Picking a tour
 

Has anyone traveled with "Tour Tanzania Safaris"? I like their itinerary but would like to hear more about their company. How are their accommodations? Any other suggestions for tour companies? We are looking for a two week tour.
Thanks

CampingCaryn,

Why don't you post the itinerary here for more specific suggestions?

You could see if they are mentioned in any travel guides such as Fodors, Frommers, Bradt, LP, Rough Guides.

I don't believe they have been mentioned here. Maybe on LP's Thorn Tree.

I did not see them come up when I typed in "Tour Tanzania Safaris."

Do you have a budget and time of year you wish to travel? That, along with the itinerary you found can produce lots of help here.

After doing a lot of research the company that is leading the way is Masai Travel. The itinerary is perfect. Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Park, back to Nairobi and on to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park. Anyone, have any comments.

>>Nairobi to Lake Nakuru National Park, Masai Mara National Park, back to Nairobi and on to Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti National Park, Lake Manyara National Park.<<

The itinerary may very well be "perfect" but why not detail how many days total, how many days at each park/reserve and means of transport between each. Reason for this is that first glance indicates the drive times are very long, spending more time on the roads than game viewing.

If the order is as you show the drive from Nairobi to Nakuru is 2.5/hrs but from here to the Mara is 6/hrs on terrible road. Then from Mara to Nairobi is minimum 6/hrs and there is no way you can drive to Ngorongoro the same day... thus you probably have an overnight in NBO. And, next day the drive from NBO to Ngorongoro will take a full day. And, depending on time of year, which area of the Serengeti? South, Central, Western or Northern? The Serengeti has some very long distances also.

Detail the itinerary (w/lodging) and then we can commennt.

I checked out Masai Travel and they show BBB on their webpage so that's good.

I did not see your itinerary there. Time of year and days at each spot, plus accommodations will help.

The parks you mention are good ones to visit but getting there can take a long time by road.

If you don't know them don't book with them. period.

travel agents can be totally lame and screw things up... and be expensive. If you are booking an entire tour, then that may be OK.

But if you are trying to piece together a trip, then I suggest you contact local organizations that may be able to help you, OR work through a resort where you know you want to stay.

If you need any other help, reply to me. I know a great driver in nairobi, and can put you in touch with organizations that can guide you. I have been in Kenya for a number of months and been impressed with the kind help of professionals, and completely disappointed with "professional" travel agents.

Wow, thanks for all the comments. Here is one of the itineraries I like.
Day 1: Nairobi
Day 2 & 3: Nairobi-Samburu Game Reserve
Day 4: Samburu-Mount Kenya Nat'l Park
Day 5: Mount Kenya-Great Rift Valley Lake
Day 6,7 & 8: Masai Mara Game Reserve
Day 9:Lake Manyara Nat'l Park, Tanzania
Day 10 & 11: Serengeti National Park
Day 12 & 13: Ngorongoro Crater
Day 14: Back to Nairobi to go home.

Any comments are appreciated.

As I suspected some very very long drives.

Day 1: Nairobi
Day 2 & 3: Nairobi-Samburu Game Reserve
-- 6/hrs from NBO to Samburu

Day 4: Samburu-Mount Kenya Nat'l Park - OK
Day 5: Mount Kenya-Great Rift Valley Lake - OK

Day 6,7 & 8: Masai Mara Game Reserve
-- on Day 6, a 5-7/hrs drive from Nakuru to Mara depending on where your lodging is located.

Day 9ake Manyara Nat'l Park, Tanzania
-- on Day 9, the drive from the Mara to NBO is 5-7/hrs; then to Tanzania border is 3-3.5/hrs; then 1-1.5/hrs to Arusha; then 2-2.5/hrs to Manyara - a very very long day on the road and these are not super highways... two lane roads and not in the best condition.

Day 10 & 11: Serengeti National Park - OK
Day 12 & 13: Ngorongoro Crater - OK

Day 14: Back to Nairobi to go home
-- drive from Ngo to Arusha about 4-4.5/hrs; then 1-1.5/hrs to Kenyan border; then 3-3.5/hrs to Nairobi.

Just so you're aware.