• ’Join the Group’ - What Is It?

    Vika
    July 28, 2021

    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 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.

    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 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.

    join-the-group-tanzania

    These 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 Uganda

    Vika
    July 21, 2021

    Last update: April 2022

    Looking for the latest covid entry requirements to Uganda? Shadows of Africa has got you covered. With our team living on the ground, we are always aware of the latest covid entry requirements. For a quick overview, see below. Our safari experts are ready to give you tailored advice.

    Latest Covid entry requirement summary:

    For fully vaccinated travellers:

    • NO requirement for a negative PCR test done on arrival
    • NO requirement for a negative PCR test for departure.

    Travelers with partial or no vaccination will be required to present a negative CPR test done within 72 hours of travel.

    Travelers below 5 years are not required to present a negative PCR test on arrival or departure.

    The Ugandan government is taking the safety and health of our travellers seriously, and has implemented regulations that will help make it possible for everyone to enjoy a safe safari. Uganda has been lucky enough to be a safe destination to visit and these new measures will ensure it will continue to be so.

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

    For the full document please click this link: Full Ugandan travel advisory

  • Latest Covid Entry Requirements Kenya

    Vika
    July 21, 2021

    Last update: March 2022

    Looking for the latest covid entry requirements to Kenya? Shadows of Africa has got you covered. With our team living on the ground, we are always aware of the latest covid entry requirements For a quick overview, see below. Our safari experts are ready to give you tailored advice.

    Latest Covid entry requirement summary:

    • All travellers who are fully vaccinated are exempt from the requirement of a PCR test
    • All travellers arriving in Kenya must have a certificate of COVID-19 vaccination.
      The following categories of travellers are exempt:
      • Below 18
      • Travellers with medical conditions precluding vaccination
      • Travellers who have recovered from a Covid-19 infection
    • All documents have to be uploaded pre-travel into global haven before boarding: https://globalhaven.org.
    • All travellers will be expected to fill out the traveller's locator form and submit before travel to https://ears.health.go.ke/airline_registration and thereafter submit daily health information for 14 consecutive days.

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

    For the full document please click this link: Kenyan Ministry of Health

  • Latest Covid Entry Requirements Rwanda

    Vika
    July 21, 2021

    Last update: October 2022

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

    Latest Covid entry requirement summary:

    • Covid-19 testing is no longer a requirement prior to boarding a flight to Rwanda. However, regular Covid-19 testing is encouraged.
    • The Passenger Locator Form is no longer a requirement before departure
    • An additional Covid test is no longer required upon arrival at Kigali International Airport
    • Certain meeting venues and national parks require Covid-19 tests. Testing is available at health facilities and other designated sites for 5,000 RWF (or US$5) for rapid antigen tests, and 50,000 RWF (or US$50) for PCR tests (required for all visits to primates in Volcanoes, Nyungwe and Gishwati-Mukura National Parks). Rwandan citizens pay a subsidized cost for PCR tests of 30,000 RWF (or US$30)
    • A Covid test is no longer a requirement to depart Rwanda by air. However, Covid testing (at own cost) is available for all travelers whose final destination requires one at health centers and other designated sites

    The Rwandan government is taking the safety and health of travelers seriously and has implemented regulations that will help make it possible for everyone to enjoy a safe safari, as well as protect the endangered primates. Rwanda has been lucky enough to be a safe destination to visit and these new measures will ensure it will continue to be so.

    Note: Tourists are required to take a PCR test 72 hours prior to visiting a national park (except for Akagera). Tourists visiting Akagera are required to take a rapid antigen test, available at numerous walk-in clinics in Kigali (RWF 10,000). No tourist will be admitted to any national park without a valid negative test result.

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

    For the full document please click this link: Latest Rwanda Travel Advisory

  • Latest Covid Entry Requirements Tanzania

    Vika
    July 21, 2021

    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 LATEST 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 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

  • Saadani - Perfect for a Short Safari from Zanzibar

    Vika
    July 1, 2021

    The only place in east Africa, where the beach literally meets the bush is Saadani national park in Tanzania. You can have an early morning swim, go for a game drive after breakfast, and sip on a cocktail while observing the fishermen preparing for the night out on the sea. A fantastic blend of leisure, pleasure, and action!

