Tanzania

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.

Latest Covid Entry Requirements Zanzibar

Last update: February 2023

Looking for the LATEST Covid Entry Requirements Zanzibar? Shadows of Africa has got you covered. With our team living on the ground, we are always aware of the Covid Entry Zanzibar. For a quick overview, see below. Our safari experts are ready to give you tailored advice.

Latest Covid Entry Requirements for Zanzibar
IMPORTANT: TANZANIA HAS NO ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELERS

• As of February 2023 travelers no longer need a negative COVID-19 Certificate or vaccination to enter Tanzania and/or Zanzibar

Shadows of Africa makes every effort to ensure the information below is correct at the time of sending: but please note updates may occur. So although we provide you with information on the Covid entry requirements, this is provided as a guideline only. Shadows will not be liable if any information regarding the entry requirements provided by us is incorrect. Kindly ensure you check the latest requirements before departure applicable to your situation.

If you want to plan a safe and responsible trip to Zanzibar - don’t hesitate to contact us to start planning & dreaming.

For the full document please click this link: Latest COVID requirements for Zanzibar

A perfect tropical escape — lounge chairs under a thatched umbrella on the serene beaches of Zanzibar.

’Join the Group’ - What Is It?

In general, we can say that safaris are amazing & unforgettable, but also quite expensive. The 4x4 car hire, and high fees for the parks, make a safari more expensive than a regular holiday. When travelling alone or with 2 pax, these costs of the car can’t be shared with other people, and that is exactly the reason why we provide Tanzania Group Safaris. Each safari vehicle has 6 seats, so the groups still stay very small, but at least you can share the prices of the car with fellow travellers to decrease the price by almost half. So Join The Group Safari Zanzibar To Tanzania.

Why Shadows Of Africa?

The high quality of your game drive is guaranteed:

• Shadows Of Africa chooses the best camping accommodations, and you even have the chance to upgrade your accommodations for a small additional cost.
• The cars used for our group safaris have the same luxury quality compared to the vehicles we use for a private safari - which makes Shadows Of Africa unique. Other companies might not guarantee WiFi, charging panels, or a fridge on board, while the Shadows vehicles have it all!
• On top of that our guides are super experienced and you will know everything about wildlife and nature when you come back from your Tanzania Group Safari.

When?

From the 1st of August 2021 - we will provide a 4-day tour departing each Monday, and every weekend from Friday to Sunday another group will go on a 3-day safari.

You can book your own seat - for only $690,- per person for the 3-day tour and $1000,- per person for a 4-day tour. Our departures are already guaranteed with 2 participants!

The 3-day tours visits are:

• Friday: Departure from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park
• Saturday: Full day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater
• Sunday: Game drive in Tarangire National Park with drop off in Arusha

The 4-day tour:

• Monday: Departure from Arusha to Lake Manyara national park or Tarangire
• Tuesday: Transfer through Ngorongoro Conservation Area, afternoon game drive in Serengeti
• Wednesday: Full day game drive in Serengeti National Park, afternoon transfer to the crater rim for overnight
• Thursday: A morning descend into the Ngorongoro crater, after lunch transfer to Arusha.

These Tanzania Group Safari tours are also doable when coming from Zanzibar! Shadows Of Africa can arrange flights for you that arrive in the morning on your first day of the safari, and return to Zanzibar in the afternoon on your last safari day.
Prices depend on flight availability.

I want to book my seat

If you want to book one of our safaris or you have more questions about this safari, you can contact us by email at info@shadowsofafrica.com , or you can send a WhatsApp message to +1 585 213 5821

More specific info needed about the tours? Visit:
Three Day Northern Circuit Special
Four Day Tanzania Express Safari
Calving Season Safari - Five Days
Safari from Zanzibar - Mikumi Day Trip
Safari from Zanzibar - Mkomazi Day Trip
Safari from Zanzibar - Selous Day Trip
Safari from Zanzibar - Saadani National Park - Day Trip

Latest Covid Entry Requirements Tanzania

Last update: February 2023

Looking for the Latest Covid Entry Requirements to TANZANIA? Shadows of Africa has got you covered. With our team living on the ground, we are always aware of the Covid Entry Requirements. For a quick overview, see below. Our safari experts are ready to give you tailored advice.

LATEST COVID ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR TANZANIA
IMPORTANT: TANZANIA HAS NO ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAVELERS

• As of February 2023 travelers no longer need a negative COVID-19 Certificate or vaccination to enter Tanzania and/or Zanzibar

Please be reminded to check the regulation of any country you might be transiting in.

