Mountain Biking Through Tanzania

A safari can be much more than sitting in a car - one of the coolest ways to explore the natural beauty of Tanzania is by bike!

There are so many things you can do with a mountain bike in Tanzania.

From a short 2-hour ride through the coffee plantation in Arusha, to a 7-day tour around the entire base of the Kilimanjaro, and everything in between!

Our favorite here at Shadows is the 2-day/1-night bike tour through Enduimet. Explore the gorgeous area in all of its diversity, and even see elephants and giraffes, all from your bike!

Cycling to Enduimet

See the Kilimanjaro while exploring the woodlands and open plains at the mountain base!

The Enduimet Wildlife Management Area contains a remarkable diversity of flora and fauna, all with the spectacular sight of the Kilimanjaro towering over.

This tour takes 2 days, cycling 175 km in total over tarmac, dirt, and gravel roads, and spending one night camping out our Sinya base overlooking the West Kilimanjaro plains.

The area is home to several villages of the Maasai people whose rich culture coexists with the local wildlife, which makes this bike tour all the more interesting for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure involving nature, animals, scenery, and culture.

Bike safaris in Tanzania

There are plenty of day trips available - if 2 days on a bike is too much for you. Talk to one of our safari experts and we will find one that suits your schedule!

Bike tours start at $40, but start to get more pricey if they involve cycling inside a national park. For example, to cycle into Arusha National Park, the price goes up to about $180 per person.

Contact us to find the best option for you!

What you can expect from bike tour with Shadows of Africa

Group Tour Safari - The Great Migration River Crossing - in the Serengeti

The thrilling drama of the crossing at the Mara River is arguably the highlight of the wildebeest migration. Every year, hundreds of thousands of wildebeest brave the treacherous currents and lurking predators in the water to reach the safety of the Maasai Mara on the other side and continue on with their journey in Kenya.

Our group safari gives you the best views of this spectacular natural event in the stunning landscape of northern Tanzania. We take you into the northern Serengeti to watch the intensity unfold. You will see the animals do incredible things, risking death, all to reach the next stage of their migratory life-cycle.

The Mara River crossing

In the summer months, from July to October, the herd reaches the Mara River on their way to the Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. This is a major obstacle on the migration, but one that must be overcome if they are to continue.

The migratory herds have been making this crossing for generations, but nevertheless, it is still a deadly one for many. The river is swollen, the currents are intense, and the waters are filled with opportunistic crocodiles. There are many threats to the lives of the wildebeest at this point, but for those who successfully make it across, the safety of the Maasai Mara awaits them on the other side.

The wildebeest make this daring dash for safety at the Kogatende crossing. At this point, photographers and documentarians from around the world gather to bear witness to the life-and-death struggle taking place every year.

This point sees the most action during the summer months, but the surrounding area is an incredible sight to witness any time of year. The Serengeti landscape is every bit as memorable as the drama of the river crossing happening within it.

Why join a group?

Joining a group safari is a great way to add a social aspect to your adventure, while saving money!

Safaris can be expensive, as we all know, but many of the associated fees can be shared among a group of travelers. For example, you can see your vehicle, fuel, entry, and guide fees reduce significantly by joining one of our groups.

Group safaris are also a great opportunity to meet some of your fellow travelers - people who also share a taste for adventure and a love of nature. You are sure to make new friends with some interesting people!

Why you should join our Great Migration River Crossing group tour

The River Crossing group safari is a great opportunity for all travelers.
The tour includes all necessities for you to have a safe and enjoyable adventure. You will be fed well with meals every day; we will provide comfortable accommodation for you to rest up after big days in the wilderness; and everything you could need while on safari: a comfortable vehicle, binoculars, Wi-Fi, charging stations, tea, coffee and water.

Our professional and experienced English-speaking guides will make sure you are always having a good time on your safari, and can even cater tours to your itinerary preferences!

We have several dates this upcoming summer that you can join. You have a choice - whenever is best suited for you!

Departure dates for our Great Migration River Crossing group tour:

We have 4 dates planned for 2022:

• 20th of July
• 27th of July
• 3rd of August
• 10th of September

More details for our River Crossing group tour

See the full itinerary with descriptions and photos of everything you will be doing and seeing:

Join The Group Wildebeest Migration Safari River Crossing

Don’t want to miss out on a spot for this amazing event? Contact us on email or WhatsApp and book today!

