Safari

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Elephantopia Going to Zambia.

When Elizabeth, the founder of Elephantopia, a wonderful non-profit organization came and asked us to put together a Safari to Zambia, we jumped.

m2DwY7mlvGTRN1GzyG7gml_VWCYkRopvQjiHn6Qo2GAWhat does Elephantopia do?
They #SaveElephants #BuildCommunity. They have built a great community world-wide that supports Kavala, an orphaned elephant located in Zambia. Their partner on the ground in Zambia is Game Rangers International.  Kavala started out at Lilayi Nursery in Lusaka and is now in Kafue National Park in their release facility. We want a safe life for Kavala outside of her current protected ‘home’.

Not only does Elephantopia support Kavala, they have also work hard at raising awareness of elephant plight around the world. And of course, the grave concerns of extinction with the current rate of elephant poaching. They are activity in informing the world that every day, about 100 elephants are murdered for their teeth, or called ivory. And the killing is for what? Trinkets, fancy carvings or chopsticks and more.

The message is simple – Stop the Buying and the Killing will Stop. 

Elizabeth and Elephantopia want to go visit Kavala and other orphans who benefit from the money raised for Game Rangers International. And then go on a Safari to appreciate the elephants in the wild, the way they should be!

This is their Safari //

May 19 // Arrive into Lusaka. Transfer to your hotel. Latitude 15.
May 20 // Lilayi Elephant Nursery Lusaka. Have lunch. To Kafue National Park. Mukambi Lodge.
May 21 // Kafue National Park. Mukambi Lodge.
May 22 // Kafue National Park. Mukambi Lodge.
May 23 // Flight from Lusaka to South Luangwa. Flatdogs Camps.
May 24 // South Luangwa. Flatdogs Camps.
May 25 // South Luangwa. Flatdogs Camps.
May 26 // South Luangwa. Flatdogs Camps.
May 27 // Flight from Luangwa to Lusaka arriving 2:00 pm. Transfer to your day-room. Relax. Transfer to airport for flight home.

9 – Day Elephantopia + Journey To Africa Safari :
$ 4,200 per person in a double room [2 people in a room]
$ 600 per person extra for a single room
By check + wire transfer
3.3% surcharge for mc + visa | 3.7% surcharge for amex
For May 2016

Here is the detailed Safari Itinerary via dropbox.

Join Elephantopia on their Safari and #SaveElephants #BuildCommunity.

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Get in touch via email – Safari@JourneyToAfrica.com
Call us at 1.877.558.6288 or 713.592.6228.

Together, we can plan your Safari to Tanzania for the memory books.

 

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April Showers, May Flowers

“I bless the rain’s down in Africa” – Toto.ngorongoro_crater We do love it when it rains in our National Parks. The animals and birds depend on the rain to fill up the water sources layers deep. The grass, bushes and the trees flourish during the rains providing food for countless wildlife. From the lakes, the rivers and its many tributaries, to the swamps and water holes, life depends on the rains to swell these life-lines come the brutal dry season which is usually from July to September.

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Migration in Central Serengeti in April

April and May are usually the rainy season in Tanzania and Kenya. This year we have had some good rains in the National Parks. From wild Ruaha to Masai Mara, the parks have had some good downpour. In fact, some areas in the parks are still experiencing rainfall. That is nature for you. Awesome yet unpredictable!

So, why are we talking about April showers and May flowers in July?
These two months are a great time for heading out on a Safari and now is the time to start your Safari Planning.

Here are 5 reasons to consider an April + May Safari :

  • Low number of people on Safari.
  • Great rates on luxury Safari lodges and tented camps.
  • Wildflowers galore.
  • Dreamy sky for great photography.
  • Wildlife is always there!

My friend and specialist guide Paul Oliver says this is the best time to be on Safari in Serengeti. Hardly any people on Safari. The rains tend to scare people but if you are up for an adventure, as in sometimes wearing a poncho on Safari or sliding around during your game drive, this time is amazing.

