My husband and I are going to Tanzania in late September ~ early October to first climb Kilimanjaro (Rongai Route) and to explore safari (and hopefully relax a bit, too). I wonder if anyone has any feedback on our safari itinerary particularly given the time of the year. I am aware that major changes to the itinerary may not be possible at this point but perhaps fine tuning still is.

Day 1
(drive from Arusha)
Ngorongoro Crateter: Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Day 2
Central Serengeti: Ronjo Flycamp
Day 3
(fly from Seronera to Kogatende)
Serengeti Mara Triangle: Sayari Camp
Day 4
Serengeti Mara Triangle: Sayari Camp
Day 5
Serengeti Mara Triangle: Sayari Camp
Day 6
Serengeti Mara Triangle: Sayari Camp
Day 7
(fly from Kogatende to Arusha)
then Moivaro lodge to Kilimanjaro Airport

I am getting the impression that we maybe better off staying in Kenya side, Masai Mara, in early October? 4 nights in Sayari too long? At Ngorongoro Crater lodge, we are currently assigned at Tree Camp. I read mixed reviews about Tree Camp vs. North/South Camp. Is it just a matter of personal taste? Any other comments will be greatly appreciated!

Hi

I don't have any comments on the safari bit. But I did climb Kilimanjaro a couple of years back and I have posted a trip report on http://gardkarlsen.com/kilimanjaro_index.htm . I did the Machame route but I guess it could provide some information about what to expect . Have a great trip.

regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Personally I'd do the safari first as it gives your body a chance to get used to Africa.

Not much fun at 15,000 feet when you are looking for rocks to hide behind

My husband and I recently returned from a 22 day trip to Tanzania.If you are staying at Crater Lodge, one night is not enough to enjoy this particularly beautiful property.Because of the horrendous roads,we did not even feel that two nights were sufficient.We stayed at Tree Camp and loved it. It was smaller and more intimate than north and south camps and the decor was much more African,which we welcomed.

mflickermd,

I totally agree with you about Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Although I also stayed two nights, I thought one more night would have been perfect...I desperately tried to add one more night, even though it was going to cost me a 100% cancellation fee on another camp, but the lodge was completely booked.

I loved everything about Crater Lodge. I was in North Camp and I thought it was great, so probably no matter which camp one stays in they will have a fabulous time. Admittedly, for those not liking over the top luxury it may not be a good choice, but for those who are sociable and enjoy the company of other well traveled guests, it is a great lodge. I really enjoyed the pre-dinner drinks in the bar, and when I say "bar" I am not doing it justice. The bar and restaurant is out of this world elegant and I really enjoyed getting to meet the other travelers.

IMO, the camps at Crater Lodge come down to personal choice. I like Tree Camp. You don't seem to have much time to enjoy it. Does your itinerary indicate when you will do your crater drive--trying to get there for an afternoon drive on day 1? (I am guessing not)--so perhaps a morning drive on day 2?

I suppose you could try to get to CL as early as possible on day 1 to enjoy Tree Camp but then you need to realize that you should leave early AM to get down into the crater. Ronjo is a bit far so would you return to Tree Camp for lunch and then head out--or go straight from the Crater to the Serengeti? Does your itinerary show? It is certainly possible (to have lunch at CL and then sleep that night at Ronjo--that is exactly what we did--but we were not leaving the very next day. (had 2 nights at Ronjo)

What time is your flight on Day 3? I am not sure what good it does to spend the 1 night at Ronjo. Awfully rushed those 2 days. Maybe trade 1 night at Sayari for a 2nd night at Ronjo or CL. If you cannot afford the 2nd night at CL (understandably) then what the 2nd night at Ronjo does is--Day 2 early am into the Crater but then back to CL for a nice lunch on the Tree Camp balcony
(it is the famous picture after all).

Then drive to Ronjo through the central valley--but no early am drive merely to the airport the next day--instead a full day in the central valley and THEN the early am departure for Sayari. My opinion might change based on your flight departure time.

That time of year the conventional wisdom is to be in the Masai Mara--but Sayari is close to it. Don't know about that--it may be more than "tinkering" at this point to change to MM. You have limited days and would have to transport from TZ to Kenya so . . . I'll let others comment about that.

Good luck on your climb--and you'll have a great safari even without any fine tuning IMO.

oops, now that I think about it we did not go straight from CL to Ronjo, we stopped much closer for the night--so I don't think there is any question that you would not be having lunch at CL on Day 2 (you'd take a picnic lunch into the Crater)--you'd go straight from your crater drive to Ronjo.

I'm confused. Are you all planning your own itineraries with no tour groups or consultants? Your going solo?

Big thanks to those who commented on my posting. Thanks Gard for your input on Kilimanjaro as well. To answer bat's question, We are doing crater drive in the afternoon of day 1. We are leaving tomorrow and are very anxious and excited!! Hopefully we have great stories to share upon our return.

in case you see this--have a great trip

So how was the Rongai trek up Kili?
We are going to do it starting December 31st.