|
TANZANIA SAFARI- 3 proposals and 1 utterly confused client...
Hi there, ok as I mentioned i narrowed it down to 3...but there are pros and cons to each and we are having such a difficult time deciding! Would love to hear your opinions. Perhaps there are things about these itineraries that aren't so good that we are not realizing. Would love your expertise! They all sound great to me!!!
1. AAC- (pros: great recommends from all the boards/cons: travel with a group of possibly as many as 10; unable to change accommodations until Selous and Zanzibar should we wish, seems pricey) (total 18 - 19 days: $7, 750) DAY 1- ARUSHA Accommodation: Willy’s Cottages (Full Board) DAY 02 ARUSHA/TARANGIRE After breakfast, depart by road with your group to tented camp situated withi n the Tarangire eco-system. Activities include, game drives, guided walking safaris, bird watching on the shores of the not too distantLake Manyara and cultural interaction with Datoga and Maasai, whose bomas populate the adjacent land. Accommodation: Maramboi Tented Camp (Full Board) DAY 03 TARANGIRE Day of activities including a guided bush walk and cultural visit are included. Accommodation: Maramboi Tented Camp (Full Board) DAY 04 TARANGIRE/LAKE EYASI After breakfast drive across the floor of the Great Rift Val ley to Mto wa Mbu where you can mingle in the markets. Afternoon visit to a school. Accommodation: Kisima Ngeda Camp (Full Board) DAY 05 LAKE EYASI Hike and visit with the Hadzi bushmen. Accommodation: Kisima Ngeda Camp (Full Board) DAY 06 LAKE EYASI/NGORONGORO Continue on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, During your stay you may also visit Empakaai Crater (weather & roads permissive), Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House or Tloma Lodge (Full Board) DAY 07 NGORONGORO -game viewing on the crater floor. Have lunch at a lodge and continue on an afternoon visit to a remote Maasai village. Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House or Tloma Lodge (Full Board) DAY 08/9/10/11 NGORONGORO/SERENGETI Your journey to Serengeti includes a visit to Oldupai Gorge, You will spend four nights of full board accommodation at a private camp, set in wilderness areas, depending on the season and movement of the animals. Accommodation: Serengeti Medium Mobile Camp (Full Board) DAY 12- SERENGETI/ARUSHA/SELOUS NIGHT OF 12 AND DAYS 13 AND 14- Selous Safari Camp DAY 15- SELOUS TO ZANZIBAR 1 NIGHT in Dow Palace 3 NIGHTS in Mapenzi Beach Resort 2. Good Earth: (pros: seems as if we could do private and they are willing to let us choose our accommodations; price seems great!/cons: read some negative reviews) (19 days: approx $5,755.00) Day 1 and 2: Arusha Accommodations: Arumera River Lodge Day 3 Arusha / Tarangire Activities: Game drives Accommodation & Meals: Tarangire Safari Tented Lodge, B,L,D Day 4 Tarangire / Lake Eyasi Activities: Walking Safari & Game drives Accommodation & Meals: Kisima Ngeda Permanent Tented Camp, B,L,D. Day 4 Lake Eyasi / Serengeti Activities: Visit Bushmen to learn about their hunting skills and culture & Game drive Accommodation & Meals: Serengeti Sopa Lodge, B,L,D Day 5 Serengeti Activities: Game drives Accommodation & Meals: Serengeti Sopa Lodge B,L,D. Day 6 Serengeti More game drives in the Serengeti Activities: Game drives Accommodation & Meals: Serengeti Sopa Lodge B,L,D. Day 7 Serengeti / Ngorongoro Activities: Game drives/optional visit to Maasai village/ Olduvai Gorge Accommodation & Meals: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, B,L,D. Day 8 Ngorongoro / Arusha Activities: Game drives Accommodation & Meals: B,L Day 9: Flight from Arusha to Selous, to spend 3 nights at Selous Safari Camp doing game drive, walking safari, and boat safari Day 10- 14 SELOUS Safari CAmp Day 14: Last day of Safari in Selous, and we take a flight to Zanzibar, to stay 2 nights in stone town at Zanzibar Serena Day 16-19: We go to East Coast of Zanzibar to stay along the beach at Breeze Beach Club (Deluxe room) for 3 nights 3. Mark Thornton Safaris- (pros: he sounds amazing!! lovely to deal with and has gotten highest ratings for his guiding/ has special access to remote areas that others don't and does a lot of walking tours! cons: less time/more money...but everyone says he's worth it!) DAY 1 - ARRIVE TANZANIA Overnight at Ngare Sero Lodge or similar DAY 2 – HIKING ON MT. MERU & ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK Arusha National Park, get out on foot and spend a nice couple hours walking in the park and perhaps seeing buffalo from afoot. In the late afternoon we return to the lodge for the evening. Overnight at Ngare Sero Lodge or similar DAY 3 – DEPART INTO THE MAASAI STEPPE, GAME DRIVING AND WALKING We drive through remote traditional Maasailand - the focus is on camping in and exploring a remote part of the bush where few ever travel. Private Mobile Camping, Oldonyo Sambu Area DAY 4 – HIKING AND WALKING, MAASAILAND hike up the Oldonyo Sambu mountain nearby to camp. IThe afternoon is spent bushwalking the dried riverbeds or at a