Seeing only a few other vehicles in your own private park. Sure Tarangire and Ruaha will have long grass but if you are patient, the sightings are going to be that much rewarding.

Most of our preferred lodges offer great rates around this time. Take advantage and escape right after school closes [in the US which is usually end of May] for a Family Safari.

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Tarangire elephants in April.

Green green grass with lots of wildflowers and blue grey skies. My photographer clients love this time as they say the background for their subjects tend to be dreamy. The harsh sun can be tamed and the whole day can be a photoshoot. And the subjects are always spectacular and sometimes freshly cleaned.

Come explore Tanzania in April and May. We can help Safari Plan.

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Get in touch via email – Safari@JourneyToAfrica.com
Call us at 1.877.558.6288 or 713.592.6228.

Together, we can plan your Safari to Tanzania for the memory books.
Life worth Exploring. ™

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Early Morning Game Drive.

One of my many favorite experiences on Safari is an early morning game drive. Your guide will usually ask you if you are up for a 6:00 – 6:30 am start. Say yes most of the time! That means, early morning wake-up call.

What is a wake-up call on Safari?
The time your lodge staff cheerfully wakes you up with a ‘habari za asubuhi – good morning’ but they also bring you coffee/tea and cookies. Ah, the little things in life.

I usually ask for a 5:00 am wake-up call. The reason is that besides them coming outside your tent and waking you up cheerfully, it is a pleasure to sit outside your tent and enjoy your hot coffee/tea listening to the early morning bird calls. Sometimes you have other animals joining the wake-up call. The hyenas, roaring lion or the wildebeest grunting.

Totally makes getting up early on your holiday worth it!

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Early morning light in Northern Serengeti [June 2014]

And then you head out with your guide who should be waiting for you at the lounge area. You will be in an open vehicle or closed depending on where you are on your Safari journey.

As you are bumping along the wilderness in semi-darkness, tada, you see the sun creeping up, about to light up the amazing land. Oh that glorious moment that awakens your senses. You see things clearly. The wildebeests, the hidden elephant, the birds, the flowers, all ready to be captured in your soul. For photographers both professional and amateur, that sun flare.

These are the moments that will become your memory makers. The luxury of experience. And it’s just the beginning of your day. You must stop and enjoy more coffee/tea with breakfast in silence and in awe. You are on Safari!

Captured by our partners Nomad Tanzania.

These moments await you. We can be your guides.

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Get in touch via email – Safari@JourneyToAfrica.com
Call us at 1.877.558.6288 or 713.592.6228.

Together, we can plan your early morning Safari for the memory books. Life worth Exploring. ™

 

 

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A Family Safari in Tanzania.

I am privileged I get to return to Tanzania every year and head back on my favorite thing to do … be on a Safari. Tanzania is where I grew up.

ngorongoro_shirazLast June, we made it a family affair again. I brought my family based in Houston, Texas on Safari and it was perfect. We spent time in Tarangire,  Ngorongoro Crater and finished off in Zanzibar Island. The kids loved it and the best part is that they are still talk about their experience. Now that is priceless!

Here is a Safari itinerary to get your thoughts going. Together, we can work on the final Safari itinerary that best fits your family.

Day 1:
Karibu.
We will pick you up on arrival into Kilimanjaro Airport. Transfer to your lodge for a good night’s rest before the Safari excitement starts.
Lodge: River Trees Inn | Meru House

Day 2:
Eye opener day.
Spend a day in Arusha. Arusha is a bustling mini-city. Before you get to Arusha, you and I will have come up with a plan on what you and your family would like to do in Arusha.

