Lake Natron | Tanzania

Why go to Lake Natron Region?
That was what I was trying to discover when I went with my friend, expert guide Paul Oliver on my Safari in Feb-March 2015. Located within the Great East African Rift Valley, Natron is an off-the-grid [not for long though] Safari destination in Northern Tanzania.  I think I know why those who love being on Safari come here to explore.  

Stunning landscape.
This place is for those who want to photograph amazing varied terrain.

Ol Doinyo Lengai with ash on the side.

The most obvious is the glorious volcanic mountain Ol Doinyo Lengai, the mountain of God for the Maasai tribe members. The deep ridges carved from erosion, the spewed lava that comes out every 10 years or so or the depth of vegetation all reflected differently from different angles. This active mountain is very  mesmerizing to watch.

Glorious Lake Natron in the evening.

Alkaline rich Lake Natron and its reflective surface, the many rock outcrops that dot the mirror-like lake, the white soda ash on the shores, and the lovely reeds that create interest. The hills are alive with character. You have to see the many hills with mini peaks that are formed to release the gas from the belly of the Earth.

If you are into landscape photography with the occasional wildlife spotting, this is your place.

Walking Safari.
The area near our camp, Lake Natron Tented Lodge is about an hour walk to the caustic Lake Natron. You have to pass through surprisingly cool water springs, [it was around 90F in February], muddy patches with lots of footprints to inspect from the zebras to the little bird prints, and then the unique crunchy dry soda from the salty lake. 

Walking in Lake Natron.

There is also walking to the waterfall from the Engare Sero village. After your trek during the day, a cool dip sounds refreshing. 

Lake Natron is an alkaline lake with the right ph for the flamingoes to breed. I was expecting to see lots of flamingos but that was not the case as they had flown away further south to Lake Eyasi and east to Lake Magadi in Ngorongoro Region. You could hear them flying at night from my room. Non the less, getting so close to the flamingos by foot was quite special.

Then you have the large count of migratory birds coming all the way from Europe and even Alaska. Paul, who is a birder was clicking away. Wadders were skittish around us and Paul told me about bird netting and bird poaching. Birds are facing a huge problem in many European countries like Italy, Malta to countries like Jordan. Millions of these lovely birds are served as a delicacy to satisfy humans.

Of course, the local birds are every present. We had fun with the Spotted Morning-thrush hanging on the branches of the acacia tree. He and Paul had a good conversation about our lovely ‘Safari life’.

Cultural stop.
Historic footprints have been found here. They calculated the age of these footprints and they are around 120,000 years old, the first modern straight standing man. This area is very close to Oldupai Gorge, were one of the first homo sapiens skull was found by the Leakey family. 

That is homo sapien Paul Oliver leaving his footprints in the fresh spring water.

Who would like Lake Natron?

Anyone who likes to drive through open wide spaces, enjoys a bit of heat [especially from December to March], loves the freedom to take many walks, birds and migratory birds, can stare at stunning landscape and finish off with a cool dip in the fresh spring waters near Lake Natron Camp.

To enjoy Lake Natron, you need to spend a minimum of 2 nights. 
If going off-the-beaten-path it of interest and you have time, adding Lake Natron and the lovely Lake Natron Camp to your Tanzanian Safari will be an amazing experience. 

Specialist Guide on Safari

Our Safari guides are fantastic! We feel incredibly lucky to have some of the best trained guides working with us.

Sometimes, some clients want something different. They want to dig a lot deeper as they crave more knowledge of the animals and the land. They want in-depth answers to the what, why, how, when, why not, what if, what now, what more. Specialist guides will have your in-depth knowledge soar.

What makes them specialist guides?

• Guides that have been guiding for more than 15 - 20 + years.
• They train other guides.
• They are friends/mentors with other specialist guides.
• They cater to clients who already know a lot about the land, its people and wildlife.
• Guides who are in the news as they have done research or have been part of research teams or organizations.
• They are into photography and have articles published or are mentioned in articles.
• They care about conservation and are our public voice. They have access to a larger platform.

But above all, they want you to come and enjoy being on Safari. They will have you love our country as much as they do. Twende [let's go] Safari. There are fantastic memories to be made.

Paul Kirui.
We were first introduced to him in 2005 when we were on Safari in Masai Mara. Our luck we crossed paths with him. Paul, who has a gold standard certification, has been a source of information. He was involved with BBC's Big Cat production as well as Disney's African Cats.  He has been on many top Safari guide list. A Safari with him would be equal to winning a lottery.

