From Tree-Lions to Crater Views

– “Our Epic Safari Through Tanzania’s Serengeti & Ngorongoro”

— Mandi & Maxine, Directors of African Fusion Travel

“When you work in travel, you’ve seen a lot. But nothing could have prepared us—Mandi and I—for the sheer magic of Tanzania’s Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. This was not just a safari. It was an immersion into the wild, where every turn brought a new surprise and every sunset left us speechless.”

Safari Dreams Come True

The Serengeti gifted us one of those rare “pinch me” moments—we saw the Big Five in a single day! Yes, really. From a lion kill (dramatic!) to a leopard lounging high in a tree after a feast, to a cheetah catching some shade under a shrub, it was a wildlife parade we’ll never forget. Bonus sightings? A giant python chilling beside the road, an incredible hyena den with youngsters too, and a whole cast of other creatures great and small.

Tree-Lions & Crater Vibes

One of the most unique and utterly fascinating things we witnessed on our Serengeti adventure? Tree-lions. Yes, actual lions perched high up in acacia trees, casually draped over branches like oversized house cats. It’s a rare behaviour and something you don’t see just anywhere—this isn’t your average “lion lounging on the savanna” moment, they’re unique to the area. While most lions prefer the ground, in the Serengeti (and also in certain parts of Uganda), some prides have developed the unusual habit of climbing trees. Why? Experts believe it’s a combination of things—escaping the heat, avoiding biting flies, or just getting a better view of the landscape and the prey moving below. And it’s not every pride that does it either—it’s often a learned behaviour passed down through generations within specific territories.

Seeing it firsthand felt like a scene straight out of a fantasy film. These big cats, legs dangling, tails flicking lazily in the breeze, ruled the canopy with regal ease. It was just another reminder that the Serengeti always has a surprise up its sleeve—and this one climbed right up a tree.

And then there’s Ngorongoro Crater. Imagine a fishbowl... filled with animals. It's lush, dramatic, and teeming with life at every corner. From the crater rim to the heart of the basin, it felt like stepping into a nature documentary—except we were in it.

Road Tripping, Safari Style

Getting around meant long days of driving, but we were in the ultimate safari mobile—a private 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof (game-viewing heaven!). Our guide, Bahati, was a walking encyclopedia with eyes like a hawk. Every lunch stop was a treat: perched in the middle of the bush, surrounded by wildebeest and zebras, eating with a view that even five-star restaurants can’t compete with.

Campfire Feasts & Starry Skies

Our home in the Serengeti, Pure Tented Camp, was everything we hoped for—simple, stylish, and rooted in the wilderness. The food? Hearty, yum, and soul-warming. After long days of adventure, we’d tuck into comforting meals and swap stories around the fire.

And the stars—oh, the stars. With no city lights for miles, the sky felt impossibly big. Stargazing in that silence, under a blanket of glittering constellations, was the kind of moment that reawakens your sense of wonder.

Tanzania stole a piece of our hearts. This trip wasn’t just a safari—it was a deep, soul-stirring connection to nature, the kind that lingers long after you’ve dusted off your boots.

Already dreaming of going back? So are we.

Here are some pics to get you excited whilst planning your trip! Email us for your tailor-made itinerary: contact@africanfusiontravel.com