Category: Africa

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A Wildlife Exploration Through Uganda

on February 15, 2022

Nestled into Africa’s cocoon of visually stunning countries is Uganda, home to diverse species and natural wonders. A variety of travel experiences are open for tourists within these borders, with active travel making up a significant portion of its magnetism. A visit to Uganda calls for an intentional pursuit of the wildlife explorations available at the tip of one’s fingers.

Throughout our 11-day tour, travelers will engage in the following immersive activities, many of which require a high level of fitness. Gain a preview of this action-packed tour of Uganda below!

A Date With the Nile

The Nile River is one of the most exalted natural wonders of this world. The name itself is enough to make one stop in their tracks, as it brings an image to mind of the globe’s supposedly longest river. During a wildlife exploration through Uganda, guests will be able to experience this famed attraction in a myriad of ways.

Upon first arriving at Murchison Falls National Park, tourists can ascend to the top of Murchison Falls, a cascading waterfall rushing through two closely-meeting rocks and flowing into Lake Albert. Perch yourself at the top of these rapids to gain an incomparable view of the landscape below.

A date with the Nile wouldn’t be complete without stepping foot on a boat cruise down the famed waterway. Sail down this channel for a mesmeric look at its inhabitants – the burly hippo and crocodile that rest in its sandbanks. As you voyage ahead, you’ll be greeted by sights of various species approaching the river for some refreshment. Time will seem to stand still as you come to terms with the wonderful reality you find yourself in.

While in the region, many individuals embark on a game drive through the national park to spot additional wildlife waiting in the wings.

Tracking Chimps in Kibale

Uganda is home to a lush rainforest accomodating a large population of chimpanzees. Found in Kibale National Park, these curious primates roam the terrain and mingle in the trees during their daily meandering. Given the high chances of sighting these primates in the wild, Uganda has become a popular tourist destination for adventurers bearing this goal.

As you pass through jungly terrain and hear calls of the wild ring through your eardrums, you’ll want to immerse yourself fully in the otherworldly environment you find yourself in. You’ll have a good two or three hours to do so as the trek passes through miles of luscious greenery.

A Diverse Encounter With Queen Elizabeth National Park

Embody your inner ranger by venturing into Queen Elizabeth National Park for a traditional game drive. On this traditional safari, you’ll experience savanna plains, lakes, primates, large-bodied land animals, and hundreds of birds. Existing as one of the most diverse safari locations in the world, given its seemingly contrasting ecosystems and its wide array of wildlife, Queen Elizabeth National Park is a countrywide treasure for local Ugandans.

Within the same park, its guides offer a twice-daily Kazinga Channel boat cruise. This attractive feature invites visitors to gain a unique insight into the less accessible regions of the park. From onboard, tourists are able to spot hippos, crocodiles, and colorful birds that make up this special ecosystem.

Making Memories One Gorilla at a Time

As if spotting chimpanzees wasn’t enough of an adrenaline rush, a wildlife exploration through Uganda would not be complete without embarking on an acclaimed gorilla trek. Living large in the vibrant Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is none other than the mountain gorilla, a powerful primate that also happens to be endangered. About half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas reside in this sanctuary, giving a dose of joy to individuals who are lucky enough to see them in person.

In an effort to protect this species, only a limited number of viewing permits are available for those who wish to commence this on-foot journey. Our tour takes care of the permits, giving travelers one less task to worry about.

This coveted gorilla trek is not for the faint of heart, as it is not unusual for this expedition to take nearly seven hours. From the start of the trek, it may take hours to spot one gorilla family. After this lucky spotting, you’ll be granted an hour to observe these primates in their natural habitat, enjoying their lives as they should. With only approximately 880 mountain gorillas left in the world, you can count yourself among the fortunate for having immersed yourself in their natural habitat during your lifetime.

This incredibly immersive experience is the grand conclusion to a life-changing wildlife expedition through Uganda. Upon returning home, you likely won’t be able to refrain from telling everyone from your closest friend to a complete stranger about the natural wonders and rare wildlife sightings you experienced in this diverse country.

Kenya Elephants
AfricaGate 1 ConnectionsRegionsTravel Tips

A Thrilling Safari in Kenya: Where to Go and How to Do It

on February 15, 2022

Picture large umbrella trees with a backdrop canvas of a fiery sunset. Before the landscape sinks into this twilight, a wide array of African wildlife spends their day scattered throughout the terrain, spotted by tourists in this immersive scene.

