Tanzania Safari Overview
Tanzania is perhaps the best safari destination in the world. The country takes preserving its natural resources seriously, with over 30% of its area under protected status. The most popular portion of the country for tourists is northern Tanzania. With both the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater located in the north this is a major draw. Along with the fact that Mt Kilimanjaro is also in the north so a Serengeti safari and Mt Kilimanjaro climb can be easily combined in the same trip. There are some safari destinations that are great but overshadowed by their more famous neighbors. Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Arusha national parks, although close together geographically, each park is unique and definitely worth a visit. Easy to add to a wildlife safari are various cultural/tribal visits. Maasai and Hadzabe tribes along with cultural village tours and a visit to the famous Olduvai Gorge can be included. We specialize in customized itineraries so we welcome a dialog with you to create the perfect itinerary for you. Overnights during safaris can range from basic camping in tents under the African skies to luxurious five-star resorts and of course everything in between.

Your guide will be an expert of the local flora and fauna, having studied for years followed by further years of guiding experience before being selected as a Kashi Safaris Guide. If you choose a camping safari, you will have an excellent safari chef preparing fresh and remarkably high-quality meals.

We use only well-maintained Toyota Land Cruisers and Land Rovers all with custom safari viewing roofs. Every client is guaranteed a window seat for the best possible game viewing. Some destinations also allow walking safaris, accompanied by mandatory armed park rangers. Also available is the ultimate in a luxury safari experience - a hot air balloon safari followed by a picnic breakfast complete with sparkling wine. The possibilities are endless. Let Kashi Safaris lead you on the adventure of your lifetime!

Northern Tanzania Safari Destinations
Serengeti
The main event! Serengeti National Park is arguably the most widely recognized wildlife sanctuary in the world. Its translation to “endless plains” in the Maasai language still remains truthful. The national park covers over 30,000 square km (over 11,500 square miles). Recently proclaimed “The Seventh World Wonder”, the Serengeti is the chief attraction in Africa. More than 30 species of animals are found within its boundaries and include “the big five” (elephant, rhino, lion, leopard, and buffalo). The Great Migration during May or early June moves gigantic herds of wildebeest, gazelle, and zebra across the plains to their annual migratory spot. In their wake close behind follow the predators, the lions, cheetah, and wild dog with vultures overhead. The common species also cohabit here in their respective terrains and include hippo, giraffe, elephant, eland, impala, antelope, baboons, monkeys and over 500 species of birds. The Serengeti is the hallmark of Africa-and we know you came to witness “the circle of life”! The Serengeti is a nine hour drive from Moshi. If you want to visit it is best to allow 4 days although 3 days can be done in a pinch.

Ngorongoro Crater
You might hear this famous site referred to as simply “The Crater”, because it is worldly-known for its unique scenery. The Crater has been declared a World Heritage Site and lies within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area covering more than 8,000 square kilometers. On its boundaries lie Lake Eyasi and the Gold Mountains, and roughly in its center is the Olbalal Swamp and the Olduvai Gorge. The Crater is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, with naturally steep walls rising 610 meters from the crater floor. It is a natural “amphitheater” and is home to 30,000 animals. The many species live together despite natural tendencies and despite the order of the food chain. The Crater is a beautiful, miraculous place to witness cohabitation between animal friend and foe. Gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest, baboons, rhino, warthogs, and thousands of wildebeest and zebra are scattered across the land. Alongside them sit the kings of the food chain, the predators, including lions, leopards, hyena and cheetah. More than 100 species of birds not yet discovered in the Serengeti have been spotted here, and a pink sea of flamingos is often an attraction to the soda lakes. The only noted absence in the crater is the giraffe. Ngorongoro Crater has a high density of animals but the size is such that all can be seen in half day. No overnights are allowed inside of the crater so all accommodations are outside of the crater. Ngorongoro is a five hour drive from Moshi so with a very early start that can be experienced even as a day trip although it is very common to pair it with other parks as a multiple-day safari

Tarangire National Park
A taste of Africa you always thought you’d see! Named after the vital river that flows through it, Tarangire is a natural land home to many plants and wildlife. Ancient baobab trees with sky-high, root-like branches scatter the land and make for a breathtaking skyline-making Tarangire a uniquely African experience and thus a popular spot for visitors. You’ll have plenty of photo opportunities here. The park features buffalo, zebra, giraffe, gnu, lion, leopard, elephant, waterbuck, oryx, kudu and many many more species. For bird lovers, the best season to visit Tarangire is between October and May, when migratory species infiltrate the area. Tarangire is 3.5 hours from Moshi so can easily be visited as a day trip and is often included in the first day of a Serengeti safari to break up the long drive.

