Monkey Adventures

Ndutu: Everything You Need to Know

Ndutu is made mostly of sweeping grasslands and occupies the area towards the Northwest border of Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stretching into South Serengeti. Ndutu region, along with Southern Serengeti hosts great migration from late December to March, and like most of the Serengeti, it too has endless wide plains dotted with lakes, trees, stunning kopjes. Contents 1. Wildlife and Migration in ...

Tipping Guidelines for Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek

Tipping is customary and highly expected at Kilimanjaro. This might come as a surprise to many, especially if coming from countries and cultures where tipping is not as prevalent or present at all. The amount of tip is also larger than others treks you might have been on perviously. This is because unlike most other treks around the world, trekking on Kilimanjaro requires a big crew. A group of 6 ...

Safari Van vs. Land Cruiser: Which Vehicle is More Suitable for You

When planning a safari, choosing the right vehicle can greatly enhance your experience. Two popular options are the Safari Van and the Land Cruiser. While both offer open pop-up roofs for uninterrupted game viewing and seating for seven passengers (six window seats in the back and one next to the driver), they differ in several key aspects. Here's a detailed comparison to help you make an informed...

What you should know before booking a safari tour in Africa

At Monkey Adventures, we are proud to share that 97% of all safari tours that we offer in East Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda) run smoothly without any problems and we are able to meet or exceed client expectations. But even though less likely, given the nature of these tours and the number of variables involved in arranging a safari tour (hotels, vehicles, guides, airlines, parks, road condition...

Lake Natron Activities: Hiking, Birding, and Cultural Encounters

Introduction Lake Natron is a great place for adventure seekers, as it offers a range of captivating activities. This article highlights the exciting activities that await you near the lake. From hiking the majestic Ol Doinyo Lengai to immersing in the vibrant Maasai culture, and from exploring ancient footprints to encountering diverse birdlife, Lake Natron offers a wealth of unforgettable experi...

Great Migration in Serengeti in 2024/2025 - What, When, Where & How much?

The Great Migration is the annual movement of millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles around the Serengeti eco system, seeking fresh grazing grounds and water sources. This spectacular event is one of the world's most significant wildlife events, drawing hundereds of thousands of visitors to the Serengeti eco system every year. In the below article, you will learn everything required to plan...

Tanzanian Paradise: Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Islands

Tanzania, a country with diverse landscapes and rich culture, boasts an array of islands, with Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Island standing out as the top choices for travellers. Each of these destinations has its own unique allure, catering to a variety of traveller preferences. Let's take a closer look at what sets them apart and which one might be the perfect fit for your Tanzanian adventure. Zan...

Where to stay in Moshi?

At Monkey Adventures, we have noticed a growing trend of trekkers booking hotels directly in Moshi. With many hotel booking sites, there are always some great deals on offer. Therefore, we don't include hotel stay in Moshi by default in our tours, but provide it as optional addons. We find this to gives our customers the maximum flexiblity when it comes to accomodation options before and after the...

What are the essentials required for Mt. Kilimanjaro climb?

Here are the list of essentials required for the Kilimanjaro trek. Most of it can be purchased or rented at Moshi. Renting would cost anywhere between USD 100 to 200 depending on what you are renting. Basics Towel Soap Hand sanitizer Camera Toothbrush Spare batteries for camera, headlamp Face cloth Toilet paper Summit gear (wear on summit night) Gore-Tex, Microtex or K-Tech Trilaminate jacket Gor...

Tipping Guidelines for Safaris

Here are our tipping guidelines for the Safari guide. Private safari tour: USD 20-35 per day (from everyone in the vehicle combined) Group safari tour(in Tanzania): USD 10 per day per client. You can tip the amount in USD or in local currency (Kenyan Shillings in Kenya or Tanzanian shillings in Tanzania0 and as with all tours in East Africa, tipping happens only on the last day, after your tour ha...

How many days for Tanzania tour?

Quick Answer Recommended duration for a safari in Tanzania is: 3 to 5 days for a quick taste of wildlife safari, covering a couple of national parks or 6 to 8 days for visiting the top parks including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire 9 to 11 days for covering the top parks with a relaxed schedule 12+ days for once in a lifetime trip with maximum wildlife spotting potential Recommended Duration for...

Things to do in Serengeti - on top of classic game drives

Looking to take your Serengeti safari to the next level? Beyond the classic game drive, there are plenty of add-on tours to experience the park in a whole new way. From hot air balloon rides to walking tours & rhino coservation safari, discover the unique tours you can't miss in the Serengeti National Park. Hot Air Balloon Ride Hot Air Balloon safari is the most popular add on activity in Serenge...

