Safaris in Tanzania and Zanzibar

I am going to Tanzania in 15 of December (2 people). I need help to get some recent information from people that have been there (Lonely Planet guide is more that 2 years old). We are travelling in a bugdet trip, but we can spend a little more, if it is really worth it.

I am shopping for a drinving/walking Safari for 7/8 days in Northern Circuit... I am in contact with some agencies, but I don't know anyone that has used this services. Can someone advise me?

Also, if someone has a good experience (nature, natives, anything that is more original from Tanzania, and not turist made) outside the Safaris, can you share the information?

Good places to stay in Dar es Salaam, just to sleep, and get a bus?

Places to stay and do in Zanzibar (remote zones, if its possible)? And the best/cheap way to get there?

Thank you!

To stay in Dar es Salaam: I used the YWCA for a few nights. It's at a bus stop, just a few blocks from the ocean and the dock for the Zanzibar ferries. Clean, hot water, basic cheap local food, but definitely not a high class place.

In Stone Town I recommend St. Monica's Cathedral. it's a rennovated Catholic cathedral in the middle of town. The room I had was in the larger white section of the building with the art gallery downstairs--try to get one of those rooms. There were patios, fans, and bathrooms and it's just beautiful (and very cheap!).

The best way to get around the island is on a dhalla-dhalla. Just go to the dhalla-dhalla station (a few short blocks from St. Monica's), ask around for the one heading to your destination. I went to Nungwi up north and hit it a few days before tourist season so it was beautiful and deserted (this was late June).

have fun! PM me if you have questions.

-Sarah-

Hi, I'd be interested to find out which safari company you used and how it was as I'm hoping to book a northern circuit trip soon