First time Safari Itinerary Help
Nov 6th, 2010, 07:49 AM
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First time Safari Itinerary Help
We are getting close to booking our first and likely only African safari. Information from this forum has been SO helpful--thanks to all! We are a family of five. DH and I are in 50's and three children in their 20's. All are good travelers. We plan to do a private tour through Warrier Trails, most likely in late June 2011. We are most interested in wildlife and birds, photography and gaining a view into this area of Africa and its people. We would love to see the migration.
We will be travelling from the US and giving serious consideration to spending a night in London on the way. Kids have never been and would enjoy a bit of London nitelife and DH and I would enjoy breaking up the trip with a night in a comfy bed. Will continue on to Arusha. Will most likely fly on American/BA.
I would appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Some of my specific questions are:
--should we/could we skip the Mountain Village Lodge and spend the first night in Lake Manyara? Especially if we overnight in London, might not mind the drive and like the idea of spending more nights at fewer lodges.
--Itinerary includes picnic lunches most days. Gives us maximum flexibility, but should we be concerned? Are there reasonable alternatives, such as places to stop for lunch when we travel from park to park?
--would like to see the Oldupai Gorge and the museum. Where would this best fit? On the way to or from the Crater?
--would like to spend a half day in a village that is as authentic as possible. Market day or a school visit would be ideal. Any suggestions on where or when to do this?
--son plays African drums and hopes to bring one back. Any suggestions on best places to look for this?
--would we be sorry if we dropped Tanangire from the itinerary and returned after the Serengeti?
Day 1: Arrival Day into Arusha. Serena Mountain Village Lodge.
Day 2: Arusha/ Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, leave Arusha for a drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park. Picnic lunch followed by a game drive in the park. Dinner and overnight at Manyara Serena Hotel.
Day 3: Manyara/Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast to the Crater rim for lunch at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. After lunch, Crater rim walk. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
Early morning breakfast followed by full day in the Ngorongoro Crater. Picnic lunch at Ngoitoktok springs picnic site. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater/Western Serengeti
Leave after breakfast for Serengeti National Park and a full day of game viewing in transit to the western corridor of the park. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at Kirawira Tented Camp.
Day 6 and 7: Serengeti National Park
Full day of game viewing in Serengeti National Park following breakfast. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight Kirawira Tented Camp.
Day 8: Serengeti/Tarangire National Park
Following breakfast, drive with picnic lunches to Tarangire National Park, Dinner and overnight at Tarangire River Camp.
Day 9: Tarangire
Full day of game viewing after breakfast, with a picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at Tarangire River Camp.
Day 10: Tarangire - Arusha
Early morning game drive prior to breakfast at camp. Drive to Arusha. Lunch at a Hotel followed by a transfer to airport.
Thank you very much!
We will be travelling from the US and giving serious consideration to spending a night in London on the way. Kids have never been and would enjoy a bit of London nitelife and DH and I would enjoy breaking up the trip with a night in a comfy bed. Will continue on to Arusha. Will most likely fly on American/BA.
I would appreciate your feedback and suggestions. Some of my specific questions are:
--should we/could we skip the Mountain Village Lodge and spend the first night in Lake Manyara? Especially if we overnight in London, might not mind the drive and like the idea of spending more nights at fewer lodges.
--Itinerary includes picnic lunches most days. Gives us maximum flexibility, but should we be concerned? Are there reasonable alternatives, such as places to stop for lunch when we travel from park to park?
--would like to see the Oldupai Gorge and the museum. Where would this best fit? On the way to or from the Crater?
--would like to spend a half day in a village that is as authentic as possible. Market day or a school visit would be ideal. Any suggestions on where or when to do this?
--son plays African drums and hopes to bring one back. Any suggestions on best places to look for this?
--would we be sorry if we dropped Tanangire from the itinerary and returned after the Serengeti?
Day 1: Arrival Day into Arusha. Serena Mountain Village Lodge.
