Serena lodges versus much higher priced andbeyond

Old May 16th, 2011, 12:35 PM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Serena lodges versus much higher priced andbeyond

One of my colleagues has organized this tour that covers the Tanzanian Serengeti pretty well: http://www.tanzaniaembassy-us.org/do...%20Opt%201.pdf

This tour however has us staying in Serena lodges. The look and feel of the andbeyond properties has really caught my eyes. But the price diffrence is so signficant. Although the cost is not as big of a deal to me, would it be wise for me to go with andbeyond or stick with this itinerary? We are looking for a magical experience and if the cost will be doubled for a big difference in our experienc, so be it. We are a couple in our late thirties and will be traveling with our 7 year old son.
aesla is offline  
Old May 16th, 2011, 01:29 PM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I wouldn't tell you what to do; that's certainly up to you. And I haven't stayed at any Serenas. I have used &Beyond in several countries and they do a fabulous job of treating you royally. In Tanzania I've stayed at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Grumeti and Klein's. I loved Grumeti, one of my favorite camps in Africa. Sitting right next to a pool full of hippos snorting and harrumphing, the camp is magical. The Ngorongoro Crater Lodge is an extreme splurge in my estimation---the most luxurious of the places I've stayed. A bit over the top maybe, but you'll never forget it. Here's a shot from my lodge:

http://thesafariadvisor.com/linked/n...er%20lodge.jpg

By the way you'd need to check if &Beyond permits a 7-yr-old.
sdb2 is offline  
Old May 16th, 2011, 02:10 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
It's been a while (2002), but we stayed in the Serena lodges at Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti. While not over-the-top luxurious, we found them quite nice, with good food, and excellent staff.
Grcxx3 is offline  
Old May 16th, 2011, 02:24 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
There's a reason why the andBeyond properties appeal... luxe and cost, if one's wallet is good with that!

The animals don't care where you sleep, so the decision would be how much you want to pay.

As mentioned above, if using andBeyond properties, you'd have to clarify situation traveling with 7/yr old. Often those with a young child have to request "exclusive use of vehicle" for game drives and that will be assessed at a steep daily price.

If traveling with a group, bear in mind even if you choose andBeyond properties, these aren't always in the same place as the Serena Lodges shown, nor will you have the same schedule as the group - where visiting, how many hours, # of days, etc.... so you're technically on a private safari with the associated cost for these upgraded properties.

Safari is not like visiting in Europe where your friends can stay at one hotel and you at another, but meet up and enjoy the days activities together. Here you're out in the bush, with great distances from place to place. You don't just wake up in the morning and say "we're meeting up with (name) for lunch and visit to museum."

If you enjoy this short business/safari trip, you can return at another time and use the andBeyond properties on a private safari at the going rates then. During July, staying at a place like Crater Lodge has a rack rate of $1,500/person/nt and a camp at Grumeti River at about $850/person/nt.

Whichever you choose, know that you will all require malaria meds (Malarone has a pediatric dose) and Yellow Fever inoculation.
sandi is offline  
Old May 16th, 2011, 03:02 PM
  #5  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you. I already know the upwards rates for the andbeyond properties. They are actually fine with my son. If I choose the andbeyond, I would not go with the group so that will be ok. But what about the overall experience of staying in Serena lodges versus andbeyond? This in particular in the Serengeti region of comparing Grumeti versus Serena at the end of June/beginning of July and the Migration. Are the Serena lodges packed with people and offer inferior service and food? Thanks
aesla is offline  
Old May 16th, 2011, 03:10 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 20,013
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I did the Serena Lodges in the Mara, the Serengeti, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro Crater.

I have no complaints about any of them, the food was good, entertainment was good in the evening and the staff was very attentive in all the places.

They all serve the same brands of beer.!!

You are gone most of the day on game drives in the morning and then again in the afternoon.

On some days you are away from the Lodge the whole day and a box lunch is prepared for you.