Some ideas:
– Visit a local primary or secondary school. We will arrange in advance for the children to sit in a classroom and observe. Maybe spend time playing.
– Go shopping in Arusha’s central market. A very different grocery store experience.
– Visit a local primary or secondary school. When you
– Enjoy coffee and lunch at Stiggybucks, a local coffee shop run by a friend of mine.
Lodge: River Trees Inn | Meru House

Day 3 and 4:
Tarangire National Park.
This lovely park has huge elephant herds, lions, leopards, kudus and birds. Spend time watching the elephants splash themselves in the Tarangire River or Silale Swamps. Our guides will teach them about conservation as well as wildlife information.
Lodge: Tarangire Mbali Mbali | Oliver’s Camp

Day 5:
Maasai Moment.
Go to a Maasai Village and get a behind the scenes look at how these unique tribe has managed to retain its culture in modern world while embracing some of the technology yet still surrounded by wilderness. Sometimes the relationship works, and other times, there are clashes.
Lodge: Msyigiyo Tented Camp | Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge | Lemala Ngorongoro

Day 6:
Ngorongoro Crater.
This amazing 12 mile sq. radius national park has some of the highest density of wildlife within the walls. Black rhinos roams this protected areas besides resident lions, cheetahs as well as zebras, impalas and the cerval cat.
Lodge: Msyigiyo Tented Camp | Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge | Lemala Ngorongoro

Day 7 and 8 and 9:
Serengeti National Park.
This park needs no introduction. You have to enjoy a minimum of 3 nights here to fully immerse yourself in this vast national park. Beside the Big 5, you have the wildebeest and zebra migration draw … a site you must witness to believe. The location of where you stay depends on the month of your Safari. The animals are constantly moving.
Lodge: Kati Kati Tented Lodge | Dunia Camp | Olakira Camp |Ubuntu Camp | Lamai Serengeti | Alamana Wilderness | Mkombe House

Day 10:
See you again.
We will fly you from Serengeti to Arusha Airport in the morning. Lunch at the lovely Shanga River House where you will visit a for-profit organization that is helping the disabled community by giving them work. You will find some lovely souvenirs to take back home.
Rest up before you fly back home. We hope you are making plans for your return Safari to Tanzania.
Day room: River Trees Inn 

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On our Spice Tour in Zanzibar Island

Safari Price for your Family Safari:
Starting from $4,580 per person in a family friendly room.
Estimated for a family of 4.

This is just a start. No two Safaris are the same.
– Add two night to Lake Eyasi and visit the Hadzabe and Datoga tribe.
– Have more time to spend on Safari? We can visit two areas in Serengeti.
– Are your kids older and enjoy biking? Lake Manyara area offers this great opportunity.
– Want to finish off on the beach like we did in Zanzibar Island? You will love it.

If you can get your family to travel during the low season from April – May | November to mid-December, we can find great discounts. Children under 6 years do not pay park fees.

Together, we can plan in making unforgettable memories on your Family Safari.

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Get in touch via email – Safari@JourneyToAfrica.com
Call us at 1.877.558.6288 or 713.592.6228.

Together, we can plan your family Safari for the memory books. Life worth Exploring. ™

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5 unforgettable Safari experiences for Mothers.

mother's_dayBeing on a family Safari is a special time to make memories that you can remember forever. And who better than a mother, who loves getting everyone together, so that family stories are kept alive. Indulge mama on her Luxury Safari.

We know 5 experiences mommy would love on her Safari.

1] Let’s start with jewelry.
Mamas, we all like browsing, receiving and buying jewelry. On Safari, you will see lots of beautiful Maasai jewelry on display. So why not go straight to the source to see how it is done. Head to the Maasai village with our friend Tati of Tanzania Maasai Women Art.  Spend time with the Maasai women seeing how they use their beads to create unique jewelry piece. She will always have something to admire and reminisce.

The Maasai women get assistance designing these unique pieces from an Italian designer.  This relationship has helped the Maasai women gain financial independence and given us jewelry that we mother’s can enjoy. We love supporting other women.

2] A cooking class in the middle of Serengeti.
Chefs at many of the lodges will set up time to help mother’s cook up a feast. Of course she will have lots of help from the sous chefs and the kitchen staff  – she is on Safari after all. The chef will show off their talents in their kitchen. The chef will come up with a cooking plan that best suits mama and her cooking skills.

A gourmet meal is always on the menu on Safari.

