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Phil Hopkins
Group Travel Editor & Theatre Correspondent
@philhopkinsuk
1:00 AM 11th January 2025
travel

A Wicked Holiday: Experiencing Tanzania's Emerald Season

As the nation continues to buzz about dazzling “Emerald City” in the new Wicked movie, take a look at the real-life version of Hollywood's enchanting green paradise: Tanzania’s Emerald Season.

From November to April, during the country’s rainy season, Tanzania transforms into a lush, verdant wonderland.

Think rolling green plains, dramatic skies painted with colour, and wildlife flourishing in their natural habitat—a scene as magical as anything on the silver screen.

Often overlooked by travellers seeking a winter escape, this is a season that blends cinematic grandeur with raw, untamed nature, offering an experience unlike any other. Here’s why:

1. A Canvas of Emerald Green
From the Serengeti’s endless plains to the vivid Ngorongoro Highlands, the rains transform Tanzania into a painter’s (and photographer’s!) dream. The landscapes burst into striking shades of green, dotted with wildflowers, and the air feels fresher, crisper, and full of possibility for adventure and sightings. This is Tanzania at its most photogenic—a natural masterpiece that elevates every moment, from golden sunsets to misty morning drives.

2. Unparalleled Wildlife Encounters
Contrary to popular belief, the rainy season doesn’t hinder wildlife viewing—it amplifies it! Visitors to Tanzania during the ‘Emerald Season’ can witness predators taking advantage of the migration’s calving season, with thousands of baby wildebeest and zebras finding their legs. Birds in dazzling breeding plumage swoop across the skies, creating a symphony of life. What’s more, with fewer vehicles, travellers can experience these awe-inspiring moments in serene intimacy.

3. Exclusivity Without Compromise
The rains bring fewer crowds, leaving visitors with prime access to Tanzania’s iconic parks, lodges and camps. Game drives feel like private expeditions, and cultural encounters with Maasai communities become even more personal. A chance to connect with the land and its people on a deeper level

4. A Romantic Safari, Reimagined
Picture sundowners under cloud-painted skies, cozy nights in luxury accommodations, and the rhythmic sound of rain and wildlife. The rainy season’s tranquillity offers the ultimate romantic escape—untouched, authentic, and a safari experience like no other.

While the Emerald City is a fantastical place of enchanting, mythical beings and colours, Tanzania’s Emerald Season brings its own array of extraordinary creatures to life–but here, the remarkable creatures, vivid landscapes and magical allure is entirely real.

For those looking to immerse themselves fully in Tanzania's “Emerald Season,” Lemala Camps & Lodges offers an exceptional collection of eco-conscious lodges, villas, and classic tented camps. Perfectly positioned to showcase the beauty of this vibrant time of year, visitors can choose from:

Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge, Northern Serengeti:
Set in the Northern Serengeti’s Wogakuria Hills, Lemala Kuria Hills Lodge is nestled among granite boulders and verdant kopjes. The lodge’s 15 glass-fronted suites feature private plunge pools, outdoor showers, and sweeping views. During the rainy season, the Serengeti bursts to life with exceptional wildlife viewing without the crowds. Between game drives, unwind by the infinity pool, indulge in spa treatments, and savour gourmet cuisine. Lemala Kuria Hills delivers a serene, exclusive safari experience, blending natural beauty with world-class luxury.

Lemala Nanyukie Lodge, Eastern Serengeti: Located in the heart of the Eastern Serengeti, Lemala Nanyukie Lodge is home to 15 elegant tents with private plunge pools and panoramic views of the rain-soaked savanna. Visitors can witness the Serengeti’s rich biodiversity, big cats and other iconic species, with half the crowds. From thrilling game drives and walking safaris to bucket-list worthy hot-air balloon rides, Lemala Nanyukie Lodge blends exclusivity with adventure, where nature takes centre stage.

Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge, Tarangire National Park:
Perched on an elevated ridge overlooking the Tarangire River, Lemala Mpingo Ridge Lodge offers an exquisite blend of luxury and wilderness in Tanzania’s sixth-largest national park. Renowned for its iconic baobab trees and vast elephant herds, Tarangire comes alive during the green season, with lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife activity. The lodge’s 15 luxurious tented suites feature private plunge pools, outdoor baths, and sweeping views, providing the perfect retreat. Guests can enjoy thrilling game drives, night safaris, and cultural visits, or some R&R with spa treatments.

More details: www.lemalacamps.com/