tanya_1976

Thanks Pollydill & Lynn- yes it was really a lot of luck that our wait with the brothers paid of the way it did

I hope this trip report doesnt send off wrong signals on how a safari can be done - I merely wanted to share my safari and sightings here to people who would love the encounters whether they are in or out of Africa.

And I did want to acknowledge the efforts of The Wild Source-Bill and Deo. A guide who spent 13 hours everyday on the road for 15 days is what in the end made this special for me because he gave it his best with his time and spotting skills in letting chance encounters unfold. Bill @ TWS put together an itinerary and ironed out all minute details the way I wanted it and am sure he and few others mentioned here would do the same for multiple budgets.

The one message I didnt want to convey is that an expensive safari is required to have a trip of your lifetime-because that would just not be true. Someone asked me the cost and I helped out with the numbers. There are enough trip reports here and on ST that will showcase safaris of all types and each one of them has had their many special moments- Whatever budget we go with, there will be something special that will unfold while you are around. I didnt see a river crossing and I didnt see an actual hunt or kill happen- But I saw enough to not feel that I missed out- Whatever money anyone pays, whichever guide you go out with, no one can guarantee these things- and thank god for that

atravelynn

A big way to reduce the cost is not go alone, advice I don't follow.

Northern Serengeti is a more expensive destination than some places and is more remote.

You got your money's worth Tanya!

atravelynn

Question, why did you book this combo? In Sept, were both in the same general area?

-2 nights Olakira, N. Serengeti
-5 nighs Sayari, N. Serengeti

Thanks!

tanya_1976

Hi Lynn

Yes they both are in the same general area- around 25-30 minutes drive without stopping- in the Kogatende/Wogakuria region and very close to the river. Sticking with the same camp chain (long stay discount +SS waiver in 2 of the 4 camps)and availability defined the choices in the end since I booked mid-March for September. After the 1st 2 days Olakira wasnt really available on consecutive days and I didnt want to spend less than these 7 days in N. Serengeti. Both are excellent locations with Olakira definitely having an edge.

atravelynn

Makes sense and it worked out great for you.

moneyburns

Tanya, if you check this could you expound a bit on the camps, Olakira, Dunia and Olivers - sounds like you were attached to Olakira and I assume the staff travels south with them now - will be there in Feb. We enjoy chatting with staff,etc and hope they are inclined to do the same with us and not be standoffish...

For box lunches, where you able to request certain foods; like vegetarian, etc. We like to have a picnic type atmosphere and find a spot away from everyone (IF that is possible in Feb) and set up chairs/table as was done for us in previous trips - are they set up for this or is in just a box in the vehicle.
Definitely into Amarula! And want to try that ginger soda!

Any info would be helpful. Thanks so for a great report!

MB

sandi

As long as you advise your food preferences - allergies, do/not eat, prefered - in advance (on booking) and even on arrival at lodge/camp/hotel - they are good at seeing you get what you wish. Some moreso than others, so don't hesitate speaking up nicely!

For box/picnic lunches, discuss with personnel evening before what you'd like.

moneyburns

Sandi, I did discuss with the booking company, but knowing Tanya had actually been in the camps, I was interested in follow-through and hoping she will chime in.

As we know, sometimes preferences passed on to agents somehow get lost in the shuffle to the camp, as I remember in a very long and detailed report last year by some visitors in Kenya.

Thinking (as detailed a person as she appears to be!) she would have her ducks in a row, I wondered what the camps chefs/staff/etc ACTUALLY did to accommodate her requests.

Not that it will affect my gameviewing, but just like to know how accommodating they are (esp for the price!) LOL

sangeeta

MB, I'm sure she'll be fine with me telling you that the lucky thing is currently on her second safari of the year! She didn't think she would have Internet access, so you'll probably hear from her in January.

moneyburns

Wow, so lucky, indeed.... Thanks for replying. She's having a great year, I'd say!

Have a good one yourself!
MB

twaffle

MBs, you can PM Tanya on Safaritalk as she is a member there as well. Shame Fodors don't have that facility.

tanya_1976

Hi MB replied to your PM on ST regarding food and sundowners.

Regarding staff at Olakira (and elsewhere)- yes it is the same staff that travels to South. You will find them very relaxed and friendly- a bit of leg pulling and friendly banter will always see them open up and not be wary- I still get (and send) messages from them sometimes relayed through Deo or Fadhil (Deo's son)-Ask them beforehand if you can do a full day drive to Naibartat hills ( followed by a small walking trek)if so inclined or to Ol Karien Gorge ( the latter might be a bit rushed to do a return trip in the same day), or even upto Lemuta Hills and back. You will not find people around and if the migration is in the southern short grass plains some excellent sightings. And please come back and report to us as this will be my 1st trip in 2013

atravelynn

You can add an epilogue with your thoughts from a "second safari perspective" now.

arthi9487

Tanya,

Can you email me at [email protected]? I am booking a trip to the Serengeti for March 2014 and am a solo traveler, so I wanted to know what you wound up paying for your trip with the Wild Source? Right now, quotes I am receiving are around $800/person including all single supplements.

sandi

If Tanya is even following on Fodor's. But realize her trip was 3/yrs ago from when you plan to travel. Both park fees and lodge/camp rates have increased since '11. Besides all camps used were in the luxe category. Difficult to compare.