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    Small group tour or private tour: what you need to know

    12 minutes read
    private tour packages easy travel tanzania

    Not sure to take whether a small group tour or a private tour? Then, this guide is for you.

    You find your tour operator, you choose your time of year, and you decide which parks you want to visit. But who do you want to travel with? Not a silly question and the answer is very important, says our expert, Safari Wanderer. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so everything has to be just right – especially your travelling companions!

    Are you unsure whether to take a small group tour or a private tour? Then, this guide is for you.

    You find your tour operator, choose your time of year, and decide which parks you want to visit. But who do you want to travel with?

    That is not a silly question, and the answer is critical, says our expert, Safari Wanderer. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so everything has to be correct, mainly your travelling companions!

    Understanding Small Group Tours in Tanzania

    Small group tours in Tanzania offer an intimate setting for travellers to delve into the country’s diverse landscapes and rich heritage. Focusing on personalized experiences, these tours ensure that each joiner can fully immerse themselves in the wonders of Tanzania.

    From trekking through lush national parks to engaging with local communities, small group tours provide opportunities for meaningful connections and unforgettable adventures. With group sizes typically ranging from 6 to 20 travellers, participants can enjoy a balance between camaraderie and individual exploration.

    Advantages

    1. Small group tours foster social interaction and camaraderie among participants, enhancing the exploration of Tanzania’s local culture and heritage.

    2. These tours offer cost-effective solutions for travellers, as expenses such as transportation and guides are shared among the group, ensuring affordability.

    3. The tour company pre-plans the itinerary, providing convenience and allowing travellers to experience the richness of Tanzania’s local culture without the hassle of organizing logistics.

    Disadvantages

    1. One drawback of small group tours is the potential need for more flexibility in the tour itinerary, as activities and schedules are predetermined.

    2. Participants may experience limited personal space during group travel, particularly during transit or accommodation arrangements.

    3. While small group tours provide opportunities to immerse in local culture, the fixed departure dates may sometimes align with individual preferences or availability.

    Exploring Private Tours in Tanzania

    Private tours in Tanzania cater to the traveller’s or group’s desires and interests, ensuring a bespoke journey through the country’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. With experienced tour leaders at the helm, participants can expect expert guidance and insider knowledge every step of the way.

    Unlike most small group tours, private tours grant travellers exclusive access to sights and experiences, free from the influence of fellow travellers. Private tours offer unparalleled flexibility and customization, whether going on a solo adventure or enjoying a group trip with friends worldwide.

    Advantages

    1. Private tours allow travellers to create a personalized itinerary that aligns with their interests, allowing exclusive access to off-the-beaten-path destinations and cultural experiences.

    2. With a private tour, travellers can enjoy the expertise of an experienced guide who offers in-depth insights into Tanzania’s local culture and heritage.

    3. These tours offer unparalleled opportunities for cultural immersion, enabling travellers to engage meaningfully with local communities and traditions.

    Disadvantages

    1. Private tours often cost more than small group tours, as travellers pay for exclusive services and personalized arrangements.

    2. Travelers are responsible for planning and logistics, which can be time-consuming and need thorough research and coordination.

    3. Private tours may offer limited social interaction, as fewer opportunities exist to engage with other travellers and share experiences.

    Factors to Consider

    1. Group size: Determine whether you prefer the dynamics of a larger group or the intimacy of a smaller one, considering how it may impact your overall experience.

    2. Budget: Evaluate your financial constraints and how they align with the costs associated with each tour option, ensuring it remains within your means.

    3. Travel preferences and goals: Reflect on your personal interests and what you hope to achieve from your Tanzania adventure, whether it’s wildlife spotting, cultural immersion, or adventure activities.

    4. Destination-specific considerations: Consider Tanzania’s unique attractions and logistical challenges, such as weather conditions, seasonal fluctuations, and accessibility to remote areas.

    5. Level of comfort with uncertainty and spontaneity: Assess your tolerance for unexpected changes or deviations from the itinerary, which may vary depending on the tour style.

    Making the Decision

    When deciding between small group and private tours, assessing individual priorities and preferences is crucial, prioritizing aspects like flexibility, social interaction, or personalized attention. Weighing the pros and cons of each pick is essential, considering factors outlined for both types of tours and how they align with your needs.

