Prepare to have your mind blown amidst some of the greatest concentration if large mammals in the world.
Sometimes the simplest things in life are the most enriching for the soul. Fly-camping is a wonderful surprise, that brings so much to your safari experience. Escape from main camp and sleep-out in the real middle of nowhere.
We see crocodiles and hippopotami everywhere here. As the season progresses and the rivers dwindle, crocs skulk into mud caves or pile themselves brazenly under shady trees. The hundreds of hippos are forced together in ever smaller wallows. Tensions erupt. Sometimes only the strongest of them survive.
The wide-open spaces of the Chada flood plains with extra wide-angle visibility make for a unique brand of rambling. At times you can feel impossibly insignificant against backdrops of golden grass, distant herds of buffalo and piercing blue skies. Yet again, we redefine the meaning of a walk in the park.
Very few people or vehicles ever come to stay in this park. The park rules, too, are more relaxed, so our cars are how we like them best - fully open to the air. All this brings with it a huge dose of almost old-fashioned safari freedom, and a special sense of intimacy with this extraordinary natural environment.
Why head for cover, when the open-air is so good? We love the eccentricity of rounding a bend in the river to find a fully laid breakfast table and steaming cups of coffee, in front of a pool of hippopotamus. While sharing picnic lunch, as we watch elephants crossing the plains, is as high octane as dining can be.
Our Western Tanzania camps bring a safari of extraordinary contrasts. Katavi is about remote, expeditionary safaris. Mahale takes you further off the map, to meet our chimpanzee cousins. Put simply, this is the pinnacle of life-changing safaris.
Lodges are more permanent, often with solid walls and more amenities available. Tented camp are light touch, with canvas walls, open air and the sounds of bush throughout!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.