Kenya and Tanzania Safari - need help to plan
Dec 23rd, 2008 | 05:03 AM
#1
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Joined: May 2007
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Kenya and Tanzania Safari - need help to plan
We have 10 days in Jan 2009 and are planning to go on a safari in Kenya. Is iit practical to plan for 5 days in Kenya and 5 days in Tanzania?
How does one get to Serengeti from Masai-Mara?
How does one get to Serengeti from Masai-Mara?
Dec 23rd, 2008 | 06:04 AM
#2
Joined: Sep 2005
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I'd stick to one country rather than 5 days in each. At that time there is no significant migration, which would influence your choice of destination.
Whichever country you are flying into should be the one that you travel through.
Serengeti and Mara are the same biome so no significant vegetative difference.
Whichever country you are flying into should be the one that you travel through.
Serengeti and Mara are the same biome so no significant vegetative difference.
Dec 23rd, 2008 | 06:43 AM
#3
Joined: Jan 2006
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hi Pawan
i agree with <font color="blue"> mkhonzo </font>:
1. it's better to stay in one country
2. serengeti & Mara are the same ecosystem
though i must say you can still see the migration in Serengeti
on the other hand, it is possible to combine, especially if you fly between parks (something, i personally do not recommend but i'm a non-objective "missionary" on that one)
Kenya has unique fauna e.g. in Samburu (my beloved)
a night viewing lodge is also special
Birdwatching (even by boat) in a fresh-water lake
& some million(s) flamingo in alkaline lakes
TZ has the fantastic Caldera of Ngorongoro
here's an example
of course it's the minimal time in every place (& most fodorites will advise you to stay some 4 nights at places like Mara or Serengeti)
it all depends on your wishes, will,physical condition etc'
1. mt. Lodge / Tretops /Ark /
2-3 Samburu
4- Nakuru
5- Naivasha
6-7 Ngorongoro (if by flight, by road possible though a very long day )
8-10 Serengeti
Safari njema
aby
p.s. i've done such itineraries at such a (hasty) pace many times. it's possible almost for everyone, not everyone will like it
i agree with <font color="blue"> mkhonzo </font>:
1. it's better to stay in one country
2. serengeti & Mara are the same ecosystem
though i must say you can still see the migration in Serengeti
on the other hand, it is possible to combine, especially if you fly between parks (something, i personally do not recommend but i'm a non-objective "missionary" on that one)
Kenya has unique fauna e.g. in Samburu (my beloved)
a night viewing lodge is also special
Birdwatching (even by boat) in a fresh-water lake
& some million(s) flamingo in alkaline lakes
TZ has the fantastic Caldera of Ngorongoro
here's an example
of course it's the minimal time in every place (& most fodorites will advise you to stay some 4 nights at places like Mara or Serengeti)
it all depends on your wishes, will,physical condition etc'
1. mt. Lodge / Tretops /Ark /
2-3 Samburu
4- Nakuru
5- Naivasha
6-7 Ngorongoro (if by flight, by road possible though a very long day )
8-10 Serengeti
Safari njema
aby
p.s. i've done such itineraries at such a (hasty) pace many times. it's possible almost for everyone, not everyone will like it
Dec 23rd, 2008 | 07:10 AM
#4
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,493
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almost everyone - imeant even grandmas & grandpas (though there's a lot of driving on bad roads)
look at this !!!
<font color="blue">LindaS'</font>Index to trip reports
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...5&start=50
look at this !!!
<font color="blue">LindaS'</font>Index to trip reports
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...5&start=50
Dec 23rd, 2008 | 01:57 PM
#5
Joined: Apr 2005
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Pawan, you're talking about next month? I don't know that you'll be able to find space available at the camps and lodges, at least in Tanzania near the Migration herds. If there are safari outfitters or planners who have scheduled departures, however, they may have some openings left.
Dec 23rd, 2008 | 02:10 PM
#6
Joined: Mar 2007
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Space in Tanzania especially the southern Serengeti (or Ndutu area) where the migration takes place has little space available.
Until you contact a Tour Operator or in-country outfitter will you know availability.
If the migration isn't all that important, then stick with one country - Kenya - and visit the Masai Mara.
Accommodations throughout the country are varied - lodges, tented camps - and at all budgets, with many special pricing on some of the lux properties.
aby's suggestion is good, but instead of Ngorongoro and Serengeti (which from Naivasha is a full days travel to Ngorongoro), visit the Mara instead.