SOA’s Join The Group tours

We are very excited about the upcoming summer. On top of our River Crossing tour, we also have two other exciting Join The Group tours planned. Why not check these out too!

Join The Group tours for 2022:

• Tanzania Express Safari
• Northern Circuit Special

We are waiting to hear from you!

See the Serengeti from a Balloon!

Witness Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes from the sky

If you ask the average person the best way to enjoy a safari, the idea of flying over the wilderness in a balloon may not come up.

But, if you ask us, we will definitely tell you all about the wonderful and unique experience of taking a safari from the air!

See the natural wonders of the Serengeti or Tarangire with all the serenity and all the romance that a luxurious hot-air balloon offers. A balloon safari is truly an unforgettable experience.

Take a balloon ride in the African skies!

As you cross the plains at a comfortable altitude of 1000 feet, the landscapes will amaze you. This perspective also offers a unique view of the Great Migration in progress.

We can arrange a balloon safari on your trips to Tarangire, Serengeti, Maasai Mara, and Ruaha; four of the most beautiful natural places anywhere on the planet.

Rise from your bed and rise to the sky - the best time of day for a balloon safari is first thing in the morning. The rising sun illuminates a fantastic horizon, which you are able to see in full panorama from your balloon.

Watch the sun peek up over the horizon to greet all the wildlife down below. You will be able to see cheetahs, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalos, hippos, hyenas, vultures, eagles, wildebeest, zebras, baboons, warthogs, monkeys, giraffes, and more - all right as they wake up and start their day!

If you thought this journey could not be more romantic, you will be pleasantly surprised upon touching down in the wilderness with a delicious champagne breakfast waiting for you. In our humble opinion, a luxurious meal surrounded by acacia trees and grassy plains in a peaceful corner of Africa is one of the best ways to start your day!

Nothing can quite compare to the experience of flying over Tanzania’s open plains at sunrise.

Find out more and get in touch to arrange a sky safari today!

See Kilimanjaro from the Sky!

Want to see the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, but not excited by a gruelling 7-day hike up the side of a mountain? There are options for every traveller to meet the top of Africa!

Everyone deserves to get the most out of their dream Tanzanian adventure. If long, difficult hikes are not your thing, you can still enjoy the sights of the Kilimanjaro and the gorgeous surroundings - from above!

Take a scenic flight around the Kilimanjaro and discover the beauty from the sky!

Of course, long, arduous mountain hikes are not for everyone, but the birdseye view of the highest free-standing mountain in the world is a treat for any traveller in its own right. The experience of the mountain is very different from the sky, with many unique views you can’t get on the ground.

From a height of 21,000 feet, you will catch glimpses of volcanic Kibo Peak and Reusch Crater, the hazardous Mawenzi Peak, glistening 197,000-year-old glaciers, and, of course, the famous Kilimanjaro summit, in all her snow-covered glory.

The route will take you from Arusha, flying over Ngurudoto crater and Shira plateau, where you will see the dramatic change in the landscape from forest to desert, before approaching the magnificent views of the mountain right in front of you. The trip includes a descriptive audio guide so you won’t miss any of the beauty the area has to offer.

There are two options to do your sightseeing in the sky:

Kilimanjaro by plane

In the more cost-effective option, you can join a regular flight with a group of adventurers equally enthusiastic and excited about the opportunity to enjoy the mountain’s sights from above.

Kilimanjaro by helicopter

The helicopters that fly over the mountain are available for private flights, so they are perfect if you are after a more peaceful, personal experience for yourself or with your family or friends, to enjoy the sights in your own way.

Both the planes and helicopters depart from Arusha airport. Shadows Of Africa will pick you up from your hotel, take you to the departure point, and bid you farewell as you embark on your magical journey in the skies above Mount Kilimanjaro.

However you want to experience the famous UNESCO world heritage-listed mountain, we have you covered.

Find out more about your options for a scenic flight around the Kilimanjaro: Mount Kilimanjaro Scenic Flight.

Safari on Zanzibar - Visit Jozani Forest and Saadani National Park

Safari on Zanzibar - Visit Jozani Forest

Zanzibar Island is home to a great nature spot, so you don't need to travel to the African mainland to find your East-African safari experience.
Book your Jozani Forest tour on Zanzibar Island!

Jozani Forest, even though quite small (only 50 square kilometres), is still teeming with all forms of life and nature. It may not offer the same experience as a safari tour in the Serengeti or Saadani just across the water, but you are still able to witness the nature and wildlife of Tanzania in the only remaining natural forest on Zanzibar Island.