Day 2: Arusha/ Lake Manyara National Park
After breakfast, leave Arusha for a drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara National Park. Picnic lunch followed by a game drive in the park. Dinner and overnight at Manyara Serena Hotel.
Day 3: Manyara/Ngorongoro Crater
After breakfast to the Crater rim for lunch at the Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. After lunch, Crater rim walk. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater
Early morning breakfast followed by full day in the Ngorongoro Crater. Picnic lunch at Ngoitoktok springs picnic site. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater/Western Serengeti
Leave after breakfast for Serengeti National Park and a full day of game viewing in transit to the western corridor of the park. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at Kirawira Tented Camp.
Day 6 and 7: Serengeti National Park
Full day of game viewing in Serengeti National Park following breakfast. Picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight Kirawira Tented Camp.
Day 8: Serengeti/Tarangire National Park
Following breakfast, drive with picnic lunches to Tarangire National Park, Dinner and overnight at Tarangire River Camp.
Day 9: Tarangire
Full day of game viewing after breakfast, with a picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at Tarangire River Camp.
Day 10: Tarangire - Arusha
Early morning game drive prior to breakfast at camp. Drive to Arusha. Lunch at a Hotel followed by a transfer to airport.
Thank you very much!
Nov 6th, 2010, 11:41 AM
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Im not an expert, but it seems to me you are spending too much time in Tarangire for June. Did your outfitter recommend that? I will guess the experts will suggest moving a day over to the Serengeti.
Nov 6th, 2010, 06:54 PM
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jangonow, how exciting to be planning your first trip to Africa. I've traveled twice from North America to Tz by way of London; once in late June and once in July. The first time, we stayed in London for a couple of nights and really enjoyed the break in the long international flights. The second time, we stayed at the Yotel at Heathrow Airport to catch a few hours of sleep between our flights.
On both of our trips we saw the migration - you're going at a really good time to catch some of it, although it can be hit and miss as I'm sure you know.
In answer to your questions:
- Your decision to skip the overnight in Arusha will depend on when your flight from London arrives. My recollection is that it is an overnight flight, arriving in Arusha early in the morning. The drive from the airport to Lake Manyara is probably 3+ hours.
- The only day I think I might opt out of the picnic lunch is on Day 8 when you have an exceptionally long drive from the western Serengeti to Tarangire. I'd stop at Gibbs Farm (in Karatu) for a great lunch and stretch of the legs. You'll be in the vehicle for upwards of 10 hrs that day. I tend not to want to break up my game drives by returning to a lodge/camp for lunch, but it's doable. Just let your ground operator know what you want to do.
- Yes, Olduvai Gorge is easily done in transit to/from the Crater and the Serengeti.
- I'm not sure what you mean by an "authentic" village, but let Warrior Trails know you want to have a cultural experience. The owner of the company is Maasai and has intimate knowledge of the local indigenous communities.
- There are a few places your son can likely get a drum. The Maasai market in Arusha might be one. Let your guide know - he'll know where to take you for shopping.
- I <i>would not</i> remove Tarangire from your itinerary. It is a lovely park, and should have great game viewing in late June. I think it would be an asset to your trip.
I would suggest doing your itinerary a bit differently to a)shorten the long drive on Day 8, and b)to see Tarangire first rather than after the Serengeti. Something like:
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, drive to Tarangire, overnight.
Day 2: Tarangire game drive, overnight.
Day 3: drive to the Crater, overnight.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater tour, overnight.
Day 5: drive to western corridor, overnight.
Days 6,7: Serengeti
Day 8: drive to Lake Manyara (still a lengthy day), overnight
Day 9: Lake Manyara game drive & overnight
Day 10: drive to Arusha
Happy planning!
On both of our trips we saw the migration - you're going at a really good time to catch some of it, although it can be hit and miss as I'm sure you know.
