Choosing your safari... 101!

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Today we want to dedicate this post to people that would like to leave to a safari for the first time… why not to choose Tanzania?!

Tanzania is one of the African countries which are mostly famous for safari. The high concentration of parks and natural reserves makes this territory perfect to organize excursions and game drives.

Safari paths are usually categorized in different “circuits”, where days required for visits, costs, and the chance of seeing games are different as well. We’ll now help you to understand which one can be more interesting and suitable to you and to your expectations.

Northern Circuit
The most famous and required by tourists. It includes popular destinations such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. In a few hours driving it is possible to move around the various locations and it’s easy to find animal species, such as lions, elephants, zebras, antelopes, giraffes, wildebeests and many more. This is the area where you can see the Great Migration.

Southern Circuit
This is the route of hidden treasures. In the Southern Circuit you can find endless parks and reserves (Mikumi, Ruaha, Selous) and the highest concentration of animals – Roan Antelope, Sable Antelope, African Wild Dogs, and a rich and colorful birdlife. You’ll find fewer tourists, smaller and more quiet accommodations. It will take longer to move from a park to another, but the adventure is worthing. If you like trekking, you can stop and climb at Udzungwa Mountains National Park.

Great Lakes Circuit
The track passing by the Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika and, further south, Lake Malawi and Lake Nyasa. The national parks in this circuit are actually the only safe opportunity to see chimpanzees in the wild (Gombe Stream) and unique flora (Kitulo). The habitat, in this area, is different and unique. It’s a good idea to visit it after the Northern or the Southern Circuit.

Coastal Circuit
Over 800 km coastline, palm fringed beaches of white sand and the historic towns of Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo, Kilwa, Lindi, Mikindani and Mtwara. But also the islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia. Not just a naturalistic route, but also a great chance to meet the traditional Swahili culture, history, art, music and architecture… the perfect end - and great relax - for your holidays!

The right Tanzania’s guidebook in your pocket

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Choose carefully your faithful travel companion… we’re talking about the guidebook, that is going to be with you from the planning phase of your journey up to the day you will be on the road!

Many publishers offer guidebooks for Tanzania and Zanzibar and often it is not easy to understand which it’s going to be the right one… so, let’s have a look to the most popular.

Rough Guide for Tanzania & Zanzibar

Written by Jens Finke, the Rough Guide for Tanzania & Zanzibar is a reliable source of information, providing an introduction about the country as well as many useful tips about how to organize a journey. Next to travel suggestions, you will find an introductory section with many general information about Tanzania (cultural customs, food, health service, etc). The guide focuses on giving practical information, reviews about hotels and restaurant for every budget and clear maps - but also a wide frame about wildlife that you can observe during a safari.

Bradt Guide for Tanzania

Bradt guidebooks are widely recognized to be the best for travellers in Africa. The deep knowledge of the different countries and the extensive experience “on the road” of their authors are the warranty of the quality of these books. Bradt is a pioneer publisher, tracking unusual destinations with focus on sustainable tourism. A nice and refined layout of the pages and the use of color are also elements that make this guidebooks not just useful but also nice to read.

Lonely Planet for Tanzania & Zanzibar

Lonely Planet is nowdays the world’s leading travel guide publisher. Their guides are rich of information but also easy to read, suitable even for non-expert travelers. The one about Tanzania offers samples of itinerary, an interesting section about general information (language, local customs, food, health service, etc.), maps and reviews about hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. It is suitable for backpackers as well as all-inclusive tourists.

La Gemma dell'Est - The Gem of the East...

Hoping my translation is somehow a little justifiable...

Arriving today a little before lunch, getting taken care of with a warm welcome, a cold face cloth and a refreshing juice - and then "We gave you a upgrade!"

The feeling of having a Club Villa - 3 luxury double bedrooms, all with their own terrace plus a living room in the middle - a terrace there too...

Our son TK: "Dad - this room I like - my own TV, fridge and shower... Let's stay here! At least if we can go in the boat!"

Being a "top of the shelf - all inclusive" resort - with a swimming pool like half a football field - for the ones it fit - this is beyond description. Now after a fantastic dinner in a large, but still intimate and welcoming atmosphere - we look forward to keep you updated!

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Third out - Sunshine Hotel

Sunshine Hotel - also in Matemwe have been used some by our guests. Tuesday we move just a little with our family - and give it a go!

Sunshine is describing themselves this way:

We would like to invite you to a magic place where you will experience the charm of a tropical island. We hope the information and the photos on this website will give you the feeling of our hotel.

Sunshine Hotel

is a 15 room, beach hotel, located in Matemwe on the north-east coast of Zanzibar. Sunshine Hotel – Eco friendly, stylish and cozy, carefully designed by professional designers, creating a unique chilled-out ambiance to make you feel happy and relaxed. Set right on the unspoiled white sandy beach, lined with palm trees and washed by warm, turquoise waters of Indian Ocean, it’s a perfect getaway from every-day life.

We all look forward to visit - and to share our experience with our friends. Check our blog and Facebook for updates!

Who will be choosen?

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Moving on to a old favorite - time to test Matembwe Beach Village

We have been sending a lot of our dear guests to Matembwe Beach Village - to Gail and her capable staff - always with satisfaction.

