SAFARI TIPS

Before embarking on a Tanzanian Safari, it is essential to familiarize yourself with these eleven important details.

If you are considering embarking on a safari adventure in Tanzania, you may be curious about the experience of observing wildlife in the country’s national parks and conservation areas. To ensure you are well-prepared for your journey, it is essential to familiarize yourself with these eleven crucial details before finalizing your safari reservation.

Tanzania is renowned as the ultimate safari destination.

Tanzania stands out as the ultimate destination for an authentic African safari experience. With over 20 African countries offering safari adventures, Tanzania consistently emerges as the top choice according to surveys conducted among tourists and seasoned travelers.

The allure of a Tanzanian safari is undeniable, with iconic locations such as Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park capturing the hearts of wildlife enthusiasts worldwide.

Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact caldera, boasts a diverse ecosystem within its 100 square miles. The natural barrier of the crater wall ensures that a plethora of wildlife, including over 25,000 species, can be observed in this unique setting.

Serengeti National Park, known as the epitome of wildlife reserves, spans approximately 12,000 square miles and is famous for hosting the annual migration of nearly two million wildebeest. The park’s name, derived from the Maasai language, translates to “endless plains.”

In addition to these renowned destinations, Tanzania’s Northern Circuit features three more parks – Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Arusha National Park – each offering distinct attractions that contribute to Tanzania’s status as the premier safari destination in Africa.

Prepare yourself for a turbulent journey ahead.

The roads within the parks are not paved and are made of dirt and rocks, just like many of the roads connecting the parks. This means that you should be prepared for a bumpy ride throughout your safari experience. The constant jostling in your car seat is often humorously referred to as an “African massage.” Although it’s not an actual massage, you can expect to experience it daily.

In addition to the rough terrain, there is also a significant amount of dust, especially during the dry season. Driving behind other vehicles or passing oncoming cars will result in driving through clouds of dust. So, don’t expect to keep yourself clean and spotless during your safaris. We recommend bringing something like a Buff, neck gaiter, or bandana to cover your nose and mouth, especially if you are sensitive to dust or have respiratory issues.

Lastly, safaris can be surprisingly exhausting. You will be spending most of your day in the car, so it’s important to find moments of rest between animal sightings or while traveling to a different park. To make sleeping in the vehicle more comfortable, consider bringing a high-quality neck pillow.

Safari guides possess exceptional expertise in locating wildlife.

Spanish Angel Expedition safari guides are highly skilled professionals with extensive experience in Tanzania’s parks and a deep understanding of wildlife behavior. They possess an innate ability to predict where animals are likely to be located at any given time.

In addition to their expertise, the guides engage in crucial communication with other guides, either through face-to-face encounters on the road or via radio. This exchange of information allows them to stay updated on real-time sightings within the park. While it may seem like casual conversation, these interactions help the guides make informed decisions on the best routes to take during the safari.

Spotting elusive animals during a safari is an exciting challenge. It requires a keen eye and a certain level of skill. Experienced guides can often identify animals from a distance while driving, a task that may be challenging for untrained tourists. However, as the safari progresses, visitors’ ability to spot wildlife tends to improve. Who knows, by the end of the trip, you may even spot a rare animal before the guide does.

Safaris pose no threat as long as you remain inside the vehicle.

Throughout the journey, safari vehicles are specially designed Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, providing an unobstructed view of the animals. It’s important to note that safaris are safe, as guides do not carry guns and the animals are accustomed to vehicles. They do not pose a threat to tourists, allowing for a unique and undisturbed observation of their natural behavior.

There are instances where animals may interact with visitors, such as lions seeking shade under the car or cheetahs climbing on the vehicle for a better vantage point. These encounters can create memorable experiences. Remember to remain inside the vehicle, except in designated areas, as animals may perceive humans outside the car as a potential threat or prey. Notify the guide if you need to exit the vehicle for any reason.

Various animals will be visible, although not all species may be present.

During your safari adventure, you will have the incredible opportunity to witness a diverse array of wildlife. Each park boasts its own unique geography, which attracts a variety of animals. Some of these magnificent creatures are easily spotted due to their abundance, tendency to gather in groups, and preference for open areas. Animals like gazelles, zebras, wildebeests, and buffalos fall into this category. By sticking together, they provide protection against predators that target these herbivores. Additionally, you can readily observe baboons, hippos, giraffes, and elephants during your safari. Lions, as they reside in family units known as prides, are relatively easy to locate.

The term “Big Five” refers to the lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Historically, these animals were considered the most challenging and dangerous to hunt on foot. Nowadays, they are the most coveted sightings during safaris.

Now, let’s discuss the animals that are more elusive. The rhino, for instance, is a rare sight due to their dwindling population. Encountering one, especially up close, is a truly uncommon occurrence. Cheetahs, being solitary hunters, prefer to remain hidden in the tall grasses of the savanna. The leopard, on the other hand, is the most elusive of the big cats as they camouflage themselves in the trees. To spot a leopard, keep an eye out for its tail among the branches.

A five-day safari offers the perfect length for an unforgettable experience in the wild.