How To Book a Safari Tour with Monkey Adventures

Embarking on your dream tour is just a few steps away. In this article, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of securing your dream tour effortlessly. From choosing the perfect itinerary to finding the ideal accommodations,we'll walk you through the seamless process of reserving your spot on an unforgettable adventure with us! If your are yet to plan out your journey and need help with ...

Important information regarding Tanzania visa

Thank you for booking with Monkey Adventures! We are waiting to host you in Tanzania. To visit the United Republic of Tanzania, you can get a Tanzanian Visa either on arrival or e-Visa which you can apply for before your arrival to Tanzania. If you are visiting within two weeks, we recommend getting a Visa on Arrival, if you are permitted to do so. Our Information: You will be asked to fill-in our...

Group Joining vs Private Safaris in Tanzania

What is a private safari? In Private safaris, our safari vehicle and guide will be reserved exclusively for your party. So you will have the entire safari vehicle all to yourself along with the guide’s undivided attention which will ensure a more informative & personalized experience. With a private vehicle and hide can customise your itinerary, accommodations and daily safari timings to a reasona...

Security Concerns in Tanzania

When planning your trip to Tanzania, it's essential to be aware of potential security concerns and health risks. While Tanzania offers breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, travellers should prioritise their safety and well-being. The year 2022 saw the country maintaining its status as a secure destination in Africa according to Global Peace Index, however, various government sites still ur...

Tanzania Parks - Ratings & Reviews

Wondering which parks you should visit in your Tanzania Safari? you have come to the right place! We asked our guides to rate the parks and regions in North Tanzania keeping in mind clients' overall experience while visiting these locations. Since several parks are huge and require multiple days to cover properly, these parks have been rated day wise, for multiple days. Further, as experience wide...

Tanzania Safari Costs - From $150 to $1500 per day

Here are costs for a private safari in Tanzania for a party of 2 Basic camping safari costs in the range of USD 200-300 per person per day Safari with economy hotels costs in the range of USD 250-400 per person per day Safari with Mid range hotels costs in the range of USD 350-600 per person per day And a safari with luxury hotels costs in the range of USD 500-1500 per person per day The costs of ...

Photos of Safari Land Cruiser

Standard Safari Jeep Here are some photos of the standard Safari Land Cruiser we use. It will be a modified Toyota Land Cruiser. The exact jeep and specifications might vary a little from the reference photos shown. Inside the Jeep Charger inside the Safari Jeep...

Information on Safari Accommodations

Where you stay during your Safari is one of the most important aspects of your tour experience. Hotels available on Safari, especially in/around national parks are quite different from city hotels and we strongly recommend our clients to go through the accommodations Website, Tripadvisor page & pictures to get an idea of the accommodations they will be staying at. Here is some important informatio...

Photos of Equipment on Kilimanjaro Trek

Although not a technical climb, there is a lot of equipment and gear required to climb Kilimanjaro. Most of it deals with the cold weather and rain. There is no technical climbing equipment required. Here is our list of essential equipment needed - Essential Gear for Kilimanjaro Tent Product Details Name: Peak 3 Person 4 Season Hiking Tent Weight (kg): 4.35 Brand: First Ascent Dimensions: 255cm x...

Central Serengeti: Everything You Need to Know

The beating heart of a magnificent ecosystem, Central Serengeti is the best place to go on a safari in Tanzania. The region is humming with wildlife. The area possesses a variety of habitats, ranging from swamps and rivers to kopjes and thick woodlands, which in turn nurture a variety of fauna. In fact, a particular Simba Kopje here is the very kopje that inspired the Pride Rock seen in Disney’s T...

Northern Serengeti: Everything You Need to Know

The Northern Serengeti offers a distinct landscape compared to the Central Serengeti. It features rolling hills, valleys, acacia woodlands, and riverine areas, rather than vast open grasslands you find in Central and Southern Serengeti. From July to October, wildebeests migrate to the Northern Serengeti in search of richer grazing grounds. Here they enocunter one of the biggest challenges in thei...

Lake Manyara National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Nestled away in the Great Rift Valley, just 2 hours from Arusha and on the way to Ngorongoro/Serengeti, surrounded by picturesque escarpments, covered in glittering water bodies and swaying green canopies is the small national park of Lake Manyara. The beauty of this lake made even the American literary icon, Ernest Hemingway, pause and exclaim ‘loveliest lake in Africa’. Lake Manyara is popular f...

Western Serengeti: Everything You Need to Know

Western corridor of Serengeti is the remote area of the park that stretches out to touch the large Lake Victoria shared by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. The region is dominated by two rivers, Grumeti and Mbalageti, that run parallel to one another and drain into Lake Victoria. The rivers in turn have led to the creation of riverine forests in the West. But besides riverine forests, you can find the...

