gdtags

We will be doing a safari in Tanzania the last week of July. Would you recommend Mbalageti Camp in the west or the Sayari Camp in the north? We like to be near the migration and preferably close to a river crossing. We do prefer small tented camps. Sandi, you had said that there are alternatives to CCAfricas 'Serengeti Under Canvas' that would be mobile but less expensive. Could you direct us to these companies? We have been working with a local travel agent out of Moshi- is there a disadvantage to working with a local agent as opposed to a safari company? I know we are late in the planning but would love to hear your recommendations for an ideal itinerary for our length of stay. We definitely want to spend a few days in the Serengeti and 1-2 days at Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Manyara has also been suggested. We will arrive in Tanzania July 25 and fly back to Addis August 1 for our flight home on Aug 2.

Thank you!
gdtags

ShayTay

You might try Kibo Guides. They are affiliated with Tanganyika Wilderness Camps, who have mobile camps. If it's only two of you, they have a mobile camp that they set up and book multiple parties into it. They also have other properties such as Ngorongoro Farmhouse near the crater and Maramboi Camp that overlooks Lake Manyara, but from which you could visit Tarangire. I've done three trips with Kibo; they are located in Arusha.

sandi

Last week July can be a toss-up as the herds don't all move at the same time. Many may still be in the Western corridor where Mbalageti would be good. Others will be on their way and into the Mara where Sayari would be ideal. Prices for both should be similar. Using CCAs TUC or Nomad's would be more costly.

With only 6/days on the ground, you can do:

Day 1 - Drive to Tarangire - o/n
Day 2 - Tarangire - o/n
Day 3 - Drive to Ngorongoro; afternoon crater tour - o/n (can be at Farmhouse or Gibbs or Plantation Lodges*)
Day 4 - From Manyara airstrip FLY to Grumeti (for Mbalageti) or Kogatende (for Sayari)
Day 5 & 6 - Serengeti - Mbalageti or Sayari
Day 7 - Fly to Arusha for connecting flight to Addis

*as you fly next morning from Manyara, these are all closer to the airstrip than overnighting on the crater rim.

There's no reason why the outfitter in Moshi can't do a good job for you. As long as they can get you space and offer a price within your budget... this is peak-season.

gdtags

Thank you for responding so quickly. A few more questions: Do you think one afternoon game drive at Ngorongoro is enough? Should we skip Tarangire? With this itinerary I assume we would enjoy 5 drives in the Serengeti. It terms of the camps themselves do you prefer one over the other- Mbalageti or Sayari?Thank you so much for your help.
gdtags

sandi

Some are fine with 1/game drive at the crater, others want afternoon and following morning. You can do this, then quickly get back to Manyara for afternoon flight to Serengeti. With this you're trading off a 2nd game drive in the crater for afternoon game drive in the Serengeti. However, I believe you'll be in the Serengeti by 4pm, so will be able to get in a game drive. The 2nd crater visit will cost you about $110-$120/person.

You can do 1/full day at Tarangire and continue to Ngorongoro for 2/nts, thus 2/game drives in the crater.

Can't compare Mbalageti to Sayari...not apples-to-apples. The former is 24/tents, large and luxury, lovely pool deck with great view of the Serengeti. The later is small with 6 or 8/tents, a bit more rustic in a lux sort of way.

There are all kinds of combinations. At this time, I'd suggest you get quotes and see what space may (or may not) be available.

sonali74

Hi gdtags,

late july the migration in the serengeti is difficult to predict

I would suggest atleast 4 nights at serengeti(2 at mbalageti, 2 sayari) out of the 7 nights you have, if you are fond of eles you can go for maybe a night to tarangire, one game drive should suffice seeing eles, one night at the crater (one night/gamedrive is enough at the crater as the fees are high and it is small area)and the one extra night I would suggest adding it in serengeti at mbalageti as you can access the core central region of the park which is famous to spot alot of cats

The tented camps are great and you will surely enjoy them, on the other
end depending on your budget.... you could do lux or semi-lux mobile camping in serengeti(depending on the size of your group) which maybe cheaper than the tented camps and you would have your private vehicle for game drives

My fellow fodorites could guide you better in this regard regarding which companies are excellent semi-lux mobile providers etc....

I hope this helps,
Sonali