Tanzania’s Non- Profit Tour Co.!
PHOTO GALLERY- landscapes of Tanzania
Tag: BOMA COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Testimonial- Volunteers in Mto wa Mbu
Leesha and Lau coordinated an incredible experience for me and my friend to work a local hospital in karatu. We worked in the labor and delivery ward and greatly enhanced our skill set as birth doulas. It was the kind of experience that I would never have been able to coordinate on my own. True local insider access. They also kindly coordinated a safari on our last day with their awesome staff Patrick and Ossman. It felt like we were kickin it with good friends all day. Patrick was our driver and we spent a lot of time with him- he is now one of my dear dear friends. I’m so grateful for him and the love he has for his country. I always felt safe and well taken care of! We stayed across the street from Leesha’s at Mama’s house which was comfortable and hospitible with a beautiful family. I couldn’t have imagined a better experience. And I didn’t feel like I tourist which I greatly appreciated! I highly recommend organizing your travels in Tanzania through Boma.
Tanzania’s Safari Circuits
When you set out on safari in Tanzania you will realize you have landed in the heartland of Africa. Endless plains, vast blue skies, caravans of elephants, and baby baboons playing in shade of tall grasses: the mystery and beauty of the people and landscape will not cease to amaze. All the imaginings and dreams you envisioned about Africa will become reality as Boma Africa shows you the best of Tanzania.
The Swahili word “safari” literally means to travel, so even before you land in Tanzania, you have begun! From the moment of your arrival, Boma Africa will take care of everything, ensuring your safety, comfort, and amusement! You just have to enjoy the ride while you experience the best of African Safari.
There are four distinct safari circuits in Tanzania: Northern, Southern, Western, and Coastal.
The Northern Circuit is the most frequented by tourists likely because many famous Tanzanian sights such as Ngorongoro Crater, the Serengeti and Mt. Kilimanjaro are here. Other attractions include Mt. Meru, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Lake Natron, Lake Eyasi, Usambara and Lake Victoria. All the parks, towns, and attractions are close to each other, so one can experience the whole circuit via private car, spending only a few hours enroute in between each one.
Arusha National Park
Arusha National Park is 328.4 square kilometers, and is located 62 km from the popular tourist town of Arusha. This national park has three impressive geological features: Ngurudoto Crater, Momella Lakes, and Mount Meru. Wildlife is abundant, and if you are lucky you may spot a leopard chilling in the big trees branches of the wild palm!
Special attractions of Arusha National Park include walking safaris, canoeing, and climbing to Socialist Peak, the summit of Mt. Meru. Mt. Meru takes 3-4 days to climb, and is a great acclimatization climb for those heading to Kilimanjaro. See LINK TO->Trekking for more details.
Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park has an area of 1668 square km. It is world famous for the scenery of Mt. Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. Day hikes are possible within the park, as well as 5-10 day climbing excursions to reach its Uhuru peak. Read our LINK TO->Kilimanjaro page for more information.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara is 330 square kilometres, and includes groundwater forest, plains, and the alkaline lake, all of which host a massive variety of wildlife. Primates are common in the jungle- like forest, while hippopotamus bathe in the shallow pools. This park is famous for tree climbing lions, hot springs, and adventures such as canoeing and biking.
Tarangire National Park
Tarangire, just 2 hours from Arusha is a convenient starting point for safari, and makes an ideal day trip. Its 2850 square km have a strong resemblance to the Serengeti plains. Famous for herds of elephants hundreds strong, and gigantic baobab trees, Tarangire has a permanent water source which draws animals from far and wide in the dry season. When you see the sausage fruits hanging from their trees, check twice, be sure it’s not a leopard’s tail!
Serengeti National Park
World famous and indescribable, the plains of Serengeti offer the classic picture of African wildlife. Here is where you are likely to see lions on the hunt for zebra, or the colossal migration of a million wildebeest. Serengeti is a designated world heritage site, as one the largest wildlife refuges worldwide, covering 14763 square km.
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
Though it stretches well beyond the rim, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is known for its stunning caldera. An extinct volcano, the crater floor has permanent water and rich pasture, making an ideal habitat for wildlife. Some of Tanzania’s last black rhinoceros live within the crater, though they can be difficult to spot. This conservation area is also a World Heritage Site, acknowledged for the harmonious relationship between its Maasai habitants and wildlife.
Usambara Forest Reserve
A beautiful forest with rich botanical diversity. This is a trekking destination, and is most ideal for admiring flora and birding.
Mikomazi National Park
A perfect midway point between the Northern and Coastal Circuits, Mikomazi National Park is by-passed by many, but should not be missed. Features of this park are the successful re-introduction of wild dogs and the endemic black rhinoceros. This is the only park in Tanzania that has the massive rhinos within a fenced sanctuary. At 3245 square km, Mikomazi borders Kenya’s Tsavo National Park, and has recently been converted to a National Park rather than a Game Reserve.
