Tarangire National Park

In November we’ll first drive to Tarangire National Park with a full day game drive.

Tarangire National Park covers an undulating area of 2,850 km2 (1,100 mi2) and is an easy few hours drive from Arusha. Famous for its giant baobabs, savannahs with scattered termite mounds, and large elephant herds, this underrated park is dominated by the perennial Tarangire River.

One of the lesser-known game reserves in Tanzania, Tarangire rivals the Serengeti in its great number and diversity of wildlife. It is a good choice for travelers who wish to encounter more animals and less tourists while on safari. The Tarangire National Park is known as a wonderful birding destination and also features large numbers of game, particularly during the dry season, when the Tarangire River is the only source of water in the area. The landscape is of particular interest too, due to the high number of scenic baobab trees.

In the middle of the park, the Silale swamp becomes the main source of water and attracts elephants and predators as the season gets drier and drier. There is a healthy lion population and the other predators are often spotted trailing the plains game as they head to water, or occasionally the cats can be spotted lounging in sausage trees.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Our second stop in November is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where we’ll do a half day tour.

The Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA) extends from the crater highlands all the way past Olduvai Gorge and onto the short grasslands of the southern Serengeti and Lake Ndutu. But the wildlife does not adhere to these boundaries and there is very good wildlife viewing, especially during peak calving season when the NCA plains play host to the Great Wildebeest Migration and the birth of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest in a short span of time. This brings predator action, especially with large hyena clans, cheetahs, and the return of African hunting dogs.

The NCA is a protected area and a World Heritage Site located 180 km (111 miles) west of Arusha. The area is named after the Ngorongoro Crater, a large volcanic caldera whose name derives from the sound made by the cattle bells of the local Maasai pastoralists.

The Singing Grass Bush Camp

Nestled in the heart of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, The Singing Grass Serengeti Bush Camp offers a captivating retreat, providing a unique and immersive experience. Boasting spacious tents, among the largest in the region, the camp prioritizes comfort and privacy without specifying guest capacity.
      
The strategic positioning of tents allows for intimate wildlife viewing, aligning with the camp's commitment to responsible tourism during eco-friendly game drives. Notable features include the Photography Lounge, equipped with discussion areas, a TV, a printer, and various amenities.
      
The camp exhibits flexibility in collaborating with photographers, offering to transport heavy camera equipment from Arusha. Emphasizing the creation of unforgettable safari adventures, The Singing Grass Serengeti Bushcamp stands as a magnificent destination for those seeking a harmonious blend of luxury and natural beauty in the Serengeti.
      
This exclusive accommodation uniquely focuses on wildlife photography, providing specialized vehicles, trained guides, and an all-inclusive Photography Lounge to enhance guests' creativity. 
     

Central Serengeti

The central Serengeti, situated north of the southern grasslands, is a vast and captivating expanse, a testament to the quintessential African safari experience. With its expansive open plains, scattered granite kopies, and seasonal rivers, this region is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and serves as a premier wildlife destination. Lions, among the highest densities in Africa, roam freely in this untamed wilderness, creating an awe-inspiring spectacle for safari enthusiasts. The eastern sector, once reserved for cheetah research, has transformed into an enchanting realm, offering unparalleled opportunities for observing big cats, particularly cheetahs. 

As an integral part of the iconic Serengeti, a UNESCO World Heritage site spanning 14,750 km2, the central Serengeti boasts a diverse mosaic of habitats, including acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and undulating savannahs intersected by seasonal rivers. This dynamic environment not only supports the renowned Big Five but also contributes to the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Beyond its ecological significance, the central Serengeti is a living canvas interwoven with the cultural tapestry of the Maasai people. Their traditional lifestyles and vibrant practices add a unique and immersive layer to the safari experience, highlighting the harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.

Bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, the central Serengeti is not just a geographical entity but a living testament to the enduring fascination of the African wilderness. The synergy between the Serengeti and the Mara creates a vast and harmonious ecosystem that has captured the hearts and imaginations of explorers, naturalists, and wildlife enthusiasts for nearly a century. The echoes of its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse wildlife create an indelible and enchanting tapestry, defining the timeless allure of this extraordinary landscape as the sun sets over the iconic plains.

Northern Serengeti

This photographer’s paradise is one of the best places in Africa to view the big cats as well as an amazing array of plains game. The northern Serengeti has the classic big open plains of the African savannah, sprawling views, and consistently delivers excellent wildlife sightings. It is one of the best places in East Africa for leopards, and the kopje strewn hillsides that are home to these elusive creatures are in themselves stunningly beautiful. A few days here can be very action packed and there’s even chances to see black rhinos in some areas.

The Serengeti is perhaps the most famous African wilderness area, its name synonymous with the notion of safari for nearly a hundred years. This UNESCO World Heritage site covers 14,750 km2 (5,700 mi2) of premiere game viewing in Acacia woodlands, open grasslands, and undulating savannahs interspersed with seasonal rivers. The park on the northern side borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and, together with several other smaller reserves and conservation areas, forms the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.