Lake Manyara National Park
Another taste of Africa, Lake Manyara is a national park and forest dedicated to the preservation of wildlife. Two famous sights are unique to Manyara include the tree-climbing lions and the tree-climbing pythons. The lions can be spotted lounging across the branches of Acacia trees, often times as high as seven meters off the ground! The Great Rift Valley is noted for its incredible beauty. All visitors enter the park and drive immediately into the lush rainforest terrain, home to many families of baboons and blue monkeys. Beyond the rainforest lies many other terrains, including woodlands, grasslands, and swamps, thus it is home to many other animals. The park is noted for its huge herds of buffalo and elephants. You’ll also have a chance to spot giraffes, impala, hippo, and a variety of small animals. Bring your camera! Lake Manyara is 3.5 hours from Moshi and can be done as a day trip or as a part of a longer safari. The park is not very large so one day is sufficient to see all.

Arusha National Park
This small yet spectacular national park is located very close to Moshi and Arusha regions and features many of Tanzania’s various terrains and wildlife. Highlights include Mt. Meru, Ngurdoto crater and the Momela lakes. From 1500 m base camp to Mt. Meru’s summit at 4566 m, Arusha National Park exhibits several vegetation zones including grasslands, pine forests, valleys and rainforests. The land is alive with natural wildlife including 400 species of resident and migratory birds, including the famous flamingos (seasonal) that spend their leisure time in the awesome Momela Lakes. Resident mammals include hyena, buffalo, klipspringer, gerenuk, black and white colobus monkeys and blue monkey. Snakes, chameleons, alligators, tortoises and turtles are observed up close and personal at the reptile and snake farm. Walking safaris are available for this trip, and is most ideal for a day’s trip from either Moshi or Arusha.

Sample Itineraries
We have included some of our most commonly requested itineraries. Let these serve as a start for your ideas. We will gladly customize your itinerary to suit your needs and resources, but you can use these itineraries as a starting point in your planning.

Safari Accommodations
There is a large variation in overnight accommodations while on safari. From simple sleeping tents to lodges and tented camps costing several thousand dollars a night. When considering your options, it is best to take into consideration how much time you will have at that location to enjoy the facilities. If you are arriving after dark already tired and are scheduled to depart again at 6am the next morning, the lodge swimming pool might not be worth the price. If you are wanting a luxury experience, we can plan an itinerary to let you enjoy the accommodations more. Many of them are in such prime wildlife areas, that you can get a certain amount of game viewing sitting in front of your room/tent.

There are a large number of accommodation options, and Kahsi Safari can book any of your choosing (based on availability) but we have listed below a group of accommodations that we commonly work with and are confident of their service and value

Tarangire:
Sopa Lodge Tarangire
Lake Manyara/Mto wa Mbu:
Twiga Lodge
Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge
Eileen's Trees Inn
Ngorongoro Conservation Area:
Rhino Lodge
Ngorongoro Farm House
Sopa Lodge Ngorongoro
Serengeti:
Serengeti Bush Camp
Kati Kati Tented Camp
Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge
Sopa Lodge Serengeti

For before and after safaris we prefer to use the following in town hotels:
Moshi:
Panama Garden Resort
AMEG Lodge
Park View Hotel
Uhuru Hotel
Arusha:
Two Mountains Lodge
Kibo Palace Hotel
Premier Palace Hotel

Basic Camping
For basic camping safaris, the tents are large enough for 2 sleeping bags (or camp cots) plus your gear. The guide and cook will set up the tent for you. The tents are high enough to stand up in the center, but there is no real room to walk around. You will need to bring a flashlight (torch) for lighting, insect repellant, shower slippers, and a towel. Toilet and wash facilites will be communal at the campsite.

