A Kenya Tanzania safari offers a holistic immersion in the African ecosystem, where the charm of the lesser-known creatures often rivals that of the celebrated “Big 5”. Discovering surprising favorites among the less celebrated wildlife is a common safari experience, highlighting the fundamental truth that the magic of the African bush stems from the intricate relationships between all its creatures, from the mightiest to the most minute. These quiet wonders offer a deeper appreciation for the intricate artistry and profound beauty that define African landscapes. Embarking on an East Africa safari promises unforgettable encounters, and you can explore various options with our Africa Safari Packages.
The immense plains of the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, as well as the rest of Africa, are home to a stunning variety of antelope, each with its unique beauty. The kudu, sometimes known as the “pretty boy” of the Savannah, is an intriguing creature with stunning spiral horns. Giraffe gazelles, also known as gerenuks, have extraordinarily long and thin necks. Despite their small size, dik-diks are strong and resilient creatures. These examples only scratch the surface of Kenya and Tanzania’s antelope diversity, and a skilled safari guide is important for learning about the many other fascinating species you may encounter during your Kenya and Tanzania safari. For a comprehensive Tanzania safari guide, look no further.
Rock Hyrax
The adorable rock hyrax, a resident of diverse African and Middle Eastern habitats, possesses a unique advantage for survival, sticky, suction-cup-like feet that enable it to climb seemingly impossible cliff faces. Living in large, busy groups, these surprisingly inactive creatures spend most of their day resting communally, often piled together. You’ll often hear the unusual “songs” of rock hyraxes echoing through their rocky homes, a constant form of communication and surprisingly, these creatures are related to elephants and manatees, despite their rodent-like appearance. It’s quite surprising to learn that despite their rodent-like appearance the rock hyrax is related to elephants and gentle manatees.
Black-Backed Jackal
Commonly seen across the plains of Kenya and Tanzania, the black-backed jackal with its tell-tale black and silver back is an adaptable canid that both hunts small game and collaborates to tackle larger prey. Not only hunters, but they are also bold opportunities, readily seizing chances to snatch meals from much larger predators such as lions and hyenas. Consider including sightings of these fascinating creatures in your customized Africa Safari Packages.
Grevy’s Zebra
Each Grevy’s zebra carries its identity etched in its stripes, a natural equivalent to human fingerprints. These impressive animals frequently compete with both human populations and their domestic animals for access to essential water sources. Sadly, the dwindling availability of their natural habitats has resulted in a significant drop in Grevy’s zebra numbers, increasing the rarity of this remarkable animal.
Masai Giraffe
The Masai Giraffe, found exclusively in the wilds of Kenya and Tanzania, is the tallest giraffe species and the indisputably tallest animal on the planet.
This Giraffe species is easily identified by its distinctive pattern of jagged, star-like markings. To add to their amazement, they have a unique adaptation that allows them to drink comfortably. Valves in their lengthy necks regulate blood flow, reducing dizziness.
Lilac-Breasted Roller
A striking bird from the Coraciidae family, the lilac-breasted roller is a strong and agile flier with a sturdy body and a noticeable green head. Imagine a bird whose feathers are a painter’s canvas, displaying around eight hues, most notably the soft lilac of its chest, the bright turquoise beneath, and the earthy reddish-brown of its wings. Male and female birds have the same brilliant coloration, but juvenile rollers lack black tail streamers and have reddish-brown throats. The air becomes a stage during mating season, where they execute stunning aerial displays of dives and rolls, their loud calls sometimes preceding the extraordinary event of mating while airborne. Under natural conditions, these birds typically survive for about ten years and reach breeding maturity at around two years old.
Blue-Headed Tree Agama
You don’t need to fear venom from the blue-headed agama, but its bite can still be painful, a warning you’ll see in the bright orange lining of its mouth when it gapes. Living an unexpectedly long time for a lizard, around 25 to 28 years on average its main food sources are termites, ants, and insects that fly. To attract mates, males typically sport bright colors a contrast to the often-drab females who rely on their camouflage to avoid unwanted male attention. Observing these lizards reveals fascinating aspects of natural behavior beyond just the obviously “exciting” creatures.
For those venturing on their first safari to Kenya and Tanzania, prepare for an extraordinary wildlife experience where you become part of a real-life nature film amidst the famed Big Five and the spectacular Great Migration. However, the process of initially planning can often feel intimidating with what seems like endless online searching for packing tips, lodging choices and how to get the best out of the experience. To make the planning smoother and heighten your excitement, we’ve compiled ten crucial safari tips for Kenya specifically for your first kenya tanzania safari in these stunning African locations, ensuring you approach your adventure with confidence.
