Is there an advantage to Mobile Tented Camping?
Jan 5th, 2008, 08:16 AM
#22
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If dollars are tight then there have to be compromises.
Ndutu is excellent value for money and certainly the top choice in the south for the budget-minded.
In February the chances are good to be within driving distance of the herds and cats when staying at Ndutu Lodge.
Mobiles are not the answer in all cases - many are seasonal not mobile so if the herds move far away for a few weeks the mobile will say put - advantage lost!
Some mobiles are not up-to-par in terms of price/value. One of the most expensive US-based safari companies subcontracts to a budget-oriented local outfitter and you get rather old green tents with very basic amenities. Advantage lost. Give me Ndutu Lodge any time.
Advantages are plenty though as we know (few people, seclusion, etc) - especially when the mobile has 2 or more sets so the camp can split to 2 or 3 locations when the migration moves around a lot. Some outfits have this capability but as far as I know none are for the budget-minded.
In Feb / March 2007 there were several weeks when the migration was very far from Ndutu and people saw very little for days. It does help when an outfit's camp 1 can stay at Ndutu while its camp 2 moves closer to the herds. Camp sites are limited though, and in VERY high demand and sites must be prepaid. It cannot be done cheaply.
Ndutu is excellent value for money and certainly the top choice in the south for the budget-minded.
In February the chances are good to be within driving distance of the herds and cats when staying at Ndutu Lodge.
Mobiles are not the answer in all cases - many are seasonal not mobile so if the herds move far away for a few weeks the mobile will say put - advantage lost!
Some mobiles are not up-to-par in terms of price/value. One of the most expensive US-based safari companies subcontracts to a budget-oriented local outfitter and you get rather old green tents with very basic amenities. Advantage lost. Give me Ndutu Lodge any time.
Advantages are plenty though as we know (few people, seclusion, etc) - especially when the mobile has 2 or more sets so the camp can split to 2 or 3 locations when the migration moves around a lot. Some outfits have this capability but as far as I know none are for the budget-minded.
In Feb / March 2007 there were several weeks when the migration was very far from Ndutu and people saw very little for days. It does help when an outfit's camp 1 can stay at Ndutu while its camp 2 moves closer to the herds. Camp sites are limited though, and in VERY high demand and sites must be prepaid. It cannot be done cheaply.
Jan 5th, 2008, 08:25 AM
#23
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Thanks ClimbHighSleepLow,
I did not know about the multi-tented mobiles splitting up their camps. Very informative.
Let's say you book with an outfit that has more than one camp and they split the camps between two locations. If the migration is all grouped around Camp A, do all of the guests get to go to Camp A? Or are some still stuck in Camp B?
Even in Feb/Mar. are a couple of days in the Seronera area a good idea, espcially if there is no mobile in the itinerary.
Tbanks for the insights.
I did not know about the multi-tented mobiles splitting up their camps. Very informative.
Let's say you book with an outfit that has more than one camp and they split the camps between two locations. If the migration is all grouped around Camp A, do all of the guests get to go to Camp A? Or are some still stuck in Camp B?
Even in Feb/Mar. are a couple of days in the Seronera area a good idea, espcially if there is no mobile in the itinerary.
Tbanks for the insights.
Jan 6th, 2008, 10:04 AM
#24
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climbhighsleeplow,
I too am interested in the answer to Lynn's question about mobiles with 2-3 sets of tents/locations. Do you have the ability to move from one to the other or could all tents at all locations be booked hence not really having any benefit to multiple locations?
Lynn,
Are you now thinking about February/March 2009 or just researching in general?
I too am interested in the answer to Lynn's question about mobiles with 2-3 sets of tents/locations. Do you have the ability to move from one to the other or could all tents at all locations be booked hence not really having any benefit to multiple locations?
Lynn,
Are you now thinking about February/March 2009 or just researching in general?
Jan 6th, 2008, 03:15 PM
#26
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Lynn,
I'll be sure to post a trip report on the Feb/March 2009 Serengeti portion so you can save it in your future trips file.
AllDayTravel,
Thanks for starting this thread. I have some of the same questions you do and the responses have been very helpful.
I'll be sure to post a trip report on the Feb/March 2009 Serengeti portion so you can save it in your future trips file.
AllDayTravel,
Thanks for starting this thread. I have some of the same questions you do and the responses have been very helpful.
Jan 6th, 2008, 03:37 PM
#27
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I'll be spending 4 nights mobile campling in the Serengeti w/ Kibo safaris in a few weeks.
Ndutu Lodge was my first choice but already booked, of course.
Lynn, I'll keep you posted on how it goes so you can get your plans together for--what was it??-- 2014 or 2015 or maybe even 2020?!
Ndutu Lodge was my first choice but already booked, of course.
Lynn, I'll keep you posted on how it goes so you can get your plans together for--what was it??-- 2014 or 2015 or maybe even 2020?!
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