Continuing on from our blog last week on Tanzania’s magical northern circuit, there wasn’t enough time or space to include the mighty Serengeti. We have plenty to choose from from this vast plain, so it was necessary for the Serengeti to have its own blog.

With about 30,000 square kilometres of protected land, this vast eco-system is teeming with lots of wildlife, lots of diverse and varied eco-systems within its own, bio-diversity to dream of and because of this, the Serengeti has become incredibly popular for scientific conservation to take place as well as lots of wonderful programs, many curtesy of the BBC and the wonderful David Attenborough to thank for spreading its wonder worldwide.

But, where to stay? And what time of year should you visit? The time to visit is usually dependant on where the great migration of thousands of wildebeest are located. Between November through to May we would suggest visiting the southern Serengeti due to the wildebeest entering their calving season (late Jan – March, this does vary and often they drop sooner and some drop later). After May through to the end of November, we would suggest central Serengeti up through to the north, bordering Kenya. Throughout late June through to September the migration will be heading in and out of Northern Tanzania and Kenya’s Masai Mara, this is where you will see some stunning and mind blowing scenes as vast herds cross the Mara River – it is a sight to see.

Our go to recommendations would be the many mobile camps that follow the migration throughout the Serengeti year round, so they are in the right place at the right time as and when the herds arrive. These camps are often very traditional canvas tented camps, very rustic chic, think bucket showers (warm of course) eco loos, lots of water but not running taps, very comfortable beds, but that bit closer to the wilderness, for a more authentic experience. One of our number one mobile camps is Serengeti Safari Camp, which has recently been has a wonderful soft refurbishment – meaning the beds, upholstery, sofas and everything within the camp is spot on and very very comfortable. You will still experience the same morning and evening game drives, but feel like you have travelled back in time to the days when the first safari goers experienced similar living and witnessed similar sightings when they first embarked into Africa – all very exciting!

Our second mobile camp choices would be Serengeti Under Canvas, Legendary Serengeti Mobile Camp, Ubuntu Camp and finally the superb Kimondo. All of these camps are all incredibly similar – so if one has been booked up in advance you will hopefully have a wonderful choice with the others we recommend. Of course all these camps are continually following the migration all year round, so are always in the right place.

If you are looking for something a bit more permanent and more solid in structure (still with an element of canvas!), then look no further at the choice we have for you – Pioneer Serengeti Camp is perfect for you. This camp is styled in a very traditional colonial fashion, plus a pool with incredibly views over the Serengeti plains. Pioneer Serengeti is also the perfect place to enjoy your sundowner and capture the most incredibly, instagram-envy shot of the sun setting over the plains.

We would also recommend the stunning and very glamorous Namiri Plains. This camp is located in the western Serengeti in a ‘big cat’ rich area. Mwiba Lodge is unbelievable and really should be in our blog for next week – it is one of our go to camps, not only for its unbelievable luxury, they also offer fly camping for the ultimate night under the stars (of course, this is whether dependant and also has to be booked in advance as this is incredibly popular!).

Our final mid choice would be the all women run Dunia Camp, located slap bang in the central Serengeti. This camp is a very efficiently run camp, with delicious food, and the most warm and welcoming staff. The wildlife is absolutely incredible but it is probably one of the only places we would say you have to visit just because of the women who work there, they are the real highlight and will undoubtably make your stay one you will never forget.

We’re going to leave you on tenter hooks now and continue our Serengeti love next week. We told you there was too much to talk about in the Serengeti for just one blog… stay tuned!