On a recent research trip to Tanzania and Zanzibar, our Africa specialist, Jamie, ventured to the regions’ most scenic safari hotspots. She ventured off-road through the Ndutu plains, enjoyed night-time game drives, witnessed a prowling lion pride and decompressed in the beautiful Baraza spa. It was also a trip of firsts: Jamie savoured traditional green banana soup and visited Africa’s only all-female safari camp. Keen to find out more? Read on to learn all about Jamie’s trip and her top travel tips...
- Where did you visit?
- What did you get up to?
- What made your trip special?
- Did you learn about any secret spots?
- What’s your favourite thing you ate?
- What new things did you learn?
- What was something you’d never done before?
- What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
- Did anything surprise you about the destination?
- What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
Where did you visit?
I spent ten nights in Tanzania on the Northern Safari Circuit, starting in Arusha with stops at the Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai and Central Serengeti (to name a few) before wrapping up with a brief visit to Zanzibar for some much-needed beachside R&R.
Image by Jamie Armstrong
What did you get up to?
Lots of wildlife spotting! In Northern Tanzania, I was lucky enough to see large herds of wildebeest preparing for the Great Migration – a journey that peaks in July with up to two million animals heading towards Kenya. I also enjoyed daily game drives through incredibly varied landscapes, including the vast Ngorongoro Crater and the densely forested Tarangire.
Image by Jamie Armstrong
What made your trip special?
In the Ndutu area, I was lucky enough to see the same pride of nine lions three times, including once with a fresh kill – talk about being in the right place at the right time! Spotting a round-faced dwarf owl in the middle of the day was also a rare treat, but it was the night-time game drives that really stood out. During these I saw genet cat and spring hares, two species which are nocturnal and very shy.
Image by Jamie Armstrong
Did you learn about any secret spots?
Yes! The Ndutu area definitely felt like a secret spot. We went off-road, tracking wildlife, which led to some amazing close-up encounters. That’s not as easy in other parts of the north, where most national parks keep you on the main routes and spotting wildlife can be tricky during the rainy season’s high grass. The mobile Serengeti Safari Camp was another hidden gem. With room for just eight guests, the green canvas tents move location four to five times a year to stay close to the Great Migration.
Image by Jamie Armstrong
What’s your favourite thing you ate?
I enjoyed plenty of traditional Tanzanian dishes, including Mtori, a thick, comforting green banana soup originating from the foothills of Kilimanjaro. I also tucked into ugali, considered Tanzania’s national dish, and plenty of tasty curries. Most mornings also began with a delicious bush breakfast, and I even experienced an al fresco bush lunch at the Ngorongoro Crater.
Image by Jamie Armstrong
What new things did you learn?
I learnt about Dunia Camp, Africa’s first and only female-run safari camp. Tucked away in the Central Serengeti, Dunia Camp gives women the opportunity to work as guides in what’s traditionally been a heavily male-dominated industry. It was really inspiring to see such a positive initiative.
Image by Jamie Armstrong
What was something you’d never done before?
I’d never tried green banana soup before and was a little hesitant at first, but it was surprisingly creamy and comforting. Forget everything you know about banana bread though, as the key is to use unripe bananas!
Image by Jamie Armstrong
What’s one thing that can’t be missed?
An open-vehicle safari is a must. It’s the best way to feel fully immersed in the landscape, with incredible, unobstructed views of the wildlife and fantastic photo opportunities everywhere you look.
Image by Jamie Armstrong
Did anything surprise you about the destination?
I was struck by how stunning the beaches in northern Zanzibar are. From my cliff-top thatched bungalow at Sunshine Marine Lodge, I had sweeping views of Mnemba Island’s white sands and access to a relaxing semi-private beach. The clear water was perfect for a morning dip!
Image by Jamie Armstrong
What’s a top tip you’d give to clients?
I recommend travelling during the shoulder seasons when the safari camps are quieter. You’ll dodge the summer months and enjoy uncrowded views of newborn animals and large herds all in one place. One final thing – when buying a memento to remember your trip, always check with our team for the best quality and most authentic souvenirs.
Image by Jamie Armstrong
Header image by Michael Hughes/LAIF-REA
