Destinations

  • What to pack for a gorilla trek

    Vika
    February 1, 2023

    The complete guide to packing for your gorilla trek to make sure you get the most out of this incredible experience.

    A gorilla trek is a uniquely special adventure. Trekking through the African rainforest, you will witness the fascinating life of gorillas in their natural habitat. 🦍

    However, to properly enjoy the experience, you need to be prepared. What you pack will make all the difference on your trek.

    Protect yourself: In the wilderness, there are many risks and dangers, but with the right preparation, you can easily minimize these risks and they won’t ruin your experience.

    Pack only what is necessary: Trekking through the jungle can be tiring, so make sure you’re not carrying excess weight and your pack won’t become a burden.

    Enjoy your trek: Ultimately, all the preparations you make are to ensure you have a good time (which is the main aim of this article!) 😄

    Here is a list of important items to pack for your next gorilla trek!

    Proper clothing
    👒

    Your choice in clothing goes a long way to making your trek safer and more comfortable.

    • Long trousers
    • Long-sleeved shirt
    • Warm, moisture-wicking clothes (if you expect cold weather)
    • Hiking boots: sturdy, waterproof, and worn-in
    • Thick socks
    • Gaiters to protect your feet from insects (alternatively, tuck your trousers into your socks on the trail)
    • Sturdy gardening gloves to protect your hands
    • Hooded rain jacket or poncho
    • Wide-brimmed hat for protection from the rain and sun
    • UV-filtering sunglasses

    Cover as much skin as possible and protect yourself from branches, thorns, insects, and anything else that could scratch you on the trail. Always aim to wear neutral-colored clothing (like light brown, green, or khaki) which is better at keeping insects away and will be less startling for local wildlife.

    It may seem obvious, but it is also important to consider how comfortable your clothes are. Remember, you will be in these clothes for long periods of time, doing strenuous activity. Make sure your clothing doesn’t make the trek uncomfortable!

    Take care of yourself ⛑️

    Apart from clothing, there are several other practical things you will need to consider to protect yourself from the elements.

    • Light pack: the lighter your pack, the more you will be able to carry in it!
    • High SPF sunscreen
    • Insect repellant
    • Personal medications
    • Water bottle
    • Snacks
    • First-aid kit
    • Trekking poles for balance on uneven ground
    • Personal documents: passport, vaccinations, insurance, emergency contact details

    Enhance the experience 📸

    When you have your trekking needs covered, then you can use the space you have left in your pack for optional extra gear that will allow you to get the most out of your trip.

    • Phone and/or camera
    • Chargers or batteries for your devices
    • Binoculars
    • Headlamp for better sight in darker areas

    Ready for your gorilla trek? 🦍

    It is important to do this right - you do not want anything to take away from an experience of a lifetime. Make a checklist for yourself and make sure you have everything you need.

    We at Shadows Of Africa want you to have the best possible experience when you’re out on the trail with us. Reach out to us to book your gorilla trek and we will make sure you’re prepared before we head out together on our adventure!

  • Let’s learn Swahili for your safari!

    Vika
    January 6, 2023

    Jambo! (Swahili for “hello!”)

    Quick quiz: Do you know how to say “have a good day” in Swahili? What is Swahili for “good morning”? What is “how are you” in Swahili?

    Speak to people in East Africa in their native language, and they will surely give you a Swahili thank you (asante)! We have already taught you how to say “hello” in Swahili, now let’s keep going.

    We can start you off with the basics: some Swahili words and phrases useful for travelers visiting East Africa.

    Swahili greetings

    People are big on greetings in East Africa. This is the most valuable thing to learn before your trip.

    It only takes a small effort to create a positive first impression in any conversation, so let’s learn how to say “Hi! How are you?” in Swahili!

