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.
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.
Our lodges offer a more solid retreat, while our tented camps have canvas walls that let the sounds of the bush filter through. Both can offer comfortable beds and en-suite bathrooms. The choice comes down to personal preference. If sleeping under canvas appeals, a tented camp could be for you. For a simpler experience of safari as it once was, our Charlie expeditionary camps take you into remote wilderness, away from the busier safari routes.
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.
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.
It depends, some are short hops, others can be full-day journeys. Often, the journey is the experience and can become the ultimate game drive as you traverse different areas of National Parks.
The transport networks in Tanzania are very good with internal flight schedules across the country. It is possible to fly into the parks and land at one of the bush airstrips. From there, most lodges will arrange for a transfer journey from airstrip to the lodge. Depending on the lodge location, this can vary in journey time. Or, if you opt for a driving safari in northern Tanzania, your guide (included as standard with Nomad) will transport you from location to location.
Absolutely. Wild, remote and deeply romantic. We believe a safari honeymoon strikes the perfect balance of adventure and calm. No two days are ever the same and what better way to kick off married life.
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.