Way To Go Travel Dream Trips - Tanzania 2024

12/02/2024

This is the accommodation we're staying at on the third night!

Look who visited last night! 🦛

23/01/2024

🦁🐃🐆 The Great Wildebeest Migration

One of the most astonishing natural events on Earth. Each year, millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores embark on a breathtaking journey across the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. This epic migration sees them chasing the rains and in search of fresh grasslands, while predators like lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles await their arrival.

When is the best time to witness this phenomenon?

It typically takes place between July and October, but the timing can vary...

Which means we should have a good chance of seeing some action whilst we're over there!

20/01/2024

What vaccinations do we need?

Here is a link to the website my pharmacist used when she was giving me vaccinations. I am not medically qualified to tell you what you should have, and it also depends on each individual and any health conditions they may have.

I'd recommend having a look a the link and then you'll have an idea of what you may need. However your health professional will have all the up to date information needed to decide which vaccinations you should or shouldn't have according to risk vs benefit.

https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/220/tanzania

Just bear in mind some vaccines need a course and so you'll need more than one dose, make sure you leave enough time to have the course before travelling! 😉

Malaria is a serious illness caused by infection of red blood cells with a parasite called Plasmodium. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes which predominantly feed between dusk and dawn.

20/01/2024

Saw this and thought of us! ;)

Serengeti, Tanzania 🇹🇿 ♥️

📸: Jeremyaustiin

16/01/2024

Those who have been 'paying as you go' and sending installments, I've sent statements today so you can keep track of where you're at 😊

11/01/2024

That's it folks! The last room is booked and our safari family is now complete!

09/01/2024

Reviews from some of the places we're staying at! I'll take that!

01/01/2024

Just some of the animals we're likely to see on our safari. Are there some I've not thought of?

Which are you looking forward to seeing most? 😃

28/12/2023

Before the break of dawn, you'll be whisked away to the launch site. As the balloon inflates, the anticipation builds. Then, as the sun peeks over the horizon, you'll gently lift off. The Serengeti comes alive beneath you in the soft morning light. Herds of animals move across the savannah, elephants roam in their tight-knit families, and the occasional roar of a lion punctuates the still air.

Your flight isn't just a journey over the Serengeti, it's a glide through time and nature. Each flight is uniquely shaped by the winds of the day, taking you on an uncharted path over one of the most iconic ecosystems on the planet. For approximately one hour, you'll have the best seat in the house, witnessing nature's raw beauty from an unrivalled perspective.

A hot air balloon safari offers not just a view, but a perspective. It's a peaceful yet exhilarating experience, floating with the winds, with a 360-degree panorama of one of the most thrilling landscapes on Earth. It's also an opportunity to see wildlife and the scope of the Serengeti without the limitation of roads or the hum of an engine.

The price of this incredible trip is $595 per person. Let me know if you want in and I'll let the supplier know. We will probably need to book it in advance, and there may be a minimum number required for the flight to go ahead.

26/12/2023

That's one of the last two rooms now booked!

Final room remaining! Don't miss out if you're on the fence guys!

17/12/2023

OK folks, flights are on hold currently (not including the Zanzibar possibility, which I'm looking at today).

I've had to choose between the cheapest flights (with a 24 hour wait in Istanbul, or a 14 hour wait in Nairobi which would an extra leg on the journey), and slightly more expensive - but with only two legs and 2 hour transit times.

The flights on hold are £795.38 from Manchester and £763.29 from Heathrow, though this may lower if I find a better deal. At least you know this is worst case scenario and the price will not rise. I'll drop the flight details as comments to this post so you can see exactly what's on hold at the moment.

Feel free to pop me a message if you want to chat about this :)

14/12/2023

There may be the option of a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the plains, I’m just making enquiries as to pricing…

07/10/2023

OK guys, flights are being released. Spam me with your local airport and I'll put some flights on hold. I've just seen some from Manchester for £677. (This is for the safari only, I've not looked into Zanzibar yet).

You can send me a message if you'd rather not comment here! x

EDITED to add - can you also send me your full names as they appear on your passports and your DOB in order for me to hold flights. :)

01/10/2023

It's possible to add a few days beach stay at the end of the safari in Zanzibar. Here's a few photos to whet your whistle!

If you are interested then just let me know how many days and what board etc and I can come back to you with some accommodation suggestions. 😊

01/10/2023

Here are the vaccine recommendations for Tanzania:

As I am not a medical professional I cannot advise you whether or not you should have a vaccine or not, I would recommend you contact a vaccine clinic (or your doctor if they provide this service, ours doesn't!).

The pharmacist who vaccinated me used this website to see which vaccines were recommended -

https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/220/tanzania

And it was Boots I went to for the vaccinations - https://www.boots.com/healthhub/travel-health/travel-vaccinations

There is no big hurry to check this out, but wanted everyone to have the information at hand should they wish to look into it.

I can confirm I have had -

The typical vaccines I had as a child, plus:
Tetanus
Typhoid
Hep A
Hep B
Rabies

I also have an oral Cholera vaccine to take before I travel to Botswana.

