Days - 3 & 4 The Serengeti National Park
Once you have finished breakfast you will drive towards the Serengeti for 2 days of exploration in this incredible park. On the way to the Serengeti you will pass by Masai village and a guest may opt to pay a visit on extra cost. The Masai are a nomadic tribe of noble warriors who will welcome you to their village with a welcoming song, dance and cultural activities that you may participate in. The English-speaking Chief will give guests a tour of their village and will take you into a hut to explain their way of life. Upon finishing the tour guest have the opportunity to buy some local handmade crafts, or Masai clubs, knives or hunting spears.
The 15 000 square kilometer Serengeti is the oldest national park in Tanzania and is the habitat for an abundance of wildlife, such as Elephants, Impalas, Buffalo, Crocodiles, Hippos and more… but is more well-known for its great migrating herds of Zebras and Wildebeest. The animals’ trek is determined by the rainfall and varies from year to year. In November and December the animals move from the northern region, dominated by woodlands and hills, to the grassy plains of the south. During the longer rainy season from April to June, they begin their return to the north and continue migrating northwards during July and August. Apart from the migrating herds, you will most likely see an amazing array of animals including predators such as Leopards, Cheetahs and Lions. 90% of all African wildlife documentaries are filmed in the Serengeti as it is the most densely animal populated park in the world.
The great Serengeti Wildebeest migration is the movement of vast numbers of the Serengeti's Wildebeest, accompanied by large numbers of Zebra, and smaller numbers of Grant's Gazelles, Thomson's Gazelles, Eland and Impalas. The migrating animals move in an annual pattern, which is fairly predictable, as they are constantly seeking fresh grazing lands and better quality water. The precise timing of the Serengeti wildebeest migration is entirely dependent on the rainfall patterns each year. The Mara River crossing normally starts in late June to early July, which moves towards August and proceeds towards the Ndutu area in February. In Tanzania you can find The Great Migration all year round as opposed to Kenya where parts the migration is only there for 2 months of the year.
Hotel: Thorn Tree Tented Camp (or a 5 star accommodation listed at the bottom of this itinerary)
Meals: breakfast at lodge, lunch on the road & dinner at the lodge