Hi Everybody,

As per Sandi's advice I have got offers from 5 companies for our trip ( 2 people) To Tanzania between 15th and 23rd March 2008.Following are the companies and their offerd accomodations:

AFRICA TRAVEL RESOURCE:
15/3 : Airport Pick up and o/n at Moivaro Lodge, Arusha.
16/3 : Visit Manyara NP and o/n at Gibb's Farm.
17/3 : Ngorongoro crater and o/n at Gibb's farm.
18/3 : South Central Serengeti and o/n at Olduvai Tented camp.
19/3 : South Central Serengeti and o/n at Olduvai Tented camp.
20/3 : Central Serengeti and O/n at Ronjo Camp.
21/3 : Central Serengeti and O/n at Ronjo Camp.
22/3 : Serengeti to Ngorongoro Karatu and o/n at Plantation lodge.
23/3 : Drop to JRO airport with lunch.
total cost per person : US$ 2883.

TROPICAL TRAILS:
15/3 : Airport Pick up and o/n at KARAMA Lodge, Arusha.
16/3 : Visit Tarangire NP and o/n at TreeTops Lodge.
17/3 : Manyara NP and o/n at Kirurumu Camp.
18/3 : Serengeti and o/n at Kirawira camp.
19/3 : Central Serengeti and o/n at Mbuzi Mawe camp.
20/3 : Central Serengeti and O/n at Mbuzi Mawe camp.
21/3 : serengeti - Ngorongoro and o/n at Ngorongoro Serena lodge.
22/3 : Ngorongoro and o/n at Ngorongoro Serena lodge..
23/3 : Drop to JRO airport with lunch.
total cost per person : US$ 3076.

ROY SAFARIS:
15/3 : Airport Pick up and o/n at Kibo Palace hotel, Arusha.
16/3 : Visit Manyara NP and o/n at Manyara Serena Lodge.
17/3 : Manyara to Serengeti and o/n at Sayari South Camp.
18/3 : Serengeti and o/n at Sayari South camp.
19/3 : Serengeti and o/n at Sayari South camp.
20/3 : Central Serengeti and O/n at Mbuzi Mawe camp.
21/3 : serengeti - Ngorongoro and o/n at Ngorongoro Serena lodge.
22/3 : Ngorongoro and o/n at Plantation Lodge.
23/3 : Drop to JRO airport with lunch.
total cost per person : US$ 3140.

GOOD EARTH TOURS:
15/3 : Airport Pick up and o/n at Impala Hotel, Arusha.
16/3 : Visit Tarangire NP and o/n at Sawala Camp.
17/3 : Tarangire to Ngorongoro and o/n at Gibb's farm.
18/3 : Serengeti and o/n at Mbuzi Mawe camp.
19/3 : Southern Serengeti and o/n at Kusini camp.
20/3 : Southern Serengeti and O/n at Kusini camp.
21/3 : serengeti - Ngorongoro and o/n at Ngorongoro Serena lodge.
22/3 : Ngorongoro and o/n at Ngorongoro Serena lodge..
23/3 : Drop to JRO airport with lunch.
total cost per person : US$ 3380.

GREEN FOOTPRINT ADVENTURES:
15/3 : Airport Pick up and o/n at On Sea house, Arusha.
16/3 : Visit Manyara NP and o/n at Plantation Lodge.
17/3 : Serengeti and o/n at Simiyu Camp.
18/3 : Serengeti and o/n at Simiyu camp.
19/3 : Serengeti and o/n at Simiyu camp.
20/3 : serengeti - Ngorongoro and o/n at Ngorongoro Serena lodge.
21/3 : Ngorongoro and o/n at Ngorongoro Serena lodge.
22/3 : Tarangire NP and o/n at Oliver's camp.
23/3 : Drop to JRO airport with lunch.
total cost per person : US$ 3380.

Please compare, suggest and highlight the mistakes in making this itinerary. Please also rate the reliability of these operators, quality of accomodations andthe time we are going to spend(waste) on the road.

Jojo

All providing vehicle and guide for your private use? What kind of vehicle?

regards - tom

Tom,

They all say private safari in Land Rover/Cruiser with foldable top.

Regards,
Jojo

Jojo, not QUITE apples-to-apples because of the different lodges, but an interesting set of itineraries. I assume you asked for tented camps where possible and wanted to be in the heart of the migration, right?

Here's my take on the various itineraries, based on three trips with Roys (so I'm sure I have a built-in bias towards them since they have done well by us).

ATR - I wouldn't want to stay at Gibbs Farm for a crater visit, would prefer staying on the rim for quicker early AM access and not having to back-track. Gibbs is very nice (we've eaten lunch there twice) but in Karatu so not as convenient for accessing the parks early AM, I feel. Have heard some Fodors complaints about Olduvai Tented Camp, it was a bit more rustic than some expected (no personal experience there). Otherwise this itinerary looks good (assuming Ronjo is somewhere south of Seronera in March). Nice price.

Tropical Trails - I think Kirawira and Mbuzi Mawe are too far north for viewing the migration that time of year and wouldn't spend three nights there after driving past the plains, where the bulk of the animals are likely to be. Nice camps but not the best time, in my opinion. Rest of it looks fine.