    Hello: jambo / hujambo / ​salama
    How are you?: habari gani?
    Fine (response): nzuri
    Goodbye: kwa herib (to one person) / kwa herini (to more than one person)
    See you later: tutaonana
    Nice to meet you: nafurahi kukuona
    Goodnight: lala salama

    General Swahili

    Here are some very common Swahili words that will certainly come in handy.

    Please: tafadhali
    OK: sawa
    Yes: ndiyo
    No: hapana
    Thank you: asante
    Thank you very much: asante sana

    Swahili at the market

    What should you say in an East African market? These phrases might be useful!

    How much is this?: Hii ni bei gani?
    Can you reduce the price?: Unaweza kupunguza bei?
    The price is too high: Bei iko juu

    Swahili on safari

    Know what you are looking at on safari in the local language! Here are some common animal names in Swahili to get you started.

    Elephant: tembo
    Leopard: chui
    Hyena: fisi
    Antelope: swala
    Hippo: kiboko
    Zebra: punda milia
    Cheetah: duma
    Giraffe: twiga

    Swahili is the most widely-spoken language in Eastern Africa. Whether you’re planning to take a once-in-a-lifetime safari adventure soon, or just have an interest in the region, it is always a good idea to start learning!

    Swahili is an official language of Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Wherever you go, knowing the language will come in handy.

    Being able to converse with people in their own language, even a little bit, can go a long way towards bridging the cultural gap and breaking down communication barriers.

    Like learning any language, practice makes perfect. Work at memorizing these Swahili basics and you’ll be sure to have a good foundation for your travel in East Africa.

    Start your East-African journey today by learning some Swahili!

    Now, tell us, how do you say “hello” in Swahili? ?

  • Tanzania Safari Routes Distances

    Vika
    November 24, 2022

    Tanzania, our incredible home, is always open for travelers! We can’t wait to share her beauty with you.

    Take a look below at what we have to offer: the routes, the accommodations, and the experiences.

    The north of Tanzania is full of incredible sights, every way you look. Most of the highlights of the region are in relatively close proximity to each other, making it easy to travel through all of them on safari. The diversity between the parks in this region gives travelers a broad experience of East African nature, culture, and wildlife.

    The information here will give you a better understanding of the distances and travel times involved in a private safari in Tanzania. It will be useful as you plan yours!

    There is so much opportunity for travel in Tanzania, and your trip can easily include a safari in neighboring Kenya or a beach getaway to idyllic Zanzibar. Get in touch to find your perfect safari!

    Arrival day, Kilimanjaro Airport

    Your guide will greet you at Kilimanjaro Airport, and, depending on your time of arrival, you will either start your safari immediately or go to your lodge in Arusha to get some rest before heading out on the safari trail the next morning.

    Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport - Lake Manyara National Park

    Distance: 130 km
    On the road: about 3 hours on paved roads from the lodge in Arusha. From Kilimanjaro Airport - about 4 hours (180 km).

    The trip: see the town of Mto Wa Mbu and spend a couple of hours wandering the busy streets. Learn about the lives of the Maasai people and the 100 or so other cultural groups living in the area. Visit plantations, workshops, a local bar (to drink banana beer!), and the market stalls for some local produce. For our lunch, we will enjoy some authentic dishes prepared by locals.

    Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport - Tarangire National Park

    Distance: 160 km
    On the road: about 3 hours on paved roads.

    The trip: From Arusha it takes about 2 hours, from Kilimanjaro Airport about 3 hours (160 km).

    Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport - Arusha National Park

    Distance: 50 km
    On the road: from Arusha about 1.5 hours on partly-paved roads, from Kilimanjaro Airport about 1 hour.

    Lake Manyara National Park - Tarangire National Park

    Distance: 100 km
    On the road: about 1 to 1½ hours on paved roads.

    Lake Manyara boasts Africa's highest concentration of elephants.

    Lake Manyara National Park - Serengeti Central

    Distance: 210 km
    On the road: 6 hours on roads partly-paved, but mostly sandy and bumpy.

