jules39

Hi
Just wondering if any of you could give me your opinion on a quote I have recieved for a Tanz safari in Feb 2007. (the prices are 2006 since 2007 not avail yet)
The itinerary is basically
Arusha 2 nights
Tarangirie 2 nights
Ngorogoro 3 nights
Ndutu Lodge 7 nights
Serona 2 nights
Thing are not quite in this order but gives you an idea.

Staying at Sopa Lodges and Ndutu $4515pp.

I just thought those of you with more experience and more of a feel for things could give me and idea how this price fits into the scheme of things.

Thanks in advance and a Happy New Year!

J

MarcusBoxer

Does this include airfare?

jules39

No airfare is not included.

J

atravelynn

One more question--is this a private departure? If not, what is the group size?

bat

jules:
I am assuming it is private--with 14 nights of safari it works out to about $300 pppn--that price seems about right to me but you need to hear from sandi.

Patty

I also think it sounds about right for a high season, private safari.

sandi

For high season the price seems right but figure about a 10% increase for 2007. Personally, I believe 3-nts Ngorongoro is a lot when 2-nts is sufficient... as is 7-days Nduto Lodge. Even if doing less nights at this particular lodge it's good to be thinking and booking early. You might want to consider one of the seasonal camps in/around the southeast Serengeti so you don't get bored with the same place and traveling on the same roads each day.

The herds can be anywhere between the southeast and central during this time... reason for a combination of lodges/camps in the area if you're set on 9-nights.

You're planning well in advance so you have time to consider options.

Happy New Year to all.

jules39

Thank you all for your input. Yes it is a private departure. I was feeling OK with the price but thought I would just see if I could get a little bit of input so I appreciate that from you.
Sandie I know our itinerary seems a little wierd! The 3 nights in the Nogoro are split up to 2 & 1 over a week apart. We will do a little hiking while there also were there in Feb '05 so know what to expect with half day drives now being the go we are trying to get a couple of those in my hubby is really keen on that.
The 7 nights in Ndutu is also something we have come up with after long thought. We really felt we did not do this area justice at all on our last visit but that was not on a private safari so we were a little at the mercy of others so to speak. Do you have any particular sesonal camp in mind when you suggest that Sandie? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thank you again everyone.

J

bat

Hi J:

While you are waiting to hear from sandi, did you read eben's last trip report in which he discusses some of the seasonal camps? (different area than in Feb, but the companies will have Feb sites). He is there now and indicated that he will be reporting on the various camp sites in the Ndutu area--so watch for that.

Here is the last trip report
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34711271

Here is what Eben said about location in Feb:
" . . . also agree that between mid-Dec and mid-March one needs at least 3 stops somewhere within the square area anchored by Ndutu, Kusini, Seronera and Piaya to really increase the chances of being in the midst of the migration"

So you might look for a 3rd location.

You might consider Mbuzi Mawe for a couple of nights (off of the 7 night Ndutu Lodge stay). A bit north (an hour from the the central serengeti, I believe). So it might be out of the "square." It's pricing has been reasonable so far. [If you did add it, you might see if you would get a price break at the Serena at the crater because you would have 5 nights at Serenas.]

The semi-permanent camps (Nomad, Olakira, Sayari, EMC) will be more expensive than your current per diem. You could probably find moderate camping (outside toilet tent) in that range.

You probably already know that Kusini is extremely expensive in Feb.

jules39

Thanks bat. I love the idea of semi perm camps but price has turned us back to the lodges. As well as this safari we are planning on visiting the gorillas in Rwanda so that is another hunk of cash! Still we are open to suggestions to see just what it may mean so I do appreciate any input from you all.
Thanks again
J

Leely

Jules,

Since you two are already familiar with the lodge experience, and your focus is on game viewing not accommodations, you could split up the Ndutu time with an less-expensive semi-perm camp in the Seronera valley if you wanted. Maybe Ronjo for 2 days? It's on my 2006 itinerary, and I don't think it's terribly expensive, although it may raise your costs a bit.

I am hoping to scrape together enough cash for a Kenya/Rwanda or Uganda trip in late 2007, so I'm really looking forward to hearing about your trip! Good luck.

sandi

jules -

bat pretty much provided the additional information and link to Eben's review of the camps in the vicinity. Unfortunately, there aren't that many choices in Nduto area in the same price as Nduto Lodge. Pricing for most of the seasonal camps will be over your projected budget, but if upon checking some aren't that much higher, see whether you can handle it.

Thanks for the clarification for the 3-nts at Ngorongoro... breaking it up 2 /1.

Staying with Sopa and/or Serena lodges benefit with better pricing.

Can't add much more.

jules39

Thanks Sandi I do appreciate your response.

J

jules39

Leely

I will definately let you know how the gorillas go!

J

bat

J:

IMO, your thinking is very sound--adding the gorillas is well worth keeping within budget for this segment. Ask your operator about moderate/ semi-lux camping. Also, as I mentioned, MM has been relatively moderately priced so far. (I was quoted $50 pn (not pp) more for it than Ronjo.) My understanding is the same as Leely's--that Ronjo is within budget--but I believe that it is an MKSC property and so I do not know if it is available to other operators (as their Olduvai Camp is not)--worth asking. Ronjo has private toilets.

bat

J:
J:
Are you splitting up the time at Ndutu, ie 3-4 split around time in the seronera valley?

jules39

Bat
We are still contemplating on a split. My husband is keen to not split. I can see both sides so we will keep contemplating!
J

bat

yea, it is appealing to stay in one place for a stretch--I would say that if that is the way you go then cut Ndutu short a day or so to hedge your bets that the migration might be elsewhere. I am really looking forward to eben's next report about the Ndutu area. I'll be able to report late Feb but you should book Ndutu lodge before that--you can always book the 7 and then if you decide to cut back you can.

jules39

bat
Yes the appeal of a long stay is very tempting we are currently requesting the 7 nights because that is the way we think we will end up going.
J

jules39

bat
I did a quick search for your itinerary but can't seem to find it. Would you mind giving me a quick run down?!
Thanks J