Your gateway to East Africa
The Perfect Shot
Tips to take travel photos like a pro Gorilla quest
Primate adventures in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
SHUK�An PALACc
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Photo by Imani
Nsamila
Take flight with us
Welcome to Auric Air Services Limited‚ your gateway to unparalleled aviation experiences in East Africa. With a legacy spanning over two decades‚ we have established ourselves as a premier air charter and scheduled flight operator in the region.
Auric Air Services Limited is continuously analysing the needs of our customers. This ensures they are provided with efficient‚ reliable‚ and comfortable air travel solutions such as our versatile fleet of three different aircraft. Whether you're embarking on a thrilling safari adventure‚ exploring remote destinations‚ or conducting vital business operations‚ our fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft and expert crew will see to it that your journey is seamless, comfortable, and memorable.
We offer a wide range of services tailored to meet your unique needs. From charter flights that cater to your specific schedule and destinations‚ to scheduled flights that connect you to the most captivating and remote corners of East Africa‚ Auric Air provides unparalleled accessibility and flexibility.
We adhere to the highest international safety standards to ensure your well-being throughout every flight. Our fleet consists of meticulously maintained aircraft‚ and our pilots undergo rigorous training‚ combining technical expertise with a deep knowledge of the local geography and weather conditions.
So, sit back and enjoy your flight. Your adventure is just beginning.
Deepesh Gupta Director of Corporate Affairs
AURIC AIR was among the sponsors of the January Golf Challenge at the Sea Cliff Resort and Spa Golf Course. The 5-star resort in Mangapwani, Zanzibar, is home to the island’s only golf course. The event was the first of a series of competitions to be held at the pristine course, which has nine holes, but can be played as 18 holes with different tee settings.
Save TZS 15,000 on every Auric Air flight when you book through the Vodacom M-Pesa App! Don’t miss out on this amazing deal.
We are pleased to announce that operations to the Lobo and SGS (Kusini) airstrips in Serengeti have been resumed. Book your flights now to the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife adventures.
OUR PC-12: THE ULTIMATE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE
Auric Air’s exclusive PC-12 Private Charter Service offers unmatched luxury and comfort for your next adventure. Whether you’re heading out on a safari, a business trip, or an exclusive retreat, our private charters promise a journey like no other.
The Pilatus PC-12 is designed to minimise noise while its spacious, flat-floor cabin comfortably accommodates up to eight passengers, making it perfect for groups or families. With ample room for bulky luggage, such as golf bags and snorkelling equipment, your gear will travel as comfortably as you do.
The Pilatus PC-12 is also eco-friendly, burning up to two thirds less fuel than comparable jets. This makes it one of the most efficient aircraft in its class, allowing you to travel with a smaller environmental footprint without compromising on comfort or speed.
The Auric Air chatbot is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 365 days a
One of the unique features of the Pilatus PC-12 is its exceptional landing capabilities. This aircraft can touch down on both paved and unpaved runways, accessing 60% more airfields than traditional aircraft. Whether your journey takes you to a remote safari lodge or a secluded island, Auric Air’s PC-12 ensures you arrive in style, no matter the destination.
Recent Pilatus PC-12 passengers have included British billionaire and businessman Sir Jim Ratcliffe and aviation blogger and content creator Sam Chui. Book your next journey on our Pilatus PC-12 and discover the true meaning of flying in style.
Uganda Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Jonnie Bayfield treks through Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest for an unforgettable mindful moment with a clan of mountain gorillas.
n the drive from Uganda’s capital, Kampala, to the Bwindi Impenetrable Rainforest, the home of most of the world’s remaining endangered mountain gorillas, storm clouds gather overhead. It’s November, in the short rainy season. Our Ugandan guide and driver Paul Ochan, of Great Lakes Safaris (one of the country's best tour operators) throws back a wry smile. He knows what awaits us in the sodden jungle, “Let’s hope you reach the gorillas before the rain does!”
At 7.30am the next morning there’s around 50 of us packed into Bwindi’s tourist hub. The forest hosts 20 habituated gorilla families, spread across four sectors, and ranging in size and temperament. A stern, uniformed tracker tells us: “Bwindi is called the impenetrable rainforest for a reason.”
My companion and I realised that this tourist trek was not to be the walk in the park we’d imagined. We were told we would be trekking for a minimum of two hours through dense vegetation, up steep slopes, and across muddy trails.
The gorillas cannot simply be stumbled upon, we are told. The human-gorilla connection in Bwindi is a process of careful habituation that began in 1991 and is key to the thriving primate population here.
Clearly, for the endangered mountain gorilla then, it pays to stick close to their human cousin – we share around 98 per cent of our DNA. With the climate crisis in full swing, their problems are now our problems too. By the time a family has been successfully habituated, we’re told, via daily visits from the expert tracking teams, us tourist trekkers are, in essence, considered nothing less than members of the extended family.
Split into intimate groups of no bigger than eight, we’re soon assigned a set. We are en route to the Rushegura clan. They are the largest, numbering 16, and supposedly the ‘nicest’, though I'm not entirely sure what a ‘nice’ gorilla looks like. “If the gorillas don’t charge or throw excrement,” I’m told, half-jokingly by one of our two armed guards, “then you mzungu (Swahili for foreigner) are basically family.”
However, before we get into the nitty gritty of excrement etiquette, we’ve still got to find them. Bwindi
covers 331 sq km, and crosses borders with Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Luckily, the team of expert trackers have been up since dawn on reconnaissance and located the Rushegura gorillas. We pile into the Land Cruisers and scale up and through sheets of white fog that linger over verdant tea plantations and on corrugated iron roofs so rusted by the season that they perfectly match the bright, churned up, terracotta dirt roads that slice across the face of the hills here. At the top, we’re handed over to the trackers and armed guards. Our guide smirks at my companion’s choice of footwear – a pair of beaten up Skechers trainers – incongruous against the rest of the group's elite hiking boots.
For two hours we tackle challenging, yet stunning terrain; thick paths winding up steep ridges, and down into overgrown valleys. It’s humid at this height, and the threat of rain is ever present. After passing a large, bowl-shaped depression in a patch of hedgerow, our armed guard says: “Bush elephant, this is where it sleeps”. There’s no sign of the gigantic
animal itself but heaps of elephant dung lead us into the thick foliage of the rainforest basin towards the ever-shifting home of the Rushegura gorillas. After just over two hours on foot, our tracker placing a finger over his lips, “The family”, he tells us, “are just beyond this clearing.”
All I can make out is a rustling in the trees. Bags are dropped, cameras primed. One by one, we slowly enter the clearing, not entirely sure what we will find within. A branch snaps in the distance. About 10 metres away, sitting upright within a forest of long, thin tree trunks, is a calm, still silverback. It’s the dominant male known as Kabukojo and he is massive.
hour feels like a blessed lifetime. We stand in communion with the gorillas as more emerge from the surrounding forest, some even brushing our knees to get by, or gently baring their teeth to encourage us to clear the way.
