Tanzania’s proverbial Crown of tourism has an eye-catching collection of jewels, but arguably, none sparkles brighter than the Serengeti. The sheer number of animals in the park make it a major crowd puller for people of all cultures and backgrounds. Surprisingly though, a relatively low number of people actually residing in Tanzania have been to the Serengeti. When you ask people why that is, you find that the reason for this is because accommodation options and safari operators worked to cater for a select group; the wealthy tourist arriving from thousands of miles to spend thousands of dollars. And it was the summer months that is considered the peak season. And despite it being the most expensive time to visit the Serengeti, you’d still have a to make quite a phone calls to find availability in any of the lodges or the luxury tented camps, many of whom would operate at close to 100% capacity during this time.
The reason for the busy summer?
The Great Wildebeest Migration. Nature’s true phenomenon draws thousands of visitors every year. This has not been the case this year, with many governments’ travel bans changing travel plans globally. But it has thrown up a wonderful chance the way of Tanzanian Citizens and Residents. Lodges and camps need to operate to avoid falling into disrepair, but they now know that their previous accommodation rates were far too expensive for the average Tanzanian. Which means that they’ve slashed their rates significantly, with accommodation providers reporting rates with discounts as huge as 75%, all in a bid to entice citizens and residents. Once you factor in the hugely discounted hotel rate with the great Wildebeest migration you get to see one of the most desirable phenomenon in the world at cut-price rates.
Once you factor in the hugely discounted hotel rate with the great Wildebeest migration you get to see one of the most desirable phenomenon in the world at cut-price rates.
For the uninitiated, the Wildebeest Migration is where approximately 2 million wildebeest trek around the ecosystem of the Serengeti in a clockwise fashion in search for water. Along with Wildebeest, there’ll be Zebras and other herbivores following in large numbers, and they’ll be closely watched by predators, who in turn follow them in search for their food. While the migration itself is an ongoing process, taking a year to complete, the summer months is where the Wildebeest begin their journey from the Western Corridor of the Serengeti to head up to the Northern sector and into the Maasai Mara, often encapsulated by the crossing of the Mara River, an occurrence known to cost thousands of Wildebeest their lives at the hands (or teeth!) of hungry crocodiles. For those that witness it, the Mara River crossing is a spectacle that they remember for years to come. For the lucky citizens and residents, they will get to witness this sensation at the lowest price there’s been for many years in unrivalled solitude. Simply put, there has never been a better time for a visit to the Serengeti.
For those that witness it, the Mara River crossing is a spectacle that they remember for years to come. For the lucky citizens and residents, they will get to witness this sensation at the lowest price there’s been for many years in unrivalled solitude. Simply put, there has never been a better time for a visit to the Serengeti.
And as far as safety is concerned, accommodation providers and tour operators are working hard to ensure they follow the regulations set about by the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health. Anti-COVID 19 measures have been in effect including social distancing, hourly disinfecting of surfaces, and the directive issued making the wearing of a face mask mandatory for all staff members ranging from vehicle drivers to accommodation security. Moreover, all tour operators have now been tasked with the enlisting a health liaison officer who will be responsible for ensuring health protocols are followed and any new information is passed along to the staff in contact with the clients. Not that it’s needed though. The National Park is one of the safest places you could travel to. Animal to human transmission is highly unlikely, and you won’t want to get within a metre of the animals in the National Parks!
In short, for citizens and residents, this is the chance of a lifetime. Offers are copious, availability is in abundance, and you may never get another chance like the one that is currently provided for you ever again!
To check out some of our resident and citizen offer, click here.
https://rickshawtravels.com/leisure/country/Tanzania
