What type of Safari vehicles will you ride on your wildlife Safari?

When on your Safari, you are going to enjoy game driving for at least 8-10 hours a day, sometimes more, sometimes less - you get to choose in most cases and sometimes your guide/weather. You may start early around 6:00 a.m. and end as late at 6:30 to 7:00 p.m when the areas close. You may even go out at night on your night game drives from certain lodges.

During this time, you will learn to appreciate your work-horse - your Safari vehicle.
Your 4×4 vehicle expertly maneuvered by our experienced knowledgeable Safari guide is your safe house. It will keep you cocooned from the wildlife, the rough terrain bumpety bump ride, and the range of weather elements you will encounter. The vehicle will act as your photography hide, breakfast and/or lunch table especially the bonnet/hood, your napping spot - happens to the best of us, your evening ride home.

In conclusion, where you will spend a lot of your waking hours. For this very reason, I take my vehicle selection from my Safari partners very seriously as it will be a big part of how you will enjoy your Safari!

So, what type of vehicle(s) will you have on your wildlife Safari?
Depends on which area you on Safari.

For Tanzania and Kenya, when you fly in an area, like Northern Serengeti or Masai Mara from a city like Arusha or Nairobi, you will hop into an open vehicle. South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, where you mostly fly into an area; open vehicles are your go-to ride.

The open vehicles here will have a roof on top and plastic canvas on the sides should you need to protect yourself from rain. The open vehicle may look different in many areas in South Africa like MalaMala Game Reserve or Sabi Sabi Lodges where they will have open vehicles with no roof giving you a completely open feel.

If you are driving from the city to the parks, especially in Tanzania, you may be in a closed vehicle because doing a drive through the main-road in an open vehicle is not advisable. Going down Ngorongoro Crater is recommened in a closed vehicle.

The closed vehicles that we like, and chose our Safari partners accordingly, have to have large unobstructed windows and a pop-up roof so you can have shade and a panoramic view to enjoy the magnificient scenery.

Regardless of what type of vehicle you will have, your vehicle will have lots of amenities.
A cooler with water, soft drinks, wine, beer, etc., plugs to charge your spare camera batteries or iPhone, bean bags for your camera - big or small, binoculars for spotting, lots of guide books, snacks – you do get hungry on Safari,  blankets to keep you warm from the wind, and raincoat/poncho for the expected or unexpected rain.

If you have any special requests such as need a step stool to get on board, pillow for your back, extra water, etc., we can cater to that as well.

All in all, your vehicle with our professional guides will be ready to show you a great time on Safari with Journey To Africa. Now let’s get you on your Safari.

Served with a smile!

Be ready to come back with new friends after your Safari. It sounds cliche but that is really what happens. Our Safari guests come back and tell us they were sad to say good-bye to their new friends even those they met for a short time. Some guests keep in touch for years and even return to go on a Safari with their favorite guides in their favorite areas. Besides my guide friends, I still keep in touch with some of the lodge crew and rangers who I met on my journey. Who knows, may you too will come back with a friend or two after your Journey To Africa Safari.

Your Safari dollars support:

When you are on Safari, the people who you will come across are genuinely happy to see you for a myriad of reason; they have a job in the tourism industry which is one of the better-paying jobs in most Eastern and Southern African countries, good tips from you = better standard of living for the whole family - think better education for the children, good healthcare, living conditions, etc. Statistically, 8 other people will benefit from the one person you ‘touched’ on Safari - the community at large is supported by you.

Our friends in Africa, especially our guides, through our past guests have traveled to visit homes and places in the US - sometimes, Safaris can form friendships for life!

When you are ready to travel, we will be waiting for you with a huge smile - me from behind the phone call, email or zoom [the new reality - which hey, sign up for a few planned get-together sessions] - and my friends; soon to be yours - somewhere in magical Africa. We can’t wait for you!

And in this new post-Covid world, if you are up for it, and hopefully can, a hug with a smile awaits!

What will this day be like [on Safari], I wonder?

I just love this photo of my daughter walking to the Safari vehicle. The song from the musical, The Sound of Music pops up, ‘What will this day be like, I wonder?’. The excitement of what lies ahead.

It was the first morning on Safari and the anticipation of what will I see? What wildlife will I enjoy on Safari? The glorious landscapes in the wide-open space. The sunrises and sunsets. The birds, the insects, the flowers, the trees, the stars - oh yes, so lovely to notice. The sharing of information with the Safari guides - the knowledge he/she will impart about the animal kingdom, the people of the country, the tribes, and so much more.

I know this is what she was feeling when she was skipping to Jacob, our wonderful Safari guide with Rekero Camp in Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya.

This day is coming for you.
Let’s chat Safari.

Planning Your African Safari

A guest recently asked me how do I come up with the Safari itineraries. Are the places I have suggested places I would go to? What would be something different if I was going?