nearby waterhole. We are often joined in camp by our Maasai counterparts whose traditional land we are camping in. Private Mobile Camping, Oldonyo Sambu Area DAY 5 – GAME DRIVING TO TARANGIRE Overnight: Permanent Tented Camp, Tarangire DAY 6 – GAME DRIVING IN TARANGIRE We have a full day in Tarangire’s central / southern remote country to explore. Overnight: Permanent Tented Camp, Tarangire DAY 7 - GAME DRIVING / WILDLIFE VIEWING We stop for some time in Lake Manyara National Park. In the late afternoon we arrive at our lodge located just outside of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Overnight: Ngorongoro Farm Lodge DAY 8 – GAME DRIVING & WILDLIFE VIEWING, NGORONGORO CRATER In the afternoon we proceed out of the crater and on to our camp located in Southern Serengeti. Overnight: Seasonal or Luxury Tented Camp in Serengeti DAY 9,10 – THE SERENGETI We have 2 full days to seek out the migration and the incredible diversity of wildlife. We plan our stay in Serengeti to be in the area where the wildebeest and zebra migration is congregating at the time, giving us time to view the massive herds. Overnight: Seasonal or Luxury Tented Camp in Serengeti DAY 11,12,13,14,15 – FLY TO ZANZIBAR, STONE TOWN Overnights: Dhow Palace Hotel DAY 16– FLY TO DAR TO DEPART Today you will be met at your hotel for the transfer to the airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam where you can connect with your flight home. Would love your thoughts! Thanks so much! best, k |
I put some *** in front and behind my comments.
DAY 1- ARUSHA Accommodation: Willy’s Cottages (Full Board) ***What’s the word on Willy’s?*** DAY 02 ARUSHA/TARANGIRE After breakfast, depart by road with your group to tented camp situated withi n the Tarangire eco-system. Activities include, game drives, guided walking safaris, bird watching on the shores of the not too distantLake Manyara and cultural interaction with Datoga and Maasai, whose bomas populate the adjacent land. Accommodation: Maramboi Tented Camp (Full Board) DAY 03 TARANGIRE Day of activities including a guided bush walk and cultural visit are included. Accommodation: Maramboi Tented Camp (Full Board) ***Walking is a nice bonus if you are into that. I’d like to know more about the cultural visit.*** DAY 04 TARANGIRE/LAKE EYASI After breakfast drive across the floor of the Great Rift Val ley to Mto wa Mbu where you can mingle in the markets. Afternoon visit to a school. Accommodation: Kisima Ngeda Camp (Full Board) ***Interesting activities not always included with wildlife-based safaris. Mto wa Mbu is a well known market.*** DAY 05 LAKE EYASI Hike and visit with the Hadzi bushmen. Accommodation: Kisima Ngeda Camp (Full Board) ***Is the hike where you accompany them on a hunt? If going hunting is something you’d like to do, I’d get that clarified. Of course, I don’t think any particular activity can be guaranteed because your visit is subject to the life sustaining activities of the people you are visiting. If there are 10 people, maybe you can’t all join them on a hunt because the prey would be scared away with too many people. Maybe some go on a hunt and some just go on a hike because there would likely be some people out of the 10 who would not want to join a hunt*** DAY 06 LAKE EYASI/NGORONGORO Continue on to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, During your stay you may also visit Empakaai Crater (weather & roads permissive), ***Another interesting alternative that is often not available—Empakkai. I’ve heard nice things about it but never been.*** Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House or Tloma Lodge (Full Board) DAY 07 NGORONGORO -game viewing on the crater floor. Have lunch at a lodge and continue on an afternoon visit to a remote Maasai village. Accommodation: Ngorongoro Farm House or Tloma Lodge (Full Board) ***Interesting that “remote” is used. This could be a unique cultural opportunity. I’d inquire further on the nature of this visit. I’d be understanding if precise answers can’t be given because when trying to visit any remote tribes or villages, you can’t just book a reservation and arrange specific activites. There are too many variables, such as the people trying to survive. Again with this visit, this whole trip is more involved with culture than most typical safaris.*** DAY 08/9/10/11 NGORONGORO/SERENGETI Your journey to Serengeti includes a visit to Oldupai Gorge, You will spend four nights of full board accommodation at a private camp, set in wilderness areas, depending on the season and movement of the animals. Accommodation: Serengeti Medium Mobile Camp (Full Board) ***“Medium”--if it means medium priced, that would be what I’d prefer on a mobile in the Serengeti. I’d want to pay for location and guiding, not fanciness. 4 nights is great. This should be a highlight.