Join Stephen Mills, naturalist and wildlife researcher, writer and film-maker on this exclusive safari. Each day you will spend the maximum amount of time observing, understanding and enjoying all the wildlife in the Serengeti. Every May millions of wildebeest congregate on the Short Grass Plains and is also the time when all the males are mating at the same time – a truly life-enhancing spectacle.
This is an exclusive safari for 4 guests hosted by naturalist Stephen Mills. You will also be accompanied by a safari host who will be making sure all the arrangements run smoothly and everyone is well looked after. You will have your own specially brought in 7-seater open sided vehicle for prime wildlife viewing and photographic opportunities.
Every May millions of wildebeest congregate on the Short Grass Plains in The Serengeti. It is also when the males are all mating at the same time. They carve out their little circle of grass, pile it with dung and defend it against all-comers in the hope of luring the females – the biggest dung pile wins. It’s a wonderful time to be in The Serengeti and a life-enhancing spectacle. In fact it is Stephen Mills’ favourite time.
With the wildebeest come large herds of zebra and along with plenty of other resident plains game the big cat predators are never far away.
We will be based at Togoro Plains Camp which is located off the main Serengeti circuit nestling amongst large kopjes (stone boulders) and with far stretching views across the Short Grass Plains. It is a fabulous camp without too many bells and whistles to detract you from nature but providing a very acceptable degree of comfort. There are 14 rondavel-style tents under thatched roofs and with stone floors. Electricity is solar-powered and there is hot and cold water on tap and flushing toilets. The main mess has a bar and lounge and dining areas which are very inviting and comfortable and you can expect first class meals. There is even a swimming pool, although I doubt it will be used. Maasai guards patrol the camp which is unfenced.
With a six night stay you can leisurely enjoy all the wildlife of The Serengeti and being so close to where this wildebeest mating marvel is expected to be you will hear and feel the pulse of the cycle of life, day and night.
The first night at a hotel close to the airport is included. Extensions pre or post this safari can be arranged for you. The best connecting flights from the UK are on KLM Airlines in to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Stephen Mills MA (Oxon) MFA IAWF CF is a professional naturalist, and wildlife researcher, conservationist and writer as well as an acclaimed wildlife film producer and cameraman. He is former chairman of the International Association of Wildlife Film-makers.
As a writer, producer and cameraman, Stephen has made over 40 films for TV, including Man-Eater: To Be or Not To Be and Rhino Journey. He wrote the award-winning BBC films Tiger Crisis and Wolf Saga and has worked on many Natural History Unit/BBC TV series and films including Land of the Tiger, The Private Life of Plants and Winners and Losers.
His latest book ‘Natural Causes’ is beautifully written and provides a wonderful insight in to his wildlife experiences and vision of the natural world.
On Safari with naturalist Stephen Mills
Stephen is extremely knowledgeable and informed about the natural world, wildlife and conservation. He encourages people to go out into the field and watch wildlife, so you can expect to spend time sitting quietly and immersing yourself in the moment, observing the action as it unfolds before you and understanding animal behaviour. Stephen is a very good naturalist and an excellent birder, and loves to share his wildlife knowledge and stories of all creatures great and small with his guests. Stephen is always excited by the prospect of spending time out in the bush and on the plains, and The Serengeti is one of his favourite places on Earth. Being on safari with Stephen is a unique experience and an honour. You will return home having learnt lots and laughed lots.
‘Anyone familiar with Africa knows how much it has changed in the last 30 years. Lions have declined by more than 80% and the wildlife has been pushed back and mostly corralled within the boundaries of private conservancies and national parks. The Serengeti is different because it is so big. It is the largest intact ecosystem left on earth. Its true boundaries are defined not by lines on maps but by the seasonal movement of millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles. They circle the great grass plains and thorn thickets East of Lake Victoria, following the rain and feeding on the succession of plants it nourishes. Nowhere else can you observe in such tranquillity the daily activities of such a variety and number of mammals – predators and prey. So many animals, so much behaviour to interpret: this is why, of all the wonderful places in the world where I’ve been privileged to work, the Serengeti remains my favourite’. Stephen Mills
Togoro Plains Camp
Safari Summary 12 – 19 May 2027
12 May Arrival day. Meet Stephen Mills and your safari host at Kilimanjaro Airport. Overnight in a hotel close to the airport.
13 May Morning flight to the central Serengeti. Meet your driver guide who will be with you throughout this safari. Enjoy your first morning’s game drive before heading to Togoro Plains Camp. Settle in to your tent before lunch and heading out for an afternoons game drive. Return to camp as the sun sets for drinks and dinner. Relax around the camp fire and soak up the nocturnal sounds of the Africa.
14, 15, 16, 17 & 18 May Morning and afternoon game drives. All meals at Togoro Plains Camp.
19 May Return flight to Arusha. Late lunch and chance to freshen up before transferring to Kilimanjaro Airport for your international flights home.
| Dates: | 12 – 19 May 2027 |
| Number of guests: | 4 |
| Price per person: | £8,195.00 |
Price includes: 6 nights Togoro Plains Camp including all meals & drinks, exclusive use of a specially brought in 7-seater open safari vehicle, Serengeti Park fees, Flying Dr’s insurance, safari flights, transfers in Tanzania, 1 nights accommodation near the airport, guest naturalist and safari hostess Price excludes : international flights, visas, travel and cancelation insurance, mandatory local health insurance, premium drinks, gratuities
Useful information:
Flights to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport are not included. Guests should book directly with KLM or through Dial A Flight or Trailfinders . KLM has a daytime flight outbound to Kilimanjaro and a night time flight on the return. It is recommended that you book fully refundable/transferable tickets.
A Tourist visa is required for entry to Tanzania. The application process is now only available online . You will need a passport with at least 6 months validity from the date of arrival, copies of your passport, return flight ticket and itinerary. The cost is US$50 payable by credit/debit card. Please make sure you apply using the official site. Please also take out the mandatory local health insurance US$44.
For specialist inoculations and heath requirements for Tanzania please check with a specialist travel clinic.
Please ensure you have adequate travel and cancellation insurance for this trip.
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