Africa Safari Planning Help Needed

Old Nov 18th, 2004, 12:11 AM
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Africa Safari Planning Help Needed

I am able to take 4 weeks sometime next year sometime after May and travel to Africa. It will be my first trip to Africa. I would like to plan a trip that would include (most importantly) Rwanda (to trek to see the Mountain Gorillas), then Tanzania, Botswana, Kenya, Vic Falls and Capetown, probably in that order of importance.

I will be traveling alone as a single, older female (unless any of you want to go with me!) and need to find a way to put this all together with one or more suppliers. Would like to keep costs reasonable. I am am amateur photographer and want reasonable safari vehicles to shoot from (need a window seat and access to photograph). If there is one outfitter who can arrange all, great. If not, I am willing to work with several and / or put something together on my own if anyone can recommend outfitters to work with. Any help appreciated! I am flexible on the time of year to go (after May) and am willing to go off season if that would reduce costs and not impair my ability to see and photography wildlife.
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Old Nov 18th, 2004, 05:19 AM
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hi wanderlust,
i'm not sure where you are from but if u are in the us, a couple of operators that deal with all those places are africa-adventure.com and ultimateafrica.com. i am using the former in a trip to botswana and zimbabwe in jan and i know they are very knowledgeable about east africa as well so maybe give them a call. in 4 weeks, you should have time to visit all of your requested countries, just a matter of how much u are willing to spend as safaris will get very expensive if u are staying at the more luxurious lodges. good luck planning and post back with details when u get them.
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Old Nov 26th, 2004, 01:00 PM
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Wanderlust,
Big country mentioned africa-adventure.com. I have done 8 trips with them to various parts of Africa and #9 will be in August. They can do everything anywhere in Africa. The last trip with them included Rwanda and the gorillas. You are going at a good time of year for gorilla trekking--dry season. The owner of Africa Adventure, Mark Nolting, has a great book on safaris, AFRICA'S TOP WILDLIFE COUNTIRES, that is helpful. That's how I found out about this company. 4 weeks is super, have fun.

Lynn
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Old Dec 1st, 2004, 01:48 PM
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Wanderlust:

Way to go!!! I'm JEALOUS, you lucky woman!

I was born in Africa, have visited several times since coming to the States.

There are so many good options. If I were you, I'd find a good travel agent based in S Africa.

Better prices, more accurate information on properties; more first-hand info - period.
And personally, I'd rather place my money with someone locally who (I believe) has more interest in the trip.
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Old Dec 1st, 2004, 01:49 PM
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P.S. I used [email protected]
Lise Kaargard was my agent
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Old Dec 1st, 2004, 01:58 PM
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Oh good grief:
[email protected]
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Old Dec 5th, 2004, 03:59 AM
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wanderlust123 - I would suggest you look into Uganda if you want to see the Gorillas. Magahinga is likely your best best and is cheaper than Bwindi. You can get a permit in Kampala at Let's Go Travel. Hiring a vehicle to get you there will be about $100 per day including a driver. I can give you contacts if you need. When you get to Uganda you need to travel from Kampala to Kabaale - spend the night and then from there travel to the gorillas.

After the trek I suggest that you take a flight to Kilimanjaro in Tanzania (about $250 one way on Air Tanzania but there is also the bus which is an adventure all on its own via Nairobi!)and go to Ngorongoro Crater for a day and then head to the Serengeti for a camping safari. Camp one night at Lobo campsite (amazing and few tourists up there - I was there three weeks ago and we were the only ones camping there which is rare for the Serengeti!). The next day travel through the Western Corridor and camp at DikDik campsite in Seronera. The thrid day travel through the Kopjes on the plains. Despite what others may tell you it is possible to do Ngorongoro and the Serengeti in three days. If your timing is correct and you want to go in February/March you may catch the annual migration having their little ones. It is AMAZING to see as about 90% of the Wildebeest have their babies in the span of about two to three weeks. The migration is now passing through Seronera headding towards the plains. After Serengeti I would fly over to Zanzibar (about $200 USD on Precision Air from Kili to Zanzibar - daily flights) and spend a few days on the beach before going south to Botswana. I used to live in Uganda and now call Arusha home. Please let me know if you need more information.

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Old Dec 8th, 2004, 02:48 PM
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When in Kenya (Nairobi) go to Gametrackers. My travel partner and I arranged two safaris with them. Here's the important thing for a photographer on safari....will it be private...? We scored two private safaris at no extra cost with a guide and a cook (2to2 ratio)! That means that you can stop and shoot for however you want, whenever you want. With a truck load of other tourists you're screwed with seat assignments (everyone wants the best seats)and flexibility (try to please 6-10 Western tourists). good luck.
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