These additional options are priced according to number of clients, time of year and availability – please contact us for specific pricing.
BUSHMEN TRIBE
The bushmen tribes of Tanzania have lived on the land for thousands of years, adapting to their surroundings and surviving on game and natural flora. They are true hunter/gatherers who only recently have begun trading with the local villages. The very basic lives of the bushmen have been molded by the weather, the landscape and the animals. These nomadic tribes constantly move depending on where the water and food is best supplied. They have mastered the art of crafting bows and arrows with which to hunt. Upon meeting the Bushmen you will be able to follow them as they head out for a hunt. You may take pictures as you please and even try shooting a bow and arrow.
SELOUS GAME RESERVE
The Selous Game Reserve is the largest of the African parks, covering an area four times that of the Serengeti. The park features volcanic hot springs and lakes scattered throughout the park making it a great location for animals to come for water. Over 350 species of birds live within Selous, as do 2,000 species of plants. The largest number of buffalo in Africa populate this park, but it is best known for rhino, hippo and elephant. In Selous you are able to walk with an armed ranger to experience the vast landscape up close. Since this park is located in the southern part of Tanzania, a visit here adds a few days to any planned safari. But the extra time is well worth it!
RUBONDO ISLAND NATIONAL PARK
Rubondo Island is located in the southwest part of Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the world. It is the only national park on the lake. The 240 sq km main island is covered with dense lush forest giving way to sandy shorelines. With over 430 species of birds on the island, it is a bird-lovers paradise. A short boat ride allows you to circle the 11 other islands of the park to catch a glimpse of hundreds of storks, herons and other birds, as well as crocodiles basking on the rocky shores. Robundo Island Lodge is the only accommodation on the island and is perfectly situated on the top of a rocky point with a commanding view of the lake. The ten luxury tents have spacious en-suite bathroom and views of the lake from the outdoor porch. There is a swimming pool among the palm trees and meals are enjoyed in the open-air lodge. The seclusion of the island allows you to relax and forget the hustle and bustle of the civilized world.
RUAHA NATIONAL PARK
Ruaha National Park, situated in the middle of Tanzania, is nearly as large as the Serengeti but does not receive near the number of visitors. The untouched atmosphere of the Ruaha makes it one of the less explored parks on the continent. The Ruaha River brings life to the park, supplying food and water year round for the animals living in the region. The river starts in the south, running northeast before heading back down south and reaching the Great Rufiji in the Beho Beho mountains. The flatness of the park gives way to the Northern Escarpment rising 120m above the base. The diverse landscape may seem dry and bush-covered, but the real experience comes from the relaxed atmosphere with few people and abundant game.
MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
The Mahale Mountain range contains another remote, hard-to-get-to national park but once there you are rewarded with mountains rising up to 2,462m inhabited by nearly 2,000 chimpanzees. Visitor can sit among the chimps and watch them interact in their natural habitat. Other animals roaming the park include lion, leopard, kudu, baboon, elephant, eland and buffalo to name a few. The Mahale Mountains host the most diverse landscape Tanzania has to offer. The park ranges from woodlands to forests with lush vegetation to suit many different species of animals. The two styles of accommodation in the park are a luxury tented camp and basic camping, both giving you the feeling of being immersed in your surroundings.
MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK
Mikumi National Park covers a vast 3,230 sq km in the southern part of Tanzania. Mikumi and the Selous Game Reserve share a border, an ecosystem and many animals that migrate from one park to the other. The “Big 5″ (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) reside here, along with over 300 species of birds including Eurasian migrants. The Mkata flood plain rises 548 km above sea level causing a great variance in weather. The Miombo woodland area attracts most of the antelopes: hartbeast, greater and lesser kudu, and sable, as well as the colobus monkey. As with most of the Tanzanian parks, the Mikumi sunsets are spectacular.
SERENGETI BALLOON RIDE
The Serengeti balloon ride is included in all of our pre-packaged safari trips. The balloons lift off just as the sun rises to give a spectacular view of the wilderness of East Africa. The excursion lasts between one and two hours. The destination depends on the wind, but the landing area is a place that causes the least amount of disturbance to the animals. Back on the ground, you are handed a glass of champagne to celebrate the experience and escorted to a nearby breakfast served by the staff in the company of your fellow adventurers.
MAASAI VILLAGE
The Maasai, the largest of the 120 tribes remaining in Tanzania and southern Kenya, have become a symbol of Africa with their vibrant red plaid “shuka” and extravagant beaded jewelry. This pastoral tribe herd cattle and goats throughout the year in search of better grazing, causing them to lead a moderately nomadic lifestyle. Their huts are built out of straw, grass and clay, and fences consist of tall sticks sharpened at the tip to protect their animals from predators. The Maasai strongly follow tradition: you may come across a group of young boys dressed in black with white face paint. These boys have been circumcised and wear this attire for a few months as a symbol of becoming a man. Maasai warriors carry spears with them at all times and the women often have small children swaddled to their backs. One of the best places to visit a Maasai village is in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. They are friendly but shy and have a way of life that has worked for thousands of years. The Maasai are a proud people that have maintained their unique culture as the economy of Tanzania and the world changes.