There are reeally two different types of basic camping experiences. One is camping inside of the safari destinations. No one is allowed to just pitch a tent wherever they like. Only designated campsites can be used. There will be many other groups also camping in the same area. These campsites will have a caged in area for food storage and cooking. Expect just long-drop toilets and cold water showers. Some have solar heated hot water, but the demand is greater than the supply, so there is no guarantee of hot water. There is nothing keeping the animals out of the campsite but as long as you do not have food inside your tent, the animals will not bother you. There are safety precautions that must be heeded if going to the toilet after dark. For each campsite your guide will inform you of the procedure. It is not uncommon to hear animals during the night and occasionally you may see some during the day. There will be a cook and food brought along for your meals. The tents should be kept zipped up except for entering and exiting to keep insects and reptiles out. There will not be separate mosquito nettings, so enter and exit the tents quickly and keep them zipped up. The quality of the meals will be a pleasent surprise. The cook can handle special meals upon reequest (made before the start of the safari). Some people have trouble sleeping if they hear lions mating or other animal noises, but it is a memorable experience well worth the experience. In addition to the park entry fee,the government charges $35/person per night for the use of the campsite. This is already incorporated into the price quote. There are no public campsites at Ndutu portion of Serengeti/Ngorongoro and none at the Kogatende area of Serengeti. These areas are still possible to visit on a camping safari but will require travel to a different area for overnight.

The other type of camping experience is the use of private campsites outside of the safari destinations. We may use these to either reduce your cost for the safari, or in instances where the logistics makes that location the best option. The majority of these are in the town of Mto wa Mbu or Karatu. These towns are located not far from Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara National Park. The gates to enter into Ngorongoro Conservation Area are closed from 6pm until 6am daily. So these campsites are often used after a Tarangire or Lake Manyara safari while in transit to the Serengeti or Ngorongoro. These campsites are walled in with the wildlife limited to an occsaional monkey. The facilites are much more comfortable, flushing toilets, hot water showers, food service, bar, and some have a swimming pool. It will feel like backyard camping. This type of camping experience may be what you would like if you need more comfort, have very young children, or are worried about animals at night. The Serengeti is too big to leave the park for overnight, so this option is limited to safaris in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Safari Lodges
Lodges are just as you would expect, basically a hotel experience, but what a location and view!. Self-contained rooms with a common dining area and lounge area. Many have swimming pools. Meals at the mid-range lodges will usually be buffet style. Luxury lodges will usually have a menu and meals prepared to order. Luxury lodges likely will have options for espresso based drinks such as cappuccino. Many will have evening entertainment, usually cultural dancing and singing. There will be electricity (either solar or generator) at all lodges, internet (maybe not the fastest), some luxury lodges will offer spa services (extra cost), and some are all inclusive of drinks (premium brands at additional cost). Lodges are found both inside the safari destinations and just outside. The government charges a $71/person per night concession fee for staying at a lodge inside a safari destination. This fee will be already be included in your price quote.

Tented Camps
Tented camps are a popular option. Expect room sized tents with full furnature, including bed frames with comfortalbe mattresses. They will be self contained with hot water showers. Many will have raised wood floors. Luxury tented camps may also have a soaking tub. There will be electricity. There will be a separate dining and lounge tent. Some have swimming pools. If needing to leave your room, there will be a system in place for you to be escorted safely to your destination since animals are free to roam the area. The government charges a concesson fee of either $59 or $71/night per person (depending on which park the tented camp is located). This fee is already included in your price quote.

Some tented camps in the Serengeti are temporary, moving seasonally to different locations according to the great migration. These typically are in the absolute best game viewing locations. But being seasonal, they don't have the same level of tent luxury but often the food and services are of very good quality.

There are many, many options and you can combine accommodtion catagories in the same safari. In our price quotes we list certain accommodations that through our experience we feel confident of their quality. But we are not limited to those options and at request we can give you a price quote for any option that you desire.

Zanzibar Beach and Cultural Experience
Tanzania is a united republic, the result of a union of Tanganyika (mainland Tanzania) and Zanzibar (an archipelago). Although Zanzibar consists or several islands, the two main islands are Unguja and Pemba, with Unguja being be far the largest and most common tourist destination. In fact is it most commonly just referred to as Zanzibar. Unguja is approximately 85 km long (53 miles) and 30 km wide (20 miles). It is located 35 km (22 miles) off mainland Tanzania in the Indian Ocean.

