Your Guide to Additional Things to Do on Tanzanian Safari

Safari Add Ons In Tanzania

Safari add ons are activities that you can add to all our itineraries. There is much more than just safari from the vehicle. There are interesting and exciting activities for curious, active guests that want to upgrade safari with additional exciting activities from ballooning to hiking and more.

When you are booking a safari in Tanzania, you probably know there is much more to do besides game drives. Since we have lots of questions from our clients, we have created a simple  review of things you can do in each Tanzanian main National park.

Night Game Drive

A night game drive is a special safari on which you will encounter nocturnal animals such as hippos, lions, leopards, genets, porcupines, civet cats, white-tailed mongoose, aardvarks and cape hares. Night game drive is one of the most popular and exciting activity on safari.Night game drives possible in Tarangire and Lake Manyara area.

Walking Safari

Walking Safaris are specially designed, where you will not only rush past beautiful landscapes but also to learn something of its flora and fauna. And you will surely experience the true wilderness of Africa!

Walking Safari Nature walks are always accompanied by game rangers and armed, experienced and trained guides to ensure safety. Guides will also show you special flowers, plants, trees, birds, reptiles and animals.  Walking safaris are available in area of Lake Manyara, Arusha NP and Tarangire area.

Horse Riding Safari

A horse riding safari will probably be the most thrilling experience of your life, since you will come much closer to wildlife than you would do on a driving or walking safari. You could maybe also stop for a watering rest at the same places as hippos, elephants, zebras, gazelles and giraffes. This activity is available in Lake Manyara area.  Special conditions apply. Contact us for more info.

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Viewing African landscape from above is unforgettable experience. The balloon safari in Tanzania offers panoramic views of the awe inspiring landscape sights and possibility of taking very nice pictures of animals like cheetah, lions, leopard, elephants buffalo, hippo, cheetah, vultures, eagles, wildebeest, zebra, baboon, warthog, monkey, giraffe and many other animals species below. Balloon safaris are available in Serengeti and Tarangire National park.

Canoeing

Canoeing Safari is the ultimate in relaxing excitement to enjoy the astonishingly beautiful scenery.  It is appropriate for guests who like to experience a different but easy Activity option and it is also good for guests who do not have plenty of time in the National park.

Accompanied by qualified guides, guests meet at the canoe launching site. After receiving all safety information they set off on the water in the company of the canoeing guide. Canoeists glide over the smooth lake water (20m offshore) drifting past giraffe, buffalo and elephant. The trip ends with a refreshing drink stop.  Canoeing is possible in Arusha NP, Lake Duluti, Lake Manyara and Lake Victoria.

Birdwatching

Tanzania has the highest bird count in Africa with over 1100 bird species! With the safari guides who are professionally qualified ornithologists you get the opportunity to spot many different bird species, even some rare, indigenous or endangered ones.  Bird-watching is best during the warm season when you get the opportunity to spot endemic species as well as migratory birds from Europe and Asia.  Birdwatching activity is possible in Arusha NP, Lake Manyara,  Serengeti, Ngorongoro  Conversation Area, Tarangire NP, Lake Eyasi, Lake Victoria and Lake Natron.

Mountain Biking Tours

In Tanzania mountain biking is mostly done in the northern part, especially around Lake Manyara National Park and the Kilimanjaro National Park. You can bike only for a few hours to explore the surrounding of your lodge or camp, or you can even undertake a mountain biking tour (from Kilimanjaro to Ngorongoro or even as far down as Lake Manyara).

Cultural Tours

You can enhance safari in Tanzania by adding cultural tours of your preference to safari itinerary. Meet different tribes and spend some quality time in order to experience just for a while how they live their daily life in Tanzania.

-       Cultural tour to Maasai Village with possible overnight in the village

-       Cultural visit to Hadzabe tribe in Lake Eyasi and hunting experience

-       Cultural Visit  to Datoga tribe in Lake Eyasi, known for making amazing spears

-       Local Lunch in Arusha after safari: home cooked meal and good conversation with locals. On local lunch you will have an opportunity to try local specialties! Beans, ugali, cooked bananas, nyama choma (grilled meat), rice and plenty of local fresh fruits and vegetables. You might wish to give a toast with banana vine or baobab juice!

