Posts by Geneg

Hello, If you'd like to organize part of your trip yourself, I recommend Mikumi National Park, which is now easily accessible from Dar es Salaam and at a very reasonable price: a 2-hour fast train to Morogoro, then a 2-hour drive. I’ve been to this park several times and have never been disappointed because what’s important is having a guide who knows the park well and spends a lot of time there. You don’t need to visit multiple parks to see lots of animals—it’s better to spend more time in one park. If you’d like, I can put you in touch with the guide I know very well in Mikumi, who can also organize your transfer from Morogoro to Mikumi. (Contact via PM). In Morogoro, you can also take a nice walk to the Choma waterfalls. Tanzania is a beautiful country, and Tanzanians are very welcoming. And to enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean, you don’t have to go to Zanzibar. There are stunning spots south of Dar es Salaam with few tourists, where you can experience local life. Wishing you a great trip!

Hi everyone, I'm planning to spend about two weeks in Tanzania at the end of December and early January, including 3 or 4 days in Zanzibar. But after reading some posts about the island, I'm wondering if it's really worth it. Is it true that the beaches on the mainland are just as idyllic as those in Zanzibar? I've also seen that there are other islands, like Mafia Island, which is less touristy. And another question: when I arrive, I don’t want to stay in Dar es Salaam, as big cities don’t really appeal to me. Would Bagamoyo be a good base, or would you recommend somewhere else? Just to give you more details, I’m not traveling with a tour operator—I’m more of a backpacker and prefer local transport. Thanks for your replies.

Hello, Actually, the beaches south of Dar es Salaam are just as stunning as those in Zanzibar. When you arrive in Dar, instead of Bagamoyo, I’d recommend looking for accommodation in the Kigamboni area, like Kipepeo, where you can stay in bandas near the beach for a very affordable price. You’ll be close to the Mjimwema fishing village and Rasta Zone, where the food is excellent. If you’d like to experience Tanzanian life without it feeling like voyeurism, our friends at the Jamii Kwanza association would be happy to welcome you in the late afternoon to join their dance and acrobatics training sessions. From Mjimwema, you can easily reach the Bajaj: the port of Dar es Salaam to take the boat to Zanzibar or the new railway station to catch the high-speed train to Morogoro (in less than 2 hours, where a guide from Mikumi National Park can pick you up). Finally, regarding Zanzibar, Stone Town’s old town is absolutely beautiful and worth visiting. If you’d like more tips, I’m happy to help.

Hi, We’re heading to Tanzania at the end of the year and I’d like to know where I can apply for e-visas because I’ve found some sites, but they’re charging more than what I was told. It’s not the official site, and I’m struggling to find it. Do you have the direct official link, please? Thanks so much for your help! 😊

Hi, I’d recommend getting your visa on arrival at the airport in Tanzania. The cost is $50 (the e-visa is more expensive), and you can pay by credit card. The process is straightforward and won’t take up much of your time.

Hi there, For a budget-friendly safari, I recommend Mikumi National Park, which is about 300 km from Dar es Salaam. To get there: take the train from Dar to Morogoro (there’s a new electric train that’s been running for about a year, less than 2 hours journey, around 10 € round trip). Then it’s another 2 hours by road to the park entrance. Park entry fee: $35 for 24 hours. You can sleep inside the park for $100 per night/room, but there are only about ten rooms available. Otherwise, check Booking for hotels in the town of Mikumi, which is close to the park. You can find a guide with a car on-site in Mikumi. I can put you in touch with a friend who’s a guide in Mikumi and knows the park very well. The guide can arrange your transfer between Morogoro and Mikumi, or you can take a bus, but it takes longer.

If you’re staying in Dar es Salaam, I recommend staying in the Kigamboni district: it has the most beautiful beaches in Dar (for example, at Kipepeo, the beach is really nice and close to Rasta Zone, with its fishermen and beachfront restaurants). If you’d like, I can give you info on fun activities with a small budget that will also let you meet locals in this neighborhood—I know it well because we help out a youth association there.

Have a great trip! Tanzania is a beautiful country, and Tanzanians are very welcoming.

Hi there, Here are a few suggestions for your stay in Zanzibar if it helps:

Stone Town is an absolute must-visit—the old town is stunning, plus a moving moment at the slavery museum. Don’t forget to stroll through the Forodhani Gardens in the evening, where locals from Stone Town come to eat. If you're traveling with kids: take a trip to Prison Island to see the giant tortoises. (Go by 9 AM to avoid the tourist groups that arrive after 10 AM.)

Jambiani: For accommodation, also check out the Papaye Verte website—it’s a preserved spot right by the beach. Jozani Forest: Great for seeing the endemic colobus monkeys of Zanzibar, plus a walk through the mangroves. There’s a spice farm near Jozani, so you can combine both visits. Mtende Beach: Very touristy but pretty. Note that the beach is only accessible at low tide, so check the tide times. It’s one of the few beaches in Zanzibar where you can see fish near the shore, so bring a mask and snorkel, plus water shoes—there are lots of sea urchins. Mnemba Island: I think this island is closer to Nungwi than Jambiani. Also worth seeing in Nungwi: the turtle sanctuary. If you’re in Zanzibar during a full moon, it might be fun to join the Full Moon Party in Kendwa, which isn’t far from Nungwi. You can find info online. Have a fantastic time in Zanzibar!..