Tanzania Safari - Plans and Preparation

Plans for Tanzania

Plans for visit to Tanzania fell in place based on my work. Sudden information that would have to visit Arusha, Tanzania in December 2016 had our travel plans in a muddle but raised our expectations as well as our desire for 'The Safari' experience.

I had relative less idea regarding Africa and this would be my first visit to the continent. Initial plans were made with work in Tanzania and break in South Africa. However, after reading and talking to people we decided to experience Tanzania itself and left out South Africa for later dates.

Flight to Tanzania. Flights from India to Tanzania leave from Delhi or Mumbai and reach either Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro. We had to target Kilimanjaro as it is closest (around 50 Kms) to Arusha. Most of the flights are hopping ones. Air India got us to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and then onto Kilimanjaro.

Arusha. This is one the three biggest town of Tanzania, also known as 'A Town'. The hub of all safari drives. All safari rides start and end from this town. View of Kilimanjaro Peak from airport was hidden with clouds but Mount Meru was visible in all its glory from Arusha.

Mount Meru : As Visible from Arusha

Arusha is a town with nightlife and few visitor friendly places. When I say nightlife I mean night. The pubs and lounges come to life only after eleven in the night and go on till wee hours of morning.

Arusha Places.  Cultural Heritage Center, Snake Park, Masai Market, National History Museum, Masai Women Development Center......Information of all these is available on net. Places we found worth visiting are Heritage Center including their Art Gallery and a visit to local Masai Market. However, the must visit place is 'Arusha National Park'. Details of visit later.

Cultural Heritage Center

Safari Planning.  We had around a week for safari. It was falling during the peak season/ time (week preceding Christmas). Identification of safari company started with internet search and talking with local friends. Visit to three companies got us distinct five layers of safari : Basic, Budget, Budget Plus, Luxury, Luxury Plus. Costs of each range from USD 1600 to USD 3000 per person. It all depends on your time availability and budget and these guys tailor make safari visit for each group.

Fortes Safari. I homed onto 'Fortes Safari' based in Arusha through recommendations of local Indian friends. This is a company based in Arusha, has distinct office with vehicles, does not believe in massive presence on internet but has extremely good spoken reputation. We finally got a great deal through Fortes which was in luxury segment but was barely USD 100 dollar more than budget safari quotes from other companies. After massive planning, calculations (including conversion rates) and swiping cost of cards (all places charge 5% cost of transaction if debit/ credit card payment), we finally booked safari starting from 18 December to 23 December 2016.

Safari Plan. 

18 Dec - Arusha to Manyara. Visit Manyara National Park. Night Halt Serena Manyara.

19 Dec - Manyara to Serengeti vis Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Oldupai Gorge and Masai Boma visit. Night Halt Serena Serengeti.

20 Dec - Visit Serengeti National Park. Night Halt Serena Serengeti.

21 Dec - Serengeti to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Night Halt Serena Ngorongoro.

22 Dec - Visit Ngorongoro Crater. Move to Tarangire. Night Halt Sopa Tarangire.

23 Dec - Visit Tarangire National Park. Move to Arusha by evening.

Lunch at Temba Club with Mutabuzi and Family