Our commitment to
Conservation:
Conservation is at the heart of our safaris. Led by expert planners, our adventures enrich you with wildlife encounters, historical insights, and cultural experiences – all while ensuring a thriving future for wildlife and their habitats.”
Our vision:
“The dream is to protect our precious planet for this generation and the generation after us.”
Senyael Family
Why Travel to Africa
Africa charms with its breathtaking diversity:
- Africa offers breathtaking Landscapes as diverse as its wildlife. Hike the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, the “Roof of Africa,” wonder at the vastness of the Sahara Desert, or relax on pristine beaches with turquoise waters.
- The Olduvai Gorge, often referred to as the “Cradle of Humankind,” whispers secrets of our earliest ancestors, a testament to our shared history. As part of your Ngorongoro Crater Safari, you’ll explore this archaeological wonder and discover the roots of civilization.
- Africa’s rich history echoes through its ancient towns and archaeological sites, whispering tales of bygone eras.
- Geological marvels, the Great Rift Valley showcase the Earth’s raw power.
Symphony of Colors
Vibrant colours burst everywhere, from sunrise to sunset, in people’s clothes. The buildings they construct, and even the very soil beneath their feet. This vivid palette creates a captivating backdrop that reflects the rich culture and life of Tanzania.
Explore Africa’s Natural Wonders
For those seeking an even closer encounter with nature, witness a pride of lions on the savannah and explore lush forest reserves, where playful chimpanzees and gorillas dwell amidst a symphony of birdsong. Engage with welcoming locals and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of African cultures and their daily lives.
Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania best safari holidays, can be offered due to its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Why safari with us
Safari that Transform
Safari with us is more than just ticking destinations and animals off a list.
Our expertly crafted safari planners create a positive impact on both you and the places we explore.
Commitment to Conservation
We’re deeply committed to conservation. We do safari in places that ensure the long-term sustainability of the wilderness areas we visit.
Inspiring Change
Our safari aims to inspire a shift in our actions and perspective – one that compels us all to protect our planet and its incredible inhabitants.
Your dream, we create
Whether you’re exploring the vibrant landscapes of Rwanda, the stunning beauty of Uganda, the iconic paradises of Kenya, or in Tanzania Safari holiday, we’re here to make your safari dream a reality
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WE LOVE OUR HOME AND YOU WILL TOO.
PLAN UNIQUE ADVENTURES THAT WILL BE YOURS AND ONLY YOURS WITH US
With our passion for adventure, logistics, and our unparalleled knowledge of African wilderness and her people, be sure every safari itinerary is custom-designed and personalized to fit your needs, style, and budget. We promise when booking with us, you will receive a lower price for travel and accommodations than when booking independently.
We handpick passionate guides who share their profound knowledge of conservations, cultures, history, and landscapes, making every safari a unique adventure.
Our guides’ enthusiasm is contagious, and their commitment to personalized service, attention to details ensures you comfort and enjoyment throughout your unforgettable journey.We ensure you safety and the highest quality standards in every aspect of your safari, from planning to execution.
WHEN YOU TRAVEL WITH US, WE DEDICATE A PERCENTAGE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY. SIMPLY BECAUSE TOGETHER WE CAN HELP MAKE THIS SHARED WORLD A BETTER PLACE FOR EVERYONE.
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— Nelson Mandela, Father of Nation-South Africa.
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— Marcson Adam Nnko, A brother- Naturalist, Rains Downer
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO.
Heading on your first safari often brings up many questions. Below find a list of those frequently asked by our guests. If it still leaves you wondering, please talk to us.
We are here to ensure you are 100% prepared for your incredible adventure!
Many people wonder about the possibility of medical attention while on safari. Many camps and most countries in Africa with a safari industry operate a flying doctor service. Should something happen, camps will have coverage for guests including flying ambulance, paramedics and a doctor. Some camps even have a paramedic on site. Our guides carry first aid kits with them at all times.
Additional medical evacuation insurance can be purchased before your trip to cover the cost of flying you from Africa to the USA should you need to move from your host country’s hospital to one in the US. You must let us know of any medical issues and allergies that the lodges and camps might need to know about before your trip.
It is very important to adhere to the rules of the camp and your guide. When you are passing through an urban area it is best to stay in your hotel and do not go out without a driver or guide from the hotel.
The over all dress code when on safari is casual light clothing. With the exception of some animals, most mammals see in black and white and hence its better to dress in neutral colors so that you do not stand out. Military camouflage clothing is illegal in some countries, so is discouraged. Dinners in lodges and camps are generally casual and informal and best described as smart casual.
Each African country has their own rules for different passport holders’ entry requirements. Tanzania provides a three month tourist visa on entry. Please research this with us before you travel. Please make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your last date of travel and that you have enough blank visa pages in it.
Flights on safari are operated by light aircraft. Most scheduled flights between camps and airports will be operated in a single engine aircraft and they often stop at other camps along the way. Private charters can be arranged both in single engine and twin-engine aircraft.