-       Snake Park visit and Maasai Museum

-       Visit true Maasai Market

-       Mto wa Mbu village tours: Mto wa Mbu is situated on the way from Arusha to the National Parks in Northern Tanzania, just at the foot of the Rift Valley. You can choose farming tour where you visit Chagga family producing banana beer, and you walk northwards passing many different farms.

Hiking and Forest Walks to Waterfalls

Shorter half-day hikes can be easily added to your safari itinerary as well as longer treks. Nature in Africa is stunning and it would be a sin not to see the lush green forests where you can see stunning birds and even monkeys during the walk. Northern safari circuit area hides many hidden places, lush forests and waterfalls, volcanoes. Treks and hikes can last from a couple hours to several days.  For more details contact us and we will advise you the best option.

One of our more popular programs is a 3 nights & 4 days Olmoti Crater & Empakaai Crater trek (walking, driving & camping).

Hiking in Ngorongoro Conversation area

• Trek to Empakai Crater: The beautiful drive toward Empakai crater and the hiking in site could perhaps make of this day one of the most rewarding one of your trip The hike can take 3 up to 4 hours depending on whether you decide to descent from the southern wall [1 km. 700 meters of altitude. 1,5 hr] or from the eastern one [2 km. 300 meters of altitude. 2 hr].Both ways the crater's sides are steepy.
• Trek to Ol Donyo Lengai (2878m): Ol Donyo Lengai an active carbonate volcano with spiritual significance to the Maasai. This is a very demanding trek, which starts around 3 am in the morning so as to avoid the fierce midday heat. Walk to the summit takes approx.5 hours. If weather allows it is also possible descend into the active crater then walk down.
• Mount Lemagarut Trek (3155m): On the western part of Ngorongoro Crater lies Mt Lemagrut.It takes under an hour to drive to the lower slopes and about 4 hours trek to the top and down. On a clear day, there is amazing view over the Serengeti plains, Lake Eyasi and the Ngorongoro Crater.This trek can be part of your safari to the Ngorongoro Crater area.
• Trek to Olmoti Crater (3700m): this trek takes you through the rainforested slopes of Olmoti Crater to the rim viewpoint. The trek winds down to the grassy plains of the crater floor and to Mungwe Falls, named after the distinctive white flourish of the Colobus Monkey tail.The Crater's rim can be explored with an armed ranger on a walking safari in two to seven hours.

Park Rules in Kenya

While you are on safari there are guidelines and etiquette that need to be obeyed! Read the guidelines published from Kenya Wildlife Service.

Wildlife Code

• Respect the privacy of the wildlife, this is their habitat.
• Beware of the animals, they are wild and can be unpredictable.
• Don't crowd the animals or make sudden noises or movements.
• Don't feed the animals, it upsets their diet and leads to human dependence.
• Keep quiet, noise disturbs the wildlife and may antagonize your fellow visitors.
• Stay in your vehicle at all times, except at designated picnic or walking areas.
• Keep below the maximum speed limit (40 kph/25 mph).
• Never drive off-road, this severely damages the habitat.
• When viewing wildlife keep to a minimum distance of 20 meters and pull to the side ofthe road so as to allow others to pass.
• Leave no litter and never leave fires unattended or discard burning objects.
• Respect the cultural heritage of Kenya, never take pictures of the local people or theirhabitat without asking their permission, respect the cultural traditions of Kenya andalways dress with decorum.
• Stay over or leave before dusk, visitors must vacate the Park between 6.00 p.m. - 6.00a.m. unless they are camping overnight. Night game driving is not allowed.

