
Thanks in advance
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
I’m thinking (thanks to some tips from forum members 😉) of taking this route to get to the Cederberg.
Apparently, the road was damaged by the May rains, and traffic is still slow there.
Has anyone taken this route recently?
If not, is one direction (toward or from the Cederberg) more scenic than the other?
Hi everyone!
I’m still planning my Cape Town to Johannesburg trip in January 2027.
I saw a documentary about the San people in Namibia, and the same day, I stumbled upon the Lonely Planet page about !Kwah Ttu.
I checked out their website to learn more, including Michel’s travel journal about it. I’m really keen to go.
So, I’m thinking of dedicating:
- either 1 day out of the 4.5 I have in Cape Town...
- or making a detour to !Kwah Ttu on the day I leave Cape Town for Montagu, instead of visiting Franschhoek and its Saturday market...
To the VFers who’ve already been: is it really worth spending a day there?
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Malijp
We're heading to South Africa for a month with 5 adults.
We'd like to rent a vehicle that can accommodate 5 people and all our luggage.
We're starting in Cape Town and ending in Johannesburg.
What vehicle would you recommend?
EDITH
Hi there,
I’m planning a gorilla trek in Bwindi, Uganda. I’m torn between the classic option (1 hour with the gorillas) and the habituation trek (4 hours with the gorillas but a more expensive permit). Has anyone done the habituation trek? Both? If so, I’d love to hear your feedback (including on the difficulty).
Thanks
I’ve read some travel journals here but I still have a question.
We’re heading to Uganda next February. The gorilla permits are booked, and the flight tickets are sorted too.
My question is about the chimpanzee trek. I’d love to know whether it’s better to book the habituation experience (4 hours) or the standard trek (1 hour).
The price difference isn’t huge, but I keep wondering and I’d hate to miss out on a great experience.
We're now just 5 weeks away from our trip to South Africa 🙂 and *so* excited to explore (just a tiny bit of) this amazing country.
I need to buy some binoculars but have no idea which model to choose. I don’t really know what to look for (and I don’t want to spend too much).
Thanks in advance to anyone who can give me some tips!
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, 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
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.
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
