WHERE IS YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

Creating Memories

Africa has a safari for every traveller – what will your travel story be?

The Best Time to Visit Tanzania - A Deep Dive into the 3 Main Seasons

Tanzania is a tropical country where the climate varies by region and altitude. It has such a diverse landscape that its northern area offers a surprisingly temperate climate compared to the hot, humid eastern shore and beach areas.

And while peak tourist season in Tanzania is the dry season (from July to October), the best time to visit Tanzania will depend on what you have in mind for your trip. Are you going for the calving season in the southern Serengeti or the river crossings to the north, or do you wish to see the Big Five in quieter settings? Is your dream to visit the Mahale National Park to see the chimps or to scuba dive in the Indian Ocean waters of Zanzibar?

The rainy season largely dictates the locations and movements of the animals throughout the year, meaning your chances of fulfilling your wildlife wish list increase and decrease depending on the season.

So, we've put together an overview of what you can expect from the weather and wildlife in Tanzania as the months and seasons go by. And while any weather reporting and wildlife movement reports are subject to change, understanding what's happening and when will give you the best shot at fulfilling your expectations on safari.

WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MAN

A journey for the soul..

WHY THIS ADVENTURE?

This is a trek back through millennia of evolution from the relatively recent hominid footprints right by our Lake Natron Camp all the way to Olduvai, commonly known as “one of the most important paleoanthropological sites in the world”, and home to evidence of our earliest ancestors. Each camp location and design is being targeted at guests that are looking for an off-the-beaten-track experience, entirely respectful of the environment, and yet just enough comfort to ensure a superlative well-balanced adventure. If you think this is for you, read further!

HIGHLIGHTS

Hiking the Gregorian Rift Valley, Sanjan Gorge, Gol, Olduvai Gorge, witnessing untouched Maasai culture, being immersed into places people have never been before, stunning views, the migration (if timed right), off the beaten track, going back in time from old footsteps to new.

DESCRIPTION

This is a 6-day itinerary with two nights spent at Lake Natron Camp. Olduvai gorge is known as the ‘Cradle of Mankind’, and this trekking expedition courses routes either to or from this area incorporating the history of mankind, geology, and landscapes spanning 250 million years. You can time this expedition with the migration in the short grass plains or append a migration experience post/pre-trek.

THE LAND OF A THOUSAND HILLS”—RWANDA BEYOND GORILLAS

For starters, there is the capital city of Kigali, which is the entry point of any visit to Rwanda and well worth a visit. Known as The Land of a Thousand Hills, travelers can get a taste of the country’s lush landscape by wandering its many parks and gardens. It’s also one of Africa’s cleanest cities, thanks in part to the governmental initiative of “Umuganda,” which translates to “coming together in common purpose.” It is a country-wide cleanup that takes place on the last Saturday of every month from 8AM – 11AM. Projects can range from picking up litter to building a community hospital and visitors will not only notice but feel the communality of Kigali as they explore. If the timing works, you can also participate!

An absolute must-visit site while in Kigali is the Genocide Memorial. Beyond educating visitors on the atrocities that occurred during the 1994 genocide (during which approximately 800,000 people were killed over a span of just three months), the Memorial is also the final resting-place for over 250,000 victims. Family members of the departed come here to pay their respects, walk the peaceful gardens, and reflect. The Memorial has even developed a “peace education” program that is now built into the country’s national school curriculum.  As a visitor, you are given an audio guide headset to wear. This provides background context and historical commentary as you walk around the various exhibits. The Memorial Center also continues to provide support to orphans and widows and plays an important role in Rwanda’s extraordinary journey towards healing and reconstruction. Quite an emotional and moving experience, the hour or two that one spends here is a small way in which to pay tribute to and honor the victims. Entry is free of charge and donations are encouraged.

Another meaningful activity in Kigali is visiting an Azizi Life Experience Project, a Rwandan cooperative that supports local businesses throughout the country. One option is spending time with a lady’s group, where you can join the artisan hostesses in their village for a morning of family chores, a simple home-cooked lunch, and an afternoon of learning how to craft. It’s an incredible way to learn about one another as you share conversation and laughter with the artisans and their families.

For bird lovers, there is the Umusambi Village, which sits just an hour outside the city. The area is a restored wetland area and a sanctuary for over 50 endangered Grey Crowned Cranes (rescued from the illegal pet trade and unable to otherwise be returned to the wild). The village is a lovely place to walk and enjoy nature while admiring these stunning creatures.

While in Kigali, I stayed at The Retreat by Heaven, an independently owned boutique hotel just outside of the city center. All of its rooms (including its new pool villas) have names such as ‘Praise,’ ‘Equality,’ and ‘Compassion’ and public areas are decorated with Rwandan crafts and photographs of daily life. The hillside setting itself is so peaceful and would make for a perfect yoga retreat. Allowing oneself time to enjoy the grounds, swimming pool, spa, and its intimate Fusion restaurant (offering local farm-to-table cuisine), are reason alone to extend a day or two on each end of your gorilla trek.

From Kigali, having explored its many cafes, art galleries and markets, everyone inevitably makes their way to Volcanoes National Park. Of course, it is from here that you visit the mountain gorillas and golden monkeys. But since these operate as morning excursions, you have the afternoon to visit and learn about other parts of the region.

One such place you may enjoy visiting is the Gorilla Guardian Cultural Village, home to former poachers who now work to protect the mountain gorilla population. At this cultural center you learn about their traditional music and healing practices, take archery lessons, and try your hand at local food preparation – such as banana beer which you can also purchase. It is an experience the entire family would love.  Is it a little touristy?  Sure.  But your visit supports a great cause—that of transforming poachers into guardians and showing them another way to earn a meaningful living.