Here is what I am doing when I am planning and mapping your Safari - I am physically taking your Safari in my head - from arrival to departure; just like the Safari somewhere in Africa you will take.

A little background:
Majority of the Safaris I suggest are to parks, reserves, conservancies, etc. I have been and Safari lodges I have stayed at or visited on my travels. Personal, first-hand knowledge. Some are sister-lodges to the places I know so I can be sure of the quality and attention to details. There are a few times I will plan Safaris to places I have not been but my guests have either traveled with me before [my Journey To Africa family is strong] and trust me to plan again.

So when I am planning your Safari to, for example, my home country of Tanzania, I am visualizing my own arrival into Kilimanjaro International Airport to departure from say Dar-Es-Salaam Nyerere Airport after some beach time in Zanzibar Island or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya. If you are going to South Africa or Botswana’s Okavango Delta, how it was for me when arriving into Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, South Africa so I can choose the right routing.

I will put myself in your shoes with the information you have given me - length of Safari, must-see things to do, Safari lodge style and budget, age of the Safari goers, interests, etc.

I will ask myself many questions. Is the length right? How can I make this a slow Safari so you are immersed in the experience? Would I want to do that drive? Should I fly them? Will walking with Maasai be fun for a Family Safari? Would I want to stay longer here because the season is just right? Can I ask you to add more time as I think it will make the Safari more seamless? Is this place their style? What Safari guide will I request for this Safari?

Sometimes, you will come with Safari lodges that are recommended or favored by a magazine or a Safari itinerary suggested. I will decide what I like and when I need you to trust me and my judgment especially when we are not comparing apples to apples.

In the end, I plan a Safari I would like to take, with your interest in mind!
The Safari itinerary has to be a Safari we both get excited thinking about. I want to send you off on a Safari with complete confidence you will be bitten by the amazing Safari bug - very harmless and no cure found. The intent is you will want to take another Journey To Africa Safari and also tell everyone you know about your experience.

"You will never kick the ancient dust of Africa off your boots." - unknown author

Now, pick my Safari information filled brain and let’s get you on Safari somewhere in magical Africa.

Your Safari is only as good as your Guide

On your Journey To Africa Safari, you will have an amazing guide!

I feel confident saying this because thanks to our guides, many of Journey To Africa guests are repeats or referrals - our guides make Safari’s memorable. With a great guide, you are sure to see the animal-life you are excited to see, have fun on the game drives, learn about the country, feel safe, and more. Your Safari guide becomes your friend.

Our guides go through rigorous training in wildlife, birdlife, plantlife, etc. but also human psychology. How to read you to make sure you have a great time. Which brings me to the next tip.

Be open with them.
What do you want to see if nature allows, want to spend a long time on a sighting, how do you like your coffee or tea, do flowers interest you, what birds are on your lifer list [if not a birder, do give birds a chance please ;)], need extra blankets to keep you warm or a pillow for your back, into photography - tell them so they are aware of positioning the vehicle correctly, etc.

The more you tell them about you, the better your experience will be. Trust me - your guide wants to give you the best Safari experience. If you are having fun and enjoying yourself, then it’s a Safari well done.

Your Safari awaits with one of our amazing Safari guides.

Family Safari in Africa.

I love planning Safaris. But when I get to plan Family Safaris - woohoo!
I am thinking of all the possibilities that can happen when a child or children are on Safari. They may come back home having seen something that will shape their future because of the people they will have met on Safari. The wildlife stories told by their Safari guide will make them future conservationists. The forever memories that will be told for years during get-togethers. Endless!

However, my goal is to also make sure the adults also have a good time and don't come back from their Safari needing another vacation - well, maybe. ;)

Here are some ideas to make your Family Safari go as smooth as possible. 

Get a Family Room.
Most of the lodges have a family room and if we book ahead of time, we can get that room for you. You will have two rooms with usually a living room between the rooms. Most will also have two bathrooms within that space. Perfect when you have younger kids and are not comfortable with them having their own room yet or having to split up the adults. 

Slow Travel.
Safaris can be a bit of go-go-go especially if you are keen on waking up early to capture the sunrise but also want to be out until the last light of the day and enjoy the sunset. Slow Travel. Stay in one place for a few days to make it easy on yourself and settle down. You know you have a room ready for an afternoon siesta, the crew knows what foods the kids like, what drinks mama and baba need to wind down, etc. If there is a pool, take advantage of that as the pools will have amazing views. 

Private Safari.
Having your own vehicle is appreciated by most families. The biggest advantage of this is that you can set your times. Want to sleep in a bit today - sure! Want to come back to camp early in the evening  - of course! Fussy kid on the game drive - no worries! You and your Safari guide set the schedule versus having to go by a set schedule or have other guests give you that look. 