Paul Oliver.
You have head of him many times on our blog. He has been our mentor when we first started Journey To Africa. At that time he operated Oliver's Camp in Tarangire. Today he divided time between Tanzania and Australia. His passion for guiding is unwavering. He is an avid birder. He and his trusty land-rover can take you from Northern to Southern Tanzania. Get ready for a witty time.

Ethan Kinsey.
I knew Ethan when he was little boy and used to come over with my brother from school in our home town of Arusha, Tanzania. Today, Ethan is an accomplished specialist guide and a sought after guide trainer. Not only does he lead Safaris in every corner of Tanzania but goes to Rwanda as well as Congo. He will lead you into uncharted adventures without shoes - literally - that is how comfortable he is with the environment and wildlife. 

Safari with Children, why Yes!

Taking children on Safari? Brilliant idea.  You will be making some great memories together
on your Family Safari.

We have been lucky to introduce Tanzania and Kenya to many children over the years.  The ideal children age to go on a Safari of course depends on the maturity of your child but generally we say 8 – 9 years old is a good age to head out. That is also a minimum age at some of the lodges.

Together when planning the Safari with the parents and grandparents, our Safaris with children have included more cultural stops. School visits are arranged, spending time with Maasai or Hadzabe tribe, village stops, and shopping in the local food markets.  An eye-opening experience for your children and adults alike.

Kyle H, 16 year old young traveler stands out.  
Her parents had already booked their Safari and Kilimanjaro climb and warned me she was not interested in ‘Africa’. Her friends were going to Europe. Well, after conquering Kilimanjaro, she called to say she was so glad she went on her Safari.  She made great friends on Kilimanjaro, learned Swahili words, and berry picked with Hadza girls. My day was made.

Four tips when planning your Family Safari.

1. Slow down.
We would definitely recommend spending at least two nights in each lodge. This way the children get a sense of ‘home’.  Find lodges that welcome children and have activities to keep them entertained. We have a list of lodges and tented camps that do just that.

You have places like Rhotia Valley Tented Lodge in Ngorongoro Area where your children will be playing soccer with the kids in the field or chatting about future aspirations and dreams.  Life long friendship may develop from these evening chats.

Lodges like Mkombe House Lamai let's you have some 'down time'. The guide will engage the children on a walking Safari [over 12 years old]. They discuss wildlife, plants, discuss local customs, learn conservation - your children will come back with memorable experiences. 

2. Short hours.
Parents traveling with children realize that spending long hours enjoying wildlife may not be ideal. Take breaks. Get out and stretch for a longer time like we did at Tarangire Picnic spot. The children got to run around, enjoy elephants coming for a drink in Tarangire River and see monkeys groom each other on the fence. 

3. Stop.
In Stone Town, I had plans to walk the alleyways in the afternoon and do some antique shopping.  Well, diving into the Indian Ocean happened. Our children were happy to sit and watch the Zanzibari children jump the wall into the Indian Ocean for hours. Stop. I had to let shopping go and instead I captured their happiness with the beautiful sunset. And we enjoyed some delicious food at Forodhani Gardens. 

Our families on Safari do the same. We chose lodges with amazing views so they can stop. One family spent the day at their Luxury Lodge enjoying wildlife while lounging at the pool and their tent. The father told me he managed to read a book, a luxury for most parents while still enjoying elephants, birds, wildebeests and zebra strolling in the distance. A good stop for everyone.

4. Savor the moments.
Traveling with your children is all about memory making as a family.  Taking them on a Safari will inspire them to be future conservation leaders, wildlife researchers, and maybe even assist Tanzania + Kenya in other areas like education and technology.

“To travel is to take a journey into yourself” – Danny Kaye.

Our young Safari traveler turned 17 years old in Serengeti.  The staff at the Permanent Tented Lodge they were overnighting baked him a birthday day and sang happy birthday. We hope that memory is special to him and his family forever.

On our July 2014 Safari, my then 5-year-old son and 3-year-old daughter are huge Wild Kratt fan, a PBS show. It was great to hear my son asking our guide Elisa all these questions about the animals.  Why is the giraffe tongue dark? Have you seen a caracal? What makes flamingos pink? You could see him testing Elisa with what he had heard from Chris and Martin Kratt.

When I asked him to record his sightings, he would somehow tie in the animals with his love for Star Wars. Death Star and the warthog. The journal with his observations is a keeper. My 3-year-old daughter, she wants to be Aviva and save the animals.

Take your children on Safari. It is definitely worth it!
Write your own Family Safari Story! We can help you get there. 

April Showers, May Flowers

"I bless the rain's down in Africa" - Toto.

We do love it when it rains in our National Parks. The animals and birds depend on the rain to fill up the water sources layers deep. The grass, bushes and the trees flourish during the rains providing food for countless wildlife. From the lakes, the rivers and its many tributaries, to the swamps and water holes, life depends on the rains to swell these life-lines come the brutal dry season which is usually from July to September.

