5 Days Tanzania Lodge Safari With Serengeti
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Why a Tanzania Safari is Africa’s Best Safari

Tanzania is arguably the best safari destination in the world, this view is shared by many who have had the opportunity to visit this great country but echoed with great attractions found in the country, many say visiting Tanzania is like visiting 3 different countries in one holiday among the other considerations making it better than a Kenya safari or South Africa safari

Factors making a Tanzania safari the best safari in Africa and better than Kenya & South Africa.

1.Many wildlife parks, with over 21 national parks in Tanzania two of them Serengeti & Ngorongoro crater being the standouts & two of the most popular wildlife destinations, the Serengeti being famous for its vast savannah plains & the great wildebeest migration (talking about over 1.2m wildebeest & 250000 zebras) and the Ngorongoro crater which its landscape, scenery & wildlife density is one to take your breath away, But there are other parks like Ruaha located in the south, Ruaha is the largest park in Tanzania shelter to over 10% of world’s population of lions(Tanzania having 50% of worlds lion population), also minor parks like kitulo which was primarily established to protect its fauna, it is also referred as the Serengeti of flowers

2. vast wildlife, with all of African big 5 animals (including the black rhinos who are expected to go extinct), Tanzania surely have these animals in abundance, having the highest population of lions in the world over 50% of the worlds lion population, the second-highest number of hippos, almost all of the wildebeest population (we, however, share them with Kenya for 2 months when they head to Masai mara), over 70% of flamingoes, it is said Tanzania has more wild animals per square kilometer than any other country in Africa

3. Landscapes, scenery, pristine. the authenticity of Tanzania parks, these parks surely do have great landscapes from plains to crater, also while other countries have modernized their infrastructure Tanzania parks remain authentic & pristine giving you a memorable experience from bumpy dirt roads to muddy & slippery roads hence safaris in Tanzania are more adventurous.

4. Vast safari types, yes it is not all about game drives in Tanzania they are other safari types like balloon safaris, walking safaris, canoeing safaris, fly-in safari options, chimpanzee trekking so you can tailor Tanzania safaris to your safari-style

5. Less traffic, Tanzania safaris is quite pricey than other safari destinations this is because Tanzania parks are considered better than other so a higher price standardize the traffic and traveler heading to these parks

6. Other attractions, such as archaeological sites (earliest man’s footprints & skull), the deepest & largest lakes in Africa, the diversity in vegetation’s, beaches, waterfalls, hot springs all can be possible add on’s & areas of interest

Other considerations icing Tanzania as the best safari destination

7. Possibility to see or climb Mount Kilimanjaro & multiple hike extensions, with your northern circuit safari in Tanzania you stand a chance to see the highest mountain in Africa, of course, this mountain is shy, usually hides behind clouds you should be proud witnessing a clear view of it

8. bush to beach safari, a beach stay in Zanzibar or mafia (has the longest whale shark season) is the perfect icing on the safari, after an exciting safari in the dusty plains & bumpy roads a relaxing session at the beach is a need not a want, but Tanzania offers you not just a beach but Zanzibar or mafia still preserved with nature these beaches are clean & having clear waters

9. culture, language, food, natives

  • Swahili language, unlike many countries in Africa who are widely integrated to the western languages, Tanzania prides its Swahili culture, the Swahili cultures is diverse from a mixture of Hindu, Arabic, Bantu tribes (over 100 tribes in Tanzania) most Tanzania speak Swahili as there 1st language, you will, however, have plenty of people to speak within other foreign languages but it is just great travelling & hearing a new language a different dialect, but this language is none other than Africa’s popular language
  • Food, Tanzania food like its culture is highly diverse from native dishes to mixtures of Swahili Arabic & Hindu dishes
  • natives, if you are looking to explore local African tribes in Tanzania you get to meet the famous Masai & the bushmen still authentic & proud of their ways & traditions you will surely enjoy visiting them, of course, you can meet the Masai in the parks & learn how & why these famous warriors used to go against the lions with spears, machete & guards
  • the people, in Tanzania people, are very friendly you will always feel warm & welcoming & not just because your tourists & supposedly with money, it is just Tanzanians we are friendly to one another & always willing to help each other which is something embodied to us from traditions of our forefathers.

10. Tanzania (Isle of peace), forget what western media shows you of Africa, most African countries are peaceful & safe but hey welcome to the island of peace, with no any political instigated violence’s or riots Tanzania seals its title as the island of peace with the only post-colonial war being against Uganda’s famous dictator idd Amin (1977-78), Tanzania army lined up to battle in a mission to destroy idd Amin & rebuild Uganda, in a much-needed war Ugandans were freed of the oppression & to date, both countries enjoy an excellent relationship. Unlike other safari countries like Kenya & south Africa have riots, xenophobic attacks

 

 

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Tanzania Safari: 5 Things You Must Consider

Thinking of going on a Tanzania safari? You’re not alone! We understand that choosing from such a vast selection can be more than overwhelming. In this article, we highlighted the most important things to be factored into your travel, such as your budget, what you want to see (and do), your preferred type of accommodation, and your mode of transportation.