Until you contact a Tour Operator or in-country outfitter will you know availability.
If the migration isn't all that important, then stick with one country - Kenya - and visit the Masai Mara.
Accommodations throughout the country are varied - lodges, tented camps - and at all budgets, with many special pricing on some of the lux properties.
aby's suggestion is good, but instead of Ngorongoro and Serengeti (which from Naivasha is a full days travel to Ngorongoro), visit the Mara instead.
Dec 23rd, 2008 | 03:48 PM
#7
Joined: Nov 2004
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Whatever you choose, don’t delay at this late date. You’ll want to investigate your anti-malarial medication right away to get started on that program, plus any other shots you might need.
If you are (a) adamant on seeing both countries and (b) can get space in the Southern Serengeti in Ndutu Lodge or a mobile camp then Aby’s suggested itinerary is good.
Finding a few openings in a group trip, as ShayTay suggests may be the way to go at this late date. Be sure the itinerary spends the Serengeti time in the Southern part (known as Ndutu) for the migration.
As Mkhonzo suggests, just one country works better for 10 days. I’ve gone to Tanzania and Kenya only when I’ve had more than 10 days. I’ve limited my visit to one country when I’ve had 10 or fewer.
Here’s a reason you might prefer that one country to be Kenya rather than Tanzania, as Sandi recommends. If space is real tight in the Southern Serengeti, securing those very limited nights might reduce other options/dates for the rest of your trip. You don’t want to trade the Southern Serengeti for other parts of the Serengeti in January. But the Maasai Mara always has resident herds of zebra and wildebeest even if the migration is not there and there should be more availability and open dates that present more workable itinerary options.
Your question about going between the Mara and the Serengeti made me think you were planning on visiting both the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. I’ve thought about doing that in Jan or Feb sometime. With 10 days, your trip would consist of just the Mara and Serengeti and no other parks in either Kenya or Tanzania. I’d start in Kenya.
Driving between them would mean a overnighting in the Northern part your first day in the Serengeti. You could cross over and change guides at the border—at Isebania . Something like this: 1-4 Mara; 5 drive through the Mara to Tanzania border and cross and overnight in the Northern part of the Serengeti, maybe Lobo Lodge or other; 6 drive through the Serengeti down to the southern part where the migration is (I think you could do that in one very long day, otherwise, it could take 2 days) and stay at Ndutu Lodge or in a mobile tented camp. 7-10 Remain in the Southern Serengeti at mobile or Ndutu Lodge; 11 Fly back to Arusha and depart Africa.
Flying rather than driving would result in something like this: 1-4 Mara; 5 fly back to Nairobi, fly to Tanzania and overnight in Arusha; 6-10 fly to southern Serengeti and stay in a mobile or Ndutu; 11 Fly back to Arusha and depart Africa.
If you are (a) adamant on seeing both countries and (b) can get space in the Southern Serengeti in Ndutu Lodge or a mobile camp then Aby’s suggested itinerary is good.
Finding a few openings in a group trip, as ShayTay suggests may be the way to go at this late date. Be sure the itinerary spends the Serengeti time in the Southern part (known as Ndutu) for the migration.
As Mkhonzo suggests, just one country works better for 10 days. I’ve gone to Tanzania and Kenya only when I’ve had more than 10 days. I’ve limited my visit to one country when I’ve had 10 or fewer.
Here’s a reason you might prefer that one country to be Kenya rather than Tanzania, as Sandi recommends. If space is real tight in the Southern Serengeti, securing those very limited nights might reduce other options/dates for the rest of your trip. You don’t want to trade the Southern Serengeti for other parts of the Serengeti in January. But the Maasai Mara always has resident herds of zebra and wildebeest even if the migration is not there and there should be more availability and open dates that present more workable itinerary options.
Your question about going between the Mara and the Serengeti made me think you were planning on visiting both the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. I’ve thought about doing that in Jan or Feb sometime. With 10 days, your trip would consist of just the Mara and Serengeti and no other parks in either Kenya or Tanzania. I’d start in Kenya.
Driving between them would mean a overnighting in the Northern part your first day in the Serengeti. You could cross over and change guides at the border—at Isebania . Something like this: 1-4 Mara; 5 drive through the Mara to Tanzania border and cross and overnight in the Northern part of the Serengeti, maybe Lobo Lodge or other; 6 drive through the Serengeti down to the southern part where the migration is (I think you could do that in one very long day, otherwise, it could take 2 days) and stay at Ndutu Lodge or in a mobile tented camp. 7-10 Remain in the Southern Serengeti at mobile or Ndutu Lodge; 11 Fly back to Arusha and depart Africa.