We stand and stare in awed silence. The silverback – utterly indifferent to our presence – rolls down onto all fours. Another snapping branch, this time behind us. A mother, her belly swollen by the fermenting greens inside, duly walks towards us on all fours. There is a small, jet-black infant dangling from her neck. The next
“All I can make out is a rustling in the trees. Bags are dropped, cameras primed. One by one, we slowly enter the clearing, not entirely sure what we will find within”
Having gorged on leaves and shoots, the Rushegura clan laze around us in a circle, like discarded soft toys. All are within touching distance. Clearly curious, it’s the eyes of the few infants that are forever fixed on us human onlookers, though when they do try to tempt us to play, our stern guides step in, to ensure distance is maintained. What’s clear is that there is a curious, moving tranquillity to the whole thing, to the pilgrimage of one species wanting only to observe another. And with that, our peaceful, meditative hour or more in gorilla world is up, and we begin the long walk back to civilization, though noticeably quieter, still somewhat shocked by the grace, and relative ease of the encounter. The privilege is lost on no onetourists, guards, or guides alike.
Jonnie was a guest of Great Lakes Safaris (www.greatlakessafaris.com) who operate expert tours across East Africa. Accommodation was provided by Mahogany Springs Lodge (www.mahoganysprings.com) and Clouds Lodge, by Wild Places Africa (www.wildplacesafrica.com/ clouds-mountain-gorilla-lodge)
The Bwindi forest shelters more than 400 mountain gorillas
How to take
PICTURES
like a pro on your trip
Your Auric Air adventure will reveal some spectacular sights from awe-inspiring landscapes to majestic wildlife. Capturing these moments on camera will keep the magic alive forever and allow you to share your travel story with others.
o help you create travel photos that pop, we’ve got some expert tips from Tanzanian professional photographer Imani Nsamila (left). Kigoma-born Imani specialises in photojournalism, documentary photography and environmental stories and in 2022 he was named Photographer of the Year at the Tanzania Digital Awards. Here is Imani’s advice on how to make sure you are taking the best possible pictures. As inspiration, we have also added some of Imani’s recent work taken during his travels in mainland Tanzania, Madagascar and South Africa.
1 . THINK OF A STORY, NOT A PICTURE
Anybody can hold a camera and press the shutter. It’s called taking
a picture. However, when you frame and capture a moment that invites people in and makes them ask questions, then you have something more.
2 . PAY ATTENTION
Be in the moment and you will notice and see things others don’t see. Photography causes you to notice and appreciate details in life, little moments of beauty or interest, which most people would just ignore. These are moments to capture.
3 . DON’T COPY OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS
Everyone is different. Have the confidence to be led by your ideas. Think about what makes you different, what can you offer that the others don’t or can't? Be inspired and try to do things your way.
The work of Imani Nsamila captures beautiful moments across all corners of Tanzania
by
Photography
Imani Nsamila
“ Understanding your subject, learning about its history, context and significance will help you create more insightful images”
4 . BE ON STANDBY MODE ALWAYS
Great pictures and stories (moments) come and go very fast and do not wait for you to be ready. Always have your camera to hand and always be prepared for that moment when the world provides you with that perfect shot.
5 . INFORMATION IS KEY
Be informed, and you will be able to tell great stories. Understanding your subject, learning about its history, context and significance will help you create more insightful images. Research can help you be better prepared so for example you know the behaviour traits and habitats of the animal you are tracking.
6 . DON’T BE AFRAID TO MAKE MISTAKES
Making mistakes is an important part of every photographic journey. Like an author goes through many drafts before he has a finished novel so a photographer can use images that didn’t work to refine what they do want to achieve. Fail better each time.
7 . KNOW YOUR EQUIPMENT
Whether you are working with just your smart phone or you have a dedicated camera with a range of lenses, it is important to familiarise yourself with your tech so you can make the most of its features. Make sure you get in plenty of practise before your Auric Air trip!
Imani's spellbinding images document Tanzania one place at a time
Photography by Imani Nsamila
Snake clinic saving lives for over 30 years
The Meserani Snake Clinic, just outside Arusha, has saved hundreds of lives and treated thousands more by administering antivenom injections and expert care to snake bite victims. It’s the only clinic of its kind in Tanzania, a country that is home to many of the world’s deadliest snakes. Owner Lynn ‘Ma’ Bale reveals its 32-year story.
f you are bitten by a black mamba, you don’t have much time. The long, slender snake is widely considered the deadliest and most poisonous reptile in the world. Just two drops of its venom from a bite can kill a human.
Your one chance is to get a dose of antivenom –which boosts the body’s immune system against the bite – as fast as possible. The only place that stocks the treatment in Tanzania – a country that is not only
home to black mamba, but also venomous snakes such as spitting cobras, boomslangs and puffadders – is the Meserani Snake Clinic located just outside the city of Arusha in the north of the country.
The clinic was set up by the Bale family in 1993 after they purchased an eight-acre patch of deserted scrubland in the Meserani region and moved there from their home in Durban, South Africa. “We decided on an adventure,” says Lynn Bale.
Over the next 30 years she and her husband, Beresford, set up the clinic, a reptile park, a workshop for vehicle repairs, a campsite for overlander tourists, a Maasai craft centre and a bar and restaurant. With the site conveniently situated off the A104 Dodoma road that connects Arusha with Tanzania’s wealth of wildlife adventures such as Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro further west, it soon established itself as a popular tourist stop-off.
Beresford died in 2020. The loss hit Lynn hard, but she has continued to keep the site running. The
The deadly black mamba
couple first arrived in Meserani with two sons, who now work abroad, but Lynn is known by everyone in the community as ‘Ma’. “I treat everyone like they are my children,” she says.
That caring nature is at the heart of the clinic, which dispenses free, potentially life-saving treatment to locals. The idea for the clinic came from son Wade, who from a young age was obsessed with snakes. “He and his friend used to find and capture them in the wild and keep them as pets in the house,” Lynn says.
The collection of found snakes formed the beginnings of the menagerie of reptiles at the Meserani Snake Park, an animal centre that has become a favourite on the Arusha tourist trails and now houses over 70 species of snakes – some of which can be handled by visitors – as well as crocodiles, monitor lizards and tortoises.
Wade’s other passion is healthcare. He now lives in Oregon in the US where he works as a paramedic. “He and his friends raised money to build the clinic here,” says Lynn. Donations have continued to come in over the years from visitors to the snake park and
campsite who are moved to support the vital work carried out here.
The clinic could not survive without the donations. “Antivenom is very expensive,” Lynn says. “Even in 1993 it cost a lot to get a supply. We now source it from India because South Africa is not making it anymore. We also get donations and antivenom from Jonas Nickel [the head of NGO Pflaster für Tansania e.V that supports medical projects in East Africa].”
