Should I visit Tanzania or SA?

Question

I am interested in going on a wildlife safari with five of my colleagues. We have saved adequate amount of money for this trip and there is a good scheme from a travel agent who has offered us a one week trip. My relative who worked in Tanzania in the 1980's for about ten years advised me to go to Tanzania but I feel S.A would be a better option.
here are our priorities:
1. Easiness of getting a visa.
2. We must be able manage with English.
3. Good law and order.
4. Adequate medical care facilities.
5. Hygienic food, preferably vegetarian. No meat other than Chicken or fish.

My intent is not a comparison. Just want to know which would be better according to my priorities.

Answer 1

I have visited both countries. Here is my opinion:



1. Tanzania - a beautiful country with many natural wonders to see. Visas are available at the airport and depending on your nationality will cost you between $50-$120. People are nice and friendly for the most part. It is extremely expensive for a foreigner to visit its natural reserves or do anything period. Decent medical facilities are almost non-existent. In case of an emergency, you will be evacuated out of the country to Kenya or South Africa. Crime is high and always on the rise, especially in the tourist areas. It is mostly a petty crime. Police is bureaucratic and corrupt, so do not expect any justice, especially if you are white. They believe all whites are rich, which means stealing is not a crime. Almost any food is available, but it could be expensive as well. Never ever drink or brush your teeth with a tap water.



South Africa is significantly more developed than Tanzania. Visas are available upon arrival and are cheap. Medical care is excellent at the level of a developed nation. Crime situation is very bad, sometimes ends with fatalities. As long as you use common sense and follow instructions, you have nothing to worry about. Numerous armed guards with dogs and electric fence serve as a good deterrent. South Africa is a country of racists - both white and black. They hate each other and it shows everywhere you go. Safaris are well priced and very organized.



You may consider one more country - Kenya. It is similar to Tanzania, but more organized, better developed, better prices. In fact, you can set up your journey from Kenya to see Tanzania as well, and it will be much cheaper than doing it in Tanzania.

Answer 2

I'm surprised that Suhaifa thinks SA is so clearly the best choice.



One thing is that SA does have a South Asian minority, so perhaps Indian and vegetarian food will be easier to come by. But I think Tanzania may also have a South Asian minority population?



Next, law and order... well, SA is famous for being a very, very dangerous place. I mean among the worst in the world. For example - people in South Africa are afraid to stop at a red light at night - they keep driving, risking a terrible accident, because they're more afraid of being car-jacked. And as far as I can tell, there are no really safe areas - the crime rate is similarly very high in every state in South Africa. The link below will confirm that Tanzania has a much lower murder rate.



English shouldn't be a problem in either country - both were English colonies and if anything, Tanzania has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, especially regarding safaris.



Medical care and visas I don't know. I would think similar. South Africa USED to be a top-notch, near first world country, but it's been going downhill for quite a while now. Most of the good doctors and other educated people fled to the US, Australia and Europe. The country seems to be headed in the direction of Zimbabwe - more racism and more racial conflict.



But you're only going for a short vacation - I'm sure you'll enjoy either country without incident. (Provided you're going on a package tour - I don't know about independent travel in those countries). But I would lean towards Tanzania, especially as you have a relative you can give you some tips (and you'll make him/her happy by going with Tanzania).



In any case, you can find TONS more info on Lonely Planet .com (see link below).



Have fun!

Answer 3

Ease of getting entry visas is about the same in both countries especially for a weeks vacation.



I assume you will be staying at lodges as part of your package holiday when on safari, therefore English will be spoken wherever you choose, all lodges normally have English speaking staff.



Law and order, if by this you mean a stable country then both are pretty much the same, if you mean crime rates then Tanzania is generally safer, SA has high crime rates in some of it's cities.



Adequate medical care, is there a known problem and is that why you are asking? if not them health care is an issue wherever you go in Africa out side of cities, I assume by going on safari you intend to be in the bush. Most lodges will have an arrangement for medical cover and have first aid treatments again if there is a specific issue you should let them know in advance.



You'll need to let whatever lodge you intend to stay at know of your dietary requirements prior to going to ensure they can cater for you, bush lodges by their very nature do not have easy access to shops, this will give them time to get in things for you, food hygiene has never been a problem in my experience. I run a lodge in Northern Zambia deep in the bush, I also need to know my clients dietary requirements prior to a visit as getting supplies in can be difficult at short notice as long as we know in advance we can meet most client requirements.



For example we have catered for , vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant, Halal and Mediterranean diet .

Ask your travel agent to contact the lodge for you to let them know your requirements.



Personally I would opt for Tanzania, the game is better by an large and usually slightly cheaper

Answer 4

Definitely South Africa. Its the more practical and easy choice. English is spoken widely and there is more law and order in SA than Tanzania I'm sure