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
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.
The Highlands
Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Designer chic meets eco-conscious at this Asilia safari camp north of the Ngorongoro Crater. The Highlands boasts eight unique glass and canvas tent pods tucked into the forest near the Olmoti crater and an array of Maasai walking trails to discover.
&Beyond Klein's Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Klein's Camp is &Beyond’s sustainable, safari lodge located deep in the heart of the Maasai land at the edge of the Serengeti National Park.The ten traditional cottages offer incredible views of a game-rich private concession.
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.
Serian's Serengeti North Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Serian's Serengeti North Camp is a seasonal mobile camp operating between July and November in the far north of Tanzania's Serengeti. Set a short distance from the Mara River, Serian is a great camp to catch the dramatic wildebeest river crossings.
Singita Faru Faru Lodge
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Set on the banks of the Grumeti River, Singita's Faru Faru is a small and intimate lodge with just eight beautiful rooms. The lodge is located in the path of the annual great wildebeest migration in the Grumeti Reserve, to the west of the Serengeti.
Dunia Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Dunia Camp is an eight tented female run safari camp in the southern part of the Serengeti, Tanzania. This area is famous for the Great Migration, expect to see an abundance of lion, leopard and cheetah and perhaps even the elusive black rhino.
The Plantation Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
The Plantation Lodge is set in wonderful coffee plantations between the Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara which makes it the perfect place from which to explore this area of northern Tanzania and then retreat back to the lodge and relax in the gardens.
Mkombe's House at Lamai
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
A beautiful private safari house in the northern Serengeti, Mkombe's House at Lamai is the ideal option for a truly special family safari. Accommodating up to ten guests, the house has its own pool, private safari guide and vehicle.