**** DAY 12- SERENGETI/ARUSHA/SELOUS NIGHT OF 12 AND DAYS 13 AND 14- Selous Safari Camp ***Very nice—Southern Tanzania is included. Most Northern circuit trips don’t make it to S. Tanz. It appears you have 3 nights there. *** DAY 15- SELOUS TO ZANZIBAR 1 NIGHT in Dow Palace 3 NIGHTS in Mapenzi Beach Resort ***no comment and no knowledge of Zanzibar*** 2. Good Earth: (pros: seems as if we could do private and they are willing to let us choose our accommodations; price seems great!/cons: read some negative reviews) (19 days: approx $5,755.00) ***What were the negatives that concerned? That the spots in the larger lodges get switched last minute? Or something more systemic?**** Day 1 and 2: Arusha Accommodations: Arumera River Lodge ***If 2 nts Arusha, then do you visit Arusha Nat Park? You should. Probably could get to Mto wa Mbu market as well.*** Day 3 Arusha / Tarangire Activities: Game drives Accommodation & Meals: Tarangire Safari Tented Lodge, B,L,D ***Good game location, 1 night is rushing, if it is indeed one night. If traveling in May or June, then one night to see baobabs and wildlife in less concentration is ok. Later in the season, seems one night is not enough*** Day 4 Tarangire / Lake Eyasi Activities: Walking Safari & Game drives Accommodation & Meals: Kisima Ngeda Permanent Tented Camp, B,L,D. Day 4 Lake Eyasi / Serengeti Activities: Visit Bushmen to learn about their hunting skills and culture & Game drive Accommodation & Meals: Serengeti Sopa Lodge, B,L,D ***Looks like the plan is to hunt with them if that’s what the bushmen are doing. I’d ask if these are the Hadzabe Bushmen, which is what I would assume. With just the 2 of you, hunting is probably more likely because it is less likely to scare off the prey.*** Day 5 Serengeti Activities: Game drives Accommodation & Meals: Serengeti Sopa Lodge B,L,D. Day 6 Serengeti More game drives in the Serengeti Activities: Game drives Accommodation & Meals: Serengeti Sopa Lodge B,L,D. ***3 nts Serengeti, not 4. Sopa may not be the best location. I forget when you are going. A lodge can never offer the intimate experience of a tented camp. In option #1 the camp is mobile so it will be in the right location. On a private safari, you can leave early and take a meal or two and get out into the wild, minimizing the impact of staying in a lodge vs. the more immersed-in-nature mobile camp.*** Day 7 Serengeti / Ngorongoro Activities: Game drives/optional visit to Maasai village/ Olduvai Gorge Accommodation & Meals: Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, B,L,D. ***I like Sopa for its own access road. I see game drive<b>S</b>. Does that mean morning and afternoon? So 2 times in the crater? I'd check. The Maasai village visit is probably at an extra cost if you choose to do it and would likely not be a cultural highlight, though it is an interesting visit.*** Day 8 Ngorongoro / Arusha Activities: Game drives Accommodation & Meals: B,L Day 9: Flight from Arusha to Selous, to spend 3 nights at Selous Safari Camp doing game drive, walking safari, and boat safari Day 10- 14 SELOUS Safari Camp, same as above ***3 nights here, same as above*** Day 14: Last day of Safari in Selous, and we take a flight to Zanzibar, to stay 2 nights in stone town at Zanzibar Serena Day 16-19: We go to East Coast of Zanzibar to stay along the beach at Breeze Beach Club (Deluxe room) for 3 nights ***no comment and no knowledge of Zanzibar*** 3. Mark Thornton Safaris- (pros: he sounds amazing!! lovely to deal with and has gotten highest ratings for his guiding/ has special access to remote areas that others don't and does a lot of walking tours! cons: less time/more money...but everyone says he's worth it!) ***don’t see the price*** DAY 1 - ARRIVE TANZANIA Overnight at Ngare Sero Lodge or similar DAY 2 – HIKING ON MT. MERU & ARUSHA NATIONAL PARK Arusha National Park, get out on foot and spend a nice couple hours walking in the park and perhaps seeing buffalo from afoot. In the late afternoon we return to the lodge for the evening. Overnight at Ngare Sero Lodge or similar ***Nice to include Arusha Nat Park in itinerary. Different from all the other places you are going*** DAY 3 – DEPART INTO THE MAASAI STEPPE, GAME DRIVING AND WALKING We drive through remote traditional Maasailand - the focus is on camping in and exploring a remote part of the bush where few ever travel. Private Mobile Camping, Oldonyo Sambu Area ***This is in the Ngorongoro area. I believe it would be remote and a unique opportunity--and a private mobile would add to the remoteness. Very different from a typical safari. Just checking: “Private” as in just you or just your small group? Walking with the Maasai, very cool, and a great opportunity that I bet would be very memorable. I'd ask about how photographable it would be. Sometimes Maasai don't like photos, sometimes if they are your guides it is just fine and they'd love to have photos sent. Something to consider, especially if you want to film it. Also consider, how much of your safari do you want to spend walking in remote areas perhaps not seeing much wildlife? I've chosen this alternative on some trips and was very happy, but I did it knowingly.