I think I am having a few of those "How do I know this price is right?" feelings. So I just thought I would air it here with so many experts who can help me out!
We have decided on a 13 night Northern Tz private safari for 2 in Feb 2007. I am feeling very good about the op we have chosen but appreciate running it by you all.
Basically 13 nights. 7 in Sopa lodges 6 in a tented camp in Serengeti. Cost is running at about $400pppd.
Thanks in advance for any input.
J

Which camp in the Serengeti?

Hi Patty I believe it is Kirurmu (I may have the spelling slightly off going from memory!)

In my limited knowledge, $400 per person, per day for Sopa run lodges/camps seems to be quite expensive and IMHO you could do much better.

The camp is not a Sopa. Here is the link
http://www.kirurumu.com & it is the Serengetti camp
J

Their current game package pricing is $420pppn on Eben's web site go-safari.com. If you're averaging 400pppn for 2007 how much does that make the Sopa? Will you have your own guide the whole time?

Are you using your tour operator's vehicle and guide or the camp's vehicle and guide for your game drives while staying at Kirurumu? Eben has this year's full board rate listed as $270pppn.

Does your itinerary include any flights or is it all drive?

It is an all drive. We would have the ops vehicle & driver all the way.
J

My feeling is that you could probably find an operator to do this for less than $400pppd. Did you receive quotes from other operators for the same itinerary?

On the other hand, are you happy with the service provided by your current op thus far?

We were quoted Serena throughout, including Kirawira for less than $400.00 per person/per day. Check around using some of the operators mentioned in this forum.

Roy Safari
Sunny Safaris
Good Earth

Just a couple to start you off.

Patty I did get other quotes way back when! But have since made some changes so cannot compare anymore. I have been very happy with the op thus far very responsive etc.
J

Jules, why not have your op break down the pricing for you? My guess is that what you're "saving" at Sopa you're more than spending at Kirurumu. And Feb. is peak season. And it's 2007. And so on...

But it doesn't hurt to ask.

Best of luck.

Jules,

You asked us to look/comment on your itinerary and we have made comments.

You seem to be pleased with what you have and defend it, as you should.

But, if you defend, then you do not want critical opinions, which is what is being given.

Based upon your original post....you got a great deal....

ds
Please do not mis understand me (so easily done when writing) I do very much appreciate your thoughts critical and otherwise. I was just wanting some reassurance that this is not totally out of line and that I could be missing something. Sometimes you just wonder if you have overlooked something and it is all off beam.
Thanks all
J

Gut feeling for me is that you're paying in the high range for the safari, but you're not getting ripped off. With Sopa lodges and no flights, it's a bit pricey for what you're getting, but not out of range.

However, for that price, make sure they don't nickel and dime you. Make sure you get the vehicle you want - pop-top roof, in good condition, etc... Make sure airport transfers are included. Do you have any activities, like cultural visits, scheduled? If so, make sure the fees for that are included. Also, make sure you have unlimited mileage for the vehicle.

I don't think the price is totally out of line and if you're happy with this op so far, my inclination is to just not compare prices anymore.

As I recall, you're still trying to get more nights at Ndutu, is that correct? If so and you might be swapping some of the Kirurumu nights for Ndutu, then the price should come down. Or have you decided to go with Kirurumu?

Patty they still have us waitlisted for Ndutu so may switch a few of the tented nights for that but we will see how that pans out and if any available nights in Ndutu work to swap.

Lifelist we have some hiking included & unlimited milage

Thanks J

Jules: I am leading a small group trip in Feb. 07 that will be entirely at Kirurumu camps with a dedicated vehicle and driver and it is running $419 per night (not including my trip guiding costs which takes it up to $482 a day). I have no idea what your Sopa portion is but that should give you a great idea of what the Kirurumu cost is.

PredBiol That is great info
Thanks

When will you be there maybe we will cross paths.
J

Jules: my trip on northern circuit will be Feb 19 to Feb 27. Our Serengeti camp time is Feb 23 - 25th. Let me know if you will be there at that time.