Lake Manyara National Park is the least visited and smallest of the game parks near Serengeti – other two being Ngorongoro and Tarangire. Just like the other parks, also Lake Manyara has its own unique nature and animals. One of the unique aspects of the park becomes clear very soon after entering the park: the... Continue Reading →
Ok. I’ve been to many hotels, and the Escarpment Luxury Lodge definitely goes to top 5. Let’s start with the environment of the lodge. Stunning: it’s located on the edge of the Great Rift Valley Escarpment which is some 600m high and has a beautiful view over Lake Manyara. And you can experience both amazing... Continue Reading →
This was my second trip to Tanzania, but this time my role was a bit different: I was taking 9 of my friends and their 4 kids (ages 7-12) there. Our trip took place almost exactly 20 years after we first met when studying at the Helsinki University of Technology. At the end of our... Continue Reading →
So far I've visited Pilanesberg two times and have always stayed a the Black Rhino Private reserve which is on the park's western side. To me it's been super convenient since you both to get to stay at these amazing lodges with a possibility to view wildlife sometime directly from your lodge the morning/evening game... Continue Reading →
Going to Johannesburg and would love to see some wildlife but don't have time to go to Kruger? Black Rhino Private reserve is a great option even if you just have one extra day to spend - although I wouldn't mind spend even three days there at some of the amazing safari lodges they have.... Continue Reading →
Pilanesberg is a perfect destination for 1-3 nights if you want to go on a safari while visiting Johannesburg. It's really easy to reach from Johannesburg and also has no malaria. The drive to Pilanesberg from TAMBO International airport or Johannesburg is roughly 180 km and takes a bit more than 2 hours. When driving... Continue Reading →
As I'm getting excited about my upcoming safari I wanted to share my tips on what to pack on a safari based on what I've learned on my previous safari's in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. About packing in general My next safari will be to Tanzania, and there one key thing to note is... Continue Reading →
As my next safari in Tanzania is approaching I though it would be a good time to summarize the things I think anyone planning a safari in Africa should be aware of. I went on my first safari already in 2000 in Masai Mara & Lake Nakuru in Kenya, and since have visited also Kruger... Continue Reading →
After a full day in Kruger we wanted to relax a bit and chose to do 2 shorter game drives at our "home" reserve of Grietjie (only accessible for people living at the private reserve, like typically the case). The morning game drive was at 6-9am, and the evening one at 4-7pm, and they both started right from our... Continue Reading →
On the first day at the lodge we woke up early to leave for our first safari at 6am. The Safari was organized by our Lodge, but you can also find other alternative Safari companies online. The prices typically are around 1300-2000RMB/person, depending of course on the size of your group.Our safari started with a 2h drive... Continue Reading →
Just few minutes after passing the gates for Grietjie while still on the way for our lodge, we had our first encounter with the African wildlife as a huge herd of Elephants passed the dirt road, some of them in front and some behind our car. Luckily we had not yet heard that some of them were in... Continue Reading →
After 3 nights in a tent we were definitely ready for some luxury! And this was whats we got for the two last night of our trip at the wonderful Karama Lodge. Our days went fast by relaxing by the pool and admiring wine and views on the deck of our private wooden cabin.
From Ngorongoro, our journey continued further towards Serengeti. Before being separated into two separate parts, Ngorongoro used to be part of the Serengeti.Nature in Serengeti is very different from Tarangire and Ngorongoro: there are large plains of grass of varying heights, all appealing to slightly different species of animals. In the midst of Serengeti's lush grasses... Continue Reading →
Ngorongoro crater was the unique highlight of our safari. The crater was formed long time ago from the explosion of a volcano, forming a 19km wide crater with 600m high edges. IT is the biggest non active crater in the world and home for thousands of animals who migrate in and out of the crater.The... Continue Reading →
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