Game Drivers Safaris

"Tailor-Made and Packaged Safaris in Kenya and Tanzania"

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Tanzania Safaris and Zanzibar Beach Holidays

New for 2008 we are now offering fully guided safaris in Tanzania. Tanzania is Kenya's southern neighbour. It is a huge country and has some of the world's most renowned game viewing areas.

Tanzania facts and figures:

  • Location: East Africa south of the Equator
  • Size: 945,203sq km
  • Population: Approx 36,000,000
  • Capital: Dodoma
  • Currency: Tanzania Shilling approx Tsh 2,400 to £1
  • Climate: wet from March to end May and Nov to Mid-December. Mostly dry rest of the year. Average temp range from 5 degrees c to 31 degrees c depending upon location and time of year.
  • Language: Swahili (official), Arabic and English
  • Entry Visa: required by EU Citizens
  • Getting there: direct flights from London to Dar es Salaam with British Airways also flights via Nairobi with KLM/Kenya Airways

Game Viewing in The Ruaha (Foxes African Safaris)

Although we are based in Kenya, Game Drivers Safaris can take you across the border into the game viewing areas of Northern Tanzania (The Serengeti National Park, Ngoro Ngoro, Lake Manyara, Ol Duvai Gorge and Kilimanjaro National Park) and we also organise post or pre-safari holidays on the beautiful island of Zanzibar.

We have provided a guide to the Tanzania National Parks and wildlife Areas that we cover (see left side of this page). For the areas beyond our reach in Tanzania we have chosen Foxes African Safaris to host our clients.For details of the accommodation and safaris that they offer see the right side of this page.

Map showing Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA)

Foxes African Safaris operate camps in the more remote game viewing areas of Tanzania (namely: The Ruaha, Mikumi and Katavi National Parks). Their camps are very much in keeping with our Game Drivers Safaris philosophy and style where the emphasis is on providing exceptional safari experiences in stunning locations to small groups of discerning clients

Recommended itineraries:

Zanzibar: No amount of descriptive prose can prepare the first time visitor to Zanzibar and its neighbours, for what they are about to experience. Quite simply its magical. The flight in to islands, especially from Mombasa, fulfills your image of paradise with emerald green islands ringed by white coral beaches and deep blue lagoons. You can't wait to get in amongst it all and start to explore.

Sunset from Zanzibar

We recommend at least a week to begin to appreciate Zanzibar and even then you will only just scratch the surface; but even if you only visit for a few days after your safari you will leave with memories that will equal those of your time in the bush.

Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia (click on map to enlarge)

Zanzibar is now visited by around 100,000 visitors each year but it is still possible to find yourself on deserted beaches gazing out across the Indian Ocean and even in the more touristy areas like Stone Town its easy to see beyond the throngs and appreciate the heady atmosphere and sheer history of the place. Much of the islands' character is due to the people who live and work here. They are without doubt some of the friendliest people we have encountered anywhere in Africa and they have a pride in their island home that few display on the mainland. Even the officials at the airport are nice!

Zanzibar facts and figures:

  • Location: 40km east of the African Coast, 6deg South of the Equator
  • Size: 1660 sq km
  • Population: 984,625 (2002 census)
  • Capital: Zanzibar Town
  • Currency: Tanzania Shilling approx Tsh 2,400 to £1
  • Climate: wet from March to end May and Nov to Mid-December. Mostly dry rest of the year. Average temp 27 degrees c.
  • Language: Swahili (official), Arabic and English
  • Entry Visa: required for EU citizens
  • Getting there: No international direct flights from Europe. Fly via Nairobi, Mombasa or Dar Es Salaam also numerous flights from mainland Tanzania safari airports.

The attractions of Zanzibar fall into two main areas: Stone Town and the beach.

Stone Town is the old quarter of Zanzibar Town which, until the development of Nairobi, Mombasa and Dar es Salaam was the largest and most powerful trading town in East Africa. Much of this former grandeur is still visible as is the interesting architectural variation that the various occupiers and traders have left behind.

Stone Town is best explored on foot and the services of a local guide or good guide book are highly recommended. The narrow twisting streets are at their liveliest and most interesting in the early evening when the souks and traders open up after their siestas. There are also a number of cafes and bars, both in the depths of the town and along the beach that fringes part of the town, where you can simply relax and soak up the atmosphere. We recommend that you allow two or three days in Stone Town before heading for your choice of beach destination.