Flying rather than driving would result in something like this: 1-4 Mara; 5 fly back to Nairobi, fly to Tanzania and overnight in Arusha; 6-10 fly to southern Serengeti and stay in a mobile or Ndutu; 11 Fly back to Arusha and depart Africa.
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Dec 23rd, 2008 | 05:43 PM
#8
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,528
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I doubt if any safari destination is fully booked given the current state of the economy. Infact, I would be very surprised if that was the case!
PS: Has anyone noticed - this is the first planning thread on the fodors forum in a LONG time.
PS: Has anyone noticed - this is the first planning thread on the fodors forum in a LONG time.
Dec 24th, 2008 | 03:03 AM
#10
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 171
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In August, Ndutu Safari Lodge was compeletly booked (according to the availability chart on their web site) for Jan, Feb and early March. If you look now they are only full for one day in that time period. Things have changed!!
Dec 24th, 2008 | 04:15 AM
#11
Joined: Oct 2004
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I work very closely with all the camps and lodges in the Serengeti and there are plenty of beds available in the South in Jan/Feb/March 2009!
BTW, the migration has been moving around the south for weeks now.
Recent glory years resulted in an almost over-supply of camp sites and camps in the region (much to the dismay of myself and others who remember the vehicle-free days at Ndutu). Just look at this Ndutu map - http://www.go-safari.com/images/NdutuOct2008.jpg
Also, having spent many years in the Mara and the Serengeti I now consider these parks to be quite different in terms of scenery, wildlife viewing and overall experience. In fact, even the different areas inside the Serengeti (and Mara) offer much different experiences!
If time allows I would not hesitate to visit both the Mara and the Serengeti.
In January on a 10-day safari I would spend at least 5 nights in the south/central Serengeti and southern Loliondo areas, and 2 nights at Ngorongoro.
BTW, the migration has been moving around the south for weeks now.
Recent glory years resulted in an almost over-supply of camp sites and camps in the region (much to the dismay of myself and others who remember the vehicle-free days at Ndutu). Just look at this Ndutu map - http://www.go-safari.com/images/NdutuOct2008.jpg
Also, having spent many years in the Mara and the Serengeti I now consider these parks to be quite different in terms of scenery, wildlife viewing and overall experience. In fact, even the different areas inside the Serengeti (and Mara) offer much different experiences!
If time allows I would not hesitate to visit both the Mara and the Serengeti.
In January on a 10-day safari I would spend at least 5 nights in the south/central Serengeti and southern Loliondo areas, and 2 nights at Ngorongoro.
Dec 24th, 2008 | 05:27 AM
#13
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Joined: May 2007
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Thanks all for the overwhelming response. My wife and I have travelled in Europe, USA and South-East Asia. However, this is our first trip to Africa. We have just started exploring the continent thro' books and the internet.
Considering the cost of a ticket from Mumbai to Nairobi/Dar-es-Salam, we thought touring 2 countries would be wise. However, after reading up on trip experiences of travellers, a longer stay in one country seems better.
On the topic of vaccinations, how bad is the malaria situation? I read somewhere that the strains are chloroquinine resistant. Any suggestions on effective vaccines? And how much in advance should one start these? I know the Yellow Fever vaccine is mandatory and we will be taking our typhoid, cholera and Hepatitis A vaccines.
Considering the cost of a ticket from Mumbai to Nairobi/Dar-es-Salam, we thought touring 2 countries would be wise. However, after reading up on trip experiences of travellers, a longer stay in one country seems better.
On the topic of vaccinations, how bad is the malaria situation? I read somewhere that the strains are chloroquinine resistant. Any suggestions on effective vaccines? And how much in advance should one start these? I know the Yellow Fever vaccine is mandatory and we will be taking our typhoid, cholera and Hepatitis A vaccines.
Dec 24th, 2008 | 06:05 AM
#14
Joined: Sep 2005
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As far as I am aware there are no vaccinations against malaria, however a huge spectrum of prophylactics readily available. The regimen is entirely dependent on the drug that you choose.
Plasmodium Falsiparum is arguably the deadliest of the malarial viruses and is largely held at bay by Malorone, which incidentally has a daily dosage started 48 hours prior to and concluded a week after entering a malaria area.
