Serengeti and Northern Tanzania safaris
The Serengeti, meaning ‘endless plain’, entirely lives up to its name. Famed for its abundance of wildlife, it’s perhaps best known for the annual migration of over a million wildebeest and zebra. This is best viewed in the Serengeti and Grumeti when the herds are on the move from the end of June to September, and from November to February.
The Ngorongoro Crater was once a huge active volcano - probably as large as Kilimanjaro. After its eruption, its cone collapsed inwards leaving the caldera which, at over 10km wide, forms a natural home to an estimated 30,000 animals. This unique conservation area offers some of East Africa’s very best game viewing opportunities.
Lake Manyara National Park is relatively small (325 sq km) but stunningly beautiful. Bordered on one side by the lake and on the other by the dramatic rift valley escarpment, it has a large elephant and hippo population and its lion are famous for climbing trees. Birding is also excellent.
Aside from the famed Serengeti, northern Tanzania is also home to Lake Victoria. This lake is the largest lake in Africa and stretches across Tanzania, Uganda and even part of Kenya. Rarely visited by tourists, Lake Victoria is home to Rubondo Island National Park, a lush green untouched wilderness which provides a home to around 40 rehabilitated chimpanzees and an astounding amount of birdlife. Rubondo Island is Tanzania’s largest National Park and a great way to end to a Serengeti safari.
Where to go in Serengeti and northern Tanzania
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania
Entamanu Ngorongoro is a stylish and comfortable tented camp offering unrivaled views of both the Ngorongoro crater and Serengeti. An intimate and consciously constructed camp, Entamanu Ngorongoro is perched on the north western edge of the crater.
Lamai Serengeti
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Lamai Serengeti sits tucked amongst the rocks of Kogakuria Kopje with panoramic views in a remote corner of the northern Serengeti, just a few miles from where the wildebeest cross the Mara River, usually between late July and October.
Serengeti Safari Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serengeti Safari Camp offers a unique opportunity to view the Serengeti wildebeest migration and the substantial herds of resident game. The camp is “semi nomadic” and shadows the migration, enabling guests to get as close to the migration as possible.
Chaka Camp
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Chaka Camp is a luxurious mobile camp which moves seasonally around the Serengeti to ensure that you are in the best position possible for witnessing the spectacular wildebeest migration.
Nyikani Central
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Nyikani Central is a luxurious bush camp in the heart of the Serengeti surrounded by open plains which offer spectacular game viewing year round. This is the perfect option for those looking for an authentic safari experience at a reasonable price.
Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Experience the wilds of the little-visited Tarangire National Park with a stay in this intimate tented camp, perched on a ridge with far-reaching views over the acacia-dotted plains of the park.
Nyikani Tarangire
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Nyikani Tarangire is conveniently located within Tarangire National Park. This camp offers up excellent service and gourmet Tanzanian cuisine along with a creative design based around the unique structure and ecosystems of the termite mounds in the area.
Entamanu Private
Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
A private retreat in the highlands of the Ngorongoro Crater, Entamanu Private offers a home-from-home with two family units, each comprised of two ensuite bedrooms and designed to extend a cozy welcome in this wildlife-rich corner of Tanzania.
Lemala Nanyukie Tented lodge
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
With mesmerizing views over a savannah dotted with kopjes and acacia trees, Lemala Nanyukie blends luxury details with a homely welcome, surrounded by the incredible wildlife and landscapes of Tanzania’s Serengeti.
Olakira Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Olakira is a small, seasonal camp, located in the Serengeti National Park. Moving seasonally between the north and south the camp optimises the chance of witnessing the great wildebeest migration and therefore ensuring fantastic game-viewing at all times.