Our Safari
Our Safaris are custom built for GREAT prices... and they compliment our Kilimanjaro Climbs perfectly Choose from rustic camping to luxury lodges
In Swahili, Safari means "journey"
Picture it in your mind... With a sundowner in you hand, and a tired body from the days game drive, you notice a family of elephant wander across the horizon. You have spent the day exploring the unchanged landscape that Hemingway wrote about in the 'Green hills of Africa.'
Today you watched a cheetah teach her cub to hunt. You stalked prey
with a lioness. You witnessed the massive bulk of a cape buffalo, and
the awkward grace of a giraffe at full gallop. You have three full rolls
of film. As you drift away to sleep, you are serenaded by the sounds
of the Serengeti at night, as the lions bellow.
This is the magic
of Safari in Africa.
What makes our Safari's different...
The 'Safari circuit' in Tanzania is busy and overused. Lodges are inevitably overbooked, and in some cases standards are slipping.
We avoid the 'Chain' hotels, and get off the beaten path
The game is constantly on the move, so we move with them. We have selected a handful of amazing bush camps, small bed and breakfasts and private guest houses with locations all along the migration route.
Our camps are very popular, and offer the chance to experience the wilds of Africa as Hemingway would have. We select from these accommodations depending on where our guides estimate the game will be residing in the month you plan to travel.
Our trips offer you a minimum of 3 days and 2 nights - and can be extended to as long as you would like to explore this stunning country.
Our Guides drive 4WD land cruisers - not overcrowded mini vans - and everybody gets a window seat, leg room, and a cooler full of cold drinks. Our vehicles feature open roofs with bimini covers, allowing you lots of shaded space to stand, and shoot photographs.
Steady your camera, and prepare for amazing images to appear before you. Along the journey, our guides will teach you about the animals, people, culture, flora and fauna you will see as you travel.
We promise that this journey will leave a lifelong impression on you...
What our Safari prices include...
Refer to the safari itinerary for specific details on what is included, but in general, our safaris are designed to be all inclusive - food, lodging (camping or lodge) guide, and private vehicle.
Our prices always include:
Your expert, friendly, endlessly knowledgeable safari guides. This is often your best asset when stalking Cheetahs on the Serengeti plain. Next, we like to be sure that our teams are not stuffed into a mini van (it happens). We own several 4wd Land Cruisers – and this means that you are guaranteed window seating in a sturdy, solid truck. These are in excellent condition, and always clean inside and mechanically sound. Alcohol or extra food ordered off the menu is not included.
Camping:
All food is included, along with camping in large north American tents -- we own these and don't hire them out, so they are always clean and tidy. We like to put 2 people in a 4 man tent... So you have a little room to move! When camping, you will be accompanied by your own private cook.
Lodges:
We like to stay away from the (really) expensive major chains that have overtaken the safari circuit. We have toured dozens of lodges and chosen our favorites. These are generally small bed and breakfast style, locally owned lodges. They are the types of places you see pictures of in travel magazines... Breathtaking, with amazing food, and a real feel of Africa.
Please remember that tips for your drivers and cooks are recommended.
Safari Hints:
Price is subject to slight changes in local fees and / or rates – Although we don’t expect it, it never hurts to carry an extra $50 in your pocket when you embark on Safari.
Climbing gear and valuables can be left in a safe at our Lodge.
Bring LOTS of film – the wildlife viewing is truly breathtaking – and you do not want to be rationing your film.
Camera batteries and film are NOT readily available in Tanzania. Bring extra.
Carry cash in small bills and extra hats / shirts and watches to trade with the locals.
Remember extra sunscreen and your personal first aid kit – you don’t want sunburn or a stomach bug to ruin your day.
Exchange your American money or travelers cheques for TZ Shillings at the exchange office in Arusha on your way out to Safari
Most importantly – Have FUN!
MountainQUEST has
20 years of climbing and trekking experience. We invite you to come
and climb Kilimanjaro with us!
Safari Itinerary
Our Safari's are designed to meet your needs. You can choose to camp, to stay in lodges, or to combine a little of both.
Our trips are constantly changing, as the game migrates across the savanna. If you are keen on seeing a specific sight, just let us know... Otherwise, we will be happy to organize a Safari that will take you to the highest concentration of wildlife.
Sample Safari Itinerary
One of our most popular safaris offers you 4 days and 3 nights
game viewing. Our lodging is a combination of camping and one night
in a small, luxury Bed and Breakfast style lodge in the Lake Manyara
area.
Trip duration: 4 Days / 3 nights
Accommodation: 2
nights Camping, 1 night private Bed and Breakfast
Parks Visited:
Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara
Day 1.
After
breakfast at the hotel, our drivers and guides will meet us, and our
journey will begin. After an optional visit to the elementary school
on the road out of our lodge, we will proceed to Tarangire National
Park for a full day game drive. We will take a break mid day, as our
cook prepares a hot lunch. Then we will continue on viewing game
throughout the park, into the late evening – looking for some
amazing sunset pictures for your album. We will return to our Camp
for dinner and overnight.
Day 2.
After a leisurely
breakfast, we will leave our first camp, and drive towards the
Ngorongoro crater. On the way, we will stop at the Mto wa Mbu
Village and Market for some local shopping and to stretch our legs.
After a hot lunch at our safari camp, we will take a game drive
towards Ngorongoro, with our destination being the Simba Camp,
perched on the crater rim. Here, we will relax as our chef prepares
dinner, and settle in for the night.
Day 3.
After an
early breakfast and hot coffee we leave camp with a boxed lunch
enroute to the Crater floor – our goal being early arrival – as this
is when the animals will be most active. After a morning of viewing
thousands of animals, we will stop for a picnic lunch by the Hippo
pond in the crater. After lunch, we will continue around the floor
of the crater, and then proceed slowly towards the Plantation Lodge.
We will arrive in time for dinner, drinks and a swim in the pool.
Overnight at this beautiful bed and breakfast lodge.
Day 4.
After breakfast, we leave the lodge enroute to Lake Manyara
national park. We will slowly explore this area, stopping for a hot
lunch along the way. As evening approaches, we will head back to
Arusha, arriving back at your hotel as the end of our tour.
