Hey guys. I will be travelling to Egypt, Tanzania in Kenya in about 2 weeks.

I am doing a Western Desert tour in Egypt for about 7-8 days so if any of you guys have experience with that it would be helpful. My quote was about $1450 for the 2 of us.

But this post if more about my safari from Arusha. I will be arriving around Nov 21 or 22. I have about 4 days to do a safari, then I am doing a 3 or 4 day hike up Mount Meru, and then I have another 2 days free, then I have to go up to Nairobi on Dec 2nd.

The only things that are fixed are that I have to leave Arusha on Dec 2nd, and that I have to do the Mount Meru hike on either Nov 26-29, 27-29 or 26-28, depending on if we do it in 3 or 4 days.

For our 4 day safari, we would like to go to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater. I was thinking 1 night in Ngorongoro crater and 2 in the Serengeti. We were quoted $1125 each for park fees, transportation, guide, lodge fees, and food. This would be for staying in lodges, but I'm not sure which ones. Is the Serengeti going to be really good at that time? Where in the Serengeti should we go?

Next, any comments on whether it's worth stretching Mount Meru out for a 4th day or is it better to just knock it out in 3? We were quoted $350 each and that includes park fees, food, porters, guide, transportation, etc.

Finally, with our 2 free days, I was thinking of going to Tarangire for 2 days and one night. We were quoted $375 for this, or else $125 for a day trip with no overnight stay.

We know some people in Tanzania and they suggested using this woman who lives in Arusha, and these are the prices she gave us. Any comments or suggestions?

I can't speak to Mt. Meru or using the local woman to make your arrangements, but I can say that Tarangire was by far my favorite park.But the caveat there is I think you always like the first park you go to best. We spent 1 night in Ngorongo Crater and I thought it was a bit overrated, but maybe we just didn't have good viewing days there. The serengeti is also great.

4 days is good for 2 of the parks and the crater and serengeti are fine together. Just bear in mind it takes a LOOOONNNG time to drive from park to park (unless you are flying!) so that will eat into a lot of your time...

I have photos of all three parks and where we stayed in my blog (blogs.bootsnall.com/snarkyinla) if you want to check it out.

Hi,
Except during the April/ May rains, any time is fine to visit the Serengeti. I dont know whether the Wildebeest Phenomena is an attraction for you, and if it is you can better still check the pattern to know when/where best to have catch a glance.

all the best.

All visitors are required to present an International Yellow Fever Immunization Certificate upon arrival. It is also advisable to take anti malarial precautions before departure or consult your doctor or Travel clinic before you plan your journey to East Africa. Baggage on safari is limited to one bag, plus one small piece of hand baggage per person (excluding a camera bag). In total this should not weight more then 20kg. Suitcases and other heavier items can be stored in town hotels whilst clients are on safari. Not obligatory, but a tip for exceptional service (max 10%) will be appreciated, $10-$15 per day for driver or tour guide. Tanzania is a generally safe country but don't invite temptation.