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.
Sundowners are a wonderful part of safari life. At the end of your day in the bush, its time to kick back and celebrate the sightings, the adventures and time with your loved ones. All with something cold in hand!
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.
Northern Tanzania is probably the most well known part of the country with the world famous spectacle, the Wildebeest Migration, drawing travellers year round. A full northern circuit brings incredible wildlife from Tarangire to the Ngorongoro Crater and that's before you even get to the Serengeti. Prepare for a density of wildlife like nowhere else in Africa. That being said, the south offers a quieter safari experience in Ruaha and Nyerere. Here you can get off the beaten track in explore some superb game areas. And for us, the ultimate safari combo comes in the west - a big game, wilderness experience in Katavi combines with jaw dropping chimpanzee encounters in Mahale. Over 7-days this safari will blow you away.
We advise against drinking the tap water in Tanzania and as such, we provide safe drinking water in all camps and vehicles so guests can remain well hydrated throughout their trip.
Quiet, wild and wonderfully different. Enjoy your festive dinners under the stars with lion calls in the distance - what a gift for the family.
A safari with your family is a magical way to spend quality time with your children, immersed in the wilderness and surrounded by wildlife. Time on safari with your family allows all to disconnect from your busy daily lives. Tailor your family safari with a private guide and vehicle plus make sure you look at family specific properties such as Mkombe's House. When inside the national parks, most camps have age restrictions with 8+ being a general guide.
Much depends on the age of your children, if on the young side then we'd advise not trying to cram too much in to your days but plan your safari in bitesize chunks bringing new excitement around every corner.
Tanzania is a year round destination, especially in Northern Tanzania. So your visit often depends on family schedules or particular wildlife experiences on the bucket list. We love January to March in Ngorongoro and southern Serengeti Plains when the air is clear, nice temperatures and the migration arrives in town for calving season. This is an extraordinary time to be there.
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.