Of course you should discuss with your local Dr each drug and decide based on his opinion the one that best suits you and your family
Plasmodium Falsiparum is arguably the deadliest of the malarial viruses and is largely held at bay by Malorone, which incidentally has a daily dosage started 48 hours prior to and concluded a week after entering a malaria area.
Of course you should discuss with your local Dr each drug and decide based on his opinion the one that best suits you and your family
Dec 24th, 2008 | 07:25 AM
#15
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
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See the US Govt Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for helpful info re malaria drugs and inoculations:
www.cdc.gov/travel
select the country you'll be visiting for details.
And, always discuss with your physician as these protocols related to your own health history.
www.cdc.gov/travel
select the country you'll be visiting for details.
And, always discuss with your physician as these protocols related to your own health history.
Dec 27th, 2008 | 02:28 AM
#16
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,493
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Pawan
<i>"Any suggestions on effective vaccines? And how much in advance should one start these? I know the Yellow Fever vaccine is mandatory and we will be taking our typhoid, cholera and Hepatitis A vaccines."</i>
no vaccines for Malaria - but ask /ead about Malarone a rather new preventive with good coverage of strains (no 100% possible)
it is expensive though
IMHO typhoid & cholera are not a must on an organized safari
<i>"Any suggestions on effective vaccines? And how much in advance should one start these? I know the Yellow Fever vaccine is mandatory and we will be taking our typhoid, cholera and Hepatitis A vaccines."</i>
no vaccines for Malaria - but ask /ead about Malarone a rather new preventive with good coverage of strains (no 100% possible)
it is expensive though
IMHO typhoid & cholera are not a must on an organized safari
Dec 28th, 2008 | 01:24 PM
#17
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
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Look at this from another post. It bodes well for your last minute planning. The best parts of the Serengeti may still be available for when you want to go.
Author: Bill_H
Date: 12/27/2008, 10:42 am
Go to www.ndutu.com and look at the availability in Feb and March ... these rooms are always reserved a year in advance (as early as June there were zero rooms available at Ndutu for this time frame) but right now there are plenty of openings ...
Ndutu is the best place in Africa to see the migration in Jan - March, so it means travel to Tanzania is really off right now, with quite a few late cancellations.
Author: Bill_H
Date: 12/27/2008, 10:42 am
Go to www.ndutu.com and look at the availability in Feb and March ... these rooms are always reserved a year in advance (as early as June there were zero rooms available at Ndutu for this time frame) but right now there are plenty of openings ...
Ndutu is the best place in Africa to see the migration in Jan - March, so it means travel to Tanzania is really off right now, with quite a few late cancellations.
Dec 28th, 2008 | 01:42 PM
#18
Joined: Mar 2007
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As example at Ndutu Lodge with available space for this premier travel period...
Probably not outright cancellations, more like no bookings for those tour operators who "blocked" space. These room have to be released minimumm 60/days prior arrival. Still, an indication of travelers staying closer to home, if going anywhere.
Probably not outright cancellations, more like no bookings for those tour operators who "blocked" space. These room have to be released minimumm 60/days prior arrival. Still, an indication of travelers staying closer to home, if going anywhere.
Dec 29th, 2008 | 03:33 AM
#19
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 12
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As a first timer, I too thought that combining both kenya + Tanzania would give me the ultimate satisfaction . But I was advised through this forum to go to Masai Mara as the migrations drama were there then. And been an extention of the Mara, Serengeti was just going to be the same animlas only more abundance. So I made up to come to kenya. And it turned out to the tour of my life time. It would'nt have been better if it were not for my safari outfitter/All Seasons Safaris & Tours who were recommended through this forum.
Dec 29th, 2008 | 11:58 PM
#20
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Our travel agent has suggested the following itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi & overnite
Day 2: Nairobi - Mount Kenya overnite stay
Day 3: Mount Kenya - Lake Nakuru overnite stay
Day 4: Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara
Day 5 & 6 in Mara
Day 7: Transfer from Mara to Nairobi Airport & Departure
Pl Advise on this.
Also, considering that the migration is over in Kenya by the time we visit (end Jan), I am finding the peak rates of 1300 USD per person a little too expensive.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi & overnite
Day 2: Nairobi - Mount Kenya overnite stay
Day 3: Mount Kenya - Lake Nakuru overnite stay
Day 4: Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara
Day 5 & 6 in Mara
Day 7: Transfer from Mara to Nairobi Airport & Departure
Pl Advise on this.
Also, considering that the migration is over in Kenya by the time we visit (end Jan), I am finding the peak rates of 1300 USD per person a little too expensive.
