Arusha, Ngorongoro Crater & Serengeti: Migration Safari

Arusha is located at the foothills of Mount Meru on the eastern side of the Great Rift Valley. This is the gateway to the northern safari circuit, with easy access to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Mount Meru.

Its elevation of 1 400 meters keeps temperatures relatively cool despite proximity to the equator; temperatures generally range between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius / 50 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, with little humidity due to the altitude.

Arusha is serviced by two airports, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on the eastern side, and Arusha Airport, which primarily services domestic travel. There is some good shopping available, including the impressive Cultural Heritage, with curio shops, a jewellery boutique, a Tanzanite and precious stone counter, and an art gallery.

Nestled in a quiet area just 6 kilometres southwest of Arusha's town centre, Kahawa House offers a comfortable and welcoming retreat for travellers. The lodge provides convenient access to Arusha Domestic Airport and serves as a perfect gateway to Arusha National Park. With stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Kahawa House combines tranquillity with proximity to local attractions, making it an ideal stopover for safari goers.

Activities & Highlights
Kahawa House offers a serene environment with a range of on-site amenities, including a swimming pool, terrace, and a beautiful deck where guests can enjoy lunch and dinner. The lodge’s restaurant and bar serve a variety of meals and refreshments, offering a relaxing setting after a day of exploration. Its location near Arusha National Park provides easy access to wildlife experiences, while the lodge’s garden and surrounding landscapes offer picturesque views of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Accommodation
The lodge features 28 comfortable Standard Rooms spread across four two-story buildings, each equipped with a private bathroom and a balcony. Guests can enjoy modern amenities such as Wi-Fi while being immersed in the natural beauty of the area. With its convenient location near Arusha Airport and the national park, Kahawa House ensures a seamless transition between travel and safari adventures.

Nestled within the heart of Tanzania, the Ngorongoro Crater stands as one of the most iconic and sought-after destinations for luxury safari travel. This natural wonder, often dubbed the ‘African Eden,’ promises an unforgettable experience for discerning travellers seeking the perfect safari adventure. The Ngorongoro Crater offers a unique opportunity to witness a diverse array of wildlife within a breathtakingly beautiful caldera, making it a prime destination for those looking to embark on an exclusive and unforgettable safari journey.

One of the hallmarks of a safari in Ngorongoro Crater is the personalized attention and expertise of your private guide. These experienced professionals are intimately familiar with the region’s unique ecosystems and the behaviour of its resident wildlife. With their knowledge and keen eye for spotting elusive animals, your safari adventures will be a thrilling and educational experience. Whether you’re tracking the Big Five or observing the annual wildebeest migration, your private guide ensures you won’t miss any of the mesmerizing wildlife moments this crater has to offer.

You can embark on guided walking safaris, visit Masai communities to gain insights into their traditional way of life, or even take a scenic hot air balloon ride to witness the sunrise over the crater, casting a golden glow on the landscapes below. These exclusive encounters ensure that your journey to Ngorongoro Crater transcends the ordinary, leaving you with cherished memories of an extraordinary adventure in the heart of Africa.

Nestled on a 500-acre coffee plantation, Ngorongoro Farm House is a charming and exclusive hotel that captures the elegance of a bygone era. Whether strolling through the lush gardens or soaking in the breathtaking views of the Oldeani volcano, every moment promises relaxation and serenity. The hotel’s main building, located at the heart of the lodge, features a restaurant, lounge, and an expansive terrace that overlooks the extinct volcano. With a swimming pool and on-site dining that serves farm-fresh dishes, it’s a perfect stopover for those exploring northern Tanzania.

Activities & Highlights
Ngorongoro Farm House serves as an ideal base for exploring the iconic Ngorongoro Crater and its surroundings. Guests can embark on various activities, including guided walks to the Oldeani volcano and trekking the scenic routes within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Additionally, the lodge offers opportunities to visit Lake Eyasi, where guests can experience the unique culture of the Hadzabe tribe, one of the last hunter-gatherer communities in Africa.

Accommodation
The lodge offers chalet-style rooms situated at ground level, each featuring a private terrace or balcony with views of the gardens or coffee plantation. These spacious rooms come with either a double bed or two single beds and include an ensuite bathroom with a shower. Some rooms are also interconnecting, making them ideal for families or groups traveling together. With a warm and inviting ambiance, the accommodations at Ngorongoro Farm House provide a peaceful retreat after a day of adventure.

Spanning over 1.5 million hectares of untamed wilderness, this iconic destination is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventurers seeking the ultimate safari experience. The Serengeti is renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes, magnificent biodiversity, and the annual spectacle of the Great Migration, making it one of the most sought-after safari destinations on the planet.

With a remarkable variety of animals, from the Big Five to the elusive cheetahs, zebras, and giraffes, it’s a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. The vast grasslands, acacia-dotted plains, and meandering rivers provide a breathtaking backdrop to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the plains in search of greener pastures, is an epic spectacle that has to be seen to be believed.

Game drives, guided walks, and hot air balloon safaris offer different perspectives on the park’s abundant flora and fauna. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time safari-goer, the Serengeti offers something for everyone. The vast open spaces, unspoiled landscapes, and the opportunity to witness predators on the hunt provide a unique and exhilarating experience, making it a dream destination for wildlife photography.

Preservation is at the heart of the Serengeti’s identity. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park is a testament to Tanzania’s commitment to safeguarding its natural treasures. Visitors can partake in conservation efforts by supporting local initiatives and learning about the park’s rich history. The Serengeti’s holistic approach to conservation not only protects its incredible biodiversity but also ensures a sustainable future for generations of visitors to come.

Ubuntu Migration Camp offers an intimate safari experience that brings guests closer to the action of the Great Migration. Set within the vast Serengeti plains, the camp moves with the rhythm of the migrating wildebeest, ensuring front-row access to this natural spectacle. The camp's name, "Ubuntu," means humanity, reflecting the warm, welcoming atmosphere created by the close-knit team. With relaxed surroundings, great food, and personal hospitality, Ubuntu Migration Camp offers a perfect retreat after a day of wildlife adventures.

Activities & Highlights
Ubuntu Migration Camp is ideally positioned for witnessing the dramatic Mara River crossing, a key event in the wildebeest migration. Each year, from mid-June, the camp relocates to northern Serengeti, where the massive herds gather, pursued by predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Crocodiles lie in wait in the river, making this one of the most thrilling moments of the migration. Elephants roam the nearby woodlands, and over 500 bird species can be spotted in the area.

Guests enjoy twice-daily game drives led by expert guides who provide deep insights into the Serengeti's diverse ecosystems. For photographers, the camp offers specialized vehicles, equipped with beanbags, camera rests, and 360° swivel seats for capturing wildlife at eye level. Full-day excursions with picnic lunches are also available, or guests can opt for shorter drives, returning to the tranquillity of the camp in the afternoons.

Accommodation
Ubuntu Migration Camp features canvas safari tents designed for comfort and immersion in the natural environment. The tents are fitted with king or twin beds and have en-suite bathrooms with hot-water bucket showers and flushing toilets. The mesh side panels allow natural light to filter in during the day. Each tent also includes a private porch, perfect for relaxing and enjoying views of the surrounding plains, where wildlife sightings are a daily occurrence.