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THE KINGS OF KILIMANJARO
As you stand triumphant atop Kilimanjaro, basking in the glow of success, brace yourself for the next thrilling moment on your adventure! Feel the adrenaline surge as you embark on a heart-pounding 3-5 day animal safari. Take flight and descend into the rugged heart of the African Savannah, where a custom 4-wheel drive beast awaits, ready to whisk you away on a breathtaking wildlife odyssey.
Your seasoned guide, a master of the wilderness, brings you up close with the wild creatures of this enchanted land. As twilight descends, surrender to the embrace of the African night, and find joy in a sumptuous tented camp or luxurious lodge nestled deep within the beating heart of wild Africa.
Eddie Frank, the founder of Tusker, was raised in the African bush and worked as an expert safari guide for many years.
Upon shifting Tusker’s focus to climbing and trekking, he partnered with his longtime associate, Peter Lindstrom, one of East African’s exceptional guides, and owner of one of Tanzania’s top-rated safari company – Hoopoe Safaris.
Nowadays, Hoopoe runs all of Tusker’s safaris in conjunction with our superb Kilimanjaro Climbs.
Which Areas To Visit
The areas you explore depend on the time of year you are traveling, as the wildlife migrates around the ecosystems, following fresh grazing and water.
The seasons in East Africa center around two rainy periods. The hottest season is usually December to March, although it can get quite cold in the hills throughout the year. December to March is a great time to safari in the Serengeti as it is typically dry. Even though April through June sees rains, you can still enjoy the Serengeti as there is a lot of wildlife. July to November is peak season there, with superb weather and the proximity of wildebeest migration.
Tarangire is generally best to in the dry season, when the wildlife moves toward the Tarangire River for water and grazing. This is typically late June to October. Ngorongoro, due to its constant supply of water, provides a permanent home for the animals, so you can enjoy great wildlife viewing all year round. Lake Manyara is always great to visit, as there are permanent sources of water there, and the park is very close to all the other national parks you will visit.The Great Migration is the most dramatic unfolding of life in action on the grandest scale. It is the greatest show on earth and occurs in the Serengeti. If you plan your Kilimanjaro climb and safari around the migration season, you can witness this amazing living spectacle. Over 2 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate in a 1,000-mile loop through the Serengeti, trailed by lions and cheetahs. While the migration seasons are predictable, they are determined by local rainfall patterns, which change from year to year.
The short rains start around the beginning of November. Then in late November and December the massive herds of wildebeest arrive on the short-grass plains in the southern Serengeti. Across the plains you see wildebeest and zebra everywhere, all the way to the horizon, as they feed on the fresh grass. This is a great place for them with plenty food and water. They stay here from January to March, with most of wildebeest giving birth in a 3-week window in January to February. As the calves and foals build their strength, the herds slowly start heading west, over the plains. They then start their migration northwards around April.By May, the wildebeest and zebra are all heading north, seeking fresh grass and water. Around June, the migration stops on the south side of the Grumeti River, which slows the movement north. The herds start gathering here in the Western Corridor, building up dense concentrations. Here, the river consists of channels and pools, and while the herds clamber across the river, they provide a moveable feast for the massive crocodiles.
In July and August, the migration moves north and spreads out over a wide front across the Serengeti plains. In September, the massive herds spread out over the northern part of the Serengeti, where the heavily flowing Mara river, which separates Kenya and Tanzania, presents a massive obstacle for the moving herds. As you witness the gigantic herds frantically cross the river you will be amazed. It’s a feeding frenzy for the giant Nile crocodiles, and a spectacle to behold.Lake Manyara National Park
Well known for its tree climbing lions, Lake Manyara is a scenic park with a wildly diverse habitat for you to explore. From the steep rift valley wallsto packed dense woodlands, to riverine habitat and soda lake, you encounter magical landscapes and wildlife unique to Africa.
The incredible range of wildlife includes elephant, buffalo, leopard, impala, giraffe, and more than 400 species of birds. In the forest area there are olive baboons, vervet and blue monkeys. On the plains are wildebeest, zebra and buffalo. In the river you see pods of hippos, with flocks of pink flamingos in the distance. There is everything you would expect to see in an African national park.Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area covers 3,202 square miles and is home to the largest volcanic crater in the world. It’s the largest unbroken caldera in the world at 102 square miles, home to the highest density of large game in all of Africa. It’s incredible.
The mineral rich soil provides abundant grazing for herbivores like buffalo, zebra, elephant, wildebeest, and zebra. Containing such a high concentration of herbivores, it’s no surprise that you find large populations of lions. You also see cheetahs, leopards and black rhinos.Serengeti National Park
The massive and spectacular Serengeti is one of Africa’s most breath-taking wildernesses. Just the volume of animals makes your eyes pop. Over 2 million wildebeest, zebras, gazelles and antelopes thrive here, and are all hunted by predators such as lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas.
Most of the wildebeest, zebras and gazelles are constantly on a slow move in a Great Migration – a 1,000-mile loop around the Serengeti, in search of fresh grazing and water.Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is located in Tanzania’s Manyara region and covers 1,100 square miles of ridges, river valleys, swamps and the life-giving Tarangire River. Often overshadowed by the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, it is also known for its dense concentration of wild game.
The great migration of wildebeest and zebras pass through this park, which is also a preferred calving area. Tarangire is surprisingly large with some of the finest wildlife viewing in East Africa. The best time to visit Tarangire is July through October.
Tailored to the Season | |
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Trip Length | Land Cost |
3-5 Days | $2,300 to $4,700 (plus local flights) Trip cost depends on season and duration |
Zanzibar
Custom Duration | |
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Trip Length | Land Cost |
3-5 Days | $1,100 to $3,200 (plus local flights) Trip cost depends on duration and activities |
Safari
When arranging your Wildlife Safari, we consider key factors to enhance your experience. We select prime wildlife spots based on season, your preferred duration of your safari, and accommodation preferences. When these elements align, you’ll experience an unforgettable adventure.
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