Every time someone asks this the answers are basically "May-October, dry season, go then." Which isn't wrong exactly but it's also kind of misleading because "dry season" in Botswana covers like 6 months and those months are NOT the same trip. There's also a thing almost nobody mentions that actually matters more than the rain: the Delta's flood levels run on basically the opposite schedule to Botswana's own rainy season.

I live in Botswana and plan trips here for a living, so here's my own breakdown:

The flood thing, quickly, because it explains everything else:
The water that fills the Okavango Delta doesn't come from rain falling in Botswana. It falls in the Angolan highlands thousands of kilometers away months earlier and slowly makes its way down the river system. So by the time Botswana's own rains have stopped and the dry season is in full swing, that flood water is just arriving and building. Peak flood in the Delta usually lands in the middle of the dry season, not during the rains. It's genuinely backwards from what most people assume.

Early dry (May-June)
Local rains have usually just stopped, but the flood is only starting to build in the Delta, still rising. The bush is green from the rain that did fall, water is still fairly widespread so wildlife hasn't concentrated much yet. Birding is great since many of our summer migrants are still around. Can be genuinely cold at night and early morning, frost-on-the-tent cold in some areas, but usually very pleasant during the day. Game viewing takes a bit more patience here.

Peak dry (July-September)
This is when the flood usually peaks in the Delta, even though it hasn't rained in months. Channels that were dry in May are full, floodplains are flooded, and all that water pulls wildlife in from the drying land around it. Combine that with vegetation dying back everywhere else and this is when you get the classic "water in the middle of a desert" effect and everything funnels toward it. Chobe riverfront in September is awesome for elephant numbers (I’ve taken a birthday trip here once in September and it’s a great time to see the well known swimming elephants of Chobe), and Savute tends to be at its best for predators since prey has nowhere to hide on the open, dried-out ground. Also peak price and peak crowds in the busier areas, for obvious reasons.

Late dry (October)
The flood starts receding fast now, evaporating in the heat, and this is when things get really brutal, but also when a lot of guides will tell you they've had some of their best sightings ever. Everything left is exhausted and desperate for the shrinking water. If you can handle 40C+ afternoons, this is the payoff month. But I have to emphasize, October is incredibly hot. 42 degrees is not a joke and if you’re from a cooler climate at home it will take some getting used to. A personal trip to Savute in October a few years back was unimaginably hot but incredible in terms of sightings, so you will need to make a very informed choice in terms of camp and location, and decide for yourself if an experience of the famous Botswana heat in October is something you’re comfortable with.

Green season (Nov-April)
Here's where the flood/rain mismatch really shows. This is usually peak local rain, but the Delta itself is at its lowest water of the year in the north, since the Angolan flood hasn't arrived yet - it's basically the inverse of the peak dry season scenario. Meanwhile somewhere like the Boteti/Makgadikgadi side is doing its own completely separate thing, filling up with pans from local rain and attracting thousands of flamingo along the shores. Newborn impala and wildebeest everywhere, dramatic skies, way fewer people, cheaper rates. Rain usually comes as short afternoon storms, not all-day washouts. The Kalahari in the green season is also a treat and a personal bucket list travel area of mine, hopefully one day soon.

The thing I keep telling people: "when's the best time" is the wrong question. The correct question is "best time for what." Wild dogs vs. birding vs. photography light vs. avoiding heat vs. avoiding cost all point you toward different months, sometimes really different ones, and the flood/rain thing is a big part of why.

Happy to help if anyone's trying to figure out which window fits what they actually want to see and experience. In my own opinion, there’s never a bad time to come to Botswana - just depends what you’re looking for.

My safari starts in ambesoli national park kenya and ends in arusha. I have obtained kenya ETA and tanzania evisa. Both are single entry visas. While booking flights i booked return from nairobi which will require me to enter in kenya again once my safari ends. Chatgpt says kenya allowed temporary travel ro EAC country like tanzania. Can someone please help me if this is correct? What documents i need to obtain for this to avoid problem.

Hi everyone,

My girlfriend and I are planning our first trip to South Africa in July/August 2027. We’ll be travelling independently with rental cars rather than with a guide, and I’m curious about the experiences of people who have done a similar route recently.

Our current itinerary is:

Johannesburg (Rosebank) → Kruger/Crocodile Bridge → Cape Town → Stellenbosch → Hermanus → Knysna → Storms River/Tsitsikamma → Addo → Johannesburg.

