Part 2:
We left the Masai Mara and flew to the Serengeti via a weird international border crossing. We flew into a border crossing airstrip, went through immigration, then got back on the plane to our ultimate destination. We stayed at the Elewana Pioneer Camp. This camp was pretty much similar to the Sand River camp except the common area was much larger and had a fantastic view of the Serengeti. There were NO outlets in the tents, however, so while most women are able to wash and let their hair dry naturally, I am not one of them, and had to wash my hair one afternoon and dry it in a central charging tent after they turned on the generator for me. A bit inconvenient, but not show-stopping.
In both camps we had a 'bush' breakfast, a wonderful experience where the guide sets up a table, nicely set with silverware, plates, etc., and we had coffee & a varied breakfast spread, egg, tomato and cheese sandwiches on sourdough, muffins, quiche, fruit, yogurt, etc. Magical! At the Serengeti camp we were taken for a full sunrise breakfast at a vantage point just a short drive from the camp, where the kitchen staff had set up to cook omelettes! It was simply over the top---I can't imagine what Four Seasons or andBeyond does that would be better!
Routines were the same at both camps. We skipped another afternoon drive because I was simply so tired from getting up so early! We had seen even more of the animals we wanted to see (the Serengeti had larger 'herds' than the Mara. Each was a bit different experience.
Last but certainly not least, we flew to another airstrip and began our final night at Ngorongoro Crater, staying at the Elewana Manor at Ngorongoro. Well, upon arrival at 1815, and touring the property with the manager, we got mad. We only had one night at this fantastic luxurious old coffee plantation manor that I could have stayed for days at. We had our own butler and more place settings of silverware I've had anywhere! We had to leave at 0700 the next morning! After a beautiful candlelight dinner, again, off to bed in our 'suite'. Anyway, to backtrack, we saw the rhino at the Crater! That was the last animal we had wanted to see.
If you are on the fence about going, I don't hesitate to recommend Elewana Collection. I've stayed at Ritz Carltons and I cannot find any better service there than we had at our 3 properties. This would be an outstanding family vacation for all ages----even if an older family member had some mobility issues, they could still go, as you are sitting in a vehicle most of the day, and not too much walking at the camps. Just do it!