    Short safari from zanzibar saadani

    While relaxing on the beach don’t act surprised, when animals come for a drink in the nearby waterhole. Or when they just stroll past your towels, checking your reaction carefully with the corner of the eye.

    Visiting Saadani is also a great way to combine your Zanzibari vacation with a thrill of a real safari. Give it a day and have a lifetime memory! Departing from Kendwa daily early in the morning, a two hours long boat ride will bring you to the shores of the Saadani national park. Daily flights from Zanzibar are also available. A fantastic day in the bush, supported by a picnic lunch somewhere in the middle of nowhere and finished with an invigorating swim in the ocean - certainly something to consider!

    saadani national park

    What to expect on your short safari in Saadani?

    A 1.100 km² of grassland, mainly plains, in-between acacia thickets, semi-arid land. Beautiful palm-fringed beaches continue through mangroves that form a kind of border into the wilderness.
    Usually, you can expect to see giraffes, buffaloes, elephants, reedbucks, waterbucks, hartebeest, wildebeest, vervet monkeys, yellow baboons, red duikers, the endangered Roosevelt’s sable, many different bird species, and much more. For example, green turtles, since this is their major breeding site in Tanzania. Or hippos and crocodiles, especially if you opt for a boat trip on the river Wami.

    safari from zanzibar saadani national park

    When to visit Saadani National Park?

    A visit is always a good idea, except perhaps in April and May, when the weather is really wet - this is the peak season for the rain. But immediately after, in June, July, and August, when there is still much water in the hollows on the plains and the animals linger around, the sights are amazing. Just as beautiful in January or February. Visiting from September to December won’t leave you short of experiences, spotting animals will just need a little more effort from your guides.

    saadani national park

    Expert tip for your short safari from Zanzibar

    Saadani National park offers an insight into different habitats and therefore puts a variety of wildlife on display. Avoid the heavy rainy months of April and May, the rest of the year is great for visiting . Combine it with beach holidays, either on definitely underrated Tanzania’s mainland coast or on the famous Zanzibar.

    Safari saadani national park

    giraffe in saadani national park

  • Safari Tents & Tented Lodges or Camping - Everything You Should Know!

    Vika
    June 16, 2021

    Safari tents - Tented lodges or Camping - Everything you need to know before your safari!

    Have you ever imagined falling asleep to the sounds of lions and elephants? Wondered what it was like to spend the night in a tent, with only the canvas wall between you and the Serengeti plains? Or have you just started planning your first African safari and are wondering if these tents are safe at all. Then this article is for you!

    Expert tip: Absolutely DO stay in a tented camp

    Shadows’s number one tip for an unforgettable safari is: Spend at least one night in a tented camp during your trip! There is nothing so uniquely African as spending the night in a tented camp. It is a memory that will certainly stay with you. Unlike in a brick and mortar lodge - you get to smell, hear and feel the wilderness: there is simply nothing quite like it!

    One thing to understand and keep in mind is that there are no fences. So yes, the animals might actually wander straight into camp and if you are lucky even straight up to your tent. This of course requires some basic safety measurements. After dark, you will be walked to your tent by an askari - watchman. And if you need to leave your tent after dark there will be a walkie-talkie or whistle provided inside the tent. If you are planning to travel with kids - you need to be aware that kids cannot wander the campsite alone and should be watched at all times. Upon arrival, the camp team will always give you a safety briefing. Having said all this: serious incidents are extremely rare. So if you follow the basic safety instructions it is perfectly safe to stay in a tented camp/lodge.

    Roughing it or Luxury?

    Some people imagine a very basic tent, cold showers, and a true back-to-basics experience. Others envision outdoor showers, lush surroundings, and a once-in-a-lifetime cushy experience. The funny thing is: it could be either or all of the above! One thing all of these accommodation types have in common is that they offer a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

    To make things confusing there are three types of “tented” accommodations possible during your safari in Tanzania. When organizing your safari it is important to understand the lingo, so you know what you are in for. Something else to keep in mind is that it is NOT all in the name. There are many distinct mid-range camps using the term "luxury", whereas the uber-luxury properties like to call themselves things like "barefoot" and "rustic". But, we’re here to help to untangle any confusion that might occur!

