Pamlg

During our upcoming trip to Tanzania we were scheduled to spend 2 nights at the Serengeti Serena Lodge and 2 nights at Kirawira Tented Lodge. We just heard from our travel agent that due to the rains there is limited wildlife around the Serena Lodge, so they were only putting us there for 1 night and then on to Kirawira for 3 nights. I have no idea how far apart these two lodges are and if there will indeed be more wildlife around the Kirawira Lodge. As far as the accommodations, I have heard that Kirawira is wonderful, but the reason for this portion of our trip is to see as many animals as possible on our game drives. Any comments or suggestions?

Calo

Pamlg, game viewing in the western corridor can be phenomenal from late May to mid July when the migration passes through on it's way north. November can be good too when the herds are headed back. Otherwise I think the general feeling is that game viewing is better elsewhere in the Serengeti than around Kirawira. Having said that, the area does support a number of resident animals but nowhere near what I assume you'd see in the Seronera at this time of year. I'm not sure why your agent is suggesting there'd be limited wildlife around the Serena ... I was under the impression that the Seronera Valley always had large numbers of resident animals.
The drive from the Serena to Kirawira is likely about 1.5 - 2 hrs but others may have better info about that.

Geelong2007

Palmg
When are you travelling/If it is busy then Serengeti Serena is probably full
and the agent is putting you into Kirawira which is a lot more expensive' further away and therefore not always full
If you are going in the next 2 months or so I would've thought the ndutu/seronera area would've been a lot better
I doubt this decision is to do with rainfall but then I am a bit of a cynic

Pamlg

Thanks so much for the quick respones. We're leaving on Feb 1st, but are going to Egypt first and are getting to Tanzania on Feb 10th. We already were booked into the Serena for 2 nights, but the agent said she was upgrading us to the Kirawira for the second night, at no additional cost, because there would be better viewing. I actually wouldn't mind spending the three nights at the Kirawira, but after what you've said I wonder what the real reason was for switching us. I will speak with her and mention what you've said.

Also I posted my entire itineray on this site under "Countdown..." If you have the time to look at it, possibly you would have some other suggestions for us. As the six of us are not traveling with any other group and will have our own driver/guide for the entire vacation, we can make some additions or modifications. Any suggestionms you might have would be greatfully appreciated. None of us have been to Africa before, and even though we have done some research, we are still pretty ignorant.

Thanks again

Geelong2007

Palmg
read your itinerary how lucky are you I have travelled to Egypt 3 times and reading what you are doing has bought back fantastic memories. I think Egypt is one of the destinations to travel to
and you are seeing it all
Abu Simbel. Luxor, the valley of the Kings, the sound and light shows are unreal. Egypt is fantastic have a great time
if little things go wrong dont let it spoil your trip Egypt is one of those countries and watch out for the "belly dances"on the boat
BUT on another note the place to be in Tanzania in Feb is Ndutu not Kirawira
thats where the migration is and all the action
It is easier to travel to Ndutu and the Migration from NGO. Serena than Serengeti serena or Kirawira
which would be about 4 hours drive away
all you will see there is long grass
I would insist on staying at the Serena lodge at Seronera and then I would also make sure you do a day trip from Ngorongoro to "look" for the Migration as you drive in the direction of the Serengeti plains.
your agent is misleading you Ndutu and Seronera are fully booked and going at this time to Kirawira is because they cant get rooms anywhere else not because of the rain or animal viewing
thats a joke
dont let them trick you

Pamlg

Geelong2007
Thanks so much for taking the time to look over my itinerary and making your comments. I will definitely speak with my local travel agent and have her contact Park East, the company who has arranged our trip, to find out what's going on. It's really upsetting to think they're trying to mislead us. I'm glad you opened my eyes. I'll let you know what happens.

As far as Egypt goes, I've always been facinated by everything Egyptian. Even as a small child whenever I went to the Museum of Natural History in New York city with my parents, all I ever wanted to see was the Egyptian exhibit and the mummies. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to go there.

Thanks again

Geelong2007

Pamlg
I also have been facinated by everything Egyptian
and would love to share this cameo of my first trip there
We caught a taxi to Sakkara then hired and then rode camels back to Giza
arriving at dusk
I will never forget the sight of the pyramids, the palm trees and the houses and us on camels walking down a side street with not a car in sight
It was as if we were there 1000 years ago unbelievable
have a great trip

sandi

An alternative if the Serena Serengeti is actually overbooked, would be Mbuzi Mawe Camp (a Serena property) about 1/hr north of the Serena or the Wildlife or Sopa Lodges in the Seronera area... These are a step down from the Serena or MM, but in the vicinity.

Elsewhere in the area are mobile/seasonal tent camps (which tend to be expensive, but if agent is upgrading to Kirawira at no addtl cost, maybe he/she can do for these, if available) - have TA check availability at Olakira, Sayari South, EMC, Savannah (where I just got last minute clients space), even Nomad's. Be aware, though that these tents are on the ground and if it's still wet, something to consider.

But for certain, Kirawira is lovely (and a Serena property) and would be nice for the lux, it's just not the place to be in February. Hope this helps.

Pamlg

Geelong2007
I can't even imagine how incredible that must have been. It must have been like traveling in a time machine. How fortunate you are to have had that experience. You've made me even more excited about our trip than I already was.

Patty

Sandi,
Who operates Savannah camp and where is it located at the moment?