Tanzania

Six Ways an African Safari Will Change Your Life

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 Mount 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.

Your body will feel refreshed and renewed, 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.

#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 African Safari 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.

Safaris in Africa 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!

#6: You’ll want to come back ?

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

You'll 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!

Shadows of Africa knows from traveler reviews that we have already helped many people have a life-changing Safari 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?

Coolest Lodges in Tanzania - Top 5!

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 Tanzania, 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 in Africa 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 Tanzania 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 National Park 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 in Tanzania 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!

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. Promoting a Plastic-Free Safari experience for all travelers.

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 Mountain Biking in Tanzania.

From a short 2-hour ride through the coffee plantation in Arusha, to a 7-day tour around the entire base of Mount 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 with their journey in Kenya.

Our Group Safari Tours give you the best views of this spectacular natural event in the stunning landscape of northern Tanzania. We take you into the northern Serengeti National Park 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 Safari Tour 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 in Africa: 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 Safari Tour 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 Serengeti Balloon 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. The Balloon Safari in Serengeti 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 in Serengeti 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. Shadows of Africa’s 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 Kilimanjaro from the Sky, 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 during the Kilimanjaro Mount climbing from the sky and the gorgeous surroundings - from above!

See Kilimanjaro from the Sky – a breathtaking aerial view of Africa’s highest peak rising above the clouds.

https://www.shadowsofafrica.com/climbing/mount-kilimanjaro

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 bird's-eye view of the highest free-standing mountain in the world is a treat for any Kilimanjaro 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:

A close-up aerial view of Kilimanjaro’s rugged summit, revealing ancient glaciers and dramatic volcanic cliffs.

Group Tour Safari Great Migration - Calving Season - in Ndutu

Every year, the Great Migration Calving Tour, in the heart of the amazing Serengeti National Park, puts on a magnificent show. From late January to mid-March about 8,000 wildebeest are born every day!! Few things compare to seeing a baby Wildebeest Migration Safari take its first steps and start running just minutes after being born.

We are very excited to offer you the new Ndutu group safari, which will allow you the best way to witness the Great Migration calving season  (January - March) in all of its splendor. In this group tour, you will see beautiful animals in breathtaking landscapes; it will be a sight and an experience you will not soon forget. As we visit the Serengeti to witness the great migration we will go to the Ndutu region of the Serengeti, we will also visit Tarangire national park, Lake Manyara national park, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and crater, all of which you can call yourself lucky to see.

A wildebeest mother and her newborn calf run across the Ndutu plains during the Great Migration Calving Tour in Tanzania.

Why join a group?

We all know that Shadows of Africa safaris can be quite an expensive endeavor but some of the costs associated with safaris (including things like the vehicle, fuel, guide fees, Crater entry fees for the vehicle,etc.), can be shared with your fellow travelers and help your wallet.
Group safaris are also a good opportunity to meet some new, nice and interesting people and make friends.

A herd of wildebeest with young calves makes its way along a dusty road in Ndutu during the Great Migration Calving Tour.

WHY YOU SHOULD JOIN OUR GREAT MIGRATION CALVING SEASON GROUP TOUR

There are some other advantages to this great offer:

• Ndutu area is the only area where the driver can drive off-road, so you are sure to get a good angle on all sightings!
• There is much less driving distance than when following the migration in the northern Serengeti - so you can expect more fantastic views!
• There is a maximum of six participants in one car - so you’ll stay in the same small group all the time.
  Spacious 4x4 vehicles with open rooftops offer not only a perfect 360° view but also endless opportunities for enthusiastic photographers.
• And, quite unparalleled, we offer the only budget-price tour to this magical event, and since there are no camping grounds available, we ensured budget-priced lodges!

Wildebeest and zebra herds graze side by side on the lush Ndutu plains during the Great Migration Calving Tour.

Be a respectful witness to the miracle of life and see the predators at a hunt. Add sightings of all the Big Five, most of the cats, other mammals, an abundance of birds, and picturesque nature - this is an opportunity to grab!

Join one of our groups on one of the dates - there’s one departure each month - December, January, and February.

• Departure dates GROUP TOUR SAFARI GREAT MIGRATION - CALVING SEASON:
  26th of December 2021
  10th of January 2022
  7th of February 2022

·         MORE DETAILS OF OUR Great Migration Calving Tour

• For more details have a look at this link with day to day descriptions and photographs of the accommodation:
• https://wetu.com/Itinerary/Landing/80053497-24d2-4e68-8c91-68f0dd7bd9db
  Can’t wait to get a spot to this amazing event? Contact ustoday & book.

A wildebeest mother gently walks beside her newborn calf on the dusty plains of Ndutu during the Great Migration Calving Tour.