Serengeti 

Serengeti is one of those magical words that conjure an image of vast grassy plains and flat topped acacia trees where mighty herds of animals roam free. In the language of the Masaai people “Serengit” means “endless plains” which perfectly describes this - one of the world’s greatest wildlife habitats covering 30,000 square kilometres of Northern Tanzania.

In November each year the northern Serengeti is invaded by two million wildebeest, zebra and Thompson’s gazelles, spread out in vast herds and great lines from horizon to horizon. This is the world’s largest overland wildlife migration, which heads steadily south through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the short grass plains of Ndutu where they give birth in January and February. Throughout this journey they pass through the domains of big prides of lion, and solitary leopards which are territorial and feast greedily on their prey. Then, in March the great migration moves west and north towards Lake Victoria in search of fresh pastures. On this part of the journey they cross the Grumeti River, with some of Africa’s largest crocodiles leaping from the water to bring down wildebeest and zebra in their vice like jaws. Eventually in June the herds reach the Mara River which also has to be crossed as they pass into the Masai Mara to continue their endless journey.

You can witness the migration on a private safari with Africa Exclusive in your own well equipped 4 wheel drive vehicle with an expert guide. We arrange for you to stay at a comfortable mobile camp which is moved regularly as the migration progresses. The camp only has 5 luxurious tented rooms, it is set on a remote private site and comes complete with its own chef and kitchen, with all water food and supplies brought in. Surely this is the best way to enjoy this great spectacle, far from the larger lodges and minibuses.

The Serengeti is vast and complex, rising to 6,000 feet in places. Some parts have “oceans” of dry undulating grassland, while in the west the Serengeti is more wooded with rivers. There are many craggy rock outcrops which are favourite haunts of the waiting big cats. Giraffe, herds of elephant, cheetah, baboons, hyena and several kinds of antelope are also seen. The best time to visit Serengeti is during the great migration, from November to May. It rains in April and May, yet that can be a beautiful time to go when fresh grasses and flowers grow, and the migration is in the western area near the Grumeti River when huge spectacular thunderclouds can dominate the skyline.

Africa Exclusive arranges every safari to the Serengeti on a private basis giving you your own private guide and vehicle. Combine a luxury safari on the plains with a visit to the neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and the towering Mount Kilimanjaro. Each place is uniquely different and they combine to create an unforgettable 7 to 10 day safari.