jillp

Thanks to those who gave input to what we thought would be our South Africa safari. Well, we now have changed plans and I would deeply appreciate any thoughts and help you can give. We are now seriously considering taking the Odysseys Unlimited tour to Kenya and Tanzania-17 days with 11 days of game drives- in 2010. We decided we wanted as many game drives as possible with comfortable lodgings, (we are in our 60s and good health.) When to go? Some say it is ok in Jan. or Feb. others say it's too hot. The wildebeest migration would be great to see. Lodgings include: Norfolk Hotel (Nairobi), Sarova Mara Tented Camp, Amboseli Serena Lodge, Ngorongoro Crater Serena Lodge, Lake Manyara Serena Lodge. The enclosed 'vans' have a pop up roof and we are guarenteed a window seat. Anyone taken this tour before? Food? Bugs? Snakes? Thanks.

atravelynn

Since you are not going until 2010, you probably don’t need "help!" Just some advice. Plenty of time.

"we wanted as many game drives as possible with comfortable lodgings"
This would do it.

Here is some weather.
http://www.classicescapes.com/ke-weather.html
http://www.classicescapes.com/ta-weather.html

You have a chance to see the wildebeast migration in most any month somewhere on your itinerary. Jan-Feb the wildes tend to be in Southern Serengeti and you'll be in Central Serengeti, though you pass through Southern Serengeti.

I've gone to all these parks before but not with Odyssey. These are some of the highlights of East Africa. You stay mainly in Serenas, which are very nice accommodations.

Food? Mainly buffets at Serena. I thought it was great food and lots of variety.

Bugs? I've only gone in the dry season and there were very few. Feb near the migration, there could be flies.

Snakes? Unfortunately I've seen only one snake in all of East Africa and that was from a great distance. I've had better luck in Zambia and Botswana with this creature. Doubt you'll see one, and odds go down in the dry season. They don't like to hang around where people are stomping about and you want be doing much walking in the bush on this trip. No worries on snakes.

I don’t know anything about this company.
With air included, the price looks about right, even for the highest cost departures, if you get a window.

I've copied the itinerary here and added a few comments.

Day 1: Depart U.S. for Nairobi, Kenya

Day 2: Arrive Nairobi After arriving in Nairobi mid-afternoon, we transfer to our hotel. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner together. D

Day 3: Nairobi We see highlights of Kenya’s cosmopolitan capital city today, including the City Market, with produce, flowers, and handcrafts; and the house and museum of Danish writer Karen Blixen, who as Isak Dinesen wrote Out of Africa. B
-Nice to see Blixen’s home.

Day 4: Nairobi/Masai Mara This morning we drive via Narok to Masai Mara
—about a 6-7 hour drive, stay at Sarova Mara

Day 5: Masai Mara
Day 6: Masai Mara After a morning visit to a local school, again today we’re on safari
-3 nts in the Mara is good

Day 7: Masai Mara/Amboseli We fly today to Nairobi then drive to Amboseli National Park,

Day 8: Amboseli Early this morning we visit a near¬by Maasi village. Later: more game drives
stay at Serena

Day 9: Amboseli/Ngorongoro Conservation Area Leaving Amboseli this morning, we cross the border into Tanzania at Namanga and continue onward to Arusha, where we stop for lunch. This afternoon we reach spectacular Ngorongoro
Stay at Serena

Day 10: Ngorongoro Crater morning tour of the.
This afternoon is at leisure ¬to relax at our lodge on the crater’s rim.
-½ day in crater.

Day 11: Ngorongoro Crater/Serengeti National Park We’re bound this morning for the Seren¬geti,. On the way we visit 31-mile Olduvai Gorge,. Reaching our Serengeti lodge, we embark on a game drive here this afternoon. B,L,D
Stay at Serena

Day 12: Serengeti two game drives.

Day 13: Serengeti/Lake Manyara. We take a game drive here this afternoon. B,L,D
-better in Dec-Mar than July-Oct
Stay at Serena

Day 14: Lake Manyara

Day 15: Lake Manyara/Nairobi Today we re-enter the urban world as we travel to Nairobi via Arusha. Tonight we celebrate our Africa adventure at a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. B,L,D
-this is a long drive, at least 7 hours

Day 16: Nairobi/Return to U.S. After a day at leisure, we transfer to the Nairobi airport and board our connecting
-unless you book additional activities at extra cost, this is a wasted day

flight to the U.S. B
Day 17: Arrive U.S. We reach New York this afternoon and connect with our flights home.

atravelynn

You may want to compare with these:

Private trips
http://www.essafari.co.ke/esskt018.htm


Group and private departures
http://www.goodearthtours.com/Itineraries.html

This OAT trip seems to be better locations, but I’d definitely add a Mara extension
http://www.oattravel.com/gcc/general...ocation=search

cary999

"We decided we wanted as many game drives as possible with comfortable lodgings,"

Hey, agree with that !!!!

But when I've been on safari for 17 days I have not 11 but <b>25-30</b> game drives. (Also in 60s and in good health).

regards - tom

atravelynn

17 days - 4 for international transport = 13 days in Africa.
13 - 2 long travel days = 11
11 - 1 in NBO = 10

As many game drives as possible are about 20 with this itinerary.

A private trip with Eastern & Southern, Good Earth, or any other company would allow you to achieve the goal of "as many game drives as possible" because you design the itinerary. You can also pack a box lunch and stay out all day in some places. If you are trying to see the wildebeest cross the Mara River, a box lunch can be a good idea. If you have your own vehicle in the crater, a box breakfast gets you down there before the crowds.