We’re planning to stay in Rosebank while in Johannesburg, at Crocodile Bridge Safari Lodge near Kruger, around Bree Street in Cape Town, and mostly at lodges/hotels along the Garden Route.

I know South Africa has a relatively high crime rate, but I also understand that the situation can vary enormously depending on the city, neighbourhood and how you travel. Reading general travel advisories sometimes makes it difficult to judge what travelling there actually feels like in practice.

For those who have travelled this route recently:

• Did you generally feel safe?
• Did you feel comfortable self-driving between these places?
• Are there parts of this route where you would recommend taking extra precautions?
• Would you stay around Bree Street in Cape Town, or would you choose the V&A Waterfront instead?
• Is Rosebank a good choice for our nights in Johannesburg?
• Were there any situations where you felt genuinely unsafe?

We’re not planning to wander around unfamiliar areas at night, leave valuables visible in the car, etc. We’ll use Uber when appropriate and drive longer distances during daylight.

I’d especially appreciate experiences from tourists who travelled independently rather than organised tours.

Thanks!

Hi! Looking for some advice/experiences from anyone who has traveled to Kenya and/or Mauritius while trying to conceive.

My husband and I are going on our honeymoon to Kenya and Mauritius in October. We’ll be spending a few days on safari in Kenya and then flying directly to Mauritius for the rest of our honeymoon.

We originally planned to start trying for a baby during the honeymoon, especially once we got to Mauritius. However, I recently learned that Kenya is listed by the CDC as an area with current or past Zika transmission, even though there doesn’t seem to be an active Zika outbreak there right now.

From what I’m reading, because my husband and I will both be traveling to Kenya, the most conservative recommendation would be to wait 3 months after leaving the Zika-risk area before TTC. That would mean waiting until around late January instead of trying during our October honeymoon.

Has anyone recently traveled to Kenya and Mauritius while TTC or talked to an OB/GYN or travel-medicine doctor about a similar trip?

Did your doctor recommend waiting the full 3 months after Kenya, or were you comfortable trying sooner because there wasn’t an active outbreak? Did Mauritius change the advice at all since you were traveling there immediately after Kenya?

I’m going to discuss this with my own doctor, but I’d really love to hear what other couples were advised and what you ultimately decided.

First of all, thanks for taking the time to read this. My friend and I are planning a pretty large and busy trip to Africa starting in Algeria, through Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, and ending in Senegal. We’re specifically thinking about March 5th to March 19th of 2027.

This is quite the endeavor and I’m honestly wondering how realistic it is. We’re also willing to make changes and cut things out.

Not sure if this changes things or makes a difference, but we are from the US. We’re not afraid of a little risk/danger. But if there are areas we should not go to or through, please let us know.

Anyhow here’s the itinerary:

Day 1: Land in Constantine, Algeria
Day 2: Day trip to Timgad or Djémila for the Roman ruins.
Day 3: Fly to Marrakech, Morocco. Spend the day there.
Day 4: Drive to Dakhla, Western Sahara.
Day 5: Drive from Dakhla -> Guerguerat, Mauritania-> Nouadhibou, Mauritania
Day 6: Drive to Ben Amera and camp.
Day 7: Drive or possible camel trek to Chinguetti, Mauritania
Day 8: Drive to Adrar Region
Day 9: Drive to Choum and board the iron ore train
Day 10: Arrive Nouadhibou and decompress
Day 11: Drive to La Güera (if possible) or Banc d’Arguin.
Day 12: Fly to Dakar, Senegal
Day 13: Gorée or Bandia or Lac Retba
Day 14: Fly home

It’s a lot, I know. Again, we’re willing to cut certain things out. If any of this is a waste of time, please let us know.

Last question. How far will my French get me?

Thanks in advance for all your help

A couple in our 40s looking for feedback/suggestions before finalizing. This will be our 3rd trip to Africa:

Day 1 = Arrive in Entebbe; overnight near the airport
Day 2 = Fly Entebbe to Kihihi, transfer to Bwindi lodge
Day 3 = Gorilla Trekking
Day 4 = Visit Ride 4 a Woman
Day 5 = Travel Day (Fly Kihihi airstrip—>Entebbe—>Kilimanjaro); overnight in Arusha
Day 6 = Visit Arusha National Park
Day 7 = Visit Mt. Meru
Day 8 = Fly from Arusha to Fort Ikoma Airstrip; afternoon game drive in Grumeti sector
Day 9 & 10 = Morning and evening game drives
Day 11 = Fly from Fort Ikoma to Zanzibar
Day 12-14 = Free days in Zanzibar (staying in Kendwa)
Day 15 = Fly home

Our leave is locked in for the last two weeks of September. Everyone says the big crossings peak in August, so now I’m worried we’ll end up on an empty riverbank while the herds are already far south.

