Tanzania
Everything You Need to Know About Serengeti National Park
Tanzania's most famous national park is deserving of its renown. The home of the world-famous Great Wildebeest Migration, the Serengeti National Park is consistently ranked as one of the best national parks in the entire world.While it is the farthest of the northern circuit parks from Arusha, the Serengeti is often the first inclusion on any safari itinerary. With its sweeping savanna plains, towering rocky hills, and seemingly unending skies - the Serengeti is as much a stunning landscape as it is a place to see Africa's most iconic animals.And see them you will: the Serengeti is home to huge numbers of wildebeest, zebras, hyenas, lions, elephants, hippos, antelopes, and more. So large is the Serengeti that we strongly recommend a minimum of two nights in the park if you're serious about doing it justice.Everything You Need to Know About Ngorongoro
Tanzania's biggest tourist attraction isn't Zanzibar, nor is it the sprawling plains of the Serengeti. The stunning Ngorongoro Conservation Area takes out that honour, and it's with good reason. Exploring this verdant lost world is among the most memorable experiences a traveler is every likely to have.Key to Ngorongoro's enduring appeal is that sheer variety of experiences that can be had within the reserve. It's far more than just a simple game-viewing destination (although in this area it excels), with a variety of day trips and excursions such as guided hikes, cultural visits, and archaeological sites available to offer a more intimate experience.Everything You Need to Know About Tarangire National Park
Often described as Tanzania's most underrated national park, Tarangire is one of Africa's little-known gems and a must for any northern circuit itinerary.Boasting a variety of wildlife as diverse as its landscape, Tarangire is also the park that can boast being home to Tanzania's largest population of African elephants. With four of the Big Five also residing within the park, it is a great spot for a day trip from Arusha or as an addition to a Serengeti/Ngorongoro centreed itinerary.Named for the Tarangire River which flows through it, the park is an excellent choice during the dry season when animals are forced to move closer and closer to the river in search of water. Set against a backdrop of majestic baobab trees and twisted acacia, it makes for a beautiful experience.Everything You Need to Know About Arusha National Park
Located just a short drive from Arusha and Moshi, the Arusha National Park is Tanzania's most accessible national park and the perfect place for a day trip or as the first or last stop on a longer itinerary. At just 552 square kilometres, it's a small park with a lot to see.With diverse wildlife that includes herbivores such as elephants, hippos, buffalo, zebra, and even the occasional wildebeest, Arusha National Park is also a perfect place to get out and stretch your legs - with both walking safaris and canoe safaris available within the park.Arusha National Park is also home to the world's largest population of giraffes, making it a great place to visit for fans of these long-necked, beautiful animals.Nature Trails in Arusha National Park
Walking Safaris and Day Hikes On Arusha National Park Safari
Arusha National Park has it all when it comes to hiking and trekking! On safari to Arusha National Park there are more than enough oppurtunities to add a little activity to usual game drive from safari vehicle.
Following are the existing nature trails that are worth a visit during safari to Arusha National Park.
Momella Gate to Itikoni and descend back to Momella gate. Hike duration is 4 hours.
Kitoto View Point to Njeku View Point then descend through Meru Crater back to Kitoto View Point:Hike duration is 4 hours.
Momella Gate to Tululusia Waterfall and back to Momellla gate. Hike duration 1.5 hours Tululusia Waterfall is beautiful small waterfall with height of 28 meters!
Ngurdoto Crater Rim walking trails:
Laitong to Buffalo 5 hours
Buffalo to Kaitong 6 hours
Everything You Need to Know About Dar Es Salaam Airport
While more and more international carriers are now flying in to Kilimanjaro Airport on the outskirts of Arusha, many visitors to Tanzania will still find that Dar Es Salaam (or Nairobi in Kenya) are their likely landing point.
Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR) is Tanzania's main airport, and sees more than six million people per annum touch down. Despite this, it is a reasonably small airport without the amenities that well-travelled visitors might be used to.
Nevertheless, landing in a new country can be a frightening experience.
Never fear! We've put together a few helpful tips to ensure your landing and transfer is a smooth one.
Getting a Visa on Arrival on Dar Airport
Getting a visa on arrival at Dar Es Salaam Airport couldn't be easier. As the country's #1 airport, Dar is well set up to process visas on arrival.
Despite this, it can take quite a bit of time on busier days, so budget up to two hours for immigration in case anything goes wrong.
Some airlines will hand out the arrival form on board, but more often than not, you'll have to start filling out your paperwork at immigration. It's definitely handy to have your own pen in this case, as the airport will not always have them available.
When it comes time to pay for your visa, be sure to have the exact amount in USD. It is especially important to bear in mind that Tanzania does not accept US currency printed before 2006 due to a past counterfeiting problem.
Learn more about how to apply for a Tanzanian visa on arrival.
Waiting at Dar es Salaam Airport
As a smaller airport, Dar Es Salaam Airport does not have a huge variety of amenities. In fact, the majority of African airports are relatively sparse in this regard.