*** DAY 4 – HIKING AND WALKING, MAASAILAND hike up the Oldonyo Sambu mountain nearby to camp. IThe afternoon is spent bushwalking the dried riverbeds or at a nearby waterhole. We are often joined in camp by our Maasai counterparts whose traditional land we are camping in. Private Mobile Camping, Oldonyo Sambu Area DAY 5 – GAME DRIVING TO TARANGIRE Overnight: Permanent Tented Camp, Tarangire ***very nice, I’d ask the location. Parts of Tarangire are more wildlife-rich than others*** DAY 6 – GAME DRIVING IN TARANGIRE We have a full day in Tarangire’s central / southern remote country to explore. Overnight: Permanent Tented Camp, Tarangire ***I believe the central and certainly the southern parts of the park do not have as much wildlife or as relaxed wildlife as the north. But as you go south, you definitely get more remote.*** DAY 7 - GAME DRIVING / WILDLIFE VIEWING We stop for some time in Lake Manyara National Park. In the late afternoon we arrive at our lodge located just outside of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Overnight: Ngorongoro Farm Lodge *** Nice to visit Manyara*** DAY 8 – GAME DRIVING & WILDLIFE VIEWING, NGORONGORO CRATER In the afternoon we proceed out of the crater and on to our camp located in Southern Serengeti. Overnight: Seasonal or Luxury Tented Camp in Serengeti DAY 9,10 – THE SERENGETI We have 2 full days to seek out the migration and the incredible diversity of wildlife. We plan our stay in Serengeti to be in the area where the wildebeest and zebra migration is congregating at the time, giving us time to view the massive herds. Overnight: Seasonal or Luxury Tented Camp in Serengeti ***As long as this camp is in the right location, this would be great. “Seasonal “ should mean it is in the right place in the right season. “Luxury” could be a lovely location in the wrong spot. Not saying they’d put you in a lovely location in the wrong spot, but it’s something to check. ***No Southern Tanzania*** DAY 11,12,13,14,15 – FLY TO ZANZIBAR, STONE TOWN Overnights: Dhow Palace Hotel DAY 16– FLY TO DAR TO DEPART Today you will be met at your hotel for the transfer to the airport for your flight to Dar es Salaam where you can connect with your flight home. Would love your thoughts! Thanks so much! best, Ok, here are some thoughts, in addition to above. In general— Sorry, forget when you are going. The emphasis on Tarangire for all trips makes me think mid-July or later. If Sept-Oct, that’s more reason to include Southern Tanz. If earlier, that’s less reason to include S. Tanzania. Your original post included culture— Mark T does not have Hadzabe, which I think would be an interesting cultural interaction. Good Earth will likely give you a more personal experience with Hadzabe, with just 2 of you and perhaps allow you to hunt with them. Check if on the GE trip, you join up with whoever else might be visiting the Hadzabe or not. Would it just be the 2 of you or the 2 of you plus anybody else in camp all going on the same outing? Does AAC visit more remote members of the Hadzabe than other companies usually do? With only 2 of you, could you do more impromptu village/cultural visits with Good Earth, maybe based on people your guide knows or friends of friends, etc? While walking with the Maasai on the Mark T trip, how much cultural interaction will you have? Will you visit their manyattas and see the other members? This could offer some great potential with more remote opportunities or maybe your main interaction is just with your escorts and you don't see other Maasai. The AAC trip seems to be designed with a cultural bent intentionally so others going would probably be like minded or they’d have picked a more traditional trip. Could this group itinerary be offered for just the 2 of you and if so, could some of the Good Earth accommodations be substituted to bring down the cost? Likewise, could Good Earth add some of the cultural activities found in the AAC itinerary? Walking—Generally you don’t get as good of photos or filming opportunities while walking. But it is an exhilarating way to experience the bush. ACC and especially Mark T have the most walking. Southern TZ— Was that a priority or just part of the itinerary? Could you find out how much that part of the trip is costing you? Not trying to dissuade you from Southern TZ. In fact, I’m working on going there in the next trip or the one after for a first visit. Migration-The AAC trip with 4 nights (not 3) in a mobile would give you the best opportunity. You'd be in the right place for sure (as sure as nature allows) and have more time. Going for most atypical, unique, active, remote, personal attention--Mark T does it. If you had said you were budget minded and wanted to see a variety of animals, and had not emphasized culture, I'd say Good Earth. Or I'd say Good Earth but do a mobile in the Serengeti instead of Sopa, which would make GE less of a budget option. A mobile would greatly reduce the odds of having your accommodations switched on you. Most well rounded trip with more than usual emphasis on culture--AAC |
These all seem totally different safaris, not sure how you can compare them.
