Questions about organizing safaris in southern Kenya and northern Tanzania

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 adults looking for authenticity over a month. How do we visit southern Kenya and northern Tanzania? Do we need guides? A driver-guide? What are the must-see spots? How do we get around? Rent a car? The cost of safaris seems exorbitant—is it justified? Isn’t there a way to do it with a local guide on foot? Can we improvise once we’re there? Thanks for your insights. Looking forward to reading your replies. Franz

Hi there,

We did Tanzania self-drive in 2018. You can check out our travel journal here for some visit ideas.

Hi there, A guide or driver-guide isn’t strictly necessary if you’ve prepared your trip well in advance. In my opinion, the best option is to rent a vehicle (with or without a driver, depending on how much independence you want/can handle). No agencies to recommend.

The parks aren’t that expensive (except for Ngorongoro), it seems to me—it never costs more than the price of an amusement park. By sleeping outside the parks or in campsites inside the parks, it doesn’t end up being too pricey if you plan it right.

If you don’t have a driver or driver-guide and don’t feel comfortable self-driving in the parks, you can hire rangers at the entrance who’ll fill that role. It’s not mandatory.

In short, it’s doable on your own without being complicated with modern tools. Check the TANAPA prices here: en-1688147569-TARIFFS Design 202324.pdf. Use Booking, TripAdvisor, or similar to find hotels or lodging outside or inside the park that fits your budget—if you don’t want to stay in campsites—and book everything to be stress-free. You don’t have to visit the most expensive parks to keep costs down. Tarangire is a great compromise in northern Tanzania.

So, with a rental, it’s totally doable. Just note that entering with a Kenyan-registered car will cost more in Tanzanian parks, and vice versa.

There are also plenty of things to do or see outside the parks while exploring. The Old Donyio Lengai area and the surrounding tracks are stunning, offering beautiful views of the Maasai land, lovely *bomas*, and a mix of herds and wildlife going about their business (it’s not uncommon to spot giraffes, elephants, antelopes, or even big cats if you’re really lucky).

In short, it’s feasible. But of course, it requires more preparation than handing everything over to an agency.

Walking in the parks is possible in some, but it’s an extra service on top of the park entry fee—so not really a way to save money.

Happy planning!

Hello,

"What are the must-sees?"

- When it comes to tourism, there’s NO such thing as a "must-see"! Why? Because we all have different tastes and expectations for a trip or stay. We don’t know your preferences or what you’re looking for from this trip... except for authenticity. But what do you mean by that?

- One thing to mention if you want to visit villages/tribes. Many (in Tanzania, at least) are fake, built near main roads for business. The "actors" arrive in the morning and leave in the evening... to live elsewhere. It’s very expensive to watch girls dancing half-heartedly with their smartphones in hand... The most important thing to know is that many of these tribes still actively practice this horrific ritual mutilation (on girls aged 6–8): FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION (FGM). It’s a cornerstone of their culture. Personally, I disapprove and advise against visiting Maasai, Samburu, or other villages. Of course, this is just MY opinion, but I think it’s important to be aware of. Everyone has their own views on this abhorrent assault and sexual mutilation, rooted in outdated beliefs. Everyone has their own opinions on all this—and their own behavior.

- For crossing from Kenya to Tanzania (which I’ve never done), from what I’ve heard, it’s complicated: apparently, you can’t take a rental car—even with a driver—from one country to the other. You’ll likely need to switch vehicles and rental companies. That’s how it was a few years ago, and the two countries have a complicated relationship when it comes to border crossings....

- I’d advise friends against driving themselves in these two countries if they asked me. It’s VERY unusual and dangerous. (And corruption is rampant among law enforcement...) As for driving yourselves in a reserve, would you know how to interpret the warning signs of an elephant charge or a buffalo herd??

Happy thinking. Best regards.

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