1

You may be lucky and find a group with a local operator.

However, you could always try one of the group tour specialists, like Exodus, Explore, Adventure Company, Intrepid, Imaginative Traveller. Wild About Africa also do group tours but slightly more upmarket. You also might be able to find something through one of the overland companies like Acacia or Africa Travel Co.

All of these will outsource the safari to a local company, but they're doing the job of getting the groups together. Of course, I guess the problem is with finding one to fit your dates.

2

prices for safaris depend on the number of days, the standard of accomodation (and cars) and the number of people. So yes, if you end up on your own, the operator will charge you a very hefty fee for a "private safari". So if you find an operator who organises group trips and can squeeze you into one, you will get a considerably better price. I don´t know the Tanzanian operators, but in Kenya there are some who focus on the "beach and safari" charters, and while some people frown upon minibusses and only think a safari in a 4x4 is true style - it´s better to have an affordable safari than none, right? If you are in UK, you might check on the companies charter tours use and try to google them for offers.

As far as camping goes, it is often the most expensive option. While there are a few campsites where people actually pitch a tent, use public washrooms and cook on their gas cooker, "camp" often is the luxury, out of Africa-style experience with bungalow-size tent including a private bathroom and a four poster bed. Looks all very pretty, but at a price! And generally Tanzania is an expensive safari country, compared to other countries in the region (not that they are ever dirt cheap!)

hope this helps and you can organise yourself a safari - if you are lucky to be sent there from your company and can take a few extra days, it seems to be a great opportunity

3

Hey,

I was in Tanzania about two weeks ago and did a 3 day safari to Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara and Tarangire (ignore spelling I suck at that). We travelled with Tanzania Travel Company, had a few minor hiccups but they gave us a great price and we stayed in really nice lodges.

In terms of camping, it isn't the most expensive thing at all if you chose not to stay inside the actual national parks. I met a couple who had been camping and they did theirs very cheaply as they stayed just outside the parks, and they were also the only ones camping so the host/owner gave them a lot of attention! Obviously that can't be guaranteed but camping is really good, they seemed to enjoy it and just bugspray a lot: insects get everywhere, even expensive lodges!

I wouldn't worry about going by yourself. Safari companies (good ones) shouldn't charge too much more for one person although obviously the more people the cheaper, perhaps you could ask if there were any other small parties you could tag along to? Some people I climbed kili with were in a car with another pair who were strangers and got along fine - you all want to see the same things!

Tanzania is relatively expensive - there is no real backpacker trail so you are going to be looking higher end then other places in the world. But Ngorongoro crater genuinely is one of the most spectacular places I have ever been, and it contains the potential to see the big 5! Plus there is the Serengeti on your doorstep if you could spare a few extra days and dollars, honestly don't be put off by being alone it was the best trip I've ever had!

(A clue for prices, I was with two other people and we paid roughly £650 each for three days, meals and accommodation included, the only thing not included was tips. But do do your own research and communications to make sure you get the best deal you can whilst getting the best safari experience - our car did break down for a few hours....)

Hope this helps

Edited by: JAJS

4

Hi Scotty, I am also a single traveller, 29yo female from Australia who is desperately trying to organize a safari for next week through Serengeti/ nogorogoro for 3-5 days. Although I'm fairly stuck with dates as I have to fly out of Dar on the 27th Oct, are you looking at similar dates? I would be willing to fit most budgets, don't mind camping etc...

Does anyone else know of people trying to go for safari then? I really don't want to miss out!

Cheers,
Orzanna

5

Dear all

thanks so much for all your help and replies and ideas. I just wish i had more time to do this :)

I have had a quote from Tanzania Travel Company for 4nights 5days -- £1500, staying in lodges along the way. It sounds good -- but I'm not sure if that is expensive.

Orzanna -- unfortunately your dates are too early for me. Im thinking of around the 22nd November.

Scotty