chrisamg

Hi there,

Just finalising my Honeymoon trip and I wanted to get people's advice on where to start. Where is a good cheapish place with a pool near Arusha.We are flying in on the 19th June from the UK so we will be pretty tired after the wedding on the 17th.
Then at the moment we ate down for either Mawe Ninga or the more expensive Swala camp.
I would welcome comments from the usuals suspects Leely,Sandi and Climblowsleephigh.
I have two days in Tarangire but was not sure if we should stay in Lake Manyara for 1 night and then one in Tarangire.
Also what are people views on Olduvai, i am booking with ATR and I know they always push it.
The itinery looks like this -
19th Mt Village Arusha
20-21 st Swala/mawe ninga Tarangire
22nd Crater Lodge
23rd Olduvai
24-25 Olosokwan camp Nomad
26-27 Mbalageti camp
28-30th Zanzibar Pongwe beach
1-3rd July Asali Suite Matembwe
4-7th July ?
8th EmersonGreen or Dhow Palace ?
Back to the UK

I really would appreciate some input before taking the plunge on my credit card.

Many many thanks chris

Leely

I guess I would replace Olduvai with either another night in the Serengeti or another night at the Crater. However, if you're staying at Crater Lodge, even if there is availability, I would imagine adding a night there would send your budget into the stratosphere.

Also, I'm staying at Olduvai one night in June even though it's not at all correct in terms of wildlife that time of year. Sarvowinner recently posted about their time there and they enjoyed it. The just poked around, took a walk, etc. So I'm looking on the bright side and thinking of it a little break mid-safari.

Ideally, if I were you I would add Manyara and take out Olduvai. But I'm guessing that would mess up all your (hopefully confirmed?) accommodations elsewhere.

Can't comment on Swala vs. Mawe Ninga other than Swala's more expensive. People do seem to love it though, and if you can afford it and it's your honeymoon...?

I think it's a mostly fabulous itinerary. It's certainly much nicer than mine!

Congratulations on the wedding.

Leely

Oops, meant to say, don't cut a night at Tarangire. Late June should be okay in Tarangire unless the rains, should they ever come this year, continue late.

Manyara is nice, but definitely a one-nighter. Tarangire deserves two nights.

chrisamg

Many thanks Leely, it really helps having input from others. I always feel that I am being pushed into making choices. I'm not really its just hard to decide.
Any other comments would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers Chris

climbhighsleeplow

Hi Chris

Congratulations!

Overall the itinerary looks OK but I would reconsider a few overnight stops:

1. Swala vs. Mawe Ninga. For romance and wildlife viewing Swala is better. The tents are further apart and they all face a waterhole where you can watch the animals come and go. The interactions between the elephants (kings of the little hole) and the rest are fun to watch. Swala attracts couples and sundowners/dinners are more romantic than Mawe Ninga which is more geared for international groups. Service and food quality have always been outstanding at Swala.

2. With the migration moving through the central Serengeti, the Olduvai stop is unnecessary if it is wildlife you're after. If you want to do some hiking then it is fine but these are not game walks! The interaction with the Maasai is IMO it's main selling point but you can do this on the way to the Serengeti without spending the night! It will be better to stay at Ronjo flycamp or Mbuze Mawe near Seronera.

3. Nomad Olosokwan is in Loliondo which has lots of Maasai & cattle and far less wildlife than the Northern Serengeti. Since your game drives will be in the Serengeti anyway, I strongly suggest you consider Sayari in the Northern Serengeti. This is a very romantic camp with views of the Mara River (crocs, hippos) where the migration will be crossing. And then there is the new CCAfrica Mobile Camp in the Klein's concession - it looks very romantic and exclusive!

4. Nomad Serengeti is also a possibility and but this camp will probably be near Mbalageti anyway. So you have to choose between Mbalageti and Nomad. If you are staying in Mbalageti Standard rooms, then I suggest Nomad instead! Nomad Serengeti will always be in the best positions for wildlife viewing and their guides are excellent.

Choices, choices! And budget I guess!
But it is a honeymoon...

chrisamg

Many thanks again for all help Climbhighsleeplow and Leely.
Does anyone think that Swali Camp is too far north for the 24-27th June. Also is the Mbalageti camp mentioned by ATR website called something else.
Getting very excited now.
Cheers Chris

climbhighsleeplow

Hi Chris

In late June I would not normally recommend an exclusive Mara River stay - it is better to split a stay between Seronera, Western Serengeti and Northern Serengeti.

You are already staying 2 nights in the Mbalageti area which is good. I suggest you change the Olduvai booking to a lodge/camp in the Seronera area and then go north. This will give you a perfect triangle with an excellent change to see lots of migration action!

I would change the sequence a bit:

22nd - Crater Lodge
23rd - Mbuze Mawe or Ronjo or similar (to explore Seronera)
24-25th - Mbalageti Tented Lodge or mobile camp (to explore Western Serengeti)
26-27th - Sayari (to explore Northern serengeti)
28th - Fly from Kogatende airstrip or Kleins Airstrip to Seronera and on to Zanzibar

I do not know what ATR means - it's either Mbalageti Tented Lodge or Nomad Serengeti Mobile Camp.

Remember, once the wildebeest cross the Grumeti River the migration becomes scattered and pockets of wildebeest will be everywhere until they meet up in the Masai Mara. From Seronera to the Mara River there are lots of trees and tall grass with rolling hills and only a few game circuit drives - it is much harder to get a complete migration picture as you would in the Masai Mara or on the plains of the South & Central Serengeti.

chrisamg

you are a star climbhighsleeplow, i will put these changes to my man at ATR.Many thanks and I will keep you informed. Cheers chris

Patty

I'm guessing the "Mbalageti" camp that ATR refers to is actually Nomad Serengeti.

chrisamg

yes thats right (or wrong).ATR have their own little names for these camps. I thinks its there to confuse.
Anyway, I have been told they can't mix Nomad serengeti safari with Sayari. I don't know why.
Apparently Sayari has an outfit in western serengeti? Does anyone know about it.
Luckily I held some camps like Crater Lodge last year, but I am aware time is creeping upon us.
Any thoughts welcome.

Cheers chris

climbhighsleeplow

I can uderstand the ATR situation. Sayari and Nomad are competitors!

No, currently Sayari only moves between Kogatende (Mara) and Piaya (Loliondo.

They have a sister camp called Olakira that moves around the Serengeti and also a partner called Sokwe that can be booked for mostly private safaris.