The Ruaha National Park is named after the Ruaha River that flows through the parks most southeastern territory and it is the focus of Ruaha Safari game viewing. It is also the life source for most of the animals in the area. After the addition of the Usangu Game Reserve and the surrounding wetlands in 2008, Ruaha National park become the largest in Tanzania and East Africa. It now spans for over 20,200 Square Kilometres (7800 miles). The park as a whole is approximately 130km (81 miles) to the west of Iringa and is a part of the Rungwa-Kizigo-Muhesi ecosystem which is made up of the Rungwa Game Reserve, Kizigo & Muhesi Game Reserve, and the Mbomipa Wildlife Management Area. The National Park was born in 1910 and called the Saba Game Reserve before the Colonial British changed the name to Rungwa Game Reserve in 1946; it was then extended south in 1964.

Ruaha Wildlife

Ruaha is very well known in Tanzania for its huge variety of wildlife; specifically the bird-life that has been found in the park. The Park was once known for its huge population of Elephants, however,  like many of the National Parks in Tanzania, their population has been significantly reduced. From 34,000 in 2009, the numbers declined to under 4800 in 2015. The classic Safari wildlife called the Ruaha National Park home of course; Lions, Leopards, Cheetahs, Wild Dogs, Hyenas, Giraffes, Hippos, Antelopes & Buffalo can be seen regularly.

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Lake Ngonzi is a beautiful crater lake found in the Mbeya region of Tanzania; 38km from Mbeya city. Much like the Ngorongoro Crater, the surrounding area was created by explosive volcanic activity which makes Lake Ngozi a ‘crater lake’; in fact it is the second largest crater lake in Africa spanning over 2.5km in length, 1.6km in width, and roughly 75m deep (although estimates vary wildly from 50m to 300m) . It is part of the Poroto Ridge which is a section of the larger caldera rim’s highest point (2620m), a Caldera being the imploded remains of a volcano which has collapsed in upon itself. Ngozi is said to have been created 12000 years ago during a Plinian eruption (an eruption which ejects a large amount of pumice with very powerful continuous gas explosions).

Although the beautiful surroundings seem tranquil, and the area has not seen volcanic activity for thousands of years, Lake Ngozi emits a substantial amount of CO2 and shows signs of the potential for a limnic eruption (an eruption which can produce a noxious cloud of volcanic gas). This is followed up by local legends of the lakes killing power (which includes a 12 headed snake which protects German colonial treasure).

Local Legends of Lake Formation

The Lake, and surrounding area, is not only famous for its outstanding beauty and various rare wildlife, but the myths and local legends that surround Lake Ngozi are some of the most interesting aspects of Lake.

It is said by the Nyakyusa People (ethnic group in this area of Southern Tanzania) that a sharman called Lwembe was chased from his birth village (Ukwama in the Makete area) after the people had become sick of his deceptive trickery. He is said to have fled to the area near the waters edge. Cows started to disappear whenever they grazed nearby; People started going missing too. The Nyakyusa elders decided to dispel the fiend by heating up a huge rock in a fire for three days and then rolled it into the lake, casting their own magic spells. Thereafter, the menace was gone.

Other myths suggest that Colonial German solders dumped a large amount of treasure into the waters of the lake and put a spell to protect the gold and hamper any other persons efforts to reclaim it. Some say this includes the emission of poisonous gasses, but now we know that these gasses could be from the volcanic activity in the area. Other variations of this myth suggest that there is a 12 headed snake which protects the treasure and comes out to the surface on sunny days. Whether there ever was treasure remains a mystery.

The water itself supports a plethora of wildlife despite all of these grizzly tales. The lake contains fish and other marine life (potentially even that snake), and supports plethora of vegetation (although less than some of the crater lakes near Mbeya) and unique land animals.

How to Get to Lake Ngozi

The Ngozi Lake can be found after a 50 minute hike from the park entrance by the nearest road. From Mbeya you can take a bus (or personal vehicle) which takes you to the right at the Tukuyu – Lake Malawi Junction. 10kms along that road you will come across road signs for the Ngozi crater on the right. There may be entrance fees to enter onto the path up the to the lake, and fees for the staff to guard the car (if you have one). These change regularly so make sure to have a little bit of money available- say $20.

The track, and Lake Ngozi itself, is surrounded on all sides with thick green shrubs, Banana trees and huge bamboos. At points it can be steep and overgrown but the walk itself shouldn’t be too difficult for somebody of average fitness. 2.5km in you will come up to a fork in the road; the right path leads to the peak, and the left path takes you down towards the waterline. All the effort will all be worth it when you get to the peak. You can look over the whole of Lake Ngozi which is famous for having bright emerald green waters which is breathtaking on a warm, clear & sunny day.

