Sababu Safaris Distributes Solar Lights With Guests: A Look at the Impact on the Community

One trend that has been discussed at length in recent times in the African tourism industry, is the idea of having a sustainable safari experience. But what does it really mean to travel sustainably? One of the core tenets is about providing travelers with a "transformative" or "transformational" experience. There is now a fast-growing trend among travelers toward more mindful, conscious travel – who want more than just a simple visit to a new destination and instead crave an authentic, meaningful and life-changing travel experience that is making a difference!

Traveling with purpose is what we’re all about here at Sababu Safaris. We believe that travel – if done right – has the power to create lasting change in the world and transform lives for the better. At its core, travel is about connecting with new people, places and cultures, as well as changing limiting beliefs and gaining new perspectives that simultaneously inspire and challenge us.

OUR APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE AND TRANSFORMATIONAL SAFARIS

Sababu Safaris was created with a transformational travel concept in mind. Where many other Tanzania safari tour operators pledge to support local communities, we go a step further by letting our guests see and make the difference themselves. When you see for yourself the difference you can make in the local community and meet the people whose lives you touch, the feeling that follows is usually one you take with you for the rest of your life.

That’s why we don't just partner with camps and lodges that share similar sustainable travel values (leaving a low carbon footprint and/or supporting the local communities), we also integrate unique and impactful experiences that put you in direct touch with these local communities. One of such experiences is our solar light distribution project, which has been impactful among remote communities across Northern Tanzania. 

THE SABABU SAFARIS SOLAR LIGHT DISTRIBUTION

Access to electricity has been one of the main challenges faced by local communities in Africa. In many of these places, families have to make do with kerosene lamps in order to go about their daily activities after the sun has set. Kerosene is expensive, dangerous and its fumes are toxic.

If you’re on safari with us, you’ll get the chance to visit these remote villages and distribute solar lights to give the gift of light to these families. Since the solar lights are light-weight and inflatable, we can easily distribute them in most of our safari tours. We simply pull up at random villages and inform the elders of our intention before being invited into their homes.

It’s often an exciting moment when you show the villagers how the solar lights work and they realize that they no longer have to live in the dark or depend on kerosene lamps at night. It is a life-changing experience for many of our guests and improves the quality of life of these families at the same time. We usually keep our cars stocked so that we can easily replace broken lights whenever we drive through the same area.

The immediate impact of solar lights includes: 

• No more expensive kerosene lamps necessary (kerosene takes up a huge chunk of income!)
  
• No more fire hazards
  
• No more toxic fumes inside their huts
  
• Children are able to read and study after dark

AN IMMERSIVE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE

No Tanzanian safari experience is complete without an opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture of native tribes and witness their local customs. This is another transformative aspect of travel as visits to local Masai tribes and Hadzabe Bushmen expose you to a completely different way of life, which can have a profound effect on your understanding of the world. 

Whether it’s taking part in a spear-throwing contest with Masai warriors or learning some handy survival skills from one of the last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes on earth, the experience is often one you’ll look back on with fondness. 

You can also learn how to create traditional beadwork with Masai women or attend a cooking class and sample traditional delicacies. Either way, we are committed to providing you with a complete safari experience. Want to be part of this project? Create your dream safari with us today!

At Sababu Safaris, we focus on providing you with a personalized experience with tailor-made safaris and unforgettable activities. Call us today at +1 914-207-4426 to book your sustainable Tanzania safari or to learn more about our transformative projects. You can also reach us through our contact form. 

A Luxury Safari To Tanzania Is the Perfect Honeymoon Destination

WITNESS THE GREAT MIGRATION

There’s not many sights that can rival the spectacle of the Great Migration. This annual event comprises millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles thundering across the rolling plains of the Serengeti. This annual event occurs year-round in the Serengeti, but you will need to be at the right place in order to catch this massive movement. Luckily, you can stay at a mobile camp that follows the migration so you can witness this marvelous event. Honeymoon & Great Migration? Your trip will be more memorable for all time.

ENJOY NATURE AT ITS FINEST IN THE WILD

Head out into the African bush for a romantic, private safari experience. Iconic destinations like the Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire and Arusha National Park as well as Lake Manyara offer an excellent mix of diverse landscapes, amazing wildlife viewing opportunities, and other thrilling outdoor activities, like hot air balloon rides, bush picnics and romantic nature walks. There are photo opportunities everywhere you turn. Retire to a luxurious lodge or tented camp later in the day for fantastic sundowners, gourmet meals, cozy bonfires, and sleep peacefully under beautiful starry skies. You and your partner are treated like royalty even in the wild.

