Safari Holiday At Serengeti

[leopold]

Hello,
Anyone from around the Arusha area who can give me good tips on organising a safari to serengeti? I am going down to Tanzania with my son in july. The plan is to go to Arusha and organise a trip to the Serengeti once we are there.
Any info on places to stay and how to get around Arusha and Karatu are also welcome.

Asante, Leo

[LOW BURNER]

You can try Bushbuck safari's, Bobby Tours, and if you have some cash to burn try Tanzania Game Trackers. TGT will be out of this world as far as accomodation, meals, equiptment, wildlife, ect. Nice people and they have their own air charter...Northern Air Charter. Arusha Tourist Hotel is where I stayed. It is in a back alley across from the Backbackers. Sounds sketchy but the accomodation is great and I paid around $40 US a night. The hotel has amazing views of Meru. If you want to spend a little more money there are some impressive hotels in the area but cant recall any of their names. If you get an international licence, which only cost me $15 at home, you can rent a car to get around the area. Travel isnt too bad and Arusha is real safe. Check out Massai camp if you need a night of entertainment. There are usually lots of travellers in there and it can turn into a great night. The Backpackers has a decent restaurant on the top floor with some great views of the city and cheapish beers. Have fun. Oh ya. If you book with TGT you wont have to worry about anything while you are there. Transport, Meals, Accomodation, all 5 Star. Bring some mosquito repellant. Nights can make you crazy if they are buzzing in your ear.

[leopold]

Thanks a lot for the info Low Burner. Nobody from Arusha around to give tips to a felow aviator? Cheers

[Vialengai]

Hi Leopold. A lot depends on your budget. You can fly around the Serengeti with some very good companies and stay in fabulous lodges...but at a price. Alternatively you can take a vehcle and driver on an exclusive basis for middle of the road or buy a seat in vehicle tour. I would reccommend dealing with a specialist tour operator in your country...alternatively you will find some good ones on ATTA: African Travel and Tourism Association. Good luck.

[172driver]

Leopold, you don't say HOW you want to do your safari. I have done it some years ago by simply hiring a chap with a VW bus (the ones where you can open the roof) for a week myself. Certainly didn't break the bank and was great experience

[organ donor]

I had a holiday there last year, and used Mauly tours, based in Moshi. They organise a car and driver, plus all hotels, and make up an itinnery(?) suitable for your budget.
Its worth stopping off on your way to Serengeti at Ngorogoro for a day or so to split up the journey a bit. There is a hotel on top of the crater with some mind blowing views.
One thing you must do it the balloon safari in the serengeti, it was a fantastic experience. All the hotels in serengeti advertise it.
If you are in a rush for time, catch a charter from Kili straight into the serengeti. These guys are well advertised, but you will miss out on a great drive from Arusha to serengeti. (takes 2 days).

Have fun.

[leopold]

Thanks Vialengai, 172driver and organ donor for all the info. It looks like we'll be going for the car+driver option with a stop at Ngoro Ngoro.
Fly safely.