In 2021 I decided to realize one of my dreams: a safari in Africa. I chose Tanzania as a country to also enjoy the beaches of Zanzibar!

Having my flight to Tanzania very early on Monday morning, I decided (after my half marathon in Paris) to spend a night near Charles de Gaulle. I technically couldn’t make it to the airport on time by transport so in the end it didn’t cost me much more than a taxi and I was able to sleep a little more!

• Trip

I took a first flight to Kilimanjaro airport to make a few days safari.
– Day 1 : Arrival at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to Arusha
– Day 2 : Visit of Tarangire national park
– Day 3 : Crossing the Ngorongoro Reserve and afternoon at Serengeti
– Day 4 : Day at Serengeti
– Day 5 : Descent into the crater of Ngorongoro
– Day 6 : Transfert to Arusha, domestic flight to Zanzibar and transfer to Kendwa

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The second part of my stay was on the island of Unguja in the archipelago of Zanzibar.
– Day 7 : Chill at Kendwa
– Day 8 : Day at Mnemba island
– Day 9 : Chill at Kendwa
– Day 10 : Transfer to Stone Town and visit of Freddy Mercury’s museum
– Day 11 : Day on Chumbe island
– Day 12 : Go back to Stone Town and city tour
– Day 13 : Jozani forest
– Day 14 : Chill at Stone Town and flight back

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• Tanzania usefull information

Plug socket

The plug system is the British system. Namely that I personally use a universal adapter (all types of plugs are included in it) with 4 USB ports and a classic French plug that allows me to charge everything at the same time, it’s really very practical! I even use it at home.

Currency

The local currency is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS). 1 euro is approximately equal to 2730 TZS. The American dollar and even the euro are accepted in many touristic structures (and the safari is paid in dollars). But often it’s a bit more expensive because the exchange rate is rounded.

ATM

As in many foreign countries, most ATMs charge fees when withdrawing. Note that the KCB bank does not take it, but in Zanzibar there is only an ATM in Stone Town. In the big villages of Zanzibar you can also find other distributors but remember to withdraw enough if you stay in a smaller place.

Tips

Here tipping is cultural! It’s quite disconcerting when you come from a country that doesn’t have this culture. Everyone you meet will expect a tip (restaurant, guides, drivers, bag carriers, etc.). I’m not expert enough to advise an amount… Often in restaurants I left change and small notes. For guides, helpers, drivers, etc. I often gave 10000TZS.

• Budget for 2 weeks in Tanzania

Well clearly, Tanzania is very bad for the wallet. Especially with a safari in the northern parks. I had for 4157E in all… And yes! But that includes my equipment, my hotel night at CDG, etc. But I must say that not everything was essential… For example, I bought a filter gourd which I did not use (bottled water), mosquito repellent which I did not use either (but buy some anyway, it depends on the period).

So that’s 297E/day overall with plane ticket. And 235E/day without the flight, the hotel night at CDG and the equipment.

– Equipment before : 256,5 (clothing for safari, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, water filter, waterproof bag, etc.)
– Hotel at CDG : 89,5E
– Flight 519,5E
– Visa + test : 51E
– Safari : 1978E
– Other activities : 172,5E
– Accomodation : 608E
– Transport : 173,5E
– Food : 111E
– Souvenirs : 173,5E
– Other (wifi, bank fees) : 24E

• For my next stay in Tanzania

What I will do again with pleasure :

– A safari! Maybe other parks or during the Serengeti during the great migration.
– Chumbe island, we are really out of time

What I won’t do again :

– Stone Town because I’ve done it now.
– Tarangire park and Ngorongoro crater, once is enough

What to do in addition :

– Other islands of the Zanzibar archipelago (eg Pemba)
– East coast of Unguja (Paje, Jambiani)
– Mafia island
– Discover Dar es Salam
– Why not Tanzanian coast!