Despite the expense of the antivenom, the clinic does not charge for its services. The majority of its patients come from the surrounding rural community where money is tight and access to healthcare is limited.
“From the moment we opened, when people were bitten, they would come to us for treatment,” Lynn says. “They could not pay, and we could not refuse them so we did it for free. It has continued that way ever since.”
While most people make their own way to the clinic for treatment, Lynn has had instances of patients bitten by black mambas – where every second counts – that were flown into the Meserani site. The impact of the service for the community is huge.
Lynn can’t put a figure on the number of patients the clinic has healed since its launch, but when pushed approximates that it runs into the thousands with hundreds owing their lives to its treatments.
I get to see some of those patients on a speculative visit to Meserani. It’s a dark evening in early December – low season in Tanzania tourism terms
– and the campsite is empty. Everyone appears to have turned in for the night. However, a mechanic tinkering with a 4x4 in the workshop greets us and heads to the house to notify Lynn of our presence.
Lynn soon arrives and opens up the bar for us to chat. It’s quite a place. Sawdust is spread on the floor and the walls and ceiling are adorned with banknotes from all over the world – an indication of the international crowd that passes through here.
"Nearly everyone should survive a snakebite if they have the right antidote and care."
The bar has obviously hosted some raucous nights over the years, but this evening it’s just the three of us. Lynn shares the site’s three-decade story and then walks us to the clinic.
It is basic, but clean with two rooms each holding three beds for patients and two treatment rooms. There is a nurse on duty. “We have a team of two nurses and doctors on call,” Lynn says.
Each bed in the treatment rooms is occupied. All but one of the six patients are children with a couple that look to be aged under five. This is normal, Lynn tells me. Young children have not yet built a fear factor around snakes so will often get closer than they should and unwittingly provoke an attack.
Nearly everyone should survive a snakebite if they have the right antidote and care. The patients in the clinic all appear to be recovering well and all look content despite their frightening ordeal. “For some snakes there is no antivenom,” Lynn says. In these cases, the team cleans and tries to remove as much of the infected tissue from the wound as possible to contain its spread. “We care for patients until the snake bite is healed,” Lynn says. “We do general doctoring as well.”
Lynn turns 76 this year but has no intention of moving on. “I’m very happy here. This is my home now,” she says. The site continues to develop. A series of huts built by Beresford are now occupied by a group of Maasai women artisans who create and sell their work there.
The clinic is very much part of future plans here, but funding continues to be a challenge. Recently Tanzania Association of Tour Operators was moved to make an appeal for donors towards the running of the clinic. Lynn says visitors continue to be a much-appreciated source of financial support, but she is also working with Nickel to secure NGO status for the clinic to open up other funding channels such as government grants.
The donations support an invaluable and selfless service that continues to ensure black mamba bites are not a death sentence in Tanzania.
To donate towards the running of the clinic or to get more information, visit www.pflasterfuertansania.com
The Meserani Snake Clinic is the only place of its kind in Tanzania. It dispenses free care to locals bitten by snakes
ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK A SPEEDY SAFARI IN
A short break in Arusha still allows time for a wildlife adventure. Arusha National Park is just 30-minutes’ drive from the city centre yet offers an escape into an untamed landscape. Mark Edwards squeezes in a safari and is rewarded with some unforgettable animal encounters.
t is my last day in Arusha and I am scheduled to fly back to Dar es Salaam in the mid-afternoon. According to my guide and Arusha expert, Faysal Alao, this is just enough time to squeeze in a safari in Arusha National Park.
That means an early start. We jump in the 4x4 and head east to the park before the roads congeal with the city’s notorious rush-hour traffic. Still in his 20s, Faysal is the CEO and founder of all-Tanzanian tour company All Day in Africa. He’s secured the company’s 10seater safari Land Cruiser for the
trip and with me as the sole tourist there’s room onboard for his whole team to join us with his drivers, guides and social media team all enjoying a break from the office.
They are a fun, clued-up bunch that delight in sharing the attractions of their country. Conversation becomes more difficult when we leave the smooth tarmac of the main road for a dirt trail leading to the park’s main gate with all of us silenced by the vehicle’s sudden chiropractic juddering.
Entry passes to the park must be arranged and paid for online ahead of your visit. As a non-resident I am
charged US$ 50 while Tanzanian visitors pay US$ 25. In the low season months of April and May the entrance fee is reduced by US$ 5 for all visitors.
The two-tier pricing system for entry is designed to encourage more domestic tourism. It seems to be working. On the day of my visit most of the other safari vehicles are filled with locals. It’s good to see Tanzanians enjoying their country’s wealth of natural splendours.
Passes approved, we drive into the park. The thrill is immediate. While Arusha is an attractive city, nestled in verdant highlands, the dynamic topography of its national park is on another level. Rolling woodland unfolds ahead framed by the volcanic amphitheatre of the Meru mountain range with Mount Meru – Tanzania’s second-highest peak –dominating the horizon.
The wealth of wildlife is also striking. Arusha National Park has just three of the Big Five – plenty of elephant and buffalo as well as the occasional leopard – but the relative absence of predators beyond a few hyenas and wild dogs means the park’s herbivores are not shy.
We approach a basin of scrubland where herds of buffalo and zebra graze along the banks of a stream. It’s early December – towards the end of the short rainy season – so the park is a lush landscape.
"The relative absence of predators beyond a few hyenas and wild dogs means the park's herbivores are not shy"
The cruiser’s pop-up roof is raised to enable better animal-viewing. It is a source of much amusement among the team that at approaching two metres in height I don’t have to stand on the passenger seats to see out like everyone else.
We take in the scene with binoculars and the diversity of the gathering is revealed. Warthogs also scurry around the fringes and there are clutches of bushbuck, waterbuck and impala. Suddenly, a group of giraffe totter out of the bushes. This is nature in harmony and it is beautiful.
A little further on and our driver stops by a stretch of dense woodland. Some of the trees’ high branches are bending and shaking and we catch sight of the culprits. A troop of colobus monkeys are scurrying about searching for the most succulent leaves to feed on.
We stop again barely 200 metres later. A troop of more than 30 baboons – including super-cute infants clinging onto their mother’s
backs – is crossing the track unconcerned by our presence. They are heading in the direction of the colobus monkeys. Our guide reveals that this will provoke the monkeys to move on. Baboons and colobus monkeys are, respectively, the extroverts and introverts of the primate world and consequently do not enjoy each other's company . It doesn't aid relations that the boisterous baboon is known to hunt smaller monkeys for food.
The team point out the gate that marks the start point for hikes to the top of Mount Meru. It takes between three to four days to reach the summit and many hikers use it as preparation for an ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro 70 km to the east, even though many experts consider it the more challenging climb. There is the option for a day hike (around 20 km in total) that can be booked at the park’s main gate.
Walking safaris in the park are another booking option. We pass a group on the side of the road
accompanied by their armed ranger – the park may be almost predator-free, but buffalo and elephant can be aggressive when they feel threatened.
