belize

I have been browsing on here for a while and see that there are a lot of knowledgeable people, so I thought it was time for me to ask some questions! My mother and I will be going on safari in Tanzania in September 2008. I will be volunteering in Moshi for 3 weeks, ending on September 20, 2008. My mother will be flying in that day to join me. I am thinking we will start the following day.

I have 10 days for traveling and want to spend time on safari and then end on Zanzibar for some R&R. On the safari I would like to split my time between lodges and tented camps. On Zanzibar I would like to go on a spice tour and relax on the beach. Are there places to stay where you can walk to various places for dinner instead of having dinner booked ahead where we are staying?

So, here are the itineraries I have gotten. Please give me any feedback you have.


Eastern and Southern Safaris:

Day 1/Sept 20 2008: Arusha/Lake Manyara
Our services start at 12:30hrs with lunch at Impala Hotel in Arusha. Then drive on to Lake Manyara National Park for dinner and overnight at Lake Manyara Serena Lodge.
Approx transit timenbsp;2½ hrs
Meal plan: {L, D}
 
Day 2/Sept 21 2008: Lake Manyara/Serengeti
Morning game drive in Manyara Park, a park dotted with exotic trees such as the giant fig, baobab and mahogany and famous for lions that sprawl on trees (though rare these days). Depart after lunch for Serengeti National Park with a game drive en route to Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp to settle down for dinner and overnight.
Approx transit time: 4 hrs
Meal plan: {B, L, D}
 
Day 3/Sept 22 2008: Serengeti
Full day in Serengeti. Morning and afternoon game drives in the rolling grasslands studded with wildlife for as far as the eye can see. All meals and overnight at Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp.
Meal Plan: {B, L, D}
 
Day 4/Sept 23 2008: Ngorongoro
Another morning game drive in Serengeti, departing after lunch for Ngorongoro via Olduvai Gorge for a brief visit of the museum. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.
Approx transit time: 3 hrs
Meal Plan: {B, L, D}
 
Day 5/Sept 24 2008:  Ngorongoro
After breakfast descend down to the crater floor for ½ day crater tour with picnic lunch at the crater floor. Afternoon at leisure with optional visit to a local Maasai village. Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.
Meal Plan: {B, L, D}
Day 6/Sept 25 2008: Ngorongoro/Tarangire
After breakfast drive to Tarangire National Park arriving Kikoti Safari Camp in time for lunch followed by an afternoon game drive in the park. Dinner and overnight at the luxury tented camp.
Approx transit timenbsp;2½ hrs
Meal plan: {B, L, D}
 
Day 7/Sept 26 2008: Back to Arusha/Fly to Zanzibar
Depart Tarangire after breakfast and drive to Kilimanjaro Intl Airport via Arusha with picnic lunch boxes for Regional Air departing for Zanzibar at 13:00hrs and arriving at 14:30hrs.
Approx transit time: 3 hrs
Meal Plan: {B, L}
 
Meet on arrival by our agent and transfer to Breezes Beach Club located on the East Coast. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the beach club.
Meal plan: {D}
 
Day 8 & 9/Sept 27 & 28: Beach leisure
Spend two more days at beach leisure with optional activities including excursions and water sports arranged for directly at the club desk. Lunches on own account. Breakfasts, dinners and overnights at Breezes Beach Club (staying in a deluxe room).Meal plan: {B, D}
Day 10/Sept 29: Out
Leisurely breakfast at the club. Later transfer to the airport for your onward flight to next destination. End of our services. Meal plan: {B}
Price: US$3614 per person sharing


Sunny Safaris:

Day 1: 08h30, P/up from residence/hotel in Arusha & depart for Tarangire National Park, picnic lunch and gamedrive in Tarangire Park, dinner and overnight, Wild Palm Campsite / Tarangire River Camp
Day 2: After breakfast depart for Serengeti National Park, en-route gamedrive, picnic lunch and afternoon a short gamedrive in Serengeti Park, dinner and overnight, Seronera Campsite / Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Day 3: After breakfast full day in Serengeti National Park(early morning, mid and afternoon gamedrives), all meals and overnight, Seronera Campsite / Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Day 4: Early morning gamedrive in Serengeti National Park, brunch and depart for Ngorongoro Crater Rim, en-route gamedrive, dinner and overnight, Simba Campsite / Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge
Day 5: Early morning descend to the Crater floor for gamedrive, lunch at hippo pool picnic site, ascend to the rim, depart for Lake Manyara, Dinner and Overnight Twiga Campsite / Lake Manyara Hotel
Day 6: After breakfast, Morning gamedrive in Lake Manyara National Park, picnic lunch, afternoon drive to Arusha, transfer to Airport for flight to Zanzibar depart at 1530 hrs Arr 1640 hrs, upon arrival, transfer to Stone Town, Overnight at Tembo Hotel
Day 7 - After breakfast, transfer to Nungwi Beach Resort for Dinner and Overnight
Day 8 - After breakfast, Full Day at Leisure, Dinner and Overnight Nungwi Beach
Day 9 - After breakfast, Full Day at Leisure, Dinner and Overnight Nungwi Beach
Day 10 - After breakfast, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your International flights
Budget Camping Safaris - Price Per 2 People - USD 1700.00 Per Person
Price Includes: Vehicle 4wd, fuel, driver cum guide, park fees, camping fees, gamedrives, table, chairs, cook, 3 meals whilst on safari, flight to Zanzibar, accommodation in Zanzibar, transfers in Zanzibar, mattress, pillow & tent. 
Lodge Safaris - Price Per 2 People - USD 2000.00 Per Person
Price Includes: Vehicle 4wd, fuel, driver cum guide, park fees, flight to ZNZ, transfers, Accommodation in Zanzibar, gamedrives, and Full Accommodation on Safari

Access 2 Tanzania:
Day 1 • In transit to Tanzania • Arrive Kilimanjaro (JRO)
• Transfer to hotel
• Dik Dik Hotel
• www.dikdik.ch
Day 2 • Monduli Village Visit
• Tarangire National Park
• Maramboi Tented Camp
• www.africawilderness.com
Day 3 • Guided Bush Walk
• Tarangire National Park
• Maramboi Tented Camp
Day 4 • Ngorongoro Crater • Ngorongoro Farmhouse
• www.africawilderness.com
Day 5 • Olduvai Gorge
• Serengeti National Park
• Serengeti Sopa
• www.sopalodges.com
Day 6 • Serengeti National Park • Migration Camp
• www.elewana.com
Day 7 • Sunrise Serengeti Drive
• Serengeti National Park
• Migration Camp
Day 8 • Fly from Serengeti to Zanzibar
• Transfer to hotel
• Matemwe Bungalows
• www.asilialodges.com
Day 9 • Zanzibar Beach • Matemwe Bungalows
Day 10 • Zanzibar Beach • Matemwe Bungalows
Day 11 • Transfer to Stone Town • Zanzibar Palace BB
• www.zanzibarpalacehotel.com
Day 12 • Transfer to airport
• Fly from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam
• Depart Dar es Salaam (DAR)

The total cost for this itinerary is $4,680.00 USD per person for 2 people.


Africa Serendipity:

20 Sep - Arrive (if you can advise from where you are coming, what time you can be) at Arusha, for pre-safari briefing - either
    Option #1 - an overnight - Impala, Kibo Palace or East African Hotels (BB)
    Option #2 - Drive to Tarangire Natl Park; game drive on way to lodging - o/n Sopa
        Lodge, Tarangire Safari Lodge/Camp, Kikoti or River Camps (LD)
21 Sep - Tarangire; morning and afternoon game drives - o/n Sopa Lodge, Tarangire Safari Lodge/Camp, Kikoti or River Camps (FB)
22 Sep - Drive to Ngorongoro Crater; afternoon crater tour - o/n Sopa or Wildlife Lodges (FB)
23 Sep - Ngo - option: morning crater tour; w/picnic lunch drive via Oldupai Gorge (w/stop); continue with game drive to Central Serengeti - o/n Serena Lodge or Mbuzi Mawe Camp (FB)
24 Sep - Drive farther north, with game drive along the way to Northern Serengeti; afternoon game drive - o/n Lobo Lodge (FB)
25 & 26 Sep - N. Serengeti; morning and afternoon or full-day game drives - o/n Lobo Lodge (FB)
27 Sep - Transfer to airstrip for flight to Arusha; here connect to flight to Zanzibar; met and transfer to beach resort - o/n Matemwe Beach Village, Amani Beach, Shooting Star (HB)
28 & 29 Sep - ZNZ ; at leisure; activities not included as Scuba, dhow cruises, sightseeing will be charged to your personal account - o/n Matemwe Beach Village, Amani Beach, Shooting Star (HB)
30 Sep - Drive to Stone Town; option: Town Tour; afternoon transfer to ZNZ airport for flight to Kilimanjaro (JRO), Dar-es-Salaam (DAR) or Nairobi (NBO) (B)
 
No cost given, pending selection of accommodations.