In answer to your questions:
- Your decision to skip the overnight in Arusha will depend on when your flight from London arrives. My recollection is that it is an overnight flight, arriving in Arusha early in the morning. The drive from the airport to Lake Manyara is probably 3+ hours.
- The only day I think I might opt out of the picnic lunch is on Day 8 when you have an exceptionally long drive from the western Serengeti to Tarangire. I'd stop at Gibbs Farm (in Karatu) for a great lunch and stretch of the legs. You'll be in the vehicle for upwards of 10 hrs that day. I tend not to want to break up my game drives by returning to a lodge/camp for lunch, but it's doable. Just let your ground operator know what you want to do.
- Yes, Olduvai Gorge is easily done in transit to/from the Crater and the Serengeti.
- I'm not sure what you mean by an "authentic" village, but let Warrior Trails know you want to have a cultural experience. The owner of the company is Maasai and has intimate knowledge of the local indigenous communities.
- There are a few places your son can likely get a drum. The Maasai market in Arusha might be one. Let your guide know - he'll know where to take you for shopping.
- I <i>would not</i> remove Tarangire from your itinerary. It is a lovely park, and should have great game viewing in late June. I think it would be an asset to your trip.
I would suggest doing your itinerary a bit differently to a)shorten the long drive on Day 8, and b)to see Tarangire first rather than after the Serengeti. Something like:
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha, drive to Tarangire, overnight.
Day 2: Tarangire game drive, overnight.
Day 3: drive to the Crater, overnight.
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater tour, overnight.
Day 5: drive to western corridor, overnight.
Days 6,7: Serengeti
Day 8: drive to Lake Manyara (still a lengthy day), overnight
Day 9: Lake Manyara game drive & overnight
Day 10: drive to Arusha
Happy planning!
Nov 7th, 2010, 08:10 AM
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If AA/BA the flight arrives at Nairobi/NBO, Kenya, not Kilimanjaro/JRO Tanzania. If morning arrival, you can connect to 8am flight to Kilimanjaro/JRO Tanzania with a road transfer via Arusha and onto Lake Manyara (or Tarangire)... no Kenya Visa will be required as it's a direct inside airport transfer.
If an evening arrival, you'll have to overnight Nairobi for next day road transfer to Arusha, not arriving till about 1pm... and you can head to Manyara or Tarangire, but might be best to o/n in Arusha and start frest next morning. You'll require a Kenya Visa USD$50/person, along with Yellow Fever inoculations and proof of same for entry to Tanzania.
As to the itinerary itself, end-June is fine for Tarangire vs earlier in the month when the grasses tend to be higher... but plenty of game to be found as they have a mini-migration between end-June thru Oct/Nov.
However, I'm with Calo, the itinerary shows after visit in Western Serengeti concluding at Tarangire, will take an entire day of driving... ugh! With object to get where you're going rather than game viewing. I'd visit in order as:
Tarangire, Ngorongoro, W.Serengeti, Lk. Manyara, Arusha
Or if budget can handle: fly from the farthest, W.Serengeti back to Arusha, as:
Tarangire, Lk. Manyara, Ngorongoro, W.Serengeti (fly to) Arusha
As to Oldupai Gorge, as the routing shows this stop is often when departing Ngorongoro (45/min) to site, then continuing thru the Serengeti to the western corridor. Or it can be done on the return, depending on your final routing, but not if flying back from W.Serengeti.
Inasmuch as you're on a private safari, while you can stay out all day with picnic lunches, if on a particular day you'd prefer only morning and late-afternoon game drives, advise your guide and you'll take lunch at the lodge/camp. This especially when in the Serengeti.
As to "drums" - not sure, but animal skins used may not be allowed back into the States. There have been stories of skins carrying disease. Whether these have been Urban Legends I can't say, but suggest you check the US Govt site as to what's permitted or not!
If an evening arrival, you'll have to overnight Nairobi for next day road transfer to Arusha, not arriving till about 1pm... and you can head to Manyara or Tarangire, but might be best to o/n in Arusha and start frest next morning. You'll require a Kenya Visa USD$50/person, along with Yellow Fever inoculations and proof of same for entry to Tanzania.