CONQUER AFRICA’S HIGHEST PEAK TOGETHER

Those couples who love to be active can kick off married life with a bit of adventure climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Your journey begins at the lively Moshi, the base town near the foothills of the mountain, driving through coffee and banana plantations along the way. This mountain hike takes you through four different climate zones, the infamous “Breakfast Wall”, at the Barranco Camp, and of course, the ascent itself to the breathtaking rooftop of Africa. This adventure of a lifetime will definitely be one of the highlights of your honeymoon. 

CHILL OUT ON THE WHITE SANDY BEACHES OF ZANZIBAR

For the final adventure of your honeymoon, head on to magnificent Zanzibar, Tanzania’s famous spice island. Here, you and your partner get to choose from an amazing assortment of white sandy beaches with turquoise waters and palm trees swaying gently to the cool evening breeze. Swim, snorkel, kitesurf, and even go on sunset boat cruises -- Zanzibar has it all. 

But there’s more to Zanzibar than relaxation and thrilling beachside activities – take on some culture in Stone Town, a coral-hued architectural maze of ancient buildings in the heart of Zanzibar and brimming with Arabian, Indian, Portuguese, and African influences. You can also go horseback riding across spice plantations, sample different cuisines at the Forodhani Gardens, and do shopping.

If you’re looking for the perfect honeymoon, Tanzania has all it takes to deliver an unforgettable experience. It really is multiple adventures in one trip, and what better way to start your new life together as a couple than an exciting experience infused with romance and adventure. After all, isn't that what married life should be about?

And at Sababu Safaris, we customize your honeymoon itinerary to make sure every moment of your trip is unique and special to you. To ensure an exclusive experience for you and your spouse, all our safari activities are private, with your own driver/guide and own safari vehicle (no sharing with others). You will get to enjoy special moments with activities such as romantic bush dinners, drinks during sunset, balloon safaris, couples massage and so much more couple-themed activities to make your experience truly one of a kind. 

Find out more >>

Book your dream safari now!

Why a Safari in Tanzania Is Not a Budget Holiday

Tanzania is an ultimate adventure destination for many travelers across the globe. For many reasons including wildlife that’s beyond compare to any other country in the world, more and more tourists have been drawn to Tanzania. What sets other travelers back is the price. Yes, Tanzania safaris are generally pricey compared to other holiday destinations. The question is, why? To give you a clearer understanding on why Tanzania safari holidays aren’t cheap, here’s a quick rundown:

MOTHER NATURE AT HER BEST Tanzania offers unique experiences unlike other countries in the world. Its perfectly mapped out, diverse landscapes make up some of the most glorifying sceneries on the planet; its mind-blowing wildlife is unparalleled and so exquisite — something you can never find elsewhere. Whether you visit its iconic parks like the Serengeti, explore its gorgeous white sandy beaches in Zanzibar, discover best-kept secrets off the beaten path, or tour around the UNESCO sites, Tanzania will surely amaze you. Tanzania is also often called “the land that stayed on after God created the world.” Its natural beauty is so surreal, and being able to see such iconic sights is just a once-in-a-lifetime experience. LACK OF INFRASTRUCTURE Let’s face it. Tanzania’s infrastructure is not that advanced yet. Compared to other touristy countries like the US, Europe, and even some other African countries, Tanzania lacks infrastructure such as highways, railway lines, and airports. This means transportation from one place to another would be pricier as some places require charter flights instead of road travel, which is usually a cheaper option. Also, a myriad of companies in the developed parts of the world is competing for euros, dollars, and pounds. This competition keeps the prices down.

FLIGHTS Flights to Tanzania, although ample and available in most major cities in the world, are still scarce compared to flights heading to other touristy places. For this reason, flights to Tanzania are more expensive. Of course, the more competition, the lower the price. Local flights are also small flights (around 12 pax only). This includes flights from Arusha to Zanzibar as well as those from Dar or Arusha to the Serengeti.

EXCLUSIVITY Tanzania’s parks value exclusivity as well as the authenticity of the wild. Hence, the number of visitors, as well as the number of vehicles and lodges in particular parks, are limited despite its incredible vastness. This, again, contributes to the higher expense.

PRICEY PERMITS Permits to build structures in Tanzania, like lodges and tented camps, are expensive. Hence, this is passed on and reflected in the accommodation price.