    The trip: drive to Serengeti National Park via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with incredible panoramic views of the Ngorongoro crater below. Eat lunch on the way while heading for the north of the Serengeti. This route goes straight through the heart of the Serengeti in the area of the Seronera River - one of the most thrilling rides in the region.

    Things to do (optional): visit a Maasai Boma settlement and experience how semi-nomadic communities live with their age-old traditions.

    This route may also be covered by airplane. Please contact us for more information.

    Lake Manyara National Park/ Karatu - Serengeti North (Lobo and Mara) / North East (Bolongonya)

    Distance: 290 km
    On the road: 8-9 hours on roads partly paved, but mostly sandy and bumpy. The road conditions here are poor and you will not have a lot of time to spend on game drives. We recommend to spend a minimum of 2 nights in the North Serengeti Region or opt for a flight in/out.

    The trip: the road from Lake Manyara to Serengeti National Park goes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with incredible panoramic views of the Ngorongoro crater below. This route goes straight through the heart of the Serengeti in the area of the Seronera River - one of the most thrilling rides in the region.

    Things to do (optional): visit a Maasai Boma settlement and experience how semi-nomadic communities live with their age-old traditions.

    This route may also be covered by airplane. Please contact us for more information.

    Lake Manyara National Park - Lake Natron

    Distance: 80 km
    On the road: 2 hours on mostly sandy and bumpy roads.

    The trip: an adventurous route to a special, off-the-beaten-track place. The road to Lake Natron takes you through the cultural home of the Maasai people, passing the archeological site of the stone-age settlement Engaruka, as well as the majestic Ondoyo Lengai, the only active volcano in the Great Rift Valley. Lake Natron fascinates visitors with its colors, varying from pink, to lime green, to red. The concentration of minerals in the water makes this place a surreal and breathtaking landscape (which may also include flamingoes!).

    cheetah serengeti

    Tarangire National Park - Serengeti Central

    Distance: 300 km
    On the road: 6-7 hours partly on paved roads, but mostly sandy and bumpy roads.

    The trip: the road from Tarangire to Serengeti National Park goes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with incredible panoramic views of the Ngorongoro crater below. This route goes straight through the heart of the Serengeti in the area of the Seronera River - one of the most thrilling rides in the region.

    This route may also be covered by airplane. Please contact us for more information.

    Tarangire National Park - South Serengeti (Ndutu)

    Distance: 225 km
    On the road: 6 hours partly on paved roads, but mostly sandy and bumpy roads.

    The trip: the road from Tarangire to Serengeti National Park goes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, with incredible panoramic views of the Ngorongoro crater below. This route includes a great opportunity to spot wildlife as you drive across the southern Serengeti.

    This route may also be covered by airplane. Please contact us for more information.

    Ngorongoro - Tarangire National Park

    Distance: 150 km
    On the road: 2 hours mostly on paved roads.

    The trip: the road from Ngorongoro takes you through Mto wa Mbu before arriving in Tarangire National Park. You can start the day with a game drive in Ngorongoro and head for Tarangire afterwards, or you can head to Tarangire in the morning and take your game drive there.

    Things to do (optional): see the town of Mto Wa Mbu and spend a couple of hours wandering the busy streets. Learn about the lives of the Maasai people and the 100 or so other cultural groups living in the area. Visit plantations, workshops, a local bar (to drink banana beer!), and the market stalls for some local produce. For our lunch, we will enjoy some authentic dishes prepared by locals.

    lions tanzania babies

    Lake Natron - Serengeti National Park North (Lobo and Mara) and North East (Bolongonya)

    Distance: 220 km
    On the road: 7 hours mostly on sandy and bumpy roads. A beautifully scenic day-trip!

    The trip: head out after breakfast with packed lunch boxes towards the north-eastern part of the Serengeti. Leaving the cliff ridges behind, you will be greeted by a majestic landscape and its residents with their cattle along the way. The landscape changes dramatically once you pass through Klein’s Gate and enter the Serengeti. Your road continues through seemingly-endless savannah with huge herds of grazing animals, and the carnivores which follow them.

    wildebeest migration tanzania serengeti

    Serengeti Central - Ngorongoro

    Distance: 160 km
    On the road: 3 hours on sandy and bumpy roads.