A typical Stone Town Street

  • Where to stay: the choice is too enormous to list and where you decide to stay will be reflected by your budget and the experience that you are looking for. For total luxury in the heart of Stone Town we recommend the Serena Inn. For something a little more authentic and personal try The Dhow Palace or its sister hotel The Tembo. For budget travellers and those looking for something different there are lots of small private hotels tucked away in the streets and courtyards of Stone Town. Where ever you decide to stay we will be happy to advise and to arrange your booking.

The central courtyard of The Tembo Hotel, Stone Town, Zanzibar

The Serena Inn, Stone Town, Zanzibar

The Beaches and Islands:

Which beach resort you choose will depend upon a number of factors such as your time frame and whether you are interested in a particular experience such as diving of snorkeling. The choice is too wide for us to cover in this website and it is far easier for us to recommend a resort or beach location once we know what type of experience you are looking for.

Crystal Clear Waters and amazing reefs makes Zanzibar a mecca for divers and snorkelers

With the growth in tourism Zanzibar has seen an increase in the number of all-inclusive luxury resorts often built inside high coral walls but occupying some beautiful locations, however, it is easy for the traveller to experience similar beauty and possibly a more authentic holiday by choosing an independent hotel or beach cottage resort. There are a lot of these resorts in Zanzibar some of which have become favoured haunts of the backpacker community and others that are well known simply because they offer good value, a cold beer, decent food and a great view.

Nungwi, Northern Zanzibar

Jambiani, Southeastern Zanzibar

If we have whetted your appetite for a safari to Tanzania or a beach holiday on Zanzibar the start planning your safari by completing our Safari Enquiry Form.

  • Please Note: Game Drivers Safaris is not affiliated to or agents for any accommodation providers in Zanzibar. Any advice that we give concerning any aspect of your stay on the island is based upon personal experience, detailed research and recommendations from clients and other travellers. If we organise a stay on Zanzibar we will endeavor to get you the best possible deal at whatever destination(s) you choose and the price that we are quoted is the price that you will pay. We do this simply because the range of destinations and accommodation is too varied for us to attempt to restrict choice by recommending particular resorts that we are paid to promote. We will simply charge a small fee on your safari/holiday invoice for arranging your stay on Zanzibar. Please contact us for further information.

Wildlife Viewing in Tanzania:

The following list provides a quick guide to some of the national parks and wildlife areas of Tanzania. For further information visit http://www.tanzaniaparks.com the official home of the Tanzania National Park Service.

Serengeti National Park and its Kenyan neighbour, the Maasai Mara, provide probably the best wildlife viewing on the planet with all of the major species present in huge numbers and relatively easy to view from an excellent network of roads and tracks that are accessible all year round. As with the Mara the highlight is the Migration where 1.5 million animals enter the park on their never ending search for grass. Approximately 1 million of these animals is made up of the vast herds of wildebeest which give birth to their single calf within a two week period in February.

The landscape of the park is characterised by rolling savanna grasslands punctuated by rocky granite kopjes and stretches almost all the way from the shores of Lake Victoria in the west to the Maasai Mara in the north. Many clients choose to link the Serengeti into a circuit that covers the Lake Manyara and the Ngoro Ngoro Crater. It is currently not possible to cross in to the Serengeti from the Maasai Mara.

Buffalo herd in the Serengeti

  • Location:Northern Tanzania, adjoining the Kenya Border
  • Size: Approx 14,763 sq km
  • Accommodation: There are four lodges and four camps within the park and others located close to the boundaries.
  • Getting there: Either by road as part of the Northern safari circuit or by air from Arusha. It is also possible to drive in from Kenya crossing the border at Sirari which lies to the eat of Lake Victoria
  • When to travel: December to July is the best time to catch the migration before it enters Kenya in late July.
  • Link: http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/serengeti.htm

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Lake Manyara is a shallow soda lake that lies at the foot of the Great Rift Valley escarpment and is one of the most scenic and dramatic wildlife areas in Tanzania. The National Park lies at the northern edge of the lake and is one of Tanzania's smallest wildlife reserves. Despite its size the diversity of habitat ranges from grassy lakeshore to dense forest and is home to herds of plains game and over 400 species of bird. The park is well know for it "tree climbing lions". The park is best visited at the start of your northern Tanzania safari and is easily reached from Arusha.

