The Serengeti Selous Safari - Nomads-2

The Serengeti Selous Safari….
Experience the best of the Serengeti migration on the southern grass plains followed by the remote and wild
northern Serengeti; then head over to the Selous for big mammals and river life. The Serengeti is a year round
destination. The Selous is dry, hot with good wildlife during July - October, and November - March & June, it
is likely to be greener with beautiful birdlife and lovely landscapes. You may work slightly harder to see
wildlife but it's still a wonderful time to visit.
Overview:
Day 1 Serengeti Safari Camp
Day 2 Serengeti Safari Camp
Day 3 Serengeti Safari Camp
Day 4 Lamai Serengeti
Day 5 Lamai Serengeti
Day 6 Sand Rivers Selous
Day 7 Sand Rivers Selous
Day 8 Sand Rivers Selous
Day 9 Flight to Arusha
Day 1 On arrival at Arusha Airport, you shall connect your onward flight to Ndutu in the southern Serengeti plains.
The mighty Serengeti is Tanzania’s most famous national park found in the southern sector of Maasai Mara. It
covers some 14,760sq km of gloriously varied savannah, gold-green plains, verdant hills and volcanically
contorted mountains with an extraordinary concentration of animals here, to include some spectacular prides
of lion and wildebeest. The torrents of the Grumenti River are also home to hundreds of fearsomely gigantic crocodiles.
A million wildebeest... each one driven by the same ancient rhythm, fulfilling its instinctive role in the inescapable cycle of
life: a frenzied three-week bout of territorial conquests and mating; survival of the fittest as 40km long columns plunge
through crocodile-infested waters on the annual exodus north; replenishing the species in a brief population explosion
that produces more than 8,000 calves daily before the 1,000 km pilgrimage begins again
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Even when the migration is quiet, the Serengeti offers arguably the most scintillating game-viewing in Africa: great herds
of buffalo, smaller groups of elephant and giraffe, and thousands upon thousands of eland, topi, kongoni, impala and
Grant’s gazelle. The spectacle of predator versus prey dominates Tanzania’s greatest park. Golden-maned lion prides
feast on the abundance of plain grazers. Solitary leopards haunt the acacia trees lining the Seronera River, while a high
density of cheetahs prowls the southeastern plains. Almost uniquely, all three African jackal species occur here, alongside
the spotted hyena and a host of more elusive small predators, ranging from the insectivorous aardwolf to the beautiful
serval cat. But there is more to Serengeti than large mammals. Gaudy agama lizards and rock hyraxes scuffle around the
surfaces of the park’s isolated granite koppies. 100 varieties of dung beetle have been recorded, as have 500-plus bird
species, ranging from the outsized ostrich and bizarre secretary bird of the open grassland, to the black eagles that soar
effortlessly above the Lobo Hills. As enduring as the game viewing is the liberating sense of space that characterizes the
Serengeti Plains, stretching across sunburnt savannah to a shimmering golden horizon at the end of the earth. Yet, after
the rains, this golden expanse of grass is transformed into an endless green carpet flecked with wildflowers. And there are
also wooded hills and towering termite mounds, rivers lined with fig trees and acacia woodland stained orange by dust.
On arrival at the airstrip you shall met by your private Nomad car and guide for a short game drive to camp on
the edge of the Ndutu woodlands. Settle in to camp for a delicious lunch, siesta in the heat of the day before
heading out on an afternoon game drive.
Serengeti Safari Camp is a traditional mobile tented camp which moves through the season from the grassy plain to
rolling wooded hills and dramatic granite kopjes, all within the national park. The camp itself is small and built in classic
safari style, with only six comfortable walk-in tents, each with its own en suite bathroom, with flush loo and bucket
shower. It was designed with a purpose in mind; to be in the best possible location to view the wildebeest migration as it
covers hundreds of miles of the Serengeti National Park each year. So it should come as no surprise that it really hasn't
changed much since its early pioneering days. For a few months of the year the migration is on its doorstep at Lamai
Serengeti. But of course the wildebeest move and this is what our Serengeti Safari Camp is all about - understanding the
Serengeti seasons and game movements and mirroring them. Serengeti Safari Camp has just 6 large walk-in meru tents,
with a dressing area and then an en-suite bathroom at the rear. New eco-flush toilets and safari-style bucket showers, as
well as jugs of hot and cold water delivered as and when you'd like them. The main dining tent sits in the middle of the
line of tents, with the fireplace right in front and a separate library /bar tent nearby.
Return to camp for hot safari showers, ice cold drinks around the fire and dinner under the stars.
Dinner and Overnight at Serengeti Safari Camp.
Day 2 –
Full day at Serengeti Safari Camp. You can entirely dictate the pace of your day, in discussion with your guide.
Search for lion or cheetah along the edge of the woodland, or head out into the vast plains to get in amongst the
wildebeest migration, along with herds of zebra and gazelle at every turn. You'll be surprised by the fabulous
variety of birdlife in this area as well as the carpet of flowers that develops within the first rains.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Serengeti Safari Camp
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Day 3 –
Another day of fabulous game viewing. There are no limits to your game viewing – you can leave camp at
dawn with a picnic lunch, and return at last light. Or you can take morning and evening drives returning to
camp for lunch in between. The whole structure of the day is deliberately designed to cater for each person’s
individual interests. And as you won’t be sharing the vehicle with strangers, you’ll be able to indulge your own
interests…without having to endure other people. Evening game drives in this area can be good for Leopard as
well as other smaller African cats like Serval, African Wildcat and even Caracal if you're extremely lucky.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Serengeti Safari Camp
Day 4 After breakfast you shall be transferred to the airstrip, to catch a scheduled flight from Ndutu to Kogatende in
the Northern Serengeti; too often ignored at this time of year, this area is a gem in the green season with yearround resident game and very few people.
Lamai Serengeti is nestled in the Kogakuria kopjes overlooking the Mara River valley and Lamai beyond. This 12-room
camp combines canvas, rock and thatch and each room enjoys one of the best views in the whole Serengeti. Lamai
Serengeti is a small intimate safari lodge located in amongst the large round boulders of the Kogakurjia Kopjes of the
Northern Serengeti.
This stunning spot, with huge views of the Serengeti towards the Mara River, is best known for the epic river crossings by
the migrating wildebeest herds that take place here between July and October. It’s less known for the superb resident
game that remains for the rest of the year after the migration circus has left town. The lodge, which has a total of just 12
rooms, is divided into two entirely separate camps - the Main Camp and the smaller Lamai Private Camp, which has to be
one of the best places to stay as a family or group of friends. Each room site has been carefully thought out; first with the
elements in mind, to take maximum advantage of the view, the sun, the wind and even the rain, second, to be virtually
invisible from outside to the casual eye. The rooms, which are beautifully designed, are a clever blend of canvas, plaster
and natural poles. Both camps have a natural rock swimming pool to keep everyone cool on a steamy day a library and
map room. There is a fantasy bar area with cosy nooks hidden within the rocks, fabulous food, perfectly chilled wine,
outdoor showers, and roomy verandas with sofas to sink into.
Dinner and Overnight at Lamai Serengeti Camp
Day 5 Full day ay Lamai Serengeti Camp. Dominated by the Mara River, groaning with crocs and hippos, this area is
great for elephant as well as big herds buffalo, lion, cheetah as well as leopard in the many kopjes that make this
landscape so distinctive. Also look out for small Oribi which thrives in this area, but is otherwise extremely
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scarce in northern Tanzania generally. As well as quiet drives and walking safaris between camp and the Mara
River itself, guests are encouraged to cross the river into the Lamai wedge itself, which runs north to the Kenya
border. After the rains, the short grass plains in this area attract concentrations of plains game from Kenya's
Maasai Mara to rival even the southern Serengeti at times - and with them, a great chance of seeing lion, hyena
and cheetah.
Dinner and Overnight at Lamai Serengeti Camp
Day 6 –
Catch the morning flight from here via Arusha, to the Selous landing at Kiba airstrip in the afternoon (stops at
other airstrips along the way are expected).
Selous Game Reserve is one of the largest faunal reserves of the world, located in the south of Tanzania. he reserve
covers a total area of 54,600 km2 (21,100 sq mi) and has additional buffer zones. Within the reserve no permanent human
habitation or permanent structures are permitted. All (human) entry and exit is carefully controlled by the Wildlife
Division of the Tanzanian Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. Some of the typical animals of the savanna can be
found in this park in larger numbers than in any other African game reserve or national park. Its general inaccessibility,
combined with the fact that no human habitation is allowed within its boundaries, has ensured a magnificent refuge for
animals, birds, insects and reptiles. Tanzania is home to one of the single largest remaining elephant populations in the
world. Most of these elephants are found in the Selous Game Reserve. Elephant may be seen bathing in the Rufiji River
and the other rivers, browsing in the palm swamps, or crossing the track just ahead of you. Lion are frequent, as also are
vast herds of buffalo, the most numerous animal in the reserve. A pack of wild dogs may be observed. One of the last
places in Africa where one may encounter the wild dog. In the savannah and woodland one may observe wildebeest,
zebras, giraffe, waterbuck, baboon or eland, just to mention a few of the species found in the Selous. An extremely rich
birdlife includes goliath heron, open billed stork, hammerkop, fish eagle, sunbird, kingfishers and many others to excite
the
ornithologist
and
nature
lover
alike.
Here some of Africa's finest virgin bush, unchanged throughout thousands of years, is inhabited by three-quarters of a
million wild animals. Second in number only to the Serengeti. The isolation of the area is accentuated by the Rufiji River
system; East Africa's largest. Its massive tributaries, the Great Ruaha, Kilombero and Luwegu, flow through the centre of
the reserve. Although opened in 1905, Selous has remained one of the least known reserves. Only the comparatively small
portion of the reserve to the north of the Rufiji- Ruaha River systems and the Mgeta- Ruvu River systems is open as a
photographic area. The vast south remains largely unfrequented.
Arrive at the lodge, the drive is about 40 minutes, and settle in.
Sand Rivers Selous has just 8 open-fronted rooms are designed for maximum comfort, each room is open-fronted and
raised on decks overlooking the river, with panoramic views out over the river. The only noises you hear are those of the
wildlife. The main mess is spacious, open-fronted and cool. There's a chill-out area near the library and then acres of
dining spots - around the main pool, privately tucked away in a quiet corner of the mess or on the social managers table.
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Take an early evening trip down the Rufiji River, slowly floating downstream with a cold beer, watching the
river life go by. Later sit around the bar at the end of the day, the drinks are cold and there's always good stories
to be told.
Dinner and Overnight at Sand Rivers Selous
Day 7 –
Head out in the cool of the early morning and take a walk along the riverine forest; have a cook-out breakfast en
route. After lunch we'd suggest a short game drive out towards the hide, where you can hang out and watch the
game undisturbed.
Dinner and Overnight at Sand Rivers Selous
Day 8 After breakfast in camp, take a game drive further out into the reserve. If you want to walk for a while, the car
can meet you at the next stop. Have a picnic in one of the favourite spots. Before heading back along the river
line where you can stop for a sundowner and meet one of our boats which will take you back the lodge.
Dinner and Overnight at Sand Rivers Selous
Day 9 Lazy start with breakfast around the pool and maybe a quick swim following by your departure to the airstrip
for your scheduled flight back to Arusha, where you shall connect your onward international flight
END OF PROGRAM.
The cost of safari varies according to both the particular camp and the season. A week in our camps will range
from around US$4300 to US$6800 per person sharing
Include activities, full board accommodation, drinks & laundry but exclude park fees and flights. Low season is
generally Nov - March excluding Christmas.
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