What do you really want to do. Safaris are expensive and time consuming any way you look at it. Haveng done both a group safari with just 5 people and a private one with Kiliwarriors, I would never go with a group again. What you want to do and see is at the mercy of the group! This is top big of an undertaking not to have you desires cartered too...be it more time out, earlier start or going back to camp because you are ready! We had a wonderful experience with Kiliwarriors and they are great to work with. We stayed where we wanted to and did exactly what we wanted to when we wanted...priceless to us! We were in Zimbwbwa, South Africa and Tanzania in late March and April and loved every minute...have fun! |
After re-reading, I'll do an edit the only way that editing is possible here.
<i>“Luxury” could be a lovely location in the wrong spot. Not saying they’d put you in a lovely location in the wrong spot, but it’s something to check.</i> I would reword this comment on Mark T's safari to read: “Luxury” could be a lovely <u>accommodation</u> in the wrong spot. Not saying they’d put you in a lovely <u>accommodation</u> in the wrong spot, but it’s something to check. |
Oh yeah, and if 10 go on the AAC trip, how many vehicles? Same question for 8.
|
And is there a minimum on the AAC trip or it doesn't go? Because in these times, minimums may be harder to reach than they used to be.
If the minimum is 2, then maybe a private trip with that itinerary (or that itinerary and a few tweaks) is more doable than you think. AAC may be willing to use less expensive properties on a private trip to bring down the price, as long as you are not going to complain about the properties being 2nd rate. I did that plan on the last trip because I wanted the security of a sound and formidable company (especially in these times) and outstanding guides but didn't really care if I stayed at lower end accommodations. Some were well below the usual AAC standards but were just fine for me. My trip was worry free with great guides--both fantastic and affordable. |
If $ is a concern why don't you ask Good Earth to include some of the activities/camps that you like in the AAC itinerary and see what they come up with?
Personally I wouldn't do a group tour unless I had to for financial or similar reasons. |
AAC will certainly accommodate private trips with whatever you want to do and wherever you want to go, but it will be a bit more pricey. I did a very similar trip to your AAC itin. (two people), but also included 2nts Giraffe Manor, two nights Sweetwater's and a night at Mt. Kenya Safari Club at the beginning and the stay in Zanzibar was on Chumbe Island (24 days, SFo to SFO). This was 2 years ago in February, and was about $11,500 incl. air. The only issue (and it was not a deal breaker, just a wasted day, was the trip from our mobile camp in the Serengeti(which was great) to the Selous. We had at least 5 flights (no plane changes, just puddle-hopping)and it literally took most of the day. I would definitely ask about the timeframe! All transfers and guides were VERY good, and everything went smoothly.
|
I cannot comment on the tour company and two outfitters involved but here are some thoughts about the itineraries:
1. Very important! When is your safari? I am surprised no-one asked this before offering advice but maybe you stated it somewhere? 2. Cultural. There are many types of "cultural interaction". Visiting a boma is the most basic form of interaction and done by all driver/guides on request. Many bomas are tourist attractions and very well orchestrated but these are sightseeing sidetrips and not cultural interactions. Itinerary 3 comes closest to the real thing. 3. Bush walks in itinerary 1 are not safari walks! You are simply taken for a short walk around the camp or lodge. Not thrilling at all. For a true safari walk you need to stay at camps or with outfits who specialize in walking. 4. Visiting Empakaai when staying at Farm House or especially Tloma would be a very long uncomfortable day. True, the road to the crater is getting better BUT it is a long way to go. For highlands activities you need to stay closer. It makes little sense to stay in Karatu. 5. Itinerary 3 is not clear at all! Oldonyo Sambu is north of Mt Meru and not known for much wildlife but the Maasai market is interesting. There are hunting blocks nearby. 6. Itinerary 3 needs to clarify the lodging before you can make any comparisons. Which camps? Also, will the owner lead your safari or will it be local guides? 7. A group safari at a rather steep price? You may want to reconsider, or for a private option and better pricing you can contact Kibo safaris who seems to be the local ground operator for Itinerary 1. IMO it is not a good itinerary anyway. |
8. Selous. Do you want to stay near a lake, on the Rufiji River or inland? The landscape is different in each area and so are the camps and activities.
