Southern Tanzania, Part 1: Getting There

I have wanted to go on safari in the Southern Parks of Tanzania for a long time and jumped at the chance to visit some of the last true wilderness in East Africa. I flew British Airways to London and then Emirates Air to Dar es Salaam.

The current visa fee for Tanzania is $100 and we were able to get our visa upon arrival at the airport. 90% of the people arriving Dar obtained their visa at the airport. We overnighted in Dar es Salaam at the Holiday Inn. I was pleasantly surprised the hotel was comfortable, the food was good and the rooms were clean.

We flew out early from the Dar domestic terminal to Ruaha National Park. Between the parks Coastal Air operates Cessna Caravans that hold 12 passengers. We received an Africa welcome with giraffe’s on the landing strip. Our camps would be visiting a mixture of Adventure Camps of Tanzania and Selous Safari Camps which are all tented accommodations. The camps close during the last weeks of March for the rainy season, and they stay closed for 6 to 9 weeks. Best time to visit is June through February.