midwestgypsy

Hello, due to crazy circumstances I am planning a trip to Africa next week. YEP. next week. What AM I doing.... I tried to find my original screen name but for some reason Fodor's doesn't recognize it...

In any case I've been reading the boards every day for about 4 days (since I found out) and I'm slowly pulling a plan together. But before I post any semi-final itinerary, I need to work out some issues in my head. But the primary reason for this post is regarding Taragine.

Roughly speaking my plan is:
day 1: arrive jro and overnight at a coffee plantation (perhaps movario coffee lodge)
day 2: head to manyara for bicycle or canoe safari (is one better than another?)
day 3: head to ngorongoro crater in afternoon (not sure whether to stay on rim or not - reason to stay primarily would be to be at the gates when park opens but i'm more interested in small and quiet lodging away from the "masses&quot
day 4-6: afternoon drive to Serengeti. stay either at ndutu lodge or in a "special campsite" semi-lux tent.
day 7 or 8 head to pemba for a week of diving at manta reef (what another headache. turns out they've just changed dive masters which i'm trying to determine is the reason for the recently posted poor reviews)

Ooops... ok my question. A ground operator (green footprint) is encouraging us to visit Tarangine. this is his reasoning "THE MIGRATION WILL ALREADY HAVE PASSED THROUGH. HOWEVER, I THINK IT IS STILL WORTHWHILE GOING THERE FOR ONE NIGHT TO SEE THE LANDSCAPE, THE ELEPHANT HERDS AND THE BAOBABS".

Do you think with only a week safari that it warrants the visit the last week of january? I have been to chobe in botswana (with ker and downey) and seen the elephant herds but this will be my spouses first time on a safari...

Any opinions on the above greatly appreciated!

Regards,
Melissa

Nikao

I stayed 1 day in Tarangire last year, and found it to short! so I will be going there (at the end of january ) 2days this year. The scenery is really nice and also the wildlife is good (Didn't I read a trip report today where someone was mentioning seeing a cheetah and her cubs swimming to cross the river to some impalas and make 2 kills!?)

midwestgypsy

Thanks Nikao,

I read erika's report just after i posted! Have you posted your itinerary anywhere? i'd be interested in seeing how you break your itinerary apart. Now that i want to add "another" destination, i'm not sure how to fit it all together....

Thanks!
Melissa

Leely

Someone (ruby sage is her screen name) just returned from Tarangire and saw cheetah crossing the river. This is the "off season" for that park. Go figure!

I love Tarangire and would visit virtually any time of year. That said, I've only been in June and in July. July was better but it's a great park. For your spouse at least, I'd consider it.

Nikao

Hi Melissa,
my itinerary is posted here:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...een_name=Nikao

dpdny

I had a wonderful visit to Tarangire in mid-March last year -- plenty of elephant and other game. I was worried going in as many on this board caution re. Tarangire in the "off" season.

That said, with the rains relatively early this year and in full force it may be different this year. Anyway, it is a lovely place. We had a great stay at T. River Camp and a friend just returned from 2 days there and also raves.

Enjoy.

Daniel