rjerje

We are planning a safari (our first) for Feb. 2009 in Tanzania with some R&R to follow in Zanzibar. The tour company has suggested the itinerary below. We're eager to receive any feedback you might have re: 1) the most likely locations to see wildlife for this time of year, 2) the amount of time in each location, and 3) the lodges.

We've been lurking at this site for some time and the information that you share with one another is fantastic!

Here's the suggested itinerary:

2 nights: Arusha-Moivaro Coffee Plantation (We’ve read about the recent problems with this lodge so are definitely open to other suggestions!)
1 night: Tarangire National Park--Tarangire River Camp
2 nights: Ngorongoro Farm House
2 nights: Ndutu Lodge
1 night: Serengeti National Park--Serena Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp
4 nights: Zanzibar—1 night Beit Al Chai and 3 nights Fumba Beach Lodge

Thanks in advance!

Roberta

jesron

I would skip Tarangire to get one more day in Serengeti. I fell you are rushing it with this itinerary. I been to Serengeti in june and july(on 2 occasions)and at that time the migration was around central Serengeti, but it keeps changing. Also visited Tarangire in june, it was good, but we mainly saw elephants(which is allways good). With an extra day, you could do a full day drive around the Gol Kopjes in Serengeti, where off road driving is permitted, and search for cheetahs. We found them there on both occasions... Serengeti is so big that you could easily use 10-12 days and still go to new areas each day. And even if the migration isn´t around Serengeti still have more game than most of the other big national parks in Africa. I´ve been on 10 safaris and nothing compares to Serengetiin terms of game

sandi

An alternative to Moivaro Coffee Lodge, consider Arumeru Lodge or Rivertrees. Both, like Moivaro are on the road between JRO airport and Arusha town. Or stay in Arusha at Kibo Palace or Arusha Hotel, saves about 1/2 hr drive time when you head out next morning.

Tarangire isnn't at its best in February. As other poster, I'd put this day towards the Ndutu area of the Serengeti.

Ngorongoro Farmhouse is lovely, but outside the crater and if you want to do two visits to the crater floor, first the afternoon you arrive and next morning, you're better staying on crater rim - consider Serena or Sopa Lodges. And, you only need 1/nt. After morning crater tour 2nd morning, you can head to Ndutu.

This would give you 2 more days that would be good for Ndutu area and if you can book the Ndutu Lodge early, you'll be assured consecutive days and available space. This is the only lodge in the area, is small and in demand.

Day 1 - Arv. - o/n Arumeru, Rivertrees, Kibo Palace or Arusha Hotels
Day 2 - Drive to Ngorongoro; afternoon crater tour - o/n Serena or Sopa
Day 3 - morning crater tour; drive via Oldupai to Ndutu - o/n Ndutu Lodge
Days 4/5/6 - Ndutu Lodge
Day 7 - Drive to Central Serengetii - o/n Serena Ldg or Mbuzi Mawe Camp
Day 8 - Fly via Arusha to ZNZ
- here, arriving about 2pm, suggest you go out to beach first - Fumba Beach* or other
Days 9/10 - ZNZ = beach
Day 11 - Drive to Stone Town; town tour - o/n Beit Al Chai
Day 12 - Stone Town, at leisure - depart for home.

*February is summer, so hot, and on Zanzibar very humid; suggest beach resort that has air conditioning. Beit al Chai does have a/c.

atravelynn

For your 1) I agree to remove Tarangire for a Feb visit.

Did you want 2 crater visits? There's abundant wildlife so you'd be spending time in a good area with 2 visits. But you have to pay for each visit, boosting the price. If it is wet and muddy, some people have said one time up and down the steep road into the crater was enough. I've only been to the crater in the dry season. I like Sopa because it has its own access road to the crater. I also thought the rooms were lovely with great views, but Serena is supposed to be nicer.

I like Sandi's suggestions for the Serengeti because that's where the migration should be located. The question may be availablity.

No knowledge on Zanzibar.

rjerje

Thanks so much for the input! We'll be making final decisions with the tour operator this week, so if anyone else has any suggestions, they're very much appreciated!

Roberta