SA to Serengeti ongoing trip

[apfac]

Hi daafvader,

Just follow this link ( https://www.discoverafrica.com/herdtracker/) and you have your last update on the herd.Do not know about the NCA fees at the gate, Try to ask in Arusha.

Safari njema!

AP

[Wazungu Wawili]

This is from the official Ngorongoro Conservation Area website. It explains precisely how to pay for entering the NCA.

http://www.ngorongorocrater.go.tz/in...-february-2017

[Kiri]

Daafvader, thanks for sharing your trip and Blog. It is people like you that add "unique spice" to this forum and the spirit of adventure...

[Kiri]

Stan Weakley, and thanks for your travel input too...

[daafvader]

This is from the official Ngorongoro Conservation Area website. It explains precisely how to pay for entering the NCA.

http://www.ngorongorocrater.go.tz/in...-february-2017

Thanks.

[Carol28]

Some super photos on your blog daafvader. Thanks!

[daafvader]

Thanks guys. So turns out you cant pay at the gate(ngorongoro) you have to pay in karatu(with a card). But if you enter ngorongoro from naabi you can just pay there. Weird.

As for the herds, the reason I asked was that I was getting mixed messages. Travellers going the other way, assured me the herds were in the west. Herdtracker claimed they were at ikoma or already on masai mara. In the park we at last figured out that the herds were more spread out than usual because of rain and that our best chances lay in the north.

Busy updating the blog...

[apfac]

But if you enter ngorongoro from naabi you can just pay there. Weird.

These are great news, if one has any alteration on the initial plans (entry through Naabi and exiting somewhere else) and has to return again through the Naabi gate. Before would be impossible. This was a situation that I was confronted while planning to exit through Klein´s, as some early rains occurred two days before. Fortunately the road to Natron was one of the "smoothest" we found.

Happy and safe return.

Safari Njema,

AP

[robzero]

Hi Daafvader

What an amazing trip you guys are on, only read through it tonight. I unfortunately don't have any input or help towards your trip. Just really amazed at how great your build up and preparation was. Through to the great times and photos and stories you have provided. We are planning a smaller scale trip next year and reading through your blog has affirmed my need to pursue this trip. I have never left South Africa so really looking forward to it. Hope your trip continues to be safe and good.

Have you had any breakdown or flat tires or needed recovery/self recovery anywhere etc? Would love to get some pics of you guys sorting out the situations. If any, in that beast of a vehicle!

Rob

[daafvader]

Thanks Rob. It is nice to know the blog is appreciated - it is a lot of work!
Ill think i have some vids etc of toughish situations, ill try and post them here soon.

[daafvader]

Ok new updates posted to blog - http://wildetye.co.za/trip/tanzania2...e/a19-kapishya. Enjoy reading. We're almost back home.

[Albert Ross]

Thanks for the Blog details. Most helpful as I am heading that way in September and have been seeking news of the A104 from Manyara to Iringa and on to Mbeya.

[daafvader]

Thanks for the Blog details. Most helpful as I am heading that way in September and have been seeking news of the A104 from Manyara to Iringa and on to Mbeya.

There is about 50km of roadworks between Tarangire and Dodoma, but after that it is really quick - you can do 120 most of the way, there are very few small villages and 50km/h zones.

Between Iringa and Mbeya is a nightmare though - roadworks for a big part of the way and the diversions are in terrible shape. Some of the diversions are also really steep/single lane so the trucks back up and stand still - we stood still for 20minutes sometimes. After you clear the roadworks the road is still not very good, the tar looks like someone drove on it when it was still wet so it has these tracks in it like a sand/mud trail and you can't really give space to trucks unless you go out of the ruts completely.

In summary, a stopover at Kisolanza is highly advisable. We also bought some fresh produce from them which was of very high quality. Their restaurant is also pretty good.

[Albert Ross]

Thanks. Really helpful. I had been sweating on that drive and indeed ran my own topic asking for details. It was/is the one leg of our trip that was of concern. We can now tackle it with confidence.
Not so worried about onwards from Iringa as we will be turning off there into Ruaha for a few days following which we head for Tunduma in easy stages before heading north for Katavi.
Thanks again for the information.
Back on topic.