lanienyc

I've just discovered this forum, so much great information! This will be our very first trip to africa and on safari. So far we want opted to do max out on safari and not have zanzibar option. We are so excited, even just planning this trip!
We are still awaiting to hear back from some companies but wanted to the post the suggested itinerary for Feedback. Private safari just 2 of us 14 days
1 night Arumeru river lodge
3 nights Migration tented lodge
3 nights Mblageti
2 nights Turner's Spring camp
2 nights ngorongoro sopa -(serena seems to be already booked)
2 nights Swala
Have read about the accomodations and service not the best at the sopa- but that the location @ crater was worthwhile. The other option to replace Sopa would be Planation but as I understand it is outside of crater-may be too far

stakerk

why not instead going to Masai Mara in Kenya where the Migration of the wildebeest should be in September?

Nyamera

Where is Turner's Spring Camp?

atravelynn

Congrats on the upcoming wedding.

I agree with the philosophy to max out on safari because you can do the beach thing elsewhere.

Is the suggested itinerary from a company that does just Tanzania? Or did you state that you wished to travel only in Tanzania? Sept is prime time in the Maasai Mara, as mentioned by Stakerk. It is unusual that you'd spend 6 nights in the Serengeti instead of the Mara.

Mbalageti is in the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, which is a good place much earlier in the season, but not Sept.

If your goal is to maximize seclusion then your Serengeti time would be ok, but it would come at the expense of wildlife viewing.

I have not heard of Turner's Spring camp either. Or Arumeru River Lodge.

Let's see what some other East Africa experts have to say, but I don't think this itinerary is a winner.

Since you will want to secure lodging quickly, try one of these frequently used operators that get good ratings from Fodorites and see what they recommend.

Africa Adventure
Africa Serendipty
Eastern & Southern Safaris
Good Earth
Roys
Southern Cross Safaris

I don't represent any of these, just a safari junkie.

atravelynn

Just to back up one point I made about Mbalageti in Western Serengeti.

Check out this report and its dates. They were in Western Serengeti in early July. Roys is very reputable and designs a good itinerary, as will the other agents mentioned.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34846477

sandi

Arumeru is a relatively new lodge. On the road between JRO and Arusha. Lovely grounds, nice size rooms with king or twin beds There were some photos taken of Arumeru on my photo link this past May.

lanienyc

Thanks so much for the advice. We actually were dealing with tanzania specialists. Have alreay sent requests out to include trip To Masai Mara but still keeping Tarangire (Swala) & Ngorongoro crater. I will search forums for suggested itineraries which combine both. Once I hear back I will post new one - Thanks for the feedback

atravelynn

Then we may be seeing more about Arumeru. Here is a Fodor's East Africa link with many trip reports/itineraries.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34860283

climbhighsleeplow

Turner Springs has 3 special camp sites - A, B, C in order of preference.

See map here: http://www.go-safari.com/Serengeti/SerengetiCentral.jpg

lanienyc

I'm completely sold on including Mara into the itinerary. Just needed some clarification- When it comes to the game viewing in general in the Serengeti during Sept- Is it not ideal in terms of viewing wildebeast migration or Not ideal in viewing "Top 5" game. Aren't there resident games in the serengenti that will still be worthwhile seeing?