The forests give way to undulating grassland punctuated by stretches of water. The Momella Lakes are seven shallow lakes located within the park. We head to Small Momella where there is a covered wooden viewing deck with picnic tables. Here Faysal unveils lunch –prepared by his mother – from a series of freezer bags. It’s delicious. The lake is a serene sight. Hamerkops fashion gigantic nests on the shoreline while African fish
eagles perch, primed to snatch fish from the water surface. There are also three canoeists crossing the lake. This is another safari option available at the main gate and seems a great way to take in the breathtaking beauty here.
After lunch, I stand by the lake and look to the surrounding hills where giraffe stand starkly like living aerials. It seems incredible to see them so high up. Surely those long legs weren’t built for climbing.
The park has one of the highest concentrations of giraffe in Tanzania and we see more – this time in close-up – on the circle back to the park gate. We find three indolently munching on shrubs by the roadside. They look at us, fluttering their long lashes, but do not move on. In fact, they are soon joined by three more and now the gigantic animals are on all sides of the vehicle.
Giraffes have always appealed to me – maybe it’s our shared lankiness – and to have these magnificent creatures so close is
an unforgettable moment. They seem possessed by a zen-like calm, gazing at us without judgement. Being around them is like a meditation.
The reverie with these ruminants has to end and I am reminded I have a flight to catch. However, the park has one more memorable animal encounter to bestow before we leave. As the trail threads through forest once again our driver stops and urges us to look to our right. There among the dense vegetation we seen an elephant with its vast ears flapping. Blundering through the bushes come five more, a calf among them. They seem calm, but hungry – shoveling down leaves and branches without pause. However, there is a larger male that doesn’t eat, but stops to block the road behind us. As the bull keeps his eyes on the elephants in his herd, our driver watches him for any signs that it might be wise to drive away. As it is, the elephants munch their way through the vegetation where they are and then amble across the road in search of more. We watch in awe.
"I catch my flight without a hitch and am soon back in Dar, but, wherever I am, I know my Arusha National Park experience will stay with me."
Buoyed by another up-close encounter with nature’s giants we leave the park. I catch my flight without a hitch and am soon back in Dar, but, wherever I am, I know my Arusha National Park experience will stay with me.
EXPLORE
Mark travelled with All Day in Africa. The homegrown company offers trips to Arusha National Park among its tailor-made experiences across Tanzania that include safaris, mountain climbing or beach holidays. For more details or to book, visit alldayinafrica.com
Elephants can be spotted in the park during the drier months
Photo: Elen Marlen
Why Ruaha National Park is Tanzania’s best kept
safari secret
Ruaha National Park is the largest protected wildlife area in Tanzania. Among the extraordinary scope of animals here are huge prides of lions and the country’s largest elephant population. Here’s 10 reasons to visit .
1. Elephants
Among all the Tanzanian national parks, Ruaha has the largest elephant population. Some 12,000 elephants migrate through the greater Ruaha ecosystem each year. They come for the water source of the Ruaha River and even when that dries out during the arid conditions of June to October, they dig down with their tusks to find groundwater. Just 15 years ago elephant numbers in the park exceeded 30,000, but poaching cut that number in half. Now the population has stabilised thanks to the efforts of the Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP) that runs ranger patrols, aerial surveillance and long-term monitoring programmes. Park fees at Ruaha support conservation efforts such as these.
2. Bountiful bird life
Over 570 species, including some endemics, can be found in Ruaha. Bird life is at its most plentiful here in the wet season when birds native to region such as the yellow-collared lovebird, ashy starling, and
crested barbet – the last with a trill that can last up to two minutes unbroken and which is a familiar sound in the southern bush – are joined by a host of migratory species such as ground scrapers, thrushes and brown-necked parrots. The park has recently grown southwards encompass the Usangu flats, a very large wetland area that is home to a vast array of waterbirds from March to May.
3. A remote wilderness
At 20,226 sq km, Ruaha National Park is about thirteen times the size of the Maasai Mara and the largest protected wildlife area in Tanzania. Despite its awesome dimensions, the park is little known to tourists to Tanzania, meaning those on safari can feel they have this untamed wilderness to themselves. Wildlife spotting amid this massive park is not the lottery you might think. The hot, dry climate for most of the year means large mammals such as lions, elephants, buffalo, and kudu are dependably to be seen around major water holes.
4. Lions
Serengeti might have the largest population of lions in the world but there is nowhere that has larger prides than Ruaha. The park is home to around 10 per cent of the world’s lions and the big cats here like to collect in groups of more than 20. That gang mentality seems to make these hunters even more daring in their attacks here with large prey including buffalo, giraffe, and sometimes elephants. The Ruaha male lions also distinguish themselves with their absence of a mane –an evolutionary quirk thought to help them cope with the intense Ruaha heat.
5. Biodiversity
Ruaha lies in the sweet spot where northern and southern hemisphere birds and mammal species
overlap. This results in a spectacular diversity of flora and fauna. The scope of wildlife in Ruaha is extraordinary, with 80 animal species calling the area home. The national park also has around 1,650 plant species with its woodlands are home to fig, acacia, tamarind, baobab (above), and doum palm trees.
6. The Great Ruaha River
The name Ruaha comes from the Hehe word Luhava meaning ‘great river’. This Great Ruaha River has its source in the Kipengere Range of mountains and stretches around 84,000 kilometres through the Usangu wetlands and the Ruaha National Park before emptying into the Rufiji river. It is the lifeblood of these landscapes supplying water for agricultural and livestock farmers in south-eastern Tanzania while in
Crested barbet
the park it attracts great quantities of game during the dry season including lions, leopard, hunting or wild dog, impala, waterbuck, warthog, giraffe, and elands. Some of the most stunning stretches of the river now have tourist lodges where guest can see game throughout the day from the comfort of their terraces.
7. Cheetahs
The western part of the park and the Rungwa South Open Area are home to the world’s fastest land animal. Ruaha is one of only four big cheetah populations in East Africa. Cheetahs are most active in the early morning and late afternoon in the park’s open savannahs and rocky hills. The dry season is the best time to spot these elusive cats when there is less vegetation cover and they are drawn to water sources.
8. Wild dogs
Ruaha is one of the best places to see wild dogs in Tanzania, especially during the dry season. As one of Africa's last remaining wildernesses, the park provides the space wild dogs need to roam as well as a ready supply of prey such as antelope, warthog, baboons and birds.
As one of Africa's last remaining wildernesses, the park provides the space wild dogs need to roam as well as a ready supply of prey such as antelope, warthog, baboons and birds
9. Antelope
Ruaha National Park is home to a remarkable array of antelope species. It has the largest population of greater kudu in East Africa and is also home to rare species such as lesser kudu, roan antelope and sable antelope. The graceful impala also can be found in large numbers across the open woodlands and savannah.
