bobinoz:
Is ATR suggesting 2 visits to Tarangire? Does not make sense.

Here is what I notice about the other two:

Good Earth: Money observation--about $500pp less than Roy's if you get Swala; closer to a $1000pp if you don't. Both have a drive/fly --this one is drive in and fly out (normally, like Eben, I might have a preference for that vs fly-in, drive out)

Roy's: higher price but really like the mix of permanent and semi permanent; although it is fly-out and drive back, a really nice big finish at Swala (everyone on this board who has stayed there has raved about it on all levels). It looks a little tricky getting from Mbalageti to the Crater and from the Crater to Swala (deep in Tarangire)in terms of your crater drive. When is that planned for? Afternoon on transfer day from Mbalageti? Early AM on the transfer day to Tarangire?

If Rocco had not had the mixed experience that he had with Mbuzi Mawe, I might have said either of the two would be fine but given a guarantee of Swala and Olakira instead of MM, I would go with Roy's.

Good advice from Eben re the units at Matemwe Beach Village--I would want a suite, and especially for a honeymoon.

Thanks all.

Rocco, you have convinced me to avoid Mbuzi Mawe and go for Olakira. Eben dropped hints but you said it loud and clear! Loving your trip report and looking forward to the Serengeti.

Eben, Bat, thanks for the tip on Matemwe. Will ask for a suite.

I spoke to Joe at Good Earth yesterday and he was more than happy to try swapping Mbuzi for Olakira and to try and reverse direction to confirm Swala. Suspect he may still come out cheaper so wanted to give them a chance before confirming Roy.

Still going but almost there!

good idea to give Good Earth an opp. to revise.