Need input on October Safari to TANZANIA
 

I lole reading all this "stuff"!
I should be working right now, but can't tear myself away from all this info an bat's travel report. It could have been written about my planned trip. Some of it anyway.
This is what my husband and I have planned:

Oct 8 Dar el salaam
Oct 9 Nomads Serengeti 3 nights
Nomads Loliondo 3 nights
Sand Rivers 3 nights
Oct 18 Chemba Island 2 nights
Oct 20 Membwe Bungalows
Oct 23 Dar el Salaam- New York

At one point I was overcome by ambition and thought maybe a "quick" flight to Ile Saint Marie for a few nights instead of Zanzibar were possible, but I have come to my senses in the meantime. Maybe another time in another life.
My other question is about a Sheraton in Dar el Salaam. I believe there is one there, but how close is it to the airport?
Also, does anyone know how to get this relativaly expensive trip on the cheap?
Well, not on the cheap, but on the cheapish.
I'm looking forward to your comments and ideas.
Thank you all

sorry, it's me again.
It should read I LOVE reading all this "stuff".

Yes, it's me once again.
It should be Matemwe Bungalows on Zanzibar.

No worry about the misspellings.
We understand quite well.
And I believe, you mean Chumbe Island.

Doubt, it will be on the cheap, as Sand River runs in the $400-$500/pppnt. Honestly, you're not slumming on this trip.

If you do a search on this board for Tanzania tour operators or Tanzania tour outfitters, you'll come across a list of those that many here find reputable.

You can then send an email to maybe three of those you find, and see what you prices you get.

Keep us posted.

Thanks Sandi,
It feels just like Christmas when a reply is posted. I just can't wait to open the "package"!
So far we've sent requests to
Good Earth
African Travel Resource
Natural High Tanzania
and on other I don't remember the name of.
Do you think we have enough time to book all this for October?

didibobi:
You will have a great time--I hope it all works out.

You probably know that Sand Rivers is a Nomad property also--so ask if you are receiving a discount--I believe it applies if 9 days at any combo or 5 at 1.

Have you looked at Eben's maps--it's possible that the migration could still be in the Mara. (www.go-safari.com) [Of course, you know from my report how anything can happen.]

I am jealous of the Selous addition.

The major herds will probably still be in the Mara, but if there is one drop of rain, they're on the move to the Serengeti. And when the rain stops, they return to the Mara. It's a very confusing time for the wildies!

However, being in Loliondo, you might very well find spill over. And once they move into the Serengeti the herds often scatter in all directions. But, there are resident herds throughout the Serengeti year-round; not in the numbers as those that do migrated.

Eben's site is excellent, but as much as any supposed "schedule" indicated, so many of us have found there just aren't any guarantees.

I wouldn't worry about it. You've got a good itinerary there. Now, you just need a good price.

I have nothing to add except I hope you can make this all work and I'd love to see a trip report when you return!