What about Mid-Sept. for Tanzanian Safari?
 

Just found out we cannot go on our planned safari next June to Tanzania. We do not want to go in July-Aug. because of the crowds and were thinking of Sept. But, we want see observe a portion of the migration and since this is our first safari we want it to be able to observe the full variety of anuimals that are in the Serengetti and beyond. We know it is the gry season so my question is should we just take a pass and wait 18 months (Feb. 13) or can we take a route in 9 full days in the bush that would give us the same experience as June but just go on a different route?

The Lemai Wedge in the northern Serengeti usually has resident herds of wildebeest, even when the Migration moves into the Mara. Tarangire will also be great in September. Back in 2008, I was in Tanzania in September and the rains had started early. The northern Serengeti was green and the herds were pouring back across the border; you just never know. If you go in September, go to Taranagire, the Crater and then concentrate on the northwestern Serengeti, such as the Serengeti Mara Camp.

The distance from the crater to the Northern Serengeti straight on would take a full day by road, unless you choose to stop midway in the Central Serengeti, about 3/hrs drive (1/nt), continuing next day about 5+/hrs. Or, you can choose to fly (from Lake Manyara, a 2/hr drive back from the Crater... an early morning flight [doesn't fly in the afternoon unless private charter]), and when concluding to fly back to Arusha/JRO.

There are a number of camps in the NWSerengeti (Kogatende airstrip), Serengeti Mara as mentioned, also Sayari, Lemala, Bushtops, Serian North and I believe Nomad's... none of which though come cheap.

sandi; Your saying not to go aren't you or are charters not that expensive. I am not into more 1-1.5 hours drives before I get to where I want to be.

Stan - No, I'm not saying not to go. Just advising the lay of the land, the distances and options. Only once you speak with your tour operator/outfitter will you know the specifics. Whether when departing Ngorongoro by road w/stop mid-way in Central or "scheduled" or "charter" flights out of Lake Manyara.

Not all of the 1.5-2/million animals - wildies, zebra, gazelles - move into the Mara, about half remain behind, spread out in the Northern Serengeti. And, that number doesn't count resident herds, whether in the Serengeti and even the Mara, that never migrate.

Now, if you wanted to wait till Feb '13 when the "calving" takes place, usually in the Ndutu area, though this too can be split between Ndutu and Central, and if the upcoming '12 season is any indication, be prepared to book early even if '13 rates aren't available by early '12. The '12 season has booked so early, that even now in July, space is difficult to come by for Feb '12.

Rates will increase for sure (figure 3-10%), but know that it's not unusual for visitors wanting to return to the Ndutu area, booking as they depart one year, i.e. '11 for the following '12, before rates are even published.

For now, get working on your visit to the Northern Serengeti, your routing options/costs. I'm sure it'll come together for you. Good luck!

I can't really answer your question but I can share what we decided on for Sept 2012. We are interested in photography, birding and of course the migration. The four of us have been to Botswana, South Africa and Namibia so we are looking forward to the open plains of Tanzania. We did not want long drives from place to place so we broke it up this way...
After arrival at JRO we spend one night at Arumeru Lodge
Then two nights at Tarangire's Maramboi Tented Camp - away from the park entrance
Then two nights at Kirurumu Tented Camp - overlooking Lake Manyara
Then two nights at Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge with easier drive down to the crater floor
Then three nights at Mzubi Mawe on the north side of the Central Serengeti
Then one night at the EMC camp near Klein's Camp in the north
And finally three nights in Sayari Camp in the far north of the Serengeti NP
We then fly back to Arusha for one night at Arumeru before the return flights to the states.

We took this approach to avoid long drives from camp to camp - I don't think any of the drives are longer than 2.5 to 3 hours but since I've never been there it's hard for me to be precise. Now that the plans are in place and confirmed we are looking into optional activities such as night drives, walks and possible balloon flights. Planning is great fun but the actual trip is even better!

StanKase, the northern Serengeti isn't a 1.5 hour drive from anywhere! Of course, any drive to get there is, in effect, a game drive through the Serengeti.

If you'd like to have a shot at seeing lots of wilde calves, maybe even newborns, then go in Feb.

Otherwise give Sept a shot. I'd stay at least 4 days in N. Serengeti to increase your chances of seeing migrating herds.

Anyone know...how EMC is ? It's an TWC property, but I cannot find any reviews.

I've stayed at a couple of EMC (Simiyu) camps and thought they were great! One was in the northern Serengeti (Bolojonga area) and the other was in the central Serengeti. They had different-styled tents, but had lots of room, flush toilets, etc. The staff and food were great, too.

StanKase and/or jeep61 -

<i>"the northern Serengeti isn't a 1.5 hour drive from anywhere!</i>

I couldn't say it any better myself.:)

From Mbuzi Mawe which is about 1/hr north of the Serena Lodge, figure it's 4-5/hrs to the North, whether to the east towards Klein's Camp (EMC) or Sayari. And know, it's a not a short distance between EMC (Klein's area) and Sayari... though at ShayTay says "it's a game drive."

TigerPhotog -

EMC Exclusive Mobile Camps - not many comments on these, nor can I advise properly. Do recall a favorable trip report back maybe 3-4/yrs, believe when located in Central or Southern Serengeti.

Thx, Shaytay and Sandi for the help (as always) !

Since Ndutu is all booked for 2012, I am thinking of doing EMC in Southern Serengeti for Mar2012.

sandi; What do you mean by your reference "Jeep61". We are going on a private tour if that means anything.

StanKase, "Jeep61" is the screen name of a someone who posted on this thread. TigerPhotog, you'd be fine at the Simiyu (EMC) camp! That's the one that they move to the northern Serengeti later in the year. The staff members were wonderful and the accommodations and food were great.

Thanks all. We have included EMC and since our deposit was already in we do noy have anything to do now but as time goes by ask questions. Our final payment is not due until 45 days prior to start of safari and we can change lodges/camps , if necessary up until Feb.