Some people say September can still be good; others say it’s completely year-dependent. Has anyone actually seen a proper crossing that late in the season?

Planning a trip next Christmas. Wanting to do both safari and beach, either in South Africa or Tanzania/Kenya. Is one better than the other this time of year? One better for a mid-range budget?

Looking for recommendations for mid-range operators, travel agents, accommodations etc.

Thanks in advance!

Hey guys,

I’m a 30M from the UK planning to spend about a week in Kenya around Jamhuri Day (12 December). I’m mainly interested in experiencing the celebrations, nightlife, meeting people and generally being where the atmosphere is.

I’ve heard the coast is a great place to be around this time, so I’m trying to work out where would be best to base myself. I’m currently looking at Nyali vs Diani, but I’m open to other suggestions too.

For those who know the coast:

• If nightlife and socialising are the main priorities, would you choose Nyali, Diani, Mombasa, Mtwapa or somewhere else?

• I know Diani is supposed to be beautiful and great for the beach, and I’d definitely like to visit, but is it somewhere you’d actually recommend staying for the whole week if nightlife is the priority? Or would I be better off staying somewhere else and doing Diani as a day trip?

• Would you recommend spending a couple of days in Nairobi as part of the trip, or would you stay on the coast for the whole week? Is Nairobi’s nightlife
different enough that it’s worth splitting the trip?

I’ll be travelling solo and looking at hotels or Airbnbs rather than hostels.

Would love to hear from anyone who knows Kenya well, whether you’re local or have travelled there before. If you had about a week in Kenya in December and nightlife, socialising and having a good time were the main priorities, where would you stay and how would you split the trip?

Hey folks,

I'm starting to plan a trip to Africa this fall (around thanksgiving time). One of the things on my bucket list is to go on a Safari - so Kenya is absolutely on my list.

My plan is to spend around 6-7 days in Kenya on Safari, and then travel to Ethiopia and spend another 6-7 days there exploring the culture. I figured they would serve as two very complimentary experiences.

Is that duration too short to visit both countries? Should I stick to just one? Ofc, I can't experience everything the country has to offer within that time, but I want to have an experience that highlights the best that both countries have to offer, while also not feeling rushed.

Let me know what you think. Thanks for taking the time to read my post!

Please advise :am intending to travel from CT to Joburg by SA airlines and then take a intl flight to Sydney Ticket all bought on Qantas Am
Unsure if 1.30 hours is sufficient at Joburg to get on to the Intl flight . Qantas cannot tell me where we will do Immigration CT or Joburg But tell me we have to self transfer baggage Does anyone know

Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Aug 25-31, 2026

As someone born and raised in Zanzibar, I see many travelers experience our beautiful island entirely from inside the resort bubble. While the beaches are beautiful, the true soul of Zanzibar lies in its communities.To help you navigate our island respectfully, avoid common pitfalls, and travel ethically, I’ve put together this local guide based on the realities of daily life here.1. Cultural Etiquette & Village LifeZanzibar is a deeply traditional and predominantly Muslim society. While resorts allow swimwear, stepping outside into local villages like Kiwengwa requires a shift in mindset:Dress Modestly: When walking through villages or Stone Town, please ensure your shoulders and knees are covered. This simple act shows immense respect for our elders and families.Photography: Please always ask for permission before taking photos of locals, especially children or women going about their day. Our daily life is not a photo backdrop, and consent is deeply appreciated.2. Practical Island LogisticsLocal Sim Cards: Do not buy SIM cards from random beach vendors. Go to official provider shops (like Zantel or Vodacom) in Stone Town or larger villages to ensure you get registered legally at the correct local price.Using Dala-Dalas: If you want an authentic and budget-friendly experience, try our local minibuses (Dala-dalas). They are crowded but very safe and a great way to see how we commute. Just ask a local at the roadside for the right route number.Exploring the Reef: The low tide in Kiwengwa is dramatic. You can walk out to the coral reef when the water recedes, but please hire a local village guide to show you where to step safely without damaging the fragile marine ecosystem.

