NARINA TROGON EAST AFRICA SAFARIS

The name Narina Trogon comes from the beautiful bird which resides on the slopes of Mount Meru and is a frequent visitor around their family residence located in the area. The company was founded by Casmir Shija, who is an experienced safari guide in Tanzania. Casmir has worked for 20 years for different companies as a senior guide. He started working with the company called andBeyond and then Thomson Safaris. Casmir has extensive knowledge of the bush, keen eyesight and a good sense of humor and he does take guests to the bush himself and his team of guides can also deliver and exceed guest expectations. Casmir has a bachelor’s degree in tourism management from the Open University of Tanzania

A Moment We Will Never Forget – Face to Face with a Leopard#

One evening in the Serengeti, just before sunset, our senior guide Casmir noticed something unusual. The other vehicles were already heading back to camp, but he kept watching a group of impalas that suddenly froze and stared at a nearby acacia tree. Most people would have missed it. Casmir quietly turned off the engine and whispered, “Look up.” There, stretched across a thick tree branch, was a full-grown leopard completely hidden in plain sight. As we watched in silence, the leopard slowly climbed down the tree. No rush. No fear. Just pure confidence. It walked right past our vehicle so close we could hear its breathing. Nobody spoke. Nobody moved. Then, in a split second, it exploded into action sprinting toward the impalas. Dust flew everywhere. The bush went silent. It was raw. It was real. It was nature, exactly as it should be. Afterwards, one guest said, “I’ve watched wildlife documentaries my whole life… but nothing compares to this.” That’s the difference experience makes. A great safari guide doesn’t just drive he reads the bush like a book. The wind, the birds, the silence, the tension. Years in the wild teach you things no classroom ever can.

When the Safari Became About More Than Wildlife#

Last season, we had a couple visiting Tanzania for their dream anniversary safari. They had planned it for over a year. Everything was perfect beautiful weather, incredible wildlife, even a surprise bush dinner we had arranged for them. Then, on the third day in the Serengeti, the husband suddenly became very sick. It started with dizziness and weakness. Within an hour, he couldn’t stand properly. We were hours away from the nearest town, deep inside the park. Our guide immediately switched from “safari mode” to “care mode.” He kept everyone calm. He made the guest comfortable in the vehicle, gave first aid, and contacted our Arusha office through the radio network. While reassuring the wife, he coordinated with park authorities and arranged an emergency evacuation vehicle to meet us at the nearest airstrip. At the same time, our office team contacted a doctor in Arusha and organized a flight transfer so there would be no delays. Throughout the entire situation, our guide stayed beside the guest monitoring him, talking to him, making sure he felt safe. The wife later told us, “I was scared… but your team never looked panicked. That’s what gave me strength.” Within hours, he was in a hospital in Arusha receiving treatment. Thankfully, it turned out to be severe dehydration combined with low blood pressure serious, but treatable. The next day, our team visited them in town. We rearranged their schedule, handled all the logistics, and even negotiated with lodges so they wouldn’t lose their payments. Five days later, once he had recovered, they decided to continue their safari slowly this time. On the final evening, the wife said something we will never forget: “We came here for animals. But what we will remember most is how you took care of us when we were at our most vulnerable.” That’s when we’re reminded a safari company is not just about wildlife sightings. It’s about people. It’s about responsibility. And it’s about being there when it matters most.

Favourite Kilimanjaro Routes#

1. Lemosho Route (7–8 Days)

Why it’s a favourite:

• Best combination of scenic beauty, gradual acclimatization, and summit success rate.

• Approaches the mountain from the western side — quieter for the first two days and joins the Machame Route near Shira Plateau.

• Excellent variation in terrain: rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacier views. Highlights for clients:

• Panoramic vistas on Shira Ridge.

• Chance to acclimatize with “climb high, sleep low” days (especially around Lava Tower).

• Ideal for first-time trekkers who want a comfortable but challenging experience. Key Campsites:

• Mti Mkubwa Camp (Big Tree) – First night, lush forest.

• Shira 1 & Shira 2 Camps – Expansive views across the Shira Plateau.

• Barranco Camp – Iconic setting beneath the Barranco Wall.

• Karanga Camp – Crucial acclimatization stop before summit night.

• Barafu Camp – Base for summit push.

2. Machame Route (6–7 Days)

Why it’s a favourite:

• The “Whiskey Route” — very scenic and challenging, with strong acclimatization opportunities.

• Excellent choice for fit clients seeking a classic, social Kilimanjaro climb.

• Route layout follows “trek high, sleep low” pattern, helping adjust to altitude. Highlights for clients:

• Trek through all major vegetation zones.

• The Barranco Wall adds an exciting but non-technical climb.

• Balanced duration and cost compared to longer routes. Key Campsites:

• Machame Camp – Start of moorland zone.

• Shira Cave Camp – Expansive plateau views.

• Barranco Camp – One of the most photographed spots on Kili.

• Karanga Camp – Great acclimatization stop.

• Barafu Camp – Staging point for Uhuru Peak ascent.

3. Northern Circuit Route (9 Days)

Why it’s a favourite:

• Longest route on Kilimanjaro — best acclimatization and least crowded.

• Circumnavigates the northern slopes for panoramic views of Kenya and the plains below.

• Highest summit success rate of any route (over 90%). Highlights for clients:

• Ideal for serious trekkers who want a quiet, remote experience.

• Time and route structure allow excellent adaptation to altitude.

• Visits some of Kili’s less-travelled camps, providing solitude and exclusivity. Key Campsites:

• Shira 1 & 2 Camps

• Moir Hut Camp – Good acclimatization day hikes available.

• Pofu Camp – Beautiful views across northern slopes.

