Our Experience in Double Tree by Hilton, Stone Town

Last month, Lesia and Julia from the Shadows team, visited one of the most famous hotels in Stone Town – Double Tree by Hilton.

Perfectly located in the heart of the city between old buildings on the tiny street, you can feel a fresh pleasant smell and the air will cool you down from the outside heat the moment that you walk in. The hotel’s pleasant staff will nicely greet you and take care of you from the first minute.

Lesia and Julia were surprised when the General Manager of the hotel, Mr. Philippe came personally to greet them at reception. Afterwards, they proceeded with an inspection around the hotel.

Double Tree by Hilton started welcoming guests in July 2014. So, the property is still very new and fresh. Decorated with a fusion of modern and Zanzibari style, this property is one from the few hotels here in Stone Town to have an elevator. Everything was made with love and soul. Your stay here will be definitely be one of both convenience and luxury.

Talking about bedrooms, the girls can say they are very comfortable. Rooms are large with King sized beds. They even have signature beds. What does that mean?It  means that Hilton has their own concept for matresses and pillows.

The bedrooms have been designed in a smart way,divided so that you have a sleeping area, a working area, and chill out area. You  have everything necessary in the bedroom - starting with a safety locker and finishing with a hair dryer. All rooms come with complimentary water, tea, and coffee in the room. There is also 24 hour room service/ private dining.

Julia and Lesia would  love to highlight the restaurant which is located on the rooftop with a view of the sea and Stone Town. The executive chef, Shafeek is from Mauritius and the restaurant serves delicious Mediterranean cuisine as well as local favorites.

The girls were treated to a delicious meal of crab soup in coconut, prawns with avocado & mango, grilled shrimps, beef fillet chops, and incredibly delicious desserts including ice cream and cheesecake. Sounds awesome, doesn’t it?

If there is one drawback to the hotel, it is the lack of a good view from the rooms. Who doesn’t want to enjoy their cup of coffee with an astounding view?

For travelers who are looking for luxury accommodation in a brand they recognize, the Double Tree by Hilton is an excellent option.

Between Ngorongoro & Manyara. Elephant Caves Walk

If you would like to stretch your legs a bit after a longtime sitting during safari, there is an option to have a 2 hour hike to the Elephant Caves and Endoro waterfalls.

Start of the track is located in Karatu town near Gibbs farm. You will be accompanied by a professional guide. You will hike through Ngorongoro rainforest - this is a corridor for animals between Lake Manyara National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. During your walk through untouched forest you will be able to observe all the beauty of wild nature and amazing bird life. Your guide will explain to you about theanimal’s tracks from their footprints.

Why the elephant caves are called elephant caves? Those giants used to come to the rocks which are very rich for calcium, they hit the rocks with their tusks and eat the piece sand it helps the elephants to receive enough minerals and to make their bones very strong. The big holes are still there and that is why people call this place“elephant caves.”

You will be able to come very close, even step inside the caves and see signs from tusks.

There is a small Endoro River near the caves, and the elder elephants pick this place as a point to spend their old age and finally pass away so some call this an elephant burial grounds as well.

After caves you will track to the Endoro waterfall –a  great spot to observe the view of Karatu town and take some unforgettable pictures.

Julia & Marjeta are exploring Elephant Caves

Combining Wildlife & Cultural Experience

Our adventurous customers, David and Carol decided to include the most interesting spots in Tanzania in a short time. They started with a walking and canoeing safari in Arusha National Park, which is a perfect option to add to the usual game drive.
Of course they didn’t miss famous Tarangire National Park, where you can find huge herds of elephants this season. After overnighting in Tarangire Safari Lodge with its amazing view of the Tarangire River, they continued with a game drive in Serengeti National Park. They really loved it and were lucky to see lots of predators very close! Lions, cheetahs, and even a leopard showed up during their game drive. Stunning Ngorongoro Crater impressed them even more with its gorgeous views and variety of Wildlife Cultural Experiences in Tanzania.

After a tiring safari, the travelers and our guide, Bashiru visited Amini Life Maasai Lodge for some well-earned relaxation. It is a perfect place to explore Maasai culture and even participate in some tribal activities.

Before coming back home, David and Carol had a chance to get closer to Kilimanjaro. What a perfect option before the flight! Instead of sitting at their hotel, they had a tour to Marangu village, learned about Chaga culture in the ancient caves, trekked to a beautiful waterfall, and tried fresh coffee on the local coffee plantation.
We agree with our customers that you need to explore different sides of Africa and combine your tour with lots of cultural experiences! It gives you the opportunity to experience the real lives of local people.

Father and Son Safari

Having never been to Africa before Juan and his son were excited to finally get a taste of the African continent starting with Father and Son Safari Tanzania.

On day one they started with a quick trip to the Shadows office in Arusha to have a briefing, as we do with all clients, and for Alex their driver to pick up the last minute things like their lunchboxes, and water, coffee and tea. They then started the 2 hour drive to Manyara National Park, excited to see the flamingoes, elephants, giraffes etc. and crossing their fingers that they might be to see a tree-climbing lion in the park.

Day two they got up early to start the drive to Serengeti National Park. The drive was broken up with visits to Oldupai and a visit to a Masai cultural boma before arriving at the campsite of Kati Kati. The next day was a full day of game driving around central Serengeti ecosystem where they saw lots of the big cats: leopards, lion, cheetahs.

Day four they heading to Ngorongoro crater with a game drive along the way.

A Fly-In Two Day Safari

Andrew picked up his clients in the Serengeti after they flew from Arusha to the Seronera Airport  there. They had two days in the Serengeti where they saw lions, cheetahs, leopards, and hunting lions taking down a zebra.

On the Tanzania Fly-in Safari way back to Arusha, they stayed at Africa Amini Masai Lodge for an authentic cultural experience.

TripAdvisor launches “No Touching of Wild Animals” Policy

Lesia & Julia from the team visit Prison Island, Zanzibar

Safari Photos from Ngorongoro to the Serengeti

Rhinos and Lions in the Serengeti