cary999

Many thanks Mike (and Dick), your report goes well the Dick's, you were both there same time and in fact met. Surprised you say not a lot of wildebeest in Ndutu area because I was told by Ndutu Lodge staff (in Feb) that herds are around in May. Maybe I mis-understood?

I was there, Ndutu, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara in Feb 2011 with Roy Safaris. My cost was also $400 pppn -but- that with was sharing a vehicle and room with one other photographer. You have many nice photos, thanks for your link. I also love photography and I was frustrated in the Serengeti by not being permitted to go off-road.

regards - tom

rsnyder

Tom, I think the lack of rainfall in April may have contributed to the herds moving north earlier than "normal".

I, for one, am glad off-road driving is not permitted in the Serengeti. Too many vehicles for one thing. Other point is that it is very nice to see vast vistas w/o someone driving across it everywhere one looked. Can drive off road in the Ndutu area but then again crowds are much less at least for the times we have been there.

Leely2

<i>it is very nice to see vast vistas w/o someone driving across it everywhere one looked. </i>

I couldn't agree more.

PA_Kathy

Dick,

I really enjoyed your trip report. It was reading your previous report that got me seriously thinking about a safari. Husband, another couple and I are also booked through Africa Serendipity for our first trip to Kenya and Tanzania in September! We are interested in birding, although we are all more beginners than you are, so I especially appreciated the listing of birds you saw.

You mentioned tipping for photos - how much do you consider fair?

Looking forward to your photos...

Treepol

Thanks so much for a very interesting report, sounds like you had great birding. Your report bought back many happy memories as I have stayed at most of the places you write about - a great wander down memory lane.

I enjoyed the lost in the tent episode and understand exactly how that could happen at Tarangire Safari Lodge. Good feedback on Losirwa Camp and I am looking forward to the photos.

Regards,


Pol

walrus

Tom,

I totally agree with Dick's point of view on the absence of wildebeest's herds in Ndutu, in May this year.
I am also glad that driving off road is not permitted. In April and May, it would not be too dramatic but can you imagine what it would be in July and August when the the tourist's population is at it's top.
But perhaps they could create some new roads in places where there are not a lot.
Thank you for looking at my pictures.

Dick,

I am looking forward to see yours.

Cheers

Mike

rsnyder

Pa_Kathy, treepol, Mike,
Still working on photos.

As to tipping for photos, it varied. Obviously, I did not pay the group of Maasai lads who kind of set me up for photo with Darla (the $20 they wanted). Think I gave them tsh 10,000. Lady Chef in the one lodge when asked if I could take her photo she said tsh 1,000 but was laughing thinking I was not going to pay her. Gave her the 1,000. Same for youngster Maasai boy in the N. Crater. Never really thought about how much. Maybe was too cheap. Certainly did not want to create a behavorial response that staff etc would then be expecting guests to take photos as another source of income. But, also thought we were generous when it came to camp/lodge staff tip box.

StanKase

Dick; How troubled were youor others with the mosquitos? What were those folks using that avoided 95% of the critters? Thabks. I ask more so because I would imagine May-June with the rainy season drws more than in February. I also hear the Western Circuit really has problems but you did not venture up there. Thanks.

rsnyder

Only time we had issue with mosquitoes were in open dining area at Losirwa Camp which is not that far from "Mosquito River" Mto Wa Mbu. Any only my wife got bites, not me. We did however, walk thru clouds of them on way back to tent after dinner. Enough of them I could hear 'em. In the tent no mosquitoes. Mever an issue on game drives and no mosquitoes for any of the other lodges/camps. Always used the netting. At the S. Sopa I did leave the balcony door a foot or so open so we could hear wildlife at night. Don't recall seeing or hearing any of the little visitors in the room. I don't use repellant unless it is absolutely necessary.

StanKase

Dick; Did you go as far as the Garmeti river (spelling off) in the Western Serengeti? That's where I heard the mosquitos were a "bear".

rsnyder

StanKase, we got no where near the Grumeti River. Hard to imagine they were that much of a problem but then again I was not there.
Dick