Lake Victoria + Mwanza
Mwanza is a major Tanzanian port connecting to Uganda and Kenya via Lake Victoria, the world’s second largest fresh water lake. This fishing and agricultural community is the gate-way to the Islands of Lake Victoria, the Western Serengeti , Rubondo National Park, and Sukuma culture.
Lake Natron
Spending four hours on an uneven and dusty road will bring you to the shores of Lake Natron, the foot of Oldoinyo Lengai, and genuine Maasai-land at the village of Engaresero. Here bird watching on the lake, deep Maasai culture excursions, and climbing the active volcano Lengai are experiences that will endure in your memory for a lifetime.
Photo Gallery- Tanzanian Wildlife Safari
10 things to know before climbing Kilimanjaro
- Choose your route
- There are 6 routes on Kilimanjaro and the length of climbs ranges from 5 days to 9. Some include camping at the crater rim, some have huts for sleeping, and some have a higher successful summit rate than others. Click here to read more about the Kilimanjaro routes.
- Choose your outfitter (Boma Africa, obviously!)
- There are many travel agents that sell the tours to a second hand outfitter “on the ground” in Tanzania or Kenya. It’s worth confirming who will be executing your climb so that you can have all the information on their safety standards and services provided. www.bomaafrica.com
- Training
- Being in good health and fitness is an asset when attempting to summit Kilimanjaro. Cardiovascular training, along with some climbing/ mountainous hiking can help to prepare you. To reduce the risk of altitude sickness you can spend some time at higher altitude before your climb. You can do this by doing some hiking at home, or in and around Arusha. Read more about preparing for your climb here!
- Break in your boots
- A good pair of boots is a must on Kilimanjaro. They should have good ankle support, water proof, and warm, and of course, be comfortable! IF you are buying new boots for this epic adventure, make sure you break them in before you come. Nothing is worse than finishing off day 1 with a giant blister!
- Practice your day pack
- Same as above- if you are getting a new day pack, break it in! Practice putting in all the items you will be carrying for the day to make sure everything fits and you will be comfortable. Typically you would carry rain gear, 3L of water, your lunch box, sunscreen, a hat, lipsyl, your camera, and extra layers of clothing, that either get peeled off or get put on as the day goes by. What to expect on the mountain is explained in more detail here.
- Think about Medication
- You may want to discuss with your physician to see if taking medication to help prevent altitude sickness is a good option for you. Also ask about other medications or vaccinations you might need for travel to Tanzania.
- Bring an SPF lipsyl
- Make sure you bring a lipsyl with SPF!
- Remember “Pole Pole”- walk slowly!
- Walking slowly will increase your chances of submitting successfully! Conserve your energy and give your body time to adjust to changes in altitude. This will be on the of the first Swahili words you will learn from your guides, Pole, pole- Slowly!
- Drink a sip of water every 10 minutes
- Hydration is important in any physical endeavour, and dehydration can increase the risk of altitude sickness. Taking frequent small sips throughout your climb keeps you well hydrated and fit to climb to Uhuru peak! To see your packing list, click here.
- Turn back if reccommended
- Your guides are trained to recognize the signs of altitude sickness and fatigue. If they have concerns regarding your health they will recommend beginning to descend. While this can be very disappointing, it’s important to take their advice seriously. Kilimanjaro is a friendly mountain, climbed by thousands, young and old, from around the world every year, but needs also to be taken seriously as altitude sickness can be a very serious health hazard. More on safety here.
Questions? Email us at info@bomaafrica.com
Testimonial from Golden, BC
5 WEEKS WITH BOMA AFRICA IN TANZANIA
We were with Boma Africa for five weeks. They picked us up at the Arusha airport when we arrived, and we were taken care of from that point until we were dropped off at the Dar es Salaam airport on our departure. Our trip included safaris in Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ruaha; hiking to Lake Natron, the Empakai Crater and the farmlands around Lushoto; climbing Kilimanjaro; and ending on the beaches of Zanzibar; with many cultural tours in between.
In short, it was fantastic! We really want to congratulate Boma on an excellent product. We were super happy. The organization, logistics, and excellent client care throughout were great. The guides were excellent – professional, knowledgable, and had our safety as their first priority. It all worked out perfectly. Most importantly for us, there was no stress, as everything was so well managed. If we know of anyone planning a trip to Tanzania, we would recommend Boma Africa in a heart beat.
Specific feedback on the trip:
The itinerary worked really well for us. It was a good blend of game drives, cultural tours and information, and hiking. It was nicely broken up, and Kilimanjaro was a great interlude mid-trip
Guides: all were excellent. They were all professional and very well informed.
