alg

The plan is to go in October of 2006 (far away, I know, but we want to get a quote so that we can budget correctly). Alternatively, we might wait until February of 2007, in which case we might have to rearrange a little. Anyway, here's the plan as suggested by our travel agent:

San Francisco to Nairobi via London (I'm thinking of adding an overnight in London on the way over to help break up the flight).
Fly straight to Zanzibar and get over the jet lag on the beach, stay three nights at the Karafuu Resort (maybe we should stay 4?)

2 nights at Tarangire Sopa Lodge

Drive and stay 2 nights at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

drive to Serengeti, 2 nights at Migration Camp

drive to Masai Mara, 3 nights Little Governor's Camp

on to Nairobi for one night before flying home

Questions: where should we fly as opposed to drive, if anywhere?
Aer the lodging choices well-situated for an Oct visit?
What would you change?

Thank you!

sandi

alg -

You've got some time yet for your trip (2006, definitely if 2007), but even with the long flights, I'd still save "beach time" for the end (or closer to )of your trip. You'll already be breaking up the trip with a stop in London. And after the roads in Africa, R&R at the conclusion will be well-deserved.

For travel in October, I'd prefer to spend 3-days in the Northern Serengeti - Migration Camp an excellent choice.

You only need 1-nt at the Ngorongoro Crater, doing the crater tour upon arriving from Tarangire in the afternoon. Then head out early for the Serengeti - which will be a full day of driving, but safari all the way.

Tarangire - question? You're going with higher-end accommodations elsewhere, why not consider Tree Tops here.

As to where to fly - well to get from Migration Camp, you'll either fly departing from Klein's airstrip or have to drive to the central/Seronera area of Serengeti for flight to Arusha/Kili. From there you fly to NBO and connect to flight to the Mara. And it is suggested you fly back from the Mara. You'll arrive a bit after noon... and can arrange some sightseeing and dinner before heading to airport for your homebound flight.

An alternative is to do the beach after the Serengeti, if Zanzibar is where you wish R&R. Fly from the Serengeti via Arusha/Kili to ZNZ, spend 2 or 3-days at Karafuu 1-day at Stone Town (Emerson & Green or the Serena are good here). ST is also closer to the airport (only 10-minutes vs 1-hr from Karafuu) to make a 7:30am flight to NBO, where you can connect to a 10am flight to the Mara.

If you want R&R at the end, then the Mombasa area - Lamu Island - in Kenya is a good choice; there are others.

Of course, between now and then lots can happen, but these are things to consider in planning.

alg

Thank you for the response.

Our agent suggested the beach first as a way to get acclimated to the new time zone, but you make a good point, too. Something to consider. I had also asked about the beaches in Kenya as an alternative, but I understand that the agency has great rates to Zanzibar...helpful to keep the costs down. Funzi Keys looks amazing, though.

I have read good reviews about the Sopa at Tarangire so thought that might be another way to keep costs in line. Of course, the 2 days at Crater Lodge is our splurge. Maybe I will take a day from there and add it to Stones Town. I want to keep away from moving around too much, though.

So many decisions...

sandi

Kenya has as many lovely beach areas as does Tanzania. Wasn't Angelina Joeli, Brat Pitt and Maddox in Diani beach - front page news!!!

Ok, if looking to save a few pennies, there is nothing wrong with the Sopa - large rooms, nice gardens, great pool - it just didn't seem to fit in with the others.

Granted certain tour operators have "preferred" lodges/camps/hotels, but you can and should ask for what you want. If you haven't done so and assuming you're using a tour operator in the States, consider doing so. Besides, there are still a number of outstanding issues re park fees in Tanzania, air fuel surcharges, touring in the Crater and who know what else prior your trip, that have to be decided.

For in-country (Tanzania and/or Kenya) outfitters, you will find a number of these listed throughout this board for you to send your itinerary.

atravelynn

alg

Great suggestions from Sandi.

A day in London should help with the jet lag upon arrival. A wise investment.

Though I have never done any beach time, most itineraries have it at the end, as mentioned. Seems most logical to me too.

I thought Sopa in Tarangire was lovely and I did not end up there by choice. We were upgraded when Tarangire River Lodge was overbooked. But it is definitely a large, plush lodge, not a remote tented camp.

I really liked Little Gov, but agree that in Feb, the bulk of the time should be spent in the Serengeti. Little Gov prides itself on using lanterns with no electricity in the tents, in traditional classic fashion. There was plenty of wildlife around camp, including an elephant named Churchill that would visit the buffet. 2 nights there would be great because the Mara is always good.

Have a great trip.