• Marine Wildlife Code

• Check local weather and sea conditions before entering the marine park.
• Some marine life is dangerous; do not touch anything under water.
• Do not damage or remove corals. It is a living organism which takes many years to formand is host to many rare and endangered species.
• Do not remove shells, starfish or any other sea – flora or fauna. Removal is illegal,seriously disrupts the eco system and some marine life is dangerous. The areas outside the parks and reserves is threatened by excessive shell collection. Empty shells provide homes for hermit crabs and some fish.
• Do not buy shells and other marine animal products as souvenirs as this encourages further plundering of the reefs and beaches.
• Never dispose of litter on the beach or in the sea. It is illegal and environmentally unfriendly. Marine turtles can confuse clear plastic waste with jelly fish and will die if they eat it.
• Hand – feeding of fish is discouraged. It disrupts normal feeding patterns.
• Hook and line fishing is allowed in the Marine Reserves but prohibited in Marine Parks.Spear guns are not permitted for use in either.
• Environmentally friendly activities such as snorkelling and diving are encouraged, underthe supervision of the Kenya Wildlife Service wardens, who work closely with touroperators and hoteliers to ensure strict adherence to this code of practice.
• Avoid restaurants that serve undersized crabs and lobsters as this contributes to theirrapid demise.
• Support traditional coastal livelihoods and do not give money to children on the beach, as

this can encourage them to stay away from school.

• Respect the cultural heritage of Kenya, never take pictures of the local people or their habitat without asking their permission, respect the cultural traditions of Kenya and always dress with decorum.

All You Have to Know About Dar Es Salaam Airport

If you are travelling to  our out of Tanzania you will most likely fly in or fly out   from  Dar Es Salaam Airport.

Here are some useful information that will help you to get idea about Dar Es Salaam airport.

 Dar es Salaam Airport  (IATA code DAR), is the main airport in Tanzania. It has capacity to accept 6 million passengers per annum although don’t expect a glorius shiny airport.

It is reasonably small airport, if you are scared you will get lost, its not possible

Getting Visa on Arrival on Dar Airport

Passengers that arrive to Dar aiport and need visa on arrival should count on queue and process that will take up to two hours. Sometimes airline companies deliver forms just before landing on a plane, but most likely you will have to fill in forms in migration area, so bring your pen with you!  Also have exact amount  of USD cash ( issued after the yea 2006)  for visa costs ready. Emigration officers will pick  up the forms and money,  although the order of processing has no order. Even if you submit the form first, you might be the last of all passengers to get the visa.

Waiting at Dar Airport for Flight

If you have to wait at the airport for long hours to catch another flight,  have a stock of drinks or snacks. There are no shops open in the late evening or night outside the airport.  Once you get to waiting area for boarding there is possible to buy drinks in a bar and even a duty free shop is open for souvenir shopping.

Outside waiting area has some metal benches, very uncomfortable to sit for long hours.

 If waiting inside the airport bring a warm fleece, airport is heavily air-conditioned.

Parking and Taxis on Dar Airport

 Airport is 12 kilometres out of Dar  es Salaam. Airport has reasonably big parking as well as taxis are easy to find. Actually taxi drivers will find you! To assure your safety we recommend arranging taxi or transfer from hotel. If getting taxi on your own make sure you confirm the price with taxi driver before you sit in! Taxi from Dar Airport will cost you between 25 to 40 USD. Note that there is heavy traffic jam  in morning and afternoon hours towards Dar es Salaam city Center, and ride from or to airport is slow. Have this in mind when you plan onward travel arrangements.

Nearest Hotels to Dar Airport

In case you have a decent amount of time between your flights and would like to take some rest, not too far from the airport, we recommend Transit Motels which is only 5 minute drive away from the airport. They arrange 24/7 transfers and allow 24/7 heck in.  Read more on their website.

Olmoti Crater Trekking

The Olmoti Crater - NgoroNgoro Crater Highlands

A trek in these areas is guaranteed to give you an amazing experience.

Safari for the adventurous trekkers

The Olmoti Crater, 3,700 meters high, lies north of Ngorongoro Crater close to the Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. The entrance to the Crater is at Nainokanoka Maasai villiage which holds a special campsite. The Crater's rim can be explored with an armed ranger on a walking safari in two to seven hours.