Shadows of Africa makes every effort to ensure the information below is correct at the time of sending: but please note updates may occur. So although we provide you with information on the Latest Covid Entry Requirements, this is provided as a guideline only. Shadows will not be liable if any information regarding the entry requirements provided by us is incorrect. Kindly ensure you check the latest requirements before departure applicable to your situation.

If you want to plan a safe and responsible trip to Tanzania - don’t hesitate to contact us to start planning & dreaming.

For the full document please click this link: Latest COVID requirements for Tanzania

Your Guide to Visit East Africa This Summer

Travelling to East Africa this summer - a great idea and a wise conclusion!

To realize your great idea support your wise conclusion with updated information Visit East Africa This Summer on pros, cons, and of course the latest Covid regulations. Daily updated and thoroughly checked information will surely help you to get an informed decision.
Pros surely include fewer visitors, curious animals, a higher standard of service for a lower price, easily maintained social distancing, and more profound contact with nature.
Cons may be different Covid protocols when entering each country.

1. Tanzania

The undisputed queen of African Safaris, Tanzania, is home to the Wildebeest Migration for ten months of the year, it is where the World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater shows off the unique wildlife, where Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain protrudes from the average, and the gorgeous island paradise of Zanzibar is being caressed by the sea.
One of the advantages is "front row seats" for the great migration spectacle - dare to fight the croc for its bite? Pre-covid times witnessed rows and rows of cars waiting to catch a glimpse of nature's wonders, now great views are on display.

Covid-19 regulations:
All travellers are now required to show a negative PCR Covid-19 test certificate not older than 72 hours. Upon arrival, all travellers will be subjected to rapid Covid-19 testing. The cost of this test is 25 USD and will be paid by the traveller on location. You are required to fill in the health form, available online, before travelling.

2. Rwanda

This green heaven in the heart of Africa invites with its unparalleled treasures. Gorilla and chimpanzee trekkings are always on the top, you can spot all of the big five here, and don't forget the amazing birdlife as well.
Volcanoes national park, Akagera, Nyungwe, or the newest Gishwati Mukura national park all have lots to offer, Lake Kivu shares a different perspective, just as a visit to the sombre Rwanda Genocide Museum in Kigali.

Covid-19 regulations:
All arriving travellers are required to have a negative PCR Covid-19 test certificate conducted within 72 hours before departure. Before arrival, you are required to fill in the Public Health Passenger Locator Form online and attach the PCR certificate. All passengers are required to stay 24 hours in quarantine, while passengers from India are required to complete 7 days in mandatory quarantine upon arrival at a designated quarantine hotel at their own cost.
All travelers departing from Rwanda must test negative for Covid-19. A PCR test must be performed within 72 hours before departure. The Covid-19 test is not mandatory for accompanied children under 5 years.

3. Uganda

No country in Africa can offer quite what Uganda does: world-class gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, terrific game drives, all big five, bustling birdlife, and the majesty of the mighty Nile.
Winston Churchill fondly called Uganda The Pearl of Africa, and we certainly agree with that sentiment, adding our cognition - Uganda's wild charm and variety of activities make it a great place to plan a safari.

Covid-19 regulations:
Arriving passengers will be subject to temperature checks and will be screened for infectious diseases by the Port Health Authorities. If a passenger shows signs or symptoms of any infectious disease they will be taken by ambulance to a local isolation center to undergo a COVID-19 test at their own cost. Test results will be returned within 24 to 48 hours; passengers will be expected to remain at the isolation center until the test results are returned. Passengers coming from India or being there less than 14 days ago, are not permitted to enter Uganda. Passengers from certain countries will have to undergo PCR testing on the border /airport at their own costs.
Departing passengers are required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test certificate, issued no more than 120 hours before travel. The 120 hours begin on the day the sample is collected for testing.

4. Kenya

Often referred to as "Africa's safari capital", home to the world-famous Maasai Mara and hosting the famed Visit East Africa This Summer Wildebeest Migration in August and September as well as boasting the best views of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Kenya is also an affordable and well-developed tourism market that is great for families or people traveling on a budget. Many different options to choose from in every rank, for every taste.

Covid-19 regulations:
All arriving passengers must take the PCR test 96 hours before departure from the first embarkation point and present the negative test. You must complete the “Travelers Health Surveillance Form” online before departure.
Currently, flights from the UK and India to Kenya are suspended until June 2021.
Passengers who have been to or transited through India in the past 14 days are not allowed to enter Kenya.