As to the itinerary itself, end-June is fine for Tarangire vs earlier in the month when the grasses tend to be higher... but plenty of game to be found as they have a mini-migration between end-June thru Oct/Nov.
However, I'm with Calo, the itinerary shows after visit in Western Serengeti concluding at Tarangire, will take an entire day of driving... ugh! With object to get where you're going rather than game viewing. I'd visit in order as:
Tarangire, Ngorongoro, W.Serengeti, Lk. Manyara, Arusha
Or if budget can handle: fly from the farthest, W.Serengeti back to Arusha, as:
Tarangire, Lk. Manyara, Ngorongoro, W.Serengeti (fly to) Arusha
As to Oldupai Gorge, as the routing shows this stop is often when departing Ngorongoro (45/min) to site, then continuing thru the Serengeti to the western corridor. Or it can be done on the return, depending on your final routing, but not if flying back from W.Serengeti.
Inasmuch as you're on a private safari, while you can stay out all day with picnic lunches, if on a particular day you'd prefer only morning and late-afternoon game drives, advise your guide and you'll take lunch at the lodge/camp. This especially when in the Serengeti.
As to "drums" - not sure, but animal skins used may not be allowed back into the States. There have been stories of skins carrying disease. Whether these have been Urban Legends I can't say, but suggest you check the US Govt site as to what's permitted or not!
Nov 8th, 2010, 07:58 AM
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<i>We will be travelling from the US and giving serious consideration to spending a night in London on the way.</i>
Flying from Canada, we always spend a night in London (in both directions). It breaks up two back to back long flights. We plan something in London that keeps us on our feet as much as possible. If your sons haven't been to London, the double-decker bus tour, with walks at some of the more popular sights, would work well. The down side of stopping in London is, of course, that you lose two nights in Africa. You mention that you are all good travellers. If you all sleep well during a long flight and therefore will arrive in Africa reasonably rested, then I would skip London. My husband and I don't sleep especially well and are past the age where we like to arrive at our destination exhausted after two long sleepless flights, so we opt for London. If you do skip London, then just don't plan on a hectic schedule when you first arrive - but be aware that being on safari, because of the early mornings and long hours, is exhausting.
As to your itinerary:
If you do stay overnight in Arusha (it will depend on when you arrive) - then ask to be taken to the Masai market - it is excellent, with a far better selection and more competitive prices than the cultural centre.
The drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara took us only 1.5 hours - with my husband driving (as opposed to a guide who might drive a bit faster) and taking our time. You may well be able to get to the park the day you arrive - it will depend on your flights.
On day 4, I would ask to have breakfast and lunch in the crater - you want to be in the crater as early as possible. The TokTok picnic site (as the guides call it) is lovely. You could fit in an hour or two of driving in the crater before breakfast - prime game viewing hours and there will be few other visitors.
If possible, I would stay either in the Sopa Lodge or at Lemala Camp at the crater - it is far less busy at that end of the crater first thing in the morning.
The Western Corridor to Tarangire will be a very long day - going hard and few breaks. I like Sandi's idea of flying out from the Serengeti.
I would not drop Tarangire from the itinerary - it was one of our favourite parks. I would be more inclined to drop Lake Manyara if anything.
Here is my trip report from an August 2009 visit to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Western Corridor. There are plenty of photos to give you an idea of what your trip will be like. It may help you decide where you wish to spend most of your time. Robin
http://bert-and-bin.smugmug.com/Trav.../9504315_Lmned
Flying from Canada, we always spend a night in London (in both directions). It breaks up two back to back long flights. We plan something in London that keeps us on our feet as much as possible. If your sons haven't been to London, the double-decker bus tour, with walks at some of the more popular sights, would work well. The down side of stopping in London is, of course, that you lose two nights in Africa. You mention that you are all good travellers. If you all sleep well during a long flight and therefore will arrive in Africa reasonably rested, then I would skip London. My husband and I don't sleep especially well and are past the age where we like to arrive at our destination exhausted after two long sleepless flights, so we opt for London. If you do skip London, then just don't plan on a hectic schedule when you first arrive - but be aware that being on safari, because of the early mornings and long hours, is exhausting.
