TANZANIA
THE GREAT WILDEBEEST MIGRATION
It’s animal theater at its finest: every year nearly two million wildebeest accompanied by zebras, antelope and gazelles provide one of the most spectacular natural events on the planet—the Great Wildebeest Migration. The animals migrate clockwise around Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and into the Maasai Mara ecosystem of Kenya. It’s one of the most awe-inspiring sights in the world. And the wildebeest—they’re everywhere. Whether you catch sight of the migration in the southern Serengeti when newborn babies enter the world or in the northern Serengeti where thundering herds of wildebeest cross the Mara River, it’s an unforgettable experience that you’ll remember your entire life.
THE SERENGETI
The Serengeti National Park is a vast undulating plain stretching 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles). Its regions are the stage for the theatrical Great Wildebeest Migration. Here’s where to catch the migration throughout the year and the highlights of each season.
Southern Serengeti
Short grass plains, granite kopjes, lakes, small hills, valleys and depressions create the breathtaking landscape of the Southern Serengeti. This region is best known for the Great Migration from December through early April. It’s the season of calving so you can expect to see wobbly legged newborns alongside anxious mothers protecting their young from predators. With so many babies, the theater between prey and predator is especially dramatic. The southern Serengeti is also known for its vast number of cheetahs—you’re likely to spot many.
Central Serengeti
An expansive savanna with long grassy plains, riverine areas, granite kopjes and lakes cover the landscape of the Central Serengeti. The wildebeest, zebras and antelopes travel through this region in their annual migration north and south between the Southern and Northern Serengeti making this a prime area for wildlife viewing. As home to an abundance of lions, cheetahs and leopards, the broad Seronera Valley with its meandering rivers located within the Central Serengeti is often referred to as the big cat capital of Africa.
Western Serengeti
The Western Serengeti’s landscape stretches beneath an infinite sky. There are many rare and beautiful creatures here including black and white Colobus monkeys who live in the woodlands with the fast-running Patas monkeys. From late April through June during their annual migration north, many wildebeest and zebras brave the crocodile-infested Grumeti River in the Western Serengeti’s marshy corridor—and not all of them escape the jaws of the mighty crocs. There’s also a sizeable resident wildebeest population here year-round. The Grumeti River attracts an abundance of wildlife including buffalo and hippos who rarely stray far from the water.
Northern Serengeti
Visit the Northern Serengeti during the dry season from July to November and you’ll witness thundering herds of migratory wildebeest and zebra as they attempt to cross the Mara River as hungry crocodile lie in wait. You’ll likely see lions or zebras mating, elephants hanging out beneath trees, or a cheetah sprinting after its prey. Along the way you’ll definitely meet with exotic birds, hyenas, zebras, giraffes, cape buffalo, hippos, gazelles and impalas, too. With open woodlands, the swiftly flowing Mara River, hills and valleys, the Northern Serengeti offers a stunning landscape.
NGORONGORO
The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is home to the world’s largest cauldron formed by a violent volcano eruption millions of years ago. The Ngorongoro Crater is commonly referred to as the 8th wonder of the world. Best known for its dense population of wild animals all contained in the small area of the crater’s floor, the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best spots in Tanzania for sightings of the elusive rhino. The crater has an incredibly diverse eco-system to match its varied animal population. This 10-mile wide volcano top with 2,000 feet high walls is one of the most spectacular places imaginable. Watching a sunset over the rim of the crater is breathtaking.
TARANGIRE
Stretching nearly 1,100 square miles from the Tanzania-Kenya border in the north, to the Maasai Steppe in the south, Tarangire National Park contains the highest concentration of wildlife outside the Serengeti ecosystem, yet it’s often skipped over by tourists. Most known for its abundant population of elephants, Tarangire is also unique for its burnt orange mud that makes the elephants turn red. Vast expanses of open space dominated by beautiful Acacia and baobab trees, make Tarangire National Park the perfect place to view the moody images of African landscapes. Within the park, life revolves around the Tarangire River. As the primary water source—particularly in the dry season—the river attracts an abundance of animals. It’s not uncommon to spot groups of 50 to 70 elephants especially from July through September.
LAKE MANYARA
As the Great Rift Valley grew wider over millions of years, streams cascaded down and formed Lake Manyara. More than 300 different species of birds have been documented in the Lake Manyara National Park. Attracted by the algae that thrive in the lake’s saline-rich waters, huge flocks of birds dressed in every imaginable color gather to feed. An elevated walkway provides unforgettable viewing of the masses of pink-hued flamingos and other bird species that converge on the waters of Lake Manyara. There are also plenty of hippos lazing in the saline-rich waters and along the sunbaked shoreline.
MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK
Mahale Mountains National Park, located on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, is a breathtaking destination loved for its diverse wildlife and lush landscapes. Famous for its large population of wild chimpanzees, the park offers unforgettable trekking opportunities through verdant forests, where visitors can observe these primates in their natural habitat. With its stunning mountains, pristine beaches, and clear waters, Mahale Mountains is a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
Zanzibar
Zanzibar, a stunning archipelago off the coast of Tanzania, is renowned for its pristine white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rich cultural heritage. Often referred to as the “Spice Island,” Zanzibar offers visitors a unique blend of history and natural beauty, with highlights including vibrant Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and exotic spice plantations. Whether you’re looking to relax by the ocean, explore vibrant coral reefs, or immerse yourself in Swahili culture, Zanzibar is the perfect destination for an unforgettable tropical escape.
CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Hadzabe People
Located on the floor of the Rift Valley, Lake Eyasi is scenically stunning and one of the best places to gain real insights into the culture and lifestyle of some of Tanzania’s most fascinating tribes. We have opportunities to interact with the nomadic hunter-gatherer Hadzabe people who lead us on hunts. We witness how they prepare food and shelter as well as the bows and arrows they use for hunting. We also have the opportunity to meet the Datoga tribe—blacksmiths who melt down pipes and any scrap metal they can find to make arrowheads for the Hadzabe tribe and jewelry they can trade for food.
Maasai People
One of the most well-known tribes of East Africa is the Maasai Tribe. Draped in vivid red, blue and purple Shúkas, the Maasai people are a near-constant presence in northern Tanzania. This semi-nomadic tribe has retained its cultural identity in a modern world. Some live in traditional small mud-thatched villages, others have moved to more modern towns, while others occupy vast open spaces on which they continue to graze their cattle as they have for more than 500 years. Through his personal relationship with the Maasai people, Victor is able to arrange an introduction to a Maasai chief to provide a unique perspective on the lifestyle of this fascinating tribe.
