A dramatic sweep of soaring cliffs, deep gorges and open plains, this is walking country at its most atmospheric. From the heights around Lake Natron to the shadow of Ol Donyo Lengai, the landscape is vast, raw and almost overwhelming. Routes range from easy explorations to long, challenging days on foot, shaped by weather, fitness and curiosity. Maasai cattle move through the valleys and vultures circle on rising thermals. It’s a place of geology, culture and wilderness intertwined.
Charlie sets up in Sanjan for the stunning green season months from mid November to mid May.
Sanjan is unlike anywhere else in Tanzania: a dramatic fusion of cliffs, gorges, Rift Valley views and Maasai heartland. It’s not about big game, but about scale, geology and the lived‑in rhythms of people and wildlife sharing the land. The walking here is extraordinary — varied, surprising and deeply atmospheric — revealing a landscape that feels both ancient and intensely alive.
Mornings begin quietly, with coffee in the cool air before heading out on foot as the first light reaches the cliffs. Walk through riverine woodland, across open plains or into one of Sanjan’s steep, spectacular gorges — routes vary with weather, fitness and curiosity. After a few hours, pause in the shade for a simple picnic breakfast before continuing on, watching vultures ride the thermals and the landscape shift around you.
Return to camp for lunch and an afternoon rest, listening to Maasai cattle moving through the valleys. Later, head out again for an easy walk or short exploration before settling in for sundowners and supper under vast Rift Valley skies. It’s unhurried, elemental, and shaped entirely by this extraordinary landscape.
Fresh, locally sourced, and surprisingly varied given the remote locations of some camps. Imagine homemade bread, seasonal veg, cooking with delicious Swahili spices. All accompanied by far-stretching views or enjoyed under a shady tree.
Not all travellers into Tanzania require a visa. You must have a single entry tourist visa or business visa, is the general rule but there are country exemptions from this. On the most part, single entry or business visas can be obtained on arrival but we recommend where possible, to process the visa online ahead of travel - just make sure you allow enough time to do so!
Yes we do have WI-FI at our camps - in the most remote locations the Wi-Fi can be limited to your tent or the main mess. We try to keep wi-fi in the tents so the mess and lounge area continue to be social and communal areas.
Many people underestimate how immersive a safari experience is. Time in the bush can be tiring – most mornings you will be up before sunrise as the wild wakes up your day continues into long evenings spent under the stars. If you’re travelling with children, we always recommend a private guide and exclusive vehicle (included as standard with Nomad) that means a lie in here and there is always possible.
There is no rule for the number of days on safari but we would recommend taking your time in each location and not rushing through safari parks. Give yourselves time to stop and immerse yourself in the area. Many travellers consider a pit stop at the beaches of Zanzibar or Mafia Island to re-charge post safari and before they head back to the real world.
Usually it is 15kg per person in a soft-sided bag. This is not a hard and fast rule so do check with your tour operator or aviation company. These are small bush planes, and is a good way of making sure you pack light.
Pack lightweight is the first tip. Next neutral colours are great - khaki, beige and olives - however not every item needs to be khaki by any means. There is no harm in a splash of colour in the bush. Long sleeves and trousers are a necessary addition to protect you from the sun and insect or mosquitoes in the evening. You are on the move a lot so always have a pair of comfy, sturdy shoes whether that be walking boots, trainers or safari style boots. This is especially important if you are embarking on a walking safari. Bring a light, warm jacket for those early mornings and sometimes even a beanie may be required depending on the time of year. Finally, do bring a good hat - wide brimmed or just a baseball cap - needed to protect you from the African sun.
For peak seasons, between 9 and 12 months ahead is wise. This can vary depending on the places and camp you'd like to visit with some filling up earlier. The best camps and guides are worth planning for.
Always take a good pair of binoculars. And slow down. Take time to enjoy and area or the safari camps. There is sometimes nothing more special than spending the afternoon or early morning on your veranda and letting the wildlife come to you.