Plan B - cards, movies, book. 
Always have a Plan B. It is your holiday after all and some days, just take a break. All the camps we recommend have great views, amazing ambiance so even if you want to stay back and read, watch a movie in the afternoon, you are still part of the environment and you may have to pause to see wildlife stroll by the camp. 

Sawa! Okay, now let's get you on Safari.  

Feel Good Moment on Safari.

I'd would like to share with you a warm fuzzy stop on your wildlife Safari experience in Northern Tanzania, a place that is near and dear to me. I know it will be yours as well. 

Rift Valley Children's Home.

When you and your young world explorers want to head out on a life changing Family Safari in Africa to see the amazing wildlife but also want to leave a mark of compassion not only for wildlife but also citizens of the world; then let me introduce you to a children's home we support. 

Natalie came prepared with undergarments for the girls and boys. They were so thankful. 

A bit of background.
When Baba Peter worked in the Safari industry with Mama India, he once told her he would like to help the many orphaned, neglected, abused children of Karatu region by providing them a safe home but would love her help in finding funding. Mama India had just moved from New York after a Mt. Kilimanjaro climb [which she did not want to do but on arrival, ended up falling in love with Tanzania], and told him sure. Well, years later, she and Peter have adopted around 100 kids from around Karatu region. 

Now why is this place different?
Each child has a home. A home where there is a Mama. A mama to cuddle at night for when you have nightmares, a mama to cook your special food because it's your birthday, a mama to make sure you do your work, a mama who keeps you in check. Each home has around 10-15 kids so you actually feel like you are living in a home. There is a kitchen, a living space, a patio, some space in your room; just like home.

Our client enjoying a game of soccer with the kids. Fun times for everyone. 

It's not only a safe space. It's where the child will thrive. 
The kids go to good school close by thanks to funding provided by you, me and the donors, have medical help onsite via a registered nurse, maybe their parents are being helped so they can get on their feet with micro-financing, have a lovely soccer field because well, soccer or football as we say, is huge, basketball court because there are lots of US volunteers and it's just a fun game and much more. Mama India and Baba Peter together with a team of volunteers truly care for the kids. 

We can set up an afternoon for you to spend time here.
Play with the kids, see the mamas in action, learn more about the organization ++.  
And, I have many clients including Sydney, my young explorer who said she'll come back here and volunteer when 21. Now, that is a Safari moment for the books.

A Typical Day on Safari in Tanzania and Kenya.

Everyday is a different day on Safari. No agendas; just you and your Safari guide making plans on what to see, where to go, how long to be out, and more. Here are guidelines to navigate your day on a Tanzanian Safari.

Morning.
For the most part, I'd say on Safari, waking up early should be the norm even if you are not a morning person. Why? Sunrise. This time of the day is truly glowing. 

Your wake-up call can be any where from 6:00 am onwards.

1. You can decide to have breakfast at the lodge. Enjoy coffee in your room, then head to the main area. Majority of the Safari lodges in the national parks have a deck looking out at the park. Enjoy the sunrise while eating breakfast.  
2. Start around 6:30 am and go out looking for wildlife in the early morning, when the sun is lighting up the African soil. Have breakfast around 8:30 -9:00 am [or when your stomach calls for food] in the middle of the national park. This should be your choice at least once or twice in each national park.

Afternoon.
Depending when you have started, you will have two choices. 

1. Stay out for lunch in the parks. If you have stayed in for breakfast, go out and stay out for a bit longer. There are many picnic spot your guide will take you or in some cases, you will eat in the car while watching the rhino crawl or in the middle of the Wildebeest Migration.
You can come back to the Safari lodge at your own leisure for your afternoon siesta.

2. Come back for lunch at the Safari lodge. If you have been out from early morning, this can be an option. And if you want, squeeze in an outdoor shower when the sun is out. 

Late afternoon / Evening.

Around 3:30 - 4:00 pm, you will be heading out again if you have been in the Safari Lodge. Go out to capture the evening golden hour. If you've had enough for the day, stay back. There are no rules. 

You will be out and about until 6:30 pm, stretching it to 7:00 pm before you have to return back. Many a rush drive back have been had as you want to soak in every last light on Safari.
Also, this is the time for sundowners. The time you park your vehicle, enjoy a drink while watching the glorious sunset in Africa. You will pinch yourself, you are on Safari.

Night-time.

Pure cozy. Campfire, Safari stories by the camp manager or staff + dinner.
Some stories that have to be heard like this Maasai warrior telling us about his right of passage by hunting lions. Keep an open mind - it's not all black and white, lots of grey, lots of changes that need to be made, lots of traditional ways that have to alter, lots of cultural stories that need a new course - listen. 

In the end, you decide your travel style. Some clients want to be out all day; they want to soak every minute of being on Safari. Others want to relax a bit more; have all meals or more meals at the lodge and go out on game drive at leisure. 

Whatever your style, you will love your day on Safari.