Their description is:

Matemwe Beach Village is a Zanzibari guesthouse... Not a hotel and not a resort and we regard this as a matter of pride!

At Matemwe Beach we have guests and not clients, they relax; make themselves at home amongst our books, games and huge cushions. They make great friends with the staff and the other guests. Our aim is a simple one: to provide authentic, stylish and comfortable accommodation, in an atmosphere of relaxed hospitality and friendliness, while services are provided effectively and efficiently. We live in peaceful co-existence with the villagers who conduct their lives amongst us.

Located on the north east coast of Zanzibar, close to the Mnemba Atoll, the Matemwe area is a very special part of Zanzibar. Those photos you see of long white beaches, aqua waters and swaying palm trees... At Matemwe Beach that is our reality! 

But despite being outstandingly beautiful Matemwe has not been taken over by resorts or haphazard and ugly developments. We are 45 minutes away from Stone Town and an hour from the airport on a good tarmac road.

We know this will remain on of our best sellers - but will it be approved? 

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First one out - Sandies Mapenzi Beach Club

Our first test - from tomorrow till Monday we will be in the North East of Zanzibar - trying out Mapenzi!

This is a all inclusive hotel - and this is their description:

While admiring the luxurious gardens with tall palm trees and colorful bougainvillea or the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean, the deluxe 87 rooms of Sandies Mapenzi Beach Club will ensure that you envisage the sheer beauty of tropical nature.

Stroll through the gardens to the emerald waters of the Indian Ocean, stretch out on a sun bed, bathe in the blue pool or challenge yourself in one of the many activities or water sports offered by the local animation team.

Dining facilities include a main buffet restaurant, a beach pizzeria, and a’ la carte restaurant and 2 bars offering refreshing drinks, snacks and cocktails in the evening.

Will they receive our "STAMP"? 

We will keep you updated!

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Evaluating new hotels and lodges...

As to be sure we at all time can offer our esteemed guests the best accommodations while having your adventure in Tanzania with us - we check and test out our partners.

We are now launching our new campaign - Manager's Choice - where our personal favorites will be awarded and promoted. Our other partners are still good choices, but haven't been tested the same way, or are a style which we personally don't chose.

Our testing this times will be in Zanzibar - our program will be posted later.

We will also to our ability keep our readers here on the blog and on our Facebook site updated as we proceed with our 10 day testing tour!

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About to get into the “Wild South”? Some tips by Paka’s safari experts

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Time to work hard at Paka Adventures’ headquarter. A safari tour will leave, on Monday morning, from Dar Es Salaam to the amazing parks of the Southern Circuit of Tanzania. This is our daily job, of course, but this time will be special - a gift for our readers and followers. 

There will be an insider, in the group. Yes! Somebody will be there to show what’s going on day by day. With travel diaries and pictures, we’ll try to make you feel that sense of adventure that is the special mark of Paka’s itineraries. 

Helene and Eivind, founders of Paka Adventures and safari experts

While waiting for the day, we asked Helene and Eivind, founders of the Company, to give some advices about safari in the Southern Circuit. Let’s see what they said…

What’s special about the Southern Circuit of Tanzania? Why to choose it as safari destination?

“It’s mostly because of the chances it gives to see pristine wildlife. The Southern Circuit is a little bit away from the mass tourism routes, less packed of vehicles even during the high season. To give you an idea, the Ruaha National Park (the biggest in Tanzania) hosts in one year more or less the same numbers of visitors that the Serengeti has in just one day. So you can easily figure out why a safari in this area can be much more enjoyable. Unless you want to see the Great Migration or the unique landscape of Ngorongoro Crater, probably the Southern Circuit will be a better option to see animals in their natural environment.”

What is the best season to plan a safari in the Southern Circuit?

“All the periods of the year are good to visit this part of Tanzania. You will see completely different landscapes depending on the season, and each and every one of them will be stunning in some ways. If you don’t like too hot climate, it’s better to avoid the months from January to March. If you’re afraid to get stuck in the mud, you can avoid the rain season from April to May. However, we arrange safari even when it’s rainy: it’s a little bit more adventurous, but the unique scenery of the savannah in this period is worthing the effort!”  

What is a location not to be missed in this area?

“The Selous Game Reserve, indeed. This is the only natural reserve in Tanzania that offers the chance to do game drive, boat and walking safari at the same time. This is the most complete safari experience you can get.”

What to bring in the backpack for safari?

“Hiking shoes and sun screen are the most important items. Then, depending on your needs and habits, you have to pack a hat, sandals, proper clothes (avoid black and white, that attract dust and mosquitos) not too tight, long sleeves and slacks for the night… important is to keep fresh and comfortable.”

Any other recommendations for people leaving to the Southern Circuits… in a few days?

“Don’t forget chargers and batteries. Bring enough memory cards for your camera. Amazing moments to shoot will be many and unexpected. As well, be ready and flexible: during safari inconveniences happen - little problems with the car, a flat tyre… it’s part of the game, you have to relax and enjoy the adventure anyway. Skilled guides and drivers will solve the problem easily.”