Tanzania Odyssey Blog

September 2, 2010

WILD TALES OF CROCS, CANOEING AND CAMP ADVENTURES

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tanzania Odyssey @ 3:08 pm

With The Ultimate Family Safari & Beach Experience In Tanzania -

Experience an adventure-of-a-lifetime and one that the kids will recount and embellish to their friends as they tell tales of lions, elephants and wildebeest. The Selous Safari Company (www.selous.com) offers an unparalleled safari and beach experience in Tanzania across two camps and a resort, the perfect setting for an unforgettable family holiday.

From the unspoilt natural wilderness of the Jongomero Camp, the only retreat found in the south-western sector of the Ruaha National Park, to the beach-front cottages at Ras Kutani, families can truly relax, safe in the knowledge that their every wish can be catered for, whether it’s canoeing in the Indian Ocean or camping under the stars in the Selous Game Reserve at Selous Safari Camp, one of Africa’s most awe-inspiring hidden gems.

The private 4×4 Land Rover safaris at both Jongomero and Selous Safari Camp offer a great vantage point from which to take in the sights and sounds of the African bush. In addition, boat and walking safaris are available which offer a unique opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat, from hippos and crocodiles in Lake Nzerakera to the elusive wild dogs found in the Ruaha National Park.

For a large family group, the intimate Selous Safari Camp even offers a Private Camp which can be exclusively booked. Accommodating between eight and 12 guests, it comes with full and private use of safari boats, vehicles and walking guides as well as a private dining and lounge area, along with a refreshing swimming pool.

Younger members can share the accommodation with their parents, or they can have their own tent whilst at the camps, which comes complete with an ‘askari’ (guard) in case they get ’spooked’ by anything in the night.

Whilst at Ras Kutani on the southern Tanzania coast, perched on top of the hill, the family house boasts plenty of privacy, space and stunning views of the Indian Ocean. Comprising two cottages and constructed of natural materials and furnishings that harmonise perfectly with the surroundings, this family-friendly retreat offers barefoot luxury in a picture perfect location.

Ras Kutani is the perfect hideaway for those seeking a wealth of marine life with the chance to see colourful fish, dolphins, whales, turtles hatching (in season) and even a shipwreck. Complimentary snorkelling equipment, kayaks and boogie boards are available.

Tanzania Odyssey (www.tanzaniaodyssey.com / 020 7471 8780) is offering three nights at Selous Safari Camp and four nights at Ras Kutani from £2,857 per adult (a saving of £398) and £1,818 per child (a saving of £233) based on four sharing, children must be aged between six and 11 years old.

Valid for selected dates in June, September and October, the price includes scheduled flights, resort transfers, accommodation on a full-board basis, taxes and surcharges.

August 26, 2010

Beho Beho bush news

Filed under: The Selous — Tanzania Odyssey @ 2:44 pm

BEHO BEHO BUSHMAIL

AUGUST 2010

The incredibly thrilling and spectacular adventures we have already had this season are enough to fill a lifetime, rather than the three very short months in which we have experienced them.

The landscape this year is drier than August 2009, and yet a very beautiful time in any type of African Bush. We have asked many return visitors, which their favourite time is in Bush and most have said right now. It seems the African Bush is ‘supposed’ to look like this with many shades of golds and browns with a tint of emeralds, crimsons and the occasional flutter of bright yellow as certain flowers burst into life! It is a magnificent month in the Selous and no day has gone by without showing off every inch of its true beauty and every sunset has been just as beautiful but also very different to the last, managing to put it’s own personal fingerprint on each individual day.

Through its leaves, the Kudu Berry tree is sporting a kaleidoscope of colours including oranges, reds, greens and yellows, and when the sun hits it just right in the late evenings, a glimmer of beauty explodes from beneath the leafs surface.
Many trees are blooming with beautiful flowers this month, including the Paper Bark Thorn, the Sausage Trees deep in the Beho Beho forest showing off its majestic maroon velvet flower while the more dainty and brighter red flower of the combretum covers the tops of the tall canopies.
The beautiful, yet somehow harsh looking pink and white flower of the Desert Rose (Sabi Star) spring from the dry white clay showing even beauty can survive in such arid environments and the lush bright yellow Cassia flower are also springing to life contrasting the dry golden landscape with a brighter and more vivid experience.