    Consulting with travel partners or companions can provide valuable input, ensuring consensus and considering their preferences in the decision-making process. Seeking recommendations and reviews from previous travellers offers insights and perspectives that can inform your choice.

    Additionally, considering the specific circumstances of the trip, such as time constraints, special interests, or accessibility needs, is necessary for making an informed decision.

    I know who I am travelling with in a small group tour, so why the question?

    Small group tour

    Well, you have an important choice to make. Yes, of course you already know who’s going with you in a small group tour- maybe just your spouse, or your children too, maybe your safari to Tanzania will be with a group of friends. 

    But depending on the choice you make, you could also be sharing your time and space in Tanzania with someone else. Many operators provide two choices: those that are usually called private tours and those that are called small group tours. The difference is important.

    So what's a private tour?

    Tanzania - 1. Img 4033 - small group tour or private tour: what you need to know

    The clue is in the name. In a private tour, you will be in your safari vehicle in an exclusive party with your chosen travelling companions and no-one else (oh, apart from your driver-guide, of course). 

    Your driver-guide is always in charge (for safety reasons) but other than that you get to ‘call the shots’ without worrying about the needs of others. If you want to look for a lion, your driver-guide will oblige; if you want to spend an hour photographing elephants, not usually a problem (as long as your family or friends agree, of course!) 

    Our private tours, needless to say, are a popular choice with honeymooners, and with those celebrating a special birthday or anniversary.

    And what about a small group tour?

    Tanzania - 6 basic small group easy travel 1024x684 1 - small group tour or private tour: what you need to know

    On a small group tour, you and your group will travel with strangers, like-minded adventurers who will share your love of Africa and its treasures. On safari, a maximum of six passengers travel in the same vehicle – plus the indispensable driver-guide, of course – while on a Kilimanjaro trek there are no more than ten people on a small-group tour. 

    It’s a chance to make new friends, to share experiences and opinions, while still retaining a degree of intimacy.

    Are there any other differences between the small group tour and private tour?

    Tanzania - 1. Tortilis ngorongoro 0097 1 - small group tour or private tour: what you need to know

    Well, exclusivity comes at a price, so typically a private tour will cost more than a small group tour, typically around 10 to 15% more. Apart from that, whichever choice you make, you will enjoy the services of the same expert driver-guide, stay in the same accommodations, see the same wildlife and travel in the same safari vehicles. 

    You just need to decide … who you want to share this amazing experience with!

    Are you unsure whether to take a small group tour or a private tour? Then, this guide is for you.

    You find your tour operator, choose your time of year, and decide which parks you want to visit. But who do you want to travel with?

    That is not a silly question, and the answer is critical, says our expert, Safari Wanderer. This could be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so everything has to be correct, mainly your travelling companions!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    I know who I am travelling with within a small group tour, so why the question?

    Well, you have an essential choice to make. Of course, you already know who’s going with you on a small group tour—maybe just your spouse or your children, too; your safari to Tanzania will be with friends.

    But depending on your choice, you could also share your time and space in Tanzania with someone else. Many operators provide two choices: those that are usually called private tours and those that are called small group tours. The difference is essential.

    So, what’s a private tour?

    The clue is in the name. In a private tour, you will be in your safari vehicle in an exclusive party with your chosen travelling companions and no one else (apart from your driver-guide).

    Your driver-guide is always in charge (for safety reasons), but other than that, you get to ‘call the shots’ without worrying about the needs of others. If you want to look for a lion, your driver-guide will oblige; if you want to spend an hour photographing elephants, it is not usually a problem (as long as your family or friends agree, of course!)

    Our private tours are popular with honeymooners and those celebrating a special birthday or anniversary.

    And what about a small group tour?

    On a small group tour, you and your group will travel with strangers and like-minded adventurers who will share your love of Africa and its treasures. On safari, a maximum of six passengers travel in the exact vehicle – plus the indispensable driver-guide, of course – while on a Kilimanjaro trek, there are at most ten people on a small-group tour.

    It’s a chance to make new friends, share experiences and opinions, and retain a degree of intimacy.

