Because of East Africa’s diverse geography; temperature, rainfall and humidity vary widely but it is neither too hot nor too cold with long sun-filled days. Also, day and night are almost equal all year round, with sunrise between 5.45am and 6.15am and sunset between 6.30pm and 7.00pm.

Rains demarcate seasons with the long rains normally lasting from April to June and the short rains from November to December. Rain showers are moderate, usually falling in the late afternoons and are preceded by bright, fresh and sunny days. Thus, one can have wonderful, dry days during the rainy seasons, as well as wet days during the dry seasons. However, despite the varying seasons, safaris can be arranged all year round and you may find that there are some low season prices available from April to June. July and August are the coolest months while September through to March are the warmest.

Typically, the major game attraction in this area are the ‘Big Five,’ namely lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino and elephant. However, the multi-faceted African ecosystem has allowed a more abundant and extraordinary selection of other animal species. From creatures that inhabit the air, down to those that live in the water, each tier of existence has an amazing range of choices.

A premier world tourist attraction in the region is the annual Serengeti-Mara migration. Literally, millions of wildebeest and zebra move north from the plains of Tanzania’s Serengeti savannah during July and August in search of the lush grass. As the vegetation and water holes dry, the herds start the trek north. Following the rain pattern they cross the Tanzania-Kenya border to the rich Kenyan Masai Mara in search of the 4,000 tons of grass they eat each day.

Cutting a dramatic swathe, the animals journey in columns as long as 40kms. Hooves pounding the ground, they stampede leaving behind the injured and exhausted and those that are unable to ford the rivers falling prey to ravenous crocodile. During October and November the animals turn back south to the Serengeti plains where they remain until April. All the while on this quest, the caravan of animals is trailed by lion, cheetah, hyena and vigilant, circling vultures.

Another significant concentration of animals takes place in the Tarangire National Park. This usually occurs during the “dry season”, from June to November, during which time the Tarangire River provides a permanent water supply. Herds of wildebeest, zebra, eland, elephant, hartebeest, buffalo and fringe-eared oryx migrate here in search of water from the savannah in the west.

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It is well worth & recommended taking the seasons and concentrations of wildlife into consideration when planning your safari to East Africa. For further information on when and where to travel, see this table.

Options are numerous ranging from five star hotels and lodges (some of which are tented) to comfortable mobile tented camps. In addition economical adventure camping safaris are also available. The game lodges and hotels vary from simple bandas (local style chalet rooms), with a central dining room and bar, right through to luxury hotels in the wild. You will find that in the tented lodges, the level of accommodation is excellent and at times, higher than in traditional lodges. The spacious insect-proofed tents are ensuite, tastefully furnished and have comfortable beds and bedroom furniture as well as other soft furnishings. African Horizons often makes use of these tented lodges on a typical lodge safari.

The African Horizons mobile tented safaris offer a comfortable level of camping and can be recommend as an alternative to lodge safaris for those who wish to experience the thrill of spending their days and nights on safari that little bit closer to the wilderness. Another option is our adventure camping safaris, which offer the experience of safari with just the basics, at very reasonable prices.

Almost all lodges in East Africa have electricity supplied by their own generating system. Normally electricity will be available 24 hours, but in some lodges the power will go off from around midnight (or when the last guest goes to bed) until early morning. It will be possible to recharge batteries in your room or the reception provided you have the correct adaptor. Throughout East Africa 240V is the standard.

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Road safaris

On African Horizons safaris, you will travel in microbuses or landcruisers specially adapted to the rugged African terrain. They have sliding windows, roof hatches and high ground clearance to improve all round visibility and photography. On long journeys and sometimes rough roads, the safari vehicles provide a superior degree of comfort and manoeuvrability. There will normally be a surcharge for 4x4 vehicles.

Most vehicles are fitted with 12V cigarette lighters, from which one can charge batteries. However please don´t be disappointed if you come across a vehicle with a faulty cigarette lighter. As you can imagine the wear and tear on these vehicles is considerable and priority is given to keeping the vehicles safe and in good mechanical condition.

Flying safaris

For air safaris, there are several aviation companies providing daily scheduled flights to all the popular parks and reserves and charters to practically all other areas. In fact most lodges, camps and game reserves have small airstrips to enable this access to their attractions. We encourage air travel for clients who have a limited amount of time or for those who wish to avoid the longer and rougher driving sections.

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Depending on the number of clients in a vehicle luggage space can be limited; we therefore request that you restrict yourself to one piece of main luggage and that you use a soft bag.

Furthermore if your safari includes travelling by light aircraft it is important to note that you are only allowed a maximum of 15 kgs of luggage each.

If you bring more luggage than you need on your safari, we can arrange storage at no extra cost. This is often the case, if one has either arrived from or is continuing to another destination.

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Our experienced staff are committed and knowledgeable ensuring that all your requirements are met, thereby allowing you to truly appreciate and enjoy your safari. We place great emphasis on training and in addition to many years of experience, most of the African Horizons team have studied at the Utalii College of Tourism. We also encourage staff to improve their qualifications through participation in relevant courses and in house training.

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Welcome Service

On arrival at international airports in East Africa you will be met after clearing customs, by an African Horizons representative and guided to your vehicle. These representatives take great care of guests, briefing you fully on your forthcoming tour, meet you again whenever you are back in town and debrief you before you depart. They will also be happy to provide information on available tours and excursions and to assist you in arranging these.

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