I would be more concerned that you will have good game drives and a good driver / guide.!!
Percy is offline  
Old May 16th, 2011, 03:12 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,823
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
>

And excellent South African wines!!!
Grcxx3 is offline  
Old May 16th, 2011, 03:13 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,771
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I have just completed scheduling an 11 day safari though it really boils down to 9 Full days in the "bush", specially not counting daysin Arusha or a night in JRO. I did extensive guidebook research and had help from travelers on this Forum as well as reading comments on TripAdvisor and a few on Lonely Planet-Thorn tree. We decided against the Serena lodges for 4 star lodges but also had 4 of our 9 nights in Camos (Dunia and Oliver's). I am not sure how practical it is with a 7 year old in a camp but I would think that if the Camp accepts that it is 2 adults and 1 child you will have even more room in a tent than in a single lodge room. If you look at "Dunia Camps" on their website you will see what I mean.
We are going with a private driver so we can stay or stop when we have had enough rather than be dependent on others. Also, in the tents you will hear the the animals at night. You have to decide if your child will be "cool" or thrown by this type of environment. The cost of a 4 star Lodge is in many cases the same as a 4 star Camp so we opted for 5 nights in Lodges of 9 the nights out in the "bush". You can do it up one from Serena for probably less than $1000 per person more and privately. I am not sure of the charge for your child. I woould guess 1/3 since only the food is a factor.You might want to contact Planet Africa and ask Sophie for a 7 day "in the bush" plus 1 night in Arusha itinerary WITH "flying doctor insurance"included. It's a precaution all the tour operators offer and it cost them very little. I would guess you will get a quote even at one step up with 4 in lodges and 3 in camps but up one from Serena for equal to what you have. It is very high season so don't get upset if it's a few hundred more per person but don't forget what you asked for:a magical experience".
StanKase is offline  
Old May 16th, 2011, 03:25 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
aesla, as I mentioned earlier I haven't been at any Serena property. Posters at this forum generally have very nice things to say about them. Two reasons I haven't stayed at Serena properties is (1) that when I asked about a private car I was quoted extreme rates, at least in my opinion and (2) I wanted a less crowded experience. At a place like Grumeti, which I believe will be well situated at that time for the migration (if not, the camp would probably go to all lengths to get you to a good place even if they need to keep you out all day---a couple of years ago I was there in November and the driver drove about 60 km due east so we could observe the tail end of the migration; it was a day-long affair with a picnic lunch under a boulder which, I was assured, served as the inspiration for a scene in The Lion King (I'm sure there are many such places!)) you probably will not have more than 20 visitors. I can't compare with Serena but &Beyond is pretty good about not cramming visitors into cars. Six is the usual maximum (2 in each of three rows). I think the camp would also be open to how you wish to tailor your game rides. Perhaps others will share their game-riding experiences at Serena with you.
sdb2 is offline  
Old May 16th, 2011, 07:39 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 20,013
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Grcxx3

So you had beer AND wine !!!

No wonder you ladies ran the bill up on me in Egypt 2 years ago!!


I had a private guide/driver also, and it was very nice to stop and go whenever you wanted.
Percy is offline  
Old May 17th, 2011, 01:54 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Depends on how much time you plan on spending at the lodge/camp, and what you will be doing while there. If you only experience the camp/lodge for just a few hours and most of them you are sleeping, then it doesn't make much sense to choose something considerably more expensive.

Number of persons in a car may be an issue, but make sure you have found out all details before booking. Higher price doesn't always mean less people per car.

Intimacy is a big tricky. In a big lodge you may see more people but you may also choose to ignore everyone. In some camps all guests have lunch and dinner at the same table, so you can't be alone if this is what you want.
micmic is offline  
Old May 17th, 2011, 04:35 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,820
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
aesla,
That trip you postef looks to be business/investment oriented. Is that what you want? Unless you are going to develop business contacts, your 'vacation' will be surrounded by various negotiations & discussions of things that might not hold any interest for you.
FrankS is offline  
Old May 17th, 2011, 06:39 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Of course, there is a difference in experience, but whether it's worthwhile to pay the difference depends on your own priorities.