10. The pangolin
More difficult to spot but certainly worth the search, is the endangered pangolin. These ant-eating animals are covered in overlapping scales – a protective armour believed in certain cultures to have medicinal powers and which makes them the most trafficked species in Africa. Reserves like Ruaha offer a sanctuary for them. Here conservation efforts include education, law enforcement, and community outreach projects. To spot these nocturnal creatures you’ll need to go on a night game drive.
(Above) Kudu antelope
Meet the rock hyrax
Despite the size difference the super-cute rock hyrax really is part elephant. Both can be found in the Serengeti with hyrax common in the ‘kopje’ rocky areas that are distinctive features of the national park’s landscape. Here’s our guide to this petite pachyderm.
– the sunbathing relative of the elephant that weighs about 5kg
ou wouldn’t think to look at them, but the elephant and the rock hyrax are relatives. The biggest male African savannah elephants can weigh up to 6,800 kg while a rock hyrax would be lucky to hit the scales at 5kg soaking wet. It is not surprising that it has taken scientists a while to make the connection.
In the 18th century rock hyraxes were classified as rodents, but around a hundred years later zoologists grouped them with hippos and camels because of their three-chambered stomachs. Now, thanks to advancement of genetics, it has been discovered that the rock hyrax’s closest relatives are animals such as elephants, dugongs and manatees.
What eventually led scientists to this breakthrough? Elephants have prominent and noticeable tusks, while the hyrax has vampire-link cutting teeth, yet both grow from the animals’ incisors. In other mammalian species, tusks grow from the canines. Hyrax also have flat hooflike nails that resemble hooves on the tips of their toes rather than the curved claws seen on other mammals. Such nails are present on elephants and on the edges of the fins of manatees.
You can see both the rock hyrax and their ‘big brother’ the elephant in the Serengeti. As their name suggests,
rock hyraxes favour rocky habitats so favour the kopjes that abound in the national park. They have adapted to the terrain. Their feet have rubbery pads with numerous sweat glands, which help the animal maintain its grip when quickly moving up steep, rocky surfaces.
While Serengeti provides the hyrax with their rocky dwelling, it is also home to plenty of predators such as leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, jackals, servals, pythons, and eagles. With danger ever-present the hyrax eat quickly with the family group – which can number up to 50 – facing out from a circle to keep watch. They feed on grasses, plants, leaves, fruit, insects, lizards, and bird eggs. This predominantly herbivore diet can be tough to digest, which is where that three-chambered stomach comes in handy.
Spotting rock hyrax on your Serengeti safari shouldn’t be difficult. While they sleep in the crevices of kopjes at night, during the day they are sun worshippers. They
Elephants have prominent and noticeable tusks, while the hyrax has vampire-link cutting teeth, yet both grow from the animals’ incisors.
5 fascinating facts about ROCK HYRAX
1
While rock hyrax seemingly spend more time on sunbathing and grooming than your average Love Island contestant, it is for their own survival. In a day, their body temperature can increase or decrease by 12-15˚C (21.6-27°F). To ensure their fur withstands these thermal changes, they must meticulously care for it, continuously oxygenating the space between hairs. Thus, hyraxes indulge in grooming for several hours daily, using the curved nail of their three-toed hind feet.
2
Modern consumers know the importance of probiotics in maintaining importance of gut health and immunity. The rock hyrax is also aware of this, although its methods are rather disgusting. Their young are not born with the bacteria they will need to digest plant matter so to obtain it they eat the poo of adult hyraxes.
3 Want another disgusting fact? Rock hyraxes are toilet trained. They urinate and defaecate in the same place every time. The calcium carbonate in their urine turns the kopjes white.
4 Rock hyraxes are talkative. They can make more than 20 different sounds that are used for communicating and alerting one another to potential danger. They include screams, grunts, snorts, shrieks, wails and cackles. A study published in The Royal revealed males ‘sing’ to attract females and they build phrases using different sounds.
5 They have their own built-in sun visor. All hyraxes have a special eyelid (called a nictitating membrane) for sun and dust protection as well as a bulge in each iris that protects the pupil from sunlight.
Rock hyrax cannot regulate their body temperatures very well so you will often find them sunbathing to give them energy.
cannot regulate their body temperatures very well so you will often find them sunbathing to give them the energy. In fact, catching rays seems to be their favourite pastime. Aside from foraging for food in the morning and evening, it is believed that rock hyraxes are inactive for 95 per cent of the time.
At first glance, hyraxes bear a resemblance to ground squirrels, oversized guinea pigs, or perhaps small beavers – giving them an appearance typical of rodents. The tree hyraxes remained largely elusive to scientific research for a considerable time. These creatures, native to Africa and the Middle East, were documented in the latter half of the 18th century. However, their initial classification as mere rodents meant they often remained just footnotes in natural history.
Approximately a century later, scientists decided to take a closer look at hyraxes, yet they made another misjudgement, categorising them with perissodactyls (a group that also includes, for instance, zebras, rhinos, and tapirs). The three-chambered stomach of the hyraxes, their dense claws, and their habitual masticating movements misled the zoologists.
Only with the advancement of genetics was it finally possible to accurately determine the origins of hyraxes. The discovery was truly astonishing: the closest relatives of these at-most 4kg (8.8 pounds) creatures are elephants, as well as dugongs and manatees.
EXPLORE
You can see rock hyraxes in the Serengeti
National Park in Tanzania in the following areas:
KOPJES: These clusters of rocks are found on the central plains of the park and are home to many non-plains animals, including rock hyraxes. Some kopjes to check out include:
Located on the main road between Seronera and the Ngorongoro Crater Area, this is a good place to see lions.
GOL KOPJES
Located in the grasslands to the east, this is a good place to see cheetahs and lions.
MORU KOPJE
This kopje is home to rock hyraxes, as well as other animals such as elephants, leopards, and waterbuck.
SIMBA KOPJES
Gentle, eco-friendly and makers of the world’s best honey:
In Tanzania, stingless bee honey is known as ‘dawa’ – Kiswahili for medicine – and has been used by rural communities to treat a wealth of ailments for centuries. However, the future of the bees and their healthy honey is fragile with threats including unsustainable beekeeping practices and deforestation. BEEtopia – a farm on the fringes of Arusha National Park that hosts around 100 colonies of stingless bees – is a research base for some of the world’s finest mellitologists and shares sustainable bee-keeping methods with surrounding smallholder farms. Its founder and director Warren Steyn reveals why stingless bees are “lovely creatures” and what it is that makes their honey so healthy and delicious.
Why Tanzania’s ‘small bees’
should be treasured
Photos by Jana Arnhold
Tanzania’s stingless bees might be small, but they have a large eco-friendly impact… “In Tanzania about 12 species of stingless bees exist. We call them ‘nyuki wadogo’, the small bees. Here, beekeeping is closely tied to forest management. Bees thrive in forested areas, allowing for the harvesting of organic, highquality honey far from intensive agricultural lands. This creates an alternative source of income for local communities, reducing the reliance on timber and charcoal and incentivising the protection of these ecosystems. In this way, beekeeping not only supports biodiversity but also plays a vital role in conserving Tanzania’s precious forests. By promoting sustainable stingless beekeeping practices – such as avoiding the gathering of colonies from trees and honey hunting – we actively contribute to forest conservation.”
