Kenya & Tanzania travel - help planning itenary

Old Jul 4th, 2011, 10:28 PM
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Kenya & Tanzania travel - help planning itenary

Hello,

We are planning a trip from 20th - 30 th Oct, to mainly see the migration.
Need help with the itenary and the best places to go at that time of the year.

Any ideas, will be helpful

Thanks
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Old Jul 5th, 2011, 02:57 AM
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I just got back from Kicheche Bush Camp and it was outstanding. The camp is very small (EXACTLY) what you want, luxurious (yet spare), with fabulous service, skilled drivers, and above all, located in a conservancy (read: PRIVATE), where you will only see vehicles from 2 other camps (Porini and Mara Plains). Conservancies give you the kind of quiet you need after visiting the MM Reserve, which is magnificent but can be crowded.

Really, you can't go wrong in the Masai Mara if you are there to see the animals. Good luck!
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Old Jul 5th, 2011, 03:48 AM
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www.porini.com

great ecocamps info

good past experience

might check with them.
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Old Jul 5th, 2011, 07:54 AM
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Another one of those folks "Halle" who join only to tout their own company. Read the rules and regulations first.
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Old Jul 5th, 2011, 09:19 AM
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I visited some of the Porini camps last year and planned a return trip this year in hopes of seeing the migration; I loved the camps and the private concessions they were on and would highly recommend them to anyone. Note, however, that their exclusivity means that they are on the expensive side. I thought they were well worth what I paid, but there are certainly cheaper options, depending on what your resources and priorities are. Another thing to consider is that the migration timing is impossible to predict; it's entirely possible that some of the herds will be in the Serengeti in October instead of in the Mara, we just don't know.

Having only been to Africa once (the return trip is set for Sepetember this year - yay!), I will defer to the expertise of others on this forum. I'm headed back to Kenya in part to see the migration, as noted above, although I very much look forward to spending some time just in the parks/concessions in general, without any special focus on river crossings, etc. While my desire to see the migration is my main reason for returning so soon, I was bowled over by the abundance of wildlife even during my off-season trip last year (December), so I think you could have a brilliant time regardless of whether you happened to be where the big herds were or not.
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Old Jul 5th, 2011, 03:06 PM
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If you are going mainly to see the migration, you may wish to spend all of your time in the Maasai Mara. My last trip during migration time was 8 nts in the Mara and I've spent more. Not excessive.

If you have a budget you care to share, the lodging suggestions can be tailored to that.

Good migration locations for river crossings include Little Governors or Governors, Rekero, Serian, Mara Serena, Mara Intrepids/Explorer, Naibor, Entim.

Only Serena is a lodge, the rest are tented camps. Serena is the least expensive. Not sure what the most expensive is. Gov's or Little Gov's plus Mara Intrepids or Explorer are in the middle. Intrepids just a little less than Explorer.

You may want to split your time in 2 spots in the Mara, which is what I've done when staying several days.

There are lots of other good camps and lodges in the Mara including those mentioned. Staying in one location that is best for the migration and another location can maximize interesting sightings. I did Fig Tree Camp and Mara Serena Lodge on my last Sept trip and had variety plus crossings.

Good luck planning and have a great trip.
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Old Jul 5th, 2011, 05:54 PM
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Kicheche Bush Camp is more expensive than Kicheche Main Camp, and i think they recently opened a third in the area, but upon doing research, I discovered they are all among the better priced. The food was outstanding in the first (and even better in Laikipia), and very, very well run. I hear Little Governor's is quite nice as well. Enjoy!
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Old Jul 6th, 2011, 02:22 PM
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If this is your first trip and though the migration holds great interest, you may find being in one Reserve (the Masai Mara), even in two different areas... you'll miss out on other interesting stops.

You've got 10/days, so besides nt of arrival in Nairobi/NBO, maybe consider a visit to Samburu known for large elephant herds and northern species not found elsewhere (2-3/nts)... then head to the Masai Mara for the remaining days.

As these areas are quite a distance from one another, it's suggested to fly from Nairobi to Samburu, then Samburu to the Mara, finally flight back to Nairobi. Also, be aware if wanting to split your time in the Mara between different locations, you will have a transfer fee.

You don't mention budget, so hard to say which lodges/camps (those mentioned are all excellent, but prices vary widely) would work and though some properties reduce their rates as Oct 1st, many don't and are still at the highest. It's likely you have to figure a budget of between $500-550+/person day which will include: room/tent, meals, park fees, game drives,(maybe some beverages and laundry), flights, taxes, meet/greet and transfers. As you'd be flying, your game drives will be shared with other guests, but rarely more than 4/paxs total, though a place like Serena or Main Governors may pack in 6/paxs. Exclusive Use of Vehicle (EUV) is available but at a supplement from $250-$500/daily.