If you so happen to have come from Safari, or have a love for wildlife, keep an eye out for the Black and White Colobum Monkey and Three Horned Chameleon (Chameleon Fuelleborni- the area is famous for these).

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We are often asked: which is the best safari in Tanzania? Let us run down through our top 5 best safari options.

Northern Safari

The most popular destinations for safari is referred to as the ‘northern circuit’. This includes a trip through Lake Manyara, the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and conservation area, the Tarangire National Park and the surrounding areas. You are going on Safari to see the animals, right? Well, the northern circuit has unrivalled numbers of wildlife and presents the best animal viewing opportunities in the country. Undoubtedly, many who come to see the wildlife consider the northern circuit as the best safari in Tanzania.

The northern circuit is also home to the Great Wildebeest Migration which is the largest land migration of animals on the planet. Thousands of Buck, Gazelles, Zebras and Wildebeest migrate around the northern route which attracts scientists, photographers and filmmakers from all over the world. This would be the best Safari to watch the predators at work.

Sky Safari

Sky Safari, to some, is the best safari in Tanzania due to its sense of adventure, the views from your personal aircraft and the speed at which you can glide from place to place. The Sky Safari package by Elewana includes an 8 day itinerary which takes care of all of your transfers (by air and land) plus your accommodation will be the award-winning Elewana collection.

During the Sky Safari adventure, you will have an opportunity to explore the northern circuit with private game drives with an expert guide. This is the best safari in Tanzania if you are happy to be whisked away, have every need catered for and spend your nights in some of the best safari accommodation in the country.

Click here for more information about the Sky Safari.

Safari & Sand

Safari and Sand is usually a safari package which combines the two best aspects of Tanzanian tourism: the wonders and adventure of a Tanzanian safari, and a glorious beach holiday on an idyllic beach.

In our opinion, it is the best Safari in Tanzania; simply put, it allows you to enjoy two very different holidays during one trip. Tanzania is often overlooked as a beach holiday destination but the shores are some of the finest in the world. After you have finished your safari tour, you can catch a quick flight to the island of Zanzibar where you will find ample luxury beach hotels, pristine coastline, coral reefs, and points of historical and cultural importance.

It does make sense to rest your weary feet for a week after your safari in the crystal clear sun-kissed Indian ocean, doesn’t it? Not to mention that Tanzania has some unbelievably good seafood!

Here is an example of a great Sand & Safari itinerary.

Camping Safari

Camping may not be the most luxurious way to do a safari, but it is the rawest and closest to a true experience that you can get. For many, going into a big luxury hotel or lodge will ruin the whole safari experience; they would much rather get back in touch with nature and put up their tent for the night. Sleeping in the bush can be exhilarating. Sometimes, you are only meters from the animals in the wild and you will hear every bump, creek and howl.

I understand completely if you have long put your camping days behind you. You may, however, be interested in a more luxurious camping option which combines the authentic connection to nature with the comfort of the modern day (Much like the Pioneer Camp or the Migration Camp). It may also be prudent on your safari itinerary to opt for one night in a camping option to experience what many consider as the best safari in Tanzania.

Lake Natron

Last but certainly not least, a place you need to see when you’re on Safari is Lake Natron. Lake Natron is a soda, or alkaline, Lake which is situated just north of Lake Manyara and is famous for being a marvel of nature and science. Parts of Lake Natron are so alkaline that it could potentially burn your skin, or eyes if you come into contact with the water. The water also contains high concentrations of chemicals which were used during the ancient Egyptian process of mummification. Animals that are unlucky enough to die in the water are found calcified; they become hardened ghostly statues.

Lake Natron isn’t often part of a Safari Itinerary but is certainly worth a visit – You will never see anything else like it!

Book the Best Safari in Tanzania?

Whichever is your version of the best safari in Tanzania, this is the place to get the ball rolling. To inquire about the safari adventures that we have waiting for you get in touch today!

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Mount Oldeani

Embedded in the south east rim of the Ngorongoro national park, sits the giant Mount Oldeani. The mountain is very well known locally however, largely unknown by tourists until they set eyes upon the mountain while in the country. The Mountain sits just off the largest tourist route through the Ngorongoro conservation area and can be seen from miles around. It is a firm natural feature for tourists who travel to Lake Eyasi, Lake Manyara and as far as the Tarangire National Park.

