OUR FEATURED ITINERARIES

Either follow one of our suggested itineraries or let us create an itinerary based on what you would like to see and experience. Customize your safari tours by season, duration, accommodation, and interest. We offer a variety of lodging combinations, and you may choose the style of accommodations that best fits your specific style and budget.

If you wish to participate in one of our guided birding, cultural or balloon safaris, please notify us in advance so we can incorporate it into your itinerary.

What is the best time to go on a safari? No matter what season you decide to travel, with our expert knowledge of the different regions and wildlife habits, we will assist in guiding you to the optimum locations that will maximize your game viewing opportunities.

Once you finish your safari, we will be happy to assist you to organize a relaxing beach holiday on the exotic island of Zanzibar. You just need to tell us the type of accommodation and activities your are looking for and we will create this extension for you.

Whether you are an individual, a couple, a family or a group, we can plan your itinerary for any Tanzanian adventure. We are committed to plan and deliver the most ideal safari for you.

WALKING IN TANZANIA

There's no better way to experience Africa's wilderness than on foot. You'll practically always find opportunities for walking, and many camps are surrounded by superb walking trails. Our walks are accompanied by a Maasai warrior and a ranger.

All the national parks, such as Arusha, Tarangire, Manyara, and Serengeti offer guided walks, escorted by an armed ranger. The best time to do walking is either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. These walks generally take 2-4 hours, except for the Ngorongoro Crater Highlands, where you can do a longer trip. If you are interested in a walking safari, please notify us in advance, so we can incorporate it into your safari tour and arrange the rangers ahead of time as they do get booked up quickly.

We also offer a crater highlands trek from the plains of Ngorongoro to the shores of the lake in Empakai Crater, down the Great Rift Valley wall to the spectacular Lake Natron, and a swim in the cool waterfall pools awaits you. It can be done in 3, 5, 6 or 7 days depending, and we will be more than happy to incorporate a few trekking days into your safari!

These treks get you close to nature and allow you the chance to get an authentic taste of the local culture as you trek with Maasai guides and your belongings are transported on donkeys. While this trek is not necessarily physically demanding – it does require a fit and healthy individual with the stamina to walk 4 – 11 hours a day. 

GUIDED BIRDING WALKS

Tanzania is a great ornithological destination. The national checklist of 1,100 bird species is the third-highest in Africa, representing more than 10% of the global avifauna, and even the most novice birder can encounter up to a 100 species a day.

Birding is good throughout the year, but the prime season is Sept-April, when resident populations are boosted by the many Palaearctic migrants that spend the northern hemisphere winter in Africa. The European winter also broadly coincides with East Africa’s rainy season, when several resident species undergo an ‘ugly duckling’ transformation from drab brown to bright breeding colors.   

Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, but especially Lake Manyara National Park offer unparalleled opportunities to observe this incredibly diverse bird life, although the popular savannah game reserves such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Selous are no less rewarding. For more experienced birders, the forested Eastern Arc Mountains  are the country’s biggest attraction, since they harbor a high proportion of the endemic birds to Tanzania.

We offer guided birding walks, that can be incorporated into any of our tour itineraries. These walks can be as short as a couple of hours, or as long as you wish. We will provide you with your private birding specialist and walking guide, but please remember to bring your binoculars.

Please contact us for more information.

MAASAI CULTURAL TOURS

Our founder being a Maasai Warrior, Sidai Africa has a special connection to the Maasai tribe of Tanzania. He was born and raised in the Ngorongoro Highlands and his indigenous knowledge is unparalleled. He is a firm believer in a dialogue between different cultures and is always excited to take our guest for a visit to his boma.

On our cultural tours, you will get to learn about the traditional Maasai way of life. We will introduce you to their culture, their stories, songs and dances, their beliefs, and daily practices. You will have an opportunity to practice milking a goat with a kalabash and sit with the elders listening to their stories. On your morning or afternoon walk around the boma, you'll be introduced to the traditional medicinal plants and trees and can witness life in the orpul, where you can also taste the special medicinal soup prepared for the warriors.

