KSinNYC

Hi, we are going to be spending 3 nights and Chitabe Lebida and 3 nights in Little Vumbura in a few weeks (mid-October). We were told that the cost for a private guide is an extra $2070 for 6 nights (for 2 people). We were told the cost is $175 per person per night.

Is it worth the money to have a private guide? If we don't, will we end up in a vehicle of lots of people? What is the max we could have in our vehicle?

We are tempted to pass on the private guide. If we change our mind later, is it possible to book later/in country?

We've looked for this info but can't figure out the answer. Thank you in advance.

atravelynn

I think the most in a Wilderness vehicle is six. Three rows with two in each row.

If you are serious photographers a private guide is a good idea. If you have very special interests that are not likely shared by others on safari it is a good idea.

I do not hire private guides as a rule. To me it is almost never worth the extra money in Southern Africa.

If you change your mind, it might be hard to arrange the private guide once you arrive because the staff and vehicles have already been allotted.

Have a good trip.

HariS

Is it worth it? only you have to deceide..... depending on

1.) How important is photography to yuo?
2.) Do wish you to stay out for longer hours in the bush? or can you convince the group (max of 6 in the land cruiser) that the more time spent out in the bush is the very reason you went on safari?

If you get co-travellers who aren't likeminded, i guess you can request to be changed to another car.

Last minute private vehicle -don't know, as camps may or may not have availability of vehicle/guides.

Hari

HariS

Mid October - we read on a pretty recent thread that October is relatively quiet at the camps, so the camps may not be full anyways.

KSinNYC

Well, we like photography but an extra bunch of photos won't make or break our enjoyment of the trip. And we could take the $2k and buy pretty nice camera equipment for our next trip.

cary999

There was a thread on this started 9/22, "private guide VS lodge provided guide?". Check it out.
regards - tom

Mohammed

Is that $2070 extra upcharge for a private guide with a private vehicle or just the guide charges?

IMHO the prices in Soutern Africa especially Botswana are really ridiculous and will probably remain that way as long as there are big spenders who don't care what they pay and are willing to pay these rates. Botswana private game reserves have been marketed well!

HariS

yes, sounds like vehicle included!

Tomsfries

It depends. At first hand I find it to expensive. More than that, there comes a social effect to meet different people from different countries. You can share moments with them. If there´s not a lot to see, what sometimes happens, you can have fun with these people and you are not stuck to yourself and your guide. That´s something that we also like on safari. If you are not a pro photografer there´s no reason for me to use a private guide and car in Botswana. There´s only six of you, who share the same passion.
Thomas

safarichuck

Your price is for the vehicle and the guide. Those are the standard Wilderness fees, Kwando is less. It sounds as though you are not "into" photography to the degree some are and a private vehicle shouldn't be necessary. They seldom put six in a vehicle (6 passenger Land Rover, 3 seats abreast). We are very involved with our photography so we hire a private vehicle. Having your own guide also gives you lots of other flexibility. You can stay with some sightings as long as you like, unless several vehicles from different camps arrive to share. Still, if it's your first safari I think you would be more than happy with the provided arrangements. You may end up with your own vehicle anyway, it just depends on how full the camp is and what the others have arranged. By the way the guides at Chitabe Lebida (Newman in particular) are fantastic, but all are good. Save your $ for that camera gear to take on your next safari. This is a good time to start planning
Cheers-Chuck