laslaff

My husband and I are going to Tanzania and Kenya the first 3 weeks in July. We love to camp and get away from the crowds. I am going to book with Napiendi for the first two weeks in Tanzania, and am still planning my last week in Kenya.I have gotten really good advice on the board so far, but am just not sure. My main goal is to try and see the migration. Can you all give me some feedback? Thanks so much. Here is my itinerary so far:
July 3 - Depart USA
July 4 - Arrive NBO - overnight Serena Hotel (B&B basis)
July 5 - Fly to Tanzania (8:00/8:50am), road transfer to Tarangire National Park - mobile camping
July 6 - Tarangire National Park - mobile camping
July 7 - Lake Manyara National Park - Kirurumu Permanent Tented Camp
July 8/9/10 - Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Crater - mobile camping
July 11 - To Southern Serengeti - Kusini Camp or Ndutu Safari Lodge (based on availability at time of booking - both currently available)
July 12/13/14 - to Western Corridor of Serengeti - mobile camping
July 15 - Central Serengeti - Mbuzi Mawe permanent tented camp
July 16/17 - Northern Serengeti - mobile camping (looking for migration?)
July 18 - Transfer to Lobo Airstrip and fly to Arusha, road transfer to Namanga border for pickup by Kenya Operator and on to Amboseli - Tortilis Camp
July 19 - Amboseli Reserve - Tortilis Camp
July 20, 21 - Fly to Lake Nakuru (would like to stay at a private camp )
July 22 - Road transfer to Masai Mara and Governor's IL Moran Camp
July 23/24 - Camp
July 25 - Transfer to airstrip and fly to Nairobi - transfer to Giraffe Manor
July 26 - Leisurely breakfast at Giraffe Manor, lunch at Carnivore Restaurant, transfer to JKIA for departure
Is this what I should be doing to see the migration? Some Fodorites suggested I skip the Northern Serengeti. Help!

sandi

I'd skip the Lobo area, as well Kusini or Ndutu Lodge in Ndutu area. Some resident game, but the migration will be in the central and western areas. Can drive from Ngorongoro to Central, then Western. Fly from Western to Arusha, then the road transfer via Namanaga to Amboseli.

You've got a wide range of properties - type and costs, especially Il Moran in the Mara. And, on 22nd July, you have a very long drive (6/hrs) on terrible roads to the Mara. Consider driving south (1/hr) from Nakuru to Lk. Naivasha for flight to the Mara.

With whom does Napienda work in Kenya as their ground operator?

laslaff

You have such great advice. Napiendi worked with Liberty Africa Safaris (never heard of them) and came up with this itenerary:
July 18 - Transfer to Lobo Airstrip and fly to Arusha, road transfer to Namanga border for pickup by Kenya Operator (Liberty Africa Safaris) and on to Amboseli - Tortilis Camp
July 19 - Amboseli Reserve - Tortilis Camp
July 20 - Road transfer to Lake Nakuru - Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
July 21 - Game drive Lake Nakuru - Lion Hill Lodge
July 22 - Road transfer to Masai Mara and Governor's IL Moran Camp
July 23/24 - Game drives in shared lodge vehicles at Mara - IL Moran Camp
July 25 - Transfer to airstrip and fly to Nairobi - transfer to Giraffe Manor
July 26 - Leisurely breakfast at Giraffe Manor, lunch at Carnivore Restaurant, transfer to JKIA for departure

sandi

July 20th is another long drive day. It's at least 4.5/hrs to Nairobi and at minimum 2.5/hrs to Nakuru. And, you still show that long drive to the Mara.

I can't put my hand into your pocket but you're spending big $$$$ for Tortilis and Il Moran, for about $300/person I can only suggest you fly from Amboseli (50/min) to NBO, have your guide head back by road to meet you in NBO after a full morning of sightseeing: Blixen House, Giraffe Manor, Sheldrick Orphanage, lunch, then with guide drive to Nakuru. You'll arrive in time for after game drive.

Then for visit to the Mara, on 20th or 21st, drive 1/hr south from Nakuru to Naivasha for 1pm flight to the Mara.

So:
July 18 - From Lobo fly to Arusha, drive to Namanaga; border procedures & Kenyan vehicle/guide drive to Amboseli (arrive late afternoon) - Tortilis
July 19 - Amboseli Reserve - Tortilis Camp - OK
July 20 - Fly to NBO (guide drives back); sightseeing and lunch here; w/ guide drive Lake Nakuru - Lion Hill Lodge
July 21 - Game drive Lake Nakuru - Lion Hill Lodge
July 22 - Nakuru - morning game drive, drive to Naivasha; fly to Mara (arrive (2pm) - IL Moran Camp
July 23/24 - Game drives in shared lodge vehicles at Mara - IL Moran Camp
July 25 - Transfer to airstrip and fly to Nairobi - transfer to Giraffe Manor
July 26 - Leisurely breakfast at Giraffe Manor, lunch at Carnivore Restaurant, transfer to JKIA for departure

As you don't arrive Amboseli till late on 18th, you might consider an extra day here, rather than 2nd o/n at Nakuru.

laslaff

ok, let me go back and re-do some parts.