FULL BOARD
 Camps and lodges in Tanzania are mostly booked on a full-board basis. This is because you usually have no access to restaurants outside the camp, which is very remote and exclusive. Since you have no other choice, you really have to go full-board. The advantage of this is that you won’t have to worry about food. Everything will be prepared and dietary restrictions are accommodated (just let the property management know before booking with them).

PARK FEES AND REGULATIONS
In Tanzania, park fees are generally steeper for Non-African residents. This price is dictated by the government. In Serengeti, for example, tourist adults aged 16 years and above are priced $60 each while expats/residents are priced 30 USD and East African residents only pay 10000 TZs (about 4.37 USD). Complete NCAA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority) fees can be found here. If you want to learn more on park fees, here’s a complete list of TANAPA Tariffs from July 2017 to June 2018. There are also park regulations that could impact the cost of your safari. In Kilimanjaro, for example, trekkers are not allowed to hike the mountain without a guide, no matter how experienced he/she is. Guides and porters are a must for any Kilimanjaro trek and therefore come as an additional costs (although these expenses are already included in Kilimanjaro tours packages most of the time).

TOTALLY WORTH EVERY CENT
The experience in Tanzania is always worth the price. Sure, it may cost a couple dollars more but with the kind of exclusivity and the authentic experience you will have, which is in no way attainable in other countries, every cent is definitely worth it. Here are some Tanzania fun facts that show how amazing a Tanzania safari holiday is:

• Tanzania boasts almost 20% of Africa’s large mammal population, so this is your chance to witness the mighty elephants and lions right in front of your eyes.

• The country is home to the iconic Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the Seven Natural Wonders and regarded as “the world’s greatest show.”

• It is known to host the world’s largest animal population per square meter.

• It is home to Africa’s highest peak, the world’s highest free-standing mountain and one of the Seven Summits, Mount Kilimanjaro.

• Tanzania also includes three of Africa’s greatest lakes including Lake Tanganyika which is known for its unique species of fishes.

• Tanzania is home to over 120 ethnic groups, living peacefully side by side.

• Tanzania served as an inspiration to the settings of the classic films The Lion King and Tarzan.

• Tanzania also boasts of a thriving primate population in the western circuit.

• Whether you are after for some bush adventures or a beach escape, Tanzania will never disappoint you.

All-Inclusive Luxury Safaris to Tanzania: Personalized and Customized Itineraries

Sababu Safaris is an owner-run boutique luxury safari company with an international team. We are committed to creating a unique experience which meets your needs and exceeds your expectations and dreams. All our safari itineraries are uniquely crafted and tailored to the specific month of travel to facilitate the most optimal game viewing conditions but you will be able to completely customize your own private safari based on your travel style, preferences and interests.

We offer all-inclusive safaris that will take you deep into the isolated wilderness where packaged tour companies don't go. No mixed groups, no competing for views with strangers, and no conflicting interests. With SABABU SAFARIS, you will enjoy the exclusive use of a private, specially outfitted 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof providing for maximum flexibility, comfort and wildlife viewing.

Unlike most safari companies, we are a local Tanzanian based operator. You’ll be able to directly communicate with our team on the ground. No agents and no outsourcing your safari. We thoroughly regulate the high quality and standards of our services so that we are able to deliver the safari experience of a lifetime. To ensure you are able to communicate with us in a timely manner, we have offices in both the US and Tanzania (and we also speak German)!

Places To Visit In The Northern Circuit of Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park offers the classic African safari setting. The migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra takes place in Tanzania in an endless cycle year-round. The vast expanse of grasslands makes the Serengeti a fantastic spot to potentially witness a lion or cheetah kill because you can see the whole spectacle clearly. The best time to go is between July and October, but you can’t really go wrong any time of the year. A hot-air balloon ride at dawn is a truly magnificent experience.

Tarangire National Park

During dry season Tarangire has one of Tanzania’s highest concentrations of wildlife. It's an excellent location for those who love watching elephants, zebra, giraffe, impala, and wildebeest. Tarangire is also a good place to enjoy walking safaris and an excellent birding destination. Be ready to swat tsetse flies here, at certain times of the year they can get annoying.

Lake Manyara

This national park is located in both theA rusha and Manyara regions of Tanzania. It’s known as an excellent place to spot wildlife, especially flamingos. If you visit during the wet season you’ll get to see around 300 different species of birds but when the lake waters turn into mudfl-ats during the dry season you can also see elephants, hippos and giraffe.

Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area

The Ngorongoro Conservation area borders the Serengeti and includes the world’s largest intact caldera which contains almost every species of wildlife found in East Africa, including the extremely rare black rhino. Here you’ll witness some of the densest population of wildlife in the world and it’s an amazing place to take memorable photos. The Maasai still live within the conservation area, and it’s also home to Oldupai where some of the man’s earliest remains have been found.

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5.895m (19,336 ft) the tallest freestandnig mountain in the world, is actually a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones (Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira). tI’s also a beautiful and imposing place where you’ll get to see many diverse levels of flora and faunaT. here are agricultural fields at the base of the mountain followed by rainforests, fresh meadows, desert and when you finally reach the top, you have chance of seeing snow.

Traveling to Tanzania For The First Time? These are the Best Places To Visit

From snow-capped peaks to safaris and paradise-like islands, Tanzania is reveling in its status of being a hot destination for both luxurious and adventurous travelers. With the help of the experts at Sababu Safaris here are some spots you should definitely consider including in your itinerary:

NORTHERN CIRCUIT

Serengeti National Park
 Serengeti National Park offers the classic African safari setting. The migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra starts here. The vast expanse of grasslands makes the Serengeti a fantastic for spot to potentially witness a lion or cheetah kill because you can see the whole spectacle clearly. The best time to go is between July and October, but you can't really go wrong any time of the year. A hot-air balloon ride at dawn is a truly magnificent experience.

Tarangire National Park
 During dry season Tarangire has one of Tanzania's highest concentrations of wildlife. It's an excellent location for those who love watching elephants, zebra, giraffe, impala, and wildebeest. Tarangire is also a good place to enjoy walking safaris and an excellent birding destination. Be ready to swat tsetse flies here, at certain times of the year they can get annoying. 

Lake Manyara
 This national park is located in both the Arusha and Manyara regions of Tanzania. It’s known as an excellent place to spot wildlife, especially flamingos. If you visit during the wet season you’ll get to see around 300 different species of migratory birds but when the lake waters turn into mud-flats during the dry season you can also see elephants, hippos and giraffe.

Ngorongoro Crater and Conservation Area
 The Ngorongoro Conservation area borders the Serengeti and includes the world's largest intact caldera which contains almost every species of wildlife found in East Africa, including the extremely rare black rhino. Here you'll witness some of the densest population of wildlife in the world and it's an amazing place to take memorable photos. The Maasai still live within the conservation area, and it's also home to Oldupai where some of the man's earliest remains have been found.

Lake Natron 
A soda lake at the base of the active Ol Donyo Lengai volcano (the only volcano in the world to produce black lava), the area around Lake Natron is often described as having a desolate and almost lunar beauty. Lake Natron is found in the northern part of Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border. It is the most important breeding site for Lesser Flamingos in the world. They are able to overcome the strong alkaline content of the lake, and flock to its shallow waters annually to breed and feed on the lake's blue-green algae.

Mount Kilimanjaro
 Mount Kilimanjaro, at 5.895m (19,336 ft) the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, is actually a dormant volcano with three volcanic cones (Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira). It’s also a beautiful and imposing place where you’ll get to see many diverse levels of flora and fauna. There are agricultural fields at the base of the mountain followed by rainforests, fresh meadows, desert and when you finally reach the top, you have chance of seeing snow.

ZANZIBAR

Zanzibar is one of Tanzania's top destinations because of its fascinating past and its beautiful beaches. Famous for its spices, Zanzibar used to be a slave trading post under its Arab rulers. Zanzibar's capital, Stone Town, is a World Heritage site and contains beautiful houses, a Sultan's palace, narrow alleyways and plenty of mosques. Some of the nearby islands offer paradise for the luxury traveler with Mnemba Island being idyllic for a romantic vacation.

Mnemba Island
 You couldn’t get any more beautiful and romantic than this tiny heart-shaped island. Mnemba is just off the East coast of Zanzibar and caters to the luxury traveler. With its beautiful lodge style accommodations Mnemba is the perfect place for a romantic getaway. The surrounding waters are also full of marine life with regular sightings of large schools of fish, turtles and dolphins. If you’re not staying on the island, you can easily take a day trip and snorkel along its beautiful beaches.