9. Zanzibar. What are your main interests? Diving? Snorkeling?Swimming in the ocean or lounging at busy pools with little privacy? Strolling small Stonetown gets repetitive after 2 days and few people stay in town for more than 2 nights. 10. Do you have a budget in mind? Your money can stretch a long way in Tanzania but you need to plan carefully! |
Just some immediate thoughts till I have time to review in more detail.
I went thru previous threads, but can't seem to find: When do you plan to travel? Month? Year? Both "mobile" or "tented" camps shown in the Serengeti, but where? Southern or Central. And, the word "luxury" is often very loosely used, so don't let this impact your decisions. Except for the Selous Safari Camp... which is in the lux (expensive) classification. Depending on which month, Tarangire can be best; other months you're better visiting at Manyara. And as travelynn mentions, if Lake Eyasi, how many of your party can hunt with the Hadzabe at one time? It's also a rather long, bumpy and dusty road to/from. But your earlier thread did mention "group of friends" so guess that's why prices are based on 10/paxs. As questions above, if less than 10/paxs how do any prices change... they usually increase. And, if with 10/paxs, why type and number of vehicles? On Zanzibar, if you want some "real" beach time, no reason to spend the entire time (Itin #3) in Stone Town; as CHSL mentions, 2/nt ST would be max, balance can be at a beach resort. Would be nice to know price on Itin #3 as comparison to the others, even for less days. Will try to get back to this later......... |
You guys are amazing. thank you so much for the feedback!
To answer your questions: -It looks as if it will just be me and one other friend traveling so Itinerary 1 is a group tour that has no more than 10 people. They use 2 vehicles. I've been reading this could be problematic if people don't want to do the same things you do and essentially you are at the mercy of the group. Also a little concerned with matching personalities! We are 2 single women in early 40s who probably wouldn't feel too comfortable with families on safari. We are both filmmakers and work on docs so what may be interesting for us in terms of culture may not be to others. - We are looking to travel in February. Although we are open to just about any time. We told all 'operators' that we were open to traveling more off-season if that would bring the price down... -I specifically asked each person for itineraries that included cultural interactions and asked that they not be 'tourist sites' where you pay to enter a village and watch a planned performance. We were hoping to have some authentic interactions which makes me a little curious about Itinerary 1 with AAC and going with a group. - I also specifically asked about going to Selous because I read how different it was to the other places- thought it would be great to do some safari by boat. We really like the Selous Safari Camp and would love to stay there! In Itinerary 3 with Mark T- he would add it on but of course it would cost more. -I'm glad you told me about Zanzibar! We are very interested in the culture and architecture of Old Town but it's good to know that 2 days would be enough. We aren't really divers or snorkelers but wouldn't mind just 2 or 3 days on a beach to decompress. -Itinerary 3 is running close to $8k. Yikes it's a lot! But I also think from all I've read on Mark and his company (there are only 3 guides - he is one) that this could offer the most unique and authentic visit especially culturally. But is it worth it for the first trip to Tanzania? Not sure. -I was guaranteed that for Itinerary 1 with AAC that the tour would depart with only 2 of us if no one else decided to sign on--- so there is a possibility of getting a private safari for that price but it's not guaranteed. -Itinerary 2 with Good EArth seems pretty good because the prices are better, they are more flexible as it would just be the 2 of us so we are able to change our accommodations wherever we wish. I definitely want to be in a mobile tented camp for the Serengeti portion as being in a lodge there doesn't feel right! They gave us some options. -For Mark's Itinerary (3) he sent me photos of all the accommodations which all look very nice. We are not really campers so I am a little scared to be out on safari and roughing it too much~ I guess that's it - I do feel that with Mark's itinerary it is the most 'customized' in a sense for us and what we are interested in. I get the feeling the other two are more 'generic'...does that seem like an accurate assessment to you as well? Thank you thank you!!!! You guys are amazing! |
Wanderfilms, I like the way you think! You are on the right track for sure. Besides, you will have a great time regardless of some of the things that may seem worrying. But...
