ffiorentino

Does anyone have any experience with Unique Safaris in Tanzania? Thank you in advance.

atravelynn

No, but you could post the itinerary you are interested in and/or what Unique is offering. Then more specific comments can be made to assist you in your planning.

Just semantics, but every safari in Tanzania and most other places is unique. Each day is unique and that's part of the attraction.

Good luck!

ffiorentino

ok, thanks. Here is the proposed itinerary. We are looking to travel in Sept 2011. I know it is a long way out but I need time to save. This itinerary is for a private safari with just my wife and I in a rover so I can maximize my photography.

Day 1: Arrive JRO and stay at the Mountain Village Lodge

Day 2: Tarangire and stay at Kikoti Safari Camp

Day 3: Tarangire and stay at Kikoti Safari Camp

Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater and stay at Crater Serena Lodge

Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater and stay at Crater Serena Lodge

Day 6: Central Serengeti and stay in private mobile camp

Day 7: Central Serengeti and stay in private mobile camp

Day 8: Northern Serengeti and stay in private mobile camp

Day 9: Northern Serengeti and stay in private mobile camp

Day 10: Travel to Zanzibar (lodging not yet decided)

LyndaS

I just checked the index, there are no reports from Unique Safaris.

ffiorentino

Unique Safaris came recommended to me from photographers at naturescapes.net.

sandi

It's certainly a doable itinerary.
At the Crater you might want to consider the Sopa Lodge that has the access road down into the crater right there; from the Serena, though a nicer lodge, it's a longer drive especially for an early morning visit to crater floor.

Even a Rover has to be closed on the sides, to traverse the roads in Tanzania. It's a safety measure to avoid all the kick-back from the roads. Rovers do have pop-top roofs for photo taking unless you request one with removable top.


Gather from Northern Serengeti you'll be flying via Arusha to Zanzibar.

Prices for 2011, won't be available before mid-2010 (June-Aug), so you sure have time to save.

ffiorentino

Thanks Sandi. Unique Safari's own all their vehicles and they have roll top canvas roofs.

Yes, from Northern Serengeti we will be flying to Zanzibar via Arusha.

As this is my first safari, I am really looking to a taste of what a trip like this has to offer.

atravelynn

Itinerary looks good. Maybe 3 days in N. Serengeti and 1 in Central in Sept., but a 1-night stay has its downsides too.

There is a company that has special vehicles for photographers with extra big long windows. That's not the technical term for it. You could google Kiliwarriors. I'll see if I can find a pic of their vehicles on their website.

My comments and questions are the same as Sandi's.

atravelynn

http://www.kiliwarriors.com/safari_vehicles.htm

"next-generation super-extended Kiliwarrior Safari Cruisers"
is what they are called.

ffiorentino

Thanks atravelynn. I sent an email to kiliwarriors. Do you have personal experience with them?

atravelynn

I'm working on something with them for the future but have not gone with them in the past. Others have if you search on here for Kiliwarriors.

I won't be using the super duper vehicle because I'll be on one of the lower end safaris with them.

ShayTay

I prefer the open-top vehicles with the clam-shell openings, rather than the "pop-tops." With the pop-tops, the roof supports can get in the way when photographing, especially when shooting video.

ffiorentino

Thanks ShayTay. I have heard that as well.

gramling

We used Unique Safaris for a trip in January, 2012 and could not have been happier. They custom designed a safari for my wife, my adult daughter, and me. The itinerary was well thought out and included all that we wanted to do. The facilities, ranging from company tents on the Serengeti to a luxury resort, were all first rate. Most importantly, our guide was incredible. He knew the Serengeti and Ngorogoro Crater inside out, as well as the behavior of all the animals that reside there. He was adaptable when one of us wanted to spend more time at Oldupai Gorge than most visitors do. Otherwise, we quickly learned that following his suggestions was always the best way to go. We give this company our highest recommendation.

atravelynn

ffiorentinoon Mar 7, 10 at 8:01pm

Thanks atravelynn. I sent an email to kiliwarriors. Do you have personal experience with them?


atravelynnon Mar 7, 10 at 10:20pm

I'm working on something with them for the future...I won't be using the super duper vehicle because I'll be on one of the lower end safaris with them.

---------------------
I did go with Kiliwarriors and everything was wonderful. They even upgraded me to a super duper vehicle. The guides were super duper as well.

Report link here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-tarangire.cfm