Safari

The Serengeti National Park, with its vast plains spanning 1.5 million hectares, is home to an incredible annual migration of two million wildebeests, along with hundreds of thousands of gazelles and zebras. What makes this spectacle even more impressive is that it is followed closely by predators in search of food and water. The park's biodiversity is exceptionally high, with four globally threatened or endangered animal species: black rhinoceros, elephant, wild dog, and cheetah.

The Serengeti plains host the largest remaining unaltered animal migration in the world. Over one million wildebeests and hundreds of thousands of other ungulates embark on a 1,000 km long circular trek that spans both Kenya and Tanzania. This remarkable phenomenon takes place in a scenic setting of endless plains, encompassing 25,000km2 of treeless expanses covered in short grasslands. The landscape is dotted with rocky outcrops called kopjes, as well as rivers and woodlands, adding further beauty to the area.

In addition to the migration, the Serengeti National Park is known for its large predator-prey interactions, which are among the most diverse and impressive worldwide. This creates an awe-inspiring aesthetic experience for visitors to the park.

The (809,440 ha) area encompasses vast highland plains, savanna, savanna woodlands, and forests, stretching from the Serengeti National Park in the northwest to the eastern arm of the Great Rift Valley. It was designated as a multiple land use area in 1959, allowing wildlife to coexist with the semi-nomadic Maasai pastoralists who practice traditional livestock grazing. This extraordinary region includes notable features such as the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, the largest caldera in the world, and the remarkable Olduvai Gorge, an impressive 14km long ravine.

The ecological significance of this area is globally recognized due to its role in biodiversity conservation. It is home to globally threatened species like the black Rhino, and the Ngorongoro Crater and its surrounding areas support a dense population of wildlife throughout the year. Moreover, the annual migration of wildebeest, zebra, Thompson's and Grant's gazelles, and other ungulates into the northern plains further highlights the importance of this region's ecological balance.

In Tarangire National Park, you will have the incredible opportunity to encounter a wide range of animals. This park is renowned for its large elephant population, boasting herds of up to 300 individuals per herd, making it one of the largest elephant populations in Africa. Additionally, you will find abundant impalas, elands, buffaloes, giraffes, Bohor reedbuck, Coke's hartebeest, Thompson's gazelles, greater and lesser kudu, and occasionally, rare sightings of the unique gerenuk and fringe-eared Oryx. It is believed that a few black rhinos still inhabit this park.

It's not just the elephants that gather in large numbers in Tarangire; you will also witness the annual migration of wildebeests and zebras. Tarangire is also home to a variety of other common animals such as leopards, lions, hyenas, and cheetahs, predominantly found in the southern open areas. While wild dogs are rarer to spot, there have been occasional sightings as well.

The avian life in Tarangire is also remarkable, with over 545 identified species. You'll have the opportunity to see stunning yellow collared lovebirds, shy starlings, and a diverse array of other bird species in the park.

Lake Manyara National Park, located in the northern part of Tanzania, is centered around its namesake alkaline lake, which serves as a vital habitat for a diverse range of bird species. From November to April, the scenic shores of the lake attract thousands of greater and lesser pink flamingos, along with pink-backed pelicans, yellow-billed storks, grey herons, and hippo pods.

Surrounding the lake, you'll find a variety of habitats including marshlands, grassy plains, and acacia woodlands. These areas support unique wildlife such as tree-climbing lions and long-tusked elephants. Giraffes gracefully stroll across the grasslands, while herds of buffalo, zebras, and wildebeests peacefully graze.

In addition to thrilling game drives and walking safaris, Lake Manyara offers the chance to visit the Maji Moto hot springs. Here, you can unwind and soak in the warm, crystal-clear water under the shade of leafy trees, providing a tranquil experience amidst the wilderness.

Conveniently located only 90 minutes away from Arusha by car, Lake Manyara National Park can easily be combined with a safari to renowned destinations such as the Serengeti, Tarangire, or the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, enhancing your overall Tanzanian wildlife adventure.

Mto Wa Mbu, known as a melting pot of cultures, is a unique village in Tanzania where representatives from all 120 tribes live harmoniously side by side. Despite its name translating to "Mosquito River," we were fortunate to find that the village had fewer mosquitoes due to its reliable water source. Your guide, who is a native of the village, will provide you with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see the community through their eyes. The duration of the tours is typically around 5 hours, but they can be flexible to accommodate your preferences.

During your visit, you will gain valuable insight into the social aspects of the village, including the farms, milling machines, schools, markets, and churches. Your guide will gladly answer any questions you may have and assist you in understanding the inner workings of this typical Tanzanian community.

