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.
Yes, some camps have minimum age limits, in camp and especially on walking safaris. But there are many brilliant private or family properties that can tailor the age restrictions.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yellow Fever vaccinations are required if you are arriving from endemic countries. Other recommended vaccinations include tetanus, diptheria, polio, hepatitis A and typhoid. You will also need to consider hepatitis B and malaria prevention medicines. In all cases, you must seek advice from your medical professional.
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!
Quiet, wild and wonderfully different. Enjoy your festive dinners under the stars with lion calls in the distance - what a gift for the family.