ddnikon49

Has anyone used David Anderson Safaris as an outfitter for a safari to Tanzania? I have not seem them mentioned in the forums?

I'm planning a safari to Tanzania in Feb. 2014, to see "The Migration". My tentative itinerary is this: 2 nights - Arusha - Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
2 nights Tarangire - Tarangire Safari Lodge
2 nights - Lake Manyara - Lake Manyara Serena Lodge
3 nights - Serengeti - Nasikia Central Camp
3 nights - Ndutu - Ndutu Safari Lodge
2 nights - Ngorongoro Crater - Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge

Day room at African Tulip before return flight home.

Any and all comments welcome!

Don

atravelynn

I was in contact with David Anderson Safaris a long time ago when they had the "Focus" series of safaris. They seemed to be knowledgeable but on the high side.

Is this a set itinerary or an independent trip where changes can be made?

"To see the migration" you may want more Serengeti and less Manyara and Tarangire time. In fact, that is my plan for a trip a year before you go. But I have been to Tarangire and Manyara. For a first and maybe only trip to Tanzania, I can see why you'd want variety. The trips looks good to me.

Ask for drive times between destinations so you are aware. Depending on your departure flight at the end, you may not need a night in Arusha.

If you care to post $$, then the cost can be commented on.

Your itinerary spends a nice amount of time in key regions of the Serengeti that time of year.

ddnikon49

atravelynn - TY for your response

This is my first trip to Tanzania, so I want to diversify a bit. In addition to the animals and Migration, I want to photograph birds as well.

I haven't received a price from David Anderson Safaris yet, should have one this week. My first and second pass at an itinerary with them, seemed very high, well over $10K.

However I have received a price from Roy Safari, based on 2013 prices and was told to assume a 10-15% increase for 2014.

My last day in Tanzania, after leaving the Crater, will be spent in a day room only, not spending the night in Arusha before flight home.

Roys Safari price is $6020 for 2 persons, even less for a third, would be great to find a third. Even if I can't find anyone to go, will do the trip solo.

sandi

>>Roys Safari price is $6020 for 2 persons,<<

... believe you mean $6,020/per person (= $430/pp/nt for 14/nts during this peak season) for each of 2/paxs traveling, not total for 2/paxs.

Yes, the price would be less if 3/paxs. But if solo, more expensive than that shown.

The itinerary itself is fine, but if you shorten your stay by 3-4/nts, splitting Central Serengeti & Ndutu with 2/nts each area, and Manyara to 1/nt, as well Ngo to 1/nt... you'll save, especially if a solo traveler.

You sure have time to consider as '14 rates won't be available before mid'13.

ddnikon49

My mistake, I did mean $6020 per person for 2 people.

This is my first trip, hopefully not my last, but one never knows. That being said, I'd rather have the extra time and I'm sure I will delight in the spectacle of Tanzania for the entire trip.

Thank you for your input.

KathBC

Agree with sandi on Lake Manyara only needing 1 night, if that, as I saw very little wildlife there.

It's a nice area to drive thru but in my opinion you're better off spending as much time as you can in the Serengeti.

cary999

Me likewise on Lake Manyara, in fact, I'd skip it entirely if logistics will allow it.

regards - tom

KTtravel

Why two nights in Arusha at the beginning? I think one is plenty.

atravelynn

<b><blue>KTtravel on Jul 29, 12 at 9:26pm</blue> Why two nights in Arusha at the beginning? I think one is plenty.</b>


Is 1st nt in Arusha the arrival night, going straight to hotel, then 2nd night allows a day in Arusha National Park? That would make sense

If you want diversity, then ANP gives you a good chance to see colobus monkeys and flamingos.

If you are paticularly interested in photographing birds, get some more info on what you might expect in the way of bird photography at Manyara. Then you can decide if you want 1 nt, 2 nts there or skip.

If Roy's is about 4K less than DA Safaris, I'd go with Roy's.

cary999

I'll recommend Roy, myself and group of 5 others used Roy in Tz, two weeks, Feb 2011. $430 per night is close to what we paid, 6 of us, 3 vehicles, 3 guides, 2 of us per room (and vehicle).

regards - tom

ddnikon49

Roy is almost 3K less than DA, at 2013 prices.

I'm spending an extra night in Arusha, just in case there are flight delays.

Will do more reading on the bird life in Lake Manyara, if I do give up 1 night there, better to spend it in the Serengeti or Ndutu?

I really appreciate everyone's input. Thank you.

cary999

"I'm spending an extra night in Arusha, just in case there are flight delays".
I'll go along with that, did that for safari in 2011 (two nights Arusha African Tulip).

regards - tom