Your tour will likely begin in the village's banana plantation, where over 30 different varieties of bananas are grown. Not only will you learn about the cultivation of this nutritional staple, but you will also discover the various uses of the banana plant, from food to materials for building and art. In between the banana plantations, you will have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious local lunch at "Mama Garden food."

Next, you might visit a youth art project, where you can explore different painting styles and techniques. The artists there are open to questions and photography, and while you have the option to purchase their artwork as souvenirs, there will be no pressure or aggressive sales tactics.

Afterward, you will have the chance to visit a wood workshop, where skilled members of the Makonde tribe intricately carve figurines, masks, and household objects. They will demonstrate the different types of wood and finishes used, as well as explain the cultural and historical significance behind the carvings. You might even have the opportunity to try your hand at carving!

Continuing on, you'll visit a local "bar" to taste mbege, the traditional banana and millet beer primarily consumed by the Chagga tribe. The process of brewing this beer is labor-intensive, and it is typically served in a large cup that is shared among the group and refilled as needed.

Lastly, your tour will conclude at the vibrant local market, where you can peruse stalls offering an array of fruits, vegetables, spices, and meats. Your guide will point out points of interest and provide you with the chance to taste and smell a variety of foods, creating a delightful experience for your senses.

The Hadzabe, a fascinating tribe with a population estimated to be under 2,000 individuals, are among the few remaining groups who have held onto their rich tribal heritage. Living far from the influence of tourism and globalization, they have managed to preserve their way of life throughout the years. Nestled near Lake Eyasi, the Hadzabe people reside in caves, which together with their dwindling numbers, have helped them avoid the spread of diseases like HIV that often result from intertribal marriages.

In their traditional roles, men are skilled hunters who provide food for their families, often bringing home honey as well. Meanwhile, women and children gather fruits, berries, and roots to supplement their diet. The hunting techniques employed by Hadzabe men are truly awe-inspiring. Using clever tactics and inventive tools made from animal parts, they lure and capture their prey. Their use of locally made poisons and ingenious camouflage is both practical and skillful. While hunting is their primary source of sustenance, it is important to note that they are the only tribe permitted to hunt in the Serengeti.

Visitors to the region have the opportunity to experience the unique Hadzabe culture. Whether staying overnight in nearby lodges or traveling from Karatu, guests can join early morning hunting demonstrations before exploring the Lake Eyasi region by car or on foot.

A distinct aspect of Hadzabe culture is their language, which is characterized by a series of clicks. This linguistic characteristic bears similarity to the language spoken by the well-known Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert. Despite the linguistic resemblance and physical similarities, it is important to note that DNA testing has shown no direct genetic relationship between the two groups.

Lake Natron, situated not far from Lake Manyara in northern Tanzania, is a fascinating salt or soda lake. Located in the Gregory Rift, which is the eastern branch of the East African Rift, the lake lies at the base of the Ol Doinyo Lengai, an active volcano. Its shallow depth, measuring less than three meters, and variable width, dependent on the water level, make Lake Natron quite unique. Stretching 57 kilometers in length and 22 kilometers in width, the area experiences irregular seasonal rainfall, primarily occurring between December and May. The temperature at the lake often exceeds 40 °C.

Due to the evaporation of freshwater in the lake, high levels of salt minerals, such as sodium and trona, remain. This results in an extremely alkaline environment, with a pH level that can exceed 12. This high alkalinity supports the growth of special bacteria and blue algae, creating an optimal breeding ground for bird life. Some of the halophilic organisms, including certain cyanobacteria, produce their own food through photosynthesis, similar to plants. These cyanobacteria contain a red pigment, which gives the lake its deep red coloration and the shallow areas a vibrant orange hue. In addition, salt-loving microorganisms living in the lake contribute to the reddish or pinkish color of the alkali salt crust on its surface.

Accompanied by our knowledgeable guides, you will have the opportunity to explore the stunning Rift Valley, picturesque rice fields, and even visit the picturesque Lake Manyara. Immerse yourself in the local Tanzanian culture by enjoying authentic Tanzanian cuisine at the "Mama Africa House." Additionally, we will take you to the hidden gems of this unique area that are off the beaten path.

Following your cycling tour around the park, we will visit the vibrant community of Mtu Wa Mbu village. There, you'll have the chance to learn about their rich culture and traditions firsthand. To further engage with the local community, we'll also make a stop at a local school, providing you with a deeper understanding of how education is carried out in this area.

Our aim is to offer you an all-encompassing experience that combines adventure, cultural immersion, and community engagement.