Jozani boasts sky-high trees, some over 100 years old, including palms and pandanus, a special mangrove habitat, and even a natural pharmacy…

The forest is an amazing source of natural remedies. Basically every plant and tree has a medicinal use, and you can find cures for almost everything. Your experienced tour guide will tell you all about the vegetation and their surprising uses. You will find out all about their historical usage in the local Zanzibar culture and beyond.

The wildlife in the forest is equally as interesting and diverse. On your island safari, you can find:

• the red colobus monkey - famous in the area for their beauty and unique behaviour, but they are threatened across the continent and are very rare, even in Jozani, one of their last remaining sanctuaries in Africa,
• Zanzibar Sykes’ monkey - endemic to the island, but even rarer (a good challenge to spot one!),
• antelopes - including two endemic species, the duiker and sunni,
• blue monkeys,
• chameleons,
• mongoose,
• tree hyraxes,
• bush pigs,
• civets, and
• 40 different species of birds and 50 different species of butterflies.

Jozani Forest is a great opportunity for safari lovers. As you can see, there are many unique and extraordinary things to be found here even in this small area, so you will still need good walking shoes!

Shadows Of Africa welcomes you on a tour of this amazing natural wonderland. This is the only nature experience available on Zanzibar Island itself. It is perfect for those who want a magical and relaxing adventure without making the trip to the Tanzanian mainland; to combine their tropical island getaway with a real safari experience.

The central location on the island means that Jozani is accessible for a day tour from wherever you are staying. It is perfect to combine your refreshing forest trip with a Zanzibar spice tour or a visit to historic Stonetown.

Book your tour today!

Saadani day trip from Zanzibar

For those with more time willing to travel a little bit further for their safari fix, Saadani National Park on the Tanzanian mainland is just across the water from Zanzibar Island.

The beach meets the bush at Saadani where you can see even more of Tanzania’s diverse wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, wildebeest, baboons, hippos, crocodiles, turtles, and much, much more. Saadani on the mainland is much larger than Jozani and offers a more classical idea of a safari experience in an easy trip from Zanzibar, but both places are special and unique in their own ways and both are absolutely worth visiting!

You can safari in Saadani on a day trip with a short boat ride or an even shorter flight from Zanzibar.

Wherever you choose to visit, staying on an island doesn’t mean you need to miss out on your African safari experience. Get in touch and you will be enjoying your ideal African adventure in no time!

When to Spot Whales in Mombasa

Spotting whales along the Kenyan coast

In early June, after travelling some 4000 kilometres from Antarctica, majestic humpback whales enter the waters along the East African shore and swim into warm tropical inner reefs to calve and mate.

Large numbers and their playfulness make them easy to spot, and offer an unforgettable sight. Imagine a 15 metres long, 30 tonnes huge creature jumping a summersault for its mate. And for you, too!

Whales can be spotted from the Kenyan coast as close as 500 metres from the shore. On a dedicated whale-watching safari you can easily see them. With a pair of binoculars, of course. So don’t miss out on a whaling trip when you are visiting Mombasa.

Your real adventure starts after boarding a whale-watching boat. Specialists behind the rudder and watch guards on shore combine their knowledge and lead you to one of what will surely be an unforgettable encounter.

More than ten species of whales and dolphins have been reported being seen along the East African coast. Besides the humpbacks, you may see the Bryde’s whale, both of the baleen whales, the toothed whale species orca or the killer whale and the sperm whale or cachalot, which is the largest toothed predator.

Whales are being thoroughly researched but remain a mystery; a new species was described only in 2019. They constitute an infraorder of Cetacea, an entirely aquatic group of mammals, along with dolphins and porpoises.

Since they have to breathe air, they have to surface - their surface behaviour was observed and described in detail. From anywhere in Mombasa you can start your whale watching tour to witness this behaviour for yourself.
Far less understood is their communication with sound - they sing the most beautiful songs and their sounds travel far, so you might even hear some.

For about a decade, a series of non-profit organizations in Kenya have been sharing their knowledge and responsibility to protect these mysterious mammals and ensure respectable and environment-friendly whale watching expeditions, just as the one that you’ll join.

Whales begin their journey back in late September and October, to the cold waters with an abundance of sardines and krill, a small shrimplike planktonic crustacean of the open seas.