I have been advised against the Yellow Fever vaccination due to us travelling to a low risk area. If you have any questions please let me know and I'll do my best to answer them, but please bear in mind I am not qualified to answer medical questions. 😊

Find out more information on travel health advice when visiting different countries. Discover what disease may require vaccinations.

01/10/2023

Here’s where we’re staying on our last night - the zebras seem to like it! 🦓

01/10/2023

Unexpected visitor at our Lake Manyara camp! Who knows who may be joining us at the pool?!

30/08/2023

Did you know not all safaris are equal?

One safari I looked at before booking this Tanzania trip had photos of the most incredible lodge - absolute luxury. But in delving deeper I learned that the lodge was based in a private game reserve, which had very few animals, and the lions (there were only a handful on the reserve) were fenced into an enclosure, which although was a large enclosure, was not the experience I was looking for - more like doing a drive through in a zoo...

I wanted us to have a genuine experience of wild Africa, as nature intended. There are no fences in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater! Everything lives as it was born to do... Admittedly you can't guarantee seeing the animals you want to, but it makes it all the more special when you do catch a glimpse of that Leopard or Hyena or whichever animal is on your list!

We only have two rooms remaining on this once in a lifetime trip, if you're on the fence then know that this safari will be an honest adventure in the real Africa. No fences and no bought in animals to 'keep the punters happy...'

If you are ever planning on going on safari then I honestly don't think you can do better than this trip. This is a bespoke, private safari, just for Way to Go Travel clients. It is a one of a kind trip that will give us the most amazing memories we can keep with us forever...

03/08/2023

One room now taken, only two rooms left. So four people, or two if solo travellers...

Gotta get in there quick!

03/08/2023

Exciting news!

I've managed to secure another jeep, and three double rooms so you can join us next year! So we now have 6 places available.

This will be the last opportunity to join, the accommodation will be at capacity after this allocation. It also means that we will have the lodges entirely to ourselves, so totally exclusive!

Those on the waiting list will be offered first dibs, please let me know if you are wanting to come along, but be quick, the last allocation sold out in 24 hours!

02/08/2023

Those of you who are on the waiting list, I'm just waiting to hear from the supplier whether there's enough room for us to have another jeep - otherwise we're looking at running the exact same tour on a different date - so if you are interested and want to be on the waiting list, just let me know!

30/07/2023

That's it folks - all places are now on hold pending deposit - I am starting a waiting list for anyone else wishing to do this trip, or for anyone who would like to do this trip on another date. Thanks so much to everyone who's sent their deposit, we are going to have the most amazing adventure! 🤩

28/07/2023

DAY 9

Sadly all good things must come to an end...

Today we bid our farewell to a country that has captured a piece of our heart and we start our long journey back to the airport.

We will forever be richer from the memories we have made...

28/07/2023

DAY 8

Descend into the crater (600m) for an in-depth exploration of this distinctive Ecosystem. Enjoy abundant wildlife viewing set against the impressive backdrop of the Ngorongoro Crater, the heart of the conservation area. These drives provide one of the best opportunities in Africa to view the rare black rhino, which tend to spend their time on the crater floor. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world's greatest natural spectacles; its magical setting and abundant wildlife never fails to enthrall visitors. For lunch, enjoy a picnic next to the hippo pools on the rater floor. Continue with the game drive throughout the various ecosystems of the crater, including woodland filled with zebra and baboon, plains that support scavenging hyena and a lake that is tinted pink with greater and lesser flamingos. Other game you can see includes leopard, cheetah, hyena, other members of the antelope family, and small mammals. In the afternoon ascend and drive back to your lodge for overnight rest.

Tonight's lodge is Lake Manyara, which lies between the foothills of Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara, but even more striking
is its location, which could easily be mistaken for the middle
of a national park. Because of the large number of animals
that are permanently present on the lodge's premises, end
of 2021 the area and its surroundings have been declared a
Game Controlled Area (GCA).

The accommodation is a safari in itself with different room
types spread across the various sites. The Luxury Glamping
accommodations are reached by walking through the
subtle bush to your own private 'safari cabin', complete with
hammock, raised wooden deck, living room and beautiful
rustic wooden interior.

The Safari Comfort accommodations are spacious, and comfortable, having exterior canvas walls, a concrete floor and a permanent bathroom. The swimming pool with sun loungers and umbrellas is conveniently located near the bar and main buildings. The solidly built restaurant offers a magnificent view of Lake Manyara itself.

This is our final African sunset and so we'll toast our adventures and relive our favourite moments over a cocktail or two! 🍹

28/07/2023

DAY 7

Today we head to a new camp, called Serengeti South, and to get there we unfortunately have to do another game drive! 😜

After breakfast we'll have a private game drive through the Serengeti National Park. Not only is the National Park featured in a number of films and documentaries, but the great migration is a great sight to see.

Tonight's accommodation - South Serengeti is a comfortable accommodation, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and offers easy access to the crater, while at the same time being on the south side of Lake Ndutu, which is in the Serengeti National Park. The best of both worlds!

