Not a luxury accomodations kinda gal!

Old Feb 17th, 2010, 10:54 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Not a luxury accomodations kinda gal!

Aloha All,
I am in the preliminary stages of planning a trip to Tanzania or Kenya (Mara)/Tanzania and wanted to get your input on places to stay and when to go:
--thinking about travel dates of September 2010 or Jan-Feb 2011. Of course the sooner the better! But if Jan/Feb is a better time for animal viewing and good weather (I like warm) then I guess I could wait!
--if I go in Sept., would probably do the Mara/Tanzania combo since I would like to try to catch the migration
--if I go in Jan or Feb, would just go to Tanzania (Serengeti, Ngorogoro, Tarangire)? Other destination recommendations?
How about recommendations of places to stay? My favorite place when I visited Kenya 20 years ago was ?Mara River Camp (cannot remember the exact name-but it was a permanent tent on the Mara River). I gather from what I have read so far, that the Ngorogoro Sopa Lodge is the best place to stay when in the crater---but otherwise, I would like to be mostly in permanent tented camp-like places---no chandeliers for me!!!!
BTW, I have learned so much from all of you---thank you soooo much!!!
live_aloha is offline  
Old Feb 18th, 2010, 08:48 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 10,278
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
How many days will you have for this trip?

You have a lot to look forward to!
Leely2 is offline  
Old Feb 18th, 2010, 01:36 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Depending on how many days (as Leely2 asks), if more than 10/days you can visit both countries comfortably, but not all of the parks in each.

Both countries have similar gaming experiences, depending on when visiting, i.e., known elephant reserves - Amboseli and Samburu in Kenya; Tarangire in Tanzania (with mini-migration between July/Oct), so it's not necessary to visit all of them. The migration is a moving thing, where in Sept it's great to be in Kenya's Masai Mara though there is spillover in the Northern Serengeti. While for Jan/Feb, the migrationn can be found in the Ndutu and SESerengeti areas.

Do realize though that as these times are peak-seasons expect the prices to match. For mid-range accommodations whether lodges or permanent tent camps, you have to figure approx. $400-500/person nt. Prices though for 2011 probably won't be available before mid-'10 (Jun-Aug).

Good luck with your research and do come back here for comments as you progress.
sandi is offline  
Old Feb 18th, 2010, 04:19 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
My heart skipped a beat when I saw Mara River Camp. My fav too, even the old photographers' tents away from the river that you shared with the bats were perfect.

If your wish to avoid fanciness is also to save $$, then Kenya without Tanz in Sept would probably be the lowest cost of your options and is what I'm doing.

Consider these in Kenya:

Tusk or Fishing Lodge (self catering, but a chef accompanies you) in Aberdare

There are some self catering places in Samburu, but I recall the savings over a place like Serena were not a lot.

In general Sopas in Kenya (or other places) are a little less money and a little less fancy than Serenas; and Sarovas are a little less compared to Sopas.

Mara Sarova in Shaba would be more remote and less fancy than a lot of the places in Samburu.

Kinna Bandas in Meru

Mara Springs self catering (with chef) in Mara.
Mara Serena is a great combo of location and price, though the atmosphere is no Mara River Camp.
Consider Fig Tree too.
Mara Sarova is tented, but a fairly large operation. I would probably not opt for it in Sept, but I know people who have stayed there in Sept and loved it.

If money is not the problem, I've heard great things about Rekero and Serian. These are tented options without fanciness, just exclusiveness and an emphasis on quality guiding. Serian gives you a private vehicle. Similar philosophy to Mara River Camp but at a comparably higher cost.

In Tanzania, Wildlife Lodges are fairly simple and were fine when I used them. I stayed at Wildlife at crater, but would opt for the fancier/pricier Sopa for its own access road.

You might consider a group camping trip, too, for either location.

Have a wonderful time.
atravelynn is offline  
Old Feb 18th, 2010, 04:23 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...fe-viewing.cfm

Above is an offseason Mara report at Serian, a camp I mentioned.
atravelynn is offline  
Old Feb 18th, 2010, 10:52 PM
  #6  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wow! I was so excited to see your responses--thank you!
Leely2, Sandi
I plan to stay no more than 10 days--primarily due to cost (unfortunately, money is somewhat of a factor)! Guess the main reason I thought of visiting Tanzania more than Kenya, is that I have been to Kenya (Nairobi, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo, Aberdare (The Ark)and Mombasa--and, while I loved it--I thought it made sense to see somewhere different. But I am certainly open to going wherever and whenever- it does not have to be Sept or Jan/Feb-I just chose those dates because I think that is the dry and warmer season? It seemed like the travel sites I checked did regard those dates as high season, but the cost is not that much higher? Please correct me if I am wrong. Your suggestions/recommendations are more than welcome.

atravelynn---are you doing your own thing when you go to Kenya, or going with a group? So it was the Mara River Camp! I loved it---only problem was I think that is where my son (10 yrs old at the time) got sick (brushed his teeth with the faucet water. It was our last day in Africa and I ended up practically having to carry him through the airport to catch our flight home. Oh well, memories.
Thanks for all the suggestions on places to stay! A group camping trip sounds interesting, but how rough and safe is it?