Butterflies are alive at the moment in the forests including the Citrus Swallow-tails, Mocker Swallow-tails, Pearl Charaxis, Autumn Leaf Vagrant and many more. Contrary to common belief, the most beautiful of all is not a Butterfly but rather the exquisite Madagascar Sunset Moth clothed in all colours imaginable. These moths flitter daintily around camp and in the Forests below, showing off their true beauty as they glide through the air.

If you look back through all the blogs for this month, you will understand why I mean it when I say there is just too much to write about in just one Bushmail. From the Lion kills to the Hyena kills, from the great herds of Buffalos to the smaller individual herds of Wildebeest, who both in turn wonder down to drink in front of camp every morning. To the many, many beautiful birds that have graced us this month and even from the sad exhilarating beauty of the Forest fires to the surprise Bush Dinners that our team has staged for us… I know you will all agree with me… this has been one of the most spectacular months at Beho Beho!

I think it will be best if I only briefly highlight the most memorable moments and after chatting to our ‘family’ members in camp, I have managed to separate a few of their most entertaining experiences.

At the beginning of the month, fires started around the Selous and started to creep closer and closer to Beho Beho. It was on the 5th August that we decided to take action. The fire had snuck up behind camp about 1.5kms away and even with our sturdy firebreak, we still could not take the risk, so we decided to take action and back burn. I don’t think anyone can quite understand or imagine the sheer intensity of an African bush fire. Even if one is standing right in front of it, it is still difficult to comprehend or fully explain in words the sheer power it demonstrates. The strength behind each flame is unimaginable and watching each flame engulf a section of grass is astounding to ones imagination. It is also, in a strange way, very beautiful but just as devastating in another. After a couple of days of controlling the fire we managed to put it out and all that was left were the black and grey ashes of the forest past.

Moving towards the end of August, we are surrounded by burnt hills. We still have hope soon these burnt cinders will sparkle into life and the new growth will attract all animals from far and wide.
The valley in front of Beho Beho has been covered with a light carpet of haze and smoke from the surroundings fires. The haze sets stage for superb sunsets of pinks, reds and oranges, which creep slowly through the dry smoky curtain and suddenly, without warning, burst into life as the rays manage to break through the smoke walls, casting magnificent amber and crimson colours down on the landscape below.

August has been fantastic for Birds. A few of the rarer ones which have been sighted are the Ruppells Griffen, Red-throated Twinspots (Peters) who were spotted dive bombing a large Puff Adder nestled under a bush, Vanga Flycatcher, Livingston’s Flycatcher, Red-capped Robin Chat, White-browed Robin Chat, White-browed Scrub Robin, Black-bellied Bustard, Golden Breasted Bunting and those birds which you can spend hours trying to photograph – the variety of beautiful Bee-eaters including the Madagascar Bee-eater, Little Bee-eater, Boems Bee-eaters, European Bee-eaters and White fronted Bee-eaters.

The majestic Giant Eagle Owl has been seen on a few occasions down in front of camp while walking through the forest and we have had great fun sneaking up on him to try and get that much appreciated photograph of this large bird.
Camp is filled with all birds of different shapes and sizes. My favourite for the month is our new resident, the gorgeous Grey-Headed Bush Shrike who sits proudly up in the tree above my office, ‘cooing ‘and ‘whistling’ to all those hard at work down below him. My camera is still on standby waiting for that perfect moment in which I will be able to capture a photograph of this endearing bird!

The African Hawk Eagles, Palm-nut Vultures, African Fish Eagles and the king of all, the Bateleur Eagles, can be seen daily gliding in the thermals above camp and sometimes diving into the forests below after picking up a sighting of a tasty morsel, and the birdbaths dotted around the main area and office are adorned by our little Jamieson Firefinchs, Blue Waxbills, Bulbuls, Glossy Starlings and the rare Pied Batis.
We have seen our two lion prides many times either close to camp or out past Lake Tagalala or Lake Manze often while enjoying Wildbeest, Buffalo or Giraffe meals – all of which fill them up until they are all lying horizontally on their backs with the legs held out straight.

Probably the most exciting of all kills was the one that happened on the 19th August and this one I was even fortunate to attend with Heribert, Salum and my family, who were visiting for a few days. We were a big group in two vehicles and we had decided Manze was the place to be that particular morning.
It turned out to be, for all of us regular bush-goers, one of the most incredible spectacles we had ever seen in our many years in the bush. While enjoying our picnic on the lakeshore, Pete walked out to have a look around the corner and when he spotted a large herd of Wildebeest rushing down to drink. He called us and we were soon standing all with our binoculars up, admiring the beauty of the herd. Suddenly Salum shouted ‘Lion…Lion’, as a Lioness rushed down on the right hand side of the herd, wrestled an unaware member of the Wildebeest herd and pulled it down into the thick black mud. Salum and his group jumped in the car to rush around to get a better look, leaving our group completely startled and speechless trying to come to terms with what we had just witnessed. After much arguing and pointing, we realised that while some of us were watching the goings-on, on the right hand side of the herd, other members of our group had been watching the goings-on on the left hand side of the herd – and there had been TWO kills at precisely the same time! We eventually all came to an understanding and jumped into the vehicle and drove around to meet up with Salum and get a bit closer to the kills where we sat for another couple of hours in the middle of the two. We watched like spectators at Wimbledon, one Wildebeest and then another while each carcass was mischievously played with and finally consumed by both the adults and sub-adult cubs. An entire book can be written on this experience and the animal behaviour, which took place directly in front of us. The star of the show was obviously the ‘Black Panther’ who was the Lioness which took down the Wildebeest in the thick mud, followed by another beautiful Female who injured her back leg in the take-down and after a short rest in the shade, she helped one of the sub-adults drag the muddy carcass out of the thick mud and hot sun into the shade. Unfortunately by doing this, she damaged her leg even more. Thirdly the beautiful clean female who at first did not eat, but walked backwards and forwards between the two carcasses checking everything was in order and finally showing the youngsters, after they had had an hour of play, how to ‘cut’ the carcass open from the stomach. At first the youngsters just played with their prize, like kittens or puppies, they pawed at it and jumped all over it as if it were a new toy!
What a memorable morning with the Manze Pride and a lifetime experience for us all!!

The Sands Pride have been spending most of their time at Lake Tagalala and have also had a field day with the Buffalo herds and Giraffe. The young female (Runt), who I have become very fond of over the last few years as I have watched her grow from a scrawny little cub, is doing so well and although still a lot smaller than her siblings, she is just as powerful and just as beautiful!

The Manze Boys have been mainly hanging around Sean’s Cliffs and exciting news is that 2 new cubs have been born to a Lioness in that area. We have been fortunate enough to see them a couple of times, one of which was with their Dad!
On his way back after a day out at Tagalala, Heribert came across the most extraordinary sighting. It was a Honey Badger with a Warthog! The two of them looked like old friends as they stood facing each other, gently leaning in towards one another for a gentle sniff! Our guests, Elaine, Doug, Carl and Harpreet managed to capture some fascinating photos of this rare encounter! We wonder what was going through their heads and what they thought of each other?!

Sightings of the Buffalo herds and Wildebeest herds have become daily rituals in front of camp as both in turn meander down to quench their thirsts in the flowing springs of the Msini River below camp.
Wildebeest herds are always the first and soon followed by the great Buffalo Herds who group together like soldiers heading to battle. We have had fantastic close encounters with both herds as they rush to the waters edge. The noise, the smells and the sight of the dark silhouettes as they rush into the thick dust – these are the most memorable of all.

Our dear friend who everyone knows by now, Bond, is still very much the Beho Beho Mascot. He spends his time in and around camp and each day seems to do the same circuit. He often seems to hang around in front by the waterhole, either drinking, mud-bathing or playing with his favourite young acacia tree. He is also often seen close to Banda 1 or peering through the office window to check if anyone is home! Bond has surprised guests on a number of occasions by peering over shower walls at the wrong time or leaning against balconies to take a short break before continuing down to the swimming pool for a drink!
Beho Beho seems to be his home with everything he may need – food, drink and company… and the forest floors below seem to be his playground or garden where he can entertain his friends, before retiring again for the night to the comfort of the camp. One thing is for sure – he has kept us entertained on a daily basis!

August – a time of golden beauty, autumn colours, cool breezes, perfect temperatures and great herds of animals and colourful birds to keep you busy!!!
All in all – a magical month!

August 25, 2010

Tanzania Odyssey Photo Competition launch

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tanzania Odyssey @ 10:25 am

Our Tanzania Odyssey Photo Competition has got off to a great start……

Enter your best safari photo to compete with other safari photogaphers to win £500 cash and have your photo published on our website and newsletter.

have a look at some of the current entries and enter your best safari photo by clicking on the link below……

http://photocomp.tanzaniaodyssey.com/

The winner will be announced at the end of December 2010

News from Alex Walkers Serian in the Serengeti

Filed under: Serengeti,Tanzania Safari — Tags: , — Tanzania Odyssey @ 9:42 am

Wow! Been here a month already. Mega herds moving everywhere, north to the
Mara, south across the river, west back across the river! Wildebeest, more wildebeest
and yet more wildebeest! Current estimates put the migratory herds at 2,500,000 head
- I think they have all been past us twice! Crossings have been happening nearly
every day here in this wilder part of the Mara River. We were lucky enough to be
relocated to the river just west of Kogatende and in easy striking distance of the
bridge to the Lamai wedge.


The geography here is consistent with parts of the Masai Mara but the river is just
totally different. A far greater concentration of crocodile here, hundreds of hippo and
elephant herds are all over. We regularly have four or five different families through
at night, munching on the acacia woodland we have hidden ourselves away in.

The camp fire set under a canopy of stars, the skies here are clearer at night and lion
and leopard saw cough and roar their way through the night. We have permission to
lead walking safaris here now and the wilderness zone to our west is devoid of vehicle
traffic and the perfect place for great walks with overnight stops.

The ideal use of this varied environment is to spend at least five nights if not a week
here. A couple of days exploring by vehicle waiting for the perfect crossing,
meandering across the plains infested with hundreds of thousands of animals.
Interspersed with picnics an ideal lead into a little “bimble through the bush”!

You don’t have to hike to make the most of what is a unique experience. Very few
people have ever had the chance to witness a crossing on foot or the wilderness zones
of the Serengeti. Kick off by reading the “morning papers” tracks tell you what is
happening in the area and then just allow the day to come to you. Walk a little, stop
and listen, use that sense of smell and differentiate the sounds. You can spend hours
sneaking up on a herd of zebra from less than 500 metres away, crawl up to the bank
and watch a herd of elephant as they take a bath! Or if you are lucky enough sneak
into watch a herd of wildebeest career across the river!

The idea is you book into camp for a week and you don’t give up your room (only 6
tents). Now you have the choice to stay all week in the main camp mixing up drives
and walks or you can cruise off and enjoy the bush and stay out in our sexy little fly
camps sleeping on the floor and cooking over the open fire. Mix this with Zanzibar or
the more remote Mafia Island and you have a perfect safari.

August 11, 2010

Tanzania Odyssey Photo competition

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tanzania Odyssey @ 11:29 am

We are delighted to launch our new photo competition. This is in response to the vast number of amazing photos that we have received over the years.

To enter the competition click here for the chance to win £500

August 2, 2010

Brian O’Driscoll honeymoon

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tanzania Odyssey @ 10:31 am

RUGBY hero Brian O’Driscoll and new bride actress Amy Huberman honeymooned on safari in Tanzania this month arranged by Tanzania Odyssey. After a stay at the Ras Kutani resort they headed to the Jongomero camp in the Ruaha National Park – home to buffalo, giraffe, zebra, impala, lion, leopard and more than 20,000 elephants.
Eleven nights’ full board – seven at Ras Kutani, four at Jongomero – is from £3,780pp.
See tanzaniaodyssey.comor call 020 7471 8780.

Reproduced from the Sun

July 24, 2010

THE ULTIMATE BEACH AND SAFARI GETAWAY IN TANZANIA

Filed under: The Selous,ruaha — Tanzania Odyssey @ 3:26 pm

For a sophisticated safari experience in Tanzania at an affordable price, The Selous Safari Company has introduced low season rates during high season dates. Valid for travel from 1 August 2010 to 20 March 2011 at the Selous Safari Camp in the Selous Game Reserve and Jongomero Camp in the Ruaha National Park, those seeking a safari adventure-of-a-lifetime can now benefit from sensational savings when visiting during the peak periods.

Offered across selected accommodation and dates, the low season rates are on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to availability. Bookable through tour operators, an example package includes:

For those wanting a unique and magical holiday, Tanzania Odyssey (www.tanzaniaodyssey.com / 020 7471 8780) is offering a 10-night beach and safari experience in Tanzania for £4,100 per person (a saving of £900). Valid for selected dates in September the price includes scheduled flights, internal transfers and accommodation on a full-board basis, staying at the luxurious Ras Kutani for four nights followed by a three-night safari stay at Jongomero and a three-night stay at the Selous Safari Camp. Game viewing drives in open sided 4×4 vehicles, concession and park entrance fees, taxes and surcharges are also included.

July 16, 2010

Following response from ATTA members operating in Mozambique, Rani Resorts and Mozambique Voyages, we can confirm the following.

Filed under: Beaches — Tanzania Odyssey @ 4:14 pm

The Mozambican Government has announced an increase in visa fees for tourists to Mozambique with immediate effect. This comes as a result of the introduction of the biometric system – currently enforced at Maputo
(Malavane) Airport and the Komatipoort border. The cost of the visas has increased to US$ 82.00 per person, however, at only these 2 points of entry at this time.

The increase apparently kicked in on the 6th of July when tourists obtaining visas at the Mozambique borders were charged USD 82 pp (or the USD equivalent of ZAR 600 based on that days exchange rate).

A representative from INATUR (the Mozambique tourism board) confirmed they were also taken by surprise as nothing had been communicated to anyone before the price change. She also reconfirmed the increase of border visas and said it was a permanent increase.

It appears the increase is currently only applicable at some borders. Most airports are still working on between USD 25 and USD 30 pp as they don’t yet have the technology required for the new visas.

It is however confirmed that the remainder of the country will follow suit – dates of implementation to be advised.

European embassies and consulates have also advised no increase on their current rates so its better for clients to obtain their visas in advance if at all possible

July 15, 2010

News from Asilia….

Filed under: Beaches,Serengeti,Tanzania Safari,Zanzibar — Tags: — Tanzania Odyssey @ 10:20 am

We are extremely excited to announce an addition to the Asilia portfolio in Zanzibar. Situated alongside our Matemwe Lodge and Matemwe Retreat, the new luxury villa Matemwe Beach Retreat will be opening on August 1st 2010.

The Matemwe Beach Retreat consists of:
• 2 bedrooms
• 2 bathrooms
• A beautiful mezzanine floor which can cater for 3 children / 2 adults
• a private pool surrounded by decking
• views overlooking the beach whilst remaining within the comfort and privacy of your luxury villa

Matemwe Beach Retreat has the same service offerings as Matemwe Retreat which means the villa is privately serviced with your own butler, bar service and much more. Please refer to the agent zone for a breakdown on the exact services offered at the Beach Retreat.

Rates are the same as Matemwe Retreat for 2 adults.
Please note that we charge 70% of the adult rate for the third and fourth adult joining.
Children will be charged at 50% of the adult rate (this only applies to children aged 12 and below)
For the rate sheet and more information please log onto the agent zone and click on Matemwe or email us: marketing@asiliaafrica.com.

Due to popular demand we have worked on a new honeymoon package for Matemwe Main Lodge and Matemwe Retreat for 2011. The package is based on a minimum of 3 nights stay and includes a complimentary private beach dinner, half a day snorkelling excursion, 2 massages for the bride and groom, flowers in the room and a village/ reef walk. For more information please log onto the agent zone and click on Matemwe or email us and we will be happy to send you more information: marketing@asiliaafrica.com

NEWSFLASH:
Kogatende Airstrip has now re-opened and scheduled flights are arriving back into Kogatende for Sayari Camp and Olakira Camp arrivals

Oliver’s Camp guests have had their first sightings of the endangered wild dog this season in the Kuro area of the Tarangire National Park.

Olakira as well as Dunia Camp guests were lucky to see Black Rhino.

Olakira as well Sayari Camp guests witnessed the famous river crossings in the past weeks.

We are happy to have some new Asilia staff members, for your reference please see our camp managers for our properties listed below:
Sayari Camp: Barbara and Joe together with Simon
Olakira Camp: Pascal
Dunia Camp: Peter
Oliver’s Camp: Salim, Markus and Niccy
Matemwe: Sabine & Ingo with Dorette
Matemwe Retreats: Wendy

For detailed information about Tanzania and Zanzibar please look at our site – www.tanzaniaodyssey.com, and click here for information about a Tanzania safari.

To view videos of the country and the various lodges please see our Video Console

Or for advice / quotes or anything else please call us in London on 44 (2) 7471 8780 or in the USA on (toll free) 1-866 356 4691

July 13, 2010

Opening season news from The Selous Safari Company

Filed under: Tanzania Safari,The Selous — Tags: , , — Tanzania Odyssey @ 8:42 am

Selous Safari Camp

Whilst it may seem strange to say, the Selous Safari Camp actually benefitted from the global financial
crisis last season as it gave us the opportunity to carry out a complete refurbishment, including
brand new en-suite open air ‘star’ showers, which look truly stunning.
The management team is a mixture of new and familiar faces. Jenny has been promoted to Camp Manager, she will be ably helped and supported by Emiel, who many of you will know from the past as the group relief manager. He has decided to plant some roots in the ground and is now full time in Selous, Lana, who joins us after a two year spell working in Zambia and finally, but no means the least, camp old timer Danny.

Jongomero Camp
After the drama’s of the kitchen fire on the 28th November last year, we managed to rebuild and reequip the kitchen in 21 days and welcome guests back on the 23rd December, just in time for
Christmas !
During the 2 months we were closed, the swimming pool and surrounding area were completely
rebuilt to a higher standard, but don’t worry, the pool still slopes slightly, so continues to be hippo
and guest friendly !
Molly and Noelle are back for the season, having had a two month break in which they travelled
7000kms by car, through various African countries.

Ras Kutani
Ras Kutani has enjoyed a good start to the season with some successful turtle hatchings already,
whilst the Lodge looks smart and fresh for the coming ten months.
Marc has joined us from South Africa as Lodge Manager and will have the pleasure of working with lodge veteran, Upendo and the new face of Sadick, who has worked in a number of Tanzanian camp and beach properties.

For detailed information about Tanzania and Zanzibar please look at our site – www.tanzaniaodyssey.com, and click here for information about a Tanzania safari.

To view videos of the country and the various lodges please see our Video Console

Or for advice / quotes or anything else please call us in London on 44 (2) 7471 8780 or in the USA on (toll free) 1-866 356 4691

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