Hubby

Hi everyone,

I wasn't sure whether to post this question in my original thread ( http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=35122255 ) or post a new thread. I decided this topic was of enough general interst that I'd start a new thread. I apologize if I've broken any rules of etiquette.

We are still considering several possible itineraries for our late-November honeymoon, and we're trying to decide between northern Serengeti camps.

Price is a consideration, but that varies depending on the tour operator. Here I'm just trying to get a sense of what the pros and cons of each camp are.

The options we're considering are listed below, along with my current impression of each option:

Migration Camp
Very good reviews, comfortable, can bring own guide. Closer to central Serengeti, but not an area the Migration might walk through.

Klein's Camp
Very good reviews, comfortable, must use their guide. In private concession so night drives are possible.

Suyan camp
Limited, but good, reviews. In private concession so night drives are possible. Option of using their guide or ours (?)

If anyone has opinions or feedback on these camps, please share them here. Thanks.

sandi

Klein's is booked on a GP-game package basis using their guides/vehicles.

Believe it's the same with Suyan.

At Migration, you can have your own guide/vehicle, same as who was with you balance of safari.

Migration is actually 2+/hrs north of Central, and about 1.5/hrs south of Klein's... so they're not in Central.

In November when the herds return to the Serengeti in this mostly woodland area, they move in all directions. Not till they move down into Central do the plains open. Again, the herds don't all move at the same time; besides the migrating herds there are resident herds who can be anywhere.

If Klein's Suyan or Migration will be your last stop, then you guide* will drop you here and from then, the game takes over. They will transfer you to the airstrip for your return flight to Arusha.

* You will pay for the guide/vehicle to return to Arusha or if he, instead meets you here, say at beginning of itinerary, pay for this also.

I don't believe you can go wrong with any of these, but they're all different. Klein's with stone banda-type rooms; rustic tents at Suyan; lux large tents at Migration.

Maybe price will be the determining factor.

raelond

Suyan tents can hardly be described as rustic. The entrance to the tent is through a large porch-like netted area that contains a couch, chair and table. It is attached to the tent itself which is large, new and very bright. There is drapery material on all the windows. There is a flush toilet and bucket shower which works wonderfully. This was by far the most beautiful tent we have stayed in during our trips to Tanzania, Botswana and Zambia. The staff here was amazing, especially Simon the manager. We would go back here in a minute. I almost forgot the food - also amazing.

Hubby

Thanks all. We'll talk to some tour operators to get a sense of the prices.

pippa13

suyan (www.asilialodges.com) allows own guide/vehicle!

climbhighsleeplow

Careful Pippa!

Suyan allows outfitter guides and vehicles ONLY for transfers i.e. bringing clients to the camp and afterwards.

Game drives in the vicinity of the concession must be conducted in Suyan vehicles with camp guides. In the recent past the rules were relaxed and a bit confusing while Suyan waited for more open game vehicles. Going forward they will strictly enforce this rule or they risk running into trouble with the local tribal leaders.

pippa13

chsl
thanks a lot for that info!
but i would quite frankly ask them ;-)
i myelf stayed there when a southern cross guide with 2 guests where staying there for 2nts!

climbhighsleeplow

Pippa, that's perfectly normal acceptable at Suyan!

A guide with car brings the clients to camp then stays (and dine with clients).

But game drives cannot be in the guide's car. If there is space in the Suyan car the guide can join the game drives.