Zanzibar
This review is only about Zanzibar - see Mwema review elsewhere (and maybe a different Tanzania review).
We had a short visit to Zanzibar prior to a Serengeti safari. Zanzibar was everything I imagined and then some. The weather, dry season period, was terrific, not overwhelmingly hot. Lots of clouds, came and went, maybe a little night rain one night. The old city, Stonetown, is a small maze of narrow streets, Arab-Indian-Swahili architecture, and small "squares". A guided tour is useful, but it won't help you much orienteering - you will get lost on your own (but so what). The tour, tho, helps sort out the architecture - who brought what, and why they built it - and helps fill in the details. We also took a spice farm tour - we could've extended that, there was a lot to learn there. I envy one of our friends who took a spice compounding class at another place. We also had a too-short snorkeling trip to Mnemba island. Several more days of this would've have been fantastic. There is evidence of coral bleaching on the reefs there - sad. There are turtle reserves here and there on the island - we didn't know that until too late - if you go look into this and see if you can include a visit. We didn't have time to visit the south part of Unguja island or the Jozani forest.
The bad side of Zanzibar - it's a hustling town. It seemed like every time I stopped to look at something or opened my book, someone would show up to sell me a tour or a souvenir. Our guide said that many of these people just take the money, buy drugs, and live rough on the other side of the Creek road; on the other hand I met a few Somali refugees who'd clearly had a terrible struggle. Nevertheless, the constant interruption gets tiring. There's also a hustle at the airport - as soon as your cab shows up, a porter shows up and your bags are whisked into the gate. He's as demanding as NYC cab driver for a good tip, and one for his girlfriend running the probably fake security check before the gate. Oh well. He did get us to the right gate - things are very informal and low information at the Zanzibar airport, so sorting that out was worth something.
A note about Tanzanian visas - we got them on entry at Zanzibar airport. But unlike what we were told prior, and what others experienced elsewhere in TZ, this port of entry is credit card only, no cash!
A beautiful, hospitable country with vibrant, friendly people and a dazzling array of wildlife.
Tanzania is a place I would love to visit again and would recommend to my friends and family.
The weather was perfect, never humid and only a sweater required for the evenings. Accommodations were clean and well furnished. We were always greeted with hot towels and fresh juice at each new lodging. The food very fresh and delicious. We were a group of Nature Journalists and were guided by Hamadi Ningaa of Face of Africa Adventures. Our guides were expert in their wildlife knowledge and showed the highest level of professionalism and care during our Safari Adventure. Our experience was moving, delightful and educational and for many, the trip of a lifetime. Asante sanato the Face of Africa Adventures team.
QA
Email Dev | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Tanzania is without a doubt one of the most amazing countries I have been to, there was nothing I didn't love about it. Stop thinking about it, go to Tanzania.
Wide array of animal and bird life, and lots of national parks to choose from. Each with it's own unique flavor. The parks are a bit expensive though for someone from Africa.
US
Email John Q | 50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Everything except a Rhino
The animals were wonderful, the people friendly, the scenery divine and service in the hotels excellent. Can not wait to got back.
SV
Email Ana de Roca | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Tanzania's Safari
We visited Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, it was a truly unique experience, we saw migration from Buffalo, Zebras and Ñu, we saw lions hunting and eating a buffalo, we saw a lions with 13 babies. It was one of the best experiences we have ever had. The weather was wonderful, in the mornings and at nights, a pleasant and cool climate, during the day, there was no excessive heat. The guide, accommodations and food was amazing, we loved it!
It was amasing
I had a amasing trip, meet amasing people joseph is bow. Dear friend to me
What an amaizing experience
Beautifull places as well as accomodations. It was really nice to be there.
You can't even explain on words how Tanzania is beautiful. Serengeti, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.
Every aspect is perfect on a holiday visitation in Tanzania. Somewhere that I can visit back next year
Amazing!
The safari in Tanzania was great. The migration is a very unique event! I did not realize that this could be so amazing!
Besides this, Ngorongoro krater is the most beautiful thing i have ever seen. Very special.
We had a very specialized guide with a lot of knowledge. This made the holiday even more intens. Because it i very beautifull to see. But when you know more about the information behind this ecosystems in the National Parks, it is even more intens and very very very beautiful. If wil will go again wel will definitely book again at the company Tanzania Specialist. They have a office in Europe and Arusha in Tanzania. We have booked the 8 days Tanzania safari: https://tanzaniaspecialist.com/reisaanbod/ and we can really recommend this one.
Hotels in Tanzania have very good quality standards and the people are very nice. We really felt ourselves welcome everywhere.
We hope to go back soon.
Lex en Wilma
