Ngorongoro is always an outstanding day out; way up on the rim, we take the experience to a whole other level.
Entamanu is the only place in the world where you can see the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti plains from the same spot. And in our determination to mould your Crater experience a little differently, we highly recommend you take the unique opportunity to walk from Entamanu to Serengeti Safari Camp.
The ultimate private picnic spot overlooking the vast Ngorongoro Crater. Give us the nod ahead of time and we’ll have this ready for your return from your morning game drive. Then after your long and lazy lunch, how about a gentle stroll back into camp for a well-earned rest.
Sometimes we drop round to see our Maasai neighbours, who are living a largely traditional life in the boma in the next valley, and still grazing their cattle in the conservation area. It will be just us and them, and a warm welcome, with insights into the pastoral life, from building huts to warrior ceremonies.
These are the unforgettable experiences of Africa which very few get, to have it properly beneath your feet. You’ll be out of the cars with your guide, in the sparkling highland air. Along too, a Maasai scout - showing you his version of the natural world - and an armed ranger to keep you safe.
Naturally, we’ve found in the right spot for a more private experience of this wildlife mecca. Being right on the rim, we have access to the Crater soon after dawn, often first in line avoiding the dreaded mini-buses, to take you to see the outstanding volumes of wildlife: from some of Africa’s last rhinoceros to flamingoes to lovebirds.
Our Northern Tanzania camps are in enviable locations that mean we can take you deeper into this epic wilderness and create life changing experiences.
The first difference is terrain. The Serengeti is all vast plains and iconic kopjes, whereas Nyerere is riverine wilderness where variety in activity becomes ever possible, boating, fishing etc. Both areas are wild with superb game but very different in landscape.
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.
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!
Early starts with golden light as the bush awakens, and a fresh cup of coffee by the morning camp fire. Either breakfast in camp or take a bush breakfast to go. Enjoy early morning game drives to observe wildlife before the day gets too hot. In the heat of the day, find a shady spot for a siesta go. After tea, its time for an afternoon foray and sundowners with a view. Evenings are quiet, firelit, and full of stars.
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!
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.
Firstly, you should only tip of you genuinely feel that the service you have received warrants it. Tips are never expected, but always appreciated. Tipping amounts very much depends on your experience but we tend to work with a range of 10-15 US dollars per guest per day. Equally, it's not unusual for a family or group to pitch in slightly below this as a group tip.
Many do, yes - private dinners, spa treatments or surprise sundowners that add thoughtful moments to the trip. Occasionally, there are discounts for one spouse and it can be worth researching.