1. Tanzania safari destinations:(where which parks to go & what you can see)

Tanzania safari destinations are simply divided into circuits, the northern, southern & western circuits which combine attractions you can visit in a region, these circuits are far from each other would require a flight in between or at least 10hours drive, so with the short time, you will have to decide the destinations you want to visit so below is a brief elaboration of the circuits & what they are famous for.

  • Northern circuit, this is the most popular home to famous parks, Serengeti, Ngorongoro crater, great acidic lakes (home to flamingoes), Mount Kilimanjaro (highest in Africa), Native tribes (Masai & bushmen) & other minor attractions like Tarangire, Lake Manyara, mount Oldonyo le Ngai “the mountain of God” still volcanic active, Mount Meru, waterfalls & chemka hot springs

Tip: if you want to focus on the great wildebeest migration or migratory birds like flamingoes the northern circuit is your option

Note: this circuit is popular also the most accessible you can fly directly to Kilimanjaro international airport only needing a local flight to Zanzibar for the beach stay J

  • Southern circuit, with parks such as mikumi, selous, ruaha (largest park, also home to over 10% of the world population of lions & highest number of elephants in Tanzania), these parks are great but with accessibility not as easy in comparison to the northern circuit, these parks will require you to fly to dar es salaam international airport & take a second flight to the region
  • Western circuit, having chimpanzee treks in Gombe national park & kitulo national park which was primarily established to protect its fauna “the Serengeti of Flowers” these parks provide a unique experience however like the southern circuit it is less accessible would require a second flight after you land into dar es salaam international airport

2. Tanzania safari:  comfort “your safari-style”

You need to know which safari suits you best & of course your budget, below are different Tanzania safari styles

  • Private or shared tour

A private Tanzania safari is one you do yourself or with your group with our guides while a shared safari is one you get mixed with other travellers and be in a group (mostly a group of 6)

Why a private safari or a group safari?

Private safari Group safari
-very comfortable – can be slightly uncomfortable as there is more luggage, persons but same space
-guaranteed departure at any chosen dates -fixed departures or need to request a guarantee on departure
-can be customized, you can tailor your trip   to your requirement -limited customization (you chose one of the packages)
-A slightly expensive option -slightly cheaper option
-same schedule, same accommodation, the same program -slight changes can be made in schedule, timings to fit group set up e.g. an itinerary set to start to park a, then b & lastly c  can start with park c, then b & lastly an (if  some clients opt for 2 parks but on the same date)
-organized & operated by Makini Tanzania Safaris – in some circumstances as unbearable number of cancellations tour can be operated as a joint operation with affiliate companies (been strategic to survive post covid 19 early travels)
-the luxury of your own space -pros & cons of sharing space with other travellers
-for lodging tours, we can quote lodges of your choice & you can get back to the lodge for rest during the day -for lodging, we quote comfort lodges of our choice as each client can have a different recommendation & you can’t go back to lodge during the day unless all group stays at the same lodge & decides too
clients on a private tour have an overall better experience.

Accommodation place, are you going to sleep inside the park or outside the parks

Sleeping inside the parks provide a better experience as animals are more active when it is cooler thus in the early mornings & late evenings which is almost not possible to experience while sleeping outside the parks as game drives are done on park regulated time frame (can’t check in the parks or out beyond a certain time)

Note: only 1 of our packages has zero nights in the parks, all packages going to Serengeti will camp or lodge inside the parks

Sleeping inside parks Sleeping outside parks
Better experience enjoying early & late evenings Limited experience with early morning & late evenings
High costs (camping fees is 35usd, lowest lodging cost 150usd in Serengeti, 200usd in Ngorongoro,120usd  in other parks with concession fee 59usd (concession fees is the equivalent of camping fees for those staying in lodges) Costs are relatively lower as lodgings & camping outside is cheaper & no park camping or concession fees
Tanzania safari ‘inside or outside the parks’

Tanzania safari accommodation type, where you want to sleep

Camping: this is an adventurous & budget accommodation style you will be provided with equipment such as tents, sleeping bags, and mattresses on the park grounds

Things to know about camping

-bathrooms are shared and under park authorities, so like any other shared bathrooms it can lack toiletries, warm water & have less sanitary conditions

-campgrounds are not fenced meaning animals may come really close or just out of your tent at night “yes, adventure”, best to visit washrooms just after dinner before everyone sets in his/her tent

-safe, campgrounds may not be fenced but it is safe unless you go provoking animals who will then attack when feeling threatened but park rangers are also available & armed.