• Third Cave Camp – Peaceful overnight stop before summit approach.

• School Hut or Kibo Hut – Final camp before summit.

Here are some of my favourite safari lodges & camps for clients in Tanzania, organised by national park in the Northern and Southern Circuits, and grouped by mid-range and luxury. What makes each one a favourite: location, ease of wildlife access, quality of guest experience (service, accommodation, atmosphere), and how it suits different types of travellers.

Northern Circuit#

Lake Manyara National Park

Mid-Range

• Manyara Wildlife Safari Lodge – Good value, just outside the park in Mto wa Mbu, comfortable cottages and tented chalets with scenic Rift Valley views.

• Sangaiwe Tented Lodge – Elevated on the escarpment above Lake Manyara, raised wooden-deck tents, pool, and beautiful views.

• Lake Manyara View Luxury Tented Camp – Bridges upper-mid-range; small scale, intimate, and great escarpment setting. Luxury

• Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (andBeyond) – Tree-house suites in the forest canopy inside the park; intimate, immersive, and exclusive.

• Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge – Perched on the escarpment with panoramic views of the park and lake.

• Escarpment Luxury Lodge – Spacious chalets with private decks overlooking the lake, excellent service and ambiance.

Tarangire National Park

Mid-Range

• Maramboi Tented Camp – Elegant tented camp between Tarangire and Lake Manyara, great views, pool, and relaxed atmosphere.

• Tarangire Safari Lodge – Classic lodge with views over the Tarangire River; elephants often visible from camp.

• Sangaiwe Tented Lodge (Tarangire Area) – Raised tents with lake and park views, stylish and good value. Luxury

• Tarangire Treetops (Elewana Collection) – Tree-house style accommodation among baobabs, high comfort and views.

• Nimali Tarangire – Contemporary tented luxury lodge with excellent service and private decks.

• Chem Chem Lodge – Boutique property on a private concession between Tarangire and Lake Manyara; exclusive, serene, and ideal for slow safaris.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Mid-Range

• Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge – On the crater rim with incredible views; solid comfort at a reasonable rate.

• Rhino Lodge – Just outside the crater rim; cozy atmosphere, great value, and easy access to the crater floor.

• Tortilis Camp Ngorongoro – Comfortable tented camp on the rim offering great access and a natural bush feel. Luxury

• Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (andBeyond) – Opulent design, outstanding service, and dramatic crater views.

• Lemala Ngorongoro Tented Camp – High-end tented camp close to the crater entry road; excellent for early game drives.

• The Highlands Ngorongoro (Asilia Africa) – Unique domed suites set on the slopes of Olmoti Crater, combining luxury and adventure.

Serengeti National Park

Mid-Range

• Seronera Wildlife Lodge – Well-located in central Serengeti; convenient base for game drives year-round.

• Tortilis Camp Serengeti – Comfortable tented camp with great access to migration routes and wildlife areas.

• Kati Kati Tented Camp – Mobile tented camp offering excellent mid-range value and proximity to migration zones. Luxury

• Lemala Nanyukie Lodge – Spacious suites with plunge pools; modern design, exceptional service, and prime location.

• Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti – Classic five-star lodge with luxury amenities, spa, and watering hole views.

• Sayari Camp (Asilia Africa) – Luxury camp in the northern Serengeti near the Mara River, perfect for migration crossings.

Southern Circuit#

Ruaha National Park

Mid-Range

• Ruaha Hilltop Lodge – Just outside the park, with sweeping views, friendly service, and good comfort.

• Mdonya Old River Camp – Rustic but authentic tented camp inside the park, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.

• Mwagusi Safari Camp – Long-standing camp known for excellent guiding and riverbank setting. Luxury

• Jabali Ridge (Asilia Africa) – Top-tier lodge built into a granite outcrop, infinity pool, spa, and unmatched views.

• Kwihala Camp (Asilia Africa) – Intimate luxury tented camp with strong guiding and wilderness feel.

• Ikuka Safari Camp – Boutique hilltop camp combining style, comfort, and exceptional scenery.

Nyerere National Park (Selous Game Reserve)

Mid-Range

• Selous River Camp – Affordable tented camp on the Rufiji River; relaxed atmosphere and boat safaris.

• Africa Safari Selous – Great value lodge with tented rooms and cottages close to the main gate.

• Rufiji River Camp – Comfortable and scenic camp with both tented and stone chalets, offering river views. Luxury

• Sand Rivers Selous (Nomad Tanzania) – Premier luxury lodge with open-fronted rooms overlooking the Rufiji River.

• The Retreat Selous – Ultra-luxury suites, private plunge pools, and personalized service.

• Siwandu Camp (Selous Safari Company) – Spacious tents, refined service, and classic safari elegance.

What I Look for When Recommending a Lodge#

• Location & Wildlife Access: Proximity to wildlife-rich areas, minimizing drive time.

• Comfort vs Value: Quality facilities suited to the client’s budget and preferences.

• Service & Guiding: Knowledgeable guides, personalized attention, and warm hospitality.

• Atmosphere: Lodge character — from rustic bush camps to modern luxury.

• Sustainability: Support for conservation and community initiatives.

• Client Fit: Matching lodges to traveller type — families, honeymooners, photographers, or adventure seekers.

• The stillness just before dawn on the ridge.

• The crunch of fresh snow underfoot after a storm.

Serengeti National Park

• Moru Kopjes

• Seronera Plains Tarangire National Park

• Tarangire Riverbanks

• Kitibong Hill Lake Manyara National Park

• Treetop Walkway

• Rift Valley Viewpoint Ngorongoro Conservation Area

• Ngorongoro Crater Floor

• Lerai Forest Arusha National Park

• Momella Lakes

• Mount Meru Crater Rim