Oldeani is one of the Ngorongoros volcanos and drains directly into the northeast end of Lake Eyasi. One of the most popular tributes to the Oldeani mountain is the Ngorongoro Oldeani Mountain Lodge.

There are several other well known safari lodges which make the volcanic mountain a focal point due to its height and picturesque majesty looking over the flat plains of Tanzania. Despite it being a key feature in the landscape there are not many tour guides who take you to climb the mountain. Despite this, it is very close to the main game driving route through the Ngorongoro crater and can be seen easily. There are also many tours that will take you to Lake Eyasi to see the animals or the local tribes.

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When travelling to Tanzania, for a Safari Tour (or otherwise) it is best to convert some money into the local currency: Tanzanian Shillings.

If it is your first time travelling to Tanzania, you may not have realized how difficult it can be to get your hands on some outside of Tanzania. If you do manage to get some shillings before you fly, it may be quite expensive and not at all cost-effective. The only other option is to brave the card charges at an ATM or exchange another currency; which may be an issue if the exchange desk doesn’t accept the money you have, or charges you way above and beyond the normal exchange rate. So many problems! Well, we have been through it so you don’t have to.

So here are the best currencies to take to Tanzania and how to get the best exchange rate.

How to get the best Exchange Rate

The first tip for getting the best exchange rate in Tanzania is to stay clear of the obviously touristy exchange desks. That may be the desk in your hotel, at the airport or a kiosk close to a public transport hub. The rates there will be more expensive due to the high concentration of tourists. To get the best exchange rate, you may need to venture slightly off the beaten track to a local establishment. The best thing to do is ask your guide where a good currency exchange point is or alternatively, ask a staff member at the hotel where they would go to change money. The place where the tourists don’t go is the place to get the best exchange rate in Tanzania.

When taking another currency to Tanzania, it is preferential to take higher value notes. In Tanzania (like many places) you will get a better exchange rate for the large notes. It is advised to take a range of different notes but be sure to organise the notes so that you only exchange the largest notes.

US Dollars

By far the best currency to take to Tanzania is the US Dollar. Like most African countries, the US Dollar is universally accepted. Almost every exchange desk in Tanzania will accept the USD and you will not have an issue trading them for local currency. On the off chance that you have not applied for a Tanzanian VISA you can pay $50 for one upon arrival- another reason to take USD.

The only issue you might face is finding a place to swap your cash into US dollars before you depart – if you live in Central London you’ll be fine, but if you’re situated anywhere else in the country you might have a harder time. Here are some resources you can use to find a post office with US dollars available:

https://www.postoffice.co.uk/travel-money/us-dollars

GBP – British Pounds

Although it is not as universally accepted as the USD, most places will change pounds for Tanzanian Shillings. For those who are travelling from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you may have an issue with your regional notes being accepted. In Tanzania, it is the Bank of England notes that are accepted. Tanzanians may not be familiar with regional notes for Scotland, Wales and Northern which is the reason they are often refused. In those cases, it is safer to change your currency to US Dollars before travelling. In my experience, getting English notes regionally is a nightmare.

Euros

Tanzania has a huge population of European tourists and ex-pats. This makes the Euro one of the best currencies to take to Tanzania. You are very likely to be able to exchange Euros and get a good rate. The Euro is accepted easily at the Airports and in many places in Zanzibar, Dar Es Salaam or Arusha.

WeSwap Card

The newest way to get currency at great exchange rates is to use a travel card. The idea is to swap the currency you have for the currency you need. You can apply for a WeSwap travel card and have access to almost every major currency, without any hidden charges or inflated exchange rates. What’s more, the WeSwap card is free. Although the Tanzanian Shilling is not on the card just yet, WeSwap is forever growing and adding new currencies. It is a perfect place to find one of the best currencies to exchange in Tanzania.

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If you’re overwhelmed, then speak to us and we can help organise the tour you’ve always dreamed of.

Four Seasons Serengeti

A hotel style lodge you don’t need to leave. Comfort, Style & a Watering hole.

The Four Seasons Serengeti is located deep in the heart of the Serengeti National Park just off the main game route. It is known as one of the best safari lodges in the Serengeti. Compared to the other safari lodges on offer, the 4 Season Serengeti has unrivalled suite accommodation that does not compromise on your comfort. Some may say that it is an ‘unconventional’ safari accommodation due to the fact that it is more of a hotel than a safari lodge. You can easily stay at the Four Seasons for a whole 7 days without feeling the need to travel anywhere else. Usually, you would think that this will detract from seeing the animals, but you would be wrong. The Fours Seasons is perched perfectly next to a busy watering hole so you can share your morning coffee with almost all of the famous African animals, that you have come to see. Alongside this, you have the option to head out on a game drive organised by the hotel, or your own guide.

Singita Sasakwa

Luxury, Stylish, Amazing Service, Private Wine Selection and Spectacular Views.

The Singita Collection are some of the most luxurious and unique safari lodges in the whole of Tanzania; the Singita Sasakwa is no exception. It seems that every single detail, no matter how big or small has been considered here to put together the idyllic safari lodge. The Lodge has a real sense of history and grandeur that is intrinsic to the characteristics of the turn-of-the-century Manor House and private cottages. The Singita Sasakwa Lodge has a blend of authentic European Style, and East African influence.  If you have a taste for the finer things in life, the Sasakwa Lodge will have a special appeal for those with a good eye for luxury & ‘old world’ elegance. What’s more- the Singita Sasakwa has its very own chief and wine expert who can guide you to enjoy the best wines from the Singita private collection.

From the decor, to the service and locations selected, the Singita Saskwa is certainly the most thought out and one of the best safari lodges in the Serengeti & Grumeti area.

Faru Faru

Expect the Unexpected on the Migration Route with Spectacular Views, Service & Accommodation.

This is the second entry from the Singita Collection of Safari Lodges: The Singita Faru Faru Lodge is situated in Grumeti in Northern Tanzania which is slightly north of the Serengeti itself. The Faru Faru Lodge is built on the side of a gently sloping hill and the riverine lodge is positioned on the migratory route of the Great Wildebeest Migration.  Not only is the Faru Faru the perfect location to enjoy the vistas of the Serengeti but its close proximity to the river gives visitors the opportunity to rekindle their relationship with nature.
For visitors to the Faru Faru Lodge, expect to experience the informal, unconventional & surprising mix of contemporary, organic style & the quirky practicality of a traditional botanist camp.

Lemala Kuria Hills

Luxury, Comfort, Views and Serengeti Adventures!

Close to the Mara River on the Tanzanian side of the Kenyan border in the Wogakurya Hills, the Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge offers pretty much-unrivalled luxury. Surrounded in large boulders and kopjes, each tent is carefully positioned to ensure privacy and to optimize the spectacular views over the woodlands, grassy slopes and watercourses that have made the Northern Serengeti’s landscapes famous worldwide. The lodge is clean with a modern design that has an intrinsically Tanzanian heart. You can enjoy a freshly prepared 3 course meal either in the camp, or out in the bush & tea is traditionally served in the afternoon before your game drive & you can enjoy cocktails at sunset looking over the Lauria Escarpment. In the wild, a tent forms the Melegali Spa. It is here you can indulge in relaxation and recovery either before, or after your Serengeti Safari adventure.
If you imagine combining Luxury, comfort, relaxation, amazing views and animals- you have a front-runner for the best safari lodge in the Serengeti & Grumeti.

Serengeti Pioneer Camp

Truly Authentic Safari That is the Best of Both A Lodge & Tented Camp

The Elewana collection is known for its opulence, its locations and strong unique styles and characteristics. The Serengeti Pioneer Camp holds to the Elewana tradition to offer a homage to the 1930s mobile camps when an African Safari was entering into an unknown world, laden with mystery, adventure and danger.  While the Pioneer camp is not the traditional safari ‘lodge’ experience, the camp combines the luxury of a lodge and the affinity with nature that is offered in a camp. You are able to completely immerse yourself in the habitat where they wildlife live while maintaining the high-class luxury of the modern day. A tented safari is the most authentic safari experience but aren’t as comfortable as a lodge- why not get the best of both worlds.

Serengeti Migration Camp

Excellent Location, Raw Safari Experience while Maintaining Opulence

Much like the Serengeti Pioneer camp, the Migration Camp combines the raw experience of a tented safari with the luxury that the modern day can provide. The Migration camp, however, sits perfectly on the northern route of the Great Wildebeest migration and is hidden among the rocky outcrops that have spectacular views of the Serengeti. The Elewana touch has given the Migration camp a unique feel of opulence and spectacular service. Although the Safari camp is designed as a base, it is easy to stay long periods here and enjoy every second.

Fancy Staying at one of the Best Safari Lodges in the Serengeti & Grumeti?

Allow us to put together a safari experience that takes you to the most spectacular, memorable and life-changing locations & accommodation in the whole of Tanzania. Let us use our local knowledge & do the hard work for you. Click here to get in touch!

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What is the difference between a Gazelle & an Antelope?

One of the most common animals that you will encounter on your Tanzanian Safari Tour is the Antelope or Gazelle.

There are about 91 Antelope and Gazelle species in the world- roughly 72 of which, make the continent of Africa their home. On a Northern Tanzania Safari ( Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara), you are likely to encounter both Antelopes and Gazelles in abundance; it may become clear, however, that they are hard to tell apart. So, what is the difference between the two? To confuse you more, the basic answer is: Not all Antelopes are Gazelles, but all Gazelles are Antelopes.

Gazelles are part of the Antelope genus, and the Antelope is part of the Bovidae family (a family of cloven-hoofed, ruminant mammals). All-together, they make up quite a variety of different safari animals which include the famous Waterbucks, Wildebeest & Impalas, among many, many more. They both have a 4 chamber stomach and appear to be the same animal-  so what is the difference?

Size

Gazelles are often smaller than other Antelopes. This is exemplified no better than between the Thompson Gazelle (30kgs) and the huge Eland (950kg). For those that don’t do maths, that is 920kgs, which is equal to a sports car. Huge.

Horns

Unlike Antelopes, most types & both genders of Gazelles have horns. Impalas, for instance, only the males have horns; this is why an impala is an Antelope, yet not a Gazelle.

Stotting

Stotting is when a predator startles an animal and they move slowly before bolting vertically into the air. Upon landing their leap, they hit their full stride to get away the danger. Gazelles are known to display this behaviour, while Antelopes do not.

While these are the main differences between the Gazelle and Antelope, each species of both genus has other unique defining features which are spectacular in their own right. They make the diversity of the wildlife on Safari much more fascinating- identifying each Gazelle & Antelope makes for a fantastic day game viewing.

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We believe that if you’re travelling for a Safari tour then learning a little Swahili will massively enrich your experience. Although many Swahili people have a good grasp of English, and other European languages, it is both polite & safer if you know some basic Kiswahili. So here are essential Swahili words and phrases to learn before your Safari Adventure.

Before we continue: if you learn better with an audiobook you can get one for free on Audible. Just set up a new account and you can learn Swahili for free. 

Shkiamoo (shka-moo)/Habari (ha-ba-ri) & Mambo (mam-bo) – ‘Hello & How are You’ in Swahili

Hello is a confusing one for many native English speakers. This one has caught me out a few times when returning to Tanzania after speaking to native English speakers. In English an appropriate response to ‘Hello’ is to return a greeting of ‘Hello’; this is different in Swahili – a greeting works as a call & answer. Habari is the most common greeting used and it literally translates to ‘news’ – almost like when we say ‘How are you?’. So when responding to Habari you would say Nzuri (fine/nice/good), Safi (clean), Salama (peaceful) or even Mbaya (bad). Then you would return the greeting Habari.

Your greeting may also change depending on who you are speaking to. For instance, you would say Shkiamoo to an elder – it very roughly translates to ‘I respect you’. The answer you will get back will be will be Maraba (Ma-ra-ba) which basically means ‘I accept your respect’. Then a greeting will be returned. Often ‘Jambo’ where you are to reply ‘Si Jambo’. And the greetings go on. Habari za Leo (How is the day?)

A very casual greeting, which you will hear a lot is Mambo (which means ‘things’) (or Jambo in Zanzibar) – this means ‘what’s up?’. Generally, you can respond with Poa (Po-ah) which means which is used like ‘cool’. Then a greeting will be returned. Be very careful when using Mambo to elders as it can seem rude – if you’re in any doubt just use Habari.

This may be a bit confusing now but to ask somebody, ‘How Are You’ you will ask Hujambo. This is an acceptable way of starting a conversation after the initial greeting.

Naomba (na-oum-ba)- ‘I would Like…’

‘I would like’ is a phrase that you will always use. It is the politer version of ‘Na Taka’ which translates to ‘I want’ which may be considered rude depending on the circumstances (for instance, if you are in Kenya where Na Taka is acceptable).

Firstly there are two ways to say this phrase – Ninaomba or Naomba. It is similar to ‘I’d like’ and ‘I would like’

You can use this to ask for almost anything – for example, if you order a beer at the bar (Naomba Beer – ‘I would like a beer’), ordering your lunch (Naomba Samaki Na Wali – ‘I would like Fish &/with Rice’) or if you want to go somewhere… for instance, if you need the toilet (Naomba Kwenda Msalani– ‘I would like to go to the bathroom‘). That is a good one for a long game drive and you have drunk too much water.

If you wish to say ‘I don’t want’-  you will say Si Taki– for instance: ‘I don’t want spice’ would be Si Taki Pili Pili. Otherwise, you could say Si Taji which means ‘I don’t need’. So – Si taji maziwa ou sucari (I don’t need milk or sugar). 

Ndiyo (Nn-di-yo)/ Hapana (Ha-pah-ah)- Yes, and No

In Kiswahili, Ndiyo means ‘Yes’ and Hapana means ‘No’. These are pretty straightforward and do not need so much explaining. Una taka Pili Pili? (Would You Like Spice?) ‘Hapana, si taki Pili Pili’ (No, I don’t want Spice). 

‘Asante (Ah-san-tay)- Thank You in Swahili

Thank you is a phrase that everyone should know in any native language before they travel to another country. It is polite, shows respect and will earn you some rather large smiles. Thank you in Swahili is the easiest phrase to learn and will be one that you use a lot – especially when you’re travelling from place to place, and meeting people along the way. . There isn’t too much more to say about Asante other than to say Sana which means ‘very’. Asante Sana translates to ‘thank you very much’.

Karibu (ka-ri-bu) – Welcome/ You’re Welcome in Swahili

Karibu is almost always the phrase you hear first when you arrive somewhere and it ties in quite nicely with the word above. Karibu mean ‘You are Welcome’ in Swahili and is used in a variety of different situations. It can be used to Welcome somebody into your home, to invite somebody to do something or to appreciate somebody saying thanks (some people say ‘ayah’ too).

If you are hitting the tourist routes you will no doubt come across some street vendors – often the call Karibu (Karabuni is plural if there is more than one of you) to invite you to see what they have on offer. They are saying ‘You’re Welcome’ in Swahili. It is polite to reply with Asante even if you don’t stop and walk past. Otherwise, when somebody says thank you- the response is Karibu or Karibu Sana.

Mimi Ni Mgonjwa (m-gon-jwa)- ‘I am Sick’

Like many places in the world, you are likely to get sick while your body is adjusting to the new bacteria in the warmer climates. Usually, you should be absolutely fine when your staying in a big hotel but sometimes if the kitchen washed the salad in tap water/you have ice cubes in your drink, you may get the ‘Jungle Rumble’, ‘Deli Belly’ or whatever you wish to call it.

You can’t always avoid getting sick and it is a fact of life for westerners in East Africa. It is important to know what to say to a doctor if things go south.

Generally, Mgonjwa means that you are ‘Sick’. By changing the prefix you change the subject – Mimi Ni (I am), Wewe Ni (You Are) and Yeye Ni (He/She is). Another one to say is Nina Kuraha which means ‘I have Diarrhoea’. Mimi Ni Mgonjwa. Nina Kuharisha (Ku-ha-ri-sha). If you say that to a pharmacist, or a local they will know exactly how to help you. In saying that you should always keep some rehydration salts, anti-sickness, anti-diarrhoea & always have a bottle of water with you if you feel runny.

Nishingapi (Ni-Shin-Gapi)- ‘How Much Does it Cost?’

Quite often in Tanzania, you may find yourself haggling for the price of an item. Most little stalls or shops do not have a price. Shingapi is the general term for asking the price of something. Whether that is the price of a Banana (ndizi) or a trip on a Bajaj (tuk tuk) you can use the term to understand how much it is going to cost you.

Numbers

Knowing your Swahili numbers is pretty important for almost everything. When you are getting the bill, asking for the price of something, counting etc…. It is fun to practice counting in a new language and it will be a skill you will likely have for as long as you keep practising- it will be very handy on your second trip to Tanzania! Read more about the numbers here.

Angalia (an-ga-lia)- ‘Look/To see’

This is not a particularly essential word or phrase, but it is a good one to play around with while on safari. The phrase Angalia means to look or to see- for instance, you can use it to say- Angalia Simba which means ‘Look, there is a Lion’. It is quite a cool one to use with each other to get to grips with the language and will help you learn the Swahili for the Safari Animals.

Goodbye/See you Later/Goodnight In Swahili

What better way to finish off the blog post than to learn how to say goodbye in Swahili. I have put all three phrases together because they are all handy. Firstly, to say goodnight is quite an easy one; it is Lala Salama which literally translates to sleep (lala) peacefully (Salama). It takes its roots is in Arabic from the Ottoman rule in the 18th century.