As to your itinerary:
If you do stay overnight in Arusha (it will depend on when you arrive) - then ask to be taken to the Masai market - it is excellent, with a far better selection and more competitive prices than the cultural centre.
The drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara took us only 1.5 hours - with my husband driving (as opposed to a guide who might drive a bit faster) and taking our time. You may well be able to get to the park the day you arrive - it will depend on your flights.
On day 4, I would ask to have breakfast and lunch in the crater - you want to be in the crater as early as possible. The TokTok picnic site (as the guides call it) is lovely. You could fit in an hour or two of driving in the crater before breakfast - prime game viewing hours and there will be few other visitors.
If possible, I would stay either in the Sopa Lodge or at Lemala Camp at the crater - it is far less busy at that end of the crater first thing in the morning.
The Western Corridor to Tarangire will be a very long day - going hard and few breaks. I like Sandi's idea of flying out from the Serengeti.
I would not drop Tarangire from the itinerary - it was one of our favourite parks. I would be more inclined to drop Lake Manyara if anything.
Here is my trip report from an August 2009 visit to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Western Corridor. There are plenty of photos to give you an idea of what your trip will be like. It may help you decide where you wish to spend most of your time. Robin
http://bert-and-bin.smugmug.com/Trav.../9504315_Lmned
Nov 8th, 2010, 12:20 PM
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My wife and I traveled with Warrior Trails this past spring and followed the Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti route. We opted to fly back from the Serengeti and I do not regret that decision! I would suggest that you voice your concerns and discuss the advice you receive here with Clamian, he is very knowledgable and up to date on the current conditions. Yes, as Calo stated, Clamian is a local Maasai and even took me to visit his uncles Boma which was near Ngorongoro Serena. Please see my trip report or the slide show I just posted to see what a real Maasai Boma is like. A "do not miss" event.
Travel Safe
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Nov 9th, 2010, 06:23 AM
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<i>The drive from Arusha to Lake Manyara took us only 1.5 hours - with my husband driving (as opposed to a guide who might drive a bit faster) and taking our time.</i>
The drive from the airport to Arusha is 45 mins or longer depending on traffic, so remember to account for that when planning whether or not to drive to Manyara upon arrival in Arusha.
The drive from the airport to Arusha is 45 mins or longer depending on traffic, so remember to account for that when planning whether or not to drive to Manyara upon arrival in Arusha.
Nov 9th, 2010, 06:58 AM
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Good point Calo! That 1.5 hours was from the airport on the outskirts of Arusha (actually the Coffee Lodge, which is within a km of the airport) to Lake Manyara. My apologies if I was misleading. Robin
Nov 10th, 2010, 12:03 AM
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Your itinerary is looks good but it will depend arriving Airport, Because there are Jomokenyatta in Kenya and Kilimanjaro in Tanzania but as I know most most of flights from London are arriving in Kenya so if you will arrival in Kenya in the Morning, you will connect with morning Flight to Kilimanjaro or you can arrange with your travel Agent to pick you from Airport ready for road travel to Arusha where you will start your trip to lake Manyara or Tarangire in the same day,
If you will arrival evening time you will overnight at Nairobi and the next day you will travel to Arusha,
Secondly option, you ca join Kenya and Tanzania Safari in the same itineraries and it will help you to experience both Countries,
My Suggestion itinerary.
Day 1:Nairobi-Masai Mara
Day 2:Masai Mara
Day 3:Masai Mara-Western Corridor of Serengeti via Isebania Border
Day 4:Central Serengeti
Day 5
erengeti-Ngorongoro,
Day 6:Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Day 7:Ngorongoro-Lake Manayara,
Day 8
ake Manayara-Tarangire
Day 9:Tarangire,
Day 10:Monduli ( Maasai Culture tour)-Airport via Arusha.
