EASTERN CIRCUIT SAFARI
The Eastern Circuit of Tanzania has Mkomazi National park, Usambara Mountains (Lushoto) Amani Nature Reserve, Sadaani National Park and Pangani
The Eastern Circuit of Tanzania has Mkomazi National park, Usambara Mountains (Lushoto) Amani Nature Reserve, Sadaani National Park and Pangani
The eastern circuit is the smallest of all the circuits of Tanzania, yet it has its own charm in offerings. The eastern part of Tanzania forms miles-long shoreline with the Indian Ocean. The Eastern Circuit Safari Route is a secluded and remote route visited by only a few intrepid travellers each year. But even after being situated in a remote location, there are plenty of options to take advantage of from this circuit of Tanzania.
Itinerary at a Glance
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Day 1ARRIVAL, ARUSHAArrive anytime at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Tanzania. You will meet us at the airport and pick up with private transfer to Planet Lodge. We will gather in the evening for a pre-safari briefing. We will also confirm you have the appropriate mandatory medical coverage and travel insurance.Meals: Breakfast
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Day 2ARUSHA-MKOMAZI NATIONAL PARKAn early start is very essential picked up from the hotel with packed lunch start a straight drive to Mkomazi national park it is located 186 km drive from Arusha, arrive at the park and after registrations, we start the game drive and walking tour with an armed park ranger, Mkomazi is outstanding for East Africa birds watching site. Dinner and overnight: Bed, Dinner, Breakfast, and lunch included.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Babu's Tented Camp
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Day 3FULL DAY INMKOMAZI NATIONAL PARKAfter breakfast drive, you’ll go for a full day of game viewing taking a packed lunch to maximize your time. Most of the animals that you’ll see are endangered species, particularly the black rhinos, wild dogs, along with several bird species. After an exciting day of wildlife viewing, you’ll drive back to your hotel in the evening. Dinner and overnight: Bed, Dinner, Breakfast, and lunch included.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Babu's Tented Camp
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Day 4MKOMAZI -LUSHOTOGet an early start and proceed south to Mombo via the tarmac road with a picnic lunch. Along the way, enjoy nice views onto the mountains in the east and the Masai plains with its many sisal plantations to the west. Mombo is a colorful and vibrant town and from here the road winds up to Lushoto at an altitude of 1400m. Part of the Usambara Mountains, Lushoto, called “Wilhelmsthal” by the Germans, was very popular during the German colonial era. And due to its mild climate, it was a major rest and relaxation resort for many German settlers. • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic-Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation options in Lushoto: Mullers Mountain Lodge, Swiss Farm CottageMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 5FULL DAY LUSHOTO (USAMBARA MOUNTAIN)Explore Lushoto Town on foot and learn more about its history. With the arrival of the Germans, large farms and plantations were established and the church used Lushoto as its base for their mission work. Several colonial buildings are still in use including the former district office and the historical post office. The red tiled roofs and the smoking chimneys are remarkable. If you schedule your visit on a Thursday or Sunday, the town tour can be combined with a visit of the local market. Alternatively, you can walk to a nearby waterfall to experience the lush rain forest! • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic-Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation options in Lushoto: Mullers Mountain Lodge, Swiss Farm CottageMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 6LUSHOTO (USAMBARA MOUNTAIN)-AMANI NATURE RESERVE-PANGANIAfter breakfast depart, with a picnic lunch, to Mombo and drive via Korogowe and Muheza to the Amani Nature Reserve, which is located completely off beaten paths. This exceptional nature reserve is a paradise for bird lovers and botanists and stands out with its significant flora and fauna. Explore the reserve on foot and keep a watchful eye for its many endemic birds and plants. Butterflies, chameleons, frogs and forests birds are easy to spot here, with more than 340 recorded species. There are several walking trails within the nature reserve and some even lead up to splendid waterfalls. In the afternoon continue driving to Pangani. • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic-Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation options in Pangani: Emayani Beach Lodge, The TidesMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 7 & 8PANGANISpend the day in Pangani Town, rich in historical heritage and located directly at the estuary where the Pangani River flows into the Indian Ocean. Today, this somewhat sleepy fishing village still stands with its Arabic, German and British influences. Take a walk-through town and visit the slave market and the Old Port but also view the historic Bismarck-Allee, today Harbour Road, and the old German administrative boma. On the outskirts of Pangani you will find large coconut palms and sisal plantations. Return with the ferry to your accommodation for a leisurely afternoon at the beach. • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic-Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation options in Pangani: Emayani Beach Lodge, The TidesMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 9PANGANI=SAADANI NATIONAL PARKTake a picturesque drive along the coast to the nearby Saadani National Park, which is the only wildlife sanctuary in East Africa where bush meets beach. Spend the rest of day at your property for acclimatization and relaxation or enjoy a splendid walk along white sandy beaches surrounded by palms as traditional dhows and fisher boats pass by. You could also go for a swim in the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. This Tanzanian mainland coast is one of the last major green turtle breeding ground and – between October and November – whales are often seen passing through the Zanzibar Channel. • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic-Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation options inside: Saadani Safari Lodge, Simply Saadani CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Day 10SAADANI NATIONAL PARKSpend the day inside Saadani National Park and go out for a classic game drive. Although game viewing here isn’t comparable to the country’s other national parks, you may come across baboons, buffaloes, duikers, elands, elephants, giraffes, hartebeests, kudus, reed-bucks, warthogs, water-bucks, wildebeests and zebras. Lions and other predators tend to hide throughout day but it is one of the only spots in Tanzania where you can see the Roosevelt sable antelopes. Take a boat safari and enter the Wami River from the ocean to watch crocodiles, hippos and riverine birds including fish eagles and kingfishers. • Meals: Breakfast, Picnic-Lunch, Dinner • Accommodation options inside: Saadani Safari Lodge, Simply Saadani CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner
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Day 11SAADANI-DAR ES SALAAMMorning at 0800hrs after breakfast go for a boat excursion at the Wami River, which offers the best boat safari in Tanzania to see the flocks of flamingo birds, hippos, crocs and other waterbirds. OR commence a guide walking tour in the wilderness with an armed ranger guide. Return to the lodge for early lunch, at 1230hrs leave the park and travel to Dar es Salaam for a drop off, End of service by Friends of Africa Family Safaris.Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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FAQS
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HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SAFARI
Preparing for East Africa safari can be a daunting prospect at first glance.
Figuring out when to visit, which parks to include, where to stay, and how long to spend in each location can be a stressful task, but we’re here to help!
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
It is first aspects for Preparation of safaris. All travelers will need a current passport with an expiration date of at least six months from the time of entry into Tanzania. Tanzania tourist visas can be purchased in advance through the nearest Tanzanian embassy, or upon arrival at the airport or border crossing.
VACCINATIONS
Proper health preparations for the trip are your responsibility. You may be able to get your vaccinations from your own physician, but a travels clinic will be more familiar with the necessary vaccines and can also provide other helpful information. Be sure to also discuss malaria prevention with the travel clinic.
TRAVEL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE
East Africa Choice Safaris does not provide insurance for travelers. Speak with your travel agent or airline about options for travel insurance to cover personal accident, medical expenses and medical evacuation, repatriation, trip cancellation and loss of personal effects.
CLOTHING
The weather may vary considerably throughout your trip, or even throughout the day, so plan on clothing that can be layered if it’s cool, or removed if it’s warm. Choose separates that can be mixed and matched, and avoid fabrics that require special care. Neutral colors are good for safari; avoid black and blue clothing as tsetse flies are attracted to those colors. Accessorize with modest jewelry. To respect cultural norms, avoid sleeveless blouses and short shorts or skirts.
Depending on your itinerary, consider a pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes in case of mud or rough terrain. Sandals will be appropriate for safari. Most days will be sunny, so bring appropriate sun protection: hat (wide-brim is best to protect the neck and ears), sunscreen, sunglasses.
MONEY ON SAFARI IN EAST AFRICA.
While all of our Friends of Africa Family Safaris itineraries cover the important things such as accommodation, meals, park entry fees, and game drives – there are always additional costs that might pop up.
Things such as alcoholic beverages, souvenirs, snacks, laundry, and tips for your driver are examples of a few additional costs that might arise during your safari.
Tanzania uses the US Dollar for tourism. We recommend budgeting around $30 – $50 USD per day for incidental expenses and tips.
TIPPING IN EAST AFRICA
Tipping is customary.
We recommend tipping $20 USD per day to your safari driver (per group, not per person), $10 – $15 USD per day to your safari cook (when camping), $20 USD per day to your Kilimanjaro climbing guide, and $10 – $15 USD per day to your Kilimanjaro climbing porters.
You can pay this all at once at the conclusion of your safari or Kilimanjaro climb.
WHAT TO PACK FOR YOUR SAFARI:
Packing for your first safari can be a bit daunting. What do you bring? What don’t you need? Below you’ll find our recommended list of things to bring along with you when you’re on safari.
- A backpack;
- Comfortable clothing for daily wear;
- A warm sweater or light fleece;
- A windbreaker or waterproof jacket;
- Walking shoes or boots;
- A dress shirt and trousers or dress for wearing to dinner;
- Sunglasses;
- Hat;
- Sunscreen and lip balm;
- Insect repellent;
- Camera and charger;
- Binoculars;
- A flashlight or headlamp;
- Guide books;
- Phone and charger.
You may also wish to bring your own first aid kit. While all of our Friends of Africa Family Safaris vehicles have their own on board first aid kit, it never hurts to be prepared.
- Anti-malarial medication;
- Painkillers;
- Antihistamines for allergies and insect bites;
- Cold and flu medication;
- Anti-Diarrheal medication;
- Medicines for rehydration after diarrhea or sunstroke;
- Sunscreen and lip balm;
- Eye drops;
- Moisturiser for treating sunburn;
- Antiseptic lotion;
- Rubbing alcohol;
- Bandages and plasters;
- Scissors.
You may also wish to bring along water purification tablets and any medications you take for any existing medical conditions.
Don’t let the above list daunt you. Many of these items are only necessary in extreme cases, but it’s better to have something and not need it than it is to need something and not have it!
Any Questions?
Have we missed anything?
Don’t hesitate to Contact Us if you have any questions or if you’re ready to make your safari dream a reality.
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