Finally, Just like in English, there are two ways of saying goodbye in Swahili.  Tutaonana Baadye (tu-ta-oh-nana Ba-die) can mean ‘Goodbye for now’ or ‘See You Later’ which is can be used when you are leaving somebody and you will know you will see them again. To say goodbye in Swahili for a longer period or forever is Kwa Heri (as it reads). It is what you will say at the airport to your guide- a sad goodbye.

Thank you for reading the blog – Swahili is a beautiful language and is really fun to learn. Our partnered guides are excellent teachers and will surely help you on your way!

Astane kwa kusoma blog! Tutaonana Baadye Rafiki.

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Best Hotels In Zanzibar & Their Prices

 The collection of islands that make up the Zanzibar Archipelago are world renowned for their beautiful warm climate, pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue water, a stunning variety of marine wildlife & coral reefs, & Stone Town; which is of huge historical and cultural significance to the whole of East Africa. All have attracted the best hoteliers on the planet. There are millions of tourists who travel to the Zanzibar islands to explore the history and bathe in the sunkissed Indian Ocean. This means that the Zanzibar coastline is home to some of the most luxurious and revered hotels on the African continent. So here is the question: which are the best hotels in Zanzibar, how much to they cost and what makes them so special?

Baraza Resort -The Best Hotel In Zanzibar

By far, the best hotel in Zanzibar is the Baraza Resort. This hotel has been selected as among the 25 best hotels in the world, the 4th best in Africa and the best hotel in Tanzania. It calls back to the luxury of the sultans and Arab spice kings; it combines a mixture of Indian, Swahili & Arab influences to make a beautiful true Zanzibari experience. The resort has a wide selection of are fully furnished, luxury rooms which have stunning decors that match the hotel’s theme. Alongside the abundance of luxury, the best hotel in Zanzibar offers the best Spa in Zanzibar that calls upon acient traditional remedies to ensure your relaxation. The No1 best hotel in Zanzibar provides all the relaxation, meditation and recovery that is needed for a holiday and more – the best hotel in Zanzibar is a true slice of paradise.

When talking about the best hotel in Zanzibar, you can expect that it doesn’t come cheap. The Rooms can vary from $1118.35/ £851.37 to as much as $1,437.47/ £1092.35 a night (2 persons- all inclusive). For this price, you will be able to live as a sultan for as long as you are there.

The Palms – Best Hotel in Zanzibar for Honeymoons

By far, The Palms is the best hotel in Zanzibar for Honeymoons & Romantic Getaways. It is situated on the quieter Western Coast of Unguja Island and is perched perfectly on an award-winning beach. The Palms hotel is comprised of 6 private villas that are geared specifically towards providing the ideal intimate romantic getaway, or a Zanzibar Honeymoon. Due to the small size of the hotel, you’re able to take advantage of your own personal service staff and will be waited on hand and foot. The service at The Palms is completely dedicated to your comfort and relaxation. If you so wished, you are able to organize a quiet candlelit dinner on the beach and relax under the stars. The hotel is never overcrowded and its small size ensures that your Zanzibar Honeymoon can be a private affair for just the 2 of you. The reason why The Palms is the best hotel in Zanzibar for honeymoon holidays? It is all down to the personal service and careful consideration of every detail you will need to fall in love all over again on your Zanzibar Honeymoon.

For an exclusive Zanzibar Honeymoon, you can expect to pay from $510.36/ £389.82 to $1168/ £887.25 a night (all inclusive) depending on the season. For this price, your every need is catered for- including complimentary honeymoon treats!

Kilindi Zanzibar – Best Hotel in the North of Zanzibar

The Kilindi Zanzibar Hotel is the best hotel that you can find on the northern beaches of Zanzibar. The north of Zanzibar is often considered as the busiest and most popular part of the island; specifically the world famous  Nungwi Beach. There are lots, and lots of high quality, luxury hotels along this stretch of beach however, none seem to come close to the Kilindi. What makes the Kilindi the best hotel in the north of Zanzibar is the privacy, personal service and the spectacular views which look over the hotel grounds, beaches and bright blue Indian Ocean. The Hotel offers 15 private domed pavilion rooms which have their own plunge pool and rainfall shower which take advantage of the spectacular views.

Prices for the best hotel in Northern Zanzibar start from $650/ £494.13 up to $800/ £608.16 per person sharing (all inclusive). For this price, the Kilindi hotel provides an unforgettable experience.