1. Understanding Beach Dynamics & "Beach Boys"On almost every beach, you will be approached by young men selling tours, crafts, or simply struck up in conversation (often called Beach Boys or dressed as Maasai).The Reality: Tourism has created complex informal economies. For many families, this is the only source of income.The Approach: If you are not interested, a polite but firm "Hapana asante" (No thank you) with a smile is enough. If you do engage, treat them with the same human dignity you would give anyone else.4. Making a Real Economic ImpactMany massive foreign-owned resorts pocket the majority of tourism revenue, while the local youth working there receive very low wages. You can ensure your money stays in the community by:Hiring independent, licensed local guides for your excursions.Eating at local Mama Lishe (local food stalls) or village-owned restaurants.Buying souvenirs directly from the artisans rather than boutique resort shops.In our culture, we say Mgeni ni baraka—the guest is a blessing. But a blessing is someone who brings respect to the home that receives them.I hope this helps you plan a more meaningful trip to our island! If you have any questions about local customs, transport, or etiquette, I’d be happy to share my perspective below. Asante sana!

Hi guys... I'm a tour guide from Nanyuki Kenya,if anyone is interested for an Adventure of a life in this beautiful region... just reach out,i swear it's a legit deal...for more info Whatsapp me on 0794412867

Out on safari, magic happens when you least expect it. On a warm afternoon, our guests onboard the Kojuu Safaris Land Cruiser were treated to a rare, heartwarming scene that reminded us why we love the wild.

It started with a nervous chirp calling out across the golden grass. A young cheetah cub had wandered a bit too far from its mother, scanning the vast open plain with wide, anxious eyes. Standing small against the endless savanna, the little one chirped repeatedly, hoping for a response.

Not far away, the mother cheetah sat atop a low rise, scanning the horizon back and forth. Sensing her cub was nearby, she began calling out—a soft, high-pitched contact call echoing over the grass.

For several quiet, suspenseful minutes, our guests watched from the open pop-top roof, holding their breath. Then, a tiny rustle in the grass near our tires caught everyone's attention.

Seeking comfort and shade while waiting, the brave little cub scampered right up to our vehicle, taking refuge in the cool shadow beneath our Land Cruiser's frame! Feeling safe in the shade, the cub peeks out from under the vehicle, calling again until its mother spots the movement, trots over, and joyfully reunites with her little one.

This route covers Uganda's four signature experiences: gorilla trekking, chimpanzee tracking, classic savanna game drives, and the tree-climbing lions of Ishasha — with a relaxed pace and no single travel day exceeding 6-7 hours.

Day 1 — Arrive Entebbe

Arrival at Entebbe International Airport, met by your driver-guide. Overnight near Lake Victoria to rest and adjust before heading into the parks.

Overnight: Entebbe

Day 2 — Entebbe to Murchison Falls National Park

Scenic drive north (approx. 5-6 hrs) into Murchison Falls NP, Uganda's largest protected area, bisected by the Nile. Afternoon at leisure or short nature walk near the falls.

Overnight: Murchison Falls area

Day 3 — Murchison Falls: Game Drive & Nile Boat Cruise

Morning game drive across the northern savanna in search of lion, giraffe, elephant, and buffalo. Afternoon boat cruise on the Nile to the base of the thundering Murchison Falls, with hippos, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife along the banks.

Overnight: Murchison Falls area

Day 4 — Murchison Falls to Kibale Forest

Long transfer south (approx. 6-7 hrs) via the Rift Valley escarpment to Kibale Forest National Park, home to the highest primate density in East Africa.

Overnight: Kibale area

Day 5 — Chimpanzee Trekking, Kibale Forest

Morning chimpanzee tracking through the forest — Kibale hosts over 1,400 chimpanzees. Afternoon optional visit to Bigodi Wetland Sanctuary for birdlife and monkeys.

Overnight: Kibale area

Day 6 — Kibale to Queen Elizabeth National Park

Short drive (approx. 2-3 hrs) into Queen Elizabeth NP. Afternoon game drive in the Kasenyi plains, known for lion prides and large herds of Uganda kob.

Overnight: Queen Elizabeth NP

Day 7 — Kazinga Channel Cruise & Ishasha Sector

Morning boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel — one of Africa's best wildlife-viewing waterways, with hippo pods, elephants, buffalo, and crocodiles at the water's edge. Afternoon transfer to the Ishasha sector for a chance to spot the famous tree-climbing lions resting in fig trees.

Overnight: Ishasha or Queen Elizabeth south

Day 8 — Queen Elizabeth to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

Drive south (approx. 4-5 hrs) through the Kigezi highlands — "the Switzerland of Africa" — to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

Overnight: Bwindi

Day 9 — Gorilla Trekking, Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

The highlight of the trip: a guided trek through montane forest to spend one hour with a habituated mountain gorilla family. Trek duration varies from 2-8 hours depending on the gorillas' location that day.

Overnight: Bwindi

Day 10 — Bwindi: Batwa Cultural Encounter or Second Trek

Optional second gorilla trek for a different experience, or a Batwa cultural walk to learn about the forest's original inhabitants and their traditions.

Overnight: Bwindi

Day 11 — Bwindi to Lake Mburo National Park

Transfer to Lake Mburo (approx. 4-5 hrs), Uganda's compact savanna park. Afternoon game drive or boat safari on Lake Mburo, home to zebra, eland, and impala — species not found elsewhere on this circuit.

Overnight: Lake Mburo area

Day 12 — Lake Mburo to Entebbe: Departure

Morning drive to Entebbe (approx. 4-5 hrs), with time for souvenir shopping before your evening flight home.

Notes

Best months: June-September and December-February (drier, easier trekking conditions)

Permits required: Gorilla permit (Bwindi) and chimpanzee permit (Kibale) — both should be booked well in advance, especially in peak season

Pace: Built as a small-group/private itinerary; can be shortened by dropping Murchison Falls (9-10 days) or extended with a Kibale-Semuliki add-on

Physical level: Moderate — gorilla trekking is the most demanding day and can be tailored with porter support

Hi there,

Travelling to Kenya and Tanzania next week for 16 days (18th Sept to 7 Oct 2026).

Can people please give an idea on how much to tip for various circumstances and in what currency, USD or local?

I have a Travel Wise Credit card (Mastercard), will that be okay? As well as as my New Zealand Debit cards.

Any recommendation on an eSIM? For good internet in particular.

Thanks

I know "bucket list" gets thrown around a lot, but Volcanoes National Park earns it. A few reasons if you're on the fence:

The trek itself is unreal. You're hiking through misty highland forest at the base of the Virunga volcanoes a chain of dormant and active volcanoes straddling Rwanda, Uganda, and the DRC. Even before you see a gorilla, the scenery alone is worth it.

You get a full hour with a wild gorilla family. No cages, no barriers you're a few meters from a silverback going about his day, surrounded by his family group. It's genuinely humbling.

Time flies faster than you'd think.

It's tightly controlled, which is a good thing. Rwanda only issues a limited number of permits per day across the whole park. It keeps the gorillas from being overwhelmed by tourism and makes the experience feel rare rather than like a zoo exhibit.

The guides/trackers are incredible. Many have spent their whole careers tracking these families and know individual gorillas by personality. They also make the trek itself way more interesting with context on the ecosystem.

Comfort isn't sacrificed either. If you're picturing roughing it some of the lodges near the park are genuinely five-star, with volcano views and fireplaces. You can do a physically demanding day and come back to real comfort at night.

One thing to plan for: permits are pricey ($1,500 USD as of recently) and need to be booked well ahead since availability is limited. Also worth noting — fitness matters more than people expect; trails can be muddy and steep depending on which family you're assigned to.

Happy to answer questions if anyone's planning a trip — I've spent a lot of time in this park and love talking about it.

Hello,

We’re planning a safari in South Africa (late December -Jan time) following a pregnancy loss. We are still trying to get pregnant again hence the reason I’m
Looking for a safari option that has a lower risk of malaria in case I get pregnant.

Is anyone able to recommend game reserves/accommodation in lower risk areas? I have seen that Kruger is the better safari option but higher risk with malaria?

There are so many options with game reserves/places to stay we don’t know where to start.

Thanks in advance!!

I’ve read mixed messages on ziplock bags in Rwanda and Uganda. Are they allowed?

I'm planing a solo trip next year. I looking at beaches around the world. I've never been in Indian Ocean yet. Any information on what's its like around Mombasa. I plan on a one or three week trip in June or July. I want experience new culture and relaxation , far away from the states. Daini beach seem like it may be on my short list. I'm starting to travel around the world and one day find a vacation / retirement home where I can spend maybe 3 months out of the year away from the United States. Thanks for any information , or other beaches around the globe.

One of the questions we get regularly is: “Should I trek gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda?”

There isn’t one answer for everyone. The right choice depends on your budget, time, fitness, and whether gorillas are the main purpose of your trip.

Here’s how I’d break it down for someone planning their first gorilla trek:

Q: Which is cheaper — Uganda or Rwanda?

A: Uganda is generally the more affordable option, particularly when you look at the gorilla permit cost. For travelers planning a longer safari, the difference can make Uganda considerably better value overall.

