Where to go and stay in Serengeti in July
 

Hey,

Although this is the first time I’m posting I’ve used Fodor’s forums extensively for personalizing my travel plans by doing a lot of research here…and that was sufficient for the developed/ globalized parts of the world. Tanzania / Africa has to be either a off- the-rack package or a custom made one with even the minutest details taken care off. To me it seems like a place where we cannot go with a vague plan forget wandering off or making ad-hoc plans. I know most of you’ll must be thinking I’m already late…that’s why I need your help ☺.

We plan to do Tanzania in July 2011. The broad itinerary is :

7th July Nairobi

8th July Arusha

9th – 17th Climb Kilimanjaro

18th – 20th Serengeti

20th – 22nd Zanzibar

22nd –Dar-e-Salaam

I need help on the Serengeti bit of the itinerary, would be very helpful if you’ll give inputs on whether Grumeti is the best area to stay to see the migration or at least catch a good chunk of it and options of operators for canvas tents in the area.

Thanks.

Hi Skondur,
On those exact dates, we will be in the very northern parts of the Serengeti, which is what I would recommend to you as well. However, depending on the rains, the big herds could indeed very well be in the Western corridor at that time. Since you have only 3 nights there, I would suggest placing yourself strategically somewhere where you can venture out both westwards and northwards on all day drives if needed.
There are other people here who are very knowledgeable about camps - but I think you have quite a few options, though bookings may be a bit tricky so late in the game.
All the best.

How are you getting from Kili to Serengeti? Driving I think would take better part of a day and you show only three days there. Even flying will take a big chunk out of your time there. And, for just two/three days on safari in Tanz my first choice by far would be Ngorongoro Crater.

regards - tom

If you can find, at this late date, a lodge or camp in the Central area*, that would be best. Central is only 2/hrs from the West, though about 4/hrs to the North. Guides are good to take you to where the game is.

*read somewhere that Mapito Camp might have space, dates dependent.

However, as cary999, asks... if flying to the Serengeti, and unless you have your own guide/vehicle meet you here, your game drives will be conducted by the property at which you stay and they may not be as liberal as to where the game drives take you vs if with your own guide.

Assume flying, you won't arrive first day till about 10am and departure on the last day is 10am. Maybe forego Zanzibar!

Unlike cary999, I wouldn't trade off the Serengeti for Ngorongoro as it will be the busiest place of all the parks/areas on the northern circuit. Though it would be a whole lot easier to reach.

Kim, Thats the most humorous spam post I have ever seen on Fodors

I can see the commercial now, some alien on a computer searching Priceline. {Capt Kirk beams aboard the alien vessel looking over alien shoulder, or something that might be a shoulder}


"A 4 star in the Northern Serengeti in July for $149? bid lower you namby pamby!"

Kim, Thats the most humorous spam post I have ever seen on Fodors

I can see the commercial now, some alien on a computer searching Priceline. {Capt Kirk beams aboard the alien vessel looking over alien shoulder, or something that might be a shoulder}


"A 4 star in the Northern Serengeti in July for $149? bid lower you namby pamby!"

Miss Kim has no idea from what she speaks when it comes to safari pricing.

You're good and funny FrankS, asante!