Ibodem,

Do you have any more info or background on Good Earth treating employees well? That's often hard to find out.

The AAC itinerary seems to be using Kibo Guides and their affiliated camps and lodges. Why not ask for a quote directly from them for just the two of you? I've used them several times with great success. They can also book you into other accommodations, such as the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge, rather than the Farmhouse or Tloma. The Farmhouse is nicer, but the Sopa has the location if you only have half a day in the Crater. I've been to Tarangire in February and "only" saw 200 elephants, so I don't think it should necessarily be left off of a February itinerary.

atravelyn,

Good question as it is indeed a difficult thing to know. First of all, the guides and employees we met were friendly, helpful and had a very posituve attitude. They sincerely seemed like happy employees and proud of their company. In addition, we become close with two guides who had been with them for at least several years. Both of them (independently)mentioned that they left their previous employers to work for Good Earth because of the way they treat their employees. Both had worked for large very well known companies. They were not specific with their exact complaints other than saying things like company A had problems with the back office or company B had scheduling issues. I am not mentioning the company names here in this forum they did name names to me. Of course, this is not proof but I believe it based on our experience. That is not the only reason to choose Good Earth. They were very price competitive, worked with us to customize a trip that met our needs and they delivered. We were satisfied customers and can't wait to return.

Another very good alternative at Ngorongoro is Lemala Camp - a tented camp on the rim of the crater. We stayed there in August and loved it. It is about 3km from Sopa and uses the same access road. The camp is just inside the Lemala gate, so we were able to do the paperwork (permits for our entry into the crater) at the gate the night before we went into the crater and head into the crater at 6:00am - long before anyone else at our end of the crater. There are heaters in the tents to keep you warm - always an issue on the rim! Robin

Regarding itinerary 3 - something to be aware of. I just found this quote in my 2008 Bradt Guide to Tanzania (page 93), "...the only part of Tanzania where there has been a security problem in recent years in the remote track of Maasailand lying between Lake Natron and the Serengeti." The book does go on to say that it was a short-term problem caused by the incursion of a group of armed Somalis from Kenya, but it might be worth asking Mark about it. Robin

Thanks for the additional details Ibodem.

ShayTay, you're back! Hope you had a great time.