April and May are usually the rainy season in Tanzania and Kenya. This year we have had some good rains in the National Parks. From wild Ruaha to Masai Mara, the parks have had some good downpour. In fact, some areas in the parks are still experiencing rainfall. That is nature for you. Awesome yet unpredictable!

Here are 5 reasons to consider an April + May Safari :

• Low number of people on Safari.
• Great rates on many of our luxury Safari lodges and tented camps.
• Wildflowers galore.
• Dreamy sky for great photography.
• Wildlife is always there!

Hardly any people on Safari. The rains tend to scare people. But don't be. It usually rains for a few hours and then you have a clear day to enjoy. Be ready for an adventure.  Sometimes you have to wear a poncho on Safari or sliding around during your game drive -- all memory makers. 

Seeing only a few other vehicles in your own private park. Sure Tarangire and Ruaha will have long grass but if you are patient, the sightings are going to be that much rewarding.

Most of our preferred lodges offer great rates around this time. Take advantage and escape right after school closes [in the US which is usually end of May] for a Family Safari.

Green green grass with lots of wildflowers and blue grey skies. My photographer clients love this time as they say the background for their subjects tend to be dreamy. The harsh sun can be tamed and the whole day can be a photoshoot. And the subjects are always spectacular and sometimes freshly cleaned.

Come. Explore Tanzania in April and May.

The Great Wildebeest and Zebra Migration

One of the biggest draw to the wildlife-rich Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania and Masai Mara in Kenya is the wildebeest and zebra migration. The 1.5 million wildebeest and 0.5 zebra strong herbivore team, and its many herbivore and carnivore co-dependants, are constantly roaming this expansive area. The phenomenon is one of the Natural Wonders of the World. An experience that must be witnessed first hand as words alone can't justify this wonder.

The large herds are constantly moving this approximately 7,000 sq. miles area in search of fresh food and water.

They will feast on the nutritious mineral-rich grass of the Southern Serengeti during birthing time. With lots of calves, the cats have easy target. They sustain themselves on the long grass of Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara after rutting in Western Serengeti. And pass through Central and Eastern Serengeti / Loliondo area when heading back to Southern Serengeti. While on the move, you may be lucky and witness the Grumeti River crossing in Western Serengeti  and dramatic Mara River crossing in Northern Serengeti. That is bonus!

Wildebeest Migration viewing guideling:

November to December
The wildebeest and zebra migration are heading to Southern Serengeti from Northern Serengeti. They are moving down via east of Serengeti in the Loliondo area and the many private concession areas. During this time, it is best to hedge your bets and stay in two regions of Serengeti.

January to March
The birthing season for the wildebeest and zebra. The place to be is Southern Serengeti to Loliondo and the many private concessions areas. The herds will also spill over to Ngorongoro Conservation Area. A good time to enjoy lots of hunts as cats come out to play with lots of young calves around.

April to May
The long rain season and showers can last a few hours but when it clears - fresh skies. If you don’t mind being adventurous this is a great time to visit and get some amazing deals on lodges. Central Serengeti to Western Serengeti is the place to be.

June to July
June is green after the rains. Enjoy the wildflowers. Migratory animals are roaming from Central to Western Serengeti on their way to Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara. During this time, the herds may be crossing the Grumeti River to get to Northern Serengeti or may already be in this area. Grumeti River is home to large crocodiles. Areas outside western Serengeti are also prime viewing spots.

August to October
The Wildebeest and Zebra population are usually in the long lush grass of Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti. They are in this region for a few months enjoying vegetation that the long rains of April May brought about. The herds are going back and forth between Tanzania and Kenya and increasing the odds of seeing a lovely Mara River crossing.

Right Place, Right Time!
The wildebeest and zebra herd of a million-plus are always moving. The thing to remember is getting to the right place, right time. We know just the places to make that happen.

5 Unforgettable Safari Experiences for Your Mother.

Being on a family Safari is a special time to make memories that you can remember forever. And who better than a mother, who loves getting everyone together, so that family stories are kept alive. Indulge mama on her Luxury Safari.

We know 5 experiences mommy would Love on her Safari.

1] Let’s start with jewelry.
Mamas, we all like browsing, receiving and buying jewelry. On Safari, you will see lots of beautiful Maasai jewelry on display. So why not go straight to the source to see how it is done. Head to the Maasai village with our friend Tati of Tanzania Maasai Women Art or spend time with the mamas at Sidai, a local jewelry shop in Arusha and seeing how the Maasai mama’s use their beads to create unique jewelry piece. She will always have something to admire and reminisce about.

