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
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.
Legendary Lodge
Arusha, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Set in beautiful gardens under the shade of Mount Meru, Legendary Lodge is a luxurious and comfortable lodge in Arusha, perfect for an overnight stop either before or after visiting the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire.
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.
Mwiba Lodge
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
A beautiful Serengeti lodge set among massive stone boulders, ancient coral trees and acacias, and overlooking a rocky gorge on the Arugusinyai River. This incredible setting really does possess the wow factor with seclusion and privacy on a grand scale.
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.
Nyasi Migrational Camp
Serengeti National Park, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Nyasi Migrational Camp offers a luxurious way to explore the Serengeti in Northern Tanzania, moving twice throughout the year to ensure the best position for your safari. All guests are given a private safari vehicle and guide for total flexibility.
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.
Rivertrees Country Inn
Arusha, Serengeti and northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Rivertrees Country Inn is a small guest house between Kilimanjaro and Arusha Airports. Rivertrees is set in the most stunning gardens and is a wonderful spot to either start or end a safari in northern Tanzania.
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.