OCTOBER 2025 - NOVEMBER 2025
Two Perspectives of the Serengeti: TAASA
Lodge & TAASA Migration Camp
For travelers exploring northern Tanzania, the Serengeti offers two very different but equally compelling safari experiences through TAASA’s properties — a permanent lodge and a seasonal migration camp.
TAASA Lodge, located on a ridge near the northern boundary of the Serengeti, operates year-round and provides access to a private wildlife management area. Its setting allows for activities such as night drives and short nature walks, along with opportunities for cultural interaction with nearby Maasai communities.
TAASA Migration Camp, on the other hand, is a mobile setup that follows the path of the Great Migration. The camp relocates several times a year — from Ndutu in the south to the central and northern Serengeti — aligning with wildlife movements during calving, grazing, and river-crossing seasons.
Together, the two properties illustrate how diverse safari operations can be within a single ecosystem — one emphasizing permanence and privacy, the other mobility and proximity to seasonal wildlife events.
TAASA Lodge TAASA Migration Camp
Chem Chem Safari Recognised
in 2025 Readers’
Choice Awards
Congratulations to Chem Chem Safari, whose flagship properties — Chem Chem Lodge and Little Chem Chem continue to be recognized among the World’s Best Resorts in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.
Located within the corridor between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, Chem Chem Safari Lodge is celebrated for its “Slow Safari” philosophy, an approach that values stillness, space, and meaningful connection to nature.
Chem Chem Lodge offers a tranquil lakeside setting, while Little Chem Chem provides a more intimate, tented experience in a private wildlife area.
SPECIAL FEATURE
Our Familiarization Trip Experience
Earlier this month, the Afritrek team was invited by Bush and Beyond to experience Tangulia Ndogo Mara on a two-night familiarization (Fam) trip.
After a scenic drive to the Western boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve where the landscape opens into vast plains dotted with acacia trees and the air hums with wildlife. We arrived to a heartwarming welcome. The team at Tangulia Ndogo greeted us with smiles, cool towels, and refreshing drinks — instantly making us feel at home in the wild.
An Exclusive Safari Escape
Tangulia Ndogo is an exclusive safari property offering only two ensuite tents and one family tent (two ensuite bedrooms with a shared lounge). Each tent is positioned spaciously, overlooking a salt lick and Mara River, where elephants and buffaloes frequently gather.
The main mess area — the first thing you see when checking in — offers sweeping river views, making it an ideal spot to unwind and watch wildlife pass by.
Culinary Delights with a Kenyan Twist
Tangulia Ndogo embraces the art of tailor-made dining. Guests are encouraged to share their preferences, and the kitchen crafts meals to match. During our stay, we opted for authentic Kenyan fare, ugali, (a firm maize meal similar to polenta) nyama choma, (grilled or roasted meat, usually beef, goat, or chicken) and skuma wiki, (a sautéed collard green dish that’s a Kenyan staple) all flavorful and perfectly prepared. The standout treat? Their house-made coconut ice cream, easily one of the best we’ve tasted in the Mara!
Unforgettable Safari Moments
Our rooms, whether in the family suite or ensuite double tents, came with panoramic views of the Mara River, where wildlife roamed freely. Nights were magical, with elephants passing nearby, and mornings began with the sight of zebras and antelopes grazing just outside our tents.
Tangulia Ndogo doesn’t have a pool or gym, but it offers incredible game drives in open Land Cruisers within the Mara Triangle Conservancy.
We were lucky to spot rhinos, elephants, hippos, and crocodiles, and even caught a glimpse of buffaloes across the plains. Our sundowner experience was equally memorable, drinks, light bites, and laughter as the sun dipped behind the horizon.
Tailor-Made Comforts & Thoughtful Amenities
Every aspect of Tangulia Ndogo is designed for comfort and personalization. The property runs 100% on solar power, reflecting its deep commitment to sustainability.