The sustainable practices shared by BEEtopia prioritise bee health and allow for economic benefits to local beekeepers…“In some parts of Tanzania, stingless bees are particularly vulnerable due to the high demand for their honey. Unfortunately, unsustainable beekeeping practices contribute to the decline of these important pollinators. In Tanzania, stingless bee honey is harvested from several species, but only a few can be harvested repeatedly. Unfortunately, the other species are exploited, and their colonies die after their honey is taken. At BEEtopia, we’ve combined the knowledge of experienced stingless beekeepers with scientific research to develop sustainable practices that prioritise bee health and allow for economic benefits to the beekeeper.
“Our training programme starts with a three-day course at BEEtopia, spread over several months, where beekeepers learn techniques for sustainable harvesting, hive duplication, and bee-friendly farming. After the training, we provide follow-up visits to assist beekeepers with their colonies.”
“Bees evolved from wasps, which use venom mainly to paralyse their insect food. Bees, however, became vegetarians, relying on pollen and nectar for food.”
The BEEtopia farm near Arusha
BEEtopia is like a big outdoor classroom…“We host around 100 colonies of stingless bees for training and research, allowing our trainees and guests to learn through hands-on observation and experience. Inside, we have a small area equipped with a stereomicroscope and a training room. By 2025, we plan to establish a demonstration plot for regenerative farming and expand our laboratory to enhance research capabilities. Additionally, we offer a charming cottage for shortterm visitors and scientists.”
About Warren Steyn
Warren Steyn is originally from South Africa but has been a proud resident of Tanzania for nearly 20 years. Warren has been a beekeeper for most of his adult life, but it wasn’t until he moved to Northern Tanzania that he became fascinated with stingless bees. Since then, he has developed a deep appreciation for these gentle creatures, their unique behaviors, and, of course, their delicious honey. His passion for beekeeping and dedication to sustainable practices form the foundation of BEEtopia.
These bees may have no sting, but they are not defenceless…“Bees evolved from wasps, which use venom mainly to paralyse their insect food. Bees however took a different path and became vegetarians, relying on pollen and nectar for food. With this shift in their diet, the usage of venom shifted towards defence. While most bees still use their stings for defence, stingless bees rely on their mandibles for biting, use sticky tree resin to embalm enemies, and design their nests in ways that help protect their colonies. There’s more than one way to stay safe!”
Honey from stingless bees is highly prized for its rarity and taste…“Compared to honeybees, stingless bees produce far less honey. A single colony yields only 1 to 3 kg per year, while honeybee colonies produce 40 kg on average. Its flavour is complex and varies depending on the floral resources available to the bees. For example, honey from Kilimanjaro tastes distinctly different from that sourced from Mt. Meru, even though it comes from the same species of bee.”
Traditional beekeepers treat their colonies like a first aid kit…“Come a medical emergency, the colonies are opened, and the honey is used as a treatment. The list of conditions it is used to alleviate is extensive, ranging from respiratory issues and ulcers to topical applications for wound care. Scientific research is beginning to
BEEtopia guests learn hands-on about the bees and regenerative farming
“The gentle nature of our stingless bees, combined with our careful harvesting methods, ensures that very few, if any, individuals are harmed during the process. Additionally, we always leave enough honey for the bees to thrive.”
validate these traditional uses, revealing that stingless bee honey is rich in antioxidants and possesses high antimicrobial properties. One exciting discovery, unique to stingless bees, is that they can turn the sucrose from nectar into a novel sugar called Trehalulose. This sugar does not cause a spike in the glycaemic index, making stingless bee honey a better option for diabetics.”
BEEtopia is in the heart of Tanzania’s stingless beekeeping region… “We are located in northern Tanzania, right on the boundary of the Arusha National Park. On the slopes of Mt Meru and Mt Kilimanjaro stingless beekeeping is widely practiced. This region is the heart of Tanzanian meliponiculture (stingless beekeeping) community allowing us to continuously learn, share, and improve our methods.
Visitors are welcome… “Visits are by appointment as it allows us to provide our full attention to each guest. There is a tour includes a honey tasting and a refreshing honey soda. After the tour, guests are free to explore our gardens and picnic area.”
Scientists from all over the world come here to conduct research into bees… “Currently, we're supporting a project investigating the diversity of pollinators on smallholder farms. The results will be shared in the coming months and our goal is to disseminate these findings within the community, acting as a vital link between farmers and scientists.”
There’s no need for beesuits or smoke to observe these bees… Stingless bees not only lack a stinger, but they are also incredibly gentle and passive. We can open their hives without any protective gear, allowing for close observation of the intricate workings of their colonies for visitors of all ages.
Proceeds from honey sales help fund training programs for the beekeeping community… “At BEEtopia, the honey we sell does not come from our colonies; instead, it is sourced from a vast network of stingless beekeepers on the slopes of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Our team works with these beekeepers to harvest honey directly at their homesteads, ensuring the health of their colonies, the quality of the honey, and fair payment along with easy market access for the beekeepers.
“We never take all the honey and allow the bees ample time to restock for the winter. Inside of the hive and after harvesting, the honey undergoes a natural fermentation, a process that can take up to 12 months. We maintain stable and hygienic conditions in large hermetically sealed vessels throughout this period. Only when the honey has fully matured do we bottle and sell it.”
It’s easy to forget, but bees don’t actually make honey for humans…
“Bees produce honey to store carbohydrates for their own survival during times of resource scarcity and harsh weather conditions, not for human consumption. Therefore, we must be mindful of the timing and quantity of honey we harvest. Our top priority is the health of the colonies and the environment.
“The gentle nature of our stingless bees, combined with our careful harvesting methods, ensures that very few, if any, individuals are harmed during the process. Additionally, we always leave enough honey for the bees to thrive.”
To find out more about visiting BEEtopia and purchasing its honey, visit beegreen.co.tz/beetopia
BEEtopia hosts around 100 colonies of stingless bees, enabling hands-on learning for guests
TANZANIA’S
BEST ATTRACTIONS YOU MAY NEVER HAVE HEARD OF
Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti and Zanzibar may grab the headlines, but the world-renowned triptych only scratches the surface of Tanzania’s wealth of natural wonders. Auric Air is also driven to showcase some of the country’s more under-the-radar attractions. Tanzanian-born traveller, photographer and content creator FAHAD FUAD (below) shares that mission and here he reveals some of his favourite untapped destinations.
s a content creator, Fahad Fuad has been “privileged” to explore his home country extensively. Now he wants to encourage more Tanzanians to catch the travel bug and see more of the wonders of their own country.
