How to Plan Your Safari in Tanzania December – April: The Great Migration of the Serengeti

Are you looking for an unforgettable safari experience like no other? Consider joining the great migration of the Serengeti in Tanzania this December through April. This unique event offers the chance to watch over a million wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes move across the African plains as they search for food and water. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plan your safari tour in Tanzania with Viator.

Step 1: Choose Your Dates

Before booking your tour, decide when you want to visit Tanzania. The great migration usually happens from December through April, so plan your trip accordingly. The Viator tour runs during this period and offers multiple start times. Make sure you choose the starting time that suits you best.

Step 2: Book Your Tour

Once you have decided when to visit, book your tour with Viator through this link: book the tour here. You will need to provide your mobile phone number, passport data, arrival and departure flight details. All reservations and purchases are subject to availability and are made via email. Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking subject to availability.

Step 3: Prepare for Your Trip

Once you have booked your tour, start preparing for your trip by reviewing the tour details provided by Viator. The Viator tour includes all park fees, transfers, AMREF insurance, water on board, and full board meals during the tour. The tour also offers five breakfasts. The tour does not include international or local flights or entry visas, drinks at lodges, personal extras, or any other additional costs. Be sure to pack according to the time of year you will be visiting Tanzania, and consider bringing appropriate binoculars and cameras to capture the wildlife.

Step 4: Meet Your Tour Guide

On the day of your tour, your guide will meet you at the airport after processing the entry formalities. Pickup times are available throughout the day and are based on the start time you chose when booking. Your guide will be waiting for you at the pickup point of your choosing.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Safari Tour

Your Viator tour will take you on a safari circuit in a 4×4 vehicle with a pop-up roof, which offers a better view of the wildlife. You can expect to see a wide range of animals, including lions, elephants, cheetahs, and of course, the wildebeest migration. Your tour will also allow plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and photo opportunities, as you explore the stunning African landscapes.

Step 6: Cancellation Policy

You can cancel the tour up to 7 days before the start date with a full refund. If you cancel less than 7 days before the start date, there will be no refunds. Please note that this tour is not wheelchair accessible, though it is stroller accessible. Pregnant travelers are not recommended to participate, and travelers must confirm their reservation within 48 hours of booking.

In conclusion, if you’re looking for an unforgettable safari experience, consider joining the great migration of the Serengeti in Tanzania this December through April with Viator. With proper planning, preparation, and booking, you can explore the stunning African landscapes and wildlife in a unique way that few other trips can offer.

Insider’s Guide to Planning Your Safari in Tanzania during December – April: The Great Migration of the Serengeti

Tanzania is an East African country well-known for its vast wilderness areas, including the Serengeti National Park, which is one of the most famous wildlife sanctuaries in the world. The Serengeti is also home to the Great Migration, a natural phenomenon that sees more than a million animals travelling across the plains in search of food and water. Planning your safari during December – April gives you the opportunity to witness this incredible event.

Local Attractions

Aside from the Great Migration, Tanzania boasts lots of wildlife and cultural experiences to enjoy. Moshi, a small town located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro, offers a serene escape to visitors, who can enjoy hikes, cultural tours, and unique dining experiences. Ngorongoro Crater is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-do activity during your safari. The crater offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the Big Five and other animals, as well as seeing the Maasai people who live there. Other attractions include Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, and the Olduvai Gorge, one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

Dining Spots

Tanzanian cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian, Arabic, and African dishes. Some of the most popular local dishes include Ugali (a starchy food made from maize flour), Nyama Choma (grilled meat), Wali (rice), and Chapati (Indian flatbread). The local food is served in many restaurants, but it’s also possible to find a range of international cuisines in larger towns and cities. Arusha, one of the major towns near the Serengeti, has lots of dining options, including the Blue Heron Restaurant, which offers a range of international dishes, and Themi Hill, which serves up local Tanzanian cuisine like Nyama Choma and Wali.

Cultural Experiences

The Maasai people are one of the many indigenous groups in Tanzania. They still maintain their traditional way of life, living in small mud houses and herding their cattle. A visit to the Maasai village will give you an opportunity to learn about their culture, history, and way of life. You can also watch them perform their traditional dance, the Adumu. If you’re interested in history, Stone Town in Zanzibar Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved Swahili coastal trading towns. The narrow streets and old buildings in Stone Town take visitors on a journey back in time.

Local History

Tanzania has a rich history, from the pre-colonial era to the present time. The Olduvai Gorge, located in the Serengeti, is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world, as it offers evidence of early human evolution. Visiting the gorge gives visitors a chance to see an active archaeological site and learn more about human evolution. In addition, the Bagamoyo ruins, located near Dar es Salaam, is another significant historical site. The ruins were once the most important slave port in East Africa.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For a unique experience, why not try hot air ballooning while on safari? It’s an excellent way to get a bird’s eye view of the Great Migration and the Serengeti plains. Another off-the-beaten-path suggestion is a visit to Lake Natron during the off-season. Located in the Rift Valley, this lake’s alkaline waters are one of the few places where flamingos breed, and it’s possible to see flocks of bright-pink birds as they take to the skies.

In conclusion, Tanzania is a country full of cultural, historical, and natural wonders. Make sure to plan your trip during December – April to witness the magical Great Migration of the Serengeti.