Note:It will depend your arrival time in Kenya.
Regards,
Brian.
If you will arrival evening time you will overnight at Nairobi and the next day you will travel to Arusha,
Secondly option, you ca join Kenya and Tanzania Safari in the same itineraries and it will help you to experience both Countries,
My Suggestion itinerary.
Day 1:Nairobi-Masai Mara
Day 2:Masai Mara
Day 3:Masai Mara-Western Corridor of Serengeti via Isebania Border
Day 4:Central Serengeti
Day 5
erengeti-Ngorongoro,Day 6:Ngorongoro Crater Tour
Day 7:Ngorongoro-Lake Manayara,
Day 8
ake Manayara-TarangireDay 9:Tarangire,
Day 10:Monduli ( Maasai Culture tour)-Airport via Arusha.
Note:It will depend your arrival time in Kenya.
Regards,
Brian.
Nov 10th, 2010, 08:08 AM
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Regarding your wish to visit a Masai village and Oldupai Gorge - you could combine the two very nicely with an overnight stop at Oldupai Tented Camp, which is run by Masai. We loved our stay there - it was a wonderful opportunity to interact with the Masai in a non-touristy setting. A stay there would also break up the long drive from the Serengeti to Tarangire. See page 53 of our report.
Also, you asked about picnic lunches: They are very popular in Tanzania and usually consist of a sandwich, carrots and celery sticks, fruit, cookies, a juice box, sometimes something like cold chicken, yogurt, and maybe a muffin. Nothing fancy but perfectly edible - usually provided by the camp (where you have overnighted) as you are leaving in the morning. Your guide will order them ahead of time. The best picnic lunch we had was at Olduvai Tented Camp, where the cook set up a buffet - the staff handed us each a cardboard box (what everyone uses - you'll see the white cardboard boxes everywhere) and we each made up our own lunch. Normally, we didn't order the lunches because, as self- drivers, we had our own food. At Oldupai, it was included with the cost of the accommodation. It is possible to stop for lunch along the way but, in Tanzania where distances between stops are long, boxed lunches allow you to cover the distances more easily and spend more time in the parks.
There were drums in the Masai market in Arusha. Robin
Also, you asked about picnic lunches: They are very popular in Tanzania and usually consist of a sandwich, carrots and celery sticks, fruit, cookies, a juice box, sometimes something like cold chicken, yogurt, and maybe a muffin. Nothing fancy but perfectly edible - usually provided by the camp (where you have overnighted) as you are leaving in the morning. Your guide will order them ahead of time. The best picnic lunch we had was at Olduvai Tented Camp, where the cook set up a buffet - the staff handed us each a cardboard box (what everyone uses - you'll see the white cardboard boxes everywhere) and we each made up our own lunch. Normally, we didn't order the lunches because, as self- drivers, we had our own food. At Oldupai, it was included with the cost of the accommodation. It is possible to stop for lunch along the way but, in Tanzania where distances between stops are long, boxed lunches allow you to cover the distances more easily and spend more time in the parks.
There were drums in the Masai market in Arusha. Robin
Nov 11th, 2010, 09:32 PM
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Agree with Robin about staying at Sopa or Lemala with their own access road and taking a breakfast into the crater to get their early. I've taken a breakfast and lunch box to maximize time there.
I'd ask for drive time estimates to help with routing decisions.
I view offering picnic lunches as a good sign and a focus on the things you have come to see.
If you could afford to fly, you could fly in to the Serengeti and then drive out, ending in Tarangire. If you decide to fly, you might want your first day to be in Arusha National Park as a buffer day because it can be harder to rearrange flights if you have a delay. If your time is limited you could swap the night in Lake Manyara for Arusha.