“Tanzania is so beautiful and I want to enthuse more people to get out there and see it,” he says. Six years ago, he set up travel
company Unzip Tanzania, which organised group trips to some of the country’s most remote and wonderful locations, such as the near-forgotten historic Swahili port of Pangani and hidden wildlife gem Mkomazi National Park. The eco-friendly trips – with plenty of hiking and camping they were designed to leave no trace on the environment – aimed to enthuse young Tanzanians with a love of travel and an appreciation of their
country. Now Fahad continues that advocacy for conservation and sustainability as a travel influencer and safari advisor.
“You cannot protect what you do not love or do not know,” says Fahad. “I get to see how beautiful this country is and I am moved to champion and sustain it.” To find out more about Fahad's travels, visit his Instagram p0age @fahad_fuad. In the meantime, here are some of his favourite secret getaways.
Lake Ngosi is just south of Mbeya
For an island wildlife getaway…
MAFIA ISLAND
For me, this is the most splendid beach destination we have in Tanzania. Its coral reefs attract whale sharks, which you can swim with for an unforgettable experience. The island is far less crowded with tourists than Zanzibar Island is a perfect destination for a beach getaway.
For a beautiful adventure…
This city might not have the wildest experiences such as in Arusha, but Mbeya is the most adventurous destination in Tanzania due its beautiful landscape and range of unique experiences such as Kaporogwe waterfalls, a natural huge water drop in the Livingstone Mountains. You’ll also find Matema beach on Lake Ngosi, coffee and tea plantations to explore, the beautiful ‘Serengeti of Flowers’ Kitulo National Park and volcanic crater Lake Kisiba.
For wildlife free of human life…
MKOMAZI NATIONAL PARK
Tanzania has 22 National Parks and Mkomazi is one the most unique and underrated of them. It is home to breeding sanctuaries for the rare black rhinos and wild dogs breeding sanctuaries and you can get to see the most rare of antelopes, the gerenuk. As a safe place for these endangered species, it gives hope for the ecosystem and is the perfect wilderness getaway.
For a hidden mountain gem…
MGETA
Lying within the Uluguru mountain range in Morogoro, this lush, fertile area now has an area designated as a natural forest reserve. A trip here is an opportunity to experience the real life or rural Tanzania and get to see the spectacular Hululu waterfalls.
MBEYA
For encounters with chimpanzees…
GOMBE NATIONAL PARK
This is the smallest of all the national parks in Tanzania, but no roads and only forest trails it is one of the wildest. It borders Lake Tanganyika and is home to troops of habituated chimpanzees –a population that has been the key to understanding this close relation to humans through the pioneering work of primatologist Jane Goodall. The chimpanzees are one of the rarest species to witness when in Tanzania and making your way to Kigoma.
For history lovers…
KILWA KISIWANI
Lovers of Swahili culture must take an adventurous route to the island of Kilwa Kisiwani, a World Heritage Site that holds the remains of the oldest standing mosque in East Africa along with other vestiges of what was one of the most powerful Swahili settlements of the Middle Ages. When you’ve had enough soaking up the history, there are some amazing untouched beaches to enjoy here.
For sensational sunrises…
UDZUNGWA NATIONAL PARK
Last but not least is the Udzungwa National Park, set among forested mountains and containing a host of huge waterfalls, including Sanje Falls, the tallest and the largest within all the national parks of Tanzania. If you get the chance, make sure to camp and experience the sunrise at the Sanje campsite. Your eyes will never have seen such beauty.
To find out about the latest Unzip Tanzania adventures visit the Facebook site @unziptanzania, email contact@unziptanzania.co.tz or call +255 769 966 190.
Your gateway to East Africa
Our fleet
With their short take-off and landing capabilities‚ the 20-strong Auric Air fleet opens up a world of possibilities for reaching destinations that are inaccessible to larger aircraft. Here’s a closer look at our built-for-adventure fleet.
Cessna Grand Caravan C208B EX
NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT IN FLEET: 13
MAXIMUM RANGE: 912 NM
MAXIMUM CRUISE SPEED: 185 KTAS
MAX OCCUPANTS: 10 TO 14
Cessna
Grand Caravan C208B
NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT IN FLEET: 4
MAXIMUM RANGE: 1,070 NM
MAXIMUM CRUISE SPEED: 186 KTAS
MAX OCCUPANTS: 13 WITH ONE PILOT OR 12 WITH TWO PILOTS
ONBOARD EXPERIENCE:
A fleet which is among the youngest of Caravan fleets in this region. This type of all-weather aircraft has been chosen to meet the specific requirements of operating into bush airstrips and more remote landing areas in East Africa.
De Havilland Canada Dash 8
NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT IN FLEET: 2
MAXIMUM RANGE: 1,148 NM
MAXIMUM CRUISE SPEED: 270 KNOTS
MAX OCCUPANTS: 39
ONBOARD EXPERIENCE:
Step aboard our Dash 8 aircraft and experience a new level of comfort. The spacious cabin design‚ plush seating‚ and ample legroom guarantee a relaxing and enjoyable flight. Whether you're embarking on a short-haul journey or exploring remote destinations‚ the Dash 8s quiet operation and smooth flying experience will exceed your expectations.
Pilatus PC-12
NUMBER OF AIRCRAFT IN FLEET: 1
MAXIMUM RANGE: 1,137 NM
MAXIMUM CRUISE SPEED: 280 KNOTS
MAX PASSENGERS: 9 (ONE PILOT), 8 (TWO PILOTS) SIX EXECUTIVE SEATS
ONBOARD EXPERIENCE:
The latest addition to the Auric Air fleet has a powerful PT67A-67P engine renowned for its performance, quiet running and high maximum cruise speed. It also burns up 65 per cent less fuel than comparable jets. Used primarily for private charters, its spacious interior includes executive seats featuring full recline and plenty of seated headroom. The PC-12 has gained a reputation for versatility, performance, reliability and operational flexibility.
Safety and maintenance
Our entire fleet is meticulously maintained by Hawk Aviation Ltd‚ a reputable organisation head-quartered at Wilson Airport, Nairobi. With approvals from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority‚ the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority‚ and the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority‚ Hawk Aviation ensures the highest
standards of safety and reliability. All Hawk Aviation engineers in charge of maintaining the aircraft are appropriately licensed having attended approved aircraft typerating courses with considerable practical experience ensuring all aircraft are looked after by the best of personnel.
Our destinations
Our 15-strong network of destinations connects with some of the most remote and unforgettable attractions across Tanzania and beyond. Here’s where we fly.
Dar es Salaam
What began as a humble fishing village is now the biggest and busiest city in Tanzania. Dar es Salaam is where you can experience the fusion of the Swahili culture and modern life. The culturally diverse city has a vibrant community with thriving food, music and art scenes. Here you can get a hit of city life and a toes-in-the-sand slice of the beach all in one.