Breezes Beach Club & Spa – 4th Best Hotel in Zanzibar

There are some hotels that are hard to forget; this hotel is one of them. Breezes has often been described as if it were part of a dream – it is stunningly beautiful, has fantastic facilities and amenities, and has some of the best services you can get on the island. Breezes Beach Club & Spa has been voted the 4th best hotel in Zanzibar and the 6th best in Tanzania. What is more, the beach on which the hotel sits was chosen by the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine as one of the top 30 beaches in the world.

As Zanzibar Hotel prices go, the Breezes doesn’t come in cheap but it is certainly value for money. After all, what price can you put on pure bliss? Prices for this hotel start from  $102.08/ £134.26 and end at $344.24/ $261.82 Per Night (2 people all inclusive) depending on the room quality and season.

Jafferji House Zanzibar – Best Hotel in Stone Town

Stone Town is the cultural and historical heart of the island and offers tourists an eye-watering number of monuments, architectural marvels, significant historical locations and points of interest. There is so much to see here that it is hard to see everything in one day. Among the narrow streets and old colonial buildings, you can find some of the most interesting hotels in Tanzania. For us however, the best hotel in Stone Town is the Jafferji House;  The Jafferji House Zanzibar is a 5* hotel is styled to reflect the character of Zanzibar and Stone Town itself. You can find yourself lost in the hotel admiring the interior which has as much history and integrity as the town itself. The jefferji House also offers a Spa and perfect location to explore what Stone Town has to offer.

Prices go from $130 to $300 depending on the room and season.

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Elephant Locations in Tanzania

There is no doubt that one of the most iconic animals on Safari is the African Elephant. These majestic, magnificent and huge beasts have roamed the African plains for millions of years. We are extremely lucky that Tanzania has one of the largest, and widespread, populations of Elephants in all of Africa. Sadly, due to human interactions, overlapping of habitats with humans, and the increase in the Ivory trade in Asia, Elephant numbers are decreasing rapidly. Soon there may be too few African Elephants to sustain the population.

We know that almost everyone who plans a Tanzanian Safari come here hoping to see the famed African Elephant. With the declining population, increased security and the danger of poachers, a sighting of an Elephant in its natural habitat is becoming rarer and rarer. These days you have to know the Elephant Locations in Tanzania, and when it is best to see them.

Selous Game Reserve

The Selous Game Reserve is considered the last bastion for African Elephants with their numbers holiday at 25,000 individuals, despite the fact that 66% of the population has been killed between 2009-2013. The numbers of Elephants here are sadly still dwindling, which sparked and unprecedented collaring scheme to help preserve the Elephant numbers in the April of this year (2018). Although there are tight controls over who comes and goes, Walking Safaris are permitted and the boat Trips on the Rufiji river are extremely popular. This may be the easiest and most leisurely way to get into the Selous Game Reserve due to the tight controls over Reserve entry. The River itself cuts right through the middle of the whole Game Reserve, so access to see the wildlife is unbeatable. As Elephant Locations in Tanzania, the Selous Game Reserve is the biggest, however, there are a lot of obstacles to overcome if you wish to see the Elephants.

Elephants on the Rise in the Serengeti

In the bleak landscape of Elephant Conservation in Tanzania, there remain a few glimmers of hope. The Serengeti & the Maasai Mara (Kenya) has seen a 266% increase in elephant numbers between 1986 and 2014. Elephant Locations in Tanzania’s north has grown substantially and there are now thought to be over 7.450 elephants within nearly 20,000 square miles. In spite of this good news, it is thought that Elephant numbers, in general, are still in decline, and the Elephants are simply migrating from what was once thought as elephant locations in Tanzania, in favour for safer, more protected areas. Safari trips to the Serengeti are some of the most popular in Tanzania, so booking will not be a problem. It is comforting to know that at least for now, that the Serengeti is a beacon of hope for Elephant locations in Tanzania. All the more reason to visit the Serengeti while you can.

 

Ngorongoro Crater Elephants

Elephants in the Ngorongoro crater are the longest living Elephants in Tanzania. This is largely to do the natural protection that the huge volcanic crater provides and the lush soft vegetation that feeds the animals. It is a relatively unknown fact that Elephants can replace their teeth 4 or 5 times in their life span. Generally, other than being massacred by humans, the Elephants die from lack of sustenance once their final set of teeth wear out. Of all Elephant locations in Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater has the best environment for soft vegetation to grow, vegetation that the older Elephants can eat. Unfortunately, due to the age of these Elephants, their tusks grow longer than almost any in Tanzania; this makes them a target to poachers. Ngorongoro is a majestic location to enjoy a Safari trip, in and outside of the crater.

The Map of Elephant Locations in Tanzania

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