The Crater floor has different streams which through the Munge waterfalls fill Lake Magadi in the Ngorongoro Crater. The Crater's floor is inhabited by some mammals like the Bohor Reedbuck, Buffalo and Eland. Among the plants found at the Crater's slopes are Nuxia, Giant St John's Wort and Hagenia trees. Nectar feeding birds can be observed at this area, such as Golden-winged and the Eastern Double Collared Sunbird, Malachite and the Mountain Greenbul.

Walking safari tours The Olmoti Crater

Day trips to Olmoti are available as well as to Empakaai crater (weather & road permitting) all ex-Ngorongoro as an addition on to regular safaris. One of our more popular programmes is a 3 nights & 4 days Olmoti Crater & Empakaai Crater trek (walking, driving & camping).

Day 1: Begin trek at Lemala gate to Nainokanoka village. Trek to Olmoti Crater. Then return to Nainokanoka camp for o/n (2630m)

Day 2: After breakfast, drive past Bulati to Empakaai crater rim. O/n campsite (2510m)

Day 3: Trek into the Empakaai Crater o/n camp on rim (2510m)

Day 4: After breakfast, drive past Bulati & Nainokanoka to Lemala Gate.

Great Migration In Masai Mara

Undoubtedly Masai Mara, located in the South West of Kenya is one of the best holiday destinations in the World. A true Kenyan safari is not complete without a visit to the Masai Mara Game Reserve, which is an adventure like no other. It is home to the Big 5 and thousands of bird species and other wildlife.

But what makes Masai Mara more adventurous is the spectacular wildebeest Migration between July and October every year, an event that already dubbed as the 8^th Wonder of the World.

Millions of wildebeests accompanied by zebras and other types of antelopes migrate from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Masai Mara in Kenya, crossing the Mara River, which is inhabited by some of the largest world’s crocodiles. Why do the animals migrate? It is purely in search of water and pastures when supplies of pastures dwindle in the Serengeti.

The migration follows a cycle calendar every year BUT timings may vary. In between January and March, it is the calving season in the Serengeti in the short grass. There are plenty of pastures and all expectant mothers congregate to give birth. The calves are born in labor duration of 30 minutes and a few minutes after birth they are ready to walk and join their mothers. They have to feed properly in anticipation of journey before them.

After this, the wildebeest migration starts when the rains are over in the Serenegeti because it is dry. As the Serenegeti is drying up the Masai Mara side is flourishing. Since the wildebeest herds are in millions they quickly deplete grazing pastures very fasts whereas their water needs are great. They have to keep on moving and in fact the whole reason for wildebeest migration. The migration journey to Masai Mara is a hard one. Many animals collapse and die on the way as they are weak due to lack of enough food and water, while others fall to predators.

By around June and July climaxing in August and September the great phenomenon takes place in Masai Mara . Millions of the wildebeests have already arrived in Mara a plain where there is much lush grass pastures.  The wildebeests try to close the Mara River to access the plains that have plenty of pastures. At this time the Mara River is swollen because of heavy rains on the Mau Escarpments and crossing becomes a dangerous affair for the weak wildebeests and they end up drowning and also because of the great stampede resulting from crossing at one point.

But what makes the Migration drama more thrilling is the presence of predators. From the Mara River crocodiles that pounce on the wildebeests in the waters to lions and hyenas that take advantage of the drowning and injured animals on the shores, it is a feast carnival for the predators. This drama makes the crossing a spectacular event. Just what the cameras have been waiting for.

Animals feed in Mara plains in October and start heading back to Serengeti in November for another calving season. During migration over 200,000 animals perish under the harsh conditions. But as soon as they get back to Serengeti, there are approximately 500,000 new births and ready to start the cycle again.

This cycle repeats itself every year BUT being a natural occurrence there is no precise timing and directions because of conditions influencing grass growth.

