Optional Activities in Your Tanzania Safari
Tanzania is home to various national parks where you can have a life time experience of game viewing where you get to spot the BIG 5 and possibly witness the great migration. There is also hiking in the hills such as Meru and Kilimanjaro. There are some optional activities that can be added to your safari itinerary, to make your experience even more wonderful.
Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti
Maximize your time at Serengeti by adding a hot air balloon ride to your vacation, which lets you view the plains and wildlife from the sky. Floating serenely over the treetops as the sun peaks over the horizon permits you to experience the endless Serengeti plains from an unforgettable perspective. As we set departure very early morning, you may even spot some nocturnal predators getting ready for the day. During most flights the pilot will include sections flown at a higher altitude allowing you to soak up uninterrupted views of the Serengeti; other sections may involve low-level flying, during which there may be the opportunity to see wildlife. Highly experienced pilots can follow rivers and streams, and will glide just meters above grunting hippos or wandering giraffes. Flying low allows you to take some great aerial wildlife photos.
Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti
Maximize your time at Serengeti by adding a hot air balloon ride to your vacation, which lets you view the plains and wildlife from the sky. Floating serenely over the treetops as the sun peaks over the horizon permits you to experience the endless Serengeti plains from an unforgettable perspective. As we set departure very early morning, you may even spot some nocturnal predators getting ready for the day. During most flights the pilot will include sections flown at a higher altitude allowing you to soak up uninterrupted views of the Serengeti; other sections may involve low-level flying, during which there may be the opportunity to see wildlife. Highly experienced pilots can follow rivers and streams, and will glide just meters above grunting hippos or wandering giraffes. Flying low allows you to take some great aerial wildlife photos.
Horse Riding
Apart from game drive and nature walks, you can explore the beauty of Tanzania national parks on the back of a horse. Horse riding is organized in different locations in Tanzania. It is highly popular in the Northern Circuit. You will be able to explore the vast natural features of Tanzania in various hotspots. Some of these destinations include Lake Natron, Arusha National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Longido, Namanga, Kilimanjaro National Park and many others. Horse riding in the Serengeti will enable you to enjoy the scenes of savanna, rainforest, woodlands, and wild animals like elephants, zebra, giraffe, lion and cheetah. On your way to the Serengeti, you will interact with the locals who reside in the Northern Tanzania.
Night Game Drive
Experience the adventure of a lifetime by taking a night game drive in the outskirts of Serengeti or Lake Manyara. A whole new world of animal species (nocturnal) await you on a night game drive. It gives you a different perspective of the park and wildlife. Especially a night game drive in Lake Manyara National Park. The less seen animals are generally active at night and Lake Manyara National Park are full of them! Porcupines, genets and civet cats are frequent visitors to the forest. Hippos are nocturnal animals (active by night) and it is highly likely to see many of these beasts grazing on the side of the road. Lake Manyara is well known for a large number of Leopards and although it is not a common occurrence these elusive cats are spotted on a regular basis. Lion sightings are more common and where lions are mostly sleeping in day time at night they are almost always active.
Masai Village visit
Maasai are a indigenous ethnic group inhabiting northern Tanzania and do originally reside near the Ngorongoro crater. A Maasai village consists of several houses made of mud and cow-dung, surrounded by fencing to protect their cattle from lions & other predators. Apart from their looks and whereabouts, the Maasai are known for their highly-skilled warriors and nomadic lifestyle. A visit to a Maasai village is a chance to interact with the Maasai and get a glimpse into their culture, unique way of life and see first hand some of their customs and practices. A visit to Maasai village can be arranged as a full day tour or just a few hours after a safari.
Hadzabe/Datoga Village visit
Experience indigineous culture of the hadzabe and datoga tribes found near the lake Eyasi. The Hadzabe are hunter-gatherers who live only in Tanzania, in Lake Eyasi. There are estimated to be around 1300 Hadzabe people living in Tanzania. The Hadzabe indigenous wisdom contains the belief that we are all related, including all living and inanimate beings. They grow no food, raise no livestock, and live without rules or calendars. Their way of life has remained unchanged over the millennia, and they live in small wandering groups of about twenty individuals. The Datoga are Nilotic pastoralists living only in Tanzania who are semi-nomads (population about 85 000). They have a strong warrior tradition and male domination of political and social life. They are also talented blacksmiths
Ngorongoro Crater Rim Walk
One of the best ways to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Ngorongoro crater is to explore it on foot. Ngorongoro crater, a defining feature of the Ngorongoro conversation area is a natural wildlife sanctuary that covers over 100,000 square miles in size. The animals that populate the Crater have survived in it for many millions of years, protected by the high crater walls and the moderate climate. With plentiful water and grass for grazers to feed on and ample game for the lion, leopard and hyena to hunt, the crater provides the perfect conditions for life—and for game-viewing. While engaging in this walking tour you will explore extinct volcanoes, diverse landscapes, wildlife and meet the local Maasai who live in this area. Immerse yourself in these beautiful highlands, away from the crowds. The views and scenery are truly breathtaking. The walk takes place around Ngorongoro highlands and around the crater rim.
Chemka Hot spring
Chemka hot spring, also known as Kikuletwa springs is a perfect place to visit after your safari adventure. It lies about 35 km from Moshi, in the heart of the Sanya Plains. Chemka means boiling, referring to the way the water appears to boil as it emerges from underground. In fact, the water is not hot rather it is a pleasant warm temperature! The springs’ water is from Mountain, Kilimanjaro. This is an oasis amidst the Tanzanian savannah. It offers captivating, Bounty-styled views, crystal-clean water and dense vegetation around. Chemka springs is the only place in Tanzania (and most likely in the whole East Africa), where the groundwater actively interacted with geothermal sources, forming a number of small lakes with warm non stagnating water. The spring is over 6 m deep in some places although you can see the bottom through the crystal clear waters no matter where you are. It is a great place for swimming or picnic.
Empakaai Crater Hike
The Empakaai crater is found inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, therefore it is a great addition to your safari in Ngorongoro crater. A trek in these areas is guaranteed to give you an amazing experience. Safari for the adventurous trekkers. The Empakaai Crater is a collapsed volcanic caldera which is 300 meters high and has a width of 6 km. The Crater is filled with a deep alkaline lake which occupies about 75% of the Crater’s floor and is about 85 meters deep. You can see Oldonio Lengai, Mount Kilimanjaro and the Great Rift Valley from the Crater’s rim. Walking down the crater you can also have magnificent view of the Mount Lengai. The Crater’s rim offers two special campsites.The Empakaai Crater and the Olmoti Crater have similar vegetation and bird-life but the Empakaai Crater is marvelous for wildlife. Among the animals living in this area are: the Bearded Vulture, the Augur Buzzard, blue Monkeys, Bushbuck, water bucks and buffaloes.
