Tours and safaris

Expectations in Safaris

What to expect in a safaris

What to expect in a safari

Africa has a special magic – sunsets so beautiful that time stands still, remote locations where the brilliance of the night stars truly takes your breath away and encounters with nature that will change how you see the world.

The best and most interesting way to experience nature in Africa is on a wildlife safari, which allows visitors to get close to wild animals in their natural habitat, all while supporting national environmental conservation efforts in the form of protected areas or national parks.

And of all the African nations to choose from, make Tanzania your top safari destination. A safari in Tanzania is so much more than a vacation, it is a travel experience that will make you fall in love with nature and embrace the beauty of the wild in a completely new way.

What is a safari and what makes it different from a typical vacation?

The word safari comes from the Swahili language, meaning ‘a journey’ and is the root of the verb ‘to travel’ in this East African language. 

Tanzania is by far the best country in Africa to go on a safari – it boasts the largest national parks, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as the highest mountain in Africa.

As further testament to Tanzania’s claim as the top country in Africa for a safari, Serengeti National Park has been awarded the ‘Best Safari Destination’ out of numerous national parks across Africa by the pundits for multiple years in a row.

Hence, a safari is not just a vacation, but a travel experience in Africa. While other places (such as Thailand or India) may advertise ‘safaris’, these game drives to view animals are not comparable to an African safari, nor do they have any historical connection to this Swahili word.

What to find out there

  1. The Great Wildebeest Migration has the largest movement of animals in the world (well, after the migration of bats, but it is not that spectacular)! And it occurs in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park for nine months a year!
  2. It is only in Tanzania where you can combine your safari adventure with climbing the highest mountain in Africa – Mount Kilimanjaro.
  3. Tanzania is the only location where one of the rarest gemstones in the world – Tanzanite – has ever been found.
  4. Tanzania has the largest population density of animals and diversity of animals compared to any other African country. Here, you are sure to witness healthy herds of elephants and can visit a rhino sanctuary where rangers are working to save the endangered black rhino species. Also, the largest population of lions on the planet is in Tanzania.
  5. While it is true that park fees to enter Tanzanian national parks are higher than neighboring countries, without question, the parks of Tanzania offer a higher-quality experience for an African safari.

A safari in Tanzania National Park means:

  1. A typical African safari means a game drive under the guidance of a professional guide to designated protected areas. Your driver-guide will explain about the environment, animals and other wildlife you encounter and give the opportunity for you to take incredible photos of everything.
  2. In some locations, there is an opportunity for a ‘walking safari’ (such as in Arusha National Park), or a “Tree Top Walk” (Manyara National Park), which means you can hike or climb near the animals in a sustainable and environmentally-safe (and physically safe!) manner.
  3. Afterwards, you will continue to your accommodations at a comfortable lodge or camp, where you will enjoy a beautiful African sunset and eat a delicious meal as you reminisce about your exciting day.

What is a game drive?

By nature, safaris usually mean lengthy game drives. Guests can expect to spend anywhere from 6-8 hours in a safari car for animal viewing, especially in parks where they may not be permitted to exit the vehicle except in designated areas.

Because of this, some guests opt to leave for a sunrise game drive, departing early in the morning with the hopes of viewing elusive animals – such as cheetahs – and return to the lodge or hotel earlier in the day to enjoy a swim in the pool or a leisurely hike before evening.

There is no rule that says you have to stay in the park until closing time. The hours of national parks are 6 am – 6 pm, and you are welcome to come and go any time between these hours.

Of course, it is not necessary to spend all day game-driving in the car. Most hotels are located right amidst the national parks, and, taking a longer safari itinerary, will allow you to enjoy the comforts of award-winning properties the whole day. Water hotels drilled around the lodge will attract the animals directly to the terrace, bringing safari vibes right to you.

Because of the long time spent within a safari car, give consideration to traveling with young children. Keep in mind if your young one is able to sit for long periods of time and how attentive they may be to this experience. Safaris are exciting and there are animals, birds, and unique wildlife to see all around, but it can be tiresome for young travelers.

Also, remember that time moves differently on safari. A morning spent in Tarangire National Park following a herd of elephants is thrilling; your heart will race when you see a lion just a few meters away; you will stand up to fully appreciate the height of a giraffe, and climb through the safari car to get a perfect photograph of a leopard hiding in a tree overhead.

Before you know it, it’s time for lunch; your driver will take you to a specially designated picnic spot, usually overlooking a lake or with a fantastic view of the park, where you will enjoy your meal outside of the safari car.

Comfortable safari cars

The Tanzanian tourism industry maintains a high level of standard, which extends to safari vehicles. When you book with Africa yetu safaris, there is no compromise of driving in a van for your safari – you will certainly be in a modern, comfortable safari vehicle.

Our safari cars come with Wi-Fi internet, a fridge for cool drinks, electric outlets to charge devices on-the-go, air conditioning and extendable tops. The option to lift up the roof of the safari car means better viewing all around for a fun safari adventure.

Luxury lodges and camps

Accommodations in Tanzania have earned a reputation for excellent hospitality. There are many award-winning camps and lodges throughout national parks that cater to high-end clientele.

Visitors to Tanzania are sure to have a luxury experience throughout their stay. You may be in a remote location on the edge of the Tarangire River, the Serengeti plains or with an exquisite view of the Great Rift Valley; but you’re sure to be drinking fine wine, eating chef-prepared meals and be offered all the luxuries of any four or five-star hotel.

Professional safari guides

Africa Yetu Safaris carefully selects safari guides who have experience in the field, and in-depth knowledge of Tanzania’s plants, animals and history. Your safari experience will be both memorable and informative. All around, you will learn about the incredible features of nature, and the behavior of Africa’s animals, in a fun and engaging way. Despite the lengthy time in the cars, many families who do bring their children on safaris find the experience opened their children’s minds to nature in a completely new way. Electronic devices seem dull compared to the excitement of the real wild!

Our guides consistently are given positive reviews from our guests. The professional and friendly manner of Africa Yetu Safaris guides is often considered one of the aspects that took a traditional safari above and beyond expectations.C

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