spassvogel

MNC = http://www.masaimaranorthconservancy...p-location.htm

Mara North Conservancy which has great camps and a great philosphy regarding conservation and what they are going to achieve within the next years.


OOC = http://www.oocmara.com/

You can book all lodges/camps in those conservancies via your TA/TO or any camp within those conservancies books fzrther camps and also flights Wilson-Mara.

You can contact e.g.

www.kicheche.com
www.karenblixencamp.com
www.bushandbeyond.com

As sandi states - wildlife is excellent and the reserve ist next door. So you have multiple choices: staying/driving within the conservancy or going also to the reserve while staying in the conservancy.

Happy planning!

SV

live_aloha

Thank you all--I really appreciate your comments, links, suggestions, and information.
I have been driving myself crazy trying to read all the posts that reference Kenya or Tanzania travel. It gets so confusing--especially after a glass of wine!!!
Now I am thinking of traveling in Sept, which probably means I need to get my act together and make some plans pretty darn soon.
I've been to Kenya (20 yrs ago though), so thought I should go to Tanzania. But, I would like to visit the elephant orphanage in Nairobi and try to catch the migration so I guess it makes more sense to revisit Kenya if I go that time of the year?
Do you think (with my budget ~$4500)it would be feasible (and make sense) to visit Sheldrick's, then go to the Maasai Mara for 2-3 days, then go to Tanzania (Ngorogoro Crater, Tarangire, Serengeti)? Or would that be more costly than my budget and/or too crazy of a pace? If I visit the Mara, does it make sense to try to see the Serengeti too?
I'd prefer to stay in tented camps (not luxary type, but comfortable) but it sounds like lodges are less expensive?
Your advice, as before, is greatly appreciated!
Mahalo!!

atravelynn

For your Kenya/Tanz suggestion:
You'd have to decide on flights. In and out of Kenya with Sheldrick up front, Mara last, and Tanzania in the middle?

Or into Tanzania, then on to Kenya with Sheldrick upon arrival in Kenya or your last day. That would be open jaw and probably save you a day.

Maybe something like this:

1 day Arrive Arusha at night
2 days Tarangire
1-2 days Crater
I'd probably skip the Serengeti if you were going to the Mara
1 transit day likely needed between countries
3-4 Mara (You mentioned only 2 days, that would be a shame in Sept)
1 day Sheldrick, perhaps you could even fly back on the early flt from the Mara and arrive in plenty of time for the 5 pm-ish viewing with your adopted ele, and make a late night international flight home.

10-11 days, $450/day. Your internal flights would add more. Your Sheldrick and transport between country day would be less, on average. For a private Kenya trip, you could definitely do it for $450/day. Maybe you could join a group in Tanzania. But most would include the Serengeti, I would think.

The pace would be fine. For a better handle on the cost in high season, get some quotes and see.

Good luck. Something will work and you'll have a great trip.

live_aloha

Thanks atravelynn! I like your trip outline and positive closing remarks.
More questions:
Is it best to try to figure out where (i.e. camps, lodges) I would like to stay and send all of that info to a few tour groups and see what happens?
Or do you recommend that I just send them an outline of where and when I would like to go and see what they come up with?
I really don't want to travel alone (due to the cost factor and wanting to have someone to share the experience with ).
But, I am tired of waiting for others to make the travel commitment and feel I need to explore my options of solo travel so I can move forward.
However, when I look at the planned itineraries on a variety of company sites, either the destinations or facilities are not quite what I really want.
Do you (or any other of you well travelled fodorites out there) have any favorite companies that have great itineraries with reasonable prices?
Thanks for your advice!

atravelynn

If there is a place or two you have your heart set on, then include it up front. Otherwise, I'd let the agents give you the accommodations. Some have special arrangements with different places and can get better deals. If you post those accommodations here, then people who have been can chime in with thumbs up or thumbs down.

