Sandi, I meant..since the crater wall is ~2000 feet high...it takes a while for the sun to even show up when you are inside the crater, is that right?

Just a quick observation.

For $5000.00 pp, you are paying way too much for the accommodations, etc.

You could be doing NCL, Kirawira, etc. for that kind of dough.

Re-think who you are using and check out some other in country outfitters.

Just MHO.

dssxxxx - one is an in country operator and one is NA based - also I had other quotes last year from other in country operators and they were all similar - how much do you think it should be and can you suggest an operator?

TTT - does anyone else share the opinion that these rates are too high? I'm getting close to finalizing this but don't want to overpay......thanks for any input.

Price of $5,000 per person includes private vehicle/guide throughout includes air back to Kilimanjaro

Olakira and/or the Nomad's Charlie Camps would be the highest priced. Sopa, Ndutu and Kirurumu the mid-priced properties.

If using Charlie Camp (Option A), this stay would be on a GP=game package basis (soft drinks, beer, house wines, as well laundry included) using their guide/vehicle, not your own private guide/vehicle. On Option B, that would be rates on a FB=full-board basis with your own guide/vehicle throughout. Of those properties on B, only Olakira includes beverages and laundry, as above.

Believe for 9/nts $5K ($555/nt/person) is a bit high for the properties shown.

Mine with 8 nights (2 in olakira, 6 in sopa/serena/kia)+ 2 extra drives in ngorongoro crater( $200+ $50 extra entry fee each time) is coming to $4300/pp

oops...total 4 drives(each on seperate day) in the crater, fyi.

I'm waiting for a new quote - have changed the Charlie Mobile to the two other Nomad Tanzania Camps (Serengeti Safari Camp and Nuarda Loliondo) due to more comfortable furnishings - my primary concern with Charlie was my husband's back. Also considering one night on the crater.....so I'll see what that does to the price.

Thanks for everyone's help

Be prepared for the regular Nomad camps to be more expensive than the "Charlie" props.

yup - there goes my budget I fear.......

Not a bad new quote - $5,500 including the upgrade to the Nomad Tanzania Camps at Serengeti Safari Camp and Nuarda Loliondo.................getting close

Even better news this morning - I asked about the Nomad deal of 4 nights for 3 nights and was initially told it ends at the end of the year but the agent said he'd ask about it.....and we did get it (yes, I know, why did I have to ask)

So new price is just under $5,000 each ......

Most of the specials as - say x#/nts, pay for 1/less - expire right before Christmas '09. But with business a bit slow even in the Feb peak-season, guess they'd rather have a warm body than not. Never any harm in asking............ Good for you.

Thanks sandi - I am suddenly VERY excited about this as it is now getting real (mainly due to having to send a deposit!)

I am still playing around with the first 4 nights - trying to avoid 2 nights at the Crater for one game drive but it is difficult to get around.......

I think it sounds great. It never hurts to ask about these kinds of things.

You don't have long to wait!