Hello Julian,
First, we want to thank you for making a memorable trip truly exceptional.
Although, the trip did not start on a good foot the first day, the rest went perfectly like clock work. Thanks to you. The Tanzanian Air flight from Dar Es salaam to Arusha was delayed three and half hours, which got us into Arusha Coffee Lodge about 2:45 AM. I would suggest in the future to book the Precision Air Flight which was on time. Even if the international flight is delayed, there is another Precision Air flight later on.
Regardless, the next day was a completely different story. The Coffee Lodge was nice and the hospitality was great even at the 3:00AM check in.
Our driver Daniel was outstanding as guide, was a book of knowledge and always accommodating. His admiration of our kids made him even more pleasant to have.
Tarangire was great as we saw the three cats in our first day: lions hunting, three cheetahs crossed right in front of our vehicle, and a leopard in a far away tree. The Treetops were truly amazing and the people were extremely nice. Everything included in the price, even all drinks and laundry, made it even nicer.
If we were to change another thing in the itinerary, it would be to skip Lake Manyara along with the Serena Lodge there. The rooms were shabby and the people inhospitable. I had to fight with them to bring another fan since the one we had made a terrible noise. Eventually, they gave me the managerʼs fan. Having to pay for drinks and even bottled water and juice made things worst, especially when they charged us corking fees for opening our own bottle of wine at dinner.
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge was nice and more pleasant. The head waiter canceled the corking fee when we complained. They were definitely more accommodating there. We still had to pay for bottled water and juice though. The Ngorongoro crater was amazing as we saw five lions feasting on a kill close by and many hyenas from close up . The male lion sprayed the vehicle in front of us, which gave everyone a laugh.
On our drive from Ngorongoro to Manyara airport, we asked our driver, Daniel to find and stop at school away from all the tourist stops. We had some small tokens and gifts for the kids. That in itself was an unbelievable experience. Seeing all these smiling school faces despite their extreme poverty made you appreciate all your blessings. Upon leaving, we could see huge smiles in their faces as they waved with their gifts in hand.
Flying to the Serengeti was the best thing that we did, as there was another couple who drove the trip and it took them 11 hours. They looked really beat, even the next morning. Lemala camp was ok but the guide/driver there was useless. I guess our standards were high because of our first driver Daniel.
Switching to Sayari camp was the best thing we did. Barbara and Jo who run the Sayari camp were nice and extremely accommodating. That made the stay so peaceful. Also, the facilities were everything that you wanted. Definitely, everyone chose the Sayari much over Lemala.
Now, the high point of our trip was our last day at Sayari, where we patiently awaited the migration of the wildebeest. Our patience paid off, as we were the only vehicle to see the migration. That was the most amazing scene that you can ever experience. We saw hundreds of them stampede and eventually cross the Mara River. No Nile crocs to feed on them though, as I think they were still full and basking in the sun from the wildebeest crossing and feast, just before our arrival to the Serengeti.
As you see, our trip was beyond our wildest expectations for everyone, and we want to thank you for making it so perfect.
Sincerely,
M Al-Natour 2008