The company provides a range of safari itineraries, from day trips to seven-day excursions, catering to all types of schedules. Many clients who come to climb Kilimanjaro are equally enthusiastic about embarking on a safari adventure. The top two must-see destinations are Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park.

As previously mentioned, Ngorongoro Crater boasts a high concentration of wildlife and a wide variety of species. Visitors can witness numerous animals in a short span of time, making it an ideal choice for those with limited time for a safari. Located approximately four hours away from Moshi, a day trip to the crater is not feasible.

Further north lies the Serengeti, renowned as the world’s most famous wildlife sanctuary and a national treasure of the country. Recognized as one of Africa’s seven natural wonders, the park is unparalleled in its pristine natural beauty. All our itineraries include visits of four days or more to Serengeti National Park. The most popular option is the five-day safari, covering four parks (Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara). Travelers on this journey will enjoy a diverse range of landscapes and a well-balanced mix of game drives and travel time.

The guide is the driver. Keep the communication

Please be aware that our safari guide is exclusively dedicated to you and your party (as all our safaris are private). This means that you have the authority to choose which animals you want to search for and how long you wish to observe them once found. If you have a specific interest in seeing a particular animal, please inform the guide, and he will make it his mission to locate it for you. Similarly, if there is no specific animal you wish to see, kindly inform the guide so that unnecessary searches or stops can be avoided.

During a wildlife sighting, you are welcome to stay and watch for as little or as long as you desire. Just keep an open line of communication with your guide, so he can ensure the best personalized safari experience for you and your group. If you feel you have had enough game viewing for the day, you can request to head back to the hotel or camp and retire early.

In general, we can arrange a safari for any date, provided we have the necessary staff, vehicles, and accommodations available. To secure your spot, it is advisable to book early, especially during the busy season (July through October and December through February).

Tented camps offer a unique and highly comfortable experience.

Safari accommodations offer a range of options, including standard lodges and more rustic tented camps. Standard lodges are similar to typical hotels that we are all familiar with. On the other hand, tented camps provide a unique experience with large canvas tents placed on a solid base.

Despite their primitive appearance, these tented camps are actually quite comfortable and equipped with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy electricity, wifi, and running water during their stay. Each tent is well-furnished with beds, tables and chairs, linens, mosquito netting, and even a covered porch. The en suite bathrooms feature flush toilets and hot showers for added convenience.

A typical day on safari begins with a delicious hot breakfast at either the tented camp or lodge. Afterward, guests can embark on a thrilling game drive or a scenic drive to the next safari destination, which can range from one to two hours in duration. Picnic lunches are enjoyed within the park, while a satisfying hot dinner awaits back at the accommodations.

You have the ability to fly high over the Serengeti.

If you are seeking a more thrilling experience, consider including a hot air balloon ride in your travel itinerary. This exclusive opportunity, unique to Serengeti National Park, offers a breathtaking aerial perspective of the park’s vast landscape in areas inaccessible to vehicles. You may witness magnificent sights such as a massive wildebeest herd, a majestic lion pride, a bustling hippo pool, and much more. Each day brings new surprises.

The hot air balloons take off at sunrise and drift in the direction dictated by the winds. While the pilot cannot steer the balloon, they skillfully control the altitude using the burner, allowing the balloon to soar above 3000 ft/1000m or hover just a few feet above the ground. The duration of the flight is approximately one hour.

Although it comes at a higher cost, a hot air balloon ride in Serengeti promises to be an unforgettable highlight of your journey. Our clients often describe it as an incredibly serene and surreal experience. To secure your spot, it is advisable to book the hot air balloon ride in advance, as it is available as an additional option for safari itineraries lasting five to seven days.

To capture stunning images, make sure to use a large lens.

Most clients choose to embark on a safari (and even climb Kilimanjaro) armed only with their smartphones. Alternatively, simple and compact point-and-shoot cameras are also highly favored. These options are perfectly suitable for capturing beautiful photos of your safari adventure. You will have countless opportunities to capture images of the wildlife and the breathtaking landscape. However, it is important to note that if you desire more detailed and close-up shots, the animals would need to be in close proximity to the vehicle, which may not always be feasible. For those who are passionate about photography or yearn for awe-inspiring pictures, it is advisable to bring along a DSLR camera equipped with a lens of at least 200mm. Ideally, a lens of 300mm or longer is preferred. Equipping yourself with a powerful telephoto zoom lens will enable you to capture truly stunning photographs.

Special gear is not necessary.

Most safari clients also choose to climb Kilimanjaro during their visit. When it comes to gear, there is no need for additional clothing or special equipment specifically for the safari. The tee shirts, base layers, pants, and shorts that you brought for trekking will suffice. If you wish to embrace the traditional safari look, a button-down shirt and wide-brimmed hat can add to the experience. Remember to pack a fleece or hardshell for colder weather, as it can get chilly in the highlands and evenings.

While not essential, you may want to bring a pair of binoculars. However, it is worth noting that the guide usually has their own pair, so it is not necessary.

Here is a recommended safari gear list for your reference.

Any Question, Would love to hear from you.

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