This allows more flexibiliy in time and flying direct, saving time. Jet aircraft can be arranged for flights that cover long distance between airports that can accommodate them.
Please stick to the luggage guidelines that you are given before your safari for your own safety and comfort. Light aircraft do not have large holds and pilots will not load your luggage if they cannot get it in the plane or if it is too heavy.
Road transfers are operated in closed air-conditioned vehicles in urban areas and in open gamedrive vehicles in the bush. Gamedrive vehicles are mostly open with either 2 or 3 rows of seats. On certain safaris you may use a vehicle that has enclosed sides with an open top. These are used in areas that require you to travel longer distances.
There are many different ways to experience an African Safari, whether that be to see wildlife or experience cultural activities. Gamedrives are the stable way of viewing animals. Walking safaris allow you to see and learn about the ecosystems in smaller detail, as well as a chance to get out of the car and be completely engrossed in nature. Make sure that you walk with an experienced guide.
Consult with your healthcare provider for up-to-date recommendations, as they can vary based on your itinerary and health history. Common vaccinations include yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A and B, and rabies.
Familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers and procedures before your trip. Carry a copy of your passport and essential documents.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the climate. Don’t forget essentials like a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, and comfortable walking shoes.
Keep valuables secure in a money belt or travel wallet. Avoid carrying large sums of cash.
Bring necessary chargers and adapters. Be mindful of power outages in some areas.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities and destinations. Consider factors like weather, wildlife migration patterns, and peak tourist seasons.
If you’re traveling to high-altitude regions, ascend gradually to acclimatize. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities initially.
RAINS DOWNERS' JOURNAL
A collection of experiences from the Rains Downer.
Get in touch with us to make these experiences your own!
Was a constant joy to spend hours with these Gentle Giants. At that day sunrise came out around 06h45 and as it was above the ground we picked these beautiful creatures on a thick woodland.
Then, able to follow them onto habitats from valleys, hills, open areas and later went down the river bed to drink.
We were lucky to observe several interesting behaviors BUT one particular which was how these Gentle Giants use their trunk.
And these are some……
A fusion structure of a noise and upper lip form a trunk … they can inhale, exhale, blows, vocalises, push, pull, slap, lift, throw and drinking as the one the picture we took above of this calf. We believe they are so many others but we decided to leave that day with those few
Think of Flamboyance in Animal kingdom
Mammals tend to be less colourful than other animal groups but some are strikingly in black and white….
Look at the beautiful Zebra;
Did you know Zebra are typically black in colour. Embryology studies has relieved that;- at early stages, the embryo is completely black BUT the white colouration comes at the end of embryonic stage.
And later… it saves the purpose which amongst all, it deters biting flies from landing especially the Diptera.
Early morning while out on a game drive in the Central part of Serengeti, we picked a serious fight between a Clan of Hyenas and a Pride of Lion.
After spending two hours and a half watching this serious fight, we came to realize these eternal enemies started to fight a lot when Hyenas almost 50 hunted down a full-grown wildebeest and started to pull it apart with lots of noise.
The noises went far enough to attract the Lions, which decided to make their way to the site within their territory.
As soon as they arrived, they find out almost 50 Hyenas aggressively feed on this Wildebeest which was still alive and struggling to escape by then.
Without hesitation Lions went straight and try to take over this prey BUT Hyenas decided not to give up so easily especially for this prey which they have given a lot of energy chasing it. There then, the fight begun.
It didn’t take long one Big male Lion killed a single Hyena and the rest of the Hyenas decided to back up whilst watching from the distance of their kill dragged to the shade.
Not sure if there will be a day for the two to become friends BUT am sure the enmity will last forever!!!
……Imagine what will happen next if the same clan of Hyenas comes into contact with a single lioness from the same pride or a different pride…… Eternal Enemies
Arrived from a 10-day Safari, everything was fantastic, and happened to see a New Calf (Neonate) and her mother running in a population of thousands and thousands of Wildebeest. We thought in 2019, it might be the first being dropped in the Maswa-Southern part of Serengeti.
Did you know Wildebeest got Synchronizing birthing?
After eight months of carrying the pregnancy you will be able to see them running south of Serengeti, the magical calving place which opens the opportunity to see more than 50% or more females giving birth at the same season.
I am sure after we leave the place more babies will be dropped and at the end of two to three weeks we might see thousands of babies wandering around with their mothers.
Driving in the Mwiba Wildlife Management area in the evening after the rains, we came across the rainbow and straight it took me back to the book Forces of Nature written by Brian Cox, Brian reveals why Earth is the most colorful world we know, “Exploring the white light of the sun as it travels through the darkness of space until it hits Earth’s atmosphere where it begins a new journey, splitting into a rainbow of colors from the great plains of the Serengeti, the volcanoes of Indonesia and the precipitous cliffs in Nepal, to the humpback whales of the Caribbean and the northern lights of the Arctic”.