Choose the Best Time
When planning a safari in Kenya and Tanzania the timing of your trip is essential because each season brings forth different wildlife experiences. For those hoping to see the spectacular Great Migration River crossings in the Serengeti and Masai Mara, the dry season, spanning from June to October, offers the best opportunity.
On the other hand, the wet season, which runs from November to May, especially the months of January and February, is excellent for observing the calving season, when newborns are abundant, and predators are active. Birdwatching enthusiasts will find the wet season particularly appealing as it attracts a wealth of migratory birds but be sure to bring waterproof gear to navigate the potentially muddy environment.
Decide on the Right Parks to Visit
When organizing your Kenya Tanzania safari, remember that each park has its particular highlights and atmosphere. If you’re looking for a high concentration of animals, Kenya’s Masai Mara is the place, but for vast open spaces where lions are king, head to Tanzania’s Serengeti. If you’re dreaming of iconic photographs featuring elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, Amboseli is a must-visit. Many people on their initial safari park find they’ve allocated too little time to each park, making their itinerary feel compressed. To get the most out of your safari, we recommend focusing on 2 to 3 parks.
Get Ready: Your Safari Packing Guide
When packing for a safari, choose neutral tones to avoid scaring away animals, and avoid dark colours, which may attract annoying tsetse flies.
Don’t forget to pack two essentials: high-quality binoculars to improve your wildlife viewing experience, and a power bank to keep your camera charged for those spectacular images. Sunscreen and a hat will keep you safe from the sun, while lightweight layers will keep you comfortable in changeable weather. It’s also important to understand that drones are not permitted in most parks and should not be packed.
Respecting Wildlife and Fellow Travelers on Safari
Showing consideration for both the animals and your fellow safari-goers is vital. Remember that loud noises and shouting are unsuitable as they can startle wildlife and diminish the experience for everyone.
If you disregard your guide’s directions, such as standing up in the vehicle, you risk scaring away the wildlife a consequence witnessed when a cheetah we had been watching for an hour was startled and left. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, it’s crucial to respect park regulations, always keep your hands within the vehicle and consistently follow the directions of your experienced guide.
How to Plan Your Safari Budget
Safaris can be expensive, especially when you include park admission fees, housing, and transportation, but with careful planning, you can keep your costs under control. We recommend that first-time safari visitors spend one night in a luxury lodge to receive a high-end experience before moving on to more affordable camps for the remainder of their trip.
To save money, look for package deals that include meals, parking fees and transportation. Furthermore, consider budgeting tips, as they are a common way to supplement the income of your guides and drivers, while tipping is optional. Furthermore, it is common to include tips in your budget because guides and drivers frequently rely on them to supplement their earnings, even if tipping is not required but is a personal option.
Safety Precautions for Your Safari
For the security of your money and important identification, utilize a money belt or a secure, hidden pouch. It’s also wise to refrain from showing off expensive jewelry or gadgets. Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases by applying insect repellent regularly. When you’re in rural areas, it’s advisable to steer clear of tap water for drinking. Respect wildlife by always maintaining a safe distance. Even elephants, which might seem calm, should be given ample space for your safety and theirs.
Take Home Memories: Your Safari Photography
For many the chance to photograph the incredible animals and scenery is a defining feature of the safari experience. If you’re not very familiar with photography, taking some time to practice with your camera before your safari is strongly recommended. This will help you get to grips with its settings, so you can avoid the regret of having blurry photos of once-in-a-lifetime sightings, such as a lion pride. The “golden hours” at the start and end of the day provide the best light for safari photography. Remember to bring additional memory cards and batteries to record every moment. Finally, remember to bring your charger to keep your batteries charged overnight, so your camera is always ready for the day’s exciting adventures. Many of our Africa Safari Packages offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The Heart of the People: Cultural Immersion on Safari.
The safari experience extends beyond wildlife viewing to include enriching interactions with local communities and their unique cultures. For many travelers, an excursion to a Maasai village frequently becomes a profoundly eye-opening experience. When you visit, you’ll have the opportunity to experience their unique traditions up close, try their local dishes and perhaps even join in their cultural activities, like the characteristic jumping dance. Beyond that, even knowing a few basic Swahili phrases, for instance, “Asante sana” (thank you very much) and “Jambo” (how are you), can make a big difference in your interactions and help you forge stronger connections with the local people you encounter.
Unforgettable surprises
Even with the most meticulous planning, the African bush possesses an inherent spirit of unpredictability, making each safari a unique tapestry of moments.
The best part of a safari is that you never know what will happen. You can plan every detail of your safari, but nature is full of surprises. So, don’t stick too tightly to your plans. Be ready for anything. The most amazing things often happen out of nowhere, like seeing elephants taking a bath as the sun goes down. Let nature lead the way, and you’ll see the real magic of the Kenya Tanzania safari.