Lake Manyara from the Great Rift Valley

  • Location:Northern Tanzania
  • Size: Approx 330sq km of which 200 sq km can be lake when the water levels are high.
  • Accommodation: There is one luxury tree house style camp in the park and one camp and two lodges over looking the park from the high slopes of the Rift Valley.
  • Getting there: Approx 1.5 hours by road from Arusha as part of the Northern safari circuit or by air from Arusha. There are also scheduled and chartered flights from Arusha.
  • When to travel: July to October is the dry season and the best time to view big game whilst the wetter months are best for ornithology.
  • Link: http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/manyara.htm

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The NgoroNgoro Crater part of the NgoroNgoro Conservation Area and is the largest collapsed caldera in the world. It's floor has a diameter of approximately 19km with 600m sides. The NgoroNgoro is one of the most spectacular wildlife viewing areas in the world with 25,000 to 30,000 large mammals living between its rocky walls. All of the big five are represented and the crater also boast Africa's densest population of large predators. Habitats range from the flamingo covered alkaline waters of Lake Magadi to swamps, forests and open plains.

NgoroNgoro Crater

  • Location: Northern Tanzania approx 30 kms North West of Lake Manyara
  • Size: part of the 8288 sq km conservation area which also includes Ol Duvai Gorge and Salei Plains
  • Accommodation: Numerous Lodges and camps mostly located on the crater rim.
  • Getting there: Best visited as part of the Northern Safari Circuit usually after Lake Manyara.
  • When to travel: July to October is the dry season and the best time to view big game whilst the wetter months are best for ornithology.
  • Link:http://www.ngorongoro-crater-africa.org/home.html

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Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak at 5895 m and is also the highest free standing mountain in the world. Its snow capped image is sin ominous with East Africa and safaris to this magical part of the world. Some people travel just to gaze up the towering peak but many also attempt to reach its summit. The climb to the top is not technically difficult but the rigors of high altitude mean that only a third of mountaineers reach their goal: Uhuru Peak.

  • Location:Northern Tanzania just south of the Kenya Border
  • Size: Approx755 sq km
  • Accommodation: There are several hotels and campsites outside of the park. For those wishing to tackle the summit there are huts and campsites on the mountain.
  • Getting there: 128 kms north of Arusha and a short drive from Kilimanjaro Airport.
  • When to travel: The most popular climbing season is December to February. July to September is also dry and cooler.
  • Link: http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/kili.htm
  • NB: Climbing Kilimanjaro is a serious undertaking and will require a minimum of five days to complete. Please contact us for further advice if you would like climb this iconic peak.

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Ruaha National Park is Tanzania's second largest park and protects a vast tract of the rugged, semi-arid bush country that characterises central Tanzania. The lifeblood of the park is the Great Ruaha River, which forms the eastern boundary of the park. During the rains this river is a flooded torrent but dwindles thereafter to a scattering of precious pools surrounded by a blinding sweep of sand and rock.

Mwagusi River Ruaha (TANAPA)

  • Location:Central Tanzania
  • Size: Approx 10,300 sq km
  • Accommodation: Ruaha River Lodge
  • Getting there: The Park is served by road and air although road is the most cost effective means of getting there for couples and smaller parties. Foxes run road transfers from Dar Es Salam.
  • When to travel: All year round although June to December is best for game viewing as this is when the dry-weather forces the animals to converge on the dwindling Ruaha River (Park's only water supply).
  • Link: http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/ruaha.htm

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Mikumi National Park: lies to the north The Selous (Africa's largest reserve) and is part of a huge 47,000 sq km tract of wilderness that runs almost all the way to the Indian Ocean. Much of the park is characterised by open grassy plains which are home to large herds of plains game and their predators. Mikumi is one of the best places in the Tanzania to view the Eland (Africa's largest Antelope) and Kudu.

Buffalo Herd in Mikumi National Park (TANAPA)

  • Location:280 kms west of Dar Es Salaam
  • Size: Approx 3,230 sq km
  • Accommodation: Vuma Hills Tented Camp and Foxes Safari Camp
  • Getting there: The Park is served by road and air from Dar Es Salam.
  • When to travel: All year round
  • Link: http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/mikumi.htm

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Katavi National Park: is the third largest national park in Tanzania and lies within The Rift Valley in the remote South Western corner of the country. Most of the park is characterised by featureless brachystegia woodland home to large populations of Kudu, Sable and Roan Antelope. The main attraction, however is the Katuma River and its flood plain.

During the rains this area is wet and marshy and home to Tanzania's densest population of crocodiles and hippos. When the dry season bites the game concentrates on the shallow pools and lakes of the flood plain where huge herds of elephant and buffalo maybe sited along with other plains game and their predators. Towards the end of the dry season the remaining muddy pools become the battle ground of hundreds of hippos ,forced to live together in the dwindling pools where fights between competing males is an almost daily occurrence.

