Adventure tours: New Zealand South Island Adventure Tour vs. African Safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Quick Verdict
Both tours offer unique adventure experiences; New Zealand focuses on diverse landscapes and activities, while Serengeti is centered around wildlife.
- New Zealand offers diverse landscapes and activities, while Serengeti focuses on wildlife viewing.
- New Zealand tours have varying accommodation and meal inclusions, Serengeti tours generally include all meals.
- Both offer guided activities and knowledgeable guides.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | New Zealand South Island Adventure Tour | African Safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania |
|---|---|---|
| Tour Duration (days) | 3 to 25 days (common durations: 7, 8, 12, 14, and 19 days) | 3-5 days for a quick safari, 4-5 days is recommended, 5-7 days for mid-range, 6-8 days for top parks, 9-11 for a relaxed schedule, and 12+ for maximum wildlife spotting |
| Accommodation Type | Hotels, motels, lodges, hostels, dorm rooms, cabins, camping (mix of accommodation types available) | Budget camping, mid-range and luxury lodges, tented camps, and tented lodges. Mobile tented camps are also available. |
| Included Meals | Some tours include daily breakfasts, some include lunches and dinners. Number and type of meals vary. Some meals are locally-inspired. | Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are usually included |
| Transportation Method | Bus/coach, private vehicles, rental cars, ferries, scenic trains (e.g., TranzAlpine), and internal flights (combination of methods used) | 4x4 safari vehicles, minibuses with pop-up roofs, fly-in safaris via chartered planes |
| Physical Activity Level | Easy to challenging, with options for moderate, active, and strenuous activities. Activities include hiking, biking, kayaking, and multi-sport options. | Walking safaris available, game drives involve traversing various terrains |
| Wildlife Viewing Opportunities | Hector dolphins, sea lions, fur seals, Kea parrots, penguins, and other native birds. Cruises for marine wildlife viewing available. | Great Migration (wildebeest, zebras, gazelles), high density of predators (lions, cheetahs, hyenas), Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, rhino) |
| Price per Person | Varies widely depending on tour length, inclusions, and accommodation type. 7-day tours: US$1,979, US$3,499 + tax; 8-day tours: US$4,695/pp + tax; 12-day tours: US$3,052 - US$4,399 + tax; 14-day tours: From USD 7,999 per person (including taxes and fees); 19-day tours: From $4,999.00 | Mid-range 3-day safari starts at USD 450, luxury experience can reach USD 1700. Daily: $500-$2,500 per person per day. |
Overall Comparison
Duration: Variable; Accommodation: Mixed; Wildlife: NZ (Marine/Birds), Serengeti (Big 5)
Pros and Cons
New Zealand South Island Adventure Tour
Pros:
- Beautiful scenery
- Well-organized itineraries
- Knowledgeable guides
- Opportunities for wildlife viewing
- Variety of activities
- Comfortable transportation
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Accommodation quality varies
- Long drive to Milford Sound (in one review)
African Safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Pros:
- Abundant wildlife viewing opportunities
- Knowledgeable and friendly tour guides
- Comfortable and clean accommodations
- Well-organized itineraries
- Varied and good quality food
- Great value for money
- Witnessing the Great Migration
- Seeing the Big Five
- Hot air balloon rides
- Vastness of the Serengeti
Cons:
- Some areas can get crowded
- Road travel can be bumpy
User Experiences and Feedback
New Zealand South Island Adventure Tour
What Users Love
- Knowledgeable, helpful, professional, and passionate tour guides
- Well-organized itineraries and smooth logistics
- Opportunities for wildlife viewing (whale watching, seal colony visits, bird watching)
- Reliable and comfortable transportation (luxury vehicles with Wi-Fi, scenic train rides)
- Good quality included meals (freshly prepared, locally-inspired)
- Stunning scenery
- Many reviewers would recommend South Island adventure tours to others
Common Complaints
- One review mentioned a long drive to Milford Sound in one day.
Value Perception
- Many reviewers felt that the tours provided good value for money, citing the range of activities and experiences included.
User Recommendations
- Not available
African Safari in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
What Users Love
- Knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate guides
- Cleanliness is often mentioned positively
- Smooth and well-organized journeys
- Abundant wildlife
- Comfortable and well-maintained Toyota Land Cruisers
- Good food quality with varied options
- Great value for money
- Highly recommended for the wildlife, landscapes, and overall experience
Common Complaints
- Some areas can get crowded
- Road travel can be bumpy
Value Perception
- Great value for money, especially considering the experience