Safari News

Kent: Kilimanjaro. There's an airport named after it. Songs are sung about it. There's a beer with its moniker. All for good reason: Rising on its own seemingly out of nowhere, Africa's highest peak (19,340 feet) is stunningly beautiful. Many people want to climb it, Kili Peak

and although it's not technical and requires no special skills beyond sheer determination, it's very challenging. Long hiking days, cold nights, rain and snow, and a lack of oxygen all combine to discourage climbers. On the other hand, incredible scenery, biodiversity, moon-like landscapes, lush forests and stunning views entice us. I'd be lying if I said I've enjoyed every minute of each of the times I've climbed Kili, but I will say that it remains one of my most memorable and prized experiences in Tanzania. As they say, it's really the journey, not the destination...For more info on my favorite climb, the Lemosho Route, click here.

Lyndsay: Western Tanzania is still relatively undiscovered and is home to some of Africa's most exciting parks and reserves. My hands-down favorite adventure in Western Tanzania (and possibly Chimp

all of Africa!) is chimpanzee trekking in Mahale Mountains National Park. There are few places that compare with the wild, remote location and the incredible chimp viewing opportunities. Based from Mahale Greystoke Camp, spend your mornings hiking in the mountains and viewing the apes and your afternoons on a dhow cruising the lake - it's unlike any other safari!

Gretchen: TheSelous is the largest game reserve in Africa, and during a visit, you can enjoy your safari by vehicle, by boat or on Selous

foot. Walking is an completely different experience. Learning to track game with a ranger, seeing the 'little 5' up close, getting your boots dirty, having an elephant walk by you from just a few metres away, and seeing animals from an entirely different visual perspective (wow - they look bigger from the ground!) make for walking safari magic. If you've done a vehicle safari, you have to try walking!

Susan: My favorite Tanzania experience is camping in the Serengeti. The sheer volume of wildlife is unmatched - literally a million-plus wildebeests and several hundred thousand gazelle and zebra participate in the annual Great Migration. Wherever these prey animals are, lions are not far behind, and don't forget Serengeti Plains

the hyenas, leopards, cheetah and crocodiles, or the big guys-the elephants, buffalo, and hippos. Mobile tented camps move with the Migration, so you are always near the action. And this is definitely not the camping I did as a child; tents are spacious, with comfortable beds, en-suite bathrooms, and wonderfully prepared food.

Brian: Stone Town, Zanzibar is my favorite destination in Tanzania. I love wandering the narrow streets, Zanzibar Alley

taking in the Swahili architecture and seeking out ornately carved Zanzibari doors. From the balcony of the House of Wonders you have a bird's eye view of the hustle and bustle below, and can watch traditional sailing dhows tack back and forth through the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. At night there is nothing better than piecing together a meal from seafood vendors grilling the day's fresh catch in nearby Forodhani Gardens. And then there is Taarab music, a unique blend of musical traditions from Africa, Arabia, India, and beyond. Complete your stay in Stone Town and spend a few days relaxing on one of Zanzibar's fine beaches.

Photos by AAC.