Tanzania July 2008 - 1st timer
 

Hi All,

Posted a message way back in November and just now getting back here. This is our first trip to Africa with my husband and son (16 yr.)and so excited. I cannot believe how long it takes to shuffle through all this info. Anyway, found the following itinerary with Duma Explorer and wanted your thoughts.

Day 1: Arusha to Tarangire overnight Tarangire Safari Lodge

Day 2: Tarangire overnight Tarangire Safari Lodge

Day 3: Tarangire to Lake Manyara overnight Kirurumu

Day 4: Manyara to Serengeti overnight Mbuzi Mawe (may switch to Olakira)

Day 5: Serengeti overnight Mbuzi Mawe (or Olakira)

Day 6: West Serengeti overnight Mbalageti

Day 7: West Serengeti overnight Mbalageti

Day 8: to Ngorongoro overnight Serena Lodge

Day 9: Ngorongoro Crater game drive back to Arusha

We are going to arrive a day early and with possible stay at Kigongoni Lodge in Arusha.

Wondering what the thoughts were on the accomodations and if we're squeezing too much into one trip.

Thanks,
Angela

oops! Most importantly has anyone used Duma Explorer before?

Here is one person who used them.
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34740106

I'd send this safari itinerary to a few other agents for comparison and to get their comments. Then you can decide.

Good Earth (Tanzania & Tampa)
Africa Serendipity (NYC)
Killiwarriors (Tanzania)
Africa Adventure (Ft. Lauderdale)
Roys (Tanzania)

Looks good to me.

Angela, the itinerary looks good to me. You have a couple of long drives (Manyara to Mbuzi Mawe, and Mbalageti to the Crater), but they're doable.

Thanks atravelynn and calo. I really appreciate your help. I will send out the itinerary to the others and let you know what I come up with.

Angela

Looks like a good itinerary. I haven't stayed at Mbalageti, but you might want to consider Kirawira. They're both in the same area, and Kirawira is a very nice lodge. I only mention this because you already have 3 nights at Serena properties (Mbuzi Mawe and Ngorongoro Serena), and you may get a discount for switching to a Serena property for the Western Serengeti.

Though, of course, if you go with Olakira, it wouldn't matter since that's not a Serena property. I would encourage you to try Olakira - a mobile or seasonal tented camp is a great experience.

Have read great things about Olakira. I think that's what we're leaning towards. The tented camp experience sounds so perfect! Not sure if we'll switch to Kirawira camp, but that looks really good too!
I just sent our itinerary to about four or five tour groups and have been going back and forth with them to narrow everything down. Hoping to book something by end of week. Wishful thinking.

Thanks for your input lifelist. I love this site!

Angela