Roys ... I like this one because you are at a good spot for Manyara (we stay at this Serena every trip) and have three nights at Sayari, which I think is at Moru Kopjes in March. Moru Kopjes is pretty much the best place you might be for the migration in mid to late March, I think (no one knows for sure but that's a good central location). You are going to Mbuzi Mawe but only for one night and it's good to see the central Serengeti area for the woodlands, but probably for only one or two nights in March (we'll be at this tented camp for one night in early March too). Good itinerary, good price (but then I'm biased toward Roys).

Good Earth -- have stayed at the Impala and it's OK but some of the hotels the others are using in Arusha are better (we used Kibo Palace last year and it's much better than the Impala). This has you one night at Swala, which I hear is a great camp. From what I was told by a guide who had been there several times Kusini is a very nice camp but often not where the game is located. It's near the edge of Serengeti Park and on the far side is a hunting concession too. For those reasons I'd prefer the itineraries that had more days in central and south central Serengeti, like the ATR and Roys ones. But some really posh camps with this one.

Green Footprint - if Simiyu Camp is near the other tented camps in central Serengeti then this is a good itinerary. I hear Olivers is a great camp.

Hope this helps ... I sure some might disagree with my comments about Gibbs, Kusini and maybe Kirawira and Mbuzi Mawe but I tried to explain why I felt that way.

Bill

Hi Bill,
Thank you for replying.

I have recently started taking wildlife seriously and I am one keen enthusiast, on the other side my wife enjoys staying in luxury lodges and camps. So I have been trying to get an itinerary which would serve the purpose for both of us.

I have taken note of your observations and would definetly consider them before deciding.

Thanks again,

Jojo

Bill,
As you are regular on the circuit, tell me one thing, do these companies negotiate on the quoted rates and upto what extent?

I asked for discount to Good Earth, ATR and Green Footprint. Good earth and Green Footprint have offered a nominal discount of 100$ per person. ATR has said no to any discount.

I am yet to ask Roy, lets see what they offer.

If these companies do give discount then how much?

Jojo

Bills comments are good.

Kirawira though lux camp, is in the West which is better for June/July.

Mbuzi Mawe for 1/nt in Central is fine to see the areas further into the Serengeti.

Tarangire isn't at it's best during these months and though Treetops is probably the most lux, and Swala and Oliver's are close behind, all would be better between July-Oct.

Roy's appears to be the best itinerary and the price is good.

As to discounts... there really isn't any reason any of the outfitters should be offering this during their peak travel season. So if some are offering $100, that's about all you can expect.

This is very helpful for all of us to see these variations and prices so thanks for posting this Jojohamb.

Mid-March Travel

AFRICA TRAVEL RESOURCE: $2883 for 8 nts safari

Gibbs’s location is not as convenient. But it is a very nice accommodation mix with other places. Nothing else like Gibb’s in this or other itineraries.

Your crater visit is on the 17th? Another crater visit or just staying at Plantation Lodge? If you get a second crater visit, that boosts the attractiveness of this one.

With Olduvai and Ronjo you spread out your locations in search of wildebeest migration action, but are they usually in Oldupai that late in March? <b>I’d like to know what the track record of Oldupai in March is.</b> My thoughts are it would be better earlier in the year than mid-March. In general, 4 nts in Serengeti vicinity = good.


TROPICAL TRAILS: $3076.for 8 nts safari

I don’t have the warm feeling about them that I do for your other outfitters. The Mbuzi Mawe camp in this March itinerary reinforces that lack of warm feeling. I see Bill mentioned that too. Tarangire is not at its best either this time of year. If this were 2/3 the cost of the others, I’d think maybe it’s a bargain. But that’s not the case.


ROY SAFARIS: $3140 for 8 nts safari

I just criticized TT for Mbuzi Mawe, but if you are there one night with three in the southern part of the Serengeti, that makes sense. Who knows where the migration will be and this covers more ground. I’d see if I could get Kirurumu in Manyara, a tented camp, and ask how that might change costs. I would not have any criticism of this itinerary. I’d be confident with the company as a whole. I have not traveled with them but have corresponded with them and am impressed.

GOOD EARTH TOURS: for 8 nts safari $3380

Lately I’ve read bad reviews about Impala. Tarangire is not best in March. Only 3 nts in Serengeti vs. 4 for ATR and Roys. They have traded a Serengeti for a Tarangire, which I would not do in March. At the highest cost, this one does not stand out as the superior itinerary.

GREEN FOOTPRINT ADVENTURES:
Tarangire is not best in March. Only 3 nts in Serengeti vs. 4 for ATR and Roys s. They have traded a Serengeti for a Tarangire, which I would not do in March. At the highest cost, this one does not stand out as the superior itinerary.