Tanzania one of the world's most stunningly beautiful countries to visit!

Fox News Tv Named Tanzania one of the world's most stunningly beautiful countries to visit!

Along with Brazil, Australia, US and China, Tanzania was put on 4th place. Fox news arguments the reasons to outline Tanzania: "Tanzania packs a lot of game reserve into a land area that is only two-fifths larger than Texas, including the incomparable plains of the Serengeti — 6,000 square miles of savannah teeming with hordes of wildebeest, gazelles and zebras and their predators. Their annual search for new pasture and waters is the largest remaining unaltered animal migration in the world. Tanzania can also boast Africa's highest mountain, Kilimanjaro, whose forest slopes and savannah are a last refuge for many endangered species."

Beside safaris and kilimanjaro climbing we can assure you Tanzania has even more to offer. Rich cultural diversity and one of the most beautiful islands in indian ocean are another reason to visit Tanzania as soon as possible.

Flights From Nairobi To Zanzibar

Kenya airways has just announced a re -launch of flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar.

From now on, flights from Nairobi are scheduled 5 times a week. In the future all flights from Nairobi to Zanzibar are expected to increase the frequency.

Kenya Airways' flights will depart from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi every Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 2230 hours, arriving at the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar at 2345 hours.

The return flight will depart from the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 0535 hours to arrive back at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi at 0650 hours. The airline will fly the Embraer E190 aircrafts on this route.

All You Have to Know About Tanzania and Planning Safari

To ease you search  when planning safari and holidays to Tanzania we have done homework fork you!
Below are useful links that will help you from  understanding safaris to finding cheap flights in Tanzania.


Cheap Flights in Tanzania
What to Pack for Safari
Money tips for travel to Tanzania
Joining a group safari in Tanzania
Safari Vehicles

All You Have to Know About Camping Safari in Tanzania

Budget Camping Safaris 

Safari Photos From Tanzania

Just a brief collection of few photos from recent safaris in Tanzania. To see more join us on Facebook!

Help Spencer Raise Money For Buying Goats in Uganda

We are helping our young client Spencer with raising money for his Mitzvah project,he is raising money to buy fertile goats to give to the orphans in the nearby villages. If you want to help, read more how to donate money.

With a goat, according to Spencer, an  orphan can sell its milk or offspring and  use the proceeds for food, medicine and  school costs.  

Read more: The Jewish Chronicle - Local boy to become a man in Uganda where you can read the whole interview with this inspiring young man.

If  he can raise enough money to buy 100 goats, I can get them for $40/goat.  Please click on the button below to buy and name your goat(s):

http://www.spencersgoatproject.com/#!goat-project/c21kz

Thank you for your support!

Flying Safaris - Save Your Time For Great Migration

Fly Into Serengeti With Lightweight Aircraft

Join us on Wildebeest Migration Safari 2014!

Safari will start with a flight from Arusha to Serengeti airstrip and finish with flight from Manyara airstrip back to Arusha. After arrival in Serengeti we take you to first game drive, the next day you enjoy the beauty of Serengeti full day and later safari continues to Ngorogoro crater.

Fly in and Fly out safari is comfortable way to see beautiful Tanzanian parks. You will fly from Arusha with light aircraft to Nortehrn Serengeti AIrstrip and proceed safari in search of great migration by car. We will also take you to the cradle of mankind, Ngorongoro crater full day game drive. You will finish with flight back from Manyara airstrip with flight back to Arusha. Save on time while on safari and use the prescious time for observing wildlife.

See the flying safari itinerary

Seen The Northern Tanzanian Parks Already? Fly to Selous Game Reserve!

Four day air safari to Selous Game Reserve is all about experiencing Africa's biggest wildlife sanctuary. Bigger than Switzerland and four times the size of the Serengeti, the Selous Game reserve 50 000km2 wilderness area is the most alluring safari prospect on the African continent.Read more

Best Way To See Great Migration in Summer

If you are planning safari to Tanzania in summer, we have great itinerary for you!
Due to huge distances between Arusha and Serengeti we have launched a flying safari called 

Fly In Summer Migration Safari In Tanzania

Safari will start with a flight from Arusha to Serengeti airstrip and finish with flight from Manyara airstrip back to Arusha. After arrival in Serengeti we take you to first game drive, the next day you enjoy the beauty of Serengeti full day and later safari continues to Ngorogoro crater.