So, if visiting Mombasa or staying anywhere on the Kenyan coast between June and October - don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity of encountering these mysterious, gigantic and yet gentle and highly intelligent creatures.

Top 5 Safari Parks to Visit from Mombasa: The Best Places for a Short Safari from Mombasa

A great advantage of Mombasa is that the tropical beaches are close to such famous parks as Arabuko Sokoke National Park, Amboseli National Park and many others. Even the famous Maasai Mara is only a short flight away! Hence why you should not miss the chance to add a short safari to your beach holiday. You will ensure your trip to remember for years to come.

Which are the best parks to visit from Mombasa?

We prepared our Top 5 best destinations for a short safari from Mombasa. You can choose the offer that suits you best and spend an unforgettable time visiting the wild. On you go!

Tsavo East National Park

One of the oldest and largest parks in Kenya covers an incredible 14000 square kilometres and is also one of the largest game reserves in Africa. Truly an impressive scale! Tsavo East is known for its grand elephants and the legend of the Maneaters of Tsavo.

When staying in Mombasa, you are just a short drive away from elephants, rhinos, leopards, lions and other wild animals. On your safari, you will have the chance to get acquainted with the habitat of giraffes, caracals, cheetahs and zebras. Bird lovers will be especially interested - about 500 bird species are residing here!

Amboseli National Park

A truly legendary place. This park gained worldwide recognition thanks to its elephant population, the most studied elephants in the world. From the very first minute upon entering the park, you will feel all the power of African nature and the mystery of a safari. Amboseli National Park is where you can spot Kilimanjaro on a clear day. The combination of Kilimanjaro as a backdrop and the elephant population has made Amboseli become a darling for photographers and filmmakers.

The name of the park is consonant with the name of a small unstable lake, which is formed due to heavy rains and finds its recharge in the underground vapours of Mount Kilimanjaro. The papyrus swamps located in the park are the principal source of water for animals, which is why you have the opportunity to see a cluster of unique specimens together.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

With a limited amount of time, not a minute should be wasted. We suggest taking a flight from Mombasa and visiting Maasai Mara - a reserve of world importance and incredible wealth of nature. With a lucky coincidence, you will be able to witness a unique and impressive phenomenon - the migration of wildebeests through the park. Imagine: over a million copies are moving en masse in one direction, isn't that worth your attention?

Arabuko Sokoke and Shimba Hills

Arabuko is located a hundred kilometres from Mombasa and is a must-see for all tourists from this island. And the path to it lies through the Shimba Hills, so both locations are being offered as one trip. What will be remarkable for you? These two national reserves contain the largest coastal forests in East Africa, both sites are important for bird conservation and are listed as 25 biodiversity hotspots in the world. Are you ready to pass by such a sight?

Tsavo West National Park

Another option for a short safari trip from Mombasa is the second national park from the Tsavo nature reserve, located in the coastal province of Kenya. Breathtaking landscapes, wild animals, springs of Mzima - this is not the whole list of richness that Tsavo West beholds. Ideally, you can combine two parks in one day, and Africa will open up for you even deeper and more informative.

That is just a short description of what you will hopefully see with your own eyes very soon. Do not waste time book tours and enjoy unexplored places! There are so many interesting and incredible locations in the world!

10 Reasons to Go on a Beach Holiday to Kenya This Winter

Have you ever thought of setting off to Kenya for your holiday? Kenya has become a popular beach destination relatively recently, but it already boasts some of the best resorts in the world! That is not surprising because Kenya has something difficult to find in other places - a combination of luxurious beaches with turquoise water, tall palm trees, warm, pleasant sun. And, of course, the opportunity to visit the best safari parks in the world is just a stone throw away. Although the advantages go on and on, we have highlighted the main ten points that will make it difficult to resist visiting Kenya yourself.

1. World’s best beaches

As mentioned earlier, Kenya's beaches are incredible. The white, clean sand is washed by the Indian Ocean. The beaches offer a blend of tropical serenity and fun activities: making it a haven for couples, families or travelling with friends.

The northern beaches offer an array of pastimes, both water and land-based, including golf, tennis, snorkelling, squash, diving, fishing and other sports. Whereas the southern beaches offer a more of a serene tropical experience.

2. Go from beach to bush in a day!

The proximity to some of the safari parks makes Mombasa your gateway to a real African safari. You get to see what exists only in Africa: elephants, giraffes and other rare wild animals in their natural environment. The closest park Shimba Hills is only 45 minutes drive from Mombasa!