While this picturesque scenery may at first only seem likely while in a dream-like state of mind, Eastern Africa’s territories are the tangible inspiration for this realm of wanderlust. In planning one’s trip to this decorative land, most individuals aspire to embark on a thrilling safari.

Making up the country of Kenya are 54 national parks and game reserves, giving tourists a network of Kenyan safari options to choose from on their travels. We’ve rounded up some of the best safari options and crucial tips for journeying through this region.

Where to Go On a Safari in Kenya

Upon picturing a safari, most people do not expect to cross paths with pink masses of flamingos famously balancing on one leg. However, this powerful image is exactly what is witnessed on a game drive through Lake Nakuru National Park. In what consists of a soda lake, countless bird species, black and white rhinos, and other diverse mammals, this national wonder speaks to the incredible range of African scenery.

As you look out over the haven, shift your attention to the layers of colors, from a foundation of sage grass to ash gray rhinos feasting on its nutrients. Look up further to find a row of soft pink flamingos and a top layer of color in the blue lake. This impressive medley of colors is only the beginning of Kenya’s beautiful safari offerings.

Southwest of this impressive lake is none other than Maasai Mara National Reserve, a preserved savanna bordering Tanzania. A safari in this reserve will expose you to the sights you may typically picture when imagining this type of pilgrimage. Drive through golden hues under the warmth of the sun in search of striking wildlife. Expect to see zebras, elephants, hippos, lions, and cheetahs traversing through these wide-open spaces alongside your open-air vehicle.

In search of additional beauty, make a point to travel eastward to Amboseli National Park. Here, you’ll commence a safari like none other, primarily passing by packs of majestic elephants and other safari animals. Aside from the guaranteed elephant sightings, however, locals and tourists alike are stunned by the views of Mount Kiliminjaro and its snowy peak in the distance.

While reaching above the clouds and fog, the pinnacle creates a captivating cool-toned backdrop to the contrasting warm colors the sun bestows upon the terrain. Noted as the home of the African elephant, Amboseli National Park does not skim on splendor. Because of these massive attractions, the park has become one of Kenya’s premier destinations for safaris and wildlife viewing.

A Bonus Across the Border

Although not technically in Kenya, Serengeti National Park is a popular safari destination, just over the border and in close proximity to Maasai Mara National Park. The Serengeti is a hotspot for African wildlife and the inspiration for numerous documentaries and magazine covers. Often the setting of notable African sunset photography captured by lensmen, Serengeti National Park paints a beautiful picture for its visitors and the fauna that call this region home. These views are well worth the journey over the border, as a safari here unmasks unspoiled beauty that stands the test of time.

How to Do a Kenyan Safari

Many game parks in Africa give an option for self-driving. While this may appeal to locals and experienced tour guides, tourists will likely have a much more enjoyable time exploring these zones through embarking on a guided tour with trained professionals who know the landscape and have studied the animals’ patterns.

A safari’s schedule can differ from one day to the next, as animals do not follow the same time-restricted patterns that humanity has incorporated into its daily life. This type of travel will teach you the art of flexibility, although your tour guide will likely know the hotspots for sighting these creatures.

It is arguably the best route to choose a typical land-led safari in a four-wheel drive, open-sided vehicle. An experienced guide will navigate through this new environment so that your only worry is whether you remember to pack the correct camera lens or not. Choosing this approach to a safari will allow you to keep your eyes peeled for the eccentric wildlife you don’t normally see on a daily basis. On an extended safari tour like our trips offer, in which several days will be spent engaging in game viewing, the guides will have previously handpicked the best destinations and viewing times for unearthing Eastern Africa’s marvels.

Existing as an additional option is a hot air balloon safari, which is offered in select parks. These sunrise escapades provide a birds-eye view of the landscape and the animals’ morning habits. It makes for an excellent add-on to one’s safari experience, as sightseers will be able to observe a new perspective of the plains and celebrate their landing with a champagne breakfast.

