Destinations
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 8th 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.
Empakai Crater Trekking
For those wanting a unique hiking experience, wandering the forested Empakai Crater offers a real thrill.Tanzania Among Top 5 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.
South Africans Now Require Visa For Kenya
As of July 1st, 2014, South African visitors to Kenya will now require a visa.
The High Commission of the Republic of Kenya just announced new visa requirements for South Africans.
Ordinary Visa applicants travelling to or transiting through Kenya will be required to pay a service charge of R 750 ($70).
Holders of Official or Diplomatic Passports travelling on Government business are not affected by these changes and will continue to get visitor’s Passes on arrival at the ports of entry.
The High Commission further wishes to inform that the Visa Service Fees payments should be made at the Kenya High Commission/Embassy premises and Visas will no longer be issued on arrival in Kenya. It should be noted that the processing period for the visas is strictly five (5) working days.
As with other nationalities, South African nationals are now required to apply for their Kenyan visa in advance.
Read more about how to apply for a Kenyan visa online
Meaningful Travel Tanzania
Shadows of Africa is proud to present the Meaningful Travel Tanzania, program that will make your traveling experience in Tanzania unforgettable and in same time at customized prices participating in this program you will contribute to education of orphans. Each traveler in Meaningful Travel Tanzania will sponsor a child with school fees for 1 year. Travel, explore and contribute for the development of Tanzanian children to have better education, better future.
Thanks to partner local NGO From Arusha - Green Hope Organization, we are able to offer you an voluntaristic experience in Tanzania. You will spend one week exploring Arusha and its surroundings by visiting local projects covered by Green Hope and additional three days will be spent on Tanzanian safari. If you want to add a meaning and personal growth to your visit in Tanzania, then this program is perfect for you.
During your stay in Arusha, Tanzania
- You will learn few useful Swahili words that you will find useful while you are here
- You will engage with the most vulnerable children (orphans) Visit 3 different orphanages. Hear their needs and wishes, sing a song, play football or any other game activity that you and children will find mutually interesting.
- You will visit the Green Hope Dispensary and look at the procedures and the way that clinic operate; talk with the Doctor at the clinic and find out more about the most common diseases and care, treatment of patients.
- You will meet with HIV positive community and visit 3 different families for home base care visit. Deliver them a small package of food as donation. Hear their challenges and problems they are facing on day to day basis.
- You will visit other NGO that is working on education and community development to the most vulnerable children. Get more information about their work and what they are trying to achieve.
- You will visit the only glass recycling place in town, where the people with disabilities are recycling glass and creating different types of useful decorations, tools and gifts.
- You will visit local craft market, where you will find unique carvings and gifts to buy for family and friends at home.
- You will go out clubbing to party and see the night life of Arusha.
NOTE: Depending on the traveler interest and profession these activities can be edited and changed.
Safari part of the program will start in Arusha and you will visit Lake Manyara, Tarangire National park and Ngorongoro crater!
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.
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
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
- 7 Tips on How to Save on Safari to Tanzania