Hello, my husband and I are planning a safari for June 2027 including Tarangire, Ngorangoro crater and Sarengetti. We are interested in the 14-15 day itineraries, ending in Zanzibar. We have info from Ravina Tours and Travels Ltd and Tanzania Specialists. Thoughts on these two companies? Suggestions? Thank you

Answer

Hello! June 2027 is a fantastic time to visit Tanzania, and a 14–15-day safari ending in Zanzibar is a wonderful choice for a couple. Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti are three of Tanzania’s most rewarding wildlife destinations, and combining them with Zanzibar gives you a lovely balance of adventure and relaxation.

Regarding Ravina Tours and Travels Ltd and Tanzania Specialist, both are worth considering, but I would recommend comparing their actual itineraries before deciding. Ravina Tours and Travels is a Nairobi-based safari company offering customized Kenya and Tanzania safaris, including private wildlife tours and Zanzibar holidays. Tanzania Specialist is an established Tanzania-focused safari operator offering tailor-made safari packages. I wouldn’t declare either company better without comparing their current quotations, independent customer reviews, accommodation selections, and booking conditions.

For your particular trip, I would pay close attention to how many nights each company has allocated to Serengeti and where the lodges are located. June is an interesting period for the Great Wildebeest Migration because the herds often move towards the Western Corridor, depending on rainfall. However, the exact movements vary each year. Central Serengeti is excellent for resident wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, and giraffes, even when the main migration herds are elsewhere.

With 14–15 days available, I would suggest spending two nights in Tarangire, one or two nights around Ngorongoro, three or four nights in Serengeti, and four or five nights in Zanzibar, allowing additional time for arrival and transfers. This would give you enough time to enjoy the safari without constantly changing accommodation.

Another important consideration is transport. I would recommend a private 4×4 Land Cruiser for the safari and a scheduled flight from Serengeti to Zanzibar rather than returning all the way to Arusha by road. This saves valuable holiday time and makes the journey more comfortable.

When comparing the two quotations, look carefully at the following:

• Accommodation: Are the lodges inside the parks or far outside the main wildlife-viewing areas?
• Game drives: Are they private, and how much time is allocated to wildlife viewing?
• Park fees: Are all entrance fees, concession fees, and Ngorongoro Crater descent charges included?
• Transport: Is the safari conducted in a private 4×4 Land Cruiser with an experienced driver-guide?
• Flights: Does the quotation include the domestic flight to Zanzibar?
• Zanzibar: Which beach area and hotel are included, and what meal plan is offered?
• Booking conditions: What are the payment schedule, cancellation terms, and refund policies?

One thing I would strongly advise is not choosing a safari company based on price alone. A slightly more expensive itinerary with better-located lodges and more time in the parks can offer a much better experience than a cheaper package involving long daily transfers.

For Zanzibar, I would recommend Kendwa or Nungwi if you enjoy swimming and relaxing on beautiful beaches. If you are interested in history and culture, spending one night in Stone Town before heading to the beach is also worth considering.

My recommendation: Ask Ravina Tours and Travels Ltd and Tanzania Specialist to provide detailed day-by-day itineraries with the exact lodge names, number of nights, inclusions, exclusions, and total cost. Compare them side by side and check recent independent reviews before paying a deposit.

June is a popular safari month, so it is sensible to start planning early, especially if you want particular lodges or well-located Serengeti camps.

Overall, your proposed holiday sounds excellent. With a well-planned route, a knowledgeable guide, and enough time in Serengeti, you can enjoy an unforgettable Tanzania safari followed by a relaxing Zanzibar beach holiday.