You can choose to have your own guide, with driving* to the reserves, but your game drives are for you alone, which price can actualy cost a bit more than if flying and sharing game drives.

*you can also fly between areas and have a private guide meet you, but expect a cost for this.

October is still a busy month for visiting Kenya, so I'd suggest you make contact with a tour operator in your home country, or some in-country Kenya for preliminary itineraries, ideas of where and prices.

... and, do check on your international air, where it seems rates go down in October.

Good luck!
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Old Jul 7th, 2011, 01:27 AM
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At that time of the year would it be better to fly into Tanzania (Arusha?) and split the time between Serengity and Masai Mara? Or is that just too little time for both ?

We are a family of 4 going.
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Old Jul 7th, 2011, 10:12 AM
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With only 10/days it's not recommended to try to visit both countries, even if "only for the migration." You'll require Visas for both, Kenya at USD$25 or $50 and Tanzania at USD$50 or 100/person, along with Yellow Fever inoculation and proof of same for entry to Tanzania from Kenya or vice versa.

Also, there is no "direct" crossing between the Mara and Serengeti. The road trip can take from 8-10/hrs; while there are flight options, not all that much time is saved and then the cost.

There is more to safari than "just the migration" and even this can never be guaranteed as to where the herds will be, all dependent on the rains and grasses. While not all 2/million animals (wildies, zebra, gazelles) move from Serengeti into the Masai Mara, those remaining in the very Northern Serengeti... with few properties in the area, these are rather expensive.

Until you submit your request to a Kenya/Tanzania specialist tour operator in home country or a few "in-country" Kenya and/or Tanzania outfitters and receive their recommendations and prices, will you know what's doable and whether it works with your budget.

It's your safari, so you've gotta do some research and work to get the ball moving... October isn't far away.
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Old Jul 12th, 2011, 01:18 AM
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Thanks for the help frds.

My itenary at the moment is looking like :

Fly to Arusha
Day 1- Arusha to Ngorongoro
Day 2 Ngorongoro
Day 3 To Serengity
Day 4 Serengity
Day 5 Lake Manyara
Day 6 - Post lunch to Arusha

This is one of the itenaries i liked.
Q) Should I inclue Tarangire in this itenary? Or are the animals going to be the same as the other places.
Q) If i wanted to add the Masai Mara to this itenary for 3 nights, from what point on my itenary does one fly out to Masai Mara?

Cheers
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Old Jul 12th, 2011, 03:05 PM
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Tarangire is at it's peak from July thru Oct, so I'd do the stop here rather than Manyara. Besides, large elephant herds, predators of course, birds, a mini-migration and baobab landscape... it's a gem of a park.

Where are you flying into? out of?
If arriving Kilimanjaro/JRO Tanzania (that's the international airport, not Arusha which is a small domestic airport... not Immigration/Visas at the latter), then you have no option but to visit Tanzania first. And, then if departing for home out of Nairobi, then at conclusion of time in Tanzania, head for Kenya's Masai Mara.
You've gotta figure out your international flights to determine what can be done in each country.

Depending on budget, transport between Tanzania and Kenya can be by road (very long) or flights, a bit more expensive, but often well worth it.

You'd still be rushing your time in either country, Tarangire deserves minimum 2/nts; Ngorongoro 1/nt; Serengeti and/or Masai Mara minimum 3/nts... then the time in-between getting anywhere.

And, from what you show for the Serengeti, you're only going as far as the Central areal, where the "migration" might very well be way up North.
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Old Jul 14th, 2011, 09:34 AM
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I'd vote for Tarangire over Manyara too, but you have only one night and Tarangire will add a couple of hours transport time both getting there and going back to Arusha. The reduced time in Tarangire reduces the attraction of going to Tarangire rather than Manyara.

When you ask about animals being the same in Tarangire as other places--they are basically the same but elephant herds are larger and more likely to be seen in Tarangire.

Sandi is right about where the herds will likely be in the Serengeti--farther north than where you're going if it is Central Serengeti. And you are going mainly for the migration.

