African Safari - I am in my element here. Going to safari in Africa has always been on the top of my bucket list. Seeing the BIG FIVE exceeded all my expectations. Now, this is ticked off the list and I am feeling blessed that I’ve been able to experience that escapade. All those animals in their natural habitat, doing their stuff and not caring about us. Spectacular! When I say that they don’t care, well it’s nature and you have to respect it! There are some rules to follow in order to keep yourself safe and not to disturb the animals. However, sleeping in a tent surrounded by the wildlife out there and hearing all those fauna noises and some lion roars every now and then - PRICELESS!
THE ULTIMATE SAFARI GUIDE
TYPES
There are different types of African safaris, the most popular of which is called game-drive. There are also walking and hiking safaris.
Our choice fell on the game-drive safari and this is why I will be explaining it here. We did a giant research and chose to do our safari with Easy Travel Tanzania, which I can’t recommend highly enough. They offer tailor-made safaris and are an award-winning tour operator, dedicated to their customer’s interests and bringing the experience to a whole new level.
WHAT IS GAME-DRIVE?
In the game-drive safaris, you are driven by a guide in a 4x4 vehicle with a pop-up roof. This is how you explore different parks for several hours. The driver will be helping you in the search of wildlife and whenever you spot an animal, he will stop, so that you can observe it and take pictures.
PRIVATE VS. GROUP TOURS
My boyfriend and I had a private safari tour. Although it is pricier than a group safari, the benefits are threefold. We had our private tour guide, who provided us with his giant African animal knowledge, who loves his job, the animals and respects 110% the wildlife. If you read that – thank you, Francis! Thanks to the tour we chose and our guide we were able to personalize our safari and choose at which spot to stay longer, when to go and what is the next animal ‘’target’’ to search for. It was so exciting and felt like a true expedition in the wilderness. I need to receive an explorer badge!
By the group tours, you can still realize your dream and save some money, because let’s be honest – the safaris are luxury not everyone can afford. Don’t hesitate to book any of the safaris mentioned above, because this is once in a lifetime experience and I am sure you won’t regret it any second. Exactly the opposite – I already dream of going to a second safari…
ACCOMMODATION / FOOD
There are 3 types of accommodations during a safari. We booked the mid-range one (comfort plus style). The meals are full-board. The lunch is provided in a picnic box and prepared in advance. We were always asked by the chefs of each of the camps about any special dietary restrictions and wishes. I had a complete vegan safari experience and I am so grateful for the impeccable service. There were dances and songs during most of the dinners and accompanying us to some of our goodbyes with the camps' staff. Everyone we were in touch within Tanzania was so friendly. I felt a real connection and will never forget all those people who took care of us and who we met along the way.
So back to the different types of accommodations. The first one is a BUDGET accommodation, which is the most basic and affordable one. By choosing the budget accommodation you will be staying in either a tented camp or a budget lodge. There you will have the basic amenities and shared with the other campers bathroom.
MID-RANGE: This was my choice and the tents could be easily called luxury tents – spacious, well furnished and with own bathroom. There were a luxury touch and comfort in each of the tents we stayed in during our safari in Tanzania.
LUXURY: High-end-lodges and exclusive luxe tented camps with first-class amenities. Some camps offer private swimming pools and jacuzzis (which we also happened to have in one of our midrange tented camps).
NB! Depending on the location, the time of the day and the camp rules at some places you might not be allowed to go out of your tent without a staff member companion. You are given a walkie-talkie for communication and in case of emergency. In the evening they might even carry a weapon in order to protect you from an animal attack. This is very unlikely to happen, because the animals are not interested in a human unless they don’t feel endangered, but safety first. However, the lion roars are real and so is the danger if you are taking unnecessary risks.
HOW MUCH?
As I already mentioned above, there are different types of safaris and different accommodation options. They can suit almost every budget, but in general, a safari is a special event and it requires an investment. The profit of this investment will be building the best memories of your life. To the point - an African safari costs anywhere between 125$ and 1500$ per person, per night. A budget safari averages 150$, midrange – 350$, and luxury - 750$, and could exceed 1500$ per person, per night.
WHEN TO GO?
Tanzania is a year-round destination and you can visit it anytime you want and you will still enjoy a great safari. Some factors to consider, before choosing your actual travel time might be the rain and the big wildlife events such as the Great Migration. During the dry seasons, between June and October, there is less vegetation which means that you will be able to easily spot wildlife around you and it’s almost a guarantee that many of the animals are close to the water. The Great Wildebeest Migration happens during the dry season in Serengeti.
Another part of the Great Migration of the wildebeest continues between late December and early March. This is the wildebeest calving season in Southern Serengeti. At this time of the year, the predator activities are pledged. We chose January for our safari, so we witnessed all this – the Great Migration movement of almost 2 million of zebras, wildebeest and gazelles. Meanwhile, the lions, cheetahs, leopards etc. are desperately looking for their prey. Usually, I am closing my eyes when I see a TV show which shows predator chasing another animal and it was hard to see it live in front of my own eyes, but I know that this is their way to survive and this is nature. However, we (the human) have a choice and can survive without hunting, killing and eating animals… Just saying.
