Based on the responses to my question about going on a "pre-packaged" safari, I'm exploring private safari options. What do you think of this proposal? Should we add a couple more nights for an August/September trip?

Nairobi: Giraffe Manor 2 nights
fly to Grumeti River Camp 3 nights
fly to Manyara Tree Lodge 3 nights
by road to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge 3 nights
by air to Serengeti Tanzania Under Canvas Mobile Camp 3 nights

Thanks!

Marija

Since you are doing a CCAfrica tour:

Have you considered Bateleur Camp in the Mara? It is a shame that you arrive in Nairobi and miss the Masai Mara during prime time!

I would certainly replace Manyara with the Masai Mara.

This is not a good time for Grumeti Camp and 1 or more of these nights can be added to the Mara.

Tanzania Under Canvas is great. It will be up at the Mara River. You may want to split the stay between the 2 camps (2 nights inside the Serengeti and 2 nights outside near Kleins). Then you can also do night drives and walks.

I pressed the enter key too soon!

If you have 14 nights, how about:

2 nights Giraffe Manor (I think one night is enough but with 2 nights you can visit the Elephant Trust, etc)

Fly to Masai Mara. 4 nights at Bateleur

Fly to Klein's airstrip. 2 nights outside and 2 nights inside at Under Canvas

Fly to Manyara Airstrip. 2 nights Crater Lodge

Drive to Manyara (2 nights at Tree Lodge)

Fly home from Manyara Airstrip

I think the Mara should be done last as this could be the highlight in terms of wildlife. So you could switch the itinerary.

My migration maps for Aug/Sep:
http://www.go-safari.com/Serengeti/serengeti.htm
http://www.go-safari.com/Masai%20Mara/masaimarai.htm

Marija -

Eben's suggestions are excellent, but trying to get 4-consecutive nights anywhere in the Mara, at this late date, is all but impossible. You'll be most fortunate to get 1-nt, let alone 2-nts here. But check with CCA and be flexible for doing the Mara at, either, the beginning or end of your time in Tanzania.

If not Bateleur in the Mara, other camps to consider and that CCA should be able to book, all high-end luxury properties - Mara Explorer, while inside the Mara proper and night game drives can't be done, it's definitely one to consider. Another inside the Mara, though not quite as lux as Explorer, would be Rekero. For those outside the Mara on private conservation lands, try for Serian, Saruni or Richard's Camps.

If space is available you may have to consider splitting your time, but be prepared for a transfer charge between camps.

As to Grumeti, not at all ideal in August/September and certainly not for 3-nts. Same for Tree Lodge, while lovely, 3-nts is overkill for this relatively small park that can be covered in a few hours.

You might want to consider another stop in Kenya instead of Grumeti and Manyara... maybe Tsavo East with a stay at Galdessa Camp. It's off the beaten path, in Tsovo that has few crowds that you'll find everywhere else on the itinerary above.

My feeling is that CCA is offering the camps they have available for the given number of days without consideration of best game viewing, less crowds and/or different environments. You do have to realize you're coming to planning rather late as so many places in both countries have been booked for months.

Keep us posted on your successes.

Hi Marija,
Sandi has an excellent idea. Go to Tsavo East! I’d recommend a camp there, but it’s probably not expensive enough. You could also try to do:
Fly to the Mara 6 nights
Drive to Tsavo East 3 nights
Fly to Samburu 3 nights – there’s a really expensive camp that seems to be worth the money – Elephant Watch

The previous 3 suggestions are really good and any would provide a memorable trip.

Here is one more thought, in case you are unable to do those suggestions because accommodations are booked. I would re-consider a group trip that has space available in order to spend time in the Mara in August-Sept.

This assumes you can find such a group trip and that is spending time in the Mara and that seeing the bulk of the migration is a high priority.

Finally, if you think this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, would you consider planning it for Aug/Sept 2007?
Then you'd have plenty of time to create the perfect itinerary when space is available.

Good luck and I hope it all works for you this year. It is certainly worth pursuing.

I agree with all the posts. Mara a must do for the time of the year. 3 nights at the crater lodge is overkill also. Although, the crater is a must do......it is often over-crowded and cars at sightings are usually enormous.......and i wouldnt do 3 nights there.....2 nights are plenty. Although, me personally would just do one night.

Thanks for the comments. I will ask for CC Africa for the itinerary mods you suggested. If we can't into the Masai Mara we'll probably abort the trip for this year.

I just cannot remember where I heard this but apparantly Bateleur is adding 9 more tents on their concession at Masai Mara to be completed by this July?

I hope I am not mistaken but I had this in mind when I suggested you try it! You may get lucky with these few extra beds!