Tanzania! One of Africa’s most dynamic and popular travel destinations.

Tanzania is truly a safari destination without peer, and the statistics speak for themselves.  An unparalleled one-quarter of its surface area has been set aside for conservation purposes, with the world-renowned Serengeti National Park and incomprehensibly vast Selous Game Reserve heading a rich mosaic of protected areas that collectively harbor an estimated 20 percent of Africa’s large mammal population.

A must do while in Tanzania is the wonder of thousands upon thousands of wildebeest annual migration when more than 1,500,000 wildebeest follow some 200,000 zebras in a 2,000 kilometers round pilgrimage in search of fresh grazing and water. It is “The greatest wildlife show on earth!”

It doesn’t stop there!

The fifteen parks managed by Tanzania National Parks offer a lot more than game drives to view the spectacular wildlife Bird Watching, Boat Trips, Canoeing Safaris, Chimpanzee Tracking, Fishing, Hiking, Hot Air Ballooning, Mountain Biking, Mountain Climbing, Swimming, Snorkeling and Walking Safaris are among just some of the activities available to visitors.

There is yet Mount Kilimanjaro and Meru, respectively the highest and fifth-highest peaks on the continent, and Lakes Victoria, Tanganyika and Nyasa, the three largest freshwater bodies in Africa. Then, of course, there is the magical ‘spice island’ of Zanzibar, the highlight of a vast Indian Ocean coastline studded with postcard-perfect beaches, stunning offshore diving sites, and mysterious mediaeval ruins.

Well, the one thing that does bind Tanzania’s diverse attractions is, of course, its people, who take justifiable pride in their deeply ingrained national mood of tolerance and peacefulness. Indeed, Tanzania, for all its ethnic diversity, is practically unique in Africa in having navigated a succession of modern political hurdles – the transformation from colonial dependency to independent nation, from socialist state to free-market economy, from mono-partyism to fully-fledged democracy - without ever experiencing sustained civil or ethnic unrest. Certainly, it is such images that tend to spring to mind when one thinks of Tanzania. And properly so!

In response to making Tanzania as a true experience, Shades of Green Safaris offers a wide variety of safari itineraries that you can book for as they are in this manual or revise them to meet your requirements.

However and for a quick reference of your main interest please, go through the following quick checklist followed a list of our ready-made programs.

Abseiling: Lake Manyara.

Hot Air Ballooning: Currently in the Serengeti but soon to be available in Mikumi, Tarangire and Ruaha.

Bird Watching: Everywhere, but especially, Arusha, Katavi, Kitulo, Lake Manyara, Mkomazi, Rubondo Island, Ruaha, Serengeti, Tarangire and Udzungwa.

Boat Trips: Mahale, Rubondo Island, Saadani.

Canoe Safaris: Arusha (Momela Lakes), Lake Manyara, Rubondo Island.

Chimpanzee Tracking: Gombe and Mahale and, to a lesser extent, Rubondo Island.

Fishing: Mahale.

Hiking: Gombe, Kitulo, Mahale, Mkomazi, Ruaha, Udzungwa.

Mountain Biking: Lake Manyara

Mountain Climbing: Arusha (Mount Meru), Kilimanjaro, Kitulo, Udzungwa.

Night Drives: Lake Manyara.

Sport Fishing: Rubondo Island.

Swimming/Snorkelling: Gombe, Mahale and Saadani.

Trekking: Kilimanjaro.

Trout Fishing: Kilimanjaro.

Walking Safaris: Arusha (Ngurdoto Crater), Gombe, Katavi, Kilimanjaro, Kitulo, Lake Manyara, Mikumi, Mkomazi, Ruaha, Rubondo Island, Saadani.

CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO

The majority of mountain trekkers visit Tanzania for the Mount Kilimanjaro climbing as it the highest mountain in Africa. There is yet Mount Meru, respectively the fifth-highest peak on the continent. Shades of Green Safaris prepared and presents the below itineraries that will enable you reach the top with ease.

DESTINATION ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar! The Spice Islands and Ultimate Indian Ocean experience

Zanzibar ancient islands were once ruled by sultans and slave traders and served as a stepping stone into the African continent for missionaries and explorers.

Today this jewel in the Indian Ocean attracts visitors’ intent on discovering the white sandy beaches, tropical forests and colourful coral reefs while staying at one of the quality Zanzibar beach resorts.

Fittingly knows as the Spice Islands, Zanzibar and the nearby little-known Pemba and Mafia Islands are separated from the mainland by a narrow strait. Stone Town on Zanzibar is a maze of winding streets lined with houses featuring magnificently carved brass-studded doors.  The islands are steeped in history and you can sense the mystique as you wander through the bazaars and markets and marvel at the still-grand architecture. If you plan to visit Zanzibar, an excursion to Stone Town is a must.

