Joining a safari group in Tanzania.

Thousands of travelers come to Tanzania each year looking to join a group on safari or a climb to Mt. Kilimanjaro. These travelers - usually backpackers - are looking to save some money and join a fun group for their adventures. The theory is, the more people you have on a climb or on safari, the lower the price. 

In fact, it's almost too expensive to go on safari alone (Kilimanjaro can be managed), as the cost could be low per day per person for a very, very budget trip - that's if you are lucky and anyone is willing to take you.

Another advantage of joining a group especially on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, is that you get more courage, and share history of other climbers.

Example if you take 6 days trip you get 198 $ x 6 days= 1188 US $ per person.

All services are included in this package.

Cost is a major consideration for most people. The Serengeti is not cheap – with park fees alone doubling to US $50 per person per day from January 2006. There are some lodges that cater for budget safaris and if you also travel in low season then costs are reduced considerably.

Budget Camping safari will cost  much lower per person per day.

Let say 6 days camping safari tour covering Tarangire, Lake manyara,Serengeti,Ngorongoro Crater,maasai village bomas and Olduvai Gorge; cost is 196 $ x 6 days = 1176 US $ per person.

To join a group or a private safari, joining a group will be cheaper this being the only advantage if cost is an issue. Always to have a vehicle to yourself will give you more privacy, is more relaxing and there will be more flexibility with the itinerary.

Benefits of group joining includes:

  1. Cutting down the cost of safari (sharing costs including transport, accommodation, crater fees)

2. Creating travel companion for chatting and an opportunity for making new African safari friends

Serengeti hunters still missing, says Mara RPC

THE whereabouts of six people who went missing while hunting in the Serengeti National Park (SENAPA) in the past several days is still not known. 

But there are unconfirmed reports that the men all hailing from Gibasso village that is adjacent to the park might have been eaten by crocodiles. 

''The search is still going on them and we can't say that they have been killed unless we see dead bodies'', Regional Police Commander (RPC) Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Constantine Masawe told the 'Daily News' on Wednesday. 

He named them as Chacha Marwa Gasaya, Wang'enyi Marwa Mohere, Marwa Moseti Goyagwe, Tore Magoigwa Chiware, Marwa Sira Sira who went missing on October 31 and Mwita Marwa Makuri who went missing on October 6, according to ACP Masawe. 

The RPC refuted recent reports that the alleged poachers had gone to graze cows in the park. 

''It is not true that they went to graze cows, they went to hunt wild animals according survivors,'' ACP Masawe said. 

Police in Tarime have until Wednesday been looking for the men in collaboration with their counterparts in the neighbouring Kenya, the RPC said. He described the exercise as tough without going into details. 

He however warned villagers residing near the world famous park to refrain from entering the park to kill animals for the purpose of getting game meat. 

''I call upon people to respect the borders. There are dangerous animals there (park) and anything can happen'', the regional police chief said. 

Local leaders have accused relevant authorities for not doing enough to find out whether the men have been killed or not. Tarime District Commissioner (DC) Mr John Henjewele could not immediately be reached for comment. 

Poaching is still one of the major challenges facing conservation of in SENAPA and majority of poachers hail from Serengeti and Tarime districts followed by other districts with some villages adjacent to the park, according the park officials.

Serengeti Road

The BBC's Christine Otieno examines the possible consequences of the proposed commercial road through Tanzania's Serengeti National Park.
Please visit to listen from this link

Serengeti Great Migration

The Serengeti hosts the largest migration in the world, which is one of the ten natural travel wonders of the world.

The region contains several national parks and game reserves. Serengeti is derived from the Maasai language, Maa; specifically, "Serengit" meaning "Endless Plains".

Around October, nearly two million herbivores travel from the northern hills toward the southern plains, crossing the Mara River, in pursuit of the rains. In April, they then return to the north through the west, once again crossing the Mara River. This phenomenon is sometimes called the Circular Migration.

Some 250,000 wildebeest die during the journey from Tanzania to Masai Mara Reserve in lower Kenya, a total of 800 kilometres (500 mi). Death is usually from thirst, hunger, exhaustion, or predation. The migration is chronicled in the 1994 documentary film, Africa: The Serengeti. On January 2007 there was great herds of White eared kob and now rivals with the Kobs migration.

Currently there is controversy surrounding a proposed road that is to be built through the Serengeti in Tanzania.

If you would like to support Serengeti Watch join here

World Scientists Petition for Alternate Highway / Warn of Dangers

Save the Serengeti asked experts around the world to sign a petition asking the government of Tanzania to abandon plans for a northern route through the Serengeti and build an alternate route.  In addition a survey was included asking scientists to evaluate the likelihood of various impacts, and add their own information.

Read more:  http://www.savetheserengeti.org/news/highway-news/world-scientists-petition-for-alternate-highwaywarn-of-dangers/#ixzz12GwmCqBp

What I should know for Safari?

