Safari Diary

3 Day Safari - with lots of animals!

Dor and her boyfriend from Israel just got back from a great safari yesterday with driver Andrew.

Their itinerary included Lake Manyara National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park. They saw many animals throughout their safari including Big 5. There was fantastic lion viewing from one of the many waterholes where they saw 2 lionesses (pictured below) with their 6 cubs, they even saw one of the female lions successfully hunt a wildebeest.

Yesterday in Tarangire National Park, they saw many majestic elephants (also pictured below). Tarangire really is one of the best places to go if you want to see Ele's!

The Family Safari with Lauren and Nigel

Having just sent Lauren, Nigel and their two kids off to Zanzibar for the finale of their trip we thought we'd go over how their little family safari went.

The trip started off with a stay at Maasai Lodge on the slopes of Mt Meru. The unique experience of Maasai Lodge combines both Maasai traditions with comfortable living, making it perfect for both children and adults.

Lauren, Nigel spread their safari over a week in order to fit in enough breaks and stops for the kids. The itinerary included Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Northern and central Serengeti. They saw lions, cheetahs with their cubs, a rhino, elephants, wilderbeest and much more! In Northern Serengeti they were lucky enough to witness the migration of animals across the Mara River!

Shadows of Africa, can cater for any group including safaris with young kids (see our suggestions for families here: 'Safari with Children - Family Safaris in East Africa'). We also love adding something special to any special occasions that occur during your time with Shadows of Africa. Lauren and Nigel's youngest turned 5 during their safari and celebrated with a delicious looking birthday cake!

Lauren, Nigel and kids having lunch

Reaching the Roof of Africa - Kili Climb with Hisashi & Saori

Congratulations to Hisashi and Saori who the other day successfully reached the peak of Kilimanjaro!

Despite being Africa's highest mountain, the Kilimanjaro climb can be done by almost anyone! Although demanding you don't need to be an experienced climber to reach the summit.

There are many different routes to the top which range in difficulty and scenery. Hisashi and Saori, who reached Uhuru Peak on the 24th of August, took the Marangu Route, commonly known as the Tourist Route, with guide Amir from our team. The climb took 5 days and the two were both ecstatic when they made it to the top!

Hisashi, Agust, Saori adn Amir at the top!

Amir alongside Hisashi and Saori with their certificates to prove they successful reached the top of Kilimanjaro!

Bethany's Big Cat Experience

A Family Safari in Pictures

Tree-Climbing Lions of Lake Manyara

A Tree-Climbing Treat

Lake Manyara, once the filming location for the classic Hollywood Tarzan movies, is a popular safari stop between Arusha and the Serengeti for a variety of reasons including its huge variety of bird-life and its wallowing hippos.

However, it is the park's tree-climbing lions that are an especially popular sight with visitors. Up until recently, only Lake Manyara and Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park could boast this rare sight - although recent reports say that the phenomenon has now spread to the Serengeti as well.

Our recent clients, Shwana & Jennifer, were lucky enough to spot them in both Lake Manyara and the Serengeti!

A lazy lion enjoying some R&R in a Serengeti tree.

And one enjoying the view from atop a tree in Lake Manyara.

Of course, this wasn't all they saw! In addition to catching a glimpse of the Wildebeest Migration in motion, they also spotted cheetahs, a variety of fascinating birds, and even a few topi!

Guided by our experienced guide, Bashiru (the photographer on these shots), they crossed the Serengeti, ducked through Lake Manyara, and even paid a visit to the local Masai.

A cheetah watches the plains carefully for signs of prey or danger.

They don't get photographed as much as impala or other antelopes, but we think the topi are cute!

A lone giraffe cuts a striking figure.

An elephant forages.

A young giraffe stills a hug.

The distinct colouration of the Southern Ground Hornbill makes it popular with photographers.

Valentina's Safari Adventure

Our recent client, Valentina had a memorable time on her safari across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Not only did she get to see members of the Big Five such as lions, leopards, and elephants, but she also spotted some gorgeous antelopes and got to spend some time visiting with the local Masai.

Below, you'll find just a few snapshots from her exciting five day safari.

Lions having a nap in the grass.

Giraffes and acacia trees just belong together!

Valentina poses with one of our brand new safari vehicles.

A male impala looks over his harem of women.

The gigantic Eland is the largest of the antelope species.

Big Cats & Rhinos in Ngorongoro

Safari Diary: A Kilimanjaro Climb in Pictures