Time of year. Well you must either pick a date and design an itinerary around the date, or the other way around but one size does not fit all! In Feb, your itinerary 3 while very expensive is perhaps not the best. You must understand you are paying a premium and they should take you to the very best places at that rate. Try to camp/walk in south Loliondo or NCA Highlands instead of Oldonyo Sambu. Much more scenic and loliondo is spectacular then. Tarangire is average and better for birds then. Selous and Zanzibar can be steamy in Feb. A/C on Zanzibar makes for a much more comfortable stay. From your name, Wanderfilms, I assume you are serious about filming. To capture culture on film in Tanzania is quite challenging on many levels, for example you should be prepared to show a film permit when asked. Sure, you can sneak in a few shots here and there but when confronted it gets uncomfortable. Some local people will expect payment and some get annoyed when you film them without permission. You may be well-served by an outfit who has experience with guiding film projects. There are many subtle yet serious things to consider, starting with customs when you arrive. But if you are planning to use use a simple point-and-shoot for filming without looking professional you should be OK - except for the protocols when filming people. |
So your name is <u>really</u> indicative of what you do. If you are looking to do documentary filming or at least filming of that quality, then this comment of CHSL's is very important.
"You may be well-served by an outfit who has experience with guiding film projects. There are many subtle yet serious things to consider, starting with customs when you arrive." Here is a link to CHSL's website with comments pertaining to filming. http://www.kiliwarriors.com/safari_filming.htm And a group trip would not meet your needs for high quality filming, even if it falls short of the type in the above link. I think you'd be constantly frustrated at the pacing and focus and others might be frustrated too. I would not hope for no others on the AAC trip, but I might try to get that itinerary as a private trip and then you could tweak it as you wished. I would not go to Selous in Feb. I'm planning to go in Sept. to that region for less humid heat and dryer conditions. But the Southern Serengeti in Feb. is ideal for the migration and for that reason I don't think you'd be getting off season rates and saving money on a Feb. departure. Tarangire in Feb. is also not the best. But Manyara is at its best in Feb. Here is a chart on the best wildlife viewing times and places. Current erratic weather patterns reduce the accuracy of this chart or any predictions. http://www.africa-adventure.com/dsp_besttime.html Since it looks like you are interested in Tanzania, this chart shows the "perfect" East Africa safari throughout the year. http://www.kiliwarriors.com/ I wouldn't worry about not being campers and having to rough it. Most accommodations in these kinds of itineraries (at these prices) are for people similar to you. But <u>where</u> these accommodations are is very important if you want to see wildlife. “(Mark T) could offer the most unique and authentic visit especially culturally. But is it worth it for the first trip to Tanzania? Not sure. “ That is a very good question. If wildlife is not that high on your list, then this itinerary gets more points. I’d ask for a reference who has done this trip and then you can pose specific questions, including those about accommodations. “I do feel that with Mark's itinerary it is the most 'customized' in a sense for us and what we are interested in. I get the feeling the other two are more 'generic'...does that seem like an accurate assessment to you as well?” I would agree. Good Earth is most generic, but in a private vehicle you can do little deviations here and there that end up resulting in customization. There also is a reason that certain places are commonly found in itineraries. It can be because they offer what visitors are looking for. You just have to decide if you are that type of visitor. I personally would want to know more about the areas you will be visiting on the Mark T trip. Some other thoughts about cultural interactions. #1 You could see if you could stay with a Masaai family for a day or a couple days somewhere on any itinerary and arrange that before leaving home. Even if it is not that remote of a village, when you stay right with the Maasai, you see normal daily life and not a performance for guests. I arranged this kind of visit on a whim on one trip to the Maasai Mara. It was supposed to be for one night, but ended up two. It was so much fun that the next year stayed another couple of days. Taking photos was fine on that visit but I wasn’t intrusive and I did not film with a video/movie cam. In fact, I let the chief's son use one of my cameras to take the photos he wanted. I carried in my own small amounts of food for sanitation/hygiene reasons and had lunch at the safari camp. #2 Aby (another poster) mentioned an opportunity to spend 3 nights in Lake Eyasi and stay with a Hadzabe family. That would be really interesting. Good luck! |
Hi again! And thank you so much for your recent comments and suggestions. Just so you know, I will definitely NOT be filming on this trip! It's my vacation :-) I've shot around the world a few times before and I've always had a team who deals with all permits and logistics, so I would never attempt shooting in Africa without the right people setting it up properly. But who knows, maybe this trip will spark some ideas for a project in the future!