3] How does date night sound on Safari!
Would mommy be traveling with young children? A big yes to bringing children on Safari. Babysitters are available!  The babysitter can play with the children in the room until you get back from your date-night dinner.

The goal here is for you to enjoy a delicious dinner with amazing wine under the African skies on your night out. Bliss on Safari.

4] A massage for mama.
Imagine coming back after your wildlife viewing to a soothing room, essential oils burning, and a massage. Don’t you feel your muscles relaxing already? Some of the lodges take you outside where nature gives you the music.

Get pampered on your Safari. Yes mom, you deserve it!

5] Fly high over Serengeti or Tarangire in a hot-air balloon.
Oh the little luxuries in life for the mother in your family. Soar over the African savannah and enjoy this special family moment in your own balloon basket. Upon landing, you will have a breakfast table set up in the middle of the park where you can toast with champagne bubbles and enjoy a delicious English breakfast under a tree.

A high flying family treasure to keep.

Add any of these fun memory keepers to your family Safari. Happiness is being on Safari.

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Get in touch with us via email at Safari@JourneyToAfrica.com
Call us on our Toll Free No. at 1.877.558.6288.

Together, we can plan your family Safari for the memory books. Life worth Exploring. ™

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Our guides know photography.

When on Safari, the most important element that can make or break your Safari is your guide. Our guides make your Safari! It is the reason our clients come back.

Our guides have credentials from wildlife colleges but every season, they go through intensive training about everything from psychology to how to make you feel comfortable via body language and so much more.

Another thing they learn – photography. Photography on Safari is vital for our guides to know. We have a range of clients from hobbyists, amateur photographers to professional photographers whose work is well-recognized world-wide.

Lighting is crucial. Early morning before the sunrise to capture the first light of day break. How to avoid shadows in the hot mid-day sun. Positioning the vehicle in the right angle to capture the golden hour in the evening. Sunset shots are amazing and when you have a wildlife silhouette, dreamy. These little tricks of the trade are taught. Some of our guides are great photographers themselves.

If we know in advance what you need, our guides will equip our vehicle with supplies like bean bags for stability. We always carry a few in our vehicles anyway. Any specific need you have, we can work with you.

Need to do filming in Tanzania? Our guides will drive special vehicles built for filming. They are open on one side and the gear can be placed on the ground of the vehicle for a lower angle view. Our partner companies in Tanzania have taken professionals like Nick Brandt on Safari, the National Geographic team to Anthony Bourdain for Parts Unknown.

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Reuben, my guide from Olakira Camp in Northern Serengeti with my camera.

For a hobbyist like me, I let my guides help.  They would help me with lighting, shutter speed, angle, etc.  They got me some good shots while I got to enjoy the experience. The picture above is in Northern Serengeti on our early morning game drive and the Wildebeest and Zebra migration was grunting its way into this beautiful region.

I brought home some great pictures and some shots, I can not take credit for. You decide if you want to do that on your Safari.

Twende Safari – let’s go Safari.

logoLife worth Exploring! ™
Make memories on your Journey To Africa Safari.

Get in touch //
Email – Safari@JourneyToAfrica.com
Toll Free within US – 1.877.558.6288
Outside of US – 1.713.592.6228
Form – Request Information

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My Safari 2015

My 2015 intentions were to enjoy more adventures.  Well, I am heading back to Tanzania and expanding my knowledge base. There is still so much to explore in lovely Tanzania. My Safari adventure will never stop.

On this Safari, I head first to my base in Northern Tanzania before I venture to Southern Tanzania.

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Lake Natron

My first Safari stop will be Lake Natron.  I have passed through Lake Natron so many times when flying to Serengeti. I am excited to be on the ground in this remote landscape. I am heading here with elite guide Paul Oliver.

I have known Paul for 14 + years. He has given me lots of advise over the years with Journey To Africa. I also started using Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire when it was run by him and Tati back in the early 2000. When it was run by Paul, it was a rustic little camp but having Paul and Tati share stories  by the campfire in the evening was priceless.

