Tsavo: Kenya’s Greatest National Park

Have you seen Netflix’s Our Great National Parks series yet? Are you feeling inspired by the episode featuring Kenya’s incredible Tsavo?

The biggest national park in Kenya hosts an amazing variety of animals, plants, and adventure!

The new Netflix documentary series, narrated by none other than former American president Barack Obama, shows some of the most beautiful national parks in the world. In the third episode, you are taken on a breathtaking journey through Kenya’s Tsavo National Park.

The episode follows the animals of Tsavo and showcases the vast natural landscape that they call home.

Tsavo National Park

Kenya is famous world-wide among wildlife lovers for the incredible natural beauty in the flora and fauna across the country. As the country’s biggest national park (and one of the biggest parks in the world as well), visitors are treated to a spectacular theater of the wild.

Tsavo has an enormous amount to offer any traveler, but it is particularly famous for its bright red earth and the legendary “man-eater” lions. The park is also one of the world’s largest game sanctuaries - enormous herds of elephants, giraffes, buffalos, leopards, hippos, kudus, gerenuks, hirolas, and even the critically-endangered eastern black rhinos, all call this special part of the world their home.

If you are feeling inspired to see more of this natural wonder for yourself, why not come visit and bear witness in person?

Safari in Tsavo

There are many adventures to be found in Tsavo. See the red elephants on a four-day trip from Nairobi, or go for three days around Amboseli and Tsavo West parks.

If your goal is to see more of Kenya, outside of Tsavo as well, take the journey from Bush to Beach, safariing in several national parks and ending with well-earned relaxation time on Kenya’s serene coast.

On any safari in the region, you are sure to be amazed by the natural wonders of the great Tsavo.

A safari in Tsavo is great year-round, so there’s no reason not to start planning today!
Get in touch to take the first step on your safari journey!

Plastic-Free Safari

It has long been a thorn in the side of travel agencies like us to send out safari vehicles packed with single-use plastics.

Our Tanzania team has already found and implemented a solution: we have now installed refillable water canisters in our safari vehicles.

We designed custom brackets to fit the reusable canisters in the back of our safari cars, so everyone out on the trail with us has constant access to drinking water, without any unnecessary plastic footprint.

All of our travelers get their own reusable water bottles as a gift.

♻️ Reduce your carbon footprint with us ♻️

So when you’re going on your next safari with us, you will get your own reusable drink bottle. You can refill your bottles on our safari vehicles.

All you need to do is email us in advance and we will bring one for you. We appreciate you returning this at the end of the safari - we would like to recycle and minimize our waste as much as possible.

East Africa is a world-leading region on minimizing waste and banning single-use plastics. Travelers are not allowed to bring plastic bags when traveling to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda or Zanzibar.

People here realize the harm that single-use plastics can cause, so we expect everyone visiting to keep this in mind as well. Help us create a plastic-free Africa.

Our Shadows team is always striving to minimize our impact on the natural environment that we are lucky enough to call our home. We want to do everything possible to make sure our visitors can have a plastic-free safari too.

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!

Swim with Whale Sharks on Mafia Island

The waters around Mafia Island are infested with whale sharks.

That may sound dangerous, but whale sharks are shy, gentle, and, above all, magnificent creatures. They may be the same size as a bus, but humans are able to swim freely with them, and Zanzibar’s gorgeous tropical Mafia Island is the best place to do just that.

NOW is the time

You can see whale sharks around Mafia Island from October to February every year, which is the longest whale shark watching season on offer anywhere in the world.

November and December are the best months for swimming with whale sharks, when they are most common in these waters. This also happens to be the best season for humpback whale sightings. So start packing and get ready for some swimming!

In the water

It is important to treat whale sharks with respect and give them their space. Even though they have no real teeth, it is important to be safe and sensible when you’re in the water with these massive animals.

If you are calm and respectful they may even shake off their shyness and come up to inspect you. Their curiosity will come out if they feel safe around you!

With safety in mind, swimming with whale sharks can be one of the most thrilling adventures of your life. Dive among a flock of whale sharks and bring home breathtaking photos and memories that will last forever!

It is an unbeatable experience: swimming in Mafia Island’s gorgeous clear-blue waters and making friends with giant whale sharks. What more reason do you need to visit this tropical paradise?

Mafia Island

Most travellers head straight for Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja (also known as Zanzibar Island), but the smaller and quieter Mafia Island, just to the south, offers so much for every traveller.

Even if swimming with enormous fish is not your thing, it is a serene holiday getaway with pristine diving and snorkelling conditions. The island is lately even gaining popularity as a honeymoon destination.

Mafia Island and its friendly whale sharks are waiting for you. We look forward to introducing you! Get in touch to plan your adventure today, before the season ends!

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.