HOW LONG?
Our safari in Tanzania lasted 7 days and in my opinion, this is a great safari duration and possibility to visit more of the beautiful national wildlife parks in Tanzania. If you have the possibility to spend 1-2 more days, this would be beyond perfection.
MAASAI TRIBE ASSEMBLE
During the safari and thanks to the private game-drive, we were able to realize another ‘to-do’ experience – to go to a Maasai village and have a close up meeting with their culture and beliefs. I suggest you if you want to do that and meet a Maasai tribe, to plan 8 days of safari tour (spend one more day in Ngorongoro). Be prepared to see a completely different world and way of life. Of course, to visit them you have to pay, which shows that the commercialization is taking over even there, but I completely understand them. However, the fact that the Maasai extraordinary nomadic culture continues to exist after hundreds of years is a reason enough for me to be astonished of the idea to have a close encounter with them and on top an encounter on their soil. Over 1 million of the Maasai continue to live and spread the knowledge of the Maasai tribe. They don’t eat any plant products. Their meals consist only of meat and blood, which is not what I stand for, but speaking to them and hearing their story and traditions from the source, brought me to another level of understanding, that in the end we are all just human and in each of us lies an entire universe, which doesn’t have to be the same as someones else universe.
SAFARI PACKING CHECKLIST
· A passport that has minimum 6 months validity after arrival to Tanzania – check for the visa requirements prior departure
· Cash – Tanzanian Shilling or US Dollar /the banknotes have to be issued after 2006/
· Sunscreen
· Insect repellant
· Earth tones clothing - layering tanks; T-Shirts; long sleeve shirt; comfortable, durable pants; utility jacket; light scarf, sunglasses; hat; closed-toe, flat shoes; pyjamas; bathing suit; underwear; socks
· Camera – extra batteries; extra SD card or many of them; lens cleaning cloth
· Power bank/s
· Multi-plug adaptor
· Binoculars – usually they are provided for the duration of the game-drive, but make sure that this is the case when you book
· Medical Kit – bandages and blister pads, drugs for headache, stomachache etc.
Before booking a safari, make sure that you are well informed about what you can and what you cannot do during the games. There you are not the king, but the flora and fauna are our hosts. Keep in mind that you will meet the ‘Lion King’ in person. He/they will be waiting for you in Serengeti National Park. Play by their rules, if you don’t want to be their next snack, do you?!
DO’S
· Check for the visa requirements for your country.
· Wear neutral / Earth tone clothes – get one with nature.
· Pack for a range of weather conditions.
· Stay hydrated.
· Wake up early and don’t miss a beat of the wildlife game-drives.
· Take a lot of photos.
· Do tip your safari guide/driver – usually, this is 25$ per day, per couple.
· Learn some Swahili greetings and words you will hear a lot during your safari adventure.
Greetings: Jambo – Hello; Habari Gani? – How are you?; Asante – Thank you; Asante Sana – Thank you VERY much; Pole – Sorry; Ndiyo / Hapana – Yes / No; Rafiki – Friend; Hakuna Matata – No trouble.
DON’TS
· Don’t try to attract the animals’ attention by clapping, whistling, banging on the side of the vehicle, or by any other means.
· Don’t dress flashy clothes – forget colors as red, blue etc. The blue and the black colors attract the African Tsetse fly and I believe you don’t want that. Some other colors also annoy the animals.
· Don’t litter.
· Don’t leave the roadways and drive into the bush.
· Don’t feed the animals.
· Don’t use GPS coordinates while capturing the animals, because poachers can use this information.
· Don’t take photos of people without asking them.
· Leave your camp or vehicle unaccompanied.
PLANNING TIPS & PERSONAL SAFARI ITINERARY
Start planning in advance as in the Great Migration season could get tight and you might miss the opportunity to find the perfect safari booking spots. The availability of the safari organizers might not correspond to the desired duration of your safari tour. This means that you will have to settle for less, which we don’t want to happen in such an incredible lifetime occasion.
Bear in mind that every national park or private reserve will offer different wildlife. This is why I suggest you go to a few different parks in Tanzania because what you might see in one, you might not see in the other. Serengeti is the most famous national park in Tanzania and not only, but from far not the best, at least for me. Don’t get me wrong – Serengeti is enormous, spectacular and is a home of some of the most impressive and strong animals, but I truly fell in love with the covered and rich on flora locations. Serengeti is too naked but inhabited with all the mighty predators, which you cannot easily find in the other parks.
Below is my exact SAFARI ITINERARY including all the parks and what is to be explored there. Hold your breath and take notes, because this is the perfect plan and the best expedition of my life. I won’t skip mentioning again, that thanks to visiting all these parks and setting it as my mission of the trip, I was able to admire ALL of the BIG FIVE. My mission is successfully accomplished. I cannot be happier about that, because sometimes Mother Nature is unpredictable and does not cater to meet our expectations. If you don’t know WHO the BIG FIVE are, grab a pen, write them down and set it as your goal to spot them. They are: lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo. An expedition lust, strong will and good eyes are the requirements, but don’t worry, your guide will help you to follow the hints and put a tick on all of them, whenever possible.