I'm sure I am going to see some fascinating things but for now I don't really want to be behind the lens - so I'll just be taking my still camera with me. I'm interested in doing a cultural tour just because I love learning about different cultures! It's truly my passion and I've been lucky to have had jobs where I can combine that love with filming...but honestly, it costs way too much money to do a shoot like that the right way and I can barely afford the safari itself! LOL. Anyway, it kind of amazes me that more people aren't interested in the different cultures! I am eager to see all the wildlife, but what's better than learning and connecting with different people around the world? Travelynn, it sounds as if you enjoy it as well and your stay with the Maasai sounds like it was amazing!!! Thank you for supplying me with all these links! I may need to figure out if there is a time that is good to go to both north and south tanzania because it doesn't sound like February is it. You really have all been amazing and I hope I can help in return sometime soon! These are fantastic ideas and suggestions and tips I just would not find in my guide books! Thank you!!!!! |
"Best Time" varies.
For the Migration in the Serengeti - even here as a "moving/live" thing can be found in the Ndutu and SESerengeti between Dec-Mar, in the Central/Western Serengeti between May thru mid-July, when the herds move North and for those that don't move into Kenya's Masai Mara, hang around from Aug-Sep, before returning South from October. The Southern Parks - as Selous, best in the dry season July-Sept. And, as travelynn mentions, during the period Dec-Feb, not only is it hot but very humid and with much brush, it's very close! Tarangire has a mini-migrationm between July-Oct, and though some visit in Jan-Feb, of late and because of the recent drought, game seems to hang out here with some water source rather than dispersing outside the park with other water sources if there had be sizeable amounts of rain. Manyara seems to be better Jan-Feb. Ngorongoro is generally good year-round as the game within, ain't going anywhere. To be able to visit both North and South, it would seem that the period between July-Oct would be best, but realize this is often the most crowded time, as other travelers have the same idea. |
Ok, so now we know your filming and camera desires. It seems you'll be pretty much like everybody else on this trip, with perhaps a more critical eye from past experience.
"To be able to visit both North and South, it would seem that the period between July-Oct would be best, but realize this is often the most crowded time, as other travelers have the same idea." I believe flight costs can be less in Sept than July-Aug. Europeans do a lot of traveling in August, adding to the demand for the area. I usually go in Aug. and it is fine, though. If I had to pick a month for you, I'd say early Sept. Early because I don't trust the rains holding off until end of Oct or Nov anymore. But really, who knows now with weather. I think people are interested in culture, but the wildlife is so spectacular in Africa compared to most other places in the world, that animals get the focus. The cost of these itineraries may change if your time frame shifts from Feb to Sept, from low to high season. |
With the exception of April/May, the "long" rain period being "low" season, Tanzania is pretty much at peak year round. However, prices do go down a bit in Nov, the "short" rain month.
Savings might come in the cost of your international air tickets, which seasons are more dependent on the "carrier's" seasons. As example: While fares from the States between Jan-Feb can be low to Europe, from Europe with many traveling to warmer climes (especially Africa) can have high fares. Besides this period when there are school-breaks for European children. OR The traditional vacation periods for us Yanks between Jun-Aug when many Americans with or without families take their holidays - to Europe and onward destinations. One more thing to consider. |
I would like to mention that we travelled with Good Earth and I highly recommend them. I am confident they can accommodate your particular needs. They are ethical and treat their employees well.
|
Here are some comments on the three itineraries:
Itinerary 1: Be careful with statements like "tented camp situated within the Tarangire <u>ecosystem</u>" - the camp is actually 18km from Tarangire NP - I always prefer to be in the national parks. Check out all of the accommodation very carefully! What exactly does "Serengeti <u>Medium</u> Mobile camp mean? "Medium" as in standard, not luxury; "Medium" as in size? Day 4 - all day to visit the markets of Mto wa Mbu and a school? All you need for a (they are all much the same) market in Mto wa Mbu is an hour. I would want at least a full day in the Crater and preferably two - this will be a highlight of the trip. Personally, I would want to stay on the Crater rim - Tlona Lodge is a 30-minute drive away I can't comment on Zanzibar - never been - I go to Africa for the wildlife and culture. Itineray 2: Lots of beach - you need to decide if that is a priority Ngorongoro Sopa has the advantage of its own descent road to the quiet side of the Crater Serengeti Sopa- check it out - I would prefer a smaller tented camp myself or a mobile camp as in itinerary 1 I would certainly take the negative comments you have read into consideration - what were they about? I would drop the second day in Arusha and spend it in Tarangire. Itinerary 3: This itinerary makes me very nervous - so short on details when it comes to accommodation. You say Mark has sent you pictures of the itinerary - make certain the names of the camps are included on the itinerary - don't accept the "or similar" add on. This itinerary seems to have an emphasis on culture as opposed to wildlife - not a problem if that is what you want. I would want more details on the Masai visits. I agree with Lynn regarding Tarangire - we spent 4 nights there and the game was mostly in the north. I would want to stay in the northern region. Robin |
| All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:09 PM. |