In the southwest edge of the Serengeti National Park, Charlie slips into a landscape of big open plains, acacia woodland and iconic granite kopjes that rise like islands from the grass. It’s a place of Rift Valley views, quiet corners and wide horizons, where you can walk in almost any direction and the terrain shifts around you — ground, vegetation, light, all changing with each step. This isn’t a migration‑led safari; the joy here lies in exploring spectacular scenery on foot, sharing space with resident wildlife and Maasai communities who move through these lived‑in edges of the ecosystem. It’s rugged, raw and wonderfully off the usual path.
Charlie arrives in southwest Serengeti from the beginning of November and stays on location through to mid June.
The Southwest Serengeti is different: vast, open and lightly visited, with kopjes, escarpments and Rift Valley views that make you want to keep exploring. It’s a landscape shaped as much by Maasai culture as by wildlife, giving it a layered, lived‑in feel. Not about big‑game ticking or migration chasing, but about terrain, scale and discovery — perfect for Charlie’s light‑footed style.
The Southwest Serengeti offers real variety: long walks through open plains, 4x4 drives across big country, climbing granite kopjes for wide Rift Valley views, and quiet nights of stargazing under enormous skies. Resident wildlife moves through it all, shaping days that feel different every time.
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.
Yes absolutely, Tanzania has superb transport links from the mainland to Zanzibar as well as neighbouring islands too. Many travellers choose to spend some time in the wild on safari before heading to the coast for some R&R.
From late November to May. It's a gorgeous time to be in Tanzania - expect dramatic skies, lush landscapes and superb wildlife. Also, less people.
Yes you can charge your devices whilst on safari. Most camps have connection points in the tent or room. Also, in most safari vehicle there is charging points available so you can keep all your cameras and phones topped up and never miss that wonderful sighting.
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.
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!
This is the trip of lifetime so you must have a good camera (or phone) to capture those wonderful memories. More importantly is a decent pair of binoculars - essential for your time in the bush. Sunscreen and insect repellant should be in the bag as well as a good water bottle, although you will be provided with a Nomad water bottle as part of your stay - hydration is really important on safari and in dry climates. Check your luggage restrictions with your tour operator as there are restrictions on luggage allowance for domestic flights in Tanzania. Also, if you react to insect bites be sure to bring antihistamines. It is a good idea to carry loperamide (commonly sold as Imodium) just in case.