Entebbe
The Ugandan city on the shores of Lake Victoria is the gateway to a host of primate adventures such as mountain gorilla trekking in Bwindi National Park and boat rides to Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which protects orphaned chimps
Iringa
Time spent in this tranquil town in the southern highlands of Tanzania reveals a rich historical background – battles were fought here during German colonial times and the world wars – as well as insight into traditional African culture. It can also be the base for safari adventures with Ruaha National Park close by.
Kigali
More gorilla adventures can be pursued in Rwanda. The country’s capital, Rwanda, is one of Africa’s most progressive cities as well as being the launch pad for trips to Volcanoes National Park where wild gorillas live among the high forest of the Virunga Mountains – a dramatic backdrop for the trekking experience.
Lake Manyara
The beautiful, bijou Lake Manyara National Park is dominated by its titular soda lake that takes up almost two thirds of the park during the wet seasons and attracts vast flocks of flamingo, pelican and more than 130 more species of birds. It comprises a diverse range of habitats with herds of elephant, giraffe, baboons and impala roaming the grass and woodland while its forests contain all manner of monkeys as well as tree-climbing lions.
Lake Tanganyika
A trip to Tanzania’s deepest lake opens up the country’s remote west. Here you can dive or snorkel to explore the lake’s unique marine life or take longer
canoe and trekking adventures into the Mahali Mountains, renowned for its wild chimpanzees.
Mafia Island
The waters surrounding the Mafia archipelago are protected so its pristine reefs teem with marine life and offer some of the best diving experiences in East Africa. Giants of the sea such as whale sharks and humpback whales are also regulars here.
Masai Mara
This protected reserve in southern Kenya is one of the best places in the world to observe animals in the wild. Its sprawling plains are home to the Big Five‚ there are hippos and crocodiles in the rivers‚ and more than 500 species of birds. The reserve is particularly famous for its big cats—lions‚ leopards‚ and cheetahs. While the wildlife viewing at almost any time of the year is superb‚ the Masai Mara is best visited during the months of the Great Migration‚ when millions of zebra‚ wildebeest‚ and gazelle make their way
Lake Tanganyika
Rwanda
Mafia Island
north into the park from the Serengeti‚ crossing the Mara River in search of fresh grazing.
Nyerere National Park
Nyerere National Park is Tanzania’s newest and now largest national park, yet tucked away in the country’s southern wilderness it is something of a hidden gem. Its rivers and lakes are the lifeblood of the park that hosts some fabulous game‚ including elephants‚ wild dogs‚ buffalo‚ hippo‚ crocodiles‚ and fantastic prides of lions.
Pemba
Pemba is the second-largest island of the Zanzibar archipelago and provides a
Your gateway to East Africa
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lush, lowkey alternative to its larger neighbour, Unguja. Nicknamed ‘The Green Island’, Pemba is renowned for its fertile soil with its clove and vanilla plantations securing it global trading renown. Ringed with pristine beaches and reefs and with a forested interior that is home to endemic birds and mammals, Pemba is a haven for nature lovers.
Ruaha National Park
This massive national park is ideal if you want to escape the crowds. Here you can enjoy outstanding levels of wildlife – some of the country’s largest prides of lions and herds of elephants call Ruaha home – with almost no other vehicles around.
Rubondo Island
This island in the southwest corner of Lake Victoria has national park status with colobus monkeys, elephants, giraffes, hippos and crocodiles enjoying its sanctuary. As well as its animal adventures, the island is a true wild getaway with deserted beaches and virgin forest to explore.
Serengeti
With access to the hot-spots of the Great Migration and some of the largest concentrations of African wildlife –including more wild lions than anywhere else in the world, the Serengeti takes safaris to another level. The park welcomes almost a hundred thousand tourists every year.
Tanga
In colonial times, this port city in northern Tanzania headed East Africa’s trade links with the world. Now it has a more sleepy, laidback appeal, offering charming insights into the Swahili lifestyle. It also provides access to the East Usambara Mountains and the beaches of Pangani.
Zanzibar Island
Zanzibar’s main island, Unguja, has become one of Africa’s most popular tourist attractions. Resorts pepper its spectacular beaches while its historic centre, Stone Town, is a living museum of its trading heyday as well as vibrant proof of the cosmopolitan Swahili culture with its exciting food, music and arts scenes.
Serengeti
TANZANIA
Lake Tanganyika Kipili Airstrip
Ma a Island
Serengeti National Park
Masai Mara
Rubondo
Lake Victoria
Lake Tanganyika
Kigali
Ruaha National Park
Pemba
Iringa
Tanga
Zanzibar
Lake Manyara National Park
National Park (Selous Game Reserve)
Passenger information
Need help?
Auric Air chatbot is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Scan the code or Whatsapp “Hello” to +255 783 233334 to get started.
Everything you need to know to get your journey with us off to a smooth start.
Baggage
Baggage allowance for each passenger is 20kg (inclusive of hand baggage‚ cameras‚ filming equipment and any other personal item including loose clothing). Hard suitcases are allowed, but the dimension of individual items of luggage should not exceed dimension of 90cm in length, 65cm in width and 35cm in depth.
If passengers anticipate they will have excess baggage‚ excess baggage is bookable in advance in slabs of 10kgs. The excess baggage cost is between US$ 30 and US$ 60 depending on destination.
A maximum of four slabs (40kgs) additional luggage can be booked per person. For more than 40kgs‚ a freight seat at child fare is to be booked‚ which will permit a carriage of an extra 75kgs
There is a complimentary secure store at our Dar es Salaam airport office. Please enquire in advance.
Bookings
You can make payment online by credit card or mobile money at the time of making your booking. Alternatively‚ email reservations@auricair.com for other payment options such as credit card payment links or bank transfer options.
Children aged between two and 11 years (inclusive) are charged 75 per cent of the applicable adult fare. Infants under two years of age are not charged providing they are not occupying a seat. Infants are not entitled to baggage allowance.
Missed flights
No-show passengers will be required to book and pay for new tickets. If prior
notification is received by up to 24 hours before the flight‚ Auric Air can transfer your booking‚ at a cost of 50 per cent of your ticket basic cost‚ to the next available flight but has no responsibility whatsoever for any related extra costs. If seats are not available‚ no refunds will be made. You are advised to ensure that your travel insurance covers such situations. Details of any amendment or a cancellation must be sent by email to reservations@auricair.com
Check-in times
The latest Check-in time for all passengers is strictly 60 minutes before flight time. Auric Air reserves the right to depart up to 15 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure time if passengers are not present at the place of departure by that time. Auric Air has no responsibility for direct or indirect costs resulting from passengers missing a flight due to non-compliance‚ for whatever reason‚ with the above check-in times.
Auric Air operates from Terminal 1 at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam.
Flying when pregnant
A woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy and clearance from their doctor can board flights up to the end of the 30th week of pregnancy. A doctor’s certificate or clinical card must be provided and Part 1 of our MEDI form must be completed by the passenger. They then have to be seated on the last single seat near to the emergency door.
