What to Read When You're Travelling in Africa

As today is International Literacy Day we thought we'd share a list of some of our favourite books on Africa. Here's are selection of what to read when you're travelling through (if you haven't already!):

THINGS FALL APART
by Chinua Achebe

HALF OF A YELLOW SUN

by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche

LONG WALK TO FREEDOM

by Nelson Mandela

GORILLA'S IN THE MIST 

by Dian Fossey

IT'S OUR TURN TO EAT: A STORY OF A KENYAN WHISTLEBLOWER
Michela Wrong

Let us know what you think! What would your suggestions be?

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Experiencing the Conrad Maldives Resort

Big Safari with the Big 5

Our driver Bashir just came back from a Safari with two clients from China.

Their safari consisted of 6 days travelling to Tarangire, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Arusha National Park (Amini Maasai Lodge). They saw the Big Five Safari Tanzania (Lion, Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino).

Check out their big cat sightings below!

Amini Africa Maasai Lodge: A Cultural Experience with Social Benefit to Match

Bordering Arusha National Park, Africa Amini Maasai Lodge gets a huge tick of approval from the Shadows of Africa team. Not only does this lodge offer a unique experience and offer genuine interaction with the Maasai and elements of their culture but your stay also helps to support social projects run by the founders and members of the local Africa Amini Maasai Lodge community.

Healthcare in Tanzania is largely determined based on accessibility and affordability. Such barriers to healthcare are significantly exacerbated in more rural areas of the country. Recognising that healthcare was not attending to the needs of Maasai in Momella, Arusha, Doctor Cristine Wallner from Austria (founder) began to take this issue into her own hands. From its small beginnings of attending to clients under the giant fig tree, Amini Africa has expanded into a permanent hospital, and also provides access to other social services such as education and vocational skills training.

The Fig Tree and Starting Place for Africa Amini

“Everyone has the right to a standard of living adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family, including food, clothing, housing and medical care and necessary social services”
- Article 25 of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948

When Dr Wallner shifted to Tanzania, her idea was to establish access to professional healthcare where there was none. Due to the isolation of Momella, people requiring treatment needed to travel hours by foot to the nearest health facility. Today, the health facilities at Momella are some of the best in the region.

Shadows of Africa recently visited Amini to get a glimpse at the work they were undertaking. Remtulla, our designated tour guide, took us around the hospital including their new operating theatre (opening in October), the school and orphanage, computer learning centre, women’s centre, library and healing centre.

Nurses Rooms

If you’re interested in getting a genuine cultural experience during your stay in Tanzania, while supporting a great cause at the same time, don’t go past Africa Amini Maasai Lodge.  Check out the rest of the photos from our tour below!

Women's Centre

Healing Centre with Natural Remedies

Library

Orphanage

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 3-day Tanzania Safari Animals  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 Roof of Africa 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 Kilimanjaro Climb Roof of Africa 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!

Yellow Fever Update for Visitors to Tanzania

How to Apply for a Ugandan Visa