A guide to Muslim-friendly Safaris
Filled with mystery and magical adventure, Africa is so much more than iconic wildlife and incredible landscapes...
Forget everything you’ve ever been told about Africa. It’s mysterious, mesmerizing, and incredibly beautiful, with fascinating cultures and jaw-dropping wilderness areas. There is so much to discover as an intrepid Muslim traveler and even more to enlighten and enjoy. So you need an open mind and a blank page on which to write Africa’s unique stories.
If you’re keen to take the plunge and plan a trip to Africa, there’s no better place to start than the traditional home of the Safari - Kenya. With a 10% Muslim population, Kenya is accustomed to being Halal-friendly.
From the vast, sweeping plains of the Masai Mara to the powder-fine white sands of its coastline, it’s both possible and relatively easy to have a Halal vacation that takes in the best this country has to offer.
Kenya’s intimate tented safari camps and luxury lodges with superlative levels of one-on-one service and exemplary attention to detail make exploring the African wilderness a breeze. The Masai Mara, of course, is the prime wildlife viewing destination and home to one of the wonders of the natural world - the Great Wildebeest Migration, which happens each year from the middle of July to roughly the end of August.
Further north, on the edge of the Great Rift Valley, the Laikipia region is renowned for its outstanding game viewing and breathtaking landscapes, as well as the chance to visit traditional Masai and Samburu homesteads and find out more about these interesting tribal cultures and their traditions.
Private safari guides are readily available to allow a personalized experience that can be tailored to meet your needs, and many lodges offer luxury suites and villas with their own exclusive swimming pools and facilities.
Combining a traditional safari with a few days on Kenya’s beautiful coast is the perfect way to end your trip. The port city of Mombasa is the gateway to Kenya’s gorgeous coastline, with an array of wonderful resorts and hotels dotted along some of Africa’s most alluring beaches, lapped by the warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Neighbouring Tanzania is just as beautiful as Kenya, and with a large Muslim population, it’s most definitely Halal-friendly. Tanzania’s history with Arabic traders and merchants dates back to the early 800’s AD, and in the 10th century, the Kilwa Sultanate was established here.
When it comes to pristine wilderness areas, look no further than the Serengeti, which shares the Great Wildebeest Migration with the Masai Mara over the border in Kenya. The wildebeest gather from May to July each year before moving across the Mara River to fresher pastures, shadowed by predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
Tanzania is also home to the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera - the renowned Ngorongoro Crater - which has developed its own unique ecosystem and is home to incredible wildlife and sensational vistas. Combine both on one safari, and you can tick two of Africa’s biggest “bucket list” safari experiences on a single trip!
A good selection of Tanzania’s safari camps and lodges are geared towards meeting the needs of Halal travelers, from offering 100% Halal food to intimate, private suites and villas that are perfect for both couples and families traveling together. As with Kenya, private safari guides with private open game vehicles mean you can tailor your safari experience to meet Halal requirements.
There’s something very special about prayers said in the African wilderness, surrounded by the Creator’s finest work. It’s a faith-affirming experience that’s not to be missed.
When it comes to beach escapes, Tanzania’s coastline is dotted with picture-perfect tropical islands, complete with swaying palm trees and deserted white sand beaches. The biggest of these is Unguja, known across the world as Zanzibar.
Zanzibar has a rich history dating back to the 25th century BC when evidence shows it was an Assyrian trade hub. By the 1st century AD, it was known by Arab traders from the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian Gulf. It was in the 6th century AD when the first African settlers arrived and made the island their home. By the 10th century, Zanzibar had become a thriving trade hub, with a strong Arabic influence that continues to color Zanzibari culture to this day.
Colonized by the Portuguese in the early 1500s, in the mid 16th century Zanzibar fell under the control of the Sultanate of Oman before becoming a British protectorate in 1890. Zanzibar is now an autonomous region that falls under the auspices of Tanzania. Some 95% of its population is Muslim.
This diverse history is best explored in the ancient city of Stonetown, Zanzibar’s capital. Take a tour back in time as you discover the roots of the spice trade that put the island on the map, visiting vibrant markets where spice is still sold and absorbing the unique atmosphere of this cultural melting pot.
Zanzibar is perhaps best known for its stunning coastline surrounded by pristine coral reefs. It’s this coastline that attracts travelers from across the world who come to experience the soft white sands and crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. With some truly exceptional beach resorts as well as private islands like Mnemba to choose from, visitors to Zanzibar are spoiled for choice.
The Indian Ocean that laps the shores of Zanzibar is also home to some of Africa’s bestloved offshore destinations - the idyllic islands of the Seychelles and Mauritius.
Some 1600km from the Kenyan coast, the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles include some of the most recognized images of “paradise” on our planet. The largest island is Mahé, home of the island nation’s capital of Victoria - voted one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. Along with Praslin, Silhouette, and La Digue, Mahé is the center of tourism in the Seychelles and its main travel hub from where you can reach all of the outlying islands.
Some 1600km from the Kenyan coast, the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles include some of the most recognized images of “paradise” on our planet. The largest island is Mahé, home of the island nation’s capital of Victoria - voted one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world. Along with Praslin, Silhouette, and La Digue, Mahé is the center of tourism in the Seychelles and its main travel hub from where you can reach all of the outlying islands.
The islands of the Seychelles are renowned across the world for their immaculate white sand beaches, perfect azure seas, and breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Some of the best hotel brands in the world have built outstanding resorts on the main islands of Mahé and Praslin, all of which offer intimate, romantic, and exclusive accommodation options that make them perfect for the Halal traveler.
Further south, the island of Mauritius has an equally chequered history and heavy influences from both France and Britain as colonizing nations. A culturally diverse island with some of the most beautiful beaches and dramatic, volcanic landscapes to be found off mainland Africa, Mauritius is home to some exceptional resorts and hotels and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most family-friendly vacation destinations as well as being one of its most romantic for couples and newlyweds.
Its capital city, Port Louis, is a vibrant commercial center and a snapshot of the island’s history, with its covered, souk-like market a nod to the early Arab traders who discovered the island in 900 AD. With bustling tourism centers like Grand Baie, Flacq, and the stunning Le Morne Peninsula, the choices of where to base yourself in Mauritius are endless.
To help you with your African travel plans, HalalTravels.com have partnered with New World Safaris - a South Africanbased destination management company that specializes in tailoring itineraries across Africa and the Indian Ocean islands for discerning travelers. So get in touch with us via reservation@halaltravels.com to find out more about Africa and your Halal travel options!
Commenti