Kenya Tree Sunset
AfricaGate 1 ConnectionsRegionsTravel Tips

The Ultimate Kenya and Tanzania Itinerary – Top Places to Visit

on February 14, 2022

Africa contains a beautiful conglomerate of culturally-rich countries and beguiling wildlife worth experiencing in one’s lifetime. Of all the countries to visit in Eastern Africa, Kenya and Tanzania stand out as the crowd favorite, given their abundance of fauna and thrilling scenery. Forming a game plan can be a tad bit overwhelming when visiting this region, which is why we’ve done the work of listing the top places to visit throughout these countries, all of which are included in our ten-day classic tour for this coveted vacation destination.

Lake Elmentaita, Soysambu Conservancy

At the famed Lake Elmentaita, visitors will be stunned by the flocks of bird species gathering by the pink-tinted waters. Some might deduce that this hue is shadowed by the groups of flamingos gathering in its space, but the water actually gets its color from seasonal changes and continual algae growth. This scenic phenomenon pairs well with a game drive through the Soysambu Conservancy, home to 15,000 wild animals and green plains stretching for thousands of acres.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

A large aspect of both Kenya and Tanzania’s magic is the offering of renowned nature reserves. Maasai Mara National Reserve exists as a haven for a plethora of unbothered wildlife. Peer over your shoulder to find prides of lions, female-led elephant herds, hearty rhinos, and animals native to the region.

Up close and personal is often the preferred viewing point for these vast savannahs. To gain a new perspective, however, our tour offers an optional hot air balloon safari. This incomparable experience provides an aerial view of the wildlife as they embark on their daily morning escapades through the vast grasslands.

Karen Blixen Museum & Giraffe Centre

Where the Karen Blixen Museum is now based, there once stood a farm owned by a Danish author by the name of Karen and her husband. Gaining fame upon the release of Karen’s autobiography and the eventual film titled Out of Africa, the farmhouse still garners international attention and honors its historical significance, as it was eventually donated by the Danish government to the Kenyan government as an independence gift. History buffs delight in touring the rooms and grounds, which still bear witness to the property’s past with original equipment from Karen’s coffee farm.

Located in close proximity to the museum is none other than the Giraffe Centre, an established environmental conservation home to the endangered Rothschild’s Giraffe. This sanctuary has played a large role in the regrowth of this subspecies, providing grounds for breeding and public education. Visitors have the opportunity to feed these long-necked animals from the palm of their hands while learning about the organization’s ongoing conservation efforts.

Tarangire National Park

Across the border, resting in Tanzania, is the Tarangire National Park, a playground for wild animals and home to august elephant herds. Exploring this countryside during the dry season guarantees a diverse wildlife landscape of elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions, cheetahs, and buffalo, as the reserve’s Tarangire River provides a permanent water source for its dependent fauna. As you journey along on your safari, feast your eyes on the massive Baobab trees native to mainland Africa. These skyscrapers of the savanna tower over the terrain as the backdrop to a remarkable safari.

Lake Manyara National Park

Continuing on in your pursuit of awe-inspiring views and wildlife, you’ll want to visit Tanzania’s Lake Manyara National Park. What serves as the quarters for tree-climbing lions, the country’s largest elephant population, and countless pink flamingos, the highly-acclaimed national park is a one-stop destination for nature lovers.

Adding to its charm is its chipper birdlife, where enthusiasts can easily spot up to 100 species in a single day. This borderless atrium of sorts is the perfect place to pull out your binoculars and do some diligent birdwatching.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

An ultimate Kenya and Tanzania itinerary would not be complete without mention of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the residence of the volcanic Ngorongoro Crater, and highly anticipated animal herds. Give your trip a proper send-off by descending to the floor of the crater to gain an even deeper look into the innumerable species residing in this space. Typical wildlife sightings include the huntsman lions, majestic elephants, striped zebra, and the occasional lucky spotting of the endangered rhino.

To truly dig beneath the surface of both Kenya and Tanzania, one must enlist in the aforementioned activities and soak in the enriching views accessible only by embarking on a trip hitting all these must-stop highlights. Africa is a continent best explored by opening oneself up to new cultural norms and fearlessly plunging into the diverse landscape and wildlife encounters.

Kenya & Tanzania Safari
AfricaSmall Group DiscoveriesTravel Tips

Virtual Travel Day 3: Kenya & Tanzania Safari

on June 11, 2020

Virtual Travel Day 3: Kenya & Tanzania Safari

This was my first time on an African Safari and it remains one of the most memorable trips that I have been on. To see these animals in the wild is an experience that’s indescribable. I’d be filming a lion and have to keep reminding myself, ‘This isn’t a zoo- you are filming a real lion in the wild!’ What an absolute thrill!  