Lake Eyasi: Everything You Need to Know

Lake Eyasi is a famous soda lake near Ngorongoro Conservation Area and offers a very different experience from national park safaris in the northern circuit. The location is famous for being home to the Hadzabe - the last hunter-gatherers of East Africa whose practices have remained the same for over 10,000 years. Besides the Hadzabe there is another tribe that lives nearby - the Datogas. The Dato...

Lake Natron: Everything You Need to Know

If you search for Lake Natron, Google will show you some haunting pictures of mummified birds and ruby-red waters. Seems like a scene straight out of a Stephen King novel. But what’s the big deal? Why such spooky pictures of a lake? Lake Natron is one of the most famous lakes in the Northern circuit and situated close to an active volcano, Ol Doinyo Lengai known for its thin silvery lava. The mine...

Tarangire National Park: Everything You Need to Know

While Serengeti gets all the press, Tarangire is another jewel in the Northern Tanzania Circuit. Surrounded by Maasai Steppes and the Lakes of the Great Rift Valley, it has sprawling grasslands dotted with majestic Baobabs, swamps, woodlands, and charming hills. The river Tarangire that flows through it throughout the year attracts herds of elephants, wildebeests, buffalos, and many other species ...

How to get to Arusha

Arusha is the nearest major city to iconic parks of Northern Tanzania like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara & more. So most Tanzania safari tours start from Arusha and the majority of the tour operators and guides are also located in Arusha. Before you start your Tanzania safari, we recommend to arrive in Arusha a day in advance and rest in the city. Here are different options to reach Ar...

Activities at Lake Manyara

Lake Manyara national park is renowned for its diverse vegetation, good wildlife sightings including flamingoes and acquatic birds, beautiful scenary with ground water forests and also due its easy access from Arusha city, the starting point for safaris in Northern Tanzania. Along with usual safari in Lake Manyara National park, there are several add-on tours you can do in this park as you can fi...

A Guide to Tanzania Safari with Kids

Traveling with the little ones can put a lot of parents under stress. Will they be able to handle the weather? What if they get bored? Will they be able to handle the long journeys between the parks? And so many more questions. We have a guide on How to Plan A Safari to Tanzania. You may check it out to simplify and organise your planning, but here are some important steps that need to be followe...

Guide To Our Safari Accommodation Classification System

When it comes to planning an unforgettable Tanzania safari experience, one crucial aspect that often takes center stage is selecting the right accommodations. For most of the vacations around the world, you might be selecting your lodgings based on the stars conferred to them. However, when it comes to safari accommodations, things work a little differently. Safari hotels in Tanzania and Kenya do...

Information on Visa for East Africa

We do not arrange visa for any of the countries and clients need to arrange Visa and all requirements for visa by themselves. Below information is to give you a general idea. Due to the constantly changing nature of countries' entry requirements, we suggest you to visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you are visiting for detailed and up to date visa and health informati...

Frequently asked Covid-19 related questions in Tanzania

Do I need a negative COVID-19 certificate to enter the country? For travelers visiting Tanzania, effective from 12th January 2023 a. All travelers entering or transiting URT (United Republic of Tanzania) through land borders, sea ports or airports are advised to be fully vaccinated as per approved schedule of primary vaccination against COVID 19 in their respective countries. b. All travelers ent...

How basic camping Safaris Work?

At Monkey Adventures, for the safari tours we offer in Tanzania's northern parks, amongst various accommodation options you can also find budget/basic camping options. In basic camping safaris, along with usual driver cum guide, you are provided with a cook and camping gear. Everyday while on safari, after you finish your game drives, you will be taken to campsite, which can inside or even outside...

Arusha National Park: Everything You Need to Know

Arusha National Park is a park with a dynamic topography and can be accessed quite easily. The park is only 30 minutes away from Arusha, and you will be surprised by the way the lush green regions of the park suddenly pop up in the midst of urban locales. The park has three main topographical features: Mount Meru, the second highest peak in Tanzania, Momella Lake, and Ngurdoto Crater. So the park ...

Park Fees for Kilimanjaro Trek (2023)

Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of the most expensive treks in the world. The lowest option starts upwards of USD 1100 per person. And the main reason for this is the park fees charged by the park department - Kilimanjaro National Parks Authority (KINAPA). Considering that the park fees is almost 75% of the trek cost, it's important that we understand what we are paying. In this article, we would ...

Luggage on Safari

Weight While traveling between parks in the landcruiser, your luggage can be stored either in the Landcruiser boot or in the main body/seating area of the vehicle or can be tied at the top of the vehicle. In the boot, 3 medium size (upto 27 inches in height) hard case bags can fit in along with space for some duffel bags. Safari Landcruiser usually has have 7 window seats for clients (if you are...

