losaltos

I am going to be in Tanzania in late June/early July. These camps were suggested to me as providing a lot of variety: Oliver's Camp in Tarangire, Gibb's Farm in Ngorongoro and the Soroi Serengeti Lodge in the Serengeti (a new place I think). If you've been to any of these, please let me know what you thought - pros and cons. Thanks!

sandi

Been to Oliver's and Gibb's, not Soroi as you say, is relatively new.

Oliver's is nice, but I prefer Swala, also located in the south of Tarangire... one is to the east, the other west of the Silale Swamp where game come to drink. These two though are different in presentation, Oliver's a bit more rustiic, where Swala has smooth edges and a bit more luxe (priced abut the same).

Gibb's (their cottages) in Karatu is lovely for the opportunity of 'out-of-vehicle' time, as there is no game viewing; consider walks, school/orphanage visit, bike riding or just enjoying their grounds; if a birder... lots in the area.

rsnyder

losaltos, we had a very pleasant one night stay at Gibb's Farm last May. Were only guests at the time. Great place to simply "kick back" and relax. A working farm with a beautiful landscaped setting around the cottages/lodge. Great variety of birds in the shrubs, trees, near the little ponds, etc. Excellent food/service. One chef took us on a walking tour of the veg gardens and another had us accompany him as he picked herbs for our meal that evening. As sandi mentioned no game (other than flycatchers, sunbirds, weavers, and more) on the immediate grounds) but the farm is on edge of the N. Crater Conservation Area with opportunity to walk to the elephant caves and waterfalls. (When we went we did come upon but at a reasonable distance of a small herd of cape buffalo and saw ample sign of recent elephant activity).

losaltos

Thanks, Sandi and rsnyder! Sandi have you done any of the walking safaris at Oliver's? Apparently those are a specialty of the house? If we stay at Gibb's and plan on having the driver take us to the Crater for sightseeing, is that inconvenient? I know it is a bit away from the hubbub and frankly that sounded appealing -- but not if it is so far out that getting to the real "action" is very problematic. Thoughts?

sandi

Walking? Moi? Don't think so!

I know these are available at Oliver's as they've been given permission even though within the Tarangire park boundaries, so why not.

As to Gibb's (located in Karatu) to Ngorongoro, it's about a 2.5/hr drive (on good tarmac) and if wishing an afternoon Crater tour - these limited to 6/hrs - then returning to Gibb's for overnight, it can be done, though not recommended. Especially when I ask 'where are you heading after Gibb's?'

If to the Serengeti, it doesn't make sense to backtrack. I'm not big on zig-zagging.

Most people overnight on the Crater rim so if they wish to also do a morning crater tour, they can be at the gate on opening, 6am and not first have the long drive. Even if not doing the morning tour, why zig-zag if then to the Serengeti? It's a long enough drive from the Crater to Ndutu or Central, West or North and then add 2.5/hrs... I think not!

Cateyes555

I stayed 2 nights at Gibb's Farm in 2010. Lovely, lovely. One of my favorite places and the food (and coffee) simply superb.

losaltos

Sandi: After Gibb's we are headed to the western corridor (via Olduvai) of the Serengeti. Thoughts on that routing?

sandi

Then is sure doesn't make sense to return 2+/hrs (east) to Gibb's, so the next morning you repeat those 2+/hrs (west) past Ngorongoro, onto the Serengeti.

Sure, on drive west, if you wish to spend the 1/nt in Karatu at Gibb's, do so... it's lovely. But next morning drive about 2/hrs to the Crater for afternoon tour and overnight. Next day via Oldupai (about 45/min)... continue game drive farther northwest (3-4/hrs) to the Western corridor.

lhgreenacres

We are both Oliver's and Gibb's Farm and loved both. We only stayed one night at Gibb's and wish we could of stayed longer. The room and the grounds were absolutely beautiful. Too far to drive to the Crater. You want to stay as close as possible to get in as early as possible. There is walking at Oliver's and we did the walk. It was really nice but we did not see any big animals. It was definitely a nice change to get out and walk but I would say it is not a walking experience such as you would find in countries like Zambia or Zimbabwe that really specialize in those types of activities.

lhgreenacres

I must be tired. Too much research on my own next trip. Correction-We have been to both Oliver's and Gibb's Farm.

Elainee

We stayed at a new place next to Gibbs called Endoro Lodge. It was a little further up the mountain past Gibbs. It was very nice with lovely furnished rooms, outdoor (plus indoor) showers, private patios, fireplaces, pretty bathtubs. I think the food was very good...don't really remember. Again, not a wildlife place, but they had bicycles and beautiful gardens. My son jogged to a waterfull.
I don't think it was that much of a ride to get to the crater. Worked for us and I guess it was less expensive that Gibbs. We would recommend it.

sandi

The drive from Gibb's or Endoro, both in Karatu, is easily 2/hrs. to the Crater gate, then the drive around the rim to your lodging.