Planning a Safari

The planning of a Tanzania safari is paramount to a successful safari. The planning of the safari is also enjoyable and informative. The more you know about the area you are about to visit the more you can gain control of the itinerary. You will be able to ensure you have the safari you desire; neither will you be duped by a safari company trying to make a quick profit by doing as little as possible and sending you off on the same old tired routes. It is good that the safari operator makes a profit but let the operator earn his money by providing the type of safari suited to you.

Swahili is the most widespread language spoken in Tanzania and from this language we get the word ‘safari’. Here in Tanzania the word safari simply means journey. Swahili is a nice language and to learn a few phrases will make your journey all the more enjoyable.

on safari Tree on Safari Cultural Safari safari

Tanzania is home to the Serengeti and in the Serengeti National Park it is possible to take the best safaris Africa has to offer. These vast African plains are where huge herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles move in the constant search of water in a never ending migration – these great herds of grazers are ever followed by the predators such as lions, leopards, cheetah and hyena. Tanzania is also elephant and giraffe country, boasting some of the largest populations in the world.

An ideal safari itinerary would take about twelve days - starting with a few days in northern Kenya and then moving down into the idyllic Tanzania. The itinerary should take in a selection of National Parks such as the Meru National Park in the remote North of Kenya with all its unspoiled and ‘off the beaten track’ appeal. Then into Tanzania to the Tarangire a fantastic yet underrated park [if you visit the wilderness part of this park] then to Ngorongoro Crater and end the safari in the Serengeti. If your budget allows add into you itinerary the Western Kilimanjaro region to see Elephant against the back drop of Kilimanjaro. This is an experience never to be forgotten. The important thing to resist when planning your trip to Tanzania is to try to see too much all in one safari, with a safari to do less will result in enjoying more.

Many itineraries include a stop over in Arusha town and if you have the time a day at Arusha National Park is well worth a visit. This park is close to the town and sits between the peaks of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Meru; it is an outstandingly beautiful area. The park has a wide range of habitats, from the string of crater lakes where many water birds can be watched, through the highland montane forest. The forests are quiet and still and if you are lucky you will see the black and white Colobus monkeys climbing along the branches of ancient cedar trees and as the monkeys bark there haunting calls through the cool forest you will know you are also in the deep wilds of Africa.

No place in the world compares with Serengeti - and its neighboring wildlife havens - for the sheer exhilaration of its wildlife experience. It is so spectacular that it deserves more time to explore and absorb its full-blown beauty. This is the kingdom of predators, while the huge herds of the Migration thunder across the plains in countless numbers. Thon is a highlight of any safari and the Serengeti is a wonderful place to observe these majestic animals. The Serengeti should be visited for at least five days. Most visitors visit the central Serengeti as this has the highest concentration of Animals however if you have time it advisable to visit the south or the north of this vast National Park to appreciate its beauty.

As far as the great migration is concerned please remember there are only a very few camps that are ideally placed to access the yearly migrations of wildlife throughout the ecosystem. Although to view the impressive concentrations of animals at waterholes is amazing it is not for everyone. Often to see Animals involves long hard drives across remote parts of the Serengeti on hard bumpy roads. Tetse fly’s can be present in biblical numbers and they bite at you so much and so hard it might take away from the pleasure of your safari.

No place in the world compares with Serengeti - and its neighboring wildlife havens - for the sheer exhilaration of its wildlife experience. It is so spectacular that it deserves more time to explore and absorb its full-blown beauty. This is the kingdom of predators, while the huge herds of the Migration thunder across the plains in countless numbers. The Serengeti should be visited for at least five days. Most visitors visit the central Serengeti as this has the highest concentration of Animals however if you have time it advisable to visit the south or the north of this vast National Park to appreciate its beauty.

A safari itinerary should be carefully planned. Try not to see too much too quickly. Slowly slowly is a great way to see more and to truly experience Africa to the full.