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From Aerial Views to Microscopic Detail, Take A Walk on the Wild Side with SkySafari

Connect with nature on foot and learn about the fascinating intricacies of the surrounding eco-systems with new walking safaris available at properties on the SkySafari circuit.

New walking tours are now available at Serengeti Pioneer Camp adding a welcomed opportunity to explore the surrounding plains in depth with our highly skilled and knowledgeable guides. Walking tours are also available at Tarangire Treetops, Tortilis Camp Amboseli and Loisaba Tented Camp.

SKYSAFARI STAFF

SkySafari Welcomes New General Manager, Michel Allard & Bids Fond Farewell to Mia Lawson

The SkySafari team warmly welcomes new General Manager, Michael Allard as we bid a fond farewell to our previous GM, Mia Lawson. Mia was at the helm of SkySafari for over five years and will vacate the position at the end of May with a move to Europe. We will dearly miss Mia and wish her the best of luck with all her future endeavours. As Mia departs, please join us in giving a warm Karibu welcome to Michel.

Born in Kenya from French Italian parents who devoted most of their professional lives to the tourism and travel sector, Michel grew up along Kenya’s magical coastline and later in 1993, relocated to Tanzania’s business capital Dar es Salaam. A graduate in hotel management, he obtained a diploma with merit from the Hotel Management School, Les Roches in Switzerland. In 2001, Michel settled in Arusha to pursue a new career in luxury safari tourism with one of the continents’ leading luxury safari outfitter brands, as part of the Friedkin adventure companies of Tanzania.

Michel has a culture for excellence in everything he does. He has gained vital knowledge of the very particular business environment operating in East Africa and was directly and indirectly involved in the planning, development and operations of luxury camps and lodges and its travel component in remote and private wildlife concessions across East Africa. He understands the needs and expectations of the luxury travel industry and speaks four languages, including Kiswahili. Michel looks forward to contributing to the continuous exceptional tradition of East African travel hospitality offered by SkySafari’s programs in his new role. He resides in Arusha, Tanzania with his wife and four children.

FLY IN CHATS

Sand River’s GMs Share Details and Tips on Visiting the Mara During the Great Migration

Nicolene & Andrew Shoeman, General Managers at Sand River, shared details, and their tips on visiting the Mara during the Great Migration. They very much look forward to welcoming guests to the property in the coming months for this spectacular annual wildlife event.

What makes Sand River so special in terms of its location in viewing the Great Migration?

Sand River Masai Mara is situated in the southern and eastern part of the Masai Mara bordering Tanzania. The camp was built along the Sand River and no other property is visible, so it has a very unique location. Also, this part of the Masai Mara is generally much quieter than the rest of the park, especially during migration time. Part of the migration often crosses the Sand River, often allowing guests a view right from their room.

When is the best time to see the Great Migration from Sand River?

The best time to see the migration is during the months of June, July, and August and into September. It is not always the same month each year as the wildebeest movements are often dictated by the rainfall so their movements can be erratic.

Is there a particular tent that offers great views?

We are very lucky in that all the guest rooms have a view of the Sand River and can often spot animals bathing or playing near the river.

What particular activities can guests enjoy during the migration period?

We offer game drives in the morning and afternoon and breakfast and lunch hampers can be arranged should guests prefer to stay out longer, especially if they would like to experience the migration crossing the Mara River. Ballooning can be booked as well to experience the migration from the air. These we offer along with many other activities such as a visit to a local Masai village.

Along with the wildebeest, what other animals are part of the migration?

Large groups of Zebras, Thompson and Grants Gazelle are often spotted during the migration.

What are your tips for planning a trip during the migration?

Pack warm clothing for the early mornings and bring a hat for the sunny afternoons. Patience is needed! Be aware that the migration often takes many hours before river crossings potentially happen. Also, make sure to bring cameras and binoculars to capture the vast numbers of animals that can be seen during this time.

SKY’S THE LIMIT

Tanzanian President Highlights the Country’s Amazing Cultural and Tourism Offering through a Royal Tour

President Samia Suluhu took time out of her busy schedule to take viewers on a personal journey, captured in a one-hour film, highlighting all that Tanzania has to offer. Travelling with the American journalist Peter Greenberg, the President talks candidly about how important culture and tourism is to the country, the benefits it brings to conservation and her own challenges of being the first female president. Starting from her birthplace in Zanzibar, the Royal Tour takes in the area where Tanzanite is mined, Mount Kilimanjaro and continues to SkySafari stop off destinations including the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, in search of the Big Five.

To see if they found these iconic mammals, you can watch the full film here.

FLYING AWAY

Join the SkySafari Team at Karibu-Kilifair Fair, 3rd – 5th June at Magereza Ground in Arusha

Join us for the weekend of 3rd – 5th June at the Karibu-Kilifair Fair, Stand #T30 at Arusha’s Magereza Ground, where we will be sharing all the latest news on SkySafari. As the top international Outdoor Tourism & Industry Fair in Tanzania, we’ll be on site for the 3-day event to answer questions and provide more information on SkySafari itineraries. We look forward to seeing you there!