Being with Paul to wild Lake Natron should be an adventure. The rough roads, the dry, hot and humid conditions for walking, flamingo filled soda ash lake, off the beaten path encounters with the Maasai tribe, the amazing views of Ol Doinyo Lengai … I hope to come back with wild stories to share.

I will be spending two nights at Lake Natron Camp, an eco-friendly camp run by Ake Lindstrom, a Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing expert who has been on the mountain around 50 times.

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Walking in Ruaha

Then off to Ruaha National Park, the largest National Park in Tanzania. Ruaha has been everywhere in the travel news lately. Conde Nest, National Geographic to CN Traveller and more. Why I think? Daily flights, more luxury camps within the park boundaries and expert guiding both by vehicle and on foot is a major draw to this park.

I really enjoyed my Serengeti walking Safari and I am excited to be trying it out in Ruaha. I hope to see large buffalo herds, elephants, lots of cats and because I am going in March, birds should be plentiful. In March, the park is going to be lush, the green season, as opposed to yellow season which is from July to October.

I am also excited to explore Ruaha with my client Sally. Sally has been on two Safaris to Northern Tanzania with Journey To Africa. She is taking a group for an amazing Safari to Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha, Mahale Mountains and stunning Greystoke Camp, Tarangire and Serengeti in 2016. I know!

When I told her I am going to explore Ruaha and Selous, she jumped on board to come on a quick get-away. To say she loves being on Safari in Tanzania is an understatement.

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Sand River Selous

Sally and I will head to Selous Game Reserve, my final stop on this Safari. I have waited 10 + years to get to this game reserve. It has a lot of elements that would be a perfect combination to Northern Tanzania. Boating on the Rufiji River and it’s tributaries and the many lakes, fishing on the boat or the shores, lots more walking Safari and generally a slower pace of Safari.

From what my colleagues tell me, being in Selous means relaxing by the river and casual game drives as it is not all about the wildlife concentration of Northern Tanzania. A good extension to Northern Tanzania maybe or for the seasoned Tanzania Safari goer. I shall find out.

In Selous, I will be heading to Sand River Selous and then to Beho Beho Camp. Sand River Selous is a sister camp to Lamai Serengeti, one of my favorite camps in Northern Serengeti. Beho Beho Camp is by a lake and is known for its great walking guides and treehouse.

Want to see what I see? Follow me on Instagram. I will post Safari pictures from Tanzania whenever I have access. 

Next up, preparations for my Safari. What to pack on Safari? I am doing only carry-on. What camera and lens to take? I have some suggestions coming up. Leave a comment if you have any.

Want to join me next time? We can plan ahead for a Safari in 2016.

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Life worth Exploring. ™
Make memories on your Journey To Africa Safari.

Get in Touch //
Email us – Safari@JourneyToAfrica.com
Toll Free – 1.877.558.6288
Outside of US – 1.713.592.6228
Form – Request Information

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Experiences. They last forever.

Happy New Year. 

2015_experiences2014 was a year for Family Safari and new experiences for us at Journey To Africa.

We spent time exploring Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Zanzibar Island with our children in Tanzania. Going with children on a Safari makes you go slower and appreciate the little things. We had a wonderful time together. I flew to amazing Serengeti and got to experience a Walking Safari in our private area with Richard – what a fantastic time.

We are thankful for our clients who came back from Safari and let us know that the physical and mental experience of being on Safari was something they could not have imagined.

We are thankful they trusted us for a great Safari experience. The introduction to unparalleled diverse wildlife, the varied and vast landscape, the warm people, the necessary and important conservation efforts, the fun bush breakfast , cultural interactions, and much more.

For all, a piece of their heart and soul remains on Safari.

2014 is ending and like always it seems time has gone by too fast.  Don’t wait to experience the magic of being on a Safari.

We look forward to making your Safari experiences come true in 2015 and beyond.

Here’s to a soaring 2015.

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Life worth Exploring. ™
Make memories on your Journey To Africa Safari.

Get in Touch //
Email us – Safari@JourneyToAfrica.com
Toll Free – 1.877.558.6288
Outside of US – 1.713.592.6228
Form – Request Information

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Keep Calm and Swat Away!

TseTesThis is Richard, my guide on my exhilarating Walking Safari in our private area in Serengeti. He has company – Tsetse flies. I had their company as well … I was right behind him and took this shot.

When on Safari in Tanzania and Kenya, there are areas in the parks and conservation areas where you just can not avoid these pesky flies. We are talking amazing areas like Northern and Central Serengeti and Tarangire National Park.  Rivers, bushes, woody areas are were you find them. Not going there would be such a shame.

You can do a few things to help yourself.

Wear light-colored clothing.
These buggers are attracted to dark colors. Avoid dark blue and black clothing on Safari. You will notice cloths with this color hanging from trees in various areas, put there by the park officials, in hopes that these flies will be hanging out on the cloth instead of on you.

Try loose clothing.
Create a barrier between the fly and your skin. This is the best protection. And will keep you cool when hot. Win-Win.

Fly swatter.
Some clients have brought these swatter and it has helped them but you have to be really fast. They come in droves and are quick to nip.  You have to Keep Calm and Swat Away. You will feel accomplished when you get a few.

Anti-itch cream.
Okay so let’s be realistic here. Chances of getting bitten are there. You can put some anti-itch cream right away and it will help with the itch. And try not to scratch the sweet itch as you are in risk of getting a gash – personal experience here. Ouch.

Tsetse flies do carry the disease sleeping sickness but the chances of getting the sickness is very rare. If you exhibit high fever for days and it is not Malaria, let your hospital/ doctor [with help from infectious disease] know you have been in areas with Tsetse flies.

The silver lining here is that these flies keep the cows and humans away from the wildlife zones. They don’t seem to bother wildlife which means more areas for the wildlife to roam and slow down of human encroachment. We are talking about the Maasai tribe who live on the periphery of the parks with their cow herds and farmers with their machines. Stay back!

Keep Calm and Swat Away. Happiness is being on Safari … even with pesky Tsetse flies.

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Life worth Exploring. ™
Make memories on your Journey To Africa Safari.

Get in Touch //
Email us – Safari@JourneyToAfrica.com
Toll Free – 1.877.558.6288 
Outside of US – 1.713.592.6228
Form – Request Information

 

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View from the sky.

I can check off being a co-pilot off my bucket list. On my Tanganyika Flying Company’s flying taxi from Arusha to Northern Serengeti and Olakira Camp, Captain Cody let me sit in the front and control the plane. Okay, kidding but how fun getting to sit in-front with the captain!

He gave me a ‘crash course’ on how small Safari related planes work in Tanzania.

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Captain Cody and Co-pilot Mefi

First, they don’t really rely on a control tower but rather the pilots talk amongst themselves for who gets to land first, flight path to small air-strips,  etc. That is why they really are taxis. If they get a call from the main office they have a client on their route, they will fly down and swoop them to the next destination.

Second, it was technical. What gauge to pay attention to, some details on buttons, what to do when the alarm rings. These pilots have to clock in 1000 + hours before they can fly the plane on their own. Safey first. They are carrying precious cargo.

Thirds, watch out for birds. Birds follow the migratory animals and they run the risk of bumping into them. They try to swerve around if they can. Watch out birds – don’t fly into the engine.

Four. Even though I took my co-piloting duty very seriously [cough cough], my main job was to enjoy the view below.

This was the best one on this leg – Ol Doinyo Lengai, the Mountain of God for the Maasai tribe. It is a volcanic mountain that continues to spew gas. Many people still climb it though they should be aware of the risk. But from my flying taxi, I was safe to capture this great mountain.

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Ol Doinyo Lengai – The Mountain of God for the Maasai tribe in Loliondo Area.

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Life worth Exploring. ™
Make memories on your Journey To Africa Safari.

Get in Touch //
Email us – Safari@JourneyToAfrica.com
Toll Free – 1.877.558.6288 /
Outside of US – 1.713.592.6228
Form – Request Information