Good Earth Tours:

They referred me to go to their website to view an itinerary.

Thank you all!

Dana_M

It seems like E&S has you backtracking, but I guess that’s because you’re driving in both directions. I thought the drive from Manyara to Mbuzi Mawe would be longer than 4 hours, but others would know more than I do about that since I’ve never done it. Sunny also has you driving in both directions, but this could be to save money. The flow back from the Serengeti makes sense to me, but I think the first day will be a long drive. I would consider the latter two proposals, from Acces2Tanzania and Africa Serendipity, since they both have you driving a more direct route on the way to the Serengeti, and flying out. Good Earth gets good reviews here, but I don’t like it when I ask specific questions and am told to go look at canned itineraries on a web site.


How nice that you are going on safari with your mother. What will you be doing in Moshi?

pippa13

sorry i cannot help you with driving times etc. as i did only fly in. i also don't know the lodges and camps.
but what i do know matemwe. the accommodation is very nice but the beach isn't. during low tide you almost don't have a chance for a swim.

would definately o for breezes or the zamani
http://www.kempinski-zanzibar.com/en/home/index.htm

ShayTay

I prefer the itineraries where you are taking the parks in logical sequence: Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Crater, and Serengeti. Then, you can fly out of the Serengeti back to Arusha and onward to Zanzibar. If you fly Regional Air out of the Serengeti, you can continue on with them to the island and not worry about making connections.

If you're at a beach resort, the best thing to do is take the "half board" option of breakfast and dinner. Most are not in range of restaurants, other than at another beach resort that might be within walking distance down the beach. I've stayed at Pongwe and Shooting Star. I like the beach better at Pongwe, but SS has air conditioning, if that's important to you. Pongwe is also known for their excellent cuisine.

I'll just be coming off my safari on Sept. 19 and headed to Zanzibar... sorry we'll miss you!

JNG

Bookmarking

Leely

Hi, belize!

Some random thoughts:

My first safari we drove both ways, so if that's appealing cost-wise, go for it. It's doable, not a big deal and enjoyable (or it was for us).

Now, let me put on my Sandi hat for a minute and say that you're not comparing apples to apples here. You need to refine things because these itineraries are all over the place.

How much do you want to spend? Do you want or need to fly for part of the itinerary? You'd save time getting to Zanzibar by doing a drive out-fly back safari. On the other hand, you would spend more money that way. These are choices you need to make.

Just so you know, Eastern and Southern is a Kenya-based company. I don't know who they use in TZ.

I would spend at least three nights in the Serengeti. Two nights Tarangire or a 1/2 Manyara/Tarangire split. I've never stayed more than one night at the Crater, so I'm biased and wouldn't stay long there unless I had to for breaking-up-a-long drive.

I've stayed at Twiga campsite. Your mom might not like that too much. I thought it was fine, kinda like camping in someone's back yard. My mom would have hated it. I think I stayed at Wild Palm too. These are both outside the parks, so keep that in mind.

I like Af. Serendip and Access 2 Tz itineraries best just by glancing at them. They might be the most expensive, however. Always seems to work out that way.

If I had to, I'd go cheapo on Zanzibar and spend more on safari. But some people feel the exact opposite, so it's just a matter of personal preference.

atravelynn

On safari features only:

In Sept with limited safari time, I’d exchange Manyara for 2 nts in Tarangire.

So you have arranged the first night in Arusha and the real safari starts the next day.

**E&S at $3614 for 10 days**
If you are partial to eles, you are ending on what could be a high note in Tarangire in Sept. This one has the nicest properties provided.

Is a midday in Arusha something you’d like? This one gives you the morning to lounge (or waste) depending on how you look at it.
1 Manyara Serena
2 Mbuzi Mawe—very nice accommodation, maybe not far north enough
2 Serena at crater one ½ day in crater—most upscale of the lodges given for the crater
1 Kikoti Tarangire--very nice accommodation


Sunny at $2000 for 10 days
The less expensive properties are why this is less. I’ve stayed at the Wildlife lodges & Lake Manyara Hotel and found them to be great. Your savings comes not only from more moderate properties, but one less day on safari. Ending at likely the weakest game area and one I'd omit completely.

