Carlos_Mtz

I've been planning our first Family Safari - (wife, and 15 and 12 year old sons), on and off for 1 year.

We've travelled as a family to Europe (England, France, Italy), Mexico (many places), Costa Rica, Hawaii. My wife and I are keen on doing family trips as a way to "build memories" with the children.

We've been dreaming, on and off, to do our first safari - but we have some constrains - can only travel in the summer (and because of my work - late May / early June is best time) - although depending on situation there can be some flexibility.

Ideally, we would prefer to go to Tanzania - not only because of wildlife but also landscape.

We were thinking something like: Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Western Serengeti).

We're trying to use our frequent-flier miles and because of constraints at work we may only be able to go:
May 22nd through June9th
Fly to NBO vs JRO

We've asked for some itineraries, read several books and some of the postings on this forum (including the great index on report trips - thank you).

There are a couple of questions for some of you (specially those that have gone multiple times and at different times):
1) Is this too early / close to the rainy season - (I know weather is unpredictable) - where there's likely to be a lot of rain - and thick grass - to be more advisable to go later in June (15th through 29th) instead? [some of the trip reports - describe rain / even locals indicating they surprised with visitors in late may].

2) By going close to the rainy season - are there more mosquitoes around? [I know this is probably irrational concern over malaria - even though we've travelled to other places where in hindsight there's supposed to be malaria - like certain parts of Costa Rica and Mexico]?

3) In flying to NBO [All frequent flier miles to JRO seem to be booked], is this a better time to go to Kenya (Mara Mara / Amboseli and other places in Kenya vs Tanzania - even though migration will likely not be there - but weather is better to offset that)?

4) One more question: Is Amboseli - with the background of Kilimanjaro (unique enough to merit a visit on way from NBO to JRO)?
[i had thought of having a tour start NBO to JRO - and stop in Amboseli]

I have more detailed questions which will be forthcoming but I greatly appreciate any and all feedback and advise.

sandi

Yes, May is one of the wet months, but in the past 5/years visiting at this time, I can't recall anything more than a brief shower.

May, in Tanzania is at low-season rates, so ideal for pricing. You can also catch the migration in the central or western areas.

In Kenya, May is low-season, while Jun is mid-season for rates.

If can't get FF seats into JRO Tanzania, but can to Nairobi (NBO) fly here and take a short-flight to JRO or the shuttle bus (5/hrs) to Arusha. Do safari in Tanzania first, then back to Kenya to visit some parks here.

Some properties both countries are offering special reduced prices; some of the lux properties in Kenya are even offering 1/child under 16/yrs "free"

Rain would be my last concern as if any won't impact safari.

There are many options vailable.

kenyatraveler

I do not know Tanzania, but can speak to Kenya. The country is rich with wildlife and vegetation, and differs greatly by the places you choose (all quite distanced from each other). SW of Nairobiis the Mara which has the full range of wldlife and will most likely afford you a view of the wildebeest crossing -- it is a combo of brush and savannah. Due south of Nairobi is Amboseli (no direct roads from Mara, so you have to go back to Nairobi to get there. View of Kili is nice but you will also see large herds oe elephant as well as plains animals and others lying in swamps. Amboseli can be dry or more luch depending on the season. North of Nairobi is Abadares (smaller and lush), Lake Nakuru (fantastic flamingo and other bird life as well as leopard, monkeys, rhino) and finally much further north is Samburu - more diistant, but real close upwith animals, especially elephants, giraffes and unique Reticulated giraffe, grevy zebra and garenuks. Google some Kenyan operators and see what you like. You can jump from some parks by small plane (this is more expensive and limited in luggage weight). The other option is by safari van but can be up to six hours between parks. Safari van is comfortable, but Kenyas roads are horribly bumpy. Four to five people in a van is fine. The kenyan operator will make all arrangements (van/driver/accomodations) but since you are choosing a "private safari" you do not need to follw a packaged tour. My operator was Sardius Tours" who were great, although there are many fine others to choose from.

atravelynn

As Sandi states, don't worry about rain. It is very unlikely you'll get downpours.