JANUARY SAFARI
DAY 1. Arrival and pick up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. KIA – Arusha – 55min/1hr drive
You can also choose to fly to Arusha Airport. The transfers from and to those airports are included in the trip. I booked my safari with Easy Travel Tanzania and I really cannot recommend them more. Due to the late arrival, we spent the first night at African Tulip Hotel in Arusha, before starting the actual part of the trip. I advise you to do so too if you are coming from a long journey. Time to rest – wake up – GAME ON!
DAY 2. Arusha – Tarangire National Park – 120km/ 2hrs drive
Tarangire is famous for being the second park with the highest wildlife concentration out of Serengeti. It is a true gem and it has an authentic safari atmosphere. The game viewing area is large. It is a home of large elephant families and a habitat for over 550 bird species. A huge ‘must-go’ for all the elephant lovers. It feels untouched, despite the game-drives. This is exactly what we all want from a safari – a genuine touch and understanding of the flora and fauna. There are also a significant population of impala, giraffe, eland and buffalo. Thompson’s gazelle, Coke’s hartebeest, bohor reedbuck and both greater and lesser kudu are found here. Tarangire’s varied landscape composed of granitic ridges, river valleys and swamps fit in the perfect African painting with backdrops of the enormously stunning baobab trees.
Overnight at Sangaiwe Tented Lodge.
DAY 3. Tarangire – Lake Manyara National Park 75km/ 1.30hrs drive
This park provides excellent game-viewing opportunities and birdlife. Lake Manyara National Park offers varied ecosystems, breathtaking views and incredible ecological variety in a small area, rich in wildlife and over 400 bird species. Lake Manyara’s game includes buffalo and wildebeest, giraffe, zebra, warthog, impala, Kirk’s dik-dik, waterbuck near some of the springs, and klipspringer along the ramps of the escarpment. Another reason to pay a visit to this park are the famous tree-climbing lions, which are the only kind of their species in the world. They are very rare to spot and you can consider yourself lucky if you do spot one. We obviously won from the lottery on that day and found not one, but 5-6 tree-climbing lions. They were sleeping and woke up right above us. I cannot describe the feeling. The excitement and happiness passing through my entire body. In addition to the lions, Lake Manyara is also home to the largest concentration of baboons anywhere in the world.
Overnight at Manyara Tortilis Camp.
DAY 4. + DAY 5. Lake Manyara – Serengeti National Park – 250km/ 4.50hrs drive
The heart of wild Africa – Serengeti National Park. At first sight, it looked naked in terms of vegetation. This is compared to the parks we’ve visited before, but being able to have a free view as far as the eye can see quickly convinced me in the benefits of this park. This is where you will find plenty of lions, cheetahs and leopards. We saw a lot of them hunting, we saw the cutest lion cubs and my mind quickly teleported to the ‘’Lion King’’ and I found Simba and Mufasa in the eyes of many of those powerful creatures. Well, I didn’t want to test their power on me. Do you dare to look them in the eye and to be only in a stone’s throw distance out there? Well, better don’t challenge your good fortune. We witnessed the wildebeest migration, accompanied by over 250,000 zebras and gazelles. Other resident herds of Serengeti are buffalo, topi, hartebeest and impala, waterbuck, reedbuck and dik-dik, giraffe, warthog, and birdlife of all colors and sizes.
Overnight at Serengeti Tortilis Camp.
DAY 6. Serengeti – Ngorongoro – 145km/3.30hrs drive
Morning game-drive in Serengeti. Heading to Ngorongoro in the afternoon. A striking scenic route will follow you to Ngorongoro.
Overnight at Ngorongoro Tortilis Camp.
DAY 7. Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most incredible safari locations. It is known as the eighth natural wonder of the world and formed millions of years ago. This area is also referred to as ‘’Africa’s Garden of Eden’’ only inhabited by the Maasai. After a short drive to the rim of the crater, a beautiful wildlife view will open. If you struggled to find the BIG FIVE, in Ngorongoro you can spot them all five in one place. We were missing only the highly endangered black rhino and thanks to our last game-drive, we managed to complete our mission. We embraced every moment meeting all those animals in their natural environment.
Ngorongoro Crater – Kilimanjaro International Airport 245km/ 4.20hrs drive
You will say that this experience cannot be topped. Wait a minute and think twice. We arrived at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and the next departure already awaits - we left straight away to Zanzibar for another week of an unwinding beach holiday extension.
Tanzania is stamped forever in my heart and memories. It is a parallel universe. Ninakupenda! Kwaheri! / in Swahili – I love you! Goodbye! / Goodbye to our African safari adventure and our new Tanzanian friends – humans and animals! This safari was so down to Earth and at the same time out of this world. The greatest escape to heaven!
Easy Travel Tanzania:
Website: https://www.easytravel.co.tz/
Instagram: @easytraveltanzania
