Everyone at Knighton Reeve was excited to get the news that the migratory herds had crossed into Kenya, albeit it a little later than normal. Although it can never be an exact science, we always keep in close contact with our partners to ensure we know where and when you have the best chance of witnessing this incredible spectacle. But whilst the Masai Mara now gets busy with a fairly short peak season, we often feel that Tanzania is unfairly overlooked.

The migration rightly gets a lot of attention, but this beautiful and diverse country has so much more to offer besides. We often get asked about the wildlife in the Serengeti itself when the wildebeest are out of town, and rest assured we know the finest spots with amazing resident game all around these endless plains. But we also know that hidden away from the well-known hotspots of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater, there are some true wilderness experiences for those willing to venture off the beaten track.

The southern reserves of Ruaha and Selous are only a short flight from the bustling capital of Dar Es Salaam, but you won’t find any crowds here whatever the time of year. Ruaha has one of the largest populations of elephants in East Africa and we know where to find one of the best walking guides in the country to accompany you. One quick flight later and we have the variety of Selous – the largest game reserve in Africa. Due to its size you might have to work harder to find the game, but with expert trackers who know the terrain, and the fact you can head off-road here, it can be very rewarding when you do. It’s a great habitat for the elusive Wild Dog. And boating on the Rufiji River with a stop for lunch on the sandy banks before floating back off into the wilderness really is a special experience.

For a less traditional end to a trip, we’d highly recommend the nearby Southern Highlands for a few days to ditch the khaki and relax. At 6000 feet above sea level, these rolling tea plantations provide a welcome cooling break post safari. But with opportunities for horse-riding, fishing, mountain biking and kayaking there is still plenty to keep active guests occupied apart from the views.

More hidden gems can be found across in West Tanzania. From the wild and raw plains of Katavi National Park, to the white sandy shores of Lake Tanganyika, this is unchartered territory for all but a lucky few. And did we mention the chimps of the Mahale Mountains? We love the fact you can spend as many days as you wish trekking with these playful primates, then sip sundowners overlooking the world’s longest freshwater lake. The birds and butterflies also make this a photographer's dream.

And for a really exclusive, post safari experience, we'd suggest you take a look at Lupita Island. Not many know about this one, but it’s well worth breaking from the herds heading to Zanzibar and you can be rewarded with your own private island – in the heart of the continent. Spend your days in splendid isolation whilst snorkelling and kayaking on the lake, then watch the sun set over the far away coast of the Congo. The wildebeest migration is now a distant memory, but these experiences will never be forgotten.