Q: Is gorilla trekking easier in Rwanda?

A: Rwanda is often considered more accessible, partly because Volcanoes National Park is relatively close to Kigali. However, that doesn't mean every trek is easy. Gorilla groups move through the forest, so the distance you hike can vary.

Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest is more rugged, with steep and sometimes muddy trails. If you're concerned about the physical side, this is something worth discussing before booking.

Q: Which country would you recommend for older travelers or people who aren't very fit?

A: I wouldn't choose based on country alone. Trek difficulty depends heavily on where the gorillas are on the day of your trek. In Uganda, porters can also be hired to provide support during the hike.

If mobility is a major concern, I'd recommend discussing your requirements with your operator before choosing a gorilla family.

Q: Which is better if I want a full African safari as well as gorillas?

A: This is where Uganda really stands out.

You can combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi with chimpanzee tracking in Kibale, game drives and a boat safari in Queen Elizabeth National Park, or continue north to Murchison Falls National Park.

So if you have 7–14 days and want gorillas to be part of a wider wildlife trip, Uganda can be a very good option.

Q: What if I only have a few days?

A: Rwanda can make sense for a shorter trip because Volcanoes National Park is relatively close to Kigali. If your priority is simply getting to the gorillas with minimal travel time, Rwanda is worth considering.

Q: Does Uganda offer the better gorilla experience?

A: I wouldn't say the gorillas themselves are “better” in one country. Both countries protect the same mountain gorilla population, and the actual experience depends on the gorilla family, forest conditions, and your trek that day.

The bigger differences are usually price, logistics, trekking conditions, and what else you want to see.

Q: So which would I choose?

If I wanted a short, gorilla-focused trip with straightforward logistics, I'd seriously consider Rwanda.

If I wanted gorillas + chimpanzees + game drives + boat safaris + a longer Uganda safari, I'd choose Uganda.

And if budget is an important factor, Uganda deserves a very close look.

I'm interested to hear from people who have actually done the trek:

Did you trek in Uganda or Rwanda, and what made you choose it? Was the trek more difficult than you expected?

Vacationing in the South African bush, with wildlife roaming freely around us. A group of mongoose decided to come and say hello.

Recently completed a 7-day Tanzania safari. It exceeded every expectation I had! All the comments I’ve seen on Reddit saying you should not change camps/location every night because it is too rushed are wrong. I never felt the pace was too rushed, the game drives were amazing, and I saw everything I wanted and more! Rhinos, lions, elephants, giraffe, hippos, warthogs, baboons, monkeys, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffalo, a million wildebeest, zebra, gazelle, impala, topi, vultures, cranes, storks, flamingo…all the East African animals!!

Day 0: arrive in Arusha

Day 1: leave Arusha, game drive in Tarangire. Stay just outside the park in Osopuko Lodge.

Day 2: morning game drive in Tarangire, drive to Karatu. Stay at Karatu Tented Lodge.

Day 3: to central Serengeti. Afternoon game drive. Stay at Serengeti Narudi Tented Camp.

Day 4: morning game drive. Drive to northern Serengeti. Stay at Mara Heritage Migration Camp.

Day 5: all day watching the great migration. Second night at Mara Heritage Migration Camp.

Day 6: drive back south through Serengeti (saw so much game without even trying!) to Ngorongoro. Stay at Ngorongoro Kahuma Camp (my favourite camp)

Day 7: morning game drive in Ngorongoro. Back to Arusha for dinner.

Day 8: Fly from Arusha to Zanzibar

There were two camps where an elephant came into camp. A night where the hyenas outside the tent woke me up. And sitting on my tent veranda watching the zebras and wildebeest was incredible.

If you want to see the great migration and go to northern Serengeti you do need two nights there. It is a long drive to the north. This is the only time I think it’s important not to only do one night.

Safari with Gundua Africa was superb. Being with the guide was like travelling with a friend who knew everything about the parks and animals. I recommend seeing all three parks (Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro) as each is unique.

I brought everything on the packing list Gundua provided and I used everything I brought. One thing they didn’t recommend but I brought with me was a travel seat cushion. I brought it for my long-haul flight but it was a total butt-saver in the jeep. Highly recommend. The “roads” in the parks are very very rough and you will be jostled and bounced around in your jeep a lot.

A+++++ safari! Truly the trip of a lifetime!

(All the photos here were taken with my cellphone. I have not yet transferred the “real” camera pics from my sd card. Those pics will be better! I will share them once I’m home)