Serengeti and beyond safari
Replies: 3 - Last Post: Mar 28, 2013 5:41 AM Last Post By: jchowald
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Serengeti and beyond safari
Dear tree thorns,I am working in Burundi and in late February will be meeting three members of my family, all of whom have never been to sub-Saharan Africa, in Tanzania for a vacation of which ~ six days are budgeted for visiting gameparks in the north. We have our our sights mainly set on the Serengeti but I have heard good things about Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. But honestly I know very little about the region and just want to plan out a decent trip for my family, which is relying on me. Could you help point me towards a safari company (or suitable alternative -- willing to think outside of box) that a young fellow with a low budget can afford?
I am very comfortable staying in tents and would in fact prefer it, at least at times, though don't know how mom feels about that. I have looked around on the internet and found tours which work out to $160 a day before other expenses, but in my experience here the first prices you come across are often high, and rewarding experiences can be arranged with less money and a bit of research. If nothing lower is out there can someone let me know if they had a good experience with a company within this price range?
Just to be a little more specific as to our desires, we would all like to see the wildebeest migration, and I am sure my family would like to see the big five, but I am more interested in having a thorough experience of the African outback, lions roaring at night, cold showers in the morning, that sort of thing, without necessarily the stress of having an animal checklist that takes us back and forth all day in car seats. So maybe this means a hike or two or evenings spent looking at a watering hole with a gin and tonic in hand.
Okay, any advice you have on either destination, accommodation, or safari-company will be much appreciated. If you happen to read this and have an idea please post soon as my family is getting anxious to buy tickets out for late Feb.
Thanks in advance,
Grant
1
In late February the birthing season of the wildebeest will just be coming to an end. The herds will be in the southeastern portion of the Serengeti and the southwestern portion of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. There will not be any animals that you will not see in the Serengeti in the Ngorongoro, but the beauty of the crater itself is worth the trip. The crater trip is expensive though. As for camping, yes camping in the Serengeti or in the Ngorongoro is a great experience but not always as comfortable as some would like. They will appreciate the experience afterwards more than during the present time though. As far as camping during a Lake Manyara safari, there are several popular campsites (such as Twiga campsite) where instead of being in the wild, you are camping in town (Mto wa Mbu) in a fenced in area (fenced in to keep the street sellers and thieves away, not any animals) next to the lodge swimming pool. This is far from the experience of camping in the wild and not worth the tired body the next morning, get one of the rooms instead, they are not that expensive. For tour operators, you will get accurate information looking at the forum for recommended companies. Have a great safari.2
Hi Grant - firstly I am talking from my experience in June 2009. I went with a no name guy in Moshi who was recommended to me through a friend who had used him. He was great. He organized me (was traveling alone) into a jeep with 3 other lovely travelers and we did a camping safari for 5 days with a wonderful guide and a skilled cook. We went to Lake Manyara (and stayed in the enclosed Figi camp in town which was fine), then up to the Serengeti where we camped with other jeeps - the drivers took turns in keeping watch through the night as there were no fences - and then finished in the Ngorongoro crater, camping up on the rim (freezing and spectacular!). All three places were awesome, different to each other and full of amazing wild life - we saw everything. Didn't see the migration however as was not the right time. Price was extremely reasonable and I spent about US$1,000 for the 5 days, however this is 3 years ago and you need to negotiate. Because he is an independent person he is cheaper than tour companies. I found him helpful, honest and reliable. The price included all Park fees,Camping Fees,Driver Guide and Cook,Food 3 meals a day catering for vegeterian and non vegeterian,Tent,drinking water,Vehicle 4WD Open roof with a proper seats The price above does not include Tip for the Driver and Cook,First Aid Kit and Things of personal use eg Beer,cigarette etc. His name is Paul and his email is: prshayos@hotmail.com GOOD LUCK - it's all fantastic and Tanzania is so easy and friendly!