The island has a long history as an international trading center -largely spices, textiles, and slaves. These influences result in the culture being a mix of Persian, Arabic, Indian, African, and European (largely Portugese) influences. This is the birthplace of the Swahili language and its exotic culture.

Zanzibar is known to have some of the finest beaches on earth, excellent SCUBA and snorkeling locations, and great deep sea fishing. Certain locations have a great number of dolphins and offer the experience to swim with them in the ocean. There are no dangerous sharks in this area of the Indian Ocean.

Getting There
There is an international airport located on the southwest portion of Unguja - Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ airport code). There is also a small airport on Pemba Island (PMA airport code -- be careful if booking a flight, there is also a Pemba Airport in Mozambique). Flights to ZNZ flights can be found from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Dar es Salaam (DAR) Moshi Airport (QSI), Arusha Airport (ARK), from Serengeti (Seronera) Airstrip (SEU). There is also ferry service from Dar es Salaam to Ugunja (Zanzibar). To get to Pemba, you can get a flight on a small plane from ZNZ or DAR. There is also a ferry from Ugunja to Pemba.

Activities in Zanzibar
Who says that you need to do anything? After a Kilimanjaro trek or being bounced around on dusty roads on safari, doing nothing for a few days is an excellent idea (The Swahili version of Polynesian paralysis common in Hawaii). The perfect white sand beaches lined with palm trees are very relaxing. But for those wanting activity there is plenty to do. Recommended are the following:

Stone Town Walking Tour
Prison Island Day Trip
Spice Plantation Tour
Jozani Forest Tour
Sunset Dhow Cruise
Cheetah's Rock Animal Rescue Center
Zanzibari Cooking Classes
Deep Sea Fishing
Ocean Canoeing
SCUBA/Snorkeling
Swim with Dolphins
Kite Surfing
Para-sailing
Jet skiing
Full Moon Party

All activities can be easilly booked through your hotel once you arrive. The exception being Cheetah's Rock Animal Rescue Center visit which required advance booking. For details visit cheetahsrock.org.

Destinations in Zanzibar

Stone Town
The heart of Zanzibar, Stone Town, was constructed during the 19th century: a labyrinth of narrow alleys complete with palaces, mosques, and tiny shops. It's noisy, busy and not very clean – but it has a vibrant, exotic atmosphere that can be enticing! Stay here for a night or two – it's often convenient for international flights – at one of the beautiful converted merchant's houses, and look forward to eating out.

Northern Zanzibar
Two or three hours drive from Stone Town, the villages of Nungwi and Kendwa marks the northern-most tip of Zanzibar. The turquoise-blue ocean surrounds it on three sides; Nungwi has long been a magnet for visitors seeking paradise. Come for some good diving and beaches, and proximity to a lively village where there's always a lot going on. Very little tide variation here is a big plus. The full moon party at Kendwa Rocks Hotel draws huge crowds.

East Coast Zanzibar
The northern part of east coast Zanzibar is lined with long, powder-white beaches. Offshore you're find the magical Mnemba Island – the ultimate island lodge for those who can afford it.

Michamvi Peninsula and Southeast Zanzibar
South along the east coast of Zanzibar and the beach remains stunning: powder-white sand with a barrier reef, lots of palm trees and a significant tidal range. The villages become a little sleepier and more relaxed as you head south, and Jambiani, in particular, is very relaxed indeed. For an authentic visit to a friendly village, you can't beat it.

Southwest Zanzibar
Fumba Peninsula is south of Stone Town. Like the south-east of Zanzibar, this is a very relaxed and friendly corner of the island which has seen few visitors. Kizimkazi is known for its swimming with dolphins tours. Very large tidal variation in this portion of the island, you can experience no beach to 100m of beach during the same day.. Offshore is the award-winning eco-resort on Chumbe Island.

Pemba Island
Pemba is a 30-minute flight northeast of Zanzibar. Though comparable in size, its economy is largely rural and agricultural. It's almost exclusively Muslim, with a people who are more traditional in their occupations, and more conservative in their approach. The shoreline has more mangrove forests,but the beaches it does have are wonderful. If you are in search of solitude this is a great fit. There are good snorkel/SCUBA opportunities here also.