distiller

Hi, I'm planning a trip in Jan 05 to Tanzania.

I've got 6 days/5 nights on safari and want to know, should I stay 2 nights in Serena Serengeti / 2 nights in Serena Ngor crater OR 3 nights serengeti / 1 night Ngor? Aside from seeing the big 5 I would hope to catch the migration (are they actually moving in mid Jan or just grazing and giving birth?)

Also, I've been told I can catch a flight leaving Zanzibar to Dar at 6.20am which will let me catch my flight back home from Dar at 9.20am. Is this too close for comfort? Or should I just stay a night in Dar so I can get to the airport stress free? Is Dar worth a night?

Lastly, can anyone recommend Good Earth Tours? They're one of the companies I've been emailing.

Thanks for any help. This site is fantastic!

sandi

The herds are in the Southeastern area of the Serengeti during January thru February (early-March) for the calving season. The exact time of birthing cannot be definite, though I've heard it is closer to February. So your choice of accommodation should be in this area - the Ndutu Lodge is one lodge in the area; there are also one or two tented camps in the area as well.

The Serena Serengeti is located more in the Central (or Seronera) area of the Serengeti which is further north of the calving area.

As to the Ngorongoro Crater - depending on when and how you arrive, you often arrive here late afternoon. You might have time to go into the crater for a brief visit, though more then likely, not. So you need two (2) nights here. After the first night, the following morning after an early breakfast, you'll descend into the Crater for a full day on the Crater floor, returning to your accommodation late afternoon before dusk. So for the evening/overnight you spend at the same accommodation.

Unless you leave the Crater early (which few people do; they want as much time in the Crater as possible), would you be able to make it to your accommodations in the Southeastern Serengeti in time for dinner.

I cannot comment on specifically re the flight from ZNZ to DAR, but the flight is a short one which would, if there are no delays, bad weather, whatever, be able to make your connection in DAR. That said, depending on how you're used to traveling and whether you can afford a delay, consider spending the night in Dar, get a good nights sleep and not have to rise at "oo-dark-30" to make the flight from ZNZ. Unless you have something specific to do in ZNZ the night before, it's just as easy to stay at a hotel near the airport in DAR, have a relaxng dinner, early to bed and be at the airport for your homebound flight without any undue stress.

distiller

Thanks for your reply. You're right about staying in south Serengeti for the migration. Should I just stick to the south or is going to central serengeti also good. Thinking now of 1 night Kirurumu, 1 night Ndutu, 1 night serena serengeti then 1 night Ngor serena (or Ngor crater lodge if my budget permits. Then back to Arusha to fly to Zanzibar.

Will I be travelling to much if I only stay 1 night in each place? Been reading up and it doesn't seem as if they are too far from each other. Any info would be grateful.

sandi

Don't do "one-nighters" - you'll be a basket case. Go either with Ndutu (SE)or Serena (Central). From either you can drive to the other area depending on where the herds are at that time. These are animals and they can be a week off schedule, so there are never any guarantees exactly where they will be. Just be certain that your outfitter/tour operator knows what you are trying to see and that you want to be able to travel around those areas ahead of time so there are no misunderstandings.

eubank

You might want to make reservations very soon because I have not been able to book some desired spots because they are full for mid January

wanderlust123

I would also like to know if anyone can recommend Good Earth Tours. Comments?

phil16

<Lastly, can anyone recommend Good Earth Tours? >

Not sure about that but this site may interest you - eco companies who support local projects etc.

http://www.responsibletravel.com/