I have not stayed at these accommodations. For interesting and varied accommodations, minimizing repacking, lessening time on the road in the Serengeti (Olduvai is more on your way and Mbuzi Mawe requires more drive time), and doing long drive distances in shorter stretches, I’d pick ATR, <b>if the March migration question comes back in ATR’s favor.</b>

You may want to ask ATR and Roy’s for drive times because the Gibb’s location will mean slightly longer drives to Manyara and to the crater. It also means you may not arrive as early and usually early equates to better game viewing and photos. On a private trip, you could request a zero dark thirty departure from Gibb’s to get to your parks a little earlier and just tolerate that bit of inconvenience for a nice accommodation with really outstanding food.

For price ATR has the advantage and if you pop into the crater a second time that advantage really goes up. But <b>Oldupai in mid-March is the question hanging out there</b> for me and the deal maker or breaker.

I like Roy’s too and if you are big on photography, then Roy’s gets the edge for these reasons: Earlier into the crater &amp; Manyara and 3 consecutive nights in Southern Serengeti is good because you can follow up on interesting sightings. Roy’s is a solid itinerary that will deliver and there are no linger question like I have about ATR and the mid-March Oldupai.

<b>Bill or others, what do you think about Oldupai for increasing your migration viewing odds in Jan, Feb, Mar?</b>

Jojohamb,

I had missed your comment about nice places for your wife, but I thought that might be the case when I saw the ATR itinerary. Depending on the March migration in Oldupai answer, you could certainly keep Gibbs and just alter those other two days, using either ATR or Roys.

<b>Bill or others, what do you think about Oldupai for increasing your migration viewing odds in Jan, Feb, Mar?</b>

It would probably be better early, say January, but even then it's a bit south of the plains and they probably have to drive a ways to get to the best spots ... I like Ndutu's location much better, with two lakes, some riverine habitat, a marsh and easy access to open plains.

BTW I agree with Sandi and Lynn about Tarangire, it's better in the summer dry season because of the permanent river, which attracts a lot of game. When it's wet (probably will be wet in March) the game disperses and you won't see as many animals, though the scenery is really good with the baobab trees. We spent two days at Tarangire on our first safari (January 2006) and decided to skip it on all our subsequent January - April trips, preferring some combination of 3 or 4 of Manyara -&gt; Ndutu (south Serengeti) -&gt; central Serengeti -&gt; Ngorongoro Crater.

Bill

Everybody,

Thank you for your genuine suggestions. It seems that out of all the offers Roy's offer is the best planned one. I beleive that Roy safari is also very reliable and they don't mess up things.

I would try to finalise Roy now.In all the offers all the companies have covered the stay, vehicle, food etc. Besides these expenses what kind of expenses should I plan for? What is the thumbrule for giving tips?

Jojo

You'll have a great trip and your wife should be pleasantly surprised with the accommodations.

money--Roy's should give you up to date info on tipping and costs of bottled water, etc. Sometimes the water is provided in the vehicle for you.

Drinks from water to alcohol are on you in East Africa with water a couple of dollars a bottle. Before leaving home you can decide how much you'd like to spend on souvenirs and purchases.

I estimate what I'll spend, then add $200.

I also always bring an extra $500-$700 in travelers cheques for emergencies and always end up cashing them in when I get home again. Travelers cheques are not that convenient as your main source of cash. These are just for a problem.

Here are tipping guidelines, but Roy's should provide that too.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=35109195

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=35101553

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34948357

Jojo, Roys should be a great choice, out of a lot of good ones. You have already received, and recognized, very good specific advice from some of the foremost experts on this board (Bill H, sandi, atravelynn), so I hesitate to even jump in based on my single trip to Tanzania. But I do read this board a lot (too much, my DW might say), so here goes a few thoughts, based on my own personal biases. Most of these are based on the assumption that you have chosen Roys and that they will customize your trip pretty much anyway you want (dependent on availability and, of course, cost).

At Manyara, Kirurumu versus Serena -- We stayed at the Serena and it was very nice, but all other things being equal (which they never are), after I stayed &quot;under canvas,&quot; a lodge just wasn't the same. But then again, you already have some nice tented camps later in the trip, maybe its's a toss-up. Your wife may have some different input on this issue. If you want to do the dinner and night game drive in Manyara, it leaves from the Serena, but can also be done from Kirurumu.

Gibbs Farm -- great place to eat along the way, but it's just not on the Crater rim.

Tarangire -- clearly not at its best in March, but we enjoyed our one day there just to see the magnificent landscape. And actually, we saw our best animal interaction here (lions on a giraffe kill with two hyenas unsuccessfully seeking to share), but that was just a coincidence. Tarangire is just a fairly short detour on the way to the Crater from Arusha.

Accommodation in Arusha -- Kibo Palace is probably a good choice, but if you have another preference, Roys can probably put you wherever you want (again, cost may change).

One a slightly different note (and one you didn't ask us about), you might want to ask Roys how much it would add to the cost if you stop at the Crater on the way to the Serengeti (after Manyara) instead of on the way back, and then fly back from the Central Serengeti to Arusha. It will cost more, but will save quite a bit of driving time, some of it on very rough roads, and will essentially give you another half-day of game-viewing time. I suspect some of the real experts on this board can pretty much tell you what the additional cost would be without your having to ask Roys.

Looks to me like you have you are in the good situation of having to make some tough choices from a lot of wonderful options.