Another ideal afternoon activity near Volcanoes National Park is a visit to the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund. Anyone who has seen the movie Gorillas in the Mist (required watching if you are planning a trip to Rwanda) would be somewhat familiar with the incredible legacy of Dian Fossey and her work with the mountain gorillas. This facility is a fun yet educational place to visit and houses never-before-seen artifacts from Dian Fossey’s time living with the gorillas (even an exact replica of her cabin). It also screens a humorous 8-minute movie (in a 360-degree immersive theater) about a day in the life of a gorilla family and offers other interactive exhibits (really ideal for children but adults will enjoy it as well). Overall, a visit to this Center is an excellent way to learn more about the gorillas and the efforts in place to protect them.


Lastly, if time allows, you can spend a night or two up by the Twin Lakes (about one hour from Volcanoes National Park) at Virunga Lodge. Situated high on a ridge with breathtaking views of the Twin Lakes, the Virunga Volcanoes, and the Musanze Valley, the dramatic landscape is reason enough to visit.  While here, guests can hike to a local community or volcano, do some bird watching or enjoy the spa treatments on offer. I especially loved the singing butlers who awaken you each day with songs and morning coffee!  It is a wonderful way to end a stay in this enchanting and very special country.

From city to forest – and all of the places in between – Rwanda offers diversity, beauty and culture! This inviting country is not to be missed!

Gombe Stream National Park with Jane Goodall

Gombe Stream National Park, founded by the extraordinary Jane Goodall in the 1960s, much of what we know about chimpanzees today is a result of the research completed at Gombe. One of my lifelong dreams was to visit Jane Goodall's research station at Gombe Stream National Park. 

Gombe is home to the global longest-standing and treasured chimpanzee research program and Africa's most remote, authentic, and romantic adventures. It was an incredibly rare adventure opportunity to visit Gombe Stream, this off-the-beaten-track Park in Tanzania. It is also one of the smallest national parks in Tanzania. 

I have read many of Jane Goodall's books, and I made one of the best decisions of my life, visiting Gombe National Park and experiencing the chimpanzees for myself. 

Mt Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa.

Mount Kenya (5,199m) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the place from which Kenya draws its name. It is located in central Kenya and clear skies at daybreak are the best times to view its jagged peaks. Mount Kenya National Park is a less visited destination but with plenty of activities for a mountain retreat. Or you can simply sit back and enjoy the fresh highland atmosphere.

Conquering Kili


So many people are adding climbing Kilimanjaro to their 2023 fitness goals that we thought we'd share some info on the routes to the summit and how we can help get you safely to the top of the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

As Kili is not a technical climb, any fit person can conquer Kilimanjaro with the right crew to support them every step of the way.

We have personally done the major routes and don't believe in climbs of less than six nights on the mountain to allow for proper acclimatization.

We have taken hundreds of climbers safely to Uhuru peak - with an over 95% successful summit rate. With private climbs, ladies-only climbs and set departure dates. We have a climb for everyone.

Suggested packing list: We'll give you tips that cover how to pack a basic medical kit, information on how altitude may affect you, equipment rental options, and info on how to train for the hike.


Our guides and crew are looked after to international standards, following guidelines laid down by the Porters Protection Association. We ensure that porters are properly kitted out for their climb. Guides are qualified, licensed by National Parks, trained in Mountain Rescue, etc. Some guides have well over 400 summits to their name. Our guide to climber ratio is one guide to 2 or 3 guests for groups, with a second guide to support the lead guide if you are a solo climber.

Health & Safety: We carry portable oxygen and finger pulse oximeters on all climbs. Guides check guests’ medical condition daily and monitor this closely. Portable hyperbaric chambers are available for hire.


We offer great value for your money. You may find cheaper ways to attempt Kili, but we must caution against cutting corners on a trip as important as this. Give yourself the best chance to summit. We pay good guides and crew well, feed you wholesome food, and use decent equipment (which is maintained/upgraded regularly).

Machame Route: one of the most popular and scenic routes, taking in both the western and southern face of the mountain. After Umbwe, this is probably the most beautiful route.


Marangu Route: the traditional and most straightforward route on the mountain. It is a busy route and the only one where accommodation is in communal huts instead of camping. The hike follows the same route up and down and is considered an easier hike.

Rongai Route: approaches from the quieter northern side of Kili and retains a sense of untouched wilderness. It has a relatively gentle gradient and short daily stages. The route joins up with the Marangu route.

Lemosho Route: This remote and wild route starts on the mountain's western side and is perfect for those who want to take a slightly longer, more relaxed approach to climbing Kili. It meets up with the Machame route on Day 3.

Umbwe Route: The most scenic route. Your first two days are steeper but shorter. The climb is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitudes, and the shorter walking distances make it a great experience for fit hikers.

Western Breach Route: The hike starts on the Western side of Kili and takes you through the pristine rainforest, where it meets up with the Machame Route. This is the longest route but is less crowded.

Contact us today at info@urthsafari.com and let us help you plan your way to the top.

Planning new adventures as a new year approaches is always exciting.
Make it special! 
Take the one trip that can change your life. The one that will make you feel reconnected with nature and give you the sense of belonging to this wonderfully diverse world. 
Celebrate family, love, friendship, yourself! Celebrate life!
We've created a wish list for 2023. Be our guest to make it yours!


Africa is a place the whole family can truly enjoy, from grandpa and grandma to mom and dad and kids of all ages. In Africa, families can come together and celebrate, enjoying the bonding that invariably comes with visits to exotic landscapes filled with friendly people and incredible wildlife. 

May 2023 bring the journey of a lifetime! 

Gabriele Brown