The tour of Zanzibar would be incomplete without the cloves (Karafuu), nutmeg, cinnamon, pepper and many other spices which brought the Sultans of Oman and the beginnings of the infamous slave trade. This is also the cheapest place to purchase spices and spice oils.

The Jozani Natural Forest Reserve is located in the central east region of Zanzibar island and is home to the rare Red Colobus Monkeys, which are widespread to Zanzibar. These monkeys are full of character, and roam freely. They can also be seen at very close quarters just outside the reserve’s perimeter and are incredibly photogenic. Jozani is home to other species including Skye’s monkeys, small buck and bush pigs. The elusive Zanzibar leopard (last sited several years ago) is said to feed here at night - perhaps this is why the reserve is only open during the day?! Jozani has an excellent nature trail.

At Kizimkazi you can site of a 12th century mosque, the earliest evidence of Islam in East Africa, and is thus worth a visit for both natural and cultural reasons.

What’s more, the islands have some of best beaches in Africa and are the perfect spot for a post or pre safari wind-down. Zanzibar is also home to a family of giant tortoises, imported from the Seychelles in the late 19th century. This island is ideal for a day-trip with refreshments available throughout the day. It also has a small restaurant where you can enjoy freshly caught fish. The palm trees and Arab dhows at Ras Nungwi. It is the dhow building capital of Zanzibar, so you will be able to see the traditional methods of dhow construction in action, it’s the perfect backdrop to lazy days of eating fresh seafood, exploring laid-back villages and swimming in the crystal blue waters on these island paradises.

So this is why Zanzibar is considered to be one of the world’s most romantic honeymoon locations, with many couples choosing to tie the knot here and spend their first few married weeks in this paradise.

So in response of making Zanzibar as of the of the proffered beach holiday destinations, Shades of Green Safaris offers a few itineraries which capture the intense of this paradise. You can book as they are in this manual or revise them to meet you requirements.

EXTRA AND OPTIONAL EXCURSSIONS:

Hot Air Ballooning:

On certain safaris which include night-stays in Serengeti, hot air balloon rides are available upon prior notice and at an extra cost. For the adventure of a lifetime we can offer the group the unique experience of a Balloon Safari over the Serengeti plains. If you choose ballooning, plan to depart early in the morning to the launch site for the hot air balloons – you must depart early to enjoy the calm morning sky. Your balloon pilot will guide the balloon low over the Serengeti plains, providing you with the chance to see the different wildlife at their early morning activities: hippos returning to the water after wandering for food in the dark, elephants coming out for their morning feeding, lions returning from the hunt. If there is a special activity going on, the pilot will bring the balloon down close to the treetops for a better view. Skimming over the treetops, you will have a chance to see the game in action and up close. The flight lasts about an hour with ample opportunity for photography. After landing, there is a traditional champagne toast, followed by breakfast cooked on the balloon burners in the middle of the Serengeti plains.

MASSAI VILLAGE EXCURSSIONS: 

A visit to a Maasai Boma (Masai village tour) is an interesting experience. As you arrive at the village, excited children and adults welcome you with song and dance, At certain times, one of the dancers will jump up and down gracefully. The jumps are several feet high! You may be invited to try jumping -(dancing), too, to your dismay, you will be no match for their levitation act!!

You will then be welcomed into one of the homesteads in the village, the village huts (called Manyatta) are made of cow dung and clay plastered over stick frames. This is quite practical, the Masai maintain cattle herds, and the dung is always in generous supply, and it’s free. One of your host will give you an insight into Maasai life, some of them may not speak English but our guides will interpret for you and the elders so that stories may be exchanged. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the history and lifestyle of these Maasai. You may ask as many questions as you like and take photographs.

Ngi’Iresi Village

Ngi’iresi Village tour is offered to individuals or groups interested into local Tanzanian life.  One may take a half day or a full day tour to this village on the foothills of the Mount Meru, visiting some farms and several development projects, including soil conservation, irrigation, cross breeding, bio-gas production. There also a chance of climbing the Kivesi hill, an old volcano with a natural forest to the summit. It also gives a good view of Arusha City and neighboring landscapes and hills.

This tour provides you with an opportunity to gain an insight onto the culture of Wa-Arusha tribe; listen to the age old stories, visit traditional houses, indulge in a delicious lunch or dinner prepared by Juhudi women group. This program is however executed with assistance from Netherlands Development Association (SVP) which serves to assist the local people with conservation projects and improving the Ngi’iresi primary school.