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
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.
Entamanu Ngorongoro
Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania
Entamanu Ngorongoro is a stylish and comfortable tented camp offering unrivalled 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.
Kuro Tarangire
Tarangire National Park, Northern Tanzania
Kuro Tarangire is an eco-friendly dry seasonal camp, set in a grove of acacia trees, in the central part of Tarangire National Park, Tanzania, within easy reach of the main river and Silale and Gursi Swamps.
&Beyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
Lake Manyara National Park, Northern Tanzania
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge is tree house luxury in the heart of Lake Manyara and the only lodge in this small yet diverse national park. The ten tree houses are crafted from local materials and set in the boughs of ancient mahogany trees.
&Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania
Occupying the prime position on the crater rim, Ngorongoro Crater Lodge offers simply magnificent views of the crater floor and some of the most opulent and unique accommodation in Africa. The Crater Lodge has 30 suites split between three camps.
Chem Chem
Tarangire National Park, Northern Tanzania
Chem Chem is a chic and contemporary lodge offering guests an incredible relaxing slow safari experience. With a unique surrounding ecosystem and strong cultural elements, Chem Chem provides a unique departure from the standard safari experience.
Oliver's Camp
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Oliver's Camp and Little Oliver's found in a wild corner of Tarangire National Park and with ten and five tented rooms they offer a wonderful bush experience. The Tarangire has fantastic game viewing in particular chances to see herds of elephant.
Namiri Plains Camp
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
Namiri Plains lies in the remote eastern corner of the Serengeti, the ideal place for seeing big cats and enjoying the migration in peace. The camp offers comfort and true exclusivity with excellent guiding, perfect for real safari enthusiasts.
Gibb's Farm
Ngorongoro Crater, Northern Tanzania
Gibb's Farm is an old 1920s coffee plantation with terraced gardens on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands and Rift Valley Escarpment. Gibb's Farm is a remarkable hideaway between the National Parks and conservation areas.