AAC Senior Journey Specialist Sara Stark traveled to Tanzania during its green season. She joins us on the blog to share more about her experience. Welcome, Sara!
My recent trip to Tanzania gave me a lot to think about. Many travelers automatically assume that peak season is the best time to visit Africa’s iconic destinations, but off season, or ‘secret season,’ has some big advantages that should have some reconsidering what the best time to travel really means.
There is a common perception that Tanzania’s most famous destinations, like Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, are overcrowded with tourists. That can be true at certain times of year, but those same places can feel completely different outside of peak season. My visit to the Crater in March was a stark contrast to a high season September game drive. It felt like the wildlife paradise most people imagine when they dream about Africa. The landscape was lush and green, the animals looked relaxed and healthy and there were lots of babies. I enjoyed sweeping views with many types of animals all visible at once and birdlife was everywhere. I was fortunate to see all that with only a fraction of the vehicles you see during peak season.
Northern Serengeti was equally surprising. It’s an area many travelers visit July through October to view Great Migration river crossings, but visiting in shoulder season felt like having a private slice of Africa. Sitting along the river, I enjoyed a full bush breakfast with made-to-order eggs, toast and Champagne. Instead of hearing other vehicle engines and people talking, I only heard the sound of hippos honking. I saw no other tourists. It felt almost unreal, and the experience was made even more special when we spotted a lioness with seven young cubs.
Another major advantage of traveling in the off season is the lower cost. Luxury camps and lodges with high peak season prices are much more affordable in shoulder season – usually 20% and 50% off – while still offering the same high-quality experiences. Many safari itineraries include three nights per location, but it’s worth considering staying at luxury properties longer when rates are lower. It gives you time to truly enjoy the lodge itself, including features like the pool and spa, and perhaps an armchair safari from the deck where you can also enjoy incredible views.
Throughout my trip I stayed at many wonderful camps and lodges. One of the standouts was Chem Chem Lodge. Situated near Lake Manyara, the lodge offers many wildlife and cultural experiences, including exceptional walking safaris. Entamanu, located on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater, also offers immersive cultural experiences and top-notch hiking. And, further north, Lamai Serengeti stood out for having one of the best views I have ever seen in Africa. Each of the 12 luxurious rooms are open-fronted with private patios that look out over the Serengeti plains.
During my stay in Serengeti, I had the opportunity to visit one of the safe houses for Hope for Girls and Women, one of AAC’s charitable partners. This organization fights for the rights and health of girls and women in Tanzania and provides shelter to those fleeing Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage and other forms of gender-based violence. It was moving to meet the girls and women and to hear their stories. It was inspiring to learn about how they have gained their independence and are getting an education and building skills for their future. To learn more about Hope for Girls and Women in Tanzania, visit hopeforgirlsandwomen.org.
Overall, traveling outside of high season was a well-rounded experience with fantastic wildlife viewing, beautiful landscapes, unique experiences, opportunities to visit meaningful projects and a mix of adventure and relaxation.
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Photos courtesy AAC Senior Journey Specialist Sara Stark