Tanzania safari lodges:
high-end lodge view (four-season Serengeti)

these options are present in the parks, with brick walls its different to the tented lodges but with running costs & licenses it will cost at least 220usd a night for single room & about 400usd double room at this price just basic facilities lodge, you will have to pay up to 350usd for single room & about 600usd for a double room to have lodged with swimming pools & other none basic facilities. Also, some luxury lodges can have facilities priced to over 10000usd per night e.g. The Serengeti four-season lodge

Tanzania safari tented lodges:

these lodges are made up of tents (large tents) so you have the luxury of the lodge (private bathroom & beds) but the adventure of camping (hearing animal’s sounds).  A common misconception is that there is a massive difference between tented camps and non-tented options. The assumption is that tented lodges are “basic” whilst wooden structured, solid lodges are more luxurious. In truth, some of the most luxurious camps in the country can have a canvas covering… As well as a pool, amazing food and all the amenities in the world.

Aerial view for tented lodges
interior view
Dining Area

Budget tented lodges from 170usd single & 300usd for double rooms these with limited amenities. Luxury tented lodges from 400usd single & 700usd for double rooms will have more facilities

Seasonal/mobile tented lodges: like tented lodges but they are specially used or stationed seasonally to follow the migration in the Serengeti & Ngorongoro conservation area (locations Ndutu & Lobo). As a result of being stationed up seasonally, these tented lodges don’t have facilities like swimming pools & electricity is limited to their solar panels.

budget from 250usd single & 400usd for double rooms

3. Tanzania safari: tour length

How long is it enough for the Tanzania safari? this is dependent on what you want to see & the season but a minimum of 4days & maximum of 8days is usually a great time, the exact difference on days will depend on what you want to see (great wildebeest migration), how many parks, go to the flamingoes or archaeological sites, you will surely need to discuss this with us

Tip: tours heading for 1 night in Serengeti will stay not more than 24 hours in the park, 100% of travellers who opted for these tours say if they could have changed anything they would have opted for an additional day.

you can get by the parks by either flying, driving, or a combination of both. Example: drive into Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Serengeti then fly out to Zanzibar from Serengeti instead of taking the long drive back to Arusha & then fly to Zanzibar (fly safaris & their flights cost more)

What should I add to my Tanzania safari experience, what ad on I should know of, With options such as

  • Tanzania walking safaris
  • archaeological sites
  • horseback safaris (see options)
  • night game drives (200usd)
  • Tanzania balloon safaris (570usd)
  • Masai village stop (10-20usd)
  • bush lunch
  • canoeing safari

Note: Most ad on can only be possible with private trips as matching these particular interests & of course involve spending more will be difficult for us

5. Tanzania safari: Budget

After knowing the options lets me know the costs so you can match what you really want with the amount you are willing to spend, these figures are not very precise but can help to understand the range

  • Group & camping safaris – 200usd to 250usd
  • Private & camping safaris – 250usd to 450usd
  • Private & lodging safaris – 350usd to 700usd
  • Tanzania Luxury safaris – over 1200usd
  • Tanzania Balloon safaris – 570usd (per person per session)
  • Tipping – 15usd – 20usd per day, per person on a group tour
  •                –  25usd – 50usd per day, per person on a private tour

Prices above are per person per day (so to get actual range just do price * number of days needed)

Note: Prices above are in range meaning the lowest range is if many people & high range if solo

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Best Time to Visit Tanzania for Safari and Adventure

Like many other travellers, you are out to have the best experience on your vacation and great timing does the trick, so you now have this question in your mind “when is the best time to visit Tanzania?”

The best time to visit is largely dependent on what you want to visit & how you want your visit to be. All this can be largely influenced by the weather at your time of visit

Throughout the year you can visit Tanzania attractions but it is during the dry season (June to October) that is regarded by many as the best time to visit Tanzania

Why June to October is the best time to visit Tanzania?

  • First of all, the skies are clear and most day is sunny (perfect weather for your stay)
  • Secondly, animals are easier to spot as with water shortages the vegetation weakens thus improving the visibility of animals who will be concentrated at water sources
  • Furthermore, this period will cover the two highlights of the migration “The Grumeti river crossing” and “The Mara river crossing”
  • Easy mobility, moving around is easier when it is dry unlike rainy season
  • Moreover, it is the perfect time to hike The Kilimanjaro as it’s favourable weather and more summit chances
  • fewer mosquitoes unlike the rainy season which is a favourable condition for mosquitoes
  • easier to do group tours, group activities, and greater parties
  • lastly, there are plenty and more options for activities to do during the dry season

Few considerations against this period

  • Prices are high
  • Many travellers as it is peak season, if your preference is a quiet trip
  • Very dusty roads

Other favourable times to visit Tanzania

November to March

November

  • it is expected to be dry, sunny and with fewer travellers so it is a great time for a visit
  • little chances for short rains which are expected in December & January