I am super excited about this trip! So funny, I have been wanting to go somewhere special for the past 2 years, but didn't even think of revisiting Africa until one of the doctors I work with started planning his Kilimanjaro trek. Then I got out my old picture album and started looking at all the posts and pictures on this site and now it's all I can think of!!!
live_aloha is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2010, 05:36 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
If you go to Tarangire, we loved the Tarangire Safari Camp. Large military tents with a view of the Gorge. We had elephants behind our tent one morning!
fourwheelinit is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2010, 06:48 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Never an issue for me to revisit either country, but if already been to Kenya and would like to discover Tanzania, realize the prices are higher. But there are properties, whether lodges/camps, that can fit your budget. And, if the Migration isn't a "top of the list" item, consider Tanzania's only "low" season which would be April/May (preferably end-May). There are the rainy months, but that doesn't mean it will. And, if it does, rarely daily, all day... usually just brief afternoon thunderstorms or overnight showers. Doesn't impact game viewing and all is beautifully green.

Seasons/Prices - If Jan/Feb which is "summer" in East Africa will be at mid-season prices in Kenya, but peak-season in Tanzania. If Sept it's "winter" and peak-season prices both countries.

For Tanzania, consider:
Day 1 - Arv. JRO; transfer to Arusha for - o/n
Day 2 - Arusha Natl Park - o/n
Day 3 - Drive to Tarangire - o/n
Day 4 - Tarangire - o/n
Day 5 - Drive to Ngorongoro - o/n
Day 6 - Drive to Central Serengeti* - o/n
Days 7 & 8 - Central Serengeti* - o/n
Day 9 - Drive to Lk. Manyara - o/n
Day 10 - Drive to Arusha/JRO - homebound

*if visiting Jan/Feb, the Ndutu area of NCA or Southeast Serengeti; if Jun/Jul, Western Serengeti; May/Jun, then Central is fine

Good luck!
sandi is offline  
Old Feb 19th, 2010, 03:20 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I bet your son has far more memories of the wonders of safari and few memories of getting sick.

Group camping is safe enough. I wouldn't do the kind in a big truck because that skews more youthful than I and the focus can be less on wildlife and more on wild life. But a smaller group trip where everyone gets a window in a minibus or jeep is something I'd definitely consider to lower the cost. Sometimes those types of trips in East Africa cover too much ground, though, with long drives and short park visits.

I have a solo trip this time so I can stay longer in one location.

Whether you choose Kenya or Tanzania, you'll have a great trip.
atravelynn is offline  
Old Feb 21st, 2010, 12:19 PM
  #10  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you all for your responses and recommendations--truly appreciated.
*******MORE QUESTIONS FOR ALL OF YOU!!!!!!!!!
**Is there a time of year that you experienced travelers would prefer not go to Kenya or Tanzania? Is this because of cost, weather, number of tourists, or animal viewing experiences?
Is there a better time of year (or places to go)to avoid the most number of tourists?
Are safari prices much different in low season times?
How about airfares? In your experiences, is there a time of year where airfares tend to be lower? I will be traveling from Hawaii-->LAX--->Nairobi. Unless anyone knows of a better way to get there from Hawaii (via Australia)????
Sandi--I like your sample itinerary, but after reading another post, am wondering if staying in one place for 2-4 days might be a better, more relaxed way to do it. I realize that impacts how many place to experience, but hey--I can come back again!
atravelynn--Revisiting Kenya may just be the way to go--appreciate your suggestions, many of them are new names to me and not in the one travel book I have, so will have to do some research.

you are absolutely right about having more wonderful memories of the wonders of safari over the getting sick part. It was a magical experience----as I am sure this next trip will be (If I can ever get it together to figure it all out)!!!
live_aloha is offline  
Old Feb 21st, 2010, 01:00 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Doubt for experienced travelers they'd turn down a trip to Africa. Seems anytime we can visit the Motherland, is a good time!

There are seasons though, low being April/May because of the rains. But no guarantee of rain or how much, rarely inhibits safari and game don't go on holiday (the migrating herds usually in northern part of Southern Serengeti... maybe) but all is green if it does, prices are lower, less tourists.

The above itinerary gives you the best of the parks/areas at an even pace... not at all rushed and certainly not zig-zagging... straight line to/from. Except for Ngorongoro on the way West and Manyara returning East, each for 1/nt, you have 2 and 3/nts. There are great distances between, so unless you want to add the costs to fly to/from say the Serengeti and stay 4/nts, you really don't accomplish much.

From HI via Australia??? Hey team... didn't Dennis once fly via Hong Kong, but that was to the southern African countries... Namibia or Botswana or was it Angola??? No, Angola is where the animals went!!! (sorry, that's an inside story).