Few of the most scientific studies of all animal built structures are the Castles of African termites, the fungus-growing termites. At the image below, the dry part of the soil represents the old built structure whilst the wet/black part it’s a chimney elongation process and a wall refurbishment.
That early morning, we found some workers, each carrying very tiny soil particles from the inner side of a termite mound and put one after the other in a very astounding technique, the same way the Egyptian Pyramid were built back in the days.
Imagine, these little creatures got no eyes to look at what they are doing and the structures can go up to 10feet or more depends on the temperature of the region and the depth of the water table … What an amazing Engineering
The happy moment of Martial Eagle was the opposite to the poor helmeted guinea Fowl.
Close to the Mara River, Tanzania the famous Wildebeest crossing point when migrating to Maasai Mara in Kenya, there was this Juvenile Martial Eagle Soaring at the edge of the river.
After a long surveillance up and downstream, he found a flock of helmeted guinea fowl feeding on the elephant dung. He maneuvered, very quickly, silently, gliding down like a super jet to the flock and got lucky picking a single individual while the rest of the family with the usual alarm, fast and repeatedly very loud and loud to scare off the eagle but was too late for that.
We later observed the impressive sharp talons were hooked in, a guinea fowl body like Lion claws penetrates in Buffalo skin to stop it from walking away.
So instead of this Eagle flying away with it as customary, he drugged a fowl to a faraway bush, opening it wings of about 2.1 or .2 meters to obscure the visual of his prey and managed to escape the challenge from other Eagles.
Wow!!!! the sighting was special, the time everyone realized the powerfulness of the Martial Eagle talons.
One-day afternoon, in a hot time of day, a hot time of year the sky was blue and lovely too. Cool breeze from an open jeep, driving around Tarangire National Park one amongst few famous places for Elephant sightings.
We came across an elegant family of 45 Giraffes in Acacia Woodland, all individuals were feeding around, walking in a very known stance, beautiful long neck, long eye brows and same color patterns.
They started slowly walking down the river bed, then this mother was near her calf all the time, were the first to reach down the bed. The drinking flair started to arose various questions which principal brought us to this story.
Giraffes drinking style differ from many other creatures in the animal kingdom. Blessed with a long neck placed them to the advantage of feeding to tree leaves out of reach of others and suppress the competitors that feeds on same kind of food.
The other side is, drinking water with the long neck needs some scientific engineering brain set-up to avoid the pressure of the blood accelerating from the heart when drinking.
In a simple way they have sponge-like material which will suck all that blood and releasing very slowly to the brain to avoid concussion.
Even that, seems not to solve all that, that’s why they have to quick heading down and up to be on safe side.
It’s a complicated story behind all that process but yet they need to quench their thirsty.
Adventure for all with Rains Downers’
However, unleash your wanderlust with Rains Downers! Embark on an unforgettable adventure tailored just for you.
Whether you’re creating lifelong memories with a Tanzania family Safari or seeking solo rejuvenation amidst breathtaking landscapes. Or rekindling romance on a couples safari, Rains Downers curates the perfect experience.
Immerse yourselves in cultural traditions, become citizen scientists on a conservation-focused trip, or simply marvel at the wonders of wildlife.
Finally, Rains Downers caters to every adventurer, offering experiences that will stay with you forever.
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Testimonials
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“My wife Kathleen and I were in the southern Serengeti for seven days in January 2019 where we met Kim. Kim made our safari a truly memorable experience. His knowledge, focus and respect for the animals and the environment were truly impressive. He worked so hard to ensure we saw as much as we could fit in over the seven days. Kim is a perfect gentleman in every respect and he made our experience enriching and absolutely enjoyable. We could not have asked for more.
Kathleen & Danny Gilbert
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‘‘If you are fortunate enough to travel to breath-taking Africa and work with Agnes and Kim at Rains Downers’ you are going to be blessed beyond your wildest imagination. We can personally attest that Kim is just an incredible guide. While seeing literally thousands of animals we never felt threatened or in any danger being in the wild. We were treated to several days of animals and views that only an experienced guide such as Kim could provide. Kim and Agnes are personable, highly knowledgeable and simply a pleasure to be around. We highly recommend this group and hope you will treat yourself to this once in a life time experience
Deborah and Thomas Wachsmuth’’
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"To say that we got lucky with Kim as our safari guide would be an understatement! I would go so far as saying that one of the major reasons our trip was so memorable was Kim! As first-time safari enthusiasts, we had no idea what to expect. Kim took great care of us and ensured that we were always comfortable and witnessed the true beauty of the Serengeti. Kim’s instincts, experience and determination are remarkable. He made every effort to ensure that we saw a wide range of animals in their true habitat – Kim even managed to get us a glimpse of the elusive black rhino – the last of the big 5 that alluded us throughout our safari. The wildebeest hunt and kill by a rare pack of African wild dogs that we would have no doubt missed had it not been for Kim’s alertness and patience still resonates with me after all this time. You can’t go wrong with Kim by your side!
Nisha Vaswani & Shalin Dadlani
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