TANZANIA: SAFARI & SEA

Amboseli National Park: Its signature attraction is the sight of hundreds of big-tusked elephants set against the backdrop of Africa’s best views of Mt Kilimanjaro (5,895m). Africa’s highest peak broods over the southern boundary of the park, and while cloud cover can render the mountain’s massive bulk invisible for much of the day, you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas when the weather clears, usually at dawn and/or dusk.The park was established as a national park  IN 1974 in order to protect the biodiversity of species and this unique ecosystem and is now declared as a  UNESCO world heritage site.

Declared a national reserve in 1968. It became a national park in 1974. However, in 2005, President Mwai Kibaki transferred control from the Kenya Wildlife Service to the Olkejuedo County Council and its residents, the Masai tribe. This is still being contested in the courts because of its implications that could jeopardize Kenya's other national parks.

Apart from guaranteed elephant sightings, you’ll also see wildebeest and zebras, and you’ve a reasonable chance of spotting lions, cheetahs and hyenas. Amboseli National Park offers some of the best opportunities to see African animals because its vegetation is sparse due to the long dry months. Amboseli National Park has over 80 different mammals to be found ranging from the tiny (and rarely seen) speckled elephant shrew to the huge bulk of the African elephant. The park is also home to over 370 bird species, both large and small, to see if you keep your eyes open and stop at every sighting.

ACTIVITIES
Game drives in the Amboseli National Park

A prime location for witnessing the majesty of Africa’s highest mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro! The camp is named after the flat-topped, umbrella thorn tree, the Acacia Tortilis.

Situated on the scenic plains of eastern Laikipia Plateau,, the camp is the perfect base from which to explore the area on foot. With spacious tents and comfortable furnishings, the camp has both riding camels and land cruisers available for you to decide what kind of safari activities you want to do each morning and afternoon. This is a permanent base from which to explore by foot or a camel-supported mobile walking safari exploration.

The camp site is equipped with 4 spacious luxury sleeping tents, solar lighting and running water. Each of the tents can accommodate up to 4 people, and are therefore suited to families of 4, but can also be kept as double or twin bedrooms. All tents on the campsite are equipped with private toilet and shower facilities.

ACTIVITIES
Camp guests have the benefit of Samburu guided walks, game drives, mountain bikes, and camel rides at their disposal, as well as a permanent spot to rest their feet for afternoon tea and sun downers.

Activities are focus on exploring the area on foot, accompanied by a Samburu guide and camels. This is a wonderful way to explore areas far from the beaten track, away from roads and vehicles, and take in the wide-open spaces that Laikipia is famed for.

Each day on a walking safari is different from the next. Away from roads and vehicles, guests have a unique opportunity to take in the wide-open spaces and wildlife that Laikipia is famed for, especially the heavy populations of eland, steinbuck, giraffe, Gravy's Zebra, and elephant. Lucky visitors may even see spot a few local lions, leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs.

The Olerai Conservancy was founded on the generosity of tribal landowners in order to improve wildlife ranges and migration pathways. The entire spectrum of African wildlife may be found here, and it now boasts the highest concentration of giraffe and eland in the local eco-system. Masai Giraffes are distinguished  by their characteristic jigsaw puzzle splotched pattern.

The Masai Mara National Reserve and the surrounding conservancies constitute one of Kenya’s most famous wilderness areas. The conservancies include: Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Mara North Conservancy, Lemek Conservancy, Ol Choro Conservancy, Olerai Conservancy, Naiboisho Conservancy, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Siana Group Ranch and Ol Derkesi Conservancy.

These Maasai-owned conservancies are set aside for wildlife conservation and tourism, with land leased to safari companies that pay monthly fees. This income supports local communities, funding education and development, while the Maasai are allowed to graze cattle under strict conditions.

Tourist numbers and vehicle access are limited, ensuring exclusivity and reducing impact, which helps maintain abundant wildlife. Unlike traditional parks, fences keep wildlife out of the conservancies. Activities like guided walks, night drives, and off-road safaris are offered, with Maasai guides educating visitors about the ecosystem, wildlife, and the cultural uses of plants. Conservancy guests can also visit the nearby national park, but not the other way around.

Lions and cheetahs migrate in and out of the zone, but they are frequently seen since the Olerai plains are ideal hunting grounds. The reserve has an elephant corridor, and the elephants use it as a feeding site as well as a dispersal region because of the thick marshy grasses.

A place unchanged by the passage of time, the Masai Mara is essential Africa. Sometimes raw, always dramatic, this is a wilderness of evocative splendor and inspiring grandeur. Often raw, sometimes violent, the drama of this wildlife theater is unmatched.. Nowhere on earth can you find a wilderness so breathtakingly beautiful and yet so serenely pristine.