I’d choose Tanzania and spend time in the Western Serengeti if seeing the migration is of interest to you. These weather links show the weather at the crater and Western Serengeti-Kirawira

http://www.safarilands.org/np_ngorongoro.php

http://www.safarilands.org/np_serengeti.php

Here’s a link that contains more links about TZ in mid-May, which you may have seen already.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35123358

You could see views of Kili on safari in Tanzania iat Kambi ya Tembo in West Kilimanjaro.

If the migration is not of interest then either Kenya or Tanzania would work well. Kenya might be a bit less expensive, too.

Don't know about mosquito density in May.

Have a fantastic family trip. Your initial idea is what I'd probably do at that time of year.

sandi

In 13+yrs traveling to East Africa, often during the so-called wet seasons, I've had one (1) mossie bite in Nairobi of all places. Yes, they do fly as high as 5,000'... (ugh). Also been bitten a few times on the coast, but that was expected as the area is always humid. And, there was the time those itty-bitty grass flies had a picnic on my ankles, which proper anti-itch creme eased. Survived all of these experiences.

With few exceptions, reading the many trip reports, not many people even see mossies, let alone get bitten. But, this is no reason/excuse not to be protected with appropriate malaria meds and repellent.

safaridude

I would not hesitate.

June is the wildebeest rutting month in the Serengeti. Some say it's just as spectacular as the river crossings. The Crater will be hardly crowded. The game at Tarangire may be thin because it is very much a dry season park. You might want to consider some of the new great camps in the West Kili area (it is basically just south of Amboseli on the Tanzanian side) instead of Tarangire. You can see Kilimanjaro from there, and you can skip Nairobi that way.

Carlos_Mtz

Excellent. Thank you for the suggestions. I greatly appreciate it.


Another question:
I have been able to find a flight to JRO (through Continental). I have some miles with them too.

I want to break the flight to make the trip easier (by staying over in Amsterdam) but I can only do it in either the trip to JRO or the return.

Current itinerary options are:
1) Houston - Amsterdam (departs 3:40pm -> 8:20am next morning) [9:40hr flight]

2) AMS -> JRO (10:20am -> 7:45pm) [8:25hr flight].


return:
3) JRO -> AMS (8:40pm -> 7am) through DAR [11:10hr flight].
4) AMS -> Houston (10:10am -> 1:30pm) [10:20 hr flight).


For those of you that have taken a similar itinerary. Where would you advise making a stay over in AMS.
My initial thought (having been to Europe many times and to Latin America) I find it harder going to Europe (because of the different timezone than traveling South - so my inclination is to do a 1 or 2 day stop over on the way to JRO but I did notice that the return flights seem longer.

I have seen several trip reports that have stayed over in Europe (before continuing on).

Any advise?

If I do a 2 day stop-over on the way there (since AMS->JRO is not a daily flight), that leaves me 10 days in TZ (I would arrive May 26th and depart June 6th).

My initial thought was:
3 - 4 days Serengeti
2 days: Ngorongoro
1 or 2 days Lake Manyara
1 or 2 days in Tarangire (although based on feedback - thank you - i may want to look at West Kili instead).

Any feedback would be welcome.

I would like to do a combination of first class tented camps / lodges - but first want to nail down the flights.

Thanks in advance.

climbhighsleeplow

I find coming back to the USA is easier on the body and an overnight is not needed.

Also because I just want the trip to get over with, once I get to AMS I just want to get on the next flight to the USA instead of going through customs, etc etc. The daytime flight west is not that bad.

West Kili is a great choice. However Kambi ya Tembo is not the best option (location, size, large OAT tour groups).

Take a look at Ndarakwai, Hemingways, Shu'mata

http://www.go-safari.com/Westkiliman...ilimanjaro.htm and http://www.go-safari.com/Westkiliman...jarolodges.htm

Serengeti tented camps, etc are here: http://www.go-safari.com/Serengeti/serengetilodges.htm

All of these choices really depend on your daily budget!

sandi

Unless KLM has changed their schedule between AMS/JRO, it should be a daily flight! KLM is the only airline from Europe non-stop into JRO. But, maybe they've decided to cut back. I'm still sure the flights will be full.

We're all different fliers, but as the flight arrives JRO in the evening, you reach your hotel and go to sleep. Most people are fine heading out on safari next morning. If not, you might take the first day after arrival easy and visit Arusha National Park or a cultural village or school visit which the children would enjoy. Then commence safari 2nd day after arrival.