And then to film and hang out with the people in the Masaai tribe in Kenya was such a cool experience. After I interviewed one of the tribe leaders, we sat and talked off-camera for about an hour. We shared stories about our culture and laughed together and it reminded me how much more alike we are than different. These personal connections that I make with people all over the world are what I like most about my work.  

The people in Kenya and Tanzania are some of the kindest you will ever meet. If you are the type of person who doesn’t smile much, that will change when you go to Africa. Because their smiles are infectious and they will fill your heart with joy.

– Larry

Post-script Safari Camera Tips: 

  • For most people, an inexpensive point and shoot camera and with a zoom lens will get you great results. Some people get great shots with their phone cameras. 
  • If you have a DSLR and are interested in taking great photos on a Safari, but you don’t have a good telephoto lens- I would recommend RENTING A LENS vs BUYING A LENS. You can rent a lens online for the duration of the trip and save hundreds or thousands of dollars. You can even rent a camera and a lens. For most people, the type of telephoto lens that you’d use on a Safari is not one you would use on your other travels- better to save money so you can travel more.   
  • For camera stabilization on the side of the vehicle, I pack an empty bag (that won’t break or leak). When I get to the destination, I buy inexpensive dry rice or beans to make a bean-bag that I lay on the side of the safari vehicle to stabilize the camera. This is much quicker than a monopod. 
AfricaTravel Tips

Virtual Travel Day 1: Morocco

on June 9, 2020

Since we can’t travel right now, we thought we’d check-in with one of our videographers and get his take on some of his favorite videos. Enjoy the first in this series, from Larry, one of our videographers:

Over the past 5 years, I’ve traveled on forty-five Gate 1 trips around the world as a videographer for Gate 1. I film the trips, interview the guests and edit the final video as a one-person film crew.

For me, these videos are very personal because every one of these shots has a memory associated with it. Whether it’s the local person I filmed or getting up at 4 am to go film a sunrise or the laughs I had with my fellow travelers. If you’ve been on a Gate 1 tour then you know how quickly you the group becomes like a family. I miss that connection.  

If you’re like me and you ache to travel again, I thought it might be fun to share with you some of the videos I’ve made and some of the experiences I had making the video.  Sort of a virtual vacation for the soul until we can travel again.   Today I will share with you a Discovery trip I filmed in Morocco.  Morocco is one of my favorite destinations in the world and is a paradise for any photographer. Each day, you feel like you are traveling through a movie set. The real challenge is having too many options for great shots and figuring out what you should focus on. So many rich colors and the architecture is incredible.  One of my fondest moment from this trip was our time in the Sahara desert. To film the camel ride through the Sahara desert I had to run alongside the people as they rode, which was one step forward and half a step back in the sand. And then there was the entertainment that night by the locals and the stars over our camp in a sky too big to fit your eyes around and the peaceful calm of the sunrise and filming the men walking their camels across the dunes, the sun rising behind them. It was as exhausting as it was thrilling to be filming it all.

Enjoy the video!

-Larry

#G1PhotoFridayAfrica

Giraffes of the Maasai Mara National Park, Kenya

on January 3, 2020

If you are interested in seeing nature at its finest, then a visit to Kenya will not disappoint. The Maasai Mara National Park is a 580 square mile reserve encompassing plains, hills and rivers and is one of the largest reserves in the country. It is also the location of the famous Wildebeest migration that happens annually when the animals traverse through the plains. Find animals here such as lions, cheetahs, hippos, zebras, elephants, giraffes and so much more.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @cmpabroad using the hashtag #gate1travel. This stunning view was captured in Maasai Mara National Park, Kenya. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Kenya trips here! 

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Morocco’s Dueling Capitals and Cultural Hubs

on October 23, 2019

There is a Moroccan proverb that says, “The tar of my country is better than the honey of others,” revealing the deep pride of its people and their beloved country. All one has to do is note the sweeping history, abiding culture, and dramatic settings to understand this pride fully. Just take a look at the incredible cities of Morocco; Rabat, Fez, Marrakesh, Essaouira and Casablanca, all of which you will visit on your Discovery 15 Day Moroccan Allure tour. Learn how Rabat, Fez and Marrakesh have all been called the capital and what beautiful sites Essaouira and Casablanca have to offer visitors. There is no better way to explore Morocco than with Discovery Small Groups Tours and come to fully understand the Moroccan pride that fills the hearts of its people.

