I have got to put this out there. I returned last night and must say that out of a collection of Elewana and Serena lodges, Mbalageti Camp was by far the best. Better than Treetops in Tarangire. They really know what they are doing. Very friendly, beautiful location and well worth the drive if you care where you sleep at night. Food was excellent, free internet, professional and kind. I wish I'd stayed longer there. Just had to mention it.

Couldn't agree more! Spent two nights there in late May and can't believe it doesn't get more attention on these boards. The location is amazing with great views onto the western plains (complete with wildebeest migrating when we were there). The common spaces (reception, bar, internet, restaurant, pool) are all very stylish and thoughtfully done. And the tents are wonderfully comfortable.

I'm so glad you agree. After posting, I figured people might frown on it since it could be seen as advertising. I'd just had such a great time I wanted people to know. I'm not sure why it doesn't get more discussion either...I guess we're the lucky ones who got to stay!

I spent two nights here in June 2007. They have the best accommodations and the best views I saw in Kenya or Tanzania. Free bottles of water at every meal, no other place offered this.

Great to read all of your positive posts on Mbalageti. I'll be there for 2 nights in July 2008. We stayed at Kirawira last year and have seen Grumeti Camp, so it'll be great to get a taste of the third option in the Western Serengeti.

Since Western Serengeti was brought up, is there a budget option in that region? Camp, lodge, etc?

Yes...
Mbalageti, their non tented rooms are reasonably cheap. Check the web site.
Another option is Speke bay lodge just outside the park on lake Victoria.

Other budget options:

http://www.go-safari.com/Serengeti/Kijereshi.htm

http://www.serengetistopover.com/home.php

I believe these are near park gates and a little closer than Speke Bay.

Thank you for your recommendationof Mbalageti Camp (I assume it is the same as the Mbalageti Serengeti camp). I hope to stay there July of 2008. Have you ever stayed at the Ngorongoro Crater, and if so, can you make a recommendation of a small tented camp there? Thank you,
Laura

laura -

Most of the accommodations at the Crater which at 7,000' is very cold at night and morning are lodges. The few tents in the area are campsites and tend to be in the budget category.

If interested in lodges, there is the very expensive Crater Lodge, then mid-range Wildlife (least expensive), Sopa (next up) and Serena (the most expensive) of the mid-range lodges.

You can also stay off the rim near Karatu at such lodges as Farmhouse, Gibbs Farm and Plantation Lodge. There is also the Crater Rim View Lodge in Karatu for the budget-minded (clean spacious rooms and baths, but not fancy.) I don't know of any tented camps near the crater on the Karatu side. I think some travelers have stayed at Olduvai Camp on the other side and gone to the Crater from there.

ShayTay, re tented camps around Karatu:
Crater Forest Tented Lodge near Lodoare Gate is a tented camp (www.craterforesttentedlodge.com).
On the budget side you have Marera Safari Lodge, located north-east of Karatu (next to Gibb's), also with tents (www.mareratours.com).