Zanzibar is without a doubt a tropical dream destination, ideal for getting away from it all, but it is also a fascinating destination from a historical and cultural perspective, as well as being a top adventure and eco-tourism destination.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean (16–31 miles) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja and Pemba Island. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre is Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site.

Zanzibar 's main industries are spices, raffia, and tourism. In particular, the islands produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. For this reason, the Zanzibar Archipelago, together with Tanzania's Mafia Island, are sometimes referred to locally as the "Spice Islands".

Stone Town is a fine example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. It retains its urban fabric and town scape virtually intact and contains many fine buildings that reflect its particular culture, which has brought together and homogenized disparate elements of the cultures of Africa, the Arab region, India, and Europe over more than a millennium.

The name Zanzibar immediately conjures up images of an island paradise with soft-sand, white beaches and shimmering azure waters. But, the Zanzibar Archipelago is so much more than romantic coastlines and blissful sunsets - these islands offer a kaleidoscope of sights, smells and tastes which feed your soul!

1.Wander the Ancient Alleyways
2. Take a Stroll to Freddie Mercury’s house
3. Visit the Old Fort
4. Eat at Forodhani Gardens Food Market
5. Enjoy Sunset Drinks or Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant
6. Take a Zanzibar Spice Tour
7. See the Former Slave Market
8. Get some sun on one of Zanzibar Beaches
10. See the Giant Tortoises on Prison Island

Welcome to Pongwe Beach! Situated on what could perhaps be described as the best beach in Zanzibar, Pongwe Beach Hotel is a tranquil place where one can escape the hustle and bustle of modern day life. Think airy, white-washed cottages scattered along a secluded stretch of white sand, hammocks and palm trees blowing in the breeze and sapphire waves lapping at the shore.

Nestled between two outcrops of coral rock and on a secluded stretch of white-powdery beach. The star of the show at Pongwe is unquestionably the beach - prettiest on the entire island! Like all the lodges of the East Coast, the beach here at Pongwe is affected significantly by the tide – the good news is that the lodge boasts a lovely swimming pool stunningly perched on a low cliff overlooking the beach which offers all day relief from the heat.

A large makuti-thatched structure houses the sociable bar as well as a lounge area with comfortable baraza seating and the dining area. Talking of dining, the food at Pongwe boasts an enviable reputation, which is a good thing given that there are no other restaurants nearby!

The 16 beachfront rooms lie curved around the little cove and it’s simply a case of walking off your porch directly onto some of the softest, whitest sand you’ll find anywhere on the planet! The rooms themselves are clustered together in little semi-detached bungalows of 2 or 3 rooms that are reached via a short stroll down winding sandy paths from the main lodge. Rooms are spacious and very clean with terrazzo floors, cooling ceiling fans and comfortable mosquito-net covered Zanzibari four poster beds decorated prettily with fresh flower blossoms.

Zanzibar is without a doubt a tropical dream destination, ideal for getting away from it all, but it is also a fascinating destination from a historical and cultural perspective, as well as being a top adventure and eco-tourism destination.

Zanzibar is a semi-autonomous region of Tanzania. It is composed of the Zanzibar Archipelago in the Indian Ocean (16–31 miles) off the coast of the mainland, and consists of many small islands and two large ones: Unguja and Pemba Island. The capital is Zanzibar City, located on the island of Unguja. Its historic centre is Stone Town, which is a World Heritage Site.

Zanzibar 's main industries are spices, raffia, and tourism. In particular, the islands produce cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, and black pepper. For this reason, the Zanzibar Archipelago, together with Tanzania's Mafia Island, are sometimes referred to locally as the "Spice Islands".

Stone Town is a fine example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa. It retains its urban fabric and town scape virtually intact and contains many fine buildings that reflect its particular culture, which has brought together and homogenized disparate elements of the cultures of Africa, the Arab region, India, and Europe over more than a millennium.

Colorful, stylish and with a strong sense of place, this a boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town!

Reminiscent of a Moroccan raid, this courtyard is a cool, palm-filled walled garden, with a swinging seat and a hammock. Large carved wooden doors open into a cool, blue entrance hall and reception, filled with carved furniture and chaises lounges. Towards the back of the house, the Secret Garden is a rustic, open-air courtyard restaurant, a former marketplace now artfully transformed with tables, potted palms and artworks amid the crumbling walls – which is particularly popular at night. A local taarab band (a traditional Swahili orchestra) sometimes plays in the gallery above the garden.

Up a wooden staircase are the guest rooms, each with its own theme. Finally, up on the roof is the rooftop restaurant, which is in itself a reason to stay here. The five-course tasting menu is delicious – inventive and full of local flavors – as well as being very good value. From the rooftop, you can look west to the Hindu Temple.