Included in your stay
• All-inclusive board basis
• Wireless phone charging & global plug points
• Hot water & eco-friendly toiletries
• Walkie-talkies & torches for after-dark communication
• Honeymooners’ personalized room service
• Personalized wake-up calls with your choice of morning beverage (optional)
• WiFi at the entire facility
• Game Drives
• Sundowners
• Bush lunch | Dinner
Exclusions:
• Swimming pool
• Gym
• Night game drives
Final Thoughts
Our stay at Tangulia Ndogo Mara was short but truly unforgettable. If your preference is for exclusive stays and personalized service, you don’t mind skipping a swimming pool but would rather enjoy peaceful, quiet moments surrounded by nothing but the sounds of nature, immersive game drives, or simply lounging at the mess or on your private deck overlooking the Mara River, watching wildlife graze right before you — then Tangulia Ndogo Mara is your perfect kind of escape.
Location: Western boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Managed by: Bush and Beyond
Game Drives: Conducted in open Land Cruisers
Special Thanks to Bush & Beyond Team and The Tangulia Ndogo & Tangulia Camp Staff
Tangulia & Afritrek Team
Tangulia Ndogo & Afritrek Team Tangulia Ndogo Camp Manager Game Drive Driven & Guided by Mary
Property Review:
Kalepo Camp – A Hidden Gem in Samburu
Tucked at the foot of the Mathews Range, Kalepo Camp is an intimate escape where comfort meets culture.
During a recent visit, by Afritrek Director, he experienced firsthand what makes this camp such a rare gem.
“Kalepo is simply amazing,” he shared. “The camp has five beautifully designed tents soon to be six each with open-air bathrooms, giving guests that pure connection to nature. The layout is thoughtful, the atmosphere serene, and every detail feels intentional.”
The experience goes far beyond the camp itself. Guests are invited to explore Samburu life through deeply authentic interactions from witnessing the famous singing wells and blacksmithing traditions to joining in warrior games. These moments are genuine and immersive, unlike the typical cultural showcases seen elsewhere.
Dining at Kalepo is another highlight, simple, fresh, and shared family-style, creating a sense of togetherness among guests. While wildlife viewing here is minimal, the camp’s 500,000-hectare conservancy offers wide-open space and peaceful solitude, making it perfect for travelers who wish to slow down, connect, and reflect.
“Kalepo is a fantastic addition to any program — ideal for culturally curious travelers seeking something meaningful and off the beaten path,” our Director concluded.
&
Arusha Airport Officially Granted International Status
Arusha Airport (ARK) has officially gained international status.
This upgrade means that travelers can now arrive and depart directly through Arusha, creating smoother and more flexible travel options.
Key benefits for you:
• Direct international operations – Charter flights can now connect Arusha with key global destinations.
• Closer access to safari experiences – Located at the doorstep of Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and other world-renowned parks.
• Improved convenience – Less domestic transit, more time enjoying Tanzania’s attractions.
With this change, Arusha is positioned not only as the safari capital of Tanzania but also as a strategic hub for tourism and business travel.
We look forward to welcoming even more guests directly into the heart of adventure.
From Kigali to the Coast
RwandAir Opens New Gateways to Mombasa & Zanzibar
RwandAir has announced a new Kigali–Zanzibar–Mombasa route, launching 1st December 2025.
The airline will operate four weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), marking its return to Mombasa after six years and introducing Zanzibar as a new destination.
The new route strengthens East Africa’s coastal connectivity, giving travellers seamless access from Rwanda to two of the region’s top beach destinations — perfect for combining safari and sea experiences in one trip.
Myths &Misconceptions
Myth:
A safari is all about seeing the Big Five.
Truth:
A true safari is about connection, not just checklists. Beyond spotting lions or elephants, guests immerse themselves in the rhythm of the wild walking through untouched landscapes with seasoned guides who reveal hidden details often missed from a vehicle. It’s about listening to bird calls, learning animal tracks, and understanding how each species plays a role in the ecosystem.
Modern safaris also invite travelers to experience local cultures — from Maasai and Samburu traditions to conservation stories that show how communities protect wildlife.
It’s a journey that blends adventure, education, and purpose where every moment tells a deeper story than just a sighting.
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