You won't see any animals you won't see on the tour, but if you've never been to Africa, a guided tour of Arusha National Park is a good way to start, and get familiarized with safari vehicle and game drive procedures. There is also a good chance that the driver and vehicle will be one of those used by Tauck- they were for us several years ago. Other than that, just recover from your flight and enjoy the hotel. Arusha is not a place where you would want to roam into town, at least not without a guide.
Yes, Alan is correct. We were at the Arusha Nat Park six months ago. Our group got a glimpse of a cheetah. Cheetahs have not been seen there for years. The town has a long ribbon development and not much in the way of things to see. Typical Africa town things going on of course but not a place to wander. You will go to the Cultural center there at some stage, now a huge affair, not as quaint as when we first went in 2007.
The hotel made the arrangements. We contacted them by email prior to arrival and made the reservation.
The Arusha hotel has changed since our tour, but I think the Gran Amelia would provide the same service.
I’ve taken three tours that stayed at the previous hotel. Last year, we stayed at the Gran Melia, it is a large fancy hotel and I’m sure they will organize it for you in advance. The tour we took was the Bridges one, so the Arusha National Park was included. Years ago, we arranged it with the original hotel. At that time, we included an optional walking tour in the park and it was really good, we walked with a ranger who carried a gun, past buffalo etc and then on to a nice waterfall, very different experience than you will get on the rest of the tour. It will take the best part of the day to do both.
Lotusgirl and British - thanks for the info. We will be on the Bridges tour, so good to know the Arusha National Park was included. Can you think of other ideas of things to do ? Or just enjoy the hotel.
A handful of people from our group did a day trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro. I think it was a long day.
If they climbed Kilimanjaro (and back) in a day, I'm in awe of them. I did Mt Whitney in a day, starting before sunup and didn't get back until after dark. And Kilimanjaro is significantly higher than Whitney.
Once you get above about 12,000 to 14,000 feet, the lack of oxygen really gets to you. You just don't move very fast.
They did not hike up the Mountain. They literally visited it. I remember that they came back with T-shirts, etc. I do think one guy did some hiking, but not a lot.
Mimi, if you are taking the Bridges tour, and especially with younger children, I would enjoy the hotel facilities and rest up before all the predawn wake up calls ahead of you. There is a gorgeous pool though it is cold, our kids loved it. There is also a small coffee plantation attached to the hotel you can walk around and at the back a coop with colorful chickens. Also a craft village attached where they will walk you around or show you everything and absolutely no pressure to buy, friendly and interesting. If you are into spa treatments that is also an option.
If you get Chris Mancini as your TD, you are in for a treat, he is very passionate about Africa, we’ve had him twice now on Africa tours.
If you have questions, I will be glad to help. Right now, I’m in Ushuaia on a Patagonia tour and off to Tiera Del Fuego tomorrow, and other remote places, so we won’t always have WiFi during the next two weeks.
British - Thanks and any tips you have would be appreciated. We will be traveling with our 7 yr old granddaughter. Enjoy Patagonia! We did that tour in October ! Outstanding! Who is your TD? We had Marcos - he was great!
It’s not with Tauck, we took the Tauck one years ago, this one is longer and a more in depth tour with places we have not been before. 11 people on the tour.
Good morning Mimi. Can you be more specifics about the tips you require. Let me ask a few questions.. Have you been on safari before? Are the child’s parents going with you? One tip is that about a month before you go you can call Tauck to ask them the ages of the other children on the tour. If you know how to personal message me, please do so.
Comments
We enjoyed a safari into Arusha National Park, arranged in advance through the hotel.
Yes, agree, Arusha National Park.
I also agree. We very much enjoyed Arusha National Park.
You won't see any animals you won't see on the tour, but if you've never been to Africa, a guided tour of Arusha National Park is a good way to start, and get familiarized with safari vehicle and game drive procedures. There is also a good chance that the driver and vehicle will be one of those used by Tauck- they were for us several years ago. Other than that, just recover from your flight and enjoy the hotel. Arusha is not a place where you would want to roam into town, at least not without a guide.
Yes, Alan is correct. We were at the Arusha Nat Park six months ago. Our group got a glimpse of a cheetah. Cheetahs have not been seen there for years. The town has a long ribbon development and not much in the way of things to see. Typical Africa town things going on of course but not a place to wander. You will go to the Cultural center there at some stage, now a huge affair, not as quaint as when we first went in 2007.
Lotusgirl and British - Did the hotel make the reservation for you or who do you contact for the Arusha National Park visit?
The hotel made the arrangements. We contacted them by email prior to arrival and made the reservation.
The Arusha hotel has changed since our tour, but I think the Gran Amelia would provide the same service.
I’ve taken three tours that stayed at the previous hotel. Last year, we stayed at the Gran Melia, it is a large fancy hotel and I’m sure they will organize it for you in advance. The tour we took was the Bridges one, so the Arusha National Park was included. Years ago, we arranged it with the original hotel. At that time, we included an optional walking tour in the park and it was really good, we walked with a ranger who carried a gun, past buffalo etc and then on to a nice waterfall, very different experience than you will get on the rest of the tour. It will take the best part of the day to do both.
Lotusgirl and British - thanks for the info. We will be on the Bridges tour, so good to know the Arusha National Park was included. Can you think of other ideas of things to do ? Or just enjoy the hotel.
A handful of people from our group did a day trip to Mt. Kilimanjaro. I think it was a long day.
If they climbed Kilimanjaro (and back) in a day, I'm in awe of them. I did Mt Whitney in a day, starting before sunup and didn't get back until after dark. And Kilimanjaro is significantly higher than Whitney.
Once you get above about 12,000 to 14,000 feet, the lack of oxygen really gets to you. You just don't move very fast.
They did not hike up the Mountain. They literally visited it. I remember that they came back with T-shirts, etc. I do think one guy did some hiking, but not a lot.
Mimi, if you are taking the Bridges tour, and especially with younger children, I would enjoy the hotel facilities and rest up before all the predawn wake up calls ahead of you. There is a gorgeous pool though it is cold, our kids loved it. There is also a small coffee plantation attached to the hotel you can walk around and at the back a coop with colorful chickens. Also a craft village attached where they will walk you around or show you everything and absolutely no pressure to buy, friendly and interesting. If you are into spa treatments that is also an option.
If you get Chris Mancini as your TD, you are in for a treat, he is very passionate about Africa, we’ve had him twice now on Africa tours.
If you have questions, I will be glad to help. Right now, I’m in Ushuaia on a Patagonia tour and off to Tiera Del Fuego tomorrow, and other remote places, so we won’t always have WiFi during the next two weeks.
British - Thanks and any tips you have would be appreciated. We will be traveling with our 7 yr old granddaughter. Enjoy Patagonia! We did that tour in October ! Outstanding! Who is your TD? We had Marcos - he was great!
It’s not with Tauck, we took the Tauck one years ago, this one is longer and a more in depth tour with places we have not been before. 11 people on the tour.
Good morning Mimi. Can you be more specifics about the tips you require. Let me ask a few questions.. Have you been on safari before? Are the child’s parents going with you? One tip is that about a month before you go you can call Tauck to ask them the ages of the other children on the tour. If you know how to personal message me, please do so.