The Serena lodges are large, so yes, many more people, and much busier. Often a lot of vehicles in the vicinity too, so no chance of quiet, lone sightings of wildlife.

But accommodation and food are decent, they have a loyal following for a reason.

AndByeond are luxe, of course and accommodation will be gorgeous, more of a dream holiday kind of styling. Their properties are smaller with more personal attention from staff and I imagine food and drink will be top class.

However, for me, if I had the choice between Serena properties plus paying for a private vehicle or AndBeyond sharing a vehicle with other travellers, I'd go for Serena.

Especially travelling with a younster, having a private vehicle will give you great added flexibility, in terms of being able to return to camp if your son is tired or fractious, being able to decide what times you want to go out on activities and what you want to do...

Really, Serena and AndBeyond are apples and oranges... completely different.

Yes the wildlife is the same, but the overall safari experience will still be different.
Kavey is offline  
Old May 17th, 2011, 07:09 AM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You're looking at July 2011. Doubt even at the andBeyond properties there will be space at this late date. Often you'll hear "no room at the inn" which has been the case now for a few months.

OP - it's up to you. If you want to do your own thing, check with andBeyond to see what they may have available, but don't be surprised if they don't have consecutive days, as would be needed in the Serengeti. And, I don't believe you'd be happy with 1-nighters, moving daily... often using internal flights (small planes... costly) to get from place-to-place where the andBeyond properties/camps are located.

Get moving now and I hope you're successful.
sandi is offline  
Old May 17th, 2011, 09:03 AM
  #15  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you all so much for your opinions. I'm very close in booking with andbeyond. They do have the availability and this is what they have offered me:

2 nights at Klein's camp
2 nights at Lake Manyara Tree Lodge
2 nights at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
4 nights at Grumeti Serengeti Tented Camp
2 nights at Mnemba

All inclusive.

They gave me 4 nights free with this as they have a promotion going. The cost is still significant (waiting for the final count but most likely around 27 or 28k for the three of us), but seem like it will be an amazing experience. I'm currently finding out if they are having us in private vehicles or not. Another issue with the government sponsored program was the fact that we needed to drive from one camp to another. This can be more problematic with my son. Flying seems more fun and practical.
aesla is offline  
Old May 17th, 2011, 09:23 AM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
aesla, my only thought is whether this is too much bouncing from one place to another. It might seem like you're unpacking and re-packing in quick succession, which can get old. But you know how your family travels. If you should decide to tweak the itinerary, I think that Grumeti, NCL and Mnemba are keepers. Perhaps those who have been to both Klein's and Lake Manyara can provide their thoughts on both places. Also, assuming you're heading home after Mnemba, maybe an extra day there would help you get totally relaxed after your safari time.
sdb2 is offline  
Old May 17th, 2011, 01:02 PM
  #17  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Just asked them if they can have us skip Klein's and go directly to Manyara for four nights. Mnemba is great but is not available more than the two nights.
aesla is offline  
Old May 17th, 2011, 01:29 PM
  #18  
 
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 12,820
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
aesla,
Kleins Camp is an excellent place to be in July, if anything I would add nights there
FrankS is offline  
Old May 17th, 2011, 02:17 PM
  #19  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thank you FrankS. We're actually scheduled to be at Klein's on the 24th of June. So the migration will not be around there yet.
aesla is offline  
Old May 17th, 2011, 10:59 PM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm not sure you'd want to be at Lake Manyara for 4 nights.

Whilst it does mean a bit of moving, if you're doing flying transfers, might not be too bad... depends how much road distance is between camps and airstrips.

On our first safari we had lots of 2 nighters and, whilst we go for longer stays now, it was still a fantastic experience.
Kavey is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

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