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Frequently asked question |
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When is the best time to
visit the Serengeti?
Month by month: the Serengeti wildebeest migration
The short rains begin around early November. A little after
this, in late November and December, the herds of the
wildebeest migration arrive on the short-grass plains of the
Serengeti. These are south and east of Seronera, around
Ndutu and include the north of the Ngorongoro Conservation
Area. Dispersed across these plains, wildebeest and zebra
are everywhere – feeding on the fresh, nutritious grasses.
They stay here through January, February and March, with
most wildebeest calves born in a short window around
February. Gradually they spread west across these plains,
then around April they start their great migration north.
By May the Serengeti's wildebeest all seem to be moving
north, migrating to seek fresh grazing and water. The area
around Moru Kopjes and west of Seronera is then hectic with
a series of moving columns, often containing hundreds of
thousands of animals – joined by many zebra, and a
scattering of Thompson's and Grant's gazelles.
Some of the migration then head due north of Seronera, but
most are usually further west. Around June the wildebeest
migration is often halted on the south side of the Grumeti
River, which has some channels which block or slow their
migration north. The wildebeest then congregate there, in
the Western Corridor, often building up to a high density
before crossing the river. The river here is normally a
series of pools and channels, but it's not continuous – and
so whilst they always represent an annual feast for the
Grumeti River's large crocodiles, these aren't usually quite
as spectacular as the crossings of the Mara River, further
north.
The wildebeest migration continues moving northwards during
July and August, often spreading out across a broad front:
some heading through Grumeti Reserve and Ikorongo, others
north through the heart of the Serengeti National Park.
September sees the herds spread out across the northern
Serengeti, where the Mara River provides the migration with
its most serious obstacle. This river gushes through the
northern Serengeti from Kenya's adjacent Maasai Mara Game
Reserve. Watching the frantic herds of the wildebeest
migration crossing the Mara River can be very spectacular;
there are often scenes of great panic and confusion. It's
common to see herds cross the Mara River north on one day,
and then back south a few days later.
By October the wildebeest herds are migrating again with
more accord: all are heading south, through western Loliondo
and the Serengeti National Park's Lobo area, returning to
the green shoots which follow the rains on the short-grass
plains of the southern Serengeti in November.
Then the whole Serengeti Wildebeest migration starts again …
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What is your policy with
drinks?
All soft drinks, beers, Champagne, special wines and
luxury spirits are not included in the room rates.
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Are children allowed at the
camp?
Children over 6 are allowed at the camp – we are located in
an area frequented by wild animals, making it less suitable
for small children. We can however, under special
circumstances, make exceptions.
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Do you accommodate special
dietary requirements?
Please let us know about your dietary requirements in
advance and we will cater for your particular preferences.
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What activities are there?
Due to the location of the camp in the middle of the best
wildlife-viewing area, walking out of camp is not possible.
However you will be taken on game drives and can enjoy
picnic lunches as well as sundowner drinks in specially
selected spots. For an extra fee you can enjoy a hot air
balloon ride, and we can also arrange visits to a Maasai
village as well as walks outside the national
park with an armed ranger.
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How is Nasikia eco-friendly?
Nasikia was built using local materials and labour. We
pledged to minimize our impact on the environment and thus
electricity and hot water are provided using solar panels,
while our rubbish is disposed of in an eco-friendly way.
Glass and waste paper are brought back to Arusha for
recycling. Accommodation is in luxury tents, thoughtfully
placed, and there are no permanent structures.
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Do I need to take any health
precautions?
Malaria can be avoided by using repellents and staying well
covered when around mosquitoes. However some doctors
recommend malaria prophylactics, as well as certain
inoculations before traveling in Tanzania. It is always
advisable to also consult your own doctor for your best
personal advice.
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Are there any snakes or
bugs?
You are in the wild, which is naturally home to a wealth of
animal, reptile and insect life! Snakes and stinging insects
are unlikely to feature in your safari, but if they do you
will most likely find that you will incorporate them as part
of your African experience. Snakes are more scared of you
than you are of them and tend to stay out of your way.
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How do I tip the staff?
Gratuities are at your discretion. We advise you to tip your
driver/guide at the end of your last game drive. For all
other camp staff, excluding the drivers/guides, we have a
gratuity box located in the lounge which is then shared
equally.
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What should I wear?
The Serengeti tends is generally hot during the day, although
seldom uncomfortably so. However the temperature drops in
the evening and nights can be chilly by Tanzanian standards.
You should bring comfortable, practical clothes for the day,
and many guests on safari favour cotton slacks and shirts in
natural colours to blend in with the bush. You will need
trousers and a sweater or jacket for early mornings and
evenings and suitably protective footwear, especially at
night.
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How can I book Nasikia?
Contact our reservation offices directly (contacts listed on
our contacts page) or through your travel agent.
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Can I ask you a question?
Yes you can! Just mail us at info@nasikialuxurycamps.com we
will be more than happy to answer any questions you may
have!
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