Need help- Maasai Mara or Tarangire
 

First-- I want to thank everyone for all the helpful information I have found on this board!! It is an amazing community!! I am now planning my 1st trip to Africa (Sept) and since I am limited to 10 days, I cannot see it all so I have to make a choice between visiting Maasai Mara area or Tarangire. Any advice which would be my best bet for mid- September for animal sightings? I am considering Good Earth Tours-- I have seen good feedback here-- my question is-- what type of vehicle do they use driving from place to place or is it the same jeep type vehicle used for the game drives?? This part is confusing to me!
TIA for any info, input, ideas or suggestion!!

Linda

Not that I've been to Tarangire but the best times to visit so I've read are July through to October when wildlife congregates around the water. The one camp I dream of staying at (for the whole 3 months of a TZ visitors visa) is Swala. Now, that huge EuroMillions jackpot is due tommorrow. I know how I'm spending it!

Matt

Hi Busybee,

September is prime migration time in the Mara. Most people would go to 2 or 3 parks in 10 days, but I’d stay in the Mara. I haven’t been to Tarangire. I could probably stay 10 days there as well; but it’s usually considered a park you go to for a shorter stay.

I don’t know much about Good Earth Tours, but I suppose they use the same vehicle – hopefully jeep type – for game drives as for driving from place to place.

Good Earth is Tanzania-based, I think. You may want a Kenyan operator if that's where you end up doing your safari.

Haven't been there, but given that you're traveling in September, I'd go with the Mara. Kenya is "where it's at" in September. :)

Tarangire is a great park, but it's a good fit with a Northern Circuit TZ itinerary, so if you're willing to forego the Great Migration, you could combine with Serengeti and the Crater. I'd probably do a Kenya safari in September, though.

Safari in East Africa is such a lovely experience that I hardly think you can go wrong.

I was at the Old Cottars Camp-now Siana Springs in Sept '87. Incredible wildlife sightings. The migration had come to its door step, and the predators didn't disappoint us. Have been back later to the Mara but driving on my own in Sept, and it was as good as before.

For a safari traveling by road, you generally use the same vehicle for game drives as well as for traveling from park to park. Besides the Masai Mara or Tarangire, where else would you be going?

busybee,

Having been to both Tarangire and Masai Mara in late August, my vote is Masai Mara hands down. While mid-September is considered a good time to visit either park, the Mara is where you should find the migration, which to me, just can't be beat. :D

You should ask Good Earth Tours to confirm if you would be using the same vehicle for getting from park to park and for your game drives... however, Patty is correct that for an all drive safari, you would usually use the same vehicle throughout.

Masai Mara for the reasons posted by other Fodorites -- mid-September is prime time in the Mara!

Cheers,
Julian

As to the type of vehicle, some companies offer popup or jeep, with jeep being more expensive. I'd ask Good Earth directly.

One more vote for the Mara, even though I really like Tarangire. But Sept is prime time for the migration in the Mara. Could you post your entire trip itinerary?

Thanks for all your responses!! The more I read, the more confused I get!! Right now I am looking at Good Earth Migration Tracker- Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara OR Classic Tanzania- Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Seregeti & Ngorongoro. Anyone taken either of these? Also-- has anyone taken a safari with the "big guys" like Globus tours or Brendan? Again-- Thanks for helping me!
Linda

Hi Linda
seeing the headline i wanted to reply "r u kidding?"

depends what would u like to see
@ Go to Tarangire if u r a herpetophile and u'd like best chances of seeing a PYTHON ! i never missed a python in Tarangire (once i saw 3 within 2 days)
@@ go to Tarangire if u wanna see Common Waterbuck (in Mara u'll c Defassa Waterbuck ) ;-)
@@@ if u wanna c Lions, Cheetahs -Mara is far better... Migration ? u have the answer already
enjoy Mara
aby
PS if u want more than 1 park in 10 days it's easy to build a varied safari with night viewing lodge, soda & freshwater lakes etc'

Linda,
You don't have to choose from one of the pre-set itineraries on their website. You can have Good Earth put together the exact itinerary that you want. So if really want to visit both the Masai Mara and Tarangire, it shouldn't be a problem.