Chefs: amazing what they could do – especially on Kilimanjaro. We were very happy with the quality of food, and how much effort they put into our well being.
Lushoto – really cool place! We could have spent another day here, just to hike around.
Ruaha – super cool, really enjoyed our one night there.
Zanzibar was a really nice way to end the trip.
2017 In a Nutshell
2017 was a great year for Boma Africa!
Highlights include:
- The Mafuru family moving to Tanzania
- A handful of great safaris, treks, and Kilimanjaro climbs
- Providing free education to 20 students at LK Kindergarten
- Funding to pay the teacher for 6 months of 2018
- Collection of enough school supplies for the next year at LK Kindergarten
- Funding to fix the water source at LK Kindergarten
- Acquired 20 used tires to add play structures to the Sue and Martin Parnell Playground
- Shipping 40′ sea container FULL of supplies and equipment for Boma la Mama Birth Centre
- Opening the Mto wa Mbu Community Centre in partnership with The Mto wa Mbu Project
Thank you to George & Jean Terpsma, Ella and Charlotte Jobin, AP Elementary School, Beating Hearts Music, Rotary Club of South Edmonton, Maureen Fath, Emmanuel Foundation, The Mto wa Mbu Project, Lindsay Kimmett Memorial Foundation, Shanualea Vliegenthart, Lucina Midwives, Barbara Campbell, the Birrells, and to the many private donors that filled the shipping container, their suitcases, and our hearts!
What are some goals for 2018, you ask??
- Obtain funding for operational costs for 2 years in order to open Boma la Mama
- Request funds to expand the school
- Place several skilled volunteers at the school and community centre
- Add play structures to the Sue and Martin Parnell Playground
- Resume running water at the Boma sites
- Register Boma Africa as a Non Profit Company in Canada & implement new organizational structure
- Invest in marketing to sell more tours & generate more funds for our projects!
- Establish a “safe gear” program to ensure our Boma Africa porters have warm boots and gear on our climbs
and….check out this amazing hornworm!
Photo Gallery- People & Culture of Tanzania
Hadzabe Bushman by Andrew Knapp
Hadzabe Bushman by Andrew Knapp
School Girl by Boma Africa
Hadzabe Bushman by Andrew Knapp
Kilimanjaro Guide by Andrew Knapp
Village Children by Boma Africa
A Maasai guide at Empakaai Crater by Andrew Knapp
Maasai Market. by Jarrad Seng. Boma Africa
Maasai boy. by Jarrad Seng. Boma Africa
Maasai Umbrella. by Andrew Knapp. Boma Africa
Iraqi Mama. Boma Africa
Skulls. by Andrew Knapp. Boma Africa
BBQ. Boma Africa
Maasai Custom by Jarrad Seng
Maasai Celebration by Jarrad Seng
Join Boma Africa for the Kilimanjaro Marathon- March 4, 2018
The annual Kilimanjaro marathon is coming up in just over 2 months! Not sure I can train up to a half marathon that quickly, but might sign up as a 21 km run/ walk for myself.
The marathon was founded in 2002 and attracts almost 9000 runners including locals and athletes from around the world. The route heads up the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, passing through forest, plantations, villages, and the town of Moshi. Winners claim prizes up to 4 million TSH.
Our most memorable Kilimanjaro Marathon was Kili Quest 95.2 in 2013. Lawrence and Martin Parnell of Canada planned to run the marathon, then attempt to climb Kilimanjaro in just 24h! It was amazing- they summited Kilimanjaro- but not quite in the 24 hours they had hoped! This was a successful fundraiser for the organization Right to Play.
The only marathon I’ve ever done was the Kilimanjaro Marathon- and I only did half! It was hard, but such a fun day! Everyone is in such high spirits and the locals of the sleepy villages come out to cheer you on or join up with you for a few kilometres. Many folks from around the world, and from Tanzania are there for a fun day- mixed with elite athletes training for the Olympics!
If you are looking for a race to add to your itinerary and a chance to go on a world class safari, or to climb Kilimanjaro, get in touch!
MARTIN PARNELL AT UHURU PEAK
Photo by Shadows of Africa
Katie’s Sponsorship ongoing…. asante!
Asante Sana Wilson Family for your donation- Katie is excelling at the Mwalimu Anna school thanks to your scholarship.
Katie has been sponsored since pre school (originally by Mr. Jeremy) and has been fortunate to attend the awesome Mwalimu Anna school in Mto wa Mbu village. She loves school, and gets A’s. Her grandpa gets up at 5 every day to get her ready for school. The school bus picks her up at 6 am and drops her off at home at 5 pm. It’s a long day but she thrives. This is an english medium school where most instruction happens in English.
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