If the timing is right, you may be lucky to witness a Maasai wedding or circumcision ceremony.

Our tours range from a day trip from Arusha to Monduli, to an overnight or two stay at a village. Here, you can opt to stay in one of our huts (slightly modified to fit western standards) or camp outside the family enclosure.

We also offer beading classes at our Sidai Design center in Arusha. Here you'll have a chance to learn about the life of Maasai women and witness as well as practice their ancient beading practices. At the end of your class, you'll walk away with one of your own hand made Maasai bracelets.

Please notify us in advance if you would like us to organize one of these tours for you, as spaces are limited and quickly fill up especially in the high season. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions.

PHOTO SAFARIS

These classic African safaris will feature all the stunning wildlife viewing opportunities that Africa has to offer, with one special bonus: you will be traveling in the company of a professional photographer. Suitable for all levels of photographic experience, these safaris will encourage you to ask questions, try out different techniques, experiment with dramatic lighting and learn from not only your leader, but from other members of your group.

One of our experienced naturalist guides will take you, together with a professional photographer to explore the most beautiful safari destinations in Africa.  The instruction will be casual and flexible taking into account everyone’s level of skill and bearing in mind that Africa and its wildlife are by definition wild and unpredictable!

FAMILY SAFARIS

We know one of the biggest challenges on a family holiday is keeping the kids entertained: so we've planned in advance. Nearly all of our hotels feature pools, and each day has a great mix of action-packed adventure and flexible free time. So whether your family is a fan of non-stop activites or just wants to try something different, your local leader can suggest activities based on your kids' hobbies and to suit your family.

Just as each family is different, every experience is unique and tailored to your specific requirements. Accommodations vary from 6-star luxury through to basic camping, but the quality and authenticity of the safari experience and the safety of your family is never compromised. A high quality, authentic safari has a unique ability to capture the attention and imagination of people of almost every age. Having said that, from our experience children over seven years of age are able to fully absorb and engage all that a great safari has to offer. Families with younger children (under seven) can also be catered for, but by necessity the nature of the experience tends to be shorter and generally in more accessible safari areas.

BEACH VACATIONS

Sun, sea and sand: a Zanzibar beach holiday offers these in abundance. Zanzibar’s beaches differ, but almost all feature crystal-clear waters lapping at the edge of powdery-white sand that trickles through the toes. Be aware, though, that many beaches have large tidal ranges; at many, especially on Zanzibar’s east coast, swimming is possible only when the tide is in.

Zanzibar offers some excellent snorkeling, and world-class diving – which is centered around Mnemba Atoll to the north-west, and the Menai Bay Conservation Area, to the island’s south-west. But even if you’re not a water baby, the chance to view the coastline from a traditional wooden dhow is not to be missed.

The Zanzibar archipelago consists of over 50 islands – which vary from tiny outcrops to the larger, more populated islands of Zanzibar (more properly called ‘Unguja Island’) and Pemba. The beaches are often stunning: powdery white sand, shaded by palm trees. The sea is shallow, but venture further out into the sparkling, turquoise water and you'll find coral reefs for great snorkeling and diving. The larger islands are lush and highly fertile and everywhere the air is suffused with the aroma of fruit and spices; it's an intoxicating, exotic atmosphere.

Popular as a post-safari choice, a Zanzibar holiday can also be a great stand-alone escape. The island offers an exceptional diversity of accommodation, from simple beach lodges and small boutique hotels to all-inclusive beach resorts and even the odd luxury hotel.

For those in search of a remote island getaway, Tanzania has two other gems: Mafia Island, a long-time favorite of diving aficionados, and the newly accessible hideaway of Fanjove.

Although Zanzibar receives a trickle of holiday visitors all year round, most come between June and February, outside of the main rainy season, when Zanzibar’s weather is at its best. This can link in perfectly with a safari in Tanzania, which shares the same weather pattern.