Mafia Island 
With fewer than 1,000 visitors per year, Mafia Island is an undiscovered Tanzanian gem with a Swahili culture unspoiled by tourism. It is one of the best places to snorkel, deep-sea fish or dive in Africa. Most of the island and its beaches have been designated as a marine park. You can watch whale sharks, turtles, and many other species of wildlife.

WESTERN TANZANIA

Mahale Mountains National Park 
Located on the shoreline of Lake Tanganyika, Mahale Mountains National Park is one of the best places in the world for close encounters with chimpanzees. It’s also a beautiful place where green forested mountains cascade down to the lake shore, clear waters lap against white sand coves and Mount Nkungwe can be seen in the background. Besides the large chimp population the mountains are also home to other primates.

Katavi National Park 
Katavi is one of the top wildlife destination in Africa. It is beautiful, unspoiled and full of animals but is located in the very remote Western part of Tanzania, which makes it great to visit if you're looking for a unique safari experience. There are only two camps and you can only get there via light aircraft. Katavi is best to visit from June to October (dry season) when the pools can be filled with thousands of hippos.

SOUTHERN TANZANIA

Ruaha National Park
 Ruaha is remote and full of wildlife. There are lions, cheetah, leopard, and almost every other African mammal you'd like to see, particularly elephants. The park is home to the Great Ruaha River and during the dry season (from July to December) you can enjoy some spectacular game viewing.

Selous Game Reserve
 The Selous is Africa's largest reserve, a world heritage site, and not as crowded as the Serengeti. Among its wildlife you will see lots of hippos, crocodiles, elephants, cheetahs, black rhinos and African hunting dogs. The Selous swamps, rivers and wetlands allow travelers to go on their safari by boat, which is a big attraction but walking safaris are also popular and you can enjoy night drives as well. Accommodations are limited but they all offer a very intimate and unique safari experience. 

Wellness Tourism to Africa Is Becoming Transformational

The wellness tourism industry has seen a shift from experiential travel to transformational travel. And the transformational aspect has become less about "me" but more about "we". More travelers are interested in authentic experiences that also give back to the local communities. We can only be truly well if the communities and the places we visit are also well. Denise Brown of Sababu Safaris talks about the growth in this sector of travel and tourism.

Learn more about "wellness in the wilderness".

Sababu Safaris Offers Yoga & Safari Healing Retreat in Tanzania

Sababu Safaris, a boutique safari company that customizes the African experience for travelers to Tanzania, is pleased to announce that it is offering a Yoga & Safari Healing Retreat in Tanzania, November 9-16, 2019. In addition, it has just added private yoga safari retreats upon request. The retreats include daily yoga sessions and meditation.

At the same time, guests will explore the country’s breathtaking lands and wildlife, and immerse themselves in all manner of local culture in a purposeful way, which ranges from time at a school to giving the gift of light to remote villages. This special combination of personal yoga and social giving is an expression of the fundamental philosophy of Sababu Safaris - traveling in an intentional and meaningful way can transform lives and create lasting change in the world.


“In our disconnected modern Western cultures pressured for time, the opportunity for a yoga and safari healing retreat can create lasting bonds across continents,” said Denise Brown, co-founder of Sababu Safaris. “Tanzania is a truly special refuge for mindfulness and deep reflection.”

Both group and individual retreats will be led by Tanzanian resident and professional yoga teacher Marissa Lipovsky. The practice of yoga in Tanzania’s Great Plains is an immersive experience. Daily practices are aimed at expanding awareness, awakening one’s true nature, and thus healing wounds. Meals are cultivated from the fertile land of the Kilimanjaro region. Time is also taken away from yoga to mindfully engage with the community—not consuming their culture—but learning deeply what it means to live there.


“We will experience travel in a completely different way,” said Lipovsky. "We will do so from a fully embodied perspective as our reflective practices will clear the lens through which we see the world and ourselves. It will bring visitors to a place of true understanding, a deep peace with which they can return to their home countries.”


Sababu Safaris’ wellness adventures embed the wisdom of the Maasai elders whose lineage includes some of the region’s most important healing traditions. The Maasai have a deep and cultural knowledge of natural medicines and remedies and will show participants how herbs are prepared and administered.