Food Menu for Mt. Kilimanjaro Trek

At Monkey Adventures, we understand the importance of healthy, nutritious and tasty meals while on the trek. Here is a sample of the food you can expect while on the trail. Morning Call Tea, Drinking chocolate, Milo, Coffee, Biscuits, Milk Breakfast Porridge - Oat porridge, Finger millet porridge, Maize porridge, Semolina (sooji) porridge Fruits - Assorted fruit plate, Fruit platter, Selection of ...

Finally booked your Safari to Africa? The hard part is done, and now comes the fun part - packing :) Here are our recommended items to be packed for a Safari. The list is comprehesive, so please use your judgement. You don't need everything on this list. Documents Your Tickets, Passport Travel Insurance (Optional) Itinerary Extra cash US Dollars are preferred Many lodges don't accept cards Clot...

What currencies are accepted for balance payments in Tanzania?

The most common structure for payment for your tour in Tanzania or Kenya is to pay a deposit amount online (30% for Kilimanjaro treks, 30% for Safaris) and the balance in cash. We accept only US Dollars as the currency for the balance payment. We won't be able to accept any other currency for balance payment. The reason is simple. US Dollars is an official currency in Tanzania. And all park fees a...

Information on Safari Vehicle

Our purpose-built Safari vehicles allow for excellent game viewing, equipped with pop up roof hatch and large sliding windows. Same vehicles will be used for both game drives and for transfers between parks. Air Conditioning Most safari vehicles have no air-conditioning. During game drives pop roof hatch & windows will be opened. For other drives, windows can be opened to allow for fresh air. Howe...

Information on Game Drives

Timings In private safaris, game drive hours are reasonably flexible. However, statutory restrictions on park entry/exit times(6:00 AM to 6:00 PM), daily accommodation locations, regulations on game drive durations(6 hours for Ngorongoro crater) etc, mean that game drives are possible within certain timings every day. Start Time There will be some early starts required on some of the days, either ...

Paying the balance amount for your Kilimanjaro trek

Congratulations on booking your Kilimanjaro Trek with Monkey Adventures. We are very excited to be given the opportunity to serve you. Thank you for choosing to trek with us. The most common way to book your Kilimanjaro Trek is to pay a deposit online (30%) and the balance as we get closer to the trek. In this post, we provide information on the various options available for paying your balance am...

Categories of Safari Accomodations

Introduction Choosing the perfect accomodation for your Safari is a very challenging task. Around 40% of the cost of your Safari is accomodations. Therefore, having the right safari accomodation is very important as it can make or break your safari. Having said that, the sheer number of options available makes it a very difficult challenge. For example, just in Masai Mara there are over 300 accomo...

Briefing before the Safari

Briefing is an important component of your Safari exeprience. This is when you will meet your guide and our manager. We will be going through the basics on what to expect over the next few days. It's also an oppurtunity for us to discuss and understand your expectations from the Safari. Please feel free to share what you are looking to get out of this experience. Example of a briefing...

Briefing before Kilimanjaro Trek

Briefing is an important component of your trekking exeprience with Monkey Adventures. This is when you will meet your guide and our manager. We will be going through the basics on what to expect over the next few days. It's also an oppurtunity for us to discuss and understand your expectations from the trek are. Please feel free to share what you are looking to get out of this experience. When d...

Plastic bags are banned in Tanzania

Hope you are excited about your upcoming trip to Tanzania. We have been notified by the Tanzanian Government that the use of plastic bags is not permitted anymore. For all travelers coming to Tanzania it is imperative to note the information below to avoid delay on arrival at any one of our airports. Do spread the word to all your fellow travelers who are traveling with you. Effective 1st June 201...

Paying the balance amount for your Safari in Tanzania

Congratulations on booking your Safari in Tanzania with Monkey Adventures. We are very excited to be given the opportunity to serve you. Thank you for choosing us. The most common way to book your Safari is to pay a deposit online and the balance at a later point in time. In this post, we provide information on the various options available for paying your balance amount. Option 1 - Paying Cash Th...

What is a Sundowner?

Sundowners are one of the most unique experiences on the safari after a long day of game drives. Here are a few photos from our customers to give you an idea...

Safety of Valuables on Safari

While it's rare, thefts do occasionally happen in East Africa, as anywhere else in the World. We request our clients to be always vigilant about their valuables. Please don’t carry any valuables that you don’t need for the safari. Please use the lockers provided in room, reception to store your valuables. You are responsible for your valuables throughout the Journey. Monkey Adventures or its asso...

Safety of Valuables on Kilimanjaro

While it's rare, thefts do occasionally happen in East Africa, as anywhere else in the World. We request our clients to be always vigilant about their valuables. Please carry all valuables with you at all times. We recommend carrying all valuables in your day pack only, and to keep it with you in person at all times. Please do not leave the valuables in your tent at any point in time, even when go...

Help