where_to

We are trying to finalize our itinerary with Sunny Safari and we are just wondering if anyone stayed at Ikoma & went on the night game drive. What was the experience like--both staying at Ikoma and the night drive.

Thank you.

MamaTembo

I know this camp well. It is greatly improved under the new management of Moivaro. The permanent tents are upgraded and face a pretty piece of bush and sunset. The camp is outside the park gates at Ikoma (if you have a map look to the north of the central Serengeti, towards Musoma on Lake Victoria). What month are you traveling and where in your program does Sunny want to insert Ikoma? It is best used in June and July when the wildebeest should be passing through the area, or as a transitional place on the way to the northern Serengeti, also best beginning in July. Otherwise I find it out of the way. The night safari is absolutely the best thing about Ikoma, a rare treat on Tanzania's northern circuit. My sightings include Serval cats, hyenas, Verreaux Eagle-owls. At one point a herd of zebra and wildebeest thundered past, their eyes glowing green in the dark.

pixelpower

Nice to hear that, MamaTembo!

I'll be there mid July, 3 days in a row. Also booked a night safari. Will let you guys know how it went when I return.

where_to

Here's our itinerary (if you don't mind - its day 4). We'll actually be on safari from Nov 25th through Dec 3rd of this year.

Day 1: Transfer from Kilimanjaro airport to Impala Hotel (half board).

Day 2: After breakfast 09h00, P/up from Impala Hotel, depart for Ngorongoro, descend to the Crater floor for gamedrive, lunch at hippo pool picnic site, ascend to the rim, dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge

Day 3: After breakfast depart for Serengeti National Park, en-route gamedrive to Northern Serengeti, picnic lunch and afternoon a short gamedrive in Serengeti Park, dinner and overnight at Lobo Wildlife Lodge.

Day 4: Early morning gamr drive, after breakfast, drive back to Western Serengeti with lunch boxes, morning and afternoon game drives, dinner and overnight at Ikoma Bush Camp. (option: night game drive US$20 per person)

Day 5: After breakfast full day in Serengeti National Park(early morning, mid and afternoon gamedrives), all meals and overnight at Seronera Wildlife Lodge

Day 6: After breakfast full day in Serengeti National Park(early morning, mid and afternoon gamedrives), all meals and overnight at Seronera Wildlife Lodge

Day 7: After breakfast depart for Tarangire National Park, picnic lunch and gamedrive Tarangire National Park, dinner and overnight at Tarangire River Camp.

Day 8: After breakfast full day in Tarangire National Park(early morning, mid and afternoon gamedrives), all meals and overnight at Tarangire River Camp

Day 9: After breakfast, drive back to Arusha, then transfer to Kilimanajaro International Airport.

MamaTembo

Hi again Whereto,
At the time of your visit the wildebeest's southern migration is taking place---or should be taking place--I'm sure you are aware by now that the animal movements are driven by rain. So dependent upon the weather, the north, central and western Serengeti are the places to be Nov/early Dec, which is what Sunny has tried to give you. Ikoma makes for a good stop if only to experience the night safari, especially since they are moving you on to two nights in Seronera. (If it was only one night, then I would recommend dropping Ikoma.) The north might be a tad better early-to-mid November and the central and western Serengeti better late Nov to early Dec. Sorry, that is how exact it can get. If you don't care entirely about wildebeest movement, then the north is a gorgeous piece of park with the largest concentrations of the Serengeti's elephants and buffaloes. I like it up there alot. There are resident lion, cheetah, hyena and leopard too. You can't go wrong with the central Serengeti where you spend days five and six. Alot of antelope collect in the central park before pushing south along the eastern fringes of the park. You might want to ask your driver/guide to take you out on a day run from Seronera to the eastern plains (the Gol Kopjes) which come to life with the rain, antelope movement and predators such as cheetah and hyena. (Something to confirm with Sunny is unlimited mileage.) Think rain. When will you take another holiday when you hope for some wet? Green Serengeti is heaven on earth. (For me anyway.) You do have a long drive on day three when you drive from Ng crater to Lobo in the northern Serengeti. It'll be one long superb game drive. I remember a Christmas Day drive from Lobo to Ndutu with over seven cheetah sightings. Amazing. Enjoy. You will.

Kmania

Is Ikoma Bush Camp now known as Serengeti Tented Camp? A2T has us scheduled to stay there for the night game drive. Thanks for any help.

Kim

Patty

Ikoma Bush Camp = Serengeti Tented Camp

sandi

On Day 7 you have a very long drive from Seronera to Tarangire.

wildebeestus

We spent 1 night at Ikoma the 2nd week of July. Our tent was the furthest one out, giving us spectacular uninterrupted views. Sunset on our porch gave us the most breathtaking photos of our trip! Unfortunately, being last tent out did something to the water supply - we just had a few hisses of hot and then only cold water. Fortunately, dining outside under millions of stars we'd never seen before was much more memorable, and quickly dimmed the cold shower experience. The campfire was friendly and company superb. Walking back to our tent, escorted, of course, was one where we did feel a little "out there in the bush" - even more so when the guide left and the snorts and snuffles closed in. We treasure the memory - that's what we went to Africa for!!