Since you mention including the Mara, that means you can add some days. Here is what I'd do if you are going to do all driving in Tanzania and not flying either in or out of the Serengeti:

Either this--

Fly to Arusha
Day 1- Arusha to Ngorongoro
Day 2 Ngorongoro
Day 3 To Serengeti North
Day 4 Serengeti North
Day 5 Serengeti Central
Day 6 Serengeti Central
Day 7 To Tarangire--could be 6 hours or so of driving
Day 8 Tarangire
Day 9 Back to Arusha

Or this--
Fly to Arusha
Day 1- Arusha to Manyara
Day 2 Manyara to Central Serengeti, probably 4 hours or so
(You can't drive Arusha to Central Serengeti--just too long)
Day 3 Central Serengeti
Day 4 Serengeti North
Day 5 Serengeti North
Day 6 Ngorongoro
Day 7 Ngorongoro
Day 8 To Tarangire
Day 9 Tarangire
Day 10 Back to Arusha

Or this (I've gone to the crater and Tarangire and not the Serengeti before, but added on the Mara)--

Day 1 Arusha to Tarangire
Day 2 Tarangire
Day 3 Tarangire to Ngorongoro
Day 4 Ngorongoro
Day 5 Drive back to Arusha, fly to NBO
Day 6-? Drive 5-6 hours or fly to the Mara for at least 3 and maybe 4 nts
Last day-Drive 5-6 hours or fly back to NBO from Mara in time for either flt back to JRO and international flt home OR international flt out of NBO home.

Finally, if it is MAINLY TO SEE THE MIGRATION, then I'd include the Serengeti and the Mara, and include some internal flights
Fly to Arusha
Day 1- fly to N. Serengeti
Day 2 N Serengeti
Day 3 N Serengeti
Day 4 Fly back to Kilimanjaro, then fly JRO to NBO, then transfer to Wilson and fly to Mara. Should be able to do this in 1 day
Day 5 Mara
Day 6 Mara
Day 7 Mara
Day 8 Mara
Day 9 Fly back to Wilson and if needed on to JRO for int flt home.

If your plane international tickets have not been purchased and you mainly want to see the migration, I think I'd reverse the above itinerary and go to the Mara first and then N. Serengeti. But I don't know if you can be in the Mara in the morning and the Serengeti at night. Going the other direction, I think you CAN be in the Serengeti in the morning and end up in the Mara at night.

You can drive between Mara and Serengeti. I've only researched it, never done it. Most companies switch drivers/vehicles at the border.

From the Mara to the Isebania border is about 3 hrs depending on where you were in the Mara; another 2-3 hrs to the entry of the Western Serengeti; 2.5 to 3 hrs to the Central Serengeti and then 4 hrs to go north. A very long day. Sometimes it is split into 2 days with a stop near Lake Victoria.

Many good options in Oct.
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Old Jul 14th, 2011, 01:12 PM
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Interesting suggestions, but on #1 & #2 (as Lynn shows above), that drive to/from Ngorongoro and No. Serengeti will take an entire day. Ngorongoro to Central is 3+/hrs and from here another 5+/hrs to North, both without stops for game viewing along the way.

And, as recent comment on another thread by "aesla" just back from early July in Western Serengeti, the herds were well on their way north and the game drive provided by their camp, to/from, was 5/hrs each way.

You just don't know where and for how long, why making the "migration" the be-all/end-all can be quite iffy at end-October... might catch them at one and not the other, or not at either.
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Old Jul 14th, 2011, 06:19 PM
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The drive through the Serengeti to the crater can be very long. At least you are in a park and can look at things along the way. It can make for a lengthy 10-hour day.
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 02:49 AM
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Thanks Sandi, for letting me know that the Arusha airport is a small one. Need to check on those international tickets.

Got another itenary
Day 1: Depart from Arusha, Tarangire National Park Game-drive Overnight:
Day 2: Depart for Lake Manyara National Park, game-drive Overnight
Day 3: Depart for Serengeti via Ngorongoro Overnight:
Day 4: Full day of game viewing on the Serengeti Plains Overnight
Day 5: Return drive to Ngorongoro, visit to Olduvai / Maasai Village Overnight
Day 6: Crater tour, return to Arusha.

I am assuming this would be northern serengeti. Maybe I should clarify. Any thots please?

If I am flying into Killimanjaro airport, then would that fact impact the itenary?
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 05:09 AM
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Checked on those international tickets and it seems I could get one to Killimanjaro via Nairobi.
Now am wondering should we fly to Masai Mara for 2-3 nights and back to Nairobi for the flight to Killi and then spend another 5-6 nights in Tanzania?
Could manage about 9 days in al
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 06:14 AM
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Sorry, but there is no way the most recent itinerary is going to get you any farther into the Serengeti than Central and still long drives between.

As to whether to stop in the Mara first, then onto Tanzania or in reverse... personally, I'd head straight onto Tanzania with the connecting flight from NBO to JRO. And, as departing out of NBO, conclude then with the Mara... then up-in-the-air homeward bound!