About Us
Sababu Safaris is an owner-run boutique company committed to creating unique journeys to Tanzania that change hearts and minds, and leave a long-lasting impact on both guests and local communities alike. Where most safari companies pledge to pour resources back into the community, Sababu Safaris allows guests to see the difference -- and in most cases, make the difference themselves. All safari itineraries are crafted and tailored to the specific month of travel and to the guests’ individual travel style, preferences and interests. Our all-inclusive, private, transformational luxury safaris will take you deep into the isolated wilderness and connect you with the people that call Tanzania home. No mixed groups, no competing for views with strangers, and no conflicting interests. Sababu Safaris unites conservation, communities and sustainable travel by seamlessly integrating unique and impactful experiences, giving visitors the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in the rich Tanzanian culture few truly get to know - and to make a difference at the same time.

For more information about Sababu Safaris’ group and individual Yoga & Safari retreats, visit www.sababu-safaris.com.

Embracing the Wild Within You: Sababu Safaris, Luxury Tanzania Travel

My wandering journey is coming to close, a bit sooner than originally planned, but at the exact moment that it needs to. My journey has unfolded over five months, 22 intense weeks of exploration and revelations. I have visited 8 countries, some at depth, others just a city for a few days. Some destinations captured my heart, others my respect for their beauty, and still, others transformed me at a deep level. Just a few days ago, I completed a seven-day safari with Sababu Safaris, through Tanzania’s greatest national parks, including Tarangire, Ndutu, the southern part of the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater. My safari wasn’t just about seeing wild animals, I also had the opportunity to experience a rescue center for women and abandoned babies, walk through a village and explore a market with a local farmer, and stay in a hut in a Maasai village filled with singing and dancing and the most compassionate, kind people I have ever met. I have dreamed of going on a safari for years and the magic was evident from the first day.  I was dead tired from traveling after missing my flight in Nairobi and getting 3 hours of the sleep the night before, but I was quickly energized as we did a leisurely stroll through Arusha National Park and I saw zebras, giraffes, and baboons up close. “This is just a teaser”, Robert my guide, and co-owner of the safari company said, as we drove through the park. The “real action” starts tomorrow he would go on to say. Real action would indeed reveal itself as the days continued.

 Something else was revealed that is not easily detected through photographs or writings, the magic of the wild. Animals behave as nature intended.  They show up every day as their true selves, no improvisation at work, no zebras pretending to be lions. Watching their behavior in groups, stalking prey, or wiggling in the dirt to scratch their backs or clean themselves, you realize that they are doing these things because that is what they are hardwired to do. As humans, we influence that behavior by intruding on their space, but I realized that they really did not seem too concerned about the vehicles stopped with numerous cameras aimed at them. I knew that seeing animals in their natural habitat was going to be powerful, but watching a large group of giraffes parade gracefully in a line across a ridge while the sun quietly receded behind the hills unleashed something in me that I can only describe as pure joy. A zebra lying peacefully in the grass, having died of some other reason than being attacked by prey, and then within two hours, eyeing a hyena and a jackal ravenously digging into the animal for sustenance. Only to have bigger species on the food chain, five lions, chase them away where they stayed at a distance awaiting their turn after the lions took what they needed. Meanwhile, the vultures stayed off to another spot, trying at times to swoop in for a chunk of the action. All of this took place within about 30-45 minutes and occurred with the natural pace of life for animals living in the Ngorongoro Crater. Another time, spotting a leopard in a tree seeking refuge from baboons that had chased him up the tree. I watched through binoculars as the leopard remained perfectly still stretched out over branches as baboons of different sizes moved throughout the tree positioning themselves on various branches, while the male baboons barked loudly with their mouths wide open annoyed that their prey was not cooperating. Just another day at Lake Manyara for those that call it home.

Each of these interactions and all the others I witnessed during my time on safari wasn’t the only time where living in the wild became evident. The act of driving and navigating through the parks takes extreme skill and knowledge. The first evening of our stay in the southern Serengeti, hard rains came down throughout the night. The next morning the roads were filled with water and thick mud, making crossing a swollen creek a very tricky situation. That day, while exploring the vast park, we found ourselves stuck three times. I watched Robert dig into the hard volcanic soil shoveling out mud to get the vehicle unstuck, it was evident that this was part of being in a wild habitat. There are no trail leveling trucks roaming through the Serengeti and you must rely on your own skills and sometimes the help of others in your tribe to come to your rescue to pull you out.

Much time on a safari is spent driving, driving in the parks and driving between locations. These drives while sometimes on a paved road and others through gravel roads across vast landscapes of peaks, sharp turns, and remote Maasai villages visible off the road, are filled with the natural essence of how diverse and rich, wondrous and mystical being on this planet of ours really is. Standing at the entrance of the Ngorongoro Crater and seeing with your own eyes the impact and influence of millions of years of geological changes. Even the awe and wild of a man-made paved road leading out of the crater with its sharp inclines and hairpin turns makes you ponder the reality of what you are experiencing.