    The trip: you can start the day with a game drive in the Serengeti and head for Ngorongoro right after lunch, or you can head to Ngorongoro in the morning and take your game drive there.

    Serengeti Central - Serengeti North (Lobo and Mara) and North East (Bolongonya)

    Distance: 140 km
    On the road: 4 hours, or combined with a game drive about 7-8 hours. This also depends on the weather conditions, since many of the roads are gravel and corrugated. Alternatively, your guide may advise a different route with better roads, heading along the western outskirts of the Serengeti, with more time for game driving in the Kogatende/Lobo/Mara areas.

    The trip: a full-day game drive in the off-the-beaten-track Lobo reserve. This is a relatively remote area of the Serengeti, so you will see real wilderness with rocky outcrops. Here, you will visit the Bologonja Springs, an important watering hole for migrating animals.

    Ngorongoro Crater - Lake Eyasi

    Distance: 90 km
    On the road: about 2 hours on sandy and bumpy roads. These roads may be difficult during the rainy season (November - May).

    Lake Eyasi - Arusha / Kilimanjaro Airport

    Distance: 180 km
    On the road: 4 hours to reach Arusha, partly on paved roads, with some sandy roads. 5 hours (230km) to reach Kilimanjaro Airport.

    hadzabe man lake eyasi tanzania

    Arusha - Zanzibar

    Time: 1¼-hour flight
    From Arusha, you can fly to the Zanzibar archipelago or other beach areas on the coast of Tanzania for a luxurious wind-down after your safari.

  • We Plant Trees. Together, Planting a Forest

    Vika
    October 19, 2022

    Travel with us, and we plant a tree in your destination.

    Shadows Of Africa has partnered with One Tree Planted to maintain and restore our beloved continent.

    By supporting reforestation in the delicate ecosystems of our African home, we are making sure that this beautiful land will be around for much longer, so that it can continue to give life to its inhabitants, and that we can continue to enjoy its wonder.

    Our partners at One Tree Planted have a mission to rebuild animal habitats, restore biodiversity, and improve the lives of the communities who rely on these forests by promoting sustainable forestry practices.

    Trees are critical to protecting Mother Nature. They provide habitat for countless creatures, they filter the air we breathe, they clean the water we drink, and they play a big role in the fight against climate change.

    Take a trip to Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, or Uganda, and we will plant a tree on your behalf!

    Traveling with Shadows means that you leave Africa greener than when you arrived!

  • Our Top 5 Tips for Your Second Safari!

    Vika
    October 10, 2022

    Recovered from your first African safari? Start getting ready for round 2!

    The magic of safari is this: no two safaris are ever the same. Once you’ve been on your first safari, it’s only a matter of time before you’ll be coming back for more! Trust us - we know from personal experience.

    First-time safari-goes usually head for the more famous places, like the beautiful Serengeti or Maasai Mara National Park. The second time opens up more opportunities - once you have had your first taste of this unique experience, you naturally feel more comfortable exploring the less-beaten paths.

    Here are our top 5 tips for your second safari:

    Tip #1: Really enjoy the safari

    You’ve already ticked off all of the Big 5, now you can relax and really enjoy! For those coming back again, we recommend taking it more slowly this time.

    For most people, the pressure of having to spot all the animals is now off. If you do all of this on your first safari, and tick off everything that you wanted to see, now you can just relax and take everything as it comes.

    Spend a few nights at one camp to appreciate the sunsets and sunrises. Spend a few hours with a family of elephants and watch how they spend their days. Focus on the quality of wildlife sightings, rather than the quantity.

