Bucket List Destinations – July – Great Migration

You might have noticed by now that a lot of my bucket list destinations have a leaning towards seeing our amazing wildlife in their natural habitat and this month is no exception. The Great Migration sees thousands of wildebeest and other savannah dwellers travelling through the Serengeti and Masai Mara following the rains to new feeding grounds. This is the largest mass movement of land mammals on the planet – more than a million animals migrate and as well as the wildebeest you can expect to see large prides of lions, elephants, giraffes, gazelles and eland, to mention but a few.

You’re likely to start your trip in Arusha. Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, this sprawling city is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds.

Once you’re ready to head out on safari, you’ll take a morning flight from Arusha to Serengeti National Park. The Serengeti together with Kenya’s Masai Mara Game Park form Africa’s most famous wildlife park. The image of acacia trees on an endless grass plain epitomises Africa for many, and then add a Masai warrior and some cattle to the picture, and the vision is complete.

To add to this incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience, why not take your accommodation to the migration, with unique Bush Rover Suites – working Land Rovers which open out into stunning safari rooms. The 14ft x 16ft tented bedrooms sit on a sturdy metal platform at the top of the Land Rover. Each suite has solar powered lighting and hot water, a flush loo and even a bath tub in the back! The elevation of the bedroom and balcony is key to the experience, giving guests a sense of security but also getting as close to the wildlife as possible. Drinks are enjoyed by the camp fire under the endless stars before dinner in the cosy dining tent. The private camp is made up of just five Bush Rovers in the best locations to be right in the middle of the great wildebeest migration but away from the crowds. Your next day or two will be spent on game drives, enjoying the spectacle of the migration up close and personal before returning to your relaxing accommodation.

You’ll return to Arusha and a popular extension is to head to the spice island of Zanzibar. Zanzibar’s turquoise waters and white sand beaches offer the quintessential tropical paradise and a perfect place to unwind after your safari. You’re not limited to lounging around on the beaches (although who could blame you?), there’s world-class snorkelling and diving among coral reefs, sailing on a traditional dhow and absorbing the Swahili culture. In Stone Town, the hub of the spice trade for two thousand years, you can wander through the winding alleys, coming across spice markets and piles of cinnamon and nutmeg lying in the sun.

This is only one of many superb safari destinations and options available at all times of the year, so if you could like to find out more, just get in touch!