My time on safari exceeded my expectations and my imagination. Not only was I seeing so many beautiful things, but I was also learning so much about the animals, their environment and the people of Tanzania. I even got to drive the hefty, right-hand drive Land Cruiser up to one of our lodges where Robert wanted to play a trick on those he knew would be meeting our arrival. There was an emotional component of my experience that has presented itself on only a few other occasions during my extended time traveling. The purpose of my journey has always been to reveal and embrace my true self. The experiences of my African safari tied this true self to embracing the wild within myself. Embracing my wild woman. Stop trying to bend and shape myself to what I think I’m supposed to do or be and just letting my true self be. Stop letting fear rule desires and opportunities. Stop thinking that I can do it all, without help or even the notion that doing it all is really necessary in the first place. As I sit here in Arusha, Tanzania with all the thoughts, observations, experiences, learnings, struggles, elation, revelations, and magic that I have witnessed over the last five months, swirling through my mind, I have a calmness in my soul that wasn’t present when I left. I know my wild woman, I watched her reveal herself to me. She is capable. She is curious. She is determined. She is loving. She is approachable. She is resilient. She is feisty. She is intelligent. She is vulnerable and she is coming home. Coming home profoundly changed, filled with memories, new friends across the globe, 6,000 photos, and a suitcase full of really dirty clothes. Coming home to love and be loved. Coming home to wander in the possibility of what was right in front of her the whole time.

https://wanderinginpossibility.com/2018/12/20/embracing-the-wild-within-you/

Sababu Safaris Featured in National Geographic Traveller's Africa Collection 2019

Sababu Safaris is an owner-run boutique company with a small international team committed to creating unique journeys, that leave a lasting impact on both guests and local communities alike. Where most safari companies pledge to pour resources back into the community, Sababu Safaris allows guests to see the difference and be a part of it themselves. The goal is to give visitors the opportunity to travel with purpose, hence the name Sababu — the Swahili word for ‘purpose’.

The co-founders believe travel has the power to transform lives and create lasting change in the world. Travel, at its roots, is about connecting with new people, places and cultures, and about wrestling with ideas, perspectives and beliefs that simultaneously inspire and challenge us.

The company operates exclusively in Tanzania, and to be able to thoroughly regulate the high quality and standards of its services, all operations are handled in-house. All itineraries are uniquely crafted and tailored to the specific month of travel and to the guests’ individual travel style, preferences and interests. Privacy, freedom and a personal touch are at the core of every experience. Each safari offers unlimited game drives with no mileage or fuel restrictions and exclusive access to the most secluded and wildlife abundant areas in Tanzania.

Sababu Safaris unites conservation, communities and sustainable travel by seamlessly integrating unique and impactful experiences, giving visitors the opportunity to completely immerse themselves in the rich  culture of Tanzania — and to make a difference at the same time. The company provides a well-rounded authentic safari experience: one that combines the traditional wildlife safari with meaningful interaction with local communities.

Among dozens of activities, guests can take drum or Swahili cooking classes, learn survival skills with the Hadzabe bushmen, visit a children’s home or school, or give the gift of light to families in remote villages. Sababu Safaris invites guests on an adventure of a lifetime that they’ll carry with them forever.

DON'T MISS: Distribute solar lights to a local village and give the gift of light for an unforgettable experience that changes lives

NEED TO KNOW

KEY FACILITIES
• Lodges
• Tented camps

KEY ACTIVITIES
• Wildlife safaris
• Visits to local communities
• Swahili cooking classes
• Learning survival skills with the Hadzabe bushmen
• School visits
• Diving deep into Maasai culture by spending a day with the Maasai people

GET IN TOUCH

sababu-safaris.com
T: +1 914 207 4426
E: info@sababu-safaris.com

The Great Wildebeest Migration: Everything You Need To Know

The Great Migration is the continuous movement of giant herds of 1.8 million wildebeest and 500,000 zebras across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of food, water and minerals that occurs in a fairly regular pattern each year. 

Did you know that the Great Migration is a year round spectacle and not just a one-time annual event.? It can be seen at any time of the year - you just need to know where to go!