    A lot of the African wilderness’ beauty comes from its spontaneity. Of course, if you have a clear goal in mind (and a good safari guide!), you can certainly do everything you want. But on the other hand, if you head out on safari with an open mind, you will see many things you didn’t even know you wanted to see!

    Tip #2: Make time for more than wildlife

    Adding some cultural activities to your itinerary can make for a much more immersive African experience.

    It should go without saying that Africa is incredibly rich in culture and history. It is well worth it to spend some time exploring the uniquely interesting life of the African continent and her people.

    Of course, the African wildlife is what draws many people to the continent, but if you have already seen a lot of these majestic animals, you probably won’t feel the need to spend the extra time looking for them again. So why not go for something new!

    Tip #3: Save money on accommodation to add more activities

    Naturally, once you have spent some time with Africa’s wild animals, you will feel more comfortable being around them. Even if the idea of sleeping among lions still doesn’t excite you, you might be more open to spending your nights under the stars.

    The money you can save on accommodation will mean that you can add more activities to your itinerary. Instead of opting for that luxury lodge, why not go on a balloon safari!

    There are plenty of comfortable ways to save money on accommodation, so that you can add more to your adventure!

    Tip #4: Visit in a different season

    The Serengeti in the dry season is a completely different place than the Serengeti in the rainy season. The golden savannahs make way for lush green grass.

    Animal behavior is different at certains times of the year too. From the Calving Season of the Great Migration, to the River Crossing in Maasai Mara, to the Whale Shark Season on Zanzibar, and even the Bird Breeding Season, where birds show of their spectacular breeding plumage to attract a mate - the timing of your trip can determine what kind of show nature will put on for you.

    If you want to get the timing just right to see the landscape at its most vibrant or witness the special moments of an animal’s life cycle, talk to one of our experts and they will make sure you don’t miss out!

    Tip #5: Check out another country or region

    If you have been to eastern Tanzania for your first safari, you may not realize just how different Uganda’s natural environment is.

    East Africa is a very biodiverse region. There are many animal and plant species that only exist in very specific areas. In fact, if you were to drive from Dar-Es-Salaam to Kigali, you may feel like you passed through many different worlds.

    On top of the differences in wildlife and nature, East Africa is a region with very diverse cultures. This diversity exists between countries, but also within countries, as different communities have their own unique histories and ways of life.

    If you visited one country or region on your first safari, don’t make the mistake in thinking that other places are the same!

    uganda

    Come back again!

    The second safari is often even more enjoyable than the first. There are so many reasons to return to this great continent for another adventure.

    You feel a well-earned sense of accomplishment after your first African safari adventure, but the second trip opens up many new and unique opportunities, making it well worth coming back!

    Of course, the main point here is: you can’t see everything Africa has to offer in one trip, nor even in one lifetime. On the plus side, this means there will always be something new and exciting to greet you every time you return!

    How was your first safari? Feeling like it missed something? Or just interested in knowing what else you can see in this endlessly-fascinating continent? Don’t hesitate to get in touch - our safari experts will make sure your second trip is even more memorable than the first!

  • Six Ways an African Safari Will Change Your Life

    Vika
    October 10, 2022

    African nature is an incredibly powerful force. It leaves a profound impression on everyone who sets foot on these lands.

    The pure and exhilarating natural beauty of the African landscape and all of its inhabitants is not something you easily forget. The experiences you have here will live on in your memory, but also in your spirit.

    There are many ways an African safari can have a life-changing effect on you!

    #1: You’ll reconnect with Mother Nature 🌍

    You’ll get a glimpse at what it means to be truly wild. Seeing animals roam free as Mother Nature intended and without human interference is something special, and Africa may be the best place in the world to find that experience.

    The best way to open your eyes to the full wonder of this planet is to fully immerse yourself in its nature: feel the breeze on your skin as it blows across the savannah, your hair waving like the grass; watch the sun set behind the Kilimanjaro, birds flying overhead; fall asleep to the sounds of nocturnal animals singing out through the jungle; wake up to the smell of fresh morning dew on the greenery around you.