    Are there other differences between the small group and private tours?

    Exclusivity comes at a price, so a private tour typically costs more than a small group tour, typically around 10 to 15% more. Regardless of your pick, you will enjoy the services of the same expert driver-guide, stay in the same accommodations, see the same wildlife, and travel in identical safari vehicles.

    You need to decide … who you want to share this fantastic experience with!

    What is the difference between small group tours and private tours?

    Small group tours typically have a restricted number of participants, usually six to twenty travellers. This limited size fosters a more intimate and personalized experience, where participants can engage closely with each other and the destination.

    In contrast, private tours are meticulously crafted to cater to a single traveller or group’s preferences, interests, and pace. This exclusivity ensures that every journey aspect is customized to meet the participants’ specific desires and requirements, offering unparalleled flexibility and personalization.

    How many people are typically on a small group tour?

    Small group tours typically consist of a carefully curated number of participants, often ranging from as few as six to approximately twenty travellers. This deliberately limited size enables a harmonious balance between fostering camaraderie among participants and ensuring individual attention from tour guides.

    With a smaller group size, travellers can bond with fellow participants, share experiences, and form connections while receiving personalized attention and guidance from tour leaders. The intimate setting allows for meaningful interactions and enriching experiences, enhancing the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of the journey.

    Can I have free time to explore on a small group tour?

    In addition to the structured itinerary, most small group tours incorporate designated periods of free time, allowing participants to explore independently. This free time will enable travellers to delve deeper into their surroundings, uncover hidden gems, or revisit their favourite attractions at their own pace.

    Whether wandering through vibrant markets, indulging in local cuisine, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, the flexibility of free time allows for a more immersive and enriching travel experience. Embracing these moments of autonomy adds a layer of spontaneity and adventure to the journey, fostering a deeper connection with the spot and its culture.

    Will I have my own room on a small group tour?

    Accommodation arrangements on small group tours are diverse and adaptable, tailored to suit travellers’ preferences and budgets as well as the logistical requirements of the destination. Depending on the tour operator and destination, participants may have the option to enjoy single-room accommodations for added privacy and comfort.

    Alternatively, some tours may opt for shared accommodations, fostering a sense of camaraderie and allowing participants to connect with fellow travellers. This variety of accommodation options ensures that small group tours can cater to a wide range of preferences and needs, offering flexibility and choice to suit individual preferences.

    What are the advantages of small group touring?

    Small group touring offers a unique opportunity for travellers to receive personalized attention from tour guides, who can tailor their commentary and assistance to each participant’s interests and needs. This individualized approach fosters deeper cultural immersion, allowing travellers to gain insights into local customs, traditions, and ways of life that may not be accessible in larger tour groups.

    Moreover, the intimate setting of small group tours enables participants to explore destinations at their own pace, whether lingering longer at a captivating site, engaging in meaningful interactions with locals, or simply taking time to savour the ambience of each location visited. This flexibility empowers travellers to fully absorb the essence of the destination, creating richer and more fulfilling travel experiences.

    How do small group tours compare in price to private tours?

    Small group tours are a budget-friendly option for travellers. They offer an economical way to explore destinations without compromising quality. By sharing expenses like transportation and guides among participants, small group tours can significantly reduce individual costs.

    This cost-effectiveness makes small group tours an attractive choice for budget-conscious travellers who seek immersive experiences without the hefty price tag of private tours. Moreover, the shared costs ensure that travellers can maximize their budget, allocating funds towards additional activities or indulgences during the journey.

    Are local guides typically included on small group tours?

    Small group tours frequently feature the invaluable expertise of local guides, who have intimate knowledge of the destination’s culture, history, and attractions. These guides offer engaging commentary and insider insights, enriching the travel experience with their firsthand expertise and anecdotes.

    By tapping into the insights of local guides, joiners gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the destination, uncovering hidden gems and lesser-known stories along the way. This personalized guidance enhances the overall journey, ensuring that travellers gain a comprehensive and authentic perspective of the destination they are exploring.

    Can I customize the itinerary on a small group tour?