"> Everyone agrees that there is substantial planning required by those considering a safari in Africa. How far in advance should I book my safari?It is better to book as far in advance as possible to ensure availability at the time you wish to travel, especially during the high/peak seasons - June to Oct and Christmas/New Year season. What should I take on safari? (Should be used as a guide only) As you will want to capture as much as possible of this amazing tour, don’t forget a camera, camcorder with lots of films, tapes, and replacement batteries for all these. A torch light would come in very handy. Sunglasses, hat, sun lotion, lip-balm, insect repellents and your own toiletry requirements, small first-aid kit, a spare pair of glasses or lenses if you are using one. Don’t forget a swimming costume and you might want to include a good book for the relaxing hours. Sleeping-bags and towels if you are planning for camping safaris must be included.What should I take for mountain climbing? (Should be used as a guide only) Sunglasses/Snow goggles, Rucksack & day pack, 3-4 season sleeping-bag, Insulation pad, Balaclava or woolen hat, Long sleeved shirt, Several pairs of socks, Gloves, Waterproof trousers & jacket, Warm sweaters, Anorak/raincoat, Gaiters, Water-bottle, Wooden walking stick, Hiking boots, Pair of light walking shoes, Warm scarf, Toiletry requirements, Flashlight with batteries, Sun protection cream, Small first aid kit, Lip salve, A whistle and some plastic bags. Baggage Limit: 1 bag 15kgs maximum. It is advisable to have your own insurance covering, travel, medical, baggage and personal injury. Persons undergoing medical treatment should obtain approval from their doctor prior to booking the trek. The trek is taken at the clients own risk. What kind of food do I expect during the trip?  The quality and variety of food available on safari will be a pleasant surprise for our clients. Most lodges serve meals in buffet-style. The food is prepared according to the western-tastes, and includes some local cuisine too. If a camping safari is chosen, fresh meat and produce is prepared by the expert chefs accompanying the clients to the highest standards. Special dietary requirements such as vegetarian or diabetic meals can be easily arranged with prior notice. A vegetarian or vegan may wish to bring along some alternative protein sources. Persons with multiple food allergies, it is advisable to bring along supplemental snacks. Please notify us of any possible dietary restrictions along with booking confirmation Is drinking water safe? In some places tap water is safe, but generally, it is not advisable to drink or brush your teeth with tap water. Bottled water is available everywhere and in almost all Lodges and Hotels and all super markets. On treks and safaris, it is better to carry sufficient bottled water. What Type of Clothes to take? : For safaris, especially in Northern Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha), during the day, light clothing is recommended with sturdy shoes and canvas hats. During the night in areas like Arusha and the Ngorongoro Highlands; where the altitude is between 1500 - 2500 Metres; a cardigan or pullover may be essential. In the same pack, remember your sun cream, lotions, sun glasses, a pair of binoculars, and a camera with rolls of film. What would be the accommodations like? Wide range of accommodations is available to suit your budget, lodges, hotels, tented camps, permanent camps to name a few. Most hotels are a nice blend of luxury, ambience, offering picturesque views. Once an inquiry is submitted, we provide you with a detailed list of accommodations available to suit your requirements. Advise regarding photography?For wildlife photography, a 200 mm zoom lens is the smallest that you should use, A 300-400 zoom is preferable. For bird-watchers, a 500mm or larger is necessary, and a wide-angle lens would be ideal for scenic shots. Bring extra camera and flash batteries and plenty of film - you may find these quite expensive and difficult to obtain locally.

Help to save Serengeti

It's the greatest threat in the Serengeti's history — the government of Tanzania has approved a major commercial highway across the Serengeti National Park, in the direct path of ancient wildlife migration routes. Such a highway would be devastating.
Read how can do it here by following this link

Bagamoyo, Tanzania: A Proposed World Heritage Site

Tanzania To Advertise During English Premier League Matches To Attract Tourists

The Tanzanian government has forked Sh800m (£700,000) to Football Association (FA) as advertisement fee in Premier League stadiums in a bid to promote the country’s vast tourism attractions to the outside world.

The country anticipates doubling the number of tourists especially from the United Kingdom from the current 58,000 per year to over 100,000, at least at the end of this season’s English Premier League.

The Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) Executive Director, Aloyce Nzuki, told Daily News yesterday that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism in collaboration with Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), TTB and Ngorongoro Area Conservation Authority entered into a contract with Lantech Services Agency to sponsor 114 games of the English Premier League 2010.

“This contract is a special effort by the Tanzanian government to use sports as a way of boosting tourist attractions within Tanzania to the world, placing Tanzania as the leader in using such an endeavour in tourism promotion,” said Nzuki.

Nzuki said TTB has subscribed to advertise in six stadiums by placing 30 seconds digital advert that will appear six times per game on a Led Perimeter wall around the stadiums owned by Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, Stoke City, Sunderland, West Brom and Wolves. The six, he said, are among teams that are under Lantech Services Agency.

“This is an agreement by which tourism promotional ads will be displayed on billboards placed within the football pitch during the 114 games involving the three main focused campaigns”, said Nzuki.

Already ads were displayed on August 14 games between Blackburn Vs. Everton, Sunderland Vs Birmingham and Wolves Vs Stoke City.

Download the list of matches (excel format) that Tanzania will be advertised and make sure to watch and inform others within and outside the organization.

Amani Nature Reserve

Nestled at the base of the central Usambara Mountains, the Amani Nature Reserve is well off the beaten path of the usual safari circuit, but makes a perfect stopover on longer trips and while driving to the Swahili Coast. It`s quiet, tranquil setting offers the perfect opportunity to relax from the rigourous schedule of vehicle-based safaris. Although the area has been the focus of conservation efforts and botanical research for over a century, the Amani Nature Reserve has only been a protected area since 1997. International efforts to preserve the beauty of the Usambara forests within its boundaries have met with much local success. Guided nature walks, prohibited in Tanzania`s national parks, are a unique feature of the nature reserve and offer an exciting opportunity to view the flora and fauna of the area up close. For the aspiring African botanist, Amani Nature Reserve`s incredible diversity of plant life -- between 600 to 1,000 different species -- is sure to attract. The East Usambara Conservation Area Management Programme created and maintains the nature trails, as well as training guides in an effort to encourage village collaboration and conservation efforts. Short or long walks can be arranged, and the guides are very knowledgeable about local species, bird and insect life, and traditional plant uses.

For more info click here