Our expeditionary camp - Charlie - takes us back to our safari roots - light-touch travel in the most exceptional wilderness areas in Tanzania.

Designed with exploration in mind, we use our lightweight mobile camp to explore the superb walking areas of Ugalla National Park, the little visited southern boundary of Ruaha National Park, the eastern area of Sanjan or the stunning southwestern corner of the Serengeti. With no permanent camps or lodges, places like this are beyond the reach of most people, making them extra special for a safari on foot. We consider this a huge privilege to explore such magical places.

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Serengeti Walking Camp

Serengeti Walking Camp

Serengeti Walking Camp

Serengeti Walking Camp

Serengeti Walking Camp

Serengeti Walking Camp

Ruaha Walking Camp

Ruaha Walking Camp

Ugalla Walking Camp

Ugalla Walking Camp

About the area

Ruaha (in the south) is a park that has remained mysteriously off the radar, which is a blessing. But its landscapes and wildlife are second to none. Dry sand river beds, rocky kopjes and baobabs, all populated with fantastic numbers of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and more.

Ruaha National Park

July to October

Ruaha is one of the last great wildlife areas of Africa and we love to be here in dry season. Believe it or not, Ruaha is 50% bigger than the Serengeti National Park, yet with only a percentage of visitors in comparison, makes Ruaha a standout option for walking safaris. This is a secret Africa that is properly wild and we guarantee spending a few nights off-grid in our humble little camp will certainly bring out the explorer in you.

Life changing experiences

Recommended stay: 3-nights

Expect to pay: $880 - $1,540 per person per night

Times of the year: July to October

About the area

Ugalla to the west is pretty much unknown territory, centred around the lazy and slowly meandering Ugalla River. It offers not only stunning and increasing volumes of wildlife as the game becomes accustomed to the presence of people, but also the privilege of being one of just a handful of people to visit this remote region.

Ugalla National Park

August to October

Ugalla is new territory for us and most others as well, this lesser known park in western Tanzania is only recently finding its way on to the safari radar. As a result, we find ourselves in a beautiful untouched part of the world. The Ugalla River provides a lovely setting for long walks and lazy lunches under a shady tree, a rare opportunity to slow down, stop and stare.

Life changing experiences

Recommended stay: 3 nights

Expect to pay: $880 - $1,540 per person per night

Times of the year: August to October

About the area

10,000 square miles of the greatest wildlife spectacle and this is your chance to walk amongst it all. We've always had a particular attraction to this kind of wild - spectacular, untouched areas of the vast national park. At this time of year the southwestern corner of the Serengeti comes alive with resident game and on occasion the great migration arrives on the endless green plains. This area of the Serengeti from November and into the new year, has long been one of our favourite stomping grounds.

Serengeti National Park

November to June

Our expeditionary walking camp pitches in the Serengeti from November onwards as the landscape transform from the dry season with the time of new arriving - everything turns a gorgeous shade of green. The camp actually moves around the southern end of the Serengeti during this period to land guests in the best walking territory. From November to April, we head for the eastern side to Sanjan and the Gol Mountains, stunning scenery surrounds you with varied terrain to explore and panoramic views west across the vast plains. In May, the camp heads west to the opposite side of the park standing in the best position as the migration begin to make their way north. Walking in this area is wonderful with superb game and interesting topography to scale kopjes and hills alike.

Life changing experiences

Recommended stay: 3 nights

Expect to pay: $855 - $1,540 per person per night

Times of the year: November to February, March to April and May to June

Reviews

L. WEBSTER

Review for entamanu

Nature walk to Ngorongoro viewpoint with George and Rodgers

Nature walk to Ngorongoro viewpoint with George + Rodgers. Delicious food + friendly team. Falling asleep to the wind outside with the cosy fire.

A. Speed

Review for kigelia

Warm and welcoming staff

The staff are so welcoming and the food delicious. Bedrooms rustic, beautiful and comfortable. At one with nature. Guiding perfect.

Camps visited:

C. Soeder

Review for kigelia

Great camp atmosphere and wonderful team

The camp and the team are great.

Camps visited:

PEPE

Review for kigelia

Impeccable, attentive yet discreet service

Absolutely loved the atmosphere of the camp. Service was impeccable, attentive yet discreet. The classic architecture and decor blend beautifully with the bush, as a proper safari camp should.

Camps visited:

FAQs

What's included in a safari?

Typically: accommodation, meals, drinks, park fees, your expert guide and activities.

What should I take on Safari in Tanzania?

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.

Is there Wi-Fi in our camps?

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.

Can I go on safari and visit Zanzibar in one trip?

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.

What is the typical food when on safari?

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.

What is the difference between a lodge and a tented camp?

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.

What is the best month to travel to Tanzania?

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.

Can children go on safari?

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.

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