    Types of Safari tents

    Luxury Safari Tented camp

    The best way to look at these is basically to see them as hotel rooms – but with canvas walls. You will find a fully comfortable bed, a shower, and a flush toilet all within canvas walls. These tented camps come in basic/budget versions and uber-luxury versions – with everything in-between. The main difference will be in the quality of amenities, furnishing, and location. The more basic camps will have hot water bucket showers, perhaps limited or no WIFI, and simple, yet tasty menus. The luxury versions will have spacious showers with running water, serve eggs benedict for breakfast, and beat out any hotel room for comfort.
    A lot of the tented camps in the Serengeti are migration camps. This means the camps move depending on the location of the Great migration. For most camps this means they move twice a year. From December till March – you can find the camp in the South/Ndutu area of the Serengeti. From July till November, you can find the same tents & team in the Mara/Kogatende area in North Serengeti. The luxury camps sometimes move up to 5 times – to give their guests the best possible chance of seeing the migration.

    Typical Tented camp


    Dining area


    Right in the nature

    Luxury Safari Tented lodge

    The difference between a luxury tented camp and a luxury tented lodge is mainly in the flooring. Whereas the tented camps are more mobile, the tented lodges are more permanent. They usually have flooring or are raised on stilts. The walls are still canvas – but this is where you will find the more plushy luxury experience.
    There are some really unique experiences to be lived in this category. The outside bathtub in Mpingo Ridge is unforgettable, for example. And although often more luxurious: you are still only separated by thin canvas walls from all the wildlife action. You are - like in a classic tented camp - still right in the middle of nature.

    A typical Tented lodge



    Bathroom Tented lodge


    Bedroom Tented lodge

    Basic Camping

    This option is great for budget-conscious travelers and adventures. Basic camping is what in Europe and America is meant by “camping”. You sleep in a small dome tent with a maximum of two people. If you book this with a tour operator the tent will be set up for you. Most companies provide field beds. It is very common for a cook to accompany you and prepare tasty fresh meals for you.
    With basic camping, there are two options of campsites in Tanzania: inside and outside the parks. The campsites inside the national parks are managed by Tanapa. They offer shared showers – cold water only – and shared bathrooms. If you are lucky you have a private or almost private stay. But these campsites are meant to be shared and cannot be reserved privately. So, if you are traveling in high-season in popular parks like Serengeti, you are almost sure that you will find other travelers. Sometimes even big groups of 20 to 30 people in overlanders. The campsites are not fenced so just like in tented camps you will get wildlife right up to your tent.
    Tanzania also offers a limited but often quite nice range of campsites outside the national parks. My favorite being Migombani camp. With a pool, hot showers, and views that are better than those from the luxury properties down the road: this place is a steal.


    Budget tent

    Sundowners


    Campsites can have great facilities

    Pricing

    Safari Tented camps in the Serengeti start at around $100 to $120 per person full board and go up to $1200 per person per night. A nice midrange camp will be between $150 and $200 per person per night.

    Tented lodges in the Serengeti range from around $300 to $1500 per person full board.

    In general, accommodation in Africa does come with a larger price tag than you will find in for example Asia. A big part of this is the park fees. You will find most of the tented camps inside a national park. This means that, besides paying the actual accommodation, you will also need to pay concession fees. This is a fee that is on top of the entrance fee. For the Serengeti, the current price is $71 per person per night.

    Pricing example

    So to get the cost of a day + night on safari in a National Park you should count as follows:

    1. Accommodation fee
    2. 24 hour Park entrance fee
    3. Concession fee

    If you would be looking at a budget Tented camp at $150 per person per night the sum would look like this:

    1. $150 pp accommodation fee
    2. $82 entrance fee Serengeti
    3. $71 concession fee

    Total: $303 per person per night.

    This does not include a guide and a car – or your transit fees in Ngorongoro, necessary to reach the Serengeti.

    This is where & how you can save quite a bit when opting for public camping. The camping fee is $30 per person per night and you are exempt from concession fees.

