Sababu Safaris Releases Travel Guide to Tanzania

On a Sababu Safaris tailor made holiday to Tanzania you can discover Tanzania's dramatic beauty and phenomenal wildlife.

Sababu’s tailor made Safari Itineraries focus on the national parks, game reserves and private wildlife conservancies in the north, south and the west, plus the mainland coastline and the island of Zanzibar.

THINGS TO DO IN TANZANIA

1.            Witness huge herds of wildebeest and zebra migrate from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara Reserve in Kenya.

2.            Conquer Mt. Kilimanjaro and watch the sunrise from ‘The Roof of Africa’.

3.            Enjoy an adventurous and authentic bush experience in Ruaha National Park in Southern Tanzania

4.            See resident hippo pods at Lake Manyara.

5.            Visit the Mahale Mountains National Park in Western Tanzania to see chimpanzees in the wild and enjoy activities such as hiking in the forests, swimming in ice-cold pools in the mountain waterfalls and kayaking on the turquoise water of Lake Tanganyika.

6.            Enjoy a river safari in the Selous Game Reserve.

7.            Spot an abundance of wildlife, including zebra, buffalo, warthog, wildebeest, hippo and elephants in the Ngorongoro Crater.

8.            Relax on the idyllic, palm fringed and secluded beaches of Zanzibar.


Tanzania is a vast country with much regional variation in geography and climate, plus distinct rainy seasons, therefore deciding when to visit Tanzania depends on what you want to experience whilst you’re there.

Game viewing in Tanzania's parks are at their peak during the dry season from June to October. The best chance of seeing the wildebeest migration cross the Mara River in the Serengeti is during July and August, whilst late January to February is the time to visit for the wildebeest calving season.

The ideal time to visit Tanzania's coast and the Zanzibar Archipelago is between August and October, whilst the coast and the islands are best avoided during the long rains from March to May.

If you’re interested in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro they recommend that you do so during the warmest and driest times of year - December to mid-March and mid-June to end of October. 


You require a passport with at least two blank pages and six months' validity, plus a visa to enter Tanzania. Single-entry visas are available upon arrival at Tanzanian airports or you can obtain one in advance. A visa costs $100 for US citizens and $50 for other nationalities.

Visitors to Tanzania should ensure that they have Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus vaccinations.  There is a high risk of malaria in most areas of Tanzania (including Zanzibar), therefore anti-malaria medication is recommended and you should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Avoid mosquito bites by wearing long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and sleeping under a mosquito net.

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.