Like CHSL above, on the return, I prefer to fly straight home (in my case NYC), no stopover needed. If you have a good connection on the flight from AMS straight into Houston, this isn't much more flying time than if to NYC.

Once home, I'm usually back to myself after a good night's sleep.

ShayTay

If you wanted to do a stopover in Amsterdam, I'd suggest doing it on the way over. That way, you get a chance to shake off the jetlag before starting your safari. The return flight from JRO is longer than the arriving flight because it continues on to Dar es Salaam before returning to Amsterdam. And yes, it's a daily flight, although I think they may have two different flight numbers, depending on the day of the week.

I've stayed at Kambi ya Tembo and liked it. The accommodations are quite nice and it's a good place to ease into your safari. The emphasis is on interactions with the Maasai, although we also saw lots of game, as well. I'm sure any of the camps that Eben listed would be fine, though.

annhig

hi carlos,

may I throw a spoke in your wheel? - how keen are your kids on safaris?

for a whole holiday?

I had this dream too, but when i ran it apst my family, i discovered that they didn't. we ended up doing a trip along the south coast of SA - ending with 3 nights safari, which was just about right. Even i found that 3 days of bouncing around in a land rover for 4+ hours a day was enough for me, and it was certainly enough for my kids [who are BTW keen animal lovers and were rather older than yours when we went].

going to SA enabled us to spend 4 wonderful days in Capetown, see whales off the coast, the penguins at Boulder Beach, go bird spotting at the cape, and watch DS go bungy jumping, as well as a 3 night safari.

if you get hooked on safaris, you can always go back. but it's a long, long time if you find you don't like it.

regards, ann

Carlos_Mtz

Ann,

Thanks for feedback.
Interesting. Since we've never been on Safari (but we all do like animals and nature), that will be interesting.

when did you go to SA and where did you do the safari - Krueger?

annhig

hi Carlos,

we did an eastern cape safari so never saw kruger. there are a number of private safari reserves north of Port elizabeth; we stayed at shamwari, [which got us 3 free nights at the Radisson in Cape Town] but there are others. we also stayed a night at Schotia, which is much more downmarket, but loads of fun, even in the rain!

what with that and a morning at Addo Elephant Park, we found that to be enough time spent in the back of a land=rover looking at animals, which is actually quite a sedentary activity, rather than actually doing stuff, which is generally what teenagers like.

the alternative is to fly to Jo'burg from PE, George, or Cape Town, and then drive/fly into Kruger. there you have a choice of the park itself, which is run by www.sanparks.sa [as is Addo, BTW] or the private reserves that surround it. there are loads of threads here discussing their relative merits.

hope this helps a bit,

regards, ann

Fabio

sandi

there is also the German airline Condor flying Frankfurt-JRO non-stop.
We flew it last year, but I guess it is only a 1 or 2 flights/week.. but of course KL has a better and frequent schedule.

sandi

fabio -

Yes Condor, which we almost flew on our first visit to Kenya, but for their limited flights per week. Instead used United/Lufthansa (JFK/NBO thru FRA).

Fabio

there is also a good LX (Swiss) service to/from NBO

sandi

fabio -

Flown Swiss also.

Haven't used BA or Virgin as I prefer not to transfer thru Heathrow.

For me "if it's going my way, the price is right and I accumulate FF miles" they've got my business. In fact, last year's LX flight was free!

Carlos_Mtz

OK. I've made some progress and now have a reservation into JRO. I've asked for a couple of itineraries to maximize wildlife (migration for sure, big 5), scenery (Serengeti and Kilimanjaro); But that would have variety: both in accommodations (permanent tented permanent or mobile tented camp / some lodges – but preferably small or with trails for walks); and activities (since our boys 12 and 15 are pretty active – some walk or active things / to mix up safari), some local life interaction

Following some of the suggestions from this Forum. Here's what I've got so far from 3 different companies. I would love to hear your comments or critiques:

Option 1:
5/25: Arusha (overnight) Rivertrees Country Inn
5/26: Arusha NP walking safari o/n at Rivertrees Country Inn
5/27: Tarangire NP o/n Kikoti Safari Lodge
5/28: Tarangire NP o/n Kikoti Safari Lodge
5/29: Manyara NP via Mto wa mbu. O/n Kirurumu Tented Lodge
5/30: Maasai Village visit en route to Serengti. o/n Mbuzi Mawe Camp
5/31: Game viewing to W Serengti. O/n Kirawira Tented Camp.
6/1: Game viewing. O/n Kirawira Tented Camp.
6/2: Drive back to C Serengti. O/n Mbuzi Mawe Camp.
6/3: Drive to Ngorongoro via Olduvai Gorge. O/n Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.
6/4: Crater Tour. Then walking along crater rim with armed ranger. O/n Ngorongoro Serena Lodge.
6/5: Morning Crater Tour. Then Arusha O/n African Tulip.
6/6: Ngiresi Village for visit. Transfer to Kili for return.

Total Cost (2 adults / 2 children): 13,580

Option 2:
5/25: Arusha. O/n Did Dik Hotel
5/26: Arusha NP. Walking Bush Walk. O/n Dik Dik Hotel.
5/27: Monduli Village Visit / Masai Boma Visit. O/n Kirurumu
5/28: Lake Manyara NP. Kirurumu Tented Lodge.
5/29: Lake Manyara Forest Hike. Karatu Village Visit. O/N Ngorongoro Farmhouse.
5/30: Ngorongoro Crater. O/N Ngorongoro Farmhouse.
5/31: Ngorongoro Crater. Ngorongoro Circle Hike. O/N: SErena Ngorongoro Lodge.
6/1: Olduvai Gorge. Serengeti. O/n Serena Serengeti.
6/2: Serengeti Sunrise Game. Serena Serengeti.
6/3: Serengeti NP. Kensington Serengti Camp
6/4: Serengeti Sunrise Game Drive. O/n Kensington Serengeti Camp
6/5: Serengeti NP. O/N Kensignton Serengeti Camp
6/6: Fly from Grumeti to Arusha. Day room at Kia Lodge. Depart.


Total for all 4: (13,340).


Option 3:
5/25 Arusha. O/N African Tulip or Serena Mountain.
5/26: Arusha NP walking safari. O/n African Tulip / Serena Mountain.
5/27: West Kili afternoon game drive. O/n Kambi Ya Tembo or Ndarakwai Ranch.
5/28: Game drive. O/n Kambi Ya Tembo or Ndarakwai Ranch.
5/29: Drive to Lake Manyara. visit Mto-wa-Mbu. Afternoon game drive. O/n Serena Lodge or Kirurumu or E-Unoto Retreat.
5/30: Lake Manyara NP. Drive to Ngoroongoro Crater for afternoon Tour. O/n Serena or Sopa Lodge.
5/31: Morning Crater Tour. Leisure afternoon. O/n Serena or Sopa.
6/1: Oldupai Gorge. On to Central Serengeti. O/n: Serena Lodge or Mbuzi Mawe Camp.
6/2: Central Serengeti game drive. O/n Serena or Mbuzi Mawe Camp.
6/3: Western Serengeti. O/n Kirawira or Mbalageti Camps.
6/4: Serengeti NP. O/n Kirawira or Mbalageti Camp.
6/5: Grumeti flight to Arusha. Afternoon leisure. O/n Serena Mountain or African Tulip.
6/6: N'gresi Village on slopes of Mt. Meru. Day room at Serena or African Tulip.

Cost Pending.

Any questions or feedback would be greatly appreciated in general on itineraries.

Additional specific questions:
1) Does it make sense to get to Serengeti and then Fly - or come back through Ngorongoro?
2) Any opinion on Tarangire vs. West Kili (Kambi Ya Tembo)?
3) In terms of accomodiations:
a) For Ngorongoro - i have seen posting about Sopa with own access to Crater. Can you actually walk to it? If so, it seems good. Any comment on Ngorongoro Farm House?
b) For Serengeti (i know it's hard to predict) - which area (West) vs (Central) is more likely to have the - migration? (In order to determine where to spend more time). If it's west - any comparison of Kirawira Tented Camp or Kensignton Serengeti Camp?

Thank you.