3. Kenyan national parks

Kenya is the Mecca for safaris and wildlife enthusiasts and it is easy to see why. Nowhere else in the world can you find such a diversity of wildlife experiences. These are our favourite parks:

• Amboseli National Park
• Tsavo East National Park
• Tsavo West National Park
• Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Nairobi National Park
• Aberdare National Park
• Shimba Hills National Reserve
• Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve

Choose yours and enter deep into the wild!

4. Great wildebeest migration

On the top of the bucket list of every wildlife enthusiast: the Great migration. Fly from Mombasa to the very heart of the Maasai Mara and ensure that you have the best possible chance to see this miracle.
There are direct local flights from Mombasa to the Maasai Mara - where the herds are from January till March.

5. Snorkelling, diving, and all the watersports!

Well, what about water entertainment and activities? A beach vacation without those will not be a vacation! In Mombasa, you can enjoy diving, sailing, snorkelling and exploring the underwater world. Which is as rich and varied as the outside one! Definitely worth your attention.

6. Spot the Big five

The Big Five is the name for the five most extraordinary wild animals that live in Africa. These are buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion and leopard. Seeing them with their own eyes is a dream of probably every person on the planet. And we help to make it happen! Just ask your safari expert to add a safari to your beach holiday - we know how to fulfil your wish.

7. Learn more about Maasai people

Visiting a new country means also getting to know a new culture, new people and living through new experiences. To touch the life of Africans, to try yourself in the role of a resident - all this can be done in Kenya, and we think, it's a must. And it will be another great experience in your life that you will be eager to share with your friends and family.

8. Go whale watching

Whales are another advantage of Kenya's waterways. They are safe and kind, and watching them is incredibly interesting and entertaining. And most importantly, you will not need to go anywhere far - after all, you are on the ocean shore.

9. African sunsets

This argument is difficult to describe in words. A sunset there needs to be seen just once to fall in love forever. The palette of colours and shades can be compared to fire and flames. There's a reason why a well-known proverb says: "You can always look at the fire, at the water and the famous Kenyan sunsets!"

10. Luxury lodges & hotels with style!

First-class lodges and hotels, luxury service and attention from the staff are waiting for you. Pamper yourself - because you deserve it! There is nowhere quite like Kenya where the service comes with a Swahili smile!

Is it possible to resist all these? I wouldn’t think so. If you agree, start planning your perfect dream trip!

The Best Safaris from Mombasa

When you are enjoying yourself on the stunning sandy beaches of Mombasa it's worth remembering: being on the African coast, you cannot miss the opportunity to experience one of the most important sights of Africa - a real safari in the bush! To help you plan we have listed the best safaris from Mombasa for you.

It is super easy to add a safari to your beach trip - Shadows of Africa has the perfect safari for you - whether you are looking for a 1-day safari or a 15-day adventure - we have it all. With so many options to choose from, where should you plan your safari? No worries - we got you covered: Have a look at our favorite safaris starting in Mombasa.

1. Minimum Travel & Maximum Safari: Shimba Hills

Only 30 km from Mombasa - this trip will let you get a taste of safari without even having to pack an overnight bag! If you do not have a lot of time - or if you are not 100% sure yet a safari is for you: this will be the perfect taster! With a pickup and drop off at your hotel - you have nothing to worry about and you can enjoy the wonders of an African Safari - while being back at your hotel for dinner.

Safari from Mombasa - One day trip to Shimba Hills

2. Our grand tour from Mombasa!

Divided by road and rail, adjacent Tsavo East and Tsavo West national parks and the Amboseli offer a variety of landscapes, vegetation, and wildlife, all in abundance. This trip is designed to take you to all the highlights and have you spot the best possible wildlife!

Safari from Mombasa - Tsavo East Tsavo West and Amboseli National Parks - Five days

3. Overnight while listening to elephants trumpet and lions roar!

If you want the full safari experience: but don’t want it to cut too much from your beach time, then our one-night safari in Tsavo East is for you! Spend two days in search of the famous ‘red elephants’, lions and of course all of Kenya’s wildlife!
Spending a night in a tented camp or luxury safari lodge will be the highlight of your Mombasa trip and will make for unforgettable memories.

Safari from Mombasa - Two days in Tsavo East National Park

For a full overview of our safaris from Mombasa have a look here