Is a morning departure something you’d like. No morning leisure (or wasted time) with Sunny.

1 Tarangire River Camp—These are tents so even with a lodge safari you get a tent and this is a good location
2 Seronera Wildlife
1 Crater Wildlife
1 Lake Manyara Hotel


Access2Tanzania $4680 for 12 days, but you may need them for 11 only
Are they including your first night in Arusha, when you are already doing that on your own? The other itineraries did not get you to Arusha, you started from there. That could skew this itinerary’s cost higher because that first night is included. This one looks thoughtful.

2 Tarangire Maramboi Tented camp --you get a village visit, probably a morning departure from Arusha then. Opportunity for a walk which is good for a variety of activities and for something different, but may not be good because Sept in Tarangire could mean lots of elephants that you would not be able to see as well on a walk. I like the 2 nts Tarangire in Sept.
1 Crater Farmhouse
1 Serengeti Sopa
2 Migration Camp—great location and nice to end with tents in the Serengeti--ending with a bang!

Africa Serendipity cost TBD based on accommodations. That is a nice option for tweaking the cost. This one looks like it was very thoughtfully designed to maximize your wildife viewing in the best locations for your trip.
It appears you will be in Arusha, so that the option of 2 nts Tarangire works best. That’s good in Sept. Tarangire Safari Lodge has tents I believe and is in a good location. So,
2 Tarangire Safari Lodge
1 Crater—I like Sopa because of its own access road. The option for 2 crater visits is a big advantage I think. You made the effort to get there, why not spend as much time as you can in this greatest concentration of wildlife location? You may have to pay for the second visit but it’s worth it.
1 Central Serengeti—Lodge or tent choices
3 Northern Serengeti—Lobo Lodge, Great place, I’ve stayed there. You end on a highlight with enough time there to savor the highlight.
I vote for this one if the costs are within your budget, based on the safari part.

I don’t know how these all compare for your time in Zanzibar.

atravelynn

The *** were formatting I meant to carry through the post but did not.

I voted for the Africa Serendipity itinerary not Eastern & Southern. The *** do not equal the winner.

Londonres

I wonder if you are going to get the best out of Zanzibar by staying at a beach resort. Stone Town is a fascinating place to explore and there are plenty of hotels to choose from. I had a few nights on wonderful Chumbe Island, for the snorkelling, and then I stayed in a superior room at the Tembo House in Stone Town. This hotel is close to good restaurants, shops etc, and has a great location on the waterfront.

belize

You all are very helpful. I need to sit down with the itineraries, your suggestions, and my laptop to review all of your recommendations. I had wondered where E&S is based in Kenya what their Tanzania trip is like. And I was thinking that timewise flying from the Serengeti to Zanzibar would be the best option.

Dana_M - I do not know exactly what I will be doing yet while volunteering, but I do know that I will be working with teens or kids. I may be running activities with delinquent teens, or teaching English in a school. There are also language classes for volunteers, as well as other cultural inclusion activities.

Dana_M

Belize-I am sure you will have a wonderful trip, both while volunteering in Moshi and while on Safari with your mother. As you fine-tune your activities and your itinerary, let us know. People on the forum are very helpful.

Lynn posted a link to travel times between Tanzania camps for somebody else on another thread. I'll see if I can find it and post it for you here.

Dana_M

Here's the link

http://safari.go2africa.com/africa-t...avel-times.asp

belize

I know I need to get a move on and book this and am finally taking the time to sit down and sort more of my options out. After reading your suggestions I have a question...

Good Earth ends at the crater, after a few days in the Serengeti, is that not optimal? or is that ok? And yes, I would like to fly back from the safari instead of spending the time driving.

belize

This is from Good Earth:

Arrival Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Met upon your arrival in JRO; and transfer to Hotel in Arusha. 
Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge
Day 2
Arusha / Tarangire National Park
Today, after breakfast, we drive to Tarangire National Park with picnic lunch, the park is renowned for its large elephant population. Game drives in the park.
Estimated driving distance: 2.5hrs drive
Activities: Game drives
Accommodation & Meals: Tarangire Safari Tented Lodge, B, L,D.
Day 3
Tarangire / Lake Manyara National Park 
We drive to Lake Manyara National Park in the Great Rift Valley. After a picnic lunch in the Park, home to tree-climbing lion, colorful birds, elephant and hippo, we will have afternoon game drive in the park. 
Estimated driving distance: 2hrs drive
Activities: Game drives
Accommodation & Meals: Lake Manyara Hotel, B,L,D.
Day 4
Lake Manyara / Serengeti 
Today we leave Lake Manyara for Serengeti, game drive in Serengeti, in search of large predators and gentle herbivores in which they feed.
Estimated driving distance: 4hrs drive
Activities: Game drives
Accommodation & Meals: Seronera Wildlife Lodge, B,L,D.
Day 5 ~ 6
Serengeti National Park 
We will spend two full days with morning and afternoon game drives in Serengeti exploring the rolling plains of Serengeti National Park in search of the large predators and the gentle herbivores on which they feed, 
Estimated driving distance: 2.5hrs drive
Activities: Game drives
Accommodation & Meals: Seronera Wildlife Lodge (in July ~ November we stay at Lobo Wildlife Lodge, while in May and June, we stay at Mbalageti Camp (standard room), B,L,D.
Day 7
Serengeti / Ngorongoro
After breakfast, we drive to Ngorongoro Crater with an optional visit to a Masai Village ($50/group), and optional visit of Olduvai Gorge ($5/person); afternoon game drive in the Crater.
Estimated driving distance: 5hrs drive
Activities: Game drives
Accommodation & Meals: Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge B,L,D.
Day 8
Ngorongoro / Arusha / Departure 
Descend into Ngorongoro Crater for another game drives in the Crater, exploring the short-grass plains of the crater floor. This extinct volcano embraces 100sq miles alive with lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo, and many more games. Later in the day we drive back to Arusha, and proceed to Kilimanjaro airport.
Estimated driving distance: 3hrs to Arusha, plus 45 min. to JRO
Activities: Game drives 
Accommodation & Meals: B,L
 
Prices per person - Double Occupancy
2008 - $ 2,200

atravelynn

I think E&S uses Leopard in TZ.

If you end in the crater, then you can do the whole circuit by vehicle more easily. I’ve done that and it was fine. The crater is good finale, but more crowded than the Serengeti. This approach can save money and work out well.

Good Earth at $2200 for 8 days on safari. I didn’t see any Zanzibar time with this itinerary.

They have you in Manyara again, not the best for Sept.
You spend 2 nights in Central Serengeti, not where most of the action will likely be. If you could do 2 at Lobo, that would improve this. I like the 2 crater visits.

I really like the safari part of Africa Serendipity. I don't know anything about Zanzibar to comment.

lenlu

You are really talking to the pros on this board but having done Tarangire, Manyara, the Crater and Serengeti, here's my quick input. It depends on how you want to travel. I liked the accomos offered with Eastern and Southern Safaris because they are nicer (that's me). I will say we stayed at Tarangire Treetops and though it was really nice and a fun experience, I wasn't in love with the park. I feel the same about Lake Manyara--an eye opener to say the least. I now understand why my tour company tried to discourage me. The park is nice, the area is what I expect when I hear about East Africa. That said, I'm grateful for the experience but I wouldn't do it again. It depends on where the migration is supposed to be at the time but I'd add more time in the crater/Oldupai if you can for a certainty (love the Serena lodge there) and the Serengeti, but I didn't love the Serena there (actual rooms disappointed but food and friendliness were good with the pool being a bonus). Mbuzi Mawe is supposed to be wonderful. Didn't have time for Zanzibar but I've heard great things and lastly, we enjoyed almost every minute of the drive. Driving was never an issue, it's so awe inspiring. My last plug in ther Serengeti is for Mbalageti Camp. I will never forget it.

atravelynn

Lenlu, You are at Mbalageti Camp at a perfect time for it, I believe, around June. Accommodations and wildlife were in synch and it obviously made a wonderful impression on you.

In Sept, I don't think Mbalageti is the ideal spot for a relativley short stay in the Serengeti if positioning for the migration is a goal.

But those comments on how wonderful a tented camp in the Serengeti is, got me thinking. Af Serend does not have a tented camp in the Serengeti. You might want to swap accommodations and up the price to get one.

atravelynn

That should be

Lenlu, You WERE at Mbalageti Camp at a perfect time. I bet you wish I was referring to the present and not the past, though.