Fabio

2) Tarangire is known for the huge amount of elephants and for the big baobab trees. No idea about West Kili to compare
3)b) As far as I know migration is unpredictable, although it is supposed to be in the central!west area in that period, waiting then to cross the river northbound. Probably a central area accomodation gives you and your guides more flexibility.....

atravelynn

Any of these would be good. I am not familiar with every lodge/property mentioned.

I like your last day in #1 and #3 with the village visit.

1) Does it make sense to get to Serengeti and then Fly - or come back through Ngorongoro?

If you fly back, then you’d want to stop at the crater on your way to the Serengeti. Flying back saves time and some long drives. That could be important to spare kids a marathon drive. But you’ll pay for it because the driver has to come back anyway, whether you are in the vehicle or not.


2) Any opinion on Tarangire vs. West Kili (Kambi Ya Tembo)?

I’ve been to Tarangire 2x and have only investigated West Kili. Did you see CHSL’s comment on West Kili accommodations? In May, I don’t know if the big ele herds will be present in Tarangire. West Kili is known for its cultural opportunities. It also has good elephant herds. I’ve seen the peak time for West Kili eles is June/July. In June, I think I’d go for West Kili for the culture, plus any wildlife around.


3) In terms of accomodiations:
a) For Ngorongoro - i have seen posting about Sopa with own access to Crater. Can you actually walk to it? If so, it seems good. Any comment on Ngorongoro Farm House?

You cannot walk into the crater from Sopa’s road. In a vehicle, you don’t fight the other lodges’ traffic. That’s why I like Sopa, plus I thought it had beautiful views, nice grounds, dear staff members, cozy & lovely rooms, and good food. Serena is supposed to be a step up in luxury. Not everyone liked Sopa food from the reports.

b) For Serengeti (i know it's hard to predict) - which area (West) vs (Central) is more likely to have the - migration? (In order to determine where to spend more time). If it's west - any comparison of Kirawira Tented Camp or Kensignton Serengeti Camp?

I think I'd go for West in late May/early June. The reason central is included is that the permanent water source in Central Serengeti means there is resident game. Plus you never can tell for sure where the migration will be.

You may wish to ask for approx hours of driving between all locations. That might affect your decision.

None of these itineraries include a visit to the Hadzabe at Lake Eyasi where you can go hunting with them. That would be a highlight cultural experience for the kids and you. You can search for Hadzabe in the search box or go to the East Africa Index and look within that thread for Hadzabe. I think the changes made below would allow for a visit.

25 Arusha. O/N African Tulip or Serena Mountain.
W1 5/26: Arusha NP walking safari. O/n African Tulip / Serena Mountain.
5/27: West Kili afternoon game drive. O/n Kambi Ya Tembo or Ndarakwai Ranch.
5/28: Game drive. O/n Kambi Ya Tembo or Ndarakwai Ranch.
V1 5/29: Drive to Lake Manyara. visit Mto-wa-Mbu. Afternoon game drive. O/n Serena Lodge or Kirurumu or E-Unoto Retreat.
5/30: Lake Manyara NP. Drive to Lake Eyasi and overnight at Kisima Ngeda Camp
5/31: Activity with Hadzabe—you can go hunting or honey gathering with them, leaving early in am, then
Drive to Ngorongoro Crater, probably no time for pm descent. O/n Serena or Sopa Lodge.
6/01: Morning Crater Tour. Leisure afternoon. O/n Serena or Sopa or do a rim hike like in the other itineraries instead of just leisure.
6/2 : If you want a second crater visit, go down for the morning again, then to Western Serengeti, O/n Kirawira or Mbalageti Camps

I think you can get a morning crater visit and end up in Western Serengeti all in one day. If not, then my idea does not work, unless you did a morning and afternoon crater visit all in one day on 6-01.

6/3: Western Serengeti. O/n Kirawira or Mbalageti Camps.
6/4: Serengeti NP. O/n Kirawira or Mbalageti Camp.
6/5: Grumeti flight to Arusha. Afternoon leisure. O/n Serena Mountain or African Tulip.
6/6: N'gresi Village on slopes of Mt. Meru. Day room at Serena or African Tulip.

My suggestion would probably come in as most expensive. We don't know what #3 is without the Hadzabe.