Tanzania Safari from Canada
Gold Star Canadian Tours is back from our Tanzania Safari. With 28 guests, we spent 11 days in February exploring the awe-inspiring wonders of Tanzania, including the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, and other iconic wildlife viewing areas. We saw more wildlife than we could have imagined from our custom-outfitted land cruisers, and limited Wi-Fi meant lots of human connection. Here are a few of the incredible wildlife encounters from the tour.
The Ngorongoro Crater
The Ngorongoro Crater was formed over 2 million years ago when a massive volcano exploded and collapsed, leaving behind a 600-metre-deep natural bowl. Today, it is teeming with wildlife and is home to black rhinos, a critically endangered species. We were lucky enough to spot two of these magnificent animals during our visit.
Another unforgettable sighting in the crater was a group of female lions resting after a successful hunt. While they napped, their cubs romped around. The lions had taken down a zebra, and its carcass was still nearby. Once predators finish feeding, the scavengers quickly move in. Hyenas circled the area and vultures swarmed overhead, waiting for their opportunity to feed. We stayed for nearly an hour watching the scene unfold, hoping to see the hyenas make their move, but ultimately had to continue our drive before they moved in.
The Serengeti
We also spent time in Serengeti National Park, home to the famous annual migration of wildebeest and zebra. The sheer number of animals we encountered was incredible. One highlight was visiting the Retina Hippo Pool where around 100 hippos were gathered together, and it was not all calm. We witnessed some intense wrestling matches. Male hippos will engage in long, powerful battles to defend their territory.
On a game drive from one of the tented camps where we stayed, we observed a cheetah stalking a herd of wildebeest, looking for its next meal. Wildebeest are difficult prey for a single cheetah to take down, so male cheetahs often form coalitions to hunt cooperatively. In Tarangire National Park, we also saw a lion exhibiting similar stalking behaviour, watching a herd of wildebeest from a distance.
One of our favourite moments in Ndutu was watching a herd of elephants interact. Two elephants had quite the sparring match. Elephants spar, or play fight, to establish dominance, and to test their strength for future competitions over mates.
We also spent time watching giraffes. As herbivores, they spend much of their day browsing on acacia trees, eating leaves and twigs.
We also learned that giraffes don’t have a strict mating season, and the action can happen year-round. The giraffes were happy to demonstrate that for us.
We’re so grateful to our expert guides from Bellr Safaris, whose skill navigating the Land Cruisers, tracking the animals, and sharing their knowledge helped make this experience so special. They ensured we had fantastic wildlife sightings along with memorable cultural experiences throughout the tour.
Will you join us in Tanzania in 2027?
Until next year!
About Gold Star Canadian Tours
At Gold Star Canadian Tours, we focus on providing the worlds best travel experiences to authentically Canadian destinations. Our flagship tour is a convenient 1-day Polar Bear Expedition with dedicated non-stop charter flights from major airports directly to Churchill, Manitoba. With Gold Star Canadian Tours, the wonders of the Arctic are closer than ever. Your Adventure Awaits!