With 10/days or less, visiting both countries is simply very hectic and you're trying to cover too much ground, with more time being spent in transit.
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 07:14 AM
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Some more details on drive times and the likely activities follow so you can see how much time you are spending in transit and how much time you are spending wildlife viewing. Your itinerary should spell out when you are doing the game drives so you know for certain.

You mentioned you'd be flying into Kilimanjaro, so I'd assume upon arrival you are being met and driven about an hour to Arusha so you can start the next day.

Day 1 is a 2.5 to 3 hour drive without wildlife viewing followed by probably a late morning game drive and then an afternoon drive in Tarangire. Rarely is Tarangire a one night stop, especially at the time of year you are going when ele herds should be plentiful and well concentrated.

Day 2 You'd probably have a morning Tarangire game drive, then depart for Manyara on a 2-ish hour drive without wildife viewing. There would be time for an afternoon game drive in Manyara. A one night stay in Manyara is typical, unlike Tarangire, where 2 nights (even more) is common.

Day 3 It appears you are driving to the Serengeti. If it is Northern Serengeti, that's maybe up to 12 hours of driving. The majority of the driving will a game drive. But if it takes around 12 hours to get there, that's not much time to stop and look. When you know your lodging, then you'll know what part of the Serengeti you'll be visiting. I'd bet the itinerary you posted goes to Central Serengeti, not Northern.

Day 4 In the Serengeti.

Day 5 Drive about 10 hours back to the crater, if you were in the Northern Serengeti. This will serve as a game drive. Won't be much time for Olduvai and a Maasai Village, though. Or are you staying over night at the Maasai Village, which is what the itinerary seems to suggest with "Maasai Village Overnight."

Day 6 Morning crater tour--that's good and should take up to 6 hours with a return to Arusha in 4-5 hours. If you are going all the way to JRO, then add another hour. Day 6 is a reasonable use of time.

Your goal as initially stated is: "We are planning a trip from 20th - 30th Oct, to mainly see the migration."

You have one full day devoted to this goal based on the TZ part of the trip.

I like your idea of going to the Mara for 3 nights. A 2-night stay in the Mara in Oct is not a good use of time unless you only had 2 nights of safari time.

If you tacked 3 nights in the Mara up front.

20 Arrive
21 Day 1 Drive to Mara (5-6 hours). Wildlife starts appearing a couple of hours before you get to the park, such as giraffes and antelope roaming between villages. o/nt Mara

22-23 Day 2-3 in the Mara o/nt Mara

24 Day 4 Drive back (5-6 hours) to NBO in time for the 6 pm flt to JRO, drive an hour to Arusha and o/nt Arusha.

Then do the TZ itinerary. If you'd be willing to add one flight to the TZ itinerary, I think you could greatly improve it and the extra cost would be worth it. See flight times.

http://www.regionaltanzania.com/timetable.pdf

Investing in one flight to get you way up to the N. Serengeti from Arusha, here is what I'd suggest:

25 Day 5 You can fly from Arusha to N. Serengeti (Lobo or Kogatende). You'd have the afternoon for game drives in this region. In contast, if you drive here, it takes all day just to get there. o/nt N Serengeti

26 Day 6 Serengeti o/nt N Serengeti

27 Day 7 Long drive back to crater of about 10 hours with wildlife viewing on the way. o/nt Ngorongoro Crater

If Olduvai and a village visit are important to you, they could be scheduled in somewhere on day 7 late in the day or day 8 after the crater, perhaps one activity each day. You might also do a Maasai village visit in the Mara instead of at the crater if that is a better use of scarce time.

28 Day 8 Morning in crater, then drive to Tarangire in afternoon, about 4 hours without wildlife viewing. o/nt Tarangire

29 Day 9 Day in Tarangire o/nt Tarangire

30 You'd even have time for a morning drive in Tarangire before heading back to JRO and your flight out.
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Old Jul 21st, 2011, 10:38 PM
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Thanks guys for your help.

In Serengity the accomodation choices are Serengity Sopa Lodge/ Seronera Wildlife Lodge/ Serengity Serena Lodge.

Is this in Northern Serengity? Cause my itenary said Northern Circuit, so i assumed this was Northern Serengity.

My flights are
Arrive in JRO 9.00 am
And if I had to choose to visit Masai Mara on the return from TZ, the flight lands into NBO at 16.30 in the evening. So perhaps take a flight to Mara from there to save on time? What is the local airline that flies that sector please?


For that time of the year, I read that its better to go to TZ first, is that right?
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