We will be taking a short safari in August. But I'm getting differing pieces of information on going to the Mara or the Serengeti? Some are saying that the Mara will be fully booked now (including for camping) and others say that the Serengeti is equally nice at that time of year and there are still a number of resident game. Any advice? We only have 5 or 6 days and want to go to Nnogororo Crater and Tarangire as well, we think. We don't want to spread ourselves too thin---so if there are other suggestions on better ways to use our short time, we'd appreacite it. Thanks!

If you only have 5 or 6 days, I'd avoid the time and expense of traveling between the Mara and northern Tanzania. I'd do one or the other. You're right that lodge/tented camp space may be limited at this point, but camping should be available.

Scot Patty is correct in suggesting one or other. I would strongly urge you to try the Mara at this tiem of year there is nothing quite like the migration river crossings. There is always the possibility of finding space as people drop out at the lodges and camps. depending on your budget try Alex Walkers Serian camp (www.serian.net) richards camp (www.chellipeacock.com) or for something a little more affordable perhaps intrepids or governors camps (www.heritage-eastafrica.com/ or www.governorscamp.com/)for 5 or 6 days I would stick to one place and dig around with a good guide you can really enjoy a unique time on safari. Have fun

Thanks for the advice. Ideally we don't want to stay in one place. My boyfriend really wants to go to Nnogororo Crater and I really want to go to Zanzibar as well. We got a quote for semi-lux camping going from Arusha to Tarangire (1 night) and then onto Nnogororo Crater (1 night) and the Serengeti (2 nights) and then Arusha (1 night) and Zanzibar (2 nights) for around $2400 per person. Does this make sense for 8 days in August? Or should we really just bag this idea and go to the Mara?

What is your budget? As most of the links provided above are relatively expensive on a per night basis... in the $350-$450/nt per person. August is high-season in both countries.

And with only 5 or 6 days you really should concentrate on either the Mara and maybe Lamu Island or the Mombasa coast - Kenya.

If you want Tanzania, and just must see the Serengeti, then fly out there from Arusha and work your way back after 3-days, returning via the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire and ack to Arusha. In Tanzania, semi-lux camping is an excellent option if other relatively costly tent camps and lodges are booked. From here you can head to Zanzibar.

But your budget and availability will have to determine what you can get done. You are coming rather later to planning as much is booked in both countries.

In fact there isn't much available at the C&P properties during August - one room/tent here, another there... few consecutive. I'm sure it's similar at the Governor properties, Serian and absolutely at Intrepids.

Interesting idea. We hadn't even considered Mombasa or Lamu island. Our budget is probably around $4000-5000 for two fo us. Preferably lower as we'll be doing some travelling before and after. Is it not worth it to the go to the Serengeti in August? Also, how is semi-lux camping in Kenya? Any tour operators you can recommend?

I faced a similar decision and decided to go for a mobile camp that situates itself in the North of the Serengeti and follows (if it can ) the migration. I'm flying in from Arusha. I'm hoping that some of the migration might spill over the border from Kenya. If its not there at least we will have the luxury of avoiding the tourist crowds.

This is the only operator that I've come across in my research that offers semi-lux camping in Kenya but I have no personal experience with them - http://www.jksafaris.com/jk-safaris-...-adventure.htm

I'm not sure why semi-lux camping isn't an option that's offered by more Kenyan tour operators like it is in Tanzania. Other operators I've found seem to only offer budget or luxury mobile camping. If you come across others that do, I'd be interested too.

I just returned last week from Kenya, and was in Tanzania less than six months ago. I agree with everyone, no need to go to the Mara and Tanzania, both in high season. Ngorongoro and Tarangire are great areas and it would be a shame to miss them, but on such a short time, you should concentrate on only one area, assuming you can find space. BTW, there can be a great distance between some of the areas in Tanzania, so you need to consider that if you are on a short trip.

Regarding semi-luxury mobile safaris - many companies can arrange them for you, though they don't always advertise them. Try Travel-Wild in Kenya - [email protected]. If you do, tell her Kay referred you. We stayed at a lovely camp in the Mara - called Serian, run by Alex Walker. He is on the premises at all times, and ensures all is taken care of, very flexible, food is fantastic, and game drives in various areas off the beaten track make it very special. I and another group of travel agents were experiencing all it has to offer. If you want more info, email me directly at [email protected].

Hi Scot,

If you are into camping you might also want to check out Into Africa:
http://www.intoafrica.co.uk/

They have groups or private safaris, your choice.

kmactravel,

Will there be a report of your recent camping safari?