    Even simply standing in the broad plains, just being among everything that makes Africa so special is enough to feel changed. It reminds you of the fact that the human race is part of something much larger than itself.

    You’ll feel a kind of reset in your body, and this can have a profound effect on a person. An African safari is good for the mind, body, and spirit. It opens your eyes to the true wonder of this planet, and makes you feel more connected to everything around you.

    Elephants in the Great Ruaha River

    #2: You’ll learn to appreciate new things 🐘

    It is hard to fully grasp the size and majesty of the African landscape from watching nature documentaries. Nothing compares to being here in person. Seeing these scenes in real life will definitely exceed your expectations.

    You may come for the elephants, but you will leave with a deep appreciation for much more than that. These experiences will live in your memories and conversations for a lifetime.

    Whatever expectations you had going into your first African safari, when it comes time to plan your next adventure, you won’t settle for anything less than spectacular. Your local zoo will never be the same again. 😉

    #3: You’ll reassess your priorities 🌱

    See the world in a new way. You’ll ponder this planet and your place in it while bearing witness to its wonders.

    Stepping outside of your comfort zone always leaves you changed on a spiritual level. Whether it is realizing that the material things you once valued are not actually so important, or realizing that you need to make a change in the direction of your life, Africa has the power to make people really think about their lives on a profound level.

    The peace you find by slowing down to the pace of Africa, watching herds of animals calmly drinking from a watering hole in the early hours of the day, will be a welcome break from your life at home.

    You may just find that life makes sense again after your African safari…

    #4: You’ll address your fears 🐍

    Being in a totally new environment with totally new creatures can be a real shock to the psyche. The best place to address your fears is outside of your comfort zone.

    By spending time with unfamiliar animals and in unfamiliar environments, you will get more comfortable, and suddenly you’ll realize that you understand these things better.

    Your fear of snakes, spiders, or big cats will disappear when you see how they live, and you learn to appreciate their lives and their important place in the habitat. They won’t seem so scary any more after that!

    Overcoming these fears comes with a great feeling of accomplishment, and one that lasts forever!

    #5: You’ll contribute to wildlife conservation 🏞️

    Making a positive difference to the planet makes a positive difference in your life (since you also live on this planet!).

    Most safaris actively contribute to local conservation initiatives. The funds gained from these safaris go towards protecting the precious nature that we are lucky enough to enjoy on this continent. Many local communities rely on funding from international travelers to support conservation efforts.

    African safaris are good to help you understand the natural world and the role of humanity in protecting and maintaining it. Ethical ecotourism is a great way to support conservation efforts, all while giving you the trip of a lifetime!


    And finally…

    #6: You’ll want to come back 🧳

    You will never forget this experience. It’s something you can’t quite get anywhere else.

    You will miss the friends you make on safari, whether the local people or the wildlife. You will miss the African sun on your skin. You will miss the incredible experiences you had here. You will long to return, to revisit your experiences, but also to discover new ones.

    Unfortunately, you can’t see everything Africa has to offer in one trip, nor even in one lifetime. But the good news is: this means there will always be something new and exciting to greet you every time you return! There’s still so much to do and see!

    Africa is waiting for you!

    We know from traveler reviews that we have already helped many people have a life-changing experience in Africa.

    Everyone who is lucky enough to come to this great continent forms a connection to the land. It engages all the senses in ways that you cannot find elsewhere. The wild teaches us how to coexist with the world and everything in it.

    It affects everyone in a different way. The moment your food touches the ground for the first time, you feel something new and refreshing. As you experience life here, in all its many diverse beauties, that new feeling becomes clearer, and by the end of your trip you will understand something you didn’t before.

    That feeling is forever.

  • What Vaccinations Do I Need to Travel to Africa?