For this reason, if you're expecting a long wait at the airport, it pays to bring along your own drinks and snacks. What few shops are in the terminal are not open outside of normal business hours, which can be a problem if you've got a night layover.
That's not to say the airport is without amenities. There are some food and drink options within the departures terminal, as well as the obligatory Duty Free stores.
Currency exchange is available, but it's important to note that there are no ATMs once you clear security. If you're going to need money, take it out on the land side of the airport.
The airport is heavily air-conditioned, so it might be worthwhile bringing a coat.
Parking and Taxis on Dar Airport
Dar es Salaam Airport is located 12km outside of Dar Es Salaam proper.
While there is rarely a shortage of taxis eager to take you into the city, it's generally safer to have us arrange something for you. Taxis from the airport run in the range of $25 to $40 USD one way.
Traffic jams are a big problem in Dar Es Salaam so, if you're planning on heading into (or out of) the city, be sure to budget extra time in the morning and in the afternoon.
Flying to Kilimanjaro or Arusha from Dar Es Salaam
Unless you have a special interest in exploring Tanzania's largest city, it's often easier to simply arrange a connecting flight to either Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport.
A number of airlines provide cheap domestic flights, including Precision and FastJet. Alternatively, ask your Shadows of Africa tour agent to arrange a flight for you.
Your Guide to Additional Things to Do on Tanzanian Safari
Safari Add Ons In Tanzania Safari add ons are activities that you can add to all our itineraries. There is much more than just safari from the vehicle. There are interesting and exciting activities for curious, active guests that want to upgrade safari with additional exciting activities from ballooning to hiking and more. When you are booking a safari in Tanzania, you probably know there is much more to do besides game drives. Since we have lots of questions from our clients, we have created a simple review of things you can do in each Tanzanian main National park.How to Get Most of Your Safari in Tanzania and Kenya?
Everybody wants to have an unforgettable experience when it comes to safaris in Africa. Booking a safari is first step to do so, but many people don’t know or don’t think of all possibilities! To truly enjoy and experience African landscape and wildlife from all possible angles, we have compiled ideas to consider when planning safari to Tanzania and Kenya.
Chose mobile tented camps.
If you are after specific event then make sure you will book your safari in right season and time of the year. Although safaris are without a doubt exciting all year there are certain times of the year that can deliver much more.
Great Migration is one of them. If you are after great migration in full swing, we recommend booking your safari stay in mobile camps.
Mobile camps have the best locations, primarily focused on superb viewing areas. They are usually found in more remote areas, which means less tourists and big chance to witness animals from the comfort of your safari tent verandah!
Book a lodge with elephant waterhole.
Alternative option for those who want to be close to animals and great views of wildlife is to book a lodge that has on site waterholes, one of them is Four season Serengeti Lodge and some lodges in Tarangire, while in Kenya you have properties where giraffes wander around in the backyard gardens! Contact us for more advice!
You can save on a night.
Look for offers we regularly publish, often times we have special deals for booking two nights and get on for free and similar. If you are lucky, you can get even more than a night for free. Some offers like recent; include many activities that are usually available for additional cost, for free. So, be flexible and you may end up with free night and additional freebies like free night game drive, free walking safari or free bush romantic dinner. Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about safari deals!
Go for hikes and trekking’s or walks.
To truly feel the nature, it is worth to book a walking tour during safari – available are short walks to several trekkings in Ngorongoro, which, will reveal an amazing scenes and panoramas not visible from safari vehicle.
Go for hot air balloon ride!
Fly over the plains in hot air balloon safari, available in Tanzania in Serengeti and Tarangire as well in Kenya (Masai Mara). This flight takes place in early morning hours before the breakfast at sunrise. To observe the wildlife from the air is real privilege!
Spend a night in Masai village and get an insight of daily routine and life. Or include a trip to Hadzabe tribe on Lake Eyasi region,where you spend a fair amount of time to learn hunting with spears, and how to make fire.
As you see there are exciting possibilities to enhance your safari. Once you are done with decision where to go and where to stay, all you have to do is bring you camera, for the rest Shadows of Africa takes care of.
Mount Lemargut Trekking
Mount Lemagrut is on the western part of Ngorongoro Crater and is one of 9 craters in the Ngorongoro conservation area. It is relatively easy trek and it offers gret views over Serengeti plains.
Mount Lemargut 3155m Trekking
A trek in these areas is guaranteed to give you an amazing experience.
Safari for the adventurous trekkers to Tanzania
On the western part of Ngorongoro Crater lies Mt Lemagrut.
It takes under an hour to drive to the lower slopes and about 4 hours trek to the top. On a clear day, there is amazing view over the Serengeti plains, Lake Eyasi and the Ngorongoro Crater.
On a hike is the best to wear trekking boots because the ground is covered with short thorny bush. The thorns can easily poke right through light shoes.
While you are walking you will encounter some buffaloes and lion on the way so armed ranger from The Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority must lead the trek. The trekking takes about 4 hrs up and down. This trek can be part of your safari to the Ngorongoro Crater area.
This is best done as an add-on trip to a regular lodge or camping safari.
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