Safari Experiences
unique safari Experience
Hot Air Ballooning
Optional Activity at Extra Charge: a pre-dawn hot air balloon ride over the Maasai Mara plains is a popular and very worthwhile optional activity while on safari in East Africa. Pioneered in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, it is now also available in Amboseli National Park as well as in Serengeti and Tarangire National Parks (Tanzania) and Queen Elizabeth and Murchison Falls National Parks in Uganda in East Africa.
Arise at dawn with tea/coffee and cookies then transfer to be at the balloon launch site before sunrise. You will observe the massive balloon being inflated with heated air from massive gas burners until it stands and then it is time to get on board- standing room only. You will barely notice the lift off and smooth ascent but for the disappearing ground.
From anywhere between treetops and 10,000ft, enjoy a magical and uncharacteristically serene glide over the African plains with a bird’s eye view of the wildlife below and panoramic vistas extending to the ends of the plains.
Your Pilot/guide is always at hand to guide your viewing as he/she points out and explains interesting features and creatures on the ground and above the trees and bushes; wild animals, plants, physical features as well as rare and interesting happenings. The view from above is totally different from on the ground but soon the hour is over and you have to come down to earth. You will be welcome back in the time honored way with a hot and freshly cooked champagne bush-breakfast in the middle of nowhere; it will be one of the highlights of your experience. Afterwards, you rejoin your Driver/guide and enjoy a game viewing drive on the way back to your lodge/camp. Balance of the morning spent at leisure to rest before lunch.
Materuni Waterfall and Coffee Farm Tour
A tour to Materuni Village and Waterfalls is a great way to spend a day away from the bustle of town life. The walk to Materuni Waterfall offers a glimpse into the nature of Tanzania allowing you either to prepare your body for the forthcoming climb to Kilimanjaro or ease your muscles after the climb.
The Materuni Waterfall tour starts with a walk through the area adjacent to the waterfall, rich in beautiful natural scenery of Tanzania. It is an opportunity to see how local fruit like avocados, mangos, lemons, and bananas grow, as well as learn some of the local history, traditions, village economy, agricultural and cultural life. When you get to the waterfall, you can refresh yourself in the natural pool, so swimsuits will come in handy!
The tour will continue with a visit to the local village lying in the coffee plantations. The villagers will demonstrate the process of coffee farming and guide you through the preparation of coffee from a bean to a cup. Sing and dance along with the Chaga people as they are grinding, roasting and boiling the beans. When the coffee is ready, villagers will serve lunch – a national Chagga meal.