December

  • the great wildebeest migration herds are back in the Serengeti
  • weather will be between sunny and short rain showers (to reduce the dust)
  • the scenery starts to get greener & beautiful
  • small peak season around festival season

January to February

  • the great wildebeest migration calving season, this is yet another highlight of the migration with about half a million new-borns through this period
  • it is also an excellent time for predator action
  • the scenery is green and beautiful

March

  • this is a grey time, not clear if it will be dry or perhaps the rainy season will begin
  • almost end of wildebeest calving season

April to May

this is probably the least favourable time to visit Tanzania as it is expected to be the rainy season therefore very difficult to move around or enjoy the sun

but there are some advantages for this period

  • lower rates
  • green and beautiful
  • migratory birds are present and bird watching is at its best
  • fewer travellers (low season)
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10 Reasons Why You Should Hike Mt Kilimanjaro

Why do 40,000 people a year seek to hike the world’s highest freestanding mountain and highest in Africa?. The mountain is so popular, now well known as “Everyman’s Everest”.

Below, are the top ten reasons why you should hike Mt Kilimanjaro, from the most practical to the most profound:

1. Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest point and one of the seven summits. It needs no technical skills or climbing equipment to conquer the summits. In other words, a beginner without any experience on big mountains can safely and successfully make it to the top.

Note: Technically, the easiest to climb of the world’s Seven Summits is Kilimanjaro.

2. A week’s walk from the equator to the north pole. Kilimanjaro is a snow-covered mountain on the equator. Climbing Kilimanjaro is like hiking from the equator to the North Pole in a week. It provides dramatic changes in vegetation and animal life day by day. Making it one of the world’s greatest wonders

3. A world on its own. Did you know? while the entire United States enjoys 7 climatic zones, Mount Kilimanjaro enjoys 5?. The Mountain guarantees an experience that is out of this world, scenic changes in vegetation and climate creates that feeling of “traversing through different worlds within just a few hours.”

Kilimanjaro’s 5 climatic zones.

Cultivation: Farmlands, small villages, coffee and fruit plantations.

Rain forest: Most wildlife is be found here.

Heather-Moorland: Shrubs and unique flora are everywhere.

Alpine Desert: Unique landscapes featuring volcanic rocks in varied shapes and sizes, and also extreme temperatures.

Glacier Summit: An arctic zone.

4. Kilimanjaro is a pristine getaway to connect with nature. Staying a minimum of four nights of camping and walking through different vegetation is refreshing and will make you reconnect with nature especially when coming from major cities.

5. The mountain that inspires. Whether you want to inspire yourself or others towards a cause hiking Kilimanjaro can be it, Kilimanjaro belongs to Tanzania, the first nation in East Africa to win independence from colonial powers (it was then called Tanganyika). Before independence in 1959, soon-to-be President Julius Nyerere said: “We, the people of Tanganyika, would like to light a candle and put it on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro which would shine beyond our borders giving hope where there was despair, love where there were hate and dignity where before there was only humiliation.” Today, the summit is called Uhuru Peak–Uhuru is the Swahili word for “Freedom.”.

Fact: President Nyerere went on to inspire freedom & liberate east & southern African countries

6. A hot spot for studying climate change, global warming is one of the most debated topics with many arguing for & against it, from prominent global leaders to young activists all with great conviction to their arguments. The Kilimanjaro shrinking glaciers have been used for so long as evidence to support arguments for global warming therefore it is one of the best places for you to clear your doubts and take a stand.

7. Hiking Kilimanjaro is not very difficult but also not an easy task with many hikers claiming it is one of the most challenging tasks they have done both at a physical and mental level. Climb Kilimanjaro, stand on the roof of Africa and see the world in a different way. A mountain top is a place for vision, inspiration, and a new beginning. As the famous song by Juluka goes: “I’m sittin’ on top of Kilimanjaro, I can see a new tomorrow. I’m sittin’ on top of Kilimanjaro. I cast away all my sorrows.

Tip: Kilimanjaro is a worthy accomplishment to brag about.

8. Kilimanjaro, Picturesque & Stunning. the scenery from the trail start to the summit is amazing, from its green vegetation, the kissing rock to the summit. You will be rewarded with great scenes, views of sunrise, sunsets, the summit and if planned well great view of the full moon

Other reasons why you should consider hiking the Kilimanjaro

9. Africa’s best safaris, as you will already be in Tanzania a safari to Serengeti & Ngorongoro crater is a worthy extension one not to miss considering these wildlife destinations are arguably the best in the world. However, they are just the tip of the iceberg with over 26 national parks in Tanzania

Tip: Tanzania is home to half of the world’s lions.

10. Beach extensions, Tanzania has a large coast but the archipelago islands of Zanzibar are the most known for clean, crystal waters and stunning beaches.