The area is famous for the calving season of the Great Migration, an absolute highlight of the annual wildebeest migration. The short rains in November and December provide nutritious pastures for the wildebeest, which stay in the area until the end of the long rains. Most calves are born in January and February. The open grassy plains offer them some safety, but these young wildebeest attract hungry predators, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs and hyenas. Between April and November, the south-eastern plains dry out, but there is still an abundance of game in the area.

There are in fact two water sources, Lake Masek and Lake Ndutu, where many wild animals come to drink. The area around Lake Ndutu is also famous for being home of 6 species of big cats (lion, cheetah, leopard, serval, African wild cat and caracal) which are present throughout the year. The 12 accommodations (6 Safari Comfort and 6 Luxury Glamping) form two wings with a restaurant tent and a bar/lounge tent in the middle. The classic safari tents are fully furnished with locally made furniture and have an ensuite bathroom.

28/07/2023

DAY 6

Today we will drive to Pololeti Game Reserve which is part of the Loliondo Game Controlled Area, now operating under the NCAA (Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority), an important area for breeding wildebeest, and a corridor for the animals coming from the Serengeti NP.

Because wildlife knows no boundaries, you will find a wide variety of animals in the game reserve, such as hunting lions, roaming elephants, grazing buffalo, running antelope and more.

Tonight we will spend our second night at Maasai Boma, in anticipation of travelling towards Ngorongoro tomorrow...

28/07/2023

DAY 5

Venture out on morning and afternoon game drives in the protected Serengeti refuge, where flowing rivers support a plethora of species.

In addition to the 'Big Five' (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhino), keep your camera handy for a cheetah bolting after a fleet Thomson's Gazelle. Enjoy ideal game viewing during your time in the bush, as your highly experienced driver-guide strives continually to keep you in the heart of the action.

Tonight we gather for a memorable dinner.

Our accommodation for this evening and for tomorrow is the Maasai Boma. Maasai Boma is a unique accommodation. Not only because of its ideal location, with Kenya's Maasai Mara in the background and situated between Lake Natron to the east, Serengeti National Park to the west and Ngorongoro to the south, making a round trip truly a round trip, but also because of its construction.

As the name suggests, the accommodation is inspired by a traditional Maasai boma. Look around and you will understand why; you are in their midst. The round mud houses with thatched roofs are simple and solid, yet comfortable. A spacious bedroom, decorated with traditional Maasai objects and bead work, is furnished with one kingsize and one single bed, and an ensuite bathroom equipped with toilet and shower facilities
to European standards.

The nearby village is called Ololosokwan. The Maasai Boma is just 15 minutes from Serengeti's Klein's Gate. Game drives to the famous river crossings where the Great Migration takes place are possible. Meanwhile, the Pololeti Game Reserve has also proved to be a hidden wildlife treasure. Game drives here are of unparalleled quality.

28/07/2023

DAY 4

Today we set out across the vast Serengeti plains. The name "Serengeti" coms from the Maasai language and means 'endless places'.

The vast open savannahs and wooded grasslands are home to large predators like lion, leopards, cheetahs, herds of buffalo, elephant, giraffe and also to a host of plains game and a wide variety of birdlife.

The Serengeti/Ngorongoro Conservation area plays host to the Great Wildebeest Migration, which is one of the natural wonders of the animal world - millions of wildebeest and zebra migrate in a year round pattern through Tanzania and Kenya and in the early months of each year the short grass plains in this area provide the perfect setting for the calving season where hundreds of calves are born.

There is an option to add a hot air balloon safari on to this day's activities, price to be confirmed.

After our game drive/hot air ballon safari we head back to Ikoma for dinner and to relax ready for the morning!

28/07/2023

Ok folks, I've had 3 confirmations with deposits this morning, I have two more deposits on the way. There are only 11 places on this trip in total, if you want to be on this trip, you'll need to get in fast!

28/07/2023

DAY 3

After breakfast we will head out on a game drive to Lake Manyara National Park. Lake Manyara N P sits at the base of the Great Rift Valley and is famous for its tree-climbing lions. The large shallow lake and the surrounding landscape are extremely scenic. Large fig and mahogany trees can be seen in the forest around the park gates and to the south are acacia woodlands. The lake and the surrounding area are home to over 300 bird species, including flocks of migratory flamingo. During the dry season, the lake waters recede exposing large grass covered areas.

Our accommodation for the next two nights is Serengeti Ikoma. Serengeti Ikoma is a comfortable safari accommodation located within the Serengeti Ecosystem and only 300 metres from the National Park boundary, but within the Game Controlled Area of the Tanzanian Wildlife Authority (TAWA).

Located between Serengeti Seronera, Grumeti and Ikorongo Game Reserves the location is perfect for exploring the Serengeti and all that there is to do in one of the country's largest National Parks. Due to its proximity to the Grumeti River, Africa Safari Serengeti Ikoma has a backyard full of animals and the Great Migration is here several months of the year.

The property is spacious and has accommodation to suit every budget; ranging from a campsite to pre-erected safari tents to Comfort Rooms. These canvas rooms with permanent bathrooms offer stunning views of the Serengeti from your bed and balcony. Meanwhile, the Ikona Game Controlled Area has also proven to be a hidden treasure when it comes to wildlife. The area is home to migrating animals from Serengeti National Park and the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya.