Training Tips for a Great Kilimanjaro Holiday Experience

Planning your first trekking trip to Mount Kilimanjaro? Make sure you’re prepared for a successful summit. To help you prepare, we have just the right tips for you.

No matter how good of a trekker you are, there are certain things you need to keep in mind to make the most out of your Kilimanjaro mountain holidays. 

Without wasting any more time, let’s get started. 

 

1.   Go Easy

Slowly, slowly or Pole, Pole (in Swahili) is the ultimate mantra of a Kilimanjaro trek. On your journey to the highest single free-standing mountain in the world, your guide will most probably be motivating you with this mantra only. 

Walking helps avoid cramps or frustration during the first few days of the climb. To ensure that you enjoy every minute of you trek, make sure you practice this. Yes, slow-walking seems like the easiest thing in the world, but in reality, it takes a great amount of physical as well as mental control to find peace at this pace. The peace comes with practice which is why it is recommended that you practice slow walking at least a month prior to your trek. 

On the brighter side, walking slowly, slowly also allows you to relish the beautiful landscapes and attain great mental freedom. 

 

2.               Take Some Deep Breaths

Along with walking slowly, you need to take good care of your breathing. This is one tip that even the tour operators offering Kilimanjaro holidays packages recommend their clients. 5-6 seconds of inhales and exhales through the nose especially during the preliminary days.  

Deep breathing spreads oxygen in all parts of the body and calms the heart rate. If you’re familiar with Yoga and are an ardent practitioner, you won’t require too much practice. However, if you are a complete beginner to both Yoga and trekking, you must incorporate deep breathing in your time. Just five minutes of practice every day lying down or standing is enough. 

3.               Cardio

As you climb towards Mount Kili, the oxygen levels will decrease. The summit will take your cardio exam every day. If you wish to pass the exam with flying colours, make sure you’re regular with your cardio workout. Strengthening your cardiovascular system will help you feel less strained during the summit. 

From running and cycling to swimming and jumping ropes, there are plenty of cardio workouts to choose from. Select the ones you enjoy the most and get ready for a successful climb. 

 

4.               The Core Matters

A lot of us enjoy working out at the gym but often avoid core exercises like planks, mountain pose, crunches, and sit-ups. 

But if you’re planning to triumph Kilimanjaro Mountain holidays and trekking, you cannot afford to avoid these. Maintaining abdominal strength is also highly essential. They improve your posture, muscle control, and diminishes the chances of shoulder and back strain. Correct posture helps you stand straight and keeps your head high throughout the trek. 

 

5.               Suit Up

You can practice all you want but if you do not have the right gear, you won’t succeed. With the right gear, we do not mean you buy new equipment and trek clothing. Experienced trekkers just have to back their usual gear. However, if you are a first-timer, here’s a tip for you. 

Buy new gear, but make sure you don’t pack them up right away. Start using them at least two months before the trek in order to avoid any fidgeting. 

Reasons to Choose Experienced Tanzania Local Tour Operators

With so many Tanzania local tour operators available in the industry, choosing the right one can be tough. These days, all the operators promise to take you to varied National Parks but a safari isn’t just about it. It’s about how the operators go out of their way to make your experience memorable.  

Before selecting a team of tour specialists, make sure you take a look at the points mentioned below: 

 

1.     Locally-Owned

Although all Tanzania safari tour companies have their own specialties, being locally-owned is an added advantage. When you choose an agency that does not rely on local operators, your journey is controlled by a single team from the beginning to the end. The team understands the country, the culture, and knows the best places to visit. Your experience automatically gets 10 times more interesting when the company you’ve contacted is proficient.  

 

2.     Multiple Safari Options

Choosing a company that offers more than one kind of safari options is a must. With options such as Lodge Safari, Guided Safari, Private Safari, and Fly-In Safaris to choose from; your choices aren’t limited. 

 

You can select a safari-type that suits your budget and special requirements. Ask questions from experts if you’re confused between two options. If the company is experienced, they will have quick suggestions to offer, if not, they will confuse you even more. 

 

3.     First-Rate Safari Guides

A safari tour experience gets elevated when there’s a guide by your side. When you connect with a company, make sure you ask them about their guides. If the company uses a proper selection procedure to hire guides, they’re good to go with. If not, look for other tour operators. 

 

4.     Professional Advice

When it comes to advising, you can only trust Tanzania local tour operators who have served numerous clients. From accommodation and meals to the planning of game drives and itineraries, a qualified team of operators will help you every step of the way. 

 

5.     Great Value for Money 

No matter how experienced or efficient a company is, if they do not offer affordable safari packages, there’s not worth dealing with. 

What to Avoid?

Things don’t end here. Despite being experienced, some companies aren’t worth dealing with. 

After arrival, they straightaway transport their clients to the Karatu District for a Tanzania day trip safari to Ngorongoro Crater (200 km drive from the airport). This means they will make you drive another 4-5 hours after a long flight. Some agencies even have a mileage limit on game drives that restrict clients from going anywhere they want. 

These problems are a result of increased competition among Tanzania safari tour companies. The intention isn’t to make the clients suffer or wait, they simply want to keep their business alive. However, factors like these can affect your safari experience negatively. 

 

You wouldn’t want to pay for a trip that forces you to rush and spend more time on the road instead of the parks. To make your experience unique and worth it, make sure you discuss all these details in advance. Once they give you a clear plan that also ensures ample rest, go ahead, and finalize things with them. 

If you’re having a hard time finding a trusted team, get in touch with the team Enchanting Tanzania Safaris. After the COVID-19 lockdown, we’ve taken multiple measures to ensure that your journey is safe. To learn more, give us a call or fill our online contact form today!

 

 

Top 6 Things to Do at the Zanzibar Beach Resort

If the pandemic has been the cause of your stress and you wish to take a break, there’s no place better than Zanzibar to plan a vacation. Known for its exotic beaches, there are tonnes of things you can do here other chilling in your resort.

In this blog, we will list down the top six things you can do when in Zanzibar. All these activities will surely make your trip exciting and memorable. Without any further delay, let’s dive into the details. 

 1.     Stunning Beaches

While booking the Zanzibar beach resort, you may be already seen pictures of the beautiful beaches here. A speciality of these beaches is that they offer a sense of peace. Away from the hustle and bustle of your daily life and the stress related to COVID-19, you will definitely find much-needed peace here.

Apart from exploring the varied beaches, you can also indulge in water activities such as snorkelling, water skiing, scuba diving and kayaking. 

 2.     Everything’s Budget-Friendly 

If you’re on a limited budget, you can get the best value for your money at Zanzibar. Whether you choose to stay at a hotel or a resort, the prices are reasonable. It is also an amazing honeymoon destination. Couples, families, friend groups or corporate trips, this place has something to offer for almost every need. You can make the most of your trip without having to spend too much. 

 3.     The Weather Is Breath-taking

In Zanzibar, it’s summer all year long. For those who love summer and beaches, this place is beyond perfect. No matter when you make the booking, you will be able to enjoy water sports. Typically, the most suitable time to visit Zanzibar is April and May, but due to the pandemic, things were locked down during that time. But the good news is, most resorts opened in June and are expected to accept bookings till December 2020. So, if you’re still confused and haven’t made the decision yet, take your time. 

 4.     Mouth-Watering Seafood and Cuisine 

The food at a hotel or resort holds the power to make or break your experience. But at Zanzibar, the food is far from ordinary.  Spicy food lovers are in for a treat and there is a diverse range of seafood options to choose from. The restaurants are known for making their own spices and the aroma itself will intrigue you. 

 5.     Enchanting Places Nearby 

Zanzibar is near to some phenomenal places in Tanzania. Most reviews and travellers state that staying at a Zanzibar beach resort is the best way to end your trip after witnessing the great wildebeest migration in Tanzania. In fact, it is only ideal that you relax in Zanzibar after having an adventurous safari experience. We suggest you book a complete holiday package that covers both safaris as well as Zanzibar. 

 6.     Welcoming People 

Other than the wonderful National Parks and beaches, you will fall in love with the people. They are all extremely warm and welcoming. If you’re an extrovert that enjoys talking to different people, do find the team to interact with the locals. You never know what great story they end up sharing! 

IN CONCLUSION

Zanzibar is much more than beaches and resorts. Aside from the activities mentioned above, you can also explore museums and historic monuments. There are some terrific shopping places as well where you can buy stylish outfits and souvenirs. 

To learn more about Zanzibar beach resort holiday packages, connect with our experts at Enchanting Tanzania Safaris in today!

 

What to Do in Tanzania – A Guide by Local Tour Operators

Visiting Tanzania for the first time but confused about what activities to pursue? Don’t worry, we have some tips and advices that will help you make your trip truly memorable. In this blog, we will list down the 5 major activities that you can do there. Read on to make sure that you do not miss out on the fun.

    1.   Wildlife Watching

Tanzania is mostly known for its National Parks! So, if you are someone who is interested in watching wildlife in their natural habitat, you must visit a National Park. Some of the most popular destinations recommended byTanzania local tour operators for wildlife watching include:-

•       Serengeti National Park
•          Ngorongoro Conservation Crater,
•          Tarangire National Park
•          Ruaha National Park
•          Arusha National Park

On the north of Ngongongare is Serengeti Ndogo; an open grassland where you can occasionally spot zebras and other field species. Here, the street partitions towards the west and east. The western side has incredible Meru views, while the eastern side is the preferred roadway for wildlife. Both the routes are incredible in their own ways and will definitely contribute to making your trip memorable.

No matter which destination you choose for wildlife exploration you will get a chance to spot a huge range of creatures including rare blue monkeys, zebras, giraffes, klipspringers, waterbucks, dik-diks, buffaloes, bushbucks, and hippo. You will also find elephants, red duikers, colobuses (regularly spotted close to the Ngurdoto Museum) and if you’re lucky - Panthers.

     2.   Birdwatching

You’d be delighted to know that you can do more than just wildlife watching in Tanzania. And that includes – Bird Watching! For instance, the Arusha National Park has over 400 species. The bird life in the Arusha National Park particularly changes from one lake to another. If there is anything that you would actually enjoy at the Park, it is this activity.

Also, if you are going with your family and kids, then the kids are in for a treat as bird watching is not just fun but also great for educational purposes. You can teach kids the names of some new and rare bird. If the kids are too young, you can use bird watching to help them identify different colors.

       3.   Safaris

Your trip will be totally incomplete if you do not book a package for wildlife safari in Tanzania. It allows you to explore nature in the most amazing way. All you need to do is book a budget-friendly package. In fact, June to October is the best time to visit Tanzania. You can combine your safari package with some great accommodation deals.  Just get in touch with a reliable team of tour 

operators.

      4.   Trekking Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru

Kilimanjaro is one of the highest mountains in the world that is simply the best choice for trekking. Even if you have no prior trekking experience, you can enjoy this experience. There is no need for ropes or special climbing equipment.

At 4566m, there is also Mt. Meru; which is Tanzania's second highest mountain. In spite of the fact that most trekkers prefer Kilimanjaro, it's a fabulous volcanic cone with one of East Africa's most grand and satisfying climbs.

      5.   Canoeing and Beach Views

Africa is blessed with some awe-inspiring lakes; you may even go for Canoeing if you feel like. This is the best option if you are looking forward to a relaxing experience. Even staying in one of the beach hotels in Zanzibar is a great way to chill and rejuvenate.

Africa Mountain Tour Packages - How to Find the Right Team?

Have you been looking for African mountain tour packages but cannot decide which team of operators to trust? If so, we’re going to help you with it. In this article, we will feed you with all the necessary information in order to help you ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. 

Step 1- Ask your Friends and Acquaintances 

Ask people you know and learn about their opinions before consulting a trusted team of tour operators. In case you have friends or acquaintances that have been on a mountain hike or have booked any of the Africa mountain tour packages in the past; simply ask them if they would recommend the same to you. Seeking their advice will enable you to connect with trusted professionals. They can also provide you with tips that would be helpful for you on your trip. 

Step 2- Go Through Customer Reviews

When you start looking for travel companies for mountain climbing or safari, you will find a host of options. So many that you may get swamped. To avoid that, simply type their names on search engines and go through their customer reviews. That will give you an idea about how reasonable their packages are and how reliable are their services. 

Step 3-Talk to the Company Experts

Whether you are looking for a mountain climbing package in Tanzania or Zanzibar beach holiday packages; the key to finding the right tour company is by talking to the experts. When you shortlist a few companies, do not hesitate to put across questions. The more questions you ask, the more clarity you will get. If they have a satisfactory answer to all your questions, it means they can be trusted. In case they get irritated or hesitate while addressing your concerns, do not proceed and move to the next company. 

It’s not necessary that you connect with a company only via call. You may also talk to them via email or any other mode of communication. It is important to check whether they are always available to provide assistance or not. 

FINAL STEPS

Once you have chosen a company, talked to their experts and selected a cost-efficient package; make sure you book a doctor’s appointment. This is because the change in altitude and weather can adversely affect your body. You need to make sure that your body is ready for the changes. Besides that, you need to buy travel insurance and then begin with all the planning.

What We Recommend

Tanzania is one of the finest places for not just Safari but also mountain climbing. At Enchanting Tanzania Safaris, we offer incredible packages for Kilimanjaro mountain holidays at cost-efficient prices. Embark on an unforgettable journey with us and we will not disappoint. Your safety and convenience is our highest priority; we will help you create memories that last a lifetime.

Our company is locally-owned with members who know Tanzania ‘in’ and ‘out’. This is one of the prime qualities that separate us from other service providers. Get in touch with us now to know more. We’d be happy to provide you with a consultation.