Wildebeest Migration Safari for Northern Tanzania

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One of the greatest spectacles in the natural world - the wildebeest migration - is in fact happening all the time, as 1.5 million wildebeest and 300,000 zebra move to find food throughout the vast 6,300 sq.mile Serengeti ecosystem, which includes Kenya's Masai Mara. The best months to see it however, are Jan - March in Tanzania, when the calving also takes place, and mid July to end September in Kenya in the Masai Mara……...

Having completed passport and customs formalities at Kilimanjaro Airport, the your scheduled flight takes you to Seronera where you will be met by your private car & guide and taken to your first camp. The Serengeti Safari camp is based in and around the Ndutu area on the edge of the short grass plains at this time of year. At 14,763 sq kms, the Serengeti is Tanzania's largest National Park and indisputably one of the finest wildlife areas anywhere in the world. The landscape consists of vast open plains in the southeast, acacia savannah in the central area, wooded rolling hills in the north and extensive woodland, black clay plains and mountain ranges in the western corridor. World famous for the annual migration of its vast wildebeest herds, it boasts a huge variety of mammals, and nearly 500 bird species.

These camps are in the grand style of the traditional East African safaris of the early years. The 'Selous' sleeping tents are 8ft high with a 18x12ft floor area, have spacious ensuite bathrooms and are completely enclosed against insects. They are beautifully appointed and decorated with local fabrics and artifacts. Each contains comfortable 6'7" beds (complete with high-density mattresses and the best available duvets, blankets & linens), dressing tables, safari wardrobe (with hanging & shelf space), luggage racks and safari chairs. They each have bright rechargeable lights as well as a number of traditional hurricane lamps. At the front there is a large verandah with a table and safari chairs whilst at the back the en-suite bathroom incorporates hot & cold water, a 'short-drop' safari toilet and traditional 'safari shower'. There is a complimentary daily laundry service (weather permitting).

The focus of the camp is a large dining tent with a shaded 'sitting out' area. As well as a fully-stocked complimentary bar with a selection of spirits, wines, beers and ice, there is a small reference library of African books and a variety of games. There is a campfire every evening, around which guests can share the days adventures with like-minded souls.

The cuisine is of the highest standard and is consistently praised by guests. Innovative menus use freshly supplied fruit & vegetables all on fine china & glassware with picnics, buffets and barbecues giving variety. Three course candlelit dinners are served in the dining tent or under the stars with European and South African wines and liqueurs.

On safari you will have your private car & guide throughout. Your personal interests dictate the pace of your day to day activities without the need to make compromises for other members of a group. At the same time a strict maximum of only 8 people in camp makes for a relaxed and exclusive atmosphere.

Your next stop will be Loliondo Safari Camp in Piyaya. Piyaya is a private Maasai concession area on the edge of the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The Piyaya Community area is approx 60 x 20kms with a unique combination of short grass plains, kopjes, acacia woodland, river lines fringed with yellow fever acacias, dramatic hills & valleys and the Sanjan Gorge which runs into the Salei Plains towards Lake Natron & Oldonyo Lengai. Here you will be able to enjoy game drives, walking safaris, picnics, sundowners, night drives and close interaction with very traditional Maasai communities, including visits to their bomas and ceremonies should any happen to be under way at that time.

Your 6th day will be spent wending your way up to the Ngorongoro Highlands and to the Crater Lodge.

The Ngorongoro Conservation area is a remarkable area that tends to be much maligned. It covers an area of 8,300 sq kms, of which the Crater itself forms only 3%. The scenery is amazingly varied, with dense forests and huge mountains in the Crater Highlands, the short grass plains which host the wildebeest migration throughout many of the wet season months, and the Gol Mountain range.

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is a stunning lodge perched on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater. Recently refurbished in the style of 'African baroque' this lodge has already earned a reputation as one of the finest and most unusual locations in Africa. There are thirty cottages split between three camps thus retaining an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. The cottages are large and extremely well appointed and as well as a shower, there is an impressive bath from which one can view the Crater below! The bar & dining areas have been beautifully designed with large open decks at the front and one of the most awesome views anywhere in the world.

You will spend the next day on the crater floor, marveling at the spectacle of this famous 100 sq mile caldera, with its myriad of wildlife.

On your last day you will drive around the crater rim and down to Manyara airstrip for your scheduled flight to Kilimanjaro airport.

From here you may go on to visit the some of the other great parks of Tanzania, Ruaha, the Selous, The chimpanzees on the shores of Lake Tanganyika at Mahale, or Katavi. To cap it all, head to the coast and chill out on the exotic island of Zanzibar.