Questions & Advice

We were in Zanzibar last April and you will get rain but it’s not torrential 24/7 rather heavy down pours mostly in the afternoon. The sun is more often than not out during the day and as it is a humid time of the year the rain helps clear the air. We had 1 day when it rained on and off all day and some days with no rain at all but the norm was warm days with afternoon tropical showers (sometimes heavy) May is much the same. On the weather charts the average number of days with rain in April is recorded as 10 and the average temperature is 27 Centigrade. If you don’t mind some rain you’ll benefit from lower prices and no crowds some resorts close in April to do their maintenance however plenty are open. Drop us an e-mail escape@toescapeto.com to find out what’s open and who is doing the best offers. www.toescapeto.com

On: 31 January 2012

Dear Alex Zanzibar in April is usually rainy however, lately the seasons have changed dramatically hence this year the rains may delay and arrive end of April, beginning of May. Also, it depends where in Zanzibar you are - The Northern tip i.e. Nungwi peninsula usually sees rain in the early mornings and late evenings giving the guests some time to enjoy the in between. On some days, it can remain cloudy for longer, but it is never 24/7 and not gloomy-you can still find alot of things to do on such days. BUT - in the end, it is nature and you never know what happens next - I was giving you my personal insight after knowing the island so well over the years. Hope this helps, Warm regards, Vinay Sapra

On: 31 January 2012

Dear Alex, Although it is indeed the rainy season in April, the weather patterns at Zanzibar are quite unpredictable, also under influence of global warming. I would say it is not all gloomy, but more humid and rainy. Overall it is a good time to visit the island as there usually are much fewer visitors unlike other times (i.e. the dry/peek season) and gives you more a feeling of exclusivity. One important thing to note is that during this time some places (also accommodations) will be closed for renovation. However, there are others that do not close and are open all year round. Of those that are open, you might find that they are also doing some renovations. If you aware of (and don't mind) the above, it is definitely a great time to travel to Zanzibar! Warm regards, Marleen | Asilia Africa

On: 02 February 2012

In short - When it comes to weather, it is very unpredictable. However March / April / May - it's the rainy season in Zanzibar. Unpredictable yes, sometimes it rains 2 days in a row, sometimes it stays dry anywhere from 2 to 5 days. Sometimes there are showers in the morning and sunny breaks follow. Take a good umbrella, avoid the crowds in April and just take the days as they come. It's Zanzibar! All the best.

On: 02 February 2012

Janet, you have intrepid travel tastes and if you ever seek assistance with Southern and East Africa, do let us know! Inspired Journeys, Timeless Moments.

On: 20 January 2012

African-outposts can assist wirth Guinea, but als, not Liberia. We know Africa well

On: 31 January 2012

The advantage of doing a canoeing safari from the Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi River, is that not only do you have the opportunity to experience 'up close and personal' the vast stretches of the Mana Pools flood-plain rich with diverse wildlife, bird species, flora and fauna, but you have the added beauty of the Zambezi Escarpment on the Zambian side which provides a dramatic backdrop to the River.

On: 17 October 2011

Neither, do it from Botswana. The Selinda Canoe Trail was set up in 2009 to take advantage of the Selinda Spillway flowing for the first time in 30 years. This is an untouched and largely uncharted wilderness experience where you will not see any other boats, camps or vehicles. Just you and the wildlife experienced by canoeing and walking down a 45km stretch of a meandering watercourse connecting the Okavango and Linyanti Rivers. 4 days/3 nights all inclusive only USD1760pp between May and October each year. www.greatplainsconservation.com

On: 17 October 2011

Go to the lower Zambezi, in Zimbabwe. Here’s why: Zambezi canoeing is done on a very limited scale on the upper Zambezi above Victoria Falls. The main action is on the lower Zambezi stretch of around 240km from Lake Kariba, past Mana Pools and onwards to Kanyemba on the Mozambique border. This entire stretch of the river is within the Middle Zambezi Biosphere Reserve (on the Zimbabwean shoreline). So you need to be thinking about the lower Zambezi for real Zambezi canoe safari action! You’ll find very limited options on the lower Zambian shoreline – one 4 day “full participation” trail and a few short canoe trails from local lodges and camps. The best options are found on the Zimbabwean shoreline. There’s a 56km stretch from Kariba to Chirundu. This runs through the scenic Kariba Gorge and isn’t game rich. It’s a short 3 day “full participation” camping option. The 70km stretch that continues from Chirundu to Nyamepi in Mana Pools takes 4 days and includes excellent game viewing within Mana Pools itself. This is also a camping option. The 3rd canoeing stretch runs from Mana through what’s known as the Mana Pools – Sapi – Chewore complex which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This safari for a total of 120km runs past the dramatically scenic Mupata Gorge to Kanyemba near the top of the Caborra Bassa dam on the border of Mozambique. All said and done, the most productive stretch is what’s known as the “Mana Shoreline” from Ruchomechi at the upstream point of Mana Pools down to Chikwenya. This is usually a 4 day trail on the river. Game conditions are outstanding and you have options that range from full participation camping to comfortable “backed up” safaris. Here we’re able to combine canoeing with walking safaris in the company of some of Africa’s top professional guides. Lower Zambezi canoeing rates amongst the top ten best things you can do on safari anywhere in Africa! Happy trip planning! John Berry

On: 17 October 2011

Your most reliable options for the Kilimanjaro/Nairobi sector on flights is Safarilink and Air Kenya. Both have good timings to allow you to connect on an onward flight to the Mara or the coast.

On: 15 September 2011

The cheapest and most reliable options are Kenya Airways and Precision Air. They fly out of JKIA directly 3 times a day (morning, afternoon and evening) to Kilimanjaro and the flight takes 1 hour. Another option is Tanganyika Flying Company from Wilson Airport departing around lunch time into Kilimanjaro or Arusha. This flight tends to be a bit more expensive but does connect well with flights from Arusha to various national parks in Tanzania.

On: 15 September 2011

Airkenya flies daily from Kilimanjaro to Nairobi Wilson Airport at 14hr00, this season. To make a reservation log on to www.airkenya.com or call Tel: No. 254 20 3916000

On: 15 September 2011

Hi John In my view you can use Precision Air and Kenya Airways also service that route. You can fly either as they are both top notch airlines. Ben Smit

On: 16 September 2011

Air Kenya / Regional Air. We use them for our clients and most residents sue them as their personal choice for this route.

On: 29 September 2011

Air Kenya / Regional Air. We use them for clients and most residents use them as their personal choice for this route.

On: 29 September 2011