Lions by Day & Leo by Night is a safari offering up some of the finest views of both the terrestrial and the celestial in the heart of Africa. Startling clarity is up above with billions of stars far more clearly visible with the combination of the dark skies of Africa and the altitude that gets away from much of the dust and pollution. Almost double the number of constellations are visible in the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere.
By day, the spectacle of the Great Migration will be all around as 1.5 million wildebeest and a quarter million zebra race across the plains chasing the seasonal rains. For the predators–lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas and jackals—it’s a time of plenty.
African Environment’s experienced guides navigate the specially converted 4×4 safari Land Cruisers through the landscape and introduce travelers to the other creatures which make up the dazzling ecosystem of the African plains; the herds of elephants crossing the plains, the delicate gazelles and the elegant giraffe, Tanzania’s national symbol.
At night, astronomer Nick Howes will guide visitors through our spectacular universe. In the African highlands, the Milky Way sparkles more brightly, the dark nebulae is even more impressive and the stars dazzling. Nick’s expertise puts travelers on a first name basis with constellations, the stars and more.
African Environments have chose their luxury camps to take advantage of the best views of the night sky. Mysigio Camp, near Ngorongoro Crater, is in the heart of Maasai country is almost 9,000 feet high. In the Serengeti, renowned for vast night horizons, travelers camp at the evocative Kubu Kubu site right next to the famous Grumeti River. The permanent water draws in the wild game. Both sites have southern horizon views, where the Zodiacal light’s presence is testament to the darkness we obtain.
Although wild encounters are at the heart of a great safari, roughing it does not mean leaving creature comforts behind. The luxury tented camps are both extremely comfortable and secure with standards harking back to the classic safaris of last century. Tents have ensuite ‘caravan style’ flush toilets and traditional bush showers. Meals are served in the mess tents — with dinner always by candlelight. These large, custom designed tents can be closed up during cool evenings or opened up for an al fresco feel for breakfast and lunch.
As a special treat during daylight, when pausing for lunch and the midday sun, travelers can observe sunspots and solar flares on a Solarscope SV50 Hydrogen Alpha telescope.
Both Mysigio & Kubu Kubu camps are seasonal camps with low environmental impact. Where possible, only local materials are used and the charm of Tanzania is reflected in the camp. All energy used is solar and sustainable.
The safari includes tent and hotel accommodations, all transfers in Tanzania, meals, guides, vehicles, park fees, food & drink. Not included are international flights, tips and Visa. Agents can earn 15 percent commission on bookings. A few spots remain on the Leo by Night safari that begins in Arusha on October 5, 2014.
African Environments’ Leo by Night, www.leobynight.com