    The sum then looks like this:

    1. $60 meals/gear
    2. $82 entrance fee Serengeti
    3. $36 camping fee Serengeti

    Total: $181 per person per night.

    A tent for everyone!

    So, in short: there is a tented camp out there for everyone! With a wide range of different options, there is a fit for everyone’s taste and budget. Shadows Safari experts are ready to help you find the perfect tent for you!

  • Your Guide to Visit East Africa This Summer

    Vika
    May 27, 2021

    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 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 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.

  • Covid-19 Test in Tanzania & Zanzibar

    Vika
    May 6, 2021

    Getting a Covid-19 negative certificate for your return flight from Tanzania is a simple process. There are several locations in Tanzania where you can have a sample taken. All samples (except those, taken at Mount Meru Hospital in Arusha, which has its own lab) are sent to Dar es Salaam for processing in the national laboratory. The results will be delivered to you by email 48 hours after your sample has been taken.

    There are 4 easy steps - below you will find more information per step:

    • Register online
    • Pay
    • Take Sample / Swab
    • Get the result

    Registration for your Covid-19 PCR test

    In both, Tanzania and Zanzibar, tests must be registered and paid for in advance. Online registration for a test in the mainland of Tanzania can be done via this link: https://pimacovid.moh.go.tz
    For a test on Zanzibar go to this link: https://zanzibarcovidtesting.co.tz

    It is best to register 5 days in advance - with your phone number and passport in hand.

    Pay

    It is best to pay for a test in advance to a “wakala” based on the control number that you received by telephone or email during registration. The payment can also be made in the hospital itself, but the process will take longer. There are many officially registered “mobile money” or “wakala” points in Tanzania. Your Shadows of Africa guide will assist you, making a short stop of about 10 minutes during your safari to complete the payment. Cash payment is preferred.

    After payment you will receive proof of payment, which is also a necessary document when leaving the country, so don't lose it!

    Taking a Covid-19 PCR test in Arusha

    In Arusha, it is best to have a test taken at Mount Meru Regional Hospital or Arusha Lutheran Medical Center. The Mount Meru Hospital has its own lab, which means that the tests do not have to be taken to Dar Es Salaam. This means that results can be expected as early as 24 hours after taking the sample.

    Taking a Covid-19 PCR test in Zanzibar

    The Zanzibar Ministry of Health has currently designated three sites for Covid PCR testing:
    Emergency Operation Center in Lumumba
    Global Hospital in Vuga
    North Valley Hospital in Nungwi

    Taking a Covid-19 PCR test in the Serengeti

    There is even a test site in the Serengeti - this is located at the airport in Seronera; so in the heart of the Serengeti! Your guide will take you to the special testing station in the morning and then you can continue on a safari. With a test in the Serengeti, you can combine the pleasant with the necessary.

    Sample taking

    When you arrive at your test location, you register and show your proof of payment, and provide your personal and flight details. You should bring your passport. You will then be given a control number and when it’s your turn, your sample will be taken. The samples are taken from both, the nose and the throat.

    Test results

    It takes up to 48 hours to get the results as the samples are sent to Dar es Salaam for testing (except at Mount Meru Hospital). If your airline has strict rules regarding the validity of the certificate, make sure you take your sample in the morning so that it can be sent to Dar es Salaam the same day as the collection. The date printed on your certificate is the date the certificate is issued, not the date the sample was taken. At the airport, you will occasionally be asked for a printed version of the test - so ask your hotel if they can print it for you.

    In short, you can meet all requirements.

    Latest update / Rapid test before departure

    Since January 26, 2021, KLM requires a Rapid Covid-19 test as an additional requirement to the PCR test. This rapid test must be taken no later than 4 hours before departure. Rapid tests are performed at all airports KLM flies to and from: Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam.
    The cost for this test is USD 25 per person per test and is payable in cash at the airport. Allow enough time for this test to avoid any problems and arrive at the airport at least five hours before departure.

    If you fly with KLM, you must do this rapid test in addition to a classic PCR test - and you must therefore have a Covid-19 negative certificate + the rapid test before you can board. This is no longer applicable to passengers who only transfer in the Netherlands.

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