Believe you can fly via SYD, but most flights (often on Emirates) then fly via Dubai before arriving Nairobi or Dar-es-Salaam. If HI via LAX, then you'll have a stop somewhere in Europe.... maybe layover there for a day or two going/returning.
sandi is offline  
Old Feb 26th, 2010, 05:54 PM
  #12  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Sandi, Atravelynn, Fourwheelinit-Thanks so much for all the info you have shared with me!
After reading many of the Tanzania/Kenya posts from all the over entries, I feel I am so much better informed to put together a great trip. Before I visited this site I had no clue you could change itineraries or do a private safari!
I'm sure I will have more questions along the way. You all are absolutely right--it is fun planning this trip and I am sure whatever timeframe, place, etc I end up with it will be an amazing experience!!!!
live_aloha is offline  
Old Feb 27th, 2010, 01:00 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I believe someone from Australia (Twaffle?) flies from Australia via Qatar airlines through Doha, then Africa. Dennis from Hawaii can perhaps off some flight itineraries. Ih he isn't watching the tsunami approach!
LAleslie is offline  
Old Feb 27th, 2010, 01:28 PM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Good reminder LAleslie... Qatar is another option that goes via the Middle East.

Yeh, if Dennis isn't watching the tsunami!!
sandi is offline  
Old Feb 27th, 2010, 02:38 PM
  #15  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,395
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi elizabeth. I'm on the Big Island and have been to Africa 5 times with all possible flight combinations. No matter what way you go, it takes a long time to get there from here! I found a good flight (30 hours total) going through Seoul, then Hong Kong and down to Johannesburg for this years trip. There are flights from HK to Nairobi that you might want to look at. Pay attention to layovers, they can be brutal whether in Hong Kong, Sydney London or Los Angeles. Check out kayak.com and type in all the combinations you can think of to give you some idea of what is available. Any other questions, feel free to ask.
matnikstym is offline  
Old Feb 27th, 2010, 02:44 PM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
When do you prefer not go to Kenya or Tanzania?

-Some might avoid July-Oct in the Mara as that is when the most people are there. Also the most wildebeest and shortest grasses. It costs the most at that time too. I’ve only gone during this timeframe and my next trip is Sept. When I have more flexibility in the future, I’ll consider low season travel that costs less, has fewer people, and weather/wildlife conditions that are less desirable. But nobody comes back from low/shoulder/green season and says they had a bad time.

Is there a better time of year (or places to go)to avoid the most number of tourists?
- Kenya in late Nov-mid-June (good for birds then)
- Northern Serengeti in Jan-June
- Southern Serengeti in May-Nov
- Southern Tanzania (Selous, Ruaha, Katavi) in Dec-May
(good for birds then)

Are safari prices much different in low season times?
-Better and in these times you probably get a discount on a discount. It's worth checking out and comparing.

How about airfares?
-Sept less than July-Aug when I booked to NBO. Don’t know about the rest.

Hope there is no tsunami problems for those of you in Hawaii.
atravelynn is offline  
Old Feb 27th, 2010, 08:17 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Elizabeth, have you looked at flying from Hawaii to Hong Kong and then from Hong Kong to Nairobi with Kenya Airways? I'm pretty sure they still fly that route but I haven't looked at it for a while.

Yes, I flew Qatar Airways … very nice but I'm sure there are better ways to get from Hawaii to Nairobi than through Australia as that trip sounds very arduous.
twaffle is offline  
Old Feb 27th, 2010, 09:20 PM
  #18  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
LAleslie, Sandi, matnikstym, atravelynn, twaffle---MAHALO! You have all given me some great information so I can continue to move forward.
Looks like January 2011 travel makes the most sense for me. I was hoping to go sooner---just because January is so darn far away and once you get the "I'm going to Africa" mindset --well, you all must know how I feel!
atravelynn, thanks for including the bird info. My first (and only so far) Kenya journey was arranged by a relative who booked it with East African Ornithological Society. Initially I thought why would anyone want to look at birds while in Africa? But of course, once I got there and got a look at the birds, I soon discovered why!
Matnikstym--yes, I am not looking forward to the amount of time it takes to get there from Hawaii Nei! If it didn't cost so much more to do layovers in some of the stopover destinations I imagine it could be quite enjoyable.
Wow! Everyone got the heads up about the tsunami! Fortunately, the worst part for me was waking up to the blaring Cival Defense Sirens at 6am on a Saturday! We were lucky this time. My heart goes out to the residents of Chile who have been affected.
live_aloha is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kits55
Africa & the Middle East
21
Sep 10th, 2011 12:55 PM
chacheetah
Africa & the Middle East
25
Aug 11th, 2007 05:15 AM
24Lisa
Africa & the Middle East
9
Jul 29th, 2005 08:59 PM
missbiggie
Africa & the Middle East
20
Oct 11th, 2004 01:46 PM
lilla
Africa & the Middle East
5
Apr 19th, 2004 01:59 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -