There are few places left on the planet that remain perfect examples of the term “off the beaten path.” Tourism is nearly everywhere in the 21st century, and even the travel specialists at Global Basecamps find it more and more difficult to define these locations. This week, we’d like to define “OTBP” in Tanzania.

There is a reason Tanzania is one of the premier destinations for a quintessential African safari. There are world famous national parks here that are synonymous with wildebeest migrations and Big 5 sightings, and with good reason; don’t let anyone tell you that Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara aren’t hands down the best parks for wildlife viewing in Tanzania. This “Northern Circuit” is popular worldwide, and sees tons of travelers annually.

We don’t want to discourage you from experiencing these destinations; they are magnificent and we love them ourselves! A Tanzania Safari specifically highlights these parks should they call to you. However, if you have the time and the inclination, there are many parks around Tanzania that deserve your attention and your travel, and on average receive far less of both.

One of our own recently returned from her trip to Tanzania. She was kind enough to share some of her pictures and experiences with us! This is How We Travel.

I just had the incredible opportunity to embark on a nine day Tanzania tour through Tanzania’s Northern Circuit. This was my first time traveling to Africa, and it couldn’t have been a better introduction to this incredible continent. The safari not only highlighted the incredible wildebeest migration and big game, but also allowed us to interact with the local tribes, and gain a deeper understanding into their daily lives and culture.

Day 1: After a long 24 hours of traveling from California, we arrived at Kilimanjaro Airport. Stepping off the plane onto the open airstrip and taking in our first breath of Africa was truly an experience in and of itself. On arrival we were met by the smiling face of our guide Francis. We loaded up the iconic Toyota Land Cruiser and were on our way to Arusha. Checking in at the charming Ahadi lodge around 11:30PM, exhausted and hungry, the kind and attentive staff were more than accommodating, and provided us with a hot and delicious three course meal. With our tummies full we went to sleep with dreams of Africa.

Documentaries come and go, and sometimes they are as easily forgettable as they are initially impactful, but we think Born to Be Wild, a film directed by David Lickley, deserves a little more attention. Nature documentaries have always been commercially and critically successful, and over the last few years the popularization of marching penguins, along with BBC-produced hi-def documentary series have certainly raised the bar for commercial success. High definition, 3-D and IMAX formats, along with the narrations of a man named Morgan Freeman are the new formula it seems.

If “Morocco” does not evoke thoughts of green-living and eco-travel, if the the arid hills of Northern Africa are not on your list of destinations for your around the world tour, and if you don’t think a traditional Moroccan kasbah somewhere between the Atlas Mountains and coastal Agadir can teach us how to live our lives more harmoniously with our environment, let Atlas Kasbah Ecolodge change your perspective. When the travel specialists here at Global Basecamps were researching travel opportunities in Morocco, we were giddy to find a local property that so closely matched our company ethos of sustainable travel.

Tanzania is an ideal safari destination, with incredible wildlife and pristine wilderness. Witnessing the Great Migration is one of the highlights of a Tanzania Safari. The great migration is usually in the Serengeti from December to September. During the dry months of December, January, and February the migration is a mass of hundreds of thousands of animals. While in the months of March, April, and May the migration splits up into different groups roaming around the Serengeti in search of fresh grasses. For the best wildlife viewing visit during the months of November/December to February and July to September. To avoid the crowds, consider planning your trip in May, June, or November. Here are a few of our Tanzania travel tips to consider when planning your safari.

Dos

Pack light. Be sure your bags are less than 20kg, as that is the maximum weight allowed on most airlines. Bring a light suitcase that is easy to carry, as well as a small day pack to bring with you on safari drives to hold your camera, snacks, water, etc.

Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothes that dry quickly. Clothing in earthy tones does not attract insects and blends in with nature. Avoid black clothing, as it absorbs the heat. Bring a jacket for early morning drives and chilly nights.

Consider staying in a canvas tent, close to the wildlife and under the beautiful Serengeti night sky. Camping allows for great flexibility to explore more remote locations. Nasikia Luxury Camps are mobile camps that shift location, depending on the Great Wildebeest Migration. The luxury camps have ensuite bathrooms, running water, and hot showers. Whether you are looking for a luxury safari experience or are on a budget, we offer a wide range of camping options all allowing for prime game viewing.