Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
The Thrill of Tanzania: Migration and Predation
Tanzania
February 2 to 17, 2024
Migration and Predation
Timing is everything. The vast herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle that constitute the Great Migration of the Serengeti ecosystem arrived in the southern shortgrass plains just after the seasonal rains brought a green hue back to the landscape. February proved to be the perfect time for seeing young herbivores and carnivores, as well as migratory birds from Europe and Asia, who joined the many colorful resident species to partake in the bounty of nature. Travelers witnessed about 50 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds, along with some fascinating reptiles. The diverse habitats of Arusha National Park, Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti provided an unforgettable wildlife-watching experience.
Highlights
- Tarangire’s Elephants: Observing these giants as they frolicked in wetlands or feasted on grass and leaves beneath towering baobab trees.
- Dramatic Predators: Searching for lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas, and observing their complex social systems.
- Colorful Birdlife: Enjoying sightings of weavers, rollers, starlings, oxpeckers, secretarybirds, and storks in their natural habitats.
- Herbivores and Carnivores: Comparing the ecological strategies of diverse herbivores and small carnivores.
- Ngorongoro Crater: Marveling at the dense wildlife herds contained by the lush caldera walls.
- Great Migration: Experiencing the astonishing abundance of large mammals involved in the Serengeti’s Great Migration.
- Cultural Heritage: Learning about early hominid discoveries at Oldupai Gorge and the traditional pastoral heritage of the Maasai.
“First class accommodations combined with experienced guides.” -Alan Robinson
Day 1: Arrived in Arusha
Participants met with local guides and fellow travelers, setting the stage for an exciting journey.
Day 2: Exploring Arusha National Park
The journey began with a day on the slopes of Mt. Meru, ascending through montane forest to spot baboons, monkeys, African buffalo, and dozens of bird species. The group peered into the pristine ecosystem of Ngurdoto Crater and proceeded through woodlands to the Momela Lakes, observing a wide variety of wildlife, including giraffes, waterbucks, shorebirds, and flamingos.
Days 3–4: Wildlife Encounters in Tarangire National Park
In Tarangire National Park, travelers explored a diverse landscape of open plains, baobab stands, riverine forest, and extensive marshes. They observed resident lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, zebras, giraffes, and much more. The park also offered exceptional birding opportunities with several endemic species. A special night game drive provided unique sightings of nocturnal mammals like civets, genets, springhares, mongooses, and bushbabies.
Days 5–7: The Wonders of Ngorongoro Crater
The group headed west to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, ascending to the crater rim for breathtaking views of the landscape below. They explored one of the world’s largest calderas, home to a diverse ecosystem supporting lions, hyenas, baboons, zebras, hippos, and more. The visit to Empakaai Crater offered stunning views and a chance to walk through beautiful forest to a pristine caldera lake.
Days 8–10: The Great Migration in Ngorongoro and Serengeti
Travelers ventured into the short-grass plains of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where they witnessed the vast migratory herds and the synchronized calving of wildebeest. This period also meant an abundance of predators, making it a prime area for lion prides and cheetahs. Lakes Ndutu and Masek provided exceptional birding and opportunities to see scavengers like vultures, eagles, jackals, and hyenas.
“A high-end experience with the best accommodations and most experienced and knowledgeable guides.” -Alan Rackelmann
Days 11–12: Exploring Central Serengeti
The group journeyed north to the Central Serengeti, a landscape of rolling plains, dramatic rock outcrops, and riverine forests. They enjoyed superb birding, spotting diurnal birds of prey, sunbirds, bee-eaters, rollers, and more. The Acacia Bliss Tented Camp, set in a stunning landscape, offered excellent wildlife sightings, including leopards. A visit to the Serengeti visitor center provided insights into the region’s ecology and history.
Day 13: Discovering Oldupai Gorge and Ngorongoro Highlands
After a final breakfast in the Serengeti, travelers visited Oldupai Gorge, renowned for early hominid discoveries, and its museum. They also had the opportunity to visit a Maasai Village before relaxing at the Ngorongoro Farm House, where they shared highlights of their safari. During their stay, guests were fortunate enough to encounter Jane Goodall at the lodge. Cheesemans’ co-owner and co-CEO, Scott Davis, took some time to chat with her, rekindling a personal history that goes way back.
Day 14: Returned to Arusha
The group returned back to Arusha filled with wonderful new memories, full hearts and SD cards, as well as many stories to tell when they returned home.
Mkomazi National Park Extension: Northern Tanzania’s Hidden Gem
February 16 to 20, 2024
Participants discovered the exclusive Mkomazi National Park, a conservation success story and beautiful landscape that few visitors to Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit even know about. In the 1980s, only 11 elephants survived in the area, but today a thousand or more wandered through this landscape. This birding paradise offered the chance to see wintering birds from Eurasia, as well as many beautiful resident species. With only two small camps, travelers enjoyed the rare privilege of wildlife viewing without hordes of competing tourists. This was wild Africa at its finest!
Day 1: Drove to Mkomazi
After lunch in Arusha, travelers enjoyed the changing scenery as they proceeded east to Moshi at the foot of majestic Mt. Kilimanjaro, then southeast to the Pare Mountains and the entrance to Mkomazi National Park on the border with Kenya. They encountered vervet monkeys and colorful birds at the park entrance, then observed birds and mammals in the lush landscape. The group settled in at Mkomazi Wilderness Lodge to savor the sunset and enjoy some bush luxury with a friendly staff.
Day 2: Exploring Mkomazi National Park
Near the camp, Dindera Dam created an oasis that attracted thirsty wildlife. Participants saw elephants, giraffes, elands, zebras, kongonis, and other herbivores, as well as some of the carnivores looking for a meal. The lake also hosted storks, waterfowl, shorebirds, and much more. A bush breakfast near the lake provided exciting wildlife observation opportunities and delicious sustenance. Travelers discovered endemic bird species not found elsewhere in Tanzania.
Day 3: More Exploring of Mkomazi National Park
The day involved a leisurely game drive through the park to visit a center where captive breeding programs and releases have had remarkable success in restoration efforts for endangered black rhinos and African wild dogs. This was a special opportunity to see conservation in action and to observe hyraxes, yellow baboons, colorful lizards, and flashy birds. The park also hosted the elegant fringe-eared oryx, the spiral-horned lesser kudu, the shy red duiker, and the bizarre long-necked gerenuk. In the evening, participants shared highlights of their adventures and toasted their incomparable driver-guides.
Day 4: Morning in the Park and Drove Back to Kilimanjaro Area
The final morning featured another memorable game drive, looking for any of the special animals that may have been missed. Previous guests rated this park visit as one of the most memorable of their safari experiences. Afterward, the group drove back through Moshi to the Kia Lodge for relaxation, optional birding, and preparation for departure at nearby Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Day 5: Arrive Home
Participants arrive home, filled with memories of their Tanzanian journey.
Prized Memory: “On the main safari, it was getting up close to a multi female and adolescent cub pride of lions who were playing in a low tree and around our vehicles in the central Serengeti portion of our trip. For the Mkomazi extension, it was seeing the wild dogs up close during their feeding time.” -Alan Robinson
Join Us for Future Adventures!
Inspired by this journey? Don’t miss our next incredible adventure in Tanzania, happening from July 16 to August 1, 2025! Witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, explore diverse landscapes, and encounter Africa’s most iconic wildlife. Reserve your spot today and be part of an unforgettable safari experience with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris.
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