DAY 1Flight from Arusha to Serengeti North – game drive

You will start safari with flight frim Arusha to Northern serengeti where you begin your first game drive.
The northern migration usually makes its way through the northern Serengeti in late July and early August appearing on the Mara watershed in Kenya in early August.

Least visited area of Serengeti, due to least numerous number of wildlife in comparison to other areas in Serengeti. However, due to lesser visitors, Northern Serengeti offers probably the last true African landscape.

The northern migration usually makes its way through the northern Serengeti in late July and early August appearing on the Mara watershed in Kenya in early August.

The southern migration through the northern region usually takes place in mid to late October. However, the exact timing of Northern Serengeti migration fluctuates from year to year and is completely dependent upon current rainfall patterns.

Recommended accommodation:


Medium :Savannah Tented Camp, 


optional upgrade:



Luxury:Sayari tented Camp, Mukutano Luxury tented camp

DAY 2: FULL DAY GAME DRIVE IN SERENGETI

You will spend day a whole day  in Serengeti. We will track down great migration. More than enough time also to spot Big.

Recommended accommodation:


Medium :Savannah Tented Camp, 


optional upgrade:



Luxury:Sayari tented Camp, Mukutano Luxury tented camp

DAY 3 - Serengeti Morning Game Drive and continue to Ngorongoro Conversation Area via Oldupai Gorge

After breakfast, we will start with a morning game drive and then head towards Ngorongoro CA via the famous Oldupai Gorge also known as “The Cradle of Mankind”.

The gorge lies on the same spot as once lay an ancient lake, which was covered by thick layers of volcanic ash, which carefully preserved the world's earliest records of mankind. This extremely important prehistoric site was discovered by Louis and Mary Leakey and the exhibitions from different periods in its history are on display in the Oldupai Gorge Museum, located on the gorge’s rim.

Our visit will also include the famous Maasai bomas, where you will be able to meet theMaasai people, get to know their culture and their habits and see the most respected group of the Maasai tribe – the warriors. The Maasai warriors have many privileges because of their position and are thus the only Maasai individuals that are allowed to wear long hair.

While game viewing, we will proceed with picnic lunches to Rim of the Crater.

Dinner and overnight according to the standard and the type of accommodation requested from our options:

Recommended accommodation

MEDIUM: Wildlife Lodge

Optional upgrade

LUXURY: Angata camp / Serena Ngorngoro

DAY 4 - Ngorongoro Crater Full Day Game Drive
After breakfast, we will proceed to Ngorongoro crater for a half-day game drive, which is the 8th natural wonder of the world and the unique, world famous caldera with the most abundant wildlife. We will descend into the Ngorongoro crater floor.


From the comfort of your open-top vehicle, descending down the crater, you will enjoy amazing panoramic view and if you are lucky, you will see the Big five. The caldera is exhibiting more than 120 species of mammals. We will also visit saline lakes such as lake Magadi, which is a magnet for flamingos and other water birds. We will see pools full of hippos, the endangered East Africa’s last   black rhinos including birds such as secretary bird, white stork arriving from Europe during the wet season, kori bustards, crowned cranes and ostriches. It is for sure a landscape of sheer beauty. Another big draw card to this picturesque park is its dense population of predators, which include lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs and the ever-elusive leopard, which sometimes requires a trained eye to spot.

Recommended accommodation

MEDIUM: Country Lodge / Bouganvilia

LUXURY: Exploreans / Serena Lake Manyara

DAY 5 - Ngorongoro - Flight back to Arusha from Manyara Airstrip
After breakfast we drive you to the Manyara airstrip where you board  for a flight back to Arusha.