There are five main stages of the migration: 

1. The Calving Season
2. The North Trek
3. River Crossings - Grumeti and Mara
4. The Arrival of the Herds in the Masai Mara
5. The Journey back South

THE GREAT MIGRATION CALENDAR

JANUARY:
The herds have reached the short grass plains of the Southern Serengeti around Lake Ndutu. The short rains usually fall here in November and December attracting herds in search of green pastures from Central Serengeti. Rich in phosphorus, the soil of the grasslands of the Southern Plains offers nutritious grazing.

FEBRUARY:
This is the beginning of the calving season, with up to 500,000 wildebeest being born within a period of 2 to 4 weeks. This is the season when it’s easy for predators to find prey. A great time to visit, since there is a lot of action!

MARCH:
The Southern Plains start to dry out from several weeks of intensive grazing. The herds gets confused and wander as far west into the Maswa Game Reserve woodland.

APRIL:
The plains have no sufficient food to sustain the herd. This is the beginning of the north-west trek towards the Western Corridor of the Serengeti where heavy rains set in. It is a slow movement through scattered woodlands and long grass plains.

MAY: As the rains begin to dwindle, columns of wildebeest continue to enter the Western Corridor of the Serengeti. Others head north of the Seronera (Central) region, but the bulk of the migrating herds enters the Ndoha and Dutwa plains that flank the Mbalageti River. Towards the end of the month, there is a sense of expectation as the migration piles up in the narrow wedge of land between the forest lined river courses of the Mbalageti and Grumeti River. However, in years when the rains persists throughout May, the wildebeest may scatter over a wide area of Central Serengeti.

JUNE:The rains have stopped and the wildebeest rut is in full swing. The grasslands reverberate to the bellows and grunts of testosterone fueled males as they chase rivals and round up females. This creates chaotic movement and noise, as females try to maintain contact with their calves. Marching its way through the Western Corridor, the migration begins to organize into a 'mega herd' bunched up along the southern bank of the Grumeti River. 

All eyes, however, are on the main group of the migration amassing for the Grumeti River crossings. This can start early in the month. Herds are splashing through what is usually a series of pools and channels rather than a continuous flowing river. As the frequency of crossings intensifies during June, the Grumeti's large crocodiles enjoy the annual glut of wildebeest and zebra flesh. 

JULY:With the Grumeti River in the wake, the wildebeest and zebra push to the Northern Serengeti. Herds spread out on a broad front that extends from the Grumeti Game Reserve and Ikorongo Game Controlled Area to the northern reaches of the Serengeti. Large herds can be found as far east as Lobo. When the Migration actually crosses into Kenya's Masai Mara depends, as ever, on the rainfall pattern and how long the northern Serengeti grasslands can sustain the herds. In some years in happens as early as mid-June; in others, it doesn’t happen until August or September. 

*It is a common misconception that the crossing of the Mara River marks the transition of the Migration from Tanzania to Kenya. The river actually meanders through the north-west Serengeti before looping north into the western reaches of the Masai Mara, repeatedly throwing water obstacles in the path of the herds. This makes it easier to stake out likely crossing points on either side through July and August.

AUGUST:
The apex of the crossings. In a typical year, you can expect the Migration to have reached the Masai Mara by early August. River crossings often reach their frenzied climax this month as large herds take a leap of faith into the Mara River - much to the delight of the waiting crocodiles and lions. The riverbanks become crowded with vultures and marabou storks feeding on the corpses of drowned wildebeest clogging up the river. Elsewhere you can witness less macabre scenes of wildebeest and zebras filing through long, golden grasslands.

SEPTEMBER:
The herds may still be scattered across the Northern Serengeti, either about to cross into the Masai Mara or content to remain in Tanzania, grazing the rolling plains. The focus of the Migration, however, is firmly in Kenya where the wildebeest edge slowly eastwards through the Masai Mara. 

OCTOBER: The rains may start falling on the short grass plains of the Southern Serengeti and wildebeests need to be there when fresh green shoots have pushed to the surface. And so begins the long trek south, the Migration gradually spilling from the Masai Mara back into the north-east Serengeti and Loliondo Game Controlled Area.

NOVEMBER:
The herds start moving southwards following the rains. By now, most, if not all, of the wildebeest and zebra will have left the Mara. They form long columns stretches from Lobo to the Central Seronera area of the Serengeti.

DECEMBER:
The herds reach the Southern Serengeti where fresh grass covers the short plains….and the migration begins its annual cycle all over again.

Source: Sababu-Safaris.com