    Chris
    September 27, 2022
    What vaccines do you need ahead of your safari adventure? We highlight the vaccines and medications you should look into ahead of your trip to Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, or Tanzania.
  • Best Lodges in Zanzibar - Top 5!

    Vika
    August 31, 2022

    Zanzibar is one of those special exotic places that has everything you could want in a luxury getaway. It is world-famous as a tropical island paradise, and people come from all over to witness its natural beauty and unwind with the fresh Indian Ocean breeze blowing through their hair.

    Even though the Zanzibar archipelago of Tanzania is fairly small, there is an impressive range of breathtaking accommodations to choose from when you visit. They are nestled in all of the most beautiful corners of these islands.

    Shadows Of Africa has welcomed many travelers to our beloved Zanzibar from all over the world. We know this part of the world very well, and we can help you find the perfect accommodation for your visit.

    Here are our 5 favorite lodges in Zanzibar to make the decision easier for you!

    № 1. Emerson Spice Hotel (Stone Town)

    A historic building in the heart of Zanzibar’s historic Stone Town, the Emerson Spice Hotel is steeped in history - and fully celebrates it. Every room is unique and has its own unique story to tell - including the kitchen, which offers local gourmet cuisine prepared by Zanzibari chefs.

    Exotic, stylish, and atmospheric: a mix of mystery and history makes this hotel a truly special place to stay when you visit Zanzibar.



    № 2. The Island Pongwe

    A visit to Pongwe, a serene private island resort, is an unforgettably romantic experience. This is an exclusive piece of paradise for those open to an “unconventional detox journey” between the lush green of the island’s nature and the brilliant blue of the Indian Ocean.

    The ambience here makes every moment on the island something special. This experience is equaled in the resort’s sophisticated restaurant, featuring a perfect balance of fresh local flavors with a gourmet touch. For these reasons and more, a visit to Pongwe and its restaurant is a must for travelers coming to the Zanzibar archipelago.




    № 3. andBeyond (Mnemba Island)

    A barefoot private island paradise, andBeyond’s Mnemba Island is the perfect romantic hideaway to indulge in the full luxury of Zanzibar’s tropical nature. The simple pleasures on Mnemba become your most cherished memories for years to come.

    The Mnemba atoll is the perfect backdrop to the many relaxing and reinvigorating activities available on the island’s beaches. The size of this tiny intimate island makes it possible to spend your days however you wish - whether that be snorkeling just off the beach, getting a massage while breathing in the crisp ocean air, or enjoying the sunset with a glass of champagne - all of this is possible in just one day on Mnemba.




    № 4. Tulia

    Tulia is one of the most sustainable and eco-friendly resorts in Zanzibar. Offering many activities to fully indulge in the beauty of Zanzibar, this beachside resort exists in perfect harmony with the island around it - both the nature and the local communities.

    Its gourmet restaurant is stocked from its own organic produce garden, and its food is prepared by some of Tanzania’s best chefs. Tulia fully celebrates the nature of Zanzibar with its tropical garden, and actively supports local communities with a number of practical initiatives. The harmony is here tangible, and you can feel it when you stay at Tulia, at one with everything around you.




    № 5. Qambani

    Qambani is a luxury beach front resort boasting expansive grounds, plenty of outdoor and indoor living areas, and singular features like its two pools—one of which is a large infinity pool built for a breathtaking ocean view. Enjoy access to a secluded Zanzibar island beach and all meals included with your stay. With your choice of seven exquisite villas, and a tailored experience, Qambani is sure to make your Zanzibar Holiday unforgettable.

    Qambani Luxury Resort features free bikes, outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center and shared lounge in Michamvi. Among the various facilities are a terrace, a bar, as well as a private beach area. The property provides room service, a business center and luggage storage for guests.
    At the hotel, every room comes with a desk, bed linen and a patio with a garden view. With a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, rooms at Qambani Luxury Resort also provide guests with free WiFi, while some rooms here will provide you with a sea view. At the accommodation every room is equipped with air conditioning and a safety deposit box.