For drums, villages, schools, I'd let your wishes be known to the operator up front and then to your guide, indicating your flexibility. Sometimes the best opportunities just pop up unexpectedly.
I'd ask for drive time estimates to help with routing decisions.
I view offering picnic lunches as a good sign and a focus on the things you have come to see.
If you could afford to fly, you could fly in to the Serengeti and then drive out, ending in Tarangire. If you decide to fly, you might want your first day to be in Arusha National Park as a buffer day because it can be harder to rearrange flights if you have a delay. If your time is limited you could swap the night in Lake Manyara for Arusha.
For drums, villages, schools, I'd let your wishes be known to the operator up front and then to your guide, indicating your flexibility. Sometimes the best opportunities just pop up unexpectedly.
Jun 30th, 2011, 04:07 PM
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Just back from our amazing safari. Thank you for your invaluable assistance. We departed with this itinerary with Warrior Trails:
Day 1 Fly to London. Tower of London
Day 2 Fly to NBO
Day 3 Fly to JRO. Drive to Tarangire. Overnight at Tarangire River Camp
Day 4 Full day game drive at Tarangire with picnic lunch. Overnight at River Camp
Day 5 Cultural visit to Mto wa mbu. Drive to Ngorongora Sopa Lodge
Day 6 Early morning descent into Ngorongora Crater and full day game viewing. Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Day 7 Visit Oldupai Gorge and Drive to Kirawira Tented Camp
Day 8 Full day game drive in Serengeti in search of the migration and overnight at Kirawira Tented Camp
Day 9 Morning balloon ride and breakfast. Depart for central Serengeti. Overnight at Mbuzi Mawe tented camp
Day 10 Game drive en route to Lake Manyara
Day 11 Lake Manyara morning game drive, Drive to Arusha and transfer to JRO, begin travel home
The most difficult travel was the US travel, which caused us to overnight in New York rather than London on Day 1.
The migration had moved to the north central Serengeti and we encountered a minor vehicle issue that slowed us down on the way to the Ngorongoro Sopa on Day 5. Fortunately, Warrior Trails was able to switch our lodging from the Kirawira Tented Camp to the Serengeti Serena and switch our balloon ride to the central Serengeti. We hated to miss the Kirawira, but were happy to give up the driving time that would have taken us away from the migration.
Our safari was all that we had hoped for and more. We are so grateful for the itinerary planning and packing advice we received on this forum. A detailed trip report will follow on a new post.
Day 1 Fly to London. Tower of London
Day 2 Fly to NBO
Day 3 Fly to JRO. Drive to Tarangire. Overnight at Tarangire River Camp
Day 4 Full day game drive at Tarangire with picnic lunch. Overnight at River Camp
Day 5 Cultural visit to Mto wa mbu. Drive to Ngorongora Sopa Lodge
Day 6 Early morning descent into Ngorongora Crater and full day game viewing. Overnight at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Day 7 Visit Oldupai Gorge and Drive to Kirawira Tented Camp
Day 8 Full day game drive in Serengeti in search of the migration and overnight at Kirawira Tented Camp
Day 9 Morning balloon ride and breakfast. Depart for central Serengeti. Overnight at Mbuzi Mawe tented camp
Day 10 Game drive en route to Lake Manyara
Day 11 Lake Manyara morning game drive, Drive to Arusha and transfer to JRO, begin travel home
The most difficult travel was the US travel, which caused us to overnight in New York rather than London on Day 1.
The migration had moved to the north central Serengeti and we encountered a minor vehicle issue that slowed us down on the way to the Ngorongoro Sopa on Day 5. Fortunately, Warrior Trails was able to switch our lodging from the Kirawira Tented Camp to the Serengeti Serena and switch our balloon ride to the central Serengeti. We hated to miss the Kirawira, but were happy to give up the driving time that would have taken us away from the migration.
Our safari was all that we had hoped for and more. We are so grateful for the itinerary planning and packing advice we received on this forum. A detailed trip report will follow on a new post.
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