July saw the onset of the dry season and marked the beginning of the safari season. After the long rains of April and May, the safari parks were lush and teeming with offspring. Come July, the parks began drying up and animals now concentrate closer to water sources, such as annual rivers.
This period also marks the exodus of the renowned Serengeti wildebeest migration from western Serengeti, heading north to the Mara Watershed for the much-anticipated river crossing. The migration, dubbed the greatest show on earth, sees 1.5 million wildebeest migrate annually, traversing the Serengeti ecosystem’s 30,000 square kilometers / 12,000 square miles, making it one of the world’s largest animal migrations. We have begun to witness several crossings on the Mara River, famous for the dramatic river crossings featured in many documentaries. It is here where the world’s largest crocodile, the Nile crocodile, lays in wait for a meal. Half of the river is located in Tanzania and hosts the migrating herds well into November.
The Perfect Time for Safari
Due to travel restrictions among some source markets, a safari can guarantee a safe and crowd-free trip for the remainder of the year. Low tourist numbers mean fewer safari vehicles and therefore less crowding at river crossing points.
Coveted accommodations selectively located in northern Serengeti for witnessing the migration usually book out a year or more in advance, but the pandemic has meant that properties still have availability and many have extended enticing discounts and incentives:
- Last-Minute Booking Discount – Booked within 6 weeks of travel and enjoy a discounted room rate. Discounts as low as 25% off.
- Long Stay Specials – If the year has taught us anything, it is to take things slow and appreciate a more relaxed pace. Many properties are echoing this sentiment with long stay offers such as book 5 nights, pay for 4.
- Discounted Low Season Rates All Year – Enjoy lower off-season rates during peak season. Discounts can be hundreds of dollars off per night.
- 50% Off Child Rates – After a year of home schooling and extended screen time, why not bring your family to learn about the wildlife?
- Circuit Discounts – Accommodations with properties in other parks like Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and Lake Manyara, are offering circuit discounts if your itinerary includes a certain number of nights at multiple properties.
Why not take advantage of these offerings and come spend time in Africa’s striking landscapes? Contact your Travel Expert to take advantage of these deals.
Covid-19 and Your Trip
Tanzania is open to tourists who adhere to basic COVID-19 protocols. Standard Operating Procedures have been put in place to ensure you and the staff you meet are safe. PCR testing is also common throughout the region, even in remote northern Serengeti, so that you can satisfy testing requirements of your home countries before departure.
If you can travel, why not visit Tanzania and go on the perfect social distancing holiday – a wildlife safari?!
