Latest news from Tanzania

Once again the migration dominated our safaris in the Serengeti and northern circuit during the last season. Last year we had a very dry April/May season and the migration was a few weeks earlier than normal through the western corridor in June/July and with unusually late rains in September drew a lot of the migration back down from Kenya’s Mara.

Rains through the early part of the season were sporadic but they broke with the full Easter moon. For those on safari at this time, the dark storm clouds flying over the Serengeti and Loliondo were a truly dramatic sight. Much of the rain has been falling at night, leaving the days clear.

Not surprisingly there has been an instant change in the distribution of the game and the Migration has rushed back to the short grass plains around Ndutu, Gol and southern Loliondo. Since these have been heavy rains, we would expect them to stay around for a while if the showers continue.

The next phase to look out for is the annual calving and everybody is expecting the Serengeti to start drying out until around the long rains in April/May.

On a separate note we did some great recce work for walking safaris in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Conservation Areas last year (see a separate note on "an adventure too far" to Ol Doinyo Lengai).

These are active trips, absolutely ideal for people who prefer the focus to be on wildlife, top guides, remote areas and few tourists. (Nothing anti-social here – just the way we were accustomed to running traditional safaris in southern Africa – a very refreshing advance for Tanzania.)

In the south and west of Tanzania, Ruaha had its moments last season but the Selous had outstanding feedback throughout the season – easy access, simple to combine with Zanzibar, top guides and clearly the best fly-camping and luxury lodging in the country.

Our Katavi-Mahale safari remains an extraordinary combination with stark contrasts, diverse habitats and some wildlife experiences that you'll simply find hard to match anywhere in Africa.  (Arguably the best East African safari for seasoned travellers.)

In the north look out for

• privately guided combinations of Tarangire/Manyara/Ngorongoro and the Serengeti – top guides guaranteed to get right into the migration!

• Set date departures for small groups of 6 – available at best rates with no compromise on guiding standards or comfort

• Speak to us about the new Serengeti and Ngorongoro walking safaris in 2009 and 2010 – suited to active souls

In the south and west think about

• Katavi and Mahale - simply extraordinary!

• Selous is easy – great vistas, big game, top private guides, choose either luxury or wild-camping (or do both)

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