    While small group tours typically come with pre-planned itineraries to ensure the efficient exploration of crucial attractions, many tour operators recognize the value of flexibility in meeting diverse traveller preferences. Some operators provide opportunities for customization, allowing participants to tailor aspects of the itinerary to suit their interests and desires.

    This flexibility may involve optional excursions, free time for independent exploration, or alternative activities based on group preferences. These tours strive to enhance participants’ overall satisfaction and enjoyment by accommodating individual preferences, ensuring a personalized and memorable travel experience.

    What are the benefits of private tours?

    Private tours provide a bespoke travel experience explicitly curated to cater to the traveller’s or group’s preferences and interests. With exclusive access to sights and experiences, participants can delve into their passions and interests without the constraints of a predetermined itinerary.

    This flexibility extends to the pace of exploration, allowing travellers to linger longer at their favourite spots or bypass others entirely. By tailoring every aspect of the journey to individual preferences, private tours ensure unparalleled customization and satisfaction for discerning travellers.

    Do private tours allow me to travel at my own pace?

    One notable advantage of private tours is the freedom to dictate the pace of travel according to personal preferences and interests. Without the constraints of a fixed group itinerary, participants can linger longer at captivating sites, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, or take spontaneous detours.

    This flexibility empowers travellers to fully immerse themselves in each experience, savouring every moment without feeling rushed or restricted by group dynamics. Whether seeking a stroll through historic streets or embarking on an adrenaline-fueled adventure, the ability to travel at one’s own pace enhances the overall enjoyment and satisfaction of the journey.

    How do tour companies or tour operators organize small group tours?

    Tour companies meticulously orchestrate small group tours by directing various logistical components. This involves curating destinations that offer diverse experiences, arranging comfortable accommodations, coordinating transportation for smooth transitions between locations, and selecting engaging activities that showcase the essence of the destination.

    Additionally, they enlist the expertise of local guides who provide invaluable insights and facilitate immersive cultural experiences. Through careful planning and attention to detail, tour companies ensure that participants enjoy seamless and enriching experiences.

    Are private tours suitable for solo travellers?

    Private tours cater perfectly to solo travellers, offering tailored experiences that match individual interests and preferences. This personalized approach ensures that solo travellers can fully engage in their chosen destinations without compromising quality or convenience.

    With the flexibility to customize every aspect of the itinerary, solo travellers can create a journey that perfectly aligns with their unique desires and travel style. Whether seeking cultural immersion, adventure, or relaxation, private tours provide the ideal platform for solo travellers to embark on unforgettable journeys.

    Can I request specific activities or experiences on a private tour?

    Private tours offer travellers unique opportunities to tailor their experiences to their interests and preferences. These tours ensure a personalized and unforgettable journey by allowing travellers to request specific activities or experiences.

    Whether exploring a hidden gem, participating in a unique cultural activity, or indulging in a memorable dining experience, private tours cater to individual desires. This customization adds depth and meaning to the journey, creating lasting memories that resonate long after the trip.

    Do private tours offer more privacy compared to small group tours?

    Private tours offer travellers an elevated level of privacy, providing exclusive access to accommodations, transportation, and personalized guidance. With dedicated resources allocated solely to the traveller or group, privacy is ensured throughout the journey.

    This intimate setting allows a more immersive and personal travel experience, free from the distractions of larger tour groups. The personalized attention from guides further enhances privacy, ensuring that travellers can explore destinations at their own pace and in their own space.

    How do I choose between a small group tour and a private tour?

    When deciding between a small group tour and a private tour, consider factors such as group dynamics, budget, and travel preferences. These elements are crucial in determining which tour option best fits your needs and preferences.

    Additionally, evaluate the level of customization desired to tailor your decision further. Understanding the degree to which you want to personalize your travel experience can guide you toward the option that offers the flexibility and individualization you seek.

    Musaddiq Gulamhussein - Owner - Easy Travel Tanzania

    About the author: Musaddiq

    Meet Musaddiq Gulamhussein, owner of Easy Travel Tanzania, a tour company creating life-changing safari experiences for over 35 years. Musaddiq has explored Tanzania, developing a deep understanding of the local cultures and traditions. Follow his journey and gain insights into the African Safari experience through Easy Travel's social media and blog.

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