Your visit not only gives you the lovely jewelry you will enjoy but directly empowers the Maasai women who achieve financial independence when collaborating with companies like Sidai.

2] A cooking class in the middle of Serengeti.
Chefs at many of the lodges will set up time to help mother’s cook up a feast. Of course, she will have lots of help from the sous chefs and the kitchen staff  – she is on Safari after all. The chef will show off their talents in their kitchen. The chef will come up with a cooking plan that best suits mama and her cooking skills.

A gourmet meal is always on the menu on Safari.

3] How does date night sound on Safari!
Would mommy be traveling with young children? A big yes to bringing children on Safari. Babysitters are available!  The babysitter can play with the children in the room until you get back from your date-night dinner.

The goal here is for you to enjoy a delicious dinner with amazing wine under the African skies on your night out. Bliss on Safari.

4] A massage for mama.
Imagine coming back after your wildlife viewing to a soothing room, essential oils burning, and a massage. Don’t you feel your muscles relaxing already? Some of the lodges take you outside where nature gives you the music.

Get pampered on your Safari. Yes mom, you deserve it!

5] Fly high over Serengeti or Tarangire in a hot-air balloon.
Oh the little luxuries in life for the mother in your family. Soar over the African savannah and enjoy this special family moment in your own balloon basket. Upon landing, you will have a breakfast table set up in the middle of the park where you can toast with champagne bubbles and enjoy a delicious English breakfast under a tree.

A high flying family treasure to keep.

Add any of these fun memory keepers to your Family Safari.
Happiness is being on Safari with mama.

Right age for a Family Safari?

What is the right age to take your child[ren] on a Safari? I get that question from all my guests - from my past guests, who now have families of their own and want to share the Safari experience, to those new to Journey To Africa Safari. I have had clients as young as 3 years of age [he tagged along with older siblings] to a 16-year-old who climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro to the summit. Realistically however, I would say over 8+ years of age.

Most of the Safari Lodges we recommend will not allow children under the age of 6 years unless you have the whole lodge to yourself which is possible if you are interested. Around the ages of 8 years +, you will have a budding Safari goer.

Some reasons why?
– They will be interested in participating in the Safari planning which is a great way for them to get excited.
– They can sit through long international flights and airport transfers.
– They will get excited about seeing the many animals in the beautiful national parks and more.
– They will remember the interaction along the way – a great way for children to experience another culture and come back hopefully with an appreciation of how others live.
– They will be curious and ask questions - music to parents’ ears.

One of my favorite feedback came from a then 14-year-old - hi Alex - who said popcorn was his favorite 'dessert' and when the crew at Oliver’s Camp in Tarangire found that out, he had popcorn by the bush fire. Now that is a memory worth sharing.

These two; they are just lucky kids of mine. Their first Safari was in 2014 when they accompanied me on my Safari to Tanzania.

Flying on Safari

What would we do without our ‘flying taxis’ aka Safari ‘bush’ planes.

- They have made planning Safaris to less visited areas simpler.
- They save a lot of transfer time.
- They are pretty cost efficient and with more carriers, prices are competitive.
- They offer great aerial views.

You can get to places like Northern Serengeti, Tanzania which were once only accessible via driving. You would have spent 2-3 days getting to the northern part of Serengeti to enjoy this remarkable location. Some clients still do of course enjoy the drive and exploring different regions slowly.

Flying from Serengeti to remote parks in Southern Tanzania like wild Katavi National Park and Lake Tanganyika + beautiful Greystoke Mahale to spend time with the human-like chimps after your Safari - fly away. From the gateway Maun, Botswana to far-reaching areas in the Okavango Delta, we got you covered. Nairobi, Kenya - the capital city - to Masai Mara is possible but a long drive via bumpy roads - flying makes it that much easier.

Sometimes, if you get lucky, you may be able to sit in the co-pilot seat - like my guest Sheree - and take control of the plane - well, at least that is what the pilot let’s you think.

A big question I get is how big are the planes on Safari?
The planes can be 2 seaters to 18 seaters, just depends where you are and how many people are booked to fly that day. For instance, my flight from Selous [now Nyerere National Park] to Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania was a 4 seater, and Sabi Sabi Airstrip to Mala Mala Airstrip, South Africa was in a 2 seater - just me and the pilot. From Seronera, Serengeti, Tanzania to Arusha Airport, Tanzania, it is usually 18-seaters, especially during peak season. Whichever plane you will ride, be ready for an adventure.

Thank you little zippers.  Even if you have a small weight limit [usually around 33 lbs in Tanzania and Kenya or 45 lb in South Africa or Botswana], you make getting from A to B convenient. Now let's get you flying on Safari.