    Each of these Zanzibari lodges offers a unique but equally luxurious island experience. We are sure that when you stay at one of them you will agree with our expert reviews!

    Thinking of visiting other parts of Tanzania as well? Check out the country’s 5 coolest lodges on the mainland here.

    Still undecided? Get in touch and we will find the right lodge for you!

  • Coolest Lodges in Tanzania - Top 5!

    Vika
    August 31, 2022

    Tanzania is a huge country, almost every inch of which is filled with breathtaking nature and unique sights. From Mount Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti National Park to the gorgeous coastline - Tanzania is known worldwide for many of its natural wonders.

    This beautiful country is also home to an incredible range of beautiful lodges, in every corner of this vast land. So many, in fact, that it can be hard to decide where to stay when you come to visit.

    We at Shadows Of Africa know our beloved Tanzania very well. We have welcomed thousands of travelers from all over the world to our African home. We know this part of the world like no other, and we can help you find the perfect accommodation for your visit.

    Here are our 5 favorite lodges on mainland Tanzania to make the decision easier for you!

    № 1. Africa Amini Life

    Designed in the style of a traditional Maasai village, Africa Amini Life offers an authentic experience of Maasai life in the sunrise-shadow of the Kilimanjaro mountain itself, with the endless expanse of the African steppe all around.

    The lodge is made up of earthen bungalows with modern amenities to give guests the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. Africa Amini Life also offers a range of activities to give guests a chance to taste traditional Maasai life, including spear throwing, dancing, nature walks and campfire conversations. Afterwards, dine at the restaurant, which features both international and traditional Swahili dishes.



    № 2. Lemala Mpingo Ridge

    In luxury, open-design, camping-inspired style, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge watches out over the Tarangire River and valley below. The careful placement of each of the spacious suites allows guests to wake up in the morning to stunning views of the classic African savannah and its giant baobab trees, as well as lush green hills, woodlands, rivers, and, most excitingly, large herds of elephants gathering just down below.

    The lodge offers a real sense of living among the wilderness, with all the modern comforts to make your stay as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, with the added opportunity to connect your safari adventure with Lemala’s other properties in the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.



    № 3. Manyara’s Secret

    The glamorous villas of Manyara’s Secret have perfect views of the stunning Lake Manyara in northern Tanzania. Elephants run free all over this National Park, and there is a huge diversity of birds in the area.

    From taking a relaxing swim to reading a book on the lovely terrace, to heading out on safari through the park - this exclusive boutique lodge offers all opportunities to indulge the simple pleasures in maximum luxury. From here, you can shower under the sky or sleep in an African baobab tree, and feel connected to the wildlife all around you.



    № 4. Asilia (The Highlands)

    The Highlands luxury tent camp features low-impact but high-style living, high on the slopes of the Olmoti Crater with sweeping views over the forests and all the way to the Serengeti. The canvas geodesic dome suites are inspired by the traditional Maasai bomas that dot the landscape in this area.

    This mix of authentic and contemporary (with a generous dash of charm) is the perfect place to discover and explore the Crater Highlands - wild, pristine, and beautiful!


    № 5. andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

    The remote and romantic andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is cradled high up in the boughs of the ancient mahogany trees of Lake Manyara National Park. This is the only lodge located in the southern regions of the park, meaning that you will have quiet safari drives in unique places not reachable by day-visitors.

    The spacious treehouse suites sit within seas of green, with your windows and decks opening out into the lush forest all around. The warm wooden interiors exist in perfect harmony with its environment, creating a truly luxurious and natural atmosphere for you to relax in.

    Each of these lodges offers its own unique experience of Tanzania’s diverse nature, but all of them are equally as exciting and luxurious. We are sure that when you stay at one of them you will agree with our expert reviews!




    Thinking of visiting Zanzibar as well? Check out the archipelago’s 5 coolest lodges here.

    Still undecided? Get in touch and we will find the right lodge for you!

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