"When I look at the planned itineraries on a variety of company sites, either the destinations or facilities are not quite what I really want. "

That's why I often end up alone. But in defense of the set itineraries--on a first trip if money is tight I'm not sure how much additional value you will get out of a private trip that is just perfect vs. a set group itinerary that is really good...especially when you mention you want others to share the experience with. If you were a serious photographer, or a keen birder, or a real wildlife/nature nut, then a private vehicle makes more sense because your needs will likely not mesh with a typical group.

Reasonable group travel for a single = OAT
They may not even charge SS. That was dropped recently.

2Afrika in NYC has group trips and I think they do solo.

The Africa Adventure Co in Ft. Lauderdale does group and solo trips. I've used them for both.

Lion World in Toronto has economical group trips and I know someone who went and had a ball. Frommers endorsed them and had them at a travel show.

Eastern & Southern Safaris in NBO is reasonable for solo and willing to book inexpensive accommodations. I used them once and am going to again.

Kiliwarrors in Tanzania and Virginia does group and solo trips and always has you in the right place at the right time for the right # of days and won't let you book incorrectly. I'm working with them but never traveled with them.

Africa Serendipty does solo trips in NYC for reasonable pricing.

There are some nature companies that do group trips, such as
Natural Habitat in Boulder, CO--I've done several good non-Africa trips with them.

International Expeditions in Alabama--one good non-Africa trip with them.

Wilderness Adventures & Mountain Sobek in California

Patty

Here's a Tanzanian operator that posts already scheduled trips others can join http://www.africanheart.com/lastminute.htm I haven't used them and don't really know much about them but perhaps it'll give you an idea of costs.

live_aloha

Aloha atravelynn and Patty, Thank you for your responses and information
atravelynn, your comment in defense of set itineraries really made me stop and think--maybe this trip doesn't have to be the perfect one that is so focused on all my select destinations and accomodations--especially on a limited budget. Whew, takes some of the pressure off the planning!

It is not my first trip, but will probably seem like it since the first one was 20+ years ago and I was totally clueless about African travel at the time. I basically just went because a relative (who had a passion for cheetahs and Africa) invited me along and it seemed like a great adventure (which it was).

So---thank you,,,I'm ready to plan my next great adventure!!!

deanandfran

I used Good Earth Tours for a private safari. I couldn't have been more pleased. Look at the web site and then phone and talk to them.

sandi

On the site Patty shows, the 5/day trip looks good and gives a good idea of prices; accommodations also nice.

But on that 8/day you'll have a very long day from Manyara to Lobo in the No. Serengeti, next day to West Serengeti and following to Central Serengeti... too much driving in so short a time.

live_aloha

Hi deanandfran, thanks for your suggestion--seems like Good Earth Tours is a well thought of company, with many people on this forum recommending them. I like their itineraries, but would prefer less lodges and more tented camps. It makes sense to give them a call, though, to see what other options might be available. Was there anyone in particular that you worked with that you would recommend?

Hi Sandi, Thanks for your comments and help. The 5 and 8 day trips looked good to me (but what do I know as evidenced by not knowing about the distance and drive time)!!! I appreciate your expertise and input.

princeleo

hellow. i live in tanzania and i am a tanzanian citzen. i have been in almost every interesting place in tanzania. i know each and every place here, so if any one wish to visit tanzania and needs some to guide him or her am here for you. my number is +255755955385 and my email is [email protected]. you can contact me any time and i am sure you will not be disappointed having me.

DJCat

bookmarking

abranz

like nycjv, i too am going on a solo safari for the first time in june.
i have never been on a vacation by myself before and since i am not particularly fond of tours, i did my own planning with help from this forum.

my kenya booking is through diedrick who has fantastic follow up. after safari in kenya i am going gorilla trekking in rwanda.
that trip has been booked through r&n explorers who came highly recommended on this forum.

am i nervous? h*ll yes!
am i excited? h*ll yes!