Clashing Capitals:

Rabat

Rabat is an old city, settled as Chellah in 300 BC and renamed Sala Colonia by the Romans in the first century. It was the Almohads who made it a capital in the 12th century and used the area as a royal burial ground. The ruling Sultan ordered the building of the world’s largest minaret, the Hassan Tower, with a grand mosque and madrasa, to show his kingdom’s might. The Sultan died and the tower was capped at just 140 feet (about half the height he intended) where it remains to this day.

The beloved sultan’s death led to the decline of the city and the loss of its capital status. By the 17th century, it had a new reputation as a pirate port. As the base for Barbary pirates who called their territory the Republic of Bou Regreg, Rabat was the launch pad for countless sailing attacks on western traders for nearly 200 years. The days of unruliness ended when France set it up as a protected state in the early 20th century, and Rabat became a port people wanted to visit once again.

From the ruins of Chellah and Sala Colonia to the unfinished Hassan Tower, it’s easy to see why Rabat was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Come and see it for yourself with Discovery Tours.

Fez

Sultan Idriss II, established Fez, Morocco’s first capital, early in the 9th century, directly across the river from the city his father founded. The city takes its name from the word for pickaxe, as Idriss II is said to have used one made of gold and silver to mark the city’s borders. The son’s handiwork soon outgrew his father’s when the new city welcomed 800 Berber families fleeing conflict in Andalusia; they were soon followed by 2,000 displaced Arab families.

Over centuries, the two cities, Idriss II’s and his fathers, merged into one, blooming into an ancient metropolis whose city walls extended for nearly 10 miles. By 1170, it was home to over 200,000 and the largest city on the entire earth. In the present day, visitors enjoy incredible sites including the constantly bustling medina, the “new” city from the 13th century, and the French-influenced Ville Nouvelle.

Here, one experiences an array of Moroccan delights from the colors and textures of ancient madrasas to the artisan district where carpets are made, leather is dyed, and copper craftsmen ply their trade. The world’s oldest continuously operating university, the Islamic Al-Karaouine, is here, coexisting for centuries with the adjacent Mellah, the Jewish Quarter. A special experience allows you to enjoy a meal with a local family which will offer you the best insight of all.

Marrakesh

Even while Fez was still growing, an underdog stole the title of capital. Marrakesh was made an Imperial capital by Berber empires in the 12th century.

With the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains to one side and deserts stretching into the distance on the other, Marrakesh was a natural caravan stop for camel-riding traders. It greeted weary travelers with hundreds of acres of lush greenery and a stand of more than 100,000 palm trees. No wonder the Berbers called it the “land of god.”

Not everyone agreed with this praise, and the capital returned to Fez, launching a rivalry that, in many ways, continues to this day. From copper-topped Koutoubia Mosque to the 360-room Bahia palace, it’s easy to see how Marrakesh stakes its claim. There is truly something for everyone here, from the serenity of the Jardin Majorelle to the electricity of lively Djemaa el Fna square, the souk of all souks.

Cultural Gems:

Essaouira

Essaouira, formerly Mogador and pronounced “essa-we-rah”, is possibly Morocco’s most picturesque coastal city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect example of a typical North African fortified town, with its preserved walls, medina and bright blue fishing boats as well as becoming an artist’s paradise in the recent day. Walk along the city’s ramparts just north of Moulay Hassan Square where artists sell their paintings. Continue on to the Skala de la Ville, the fortification built along the cliffs that once defended the city from sea attacks. It now provides visitors with an excellent view of the port and the picture-perfect bright blue boats. Stroll through the medina where artisans and craftsmen have practiced their trades for hundreds of years.

Casablanca

Casablanca is one of Morocco’s most visited cities because of its setting for the classic movie of the same name. This commercial heart of Morocco lies on the coast of the country and set aside the beautiful Corniche seaside. Explore the heart of Casablanca, the Mohammed V Square, the administrative seat of the city built under the French protectorate. Visit the incredible example of Moorish Revival architecture that is the Hassan II Mosque. It is Africa’s second largest mosque and the fifth largest in the world. It also boasts the second tallest minaret in the world at just under 700 feet! Built partly on the sea, the mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshippers inside and 80,000 in its courtyard.

For the last century, Rabat has remained capital, its seaside location making it both a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice. Visitors are always quick to choose their favorite capital of the past and they might even be able to suggest a new contender for the future! No matter which modern capital calls to you most, remember this: the pride of Morocco always endures. See the these cities and so much more for yourself on our 15 Day Moroccan Allure trip with Discovery Tours!

AfricaMediterraneanSmall Group Discoveries

Camping in the Sahara

on October 21, 2019

Located about 20 miles outside the town of Rissani, Morocco, a truly unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience awaits you in the Sahara Desert. Here you will stay overnight in a tent campground that has accommodations for even the most high-maintenance of travelers. This experience is definitely one for the bucket list! Gaze at the desert and enjoy the ever-changing colors of the sands and sky with Discovery Tours in Morocco.

Arrive at the Bivouac La Belle Etoile hotel where you will settle into a campground. Stand in awe of your surroundings which include shape-shifting sand dunes and stars in the night sky. The bivouac, or tent camp, is located in the Erg Chebbi, a huge expanse of sand dunes, in a town called Merzouga and offers the traveler a night of relaxation and comfort in the midst of the wilds.

Reach the camp after lunch and take some time to watch the dunes rise and fall around you while you enjoy the adventuresome spirit of explorers of old. You have the option to enjoy a short camel ride here that will take you to a magical experience. Enjoy an incredible sunset on the dunes that is accommodated by traditional music under a canopy of stars. Afterwards, enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at the camp while acclimating to a wonderous night out in the middle of the desert. After dinner you can choose to enjoy panoramic views of the sand dunes or perhaps sip Moroccan tea on the terrace. Retire to your tent rooms where every level of comfort will be satisfied.

Enjoy comfort that camping rarely excites with accommodations that include layers of traditional Moroccan carpet, comfortable mattresses, complete bedding, a shower, restroom and a private tent. If adventure is in your heart, you will not want to miss out on this experience of sleeping out in the otherworldly land of the Sahara.

AfricaMediterraneanSmall Group Discoveries

Top 10 Uniquely Moroccan Experiences

on October 16, 2019

Experiences you cannot have anywhere else are what makes a destination truly special. When you come to Morocco with Discovery Tours, an array of surprising delights awaits. Here is our list of can’t miss experiences for when in Morocco:

Discover tree-climbing goats:  The goats navigate the branches of the Argania tree so they can munch on its fruit

Meet the women of an Argan nut oil cooperative: Witness how a product loved around the world is made right where its source is grown

Call the Sahara home: During an overnight tented stay in the shifting sands of the world’s most iconic desert, stay at a bivouac, or tented campground

Ride the horse of the desert: Ride a dromedary camel amongst the sands of the Sahara

Fall under the spell of a Gnawa performance: Music blends with dance, poetry and spirituality in this indigenous African tradition

Witness the most inspiring failure in North Africa: View the unfinished 140-foot tall Hassan Tower in Rabat, which inspired Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque Tower, the 7th largest mosque on earth

Encounter fire-eaters and snake-charmers: Djemaa el Fna Square in Marrakesh is a hugely popular pedestrian area with magicians, ape-handlers, and storytellers

Behold the school that makes Oxford look like a baby: Visit Al-Karaouine, established in 859, the world’s oldest degree-granting university still in operation

Walk onto the set Lawrence of Arabia: Ait Ben Haddou, located in the Ouarzazate Region, is one of the settings used for the iconic David Lean film starring Peter O’Toole

Enjoy a “Berber Foot Bath”: Soak your toes in saltwater warmed and scented with essential oils and seaweed

AfricaSmall Group Discoveries

Tanzania: Wildlife Utopia of Africa

on August 21, 2019

If you’re an avid traveler with insatiable wanderlust, then an African safari is likely high on your bucket list. The continent is full of options for spotting the Big Five (water buffalo, rhinoceros, elephant, lion, and leopard), encountering a herd of elephants ushering their calves through the bush, or admiring the regal giraffe as it serenely glides over the plains.

What makes Tanzania so magnificent and unique from other African countries is the grand and sweeping stage on which the drama between predator and prey unfolds. Unlike many other parts of Africa, the landscape here takes the breath away as much as the animals do. For variety and the most spectacular landscapes, no country could outperform Tanzania. We here at Discovery Tours think this magnificent country makes for one of the most captivating travel experiences on the planet.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire boasts the most diverse landscape and vegetation anywhere in Tanzania’s safari parks. Thick Baobab trees, towering termite mounds and gentle hills dot the landscape of this immense park. Its 1,100 square miles are sliced in two by the Tarangire River, the only source of water in the Maasai land during the dry season. Even animals from Lake Manyara come here to drink when the water in their neighborhood dries up.

With such diverse ecosystems and a constant water supply, there’s a great concentration of big game here. This includes up to 6,000 elephants, giraffe, buffalo, zebra, lion, leopard and cheetah. Several antelope species not seen in larger parks can be found here, too, including the eland, oryx, and the elusive Grant’s Gazelle. Birds can also be seen in abundance with over 500 species calling Tarangire home. As for the Baobabs, these fascinating trees hold water in their trunks in reserve for the dry season, with the largest able to store 26,000 gallons. Keep your camera handy when visiting here so you can capture photos of the Baobab trees silhouetted against the sky, a sight unique to Africa.

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara hosts one of Africa’s most unique parks. Most of its area comprises a narrow strip of land bordered by a mountainous wall on one side and its namesake lake on the other. The lake is the true centerpiece of the park and the hot spot of animal activity.

The lake, with rich alkaline properties that draw an abundance of pink flamingos, virtually disappears in the dry season. Some of these birds remain when the lake dries up. More than 400 species of bird live here year-round and by some accounts you can easily expect to see 100 of them in one day. Aside from its birds, all manner of wildlife lives within the park’s 130 square miles, including zebras, giraffes, elephants, and the famous blue monkeys. The hippo pond allows for thrilling, and safe, views of these rotund creatures. The park is also known for its tree-climbing lions, a rare sight.

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti is perhaps Africa’s most famous national park, and Tanzania’s oldest. When the Maasai people migrated to these lands in the late 1600s, they gave it a name that means, “the place where the land runs on forever.” That translation has been simplified over the centuries to “endless plains.” When you arrive at Serengeti, you will understand how it earned the name.

Here, you will see unforgettable images of Africa including vast expanses of tall grass dotted with umbrella-shaped acacia trees, fiery sunsets that cast the landscape in light, and wildebeest and zebra marching across the plains. These magical sights are very much unique to the park and Africa. You will view sights including the Simba Kopje, used as inspiration for settings in The Lion King, the Seronera Valley, famous for lion and leopard populations, and Moru Kopjes, a unique landscape characterized by rocky cliffs with boulders and caves. You can even choose to join the optional Sunrise Balloon Safari that will take you high above this tranquil setting as the sun rises. Drift above the landscape and watch wild game roam on the plains below.

The Serengeti also has the largest populations of the Big Five animals. Lions thrive here because of the abundance of prey. Leopards, though reclusive, number about 1,000. While elephants are recovering after years of poaching, rhinos are dwindling because of it, and the water buffalo population has suffered from disease. Still, all five are here and our sharp-eyed driver-guides will help you seek them out.

The Ngorongoro Crater

The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles, a wildlife sanctuary that has remained virtually unchanged for millennia. This vast caldera, covering around 100 square miles, was formed when a large volcano exploded and collapsed on itself two to three million years ago. It has remained largely unchanged ever since. Today, it is home to a varied landscape of grassland, bushland, pristine streams, salt lakes lined with birdlife, and forests teeming with monkeys.

Here you will descend about 2,000 feet to the floor of the crater, one of the largest calderas in the world, and discover a diverse ecosystem and a concentration of birds and animals. Perhaps view herds of elephants with their calves wandering along the dirt paths or even see the endangered rhino, if you are lucky! You will enjoy a picnic lunch here before ascending back to the rim of the crater and returning to the lodge. This magical setting of abundant and unspoiled wilderness never fails to enthrall visitors.

 Discovery Tours Unlock Tanzania’s Wonders

You enjoyed an ancient river teaming with vegetation and wildlife, a bird haven on a lakeside sanctuary, the endless plains of the Serengeti National Park and a large caldera home to an Eden-like paradise. For its breathtaking variety and stunning beauty, no other safari experience can equal that of Tanzania. A Discovery Tours small group lets you experience it all in the most intimate fashion. We invite you to read more, then join us in Tanzania!

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