Elephant in swamps (TANAPA)

  • Location:SW Tanzania
  • Size: Approx 4,471 sq km
  • Accommodation: Katavi Wilderness Camp
  • Getting there: Charter flights from Dar Es Salaam or Arusha. A tough but spectacular day's drive from Mbeya (550 km/340 miles), or in the dry season only from Kigoma (390 km/240 miles).
  • When to travel: May to October is the best time of the year to visit as during the rains some of the park roads may be flooded.
  • Link: http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/katavi.htm

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Udzungwa Mountains National Park: Udzungwa is the most beautiful and bio diverse of the dozen or so mountains that make up the Eastern Arc Mountains; the forested remains of an ancient mountain chain that rise out of the flat scrub and bush of the Tanzanian Coastal plain. This unusual forested park is prefect for hikers and provides a welcome break from the usual vehicle bound safari. A particular highlight is the half-day walk to Sanje Falls which plunge over a 170 m into the forested valley below.

The park is a magnet for ornithologists with four species of bird being unique to the park. There are also two of the six species of primate (Iringa red colobus and Sanje Crested Mangabey) that are unique to these forests.

The view from the top of the Udzungwa Falls

Sanje Falls

  • Location: Five hours (350 km/215 miles) from Dar es Salaam; 65 kms (40 miles) southwest of Mikumi.
  • Size: Approx 1990 sq km
  • Accommodation: There is no accommodation in the park. Visit from Mikumi National Park so choose from Vuma Hills or Foxes Safari Camp.
  • Getting there: Drive in from Dar Es Salaam or combine with your stay at Mikumi.
  • When to travel: All year round although roads can be slippery in the rains.
  • Link: http://www.tanzaniaparks.com/uzdungwa.htm

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Foxes African Safaris:

Foxes African Safaris run safaris from the following camps:

For total post safari relaxation Foxes also offer their clients the opportunity to stay at the beautiful Lazy Lagoon, a real desert island and tropical paradise situated in the Zanzibar Channel.

Ruaha River Lodge: was the first lodge to be built in The Ruaha and occupies a spectacular setting on a rocky bluff overlooking the river in what is one the best game viewing areas of the National Park. The lodge is not the last word in luxury but it offers comfortable accommodation in a great location with friendly and efficient staff.

Ruaha River Lodge

Ruaha River Lodge: View from the bar

Ruaha River Lodge: Typical banda

  • Contact Us for Prices and Availability or to tailor make your itinerary

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Foxes Safari Camp is the only personalised camp in the Mikumi National Park. The camp is situated on a rocky kopje overlooking the Mkata flood plain and the best game viewing area in the park: The Mwanamboga Waterhole.

The camp consists of 8 tents raised on wooden platforms and central dining area and bar area. There is a very laid back atmosphere with traditional safari touches such as drinks served around the campfire and personalised game viewing in purpose built four wheel drive vehicles.

The camp also boasts a small swimming pool.

Foxes Safari Camp: typical tent

Foxes Safari Camp: Poolside

Foxes Safari Camp: View from Tent

  • Contact Us for Prices and Availability or to tailor make your itinerary

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Vuma Hills Tented Camp is located in the remote wilderness of Mikumi National Park. Accommodation is in 16 tents built on wooden platforms with fabulous views across the seemingly endless bush. Each tent has en suite facilities and wonderful, colonial atmosphere.

The camp also has a spacious dining area overlooking the pool and bar.

Vuma Hills Tented Camp: Typical Tent

Vuma Tented Camp: Pool side and raised dining banda

  • Contact Us for Prices and Availability or to tailor make your itinerary

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Katavi Wilderness Camp is an exclusive camp in one of Tanzania's wildlife gems (The Katavi National Park) that due to its remote location is only visited by a few hundred tourists each year.

Each of the comfortable tents is discretely situated among the trees in an excellent game viewing location.

Katavi Wilderness Camp: Tent Interior

Katavi Wilderness Camp: Mess Tent

Katavi Wilderness Camp: Game Drive

  • Contact Us for Prices and Availability or to tailor make your itinerary

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Lazy Lagoon in the Zanzibar Channel is a tropical island with nine kilometres of deserted beach and a nature reserve which is home to many small mammals and birds.

The atmosphere is very laid back with accommodation in large airy, thatched bandas overlooking beach. There is a main dining and bar area with a swimming pool.

Activities include diving, snorkeling, sailing, sea kayaking, dhow safaris and of course lazing around!

Lazy Lagoon: Sailing is one of many activities on offer

Lazy Lagoon: Bedroom

Lazy Lagoon: Pool and lounge/dining banda

  • Contact Us for Prices and Availability or to tailor make your itinerary

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