The Serengeti with guest naturalist Stephen Mills

This is a private safari for 4 guests hosted by naturalist Stephen Mills and Liz Drake. We will be based at an unfenced and off-grid traditional canvas tented camp in the heart of the Serengeti where wildlife abounds and elephants, gazelles, buffalos, lions and hyenas wander around and close to the camp. We fell in love with this camp when we stayed there in 2013 and are thrilled that it remains authentic and remote. We’ll have our own specially brought in safari vehicle, which is open-sided with a canvas roof that can be rolled back for all round wildlife viewing and the best photography opportunities.

October is an excellent time to be in The Serengeti – it is at the end of the dry season and just before the short rains. It is when the wildebeest migration is normally in the northern region and crossing over in to The Masai Mara. Whilst the wildebeest and zebra migrate in search of lush grass, the predators and most other species are territorial and stay put. We’ll be based in the central region and hope to see plenty of predator action from the ‘big cats’ – lions, cheetahs and possibly leopards too, and enjoy all the plains game and bird species during the day and listening to the hyenas calling and lions roaring during the night. We can head north in search of the migration some days if we so wish. Evenings will be spent star gazing and relaxing around the campfire.

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 Stephen

Being on safari with Stephen is fun and informative. Stephen 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.

‘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

Ronjo Tented Camp

Ronjo Camp is a permanent camp that is off-grid and truly in tune with nature where you’ll be sleeping to the nocturnal sounds of the bush – hyenas calling and lions roaring. It has all the comforts needed whilst retaining the genuine camping experience. The 16 large canvas sleeping tents have ground sheets with mats, ensuite facilities including a wash basin, flushing toilet and traditional bucket shower and comfortable beds. They form a semi-circle around the campfire and have uninterrupted views of the bush. There is an open-sided mess tent where meals are taken and a very comfortable bar and lounge tent for pre-dinner drinks and relaxation when in camp. The camp fire is lit for after dinner drinks and star gazing. Hot water and electricity is provided by solar power and so is not on tap. Camp staff will bring hot water for your shower and oil lanterns light the camp in the evenings. There is wifi and a charging unit for cameras and electronic devices in the lounge and bar area.

Safari Summary 15 – 21 October 2026

15 October Arrival day. Meet Stephen Mills and your safari host at Kilimanjaro Airport. Overnight in Arusha.

16 October 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 Ronjo 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.

17, 18, 19 & 20 October Morning and afternoon game drives. All meals at Ronjo Camp.

21 October Return flight to Arusha. Light snack and chance to freshen up before transferring to Kilimanjaro Airport for your international flights home.

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

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.