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Looks like I'll be able to squeeze in a week long safari in Kruger before I go on a trip to Sri Lanka a few months afterwards.
How does a safari in Yala compare to an African safari? I think a week in Kruger with Andbeyond may lead to dissappointment with Yala, especially when it comes to the level of experience and training of the rangers. Is it still worth keeping Yala on the itinerary?
I've also posted this question on the Asia board.
Comparison of Yala (Sri Lanka) With A South African Safari?
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I have no clue about Yala but have been to Indian tiger parks. My trip report: 14 days meant to be a tiger safari.....
The mentality in Sri Lanka might be comparable to that in India.
The other way around might work. But andBeyond Africa first will lead to high expectations and therefore most probably lead to a disappointment.
Happy travels.
SV
You need Mohammed. Here are some of his links.
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia/sri-lanka-wildlife---leopards.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/africa-the-middle-east/sri-lanka---leopards-question-for-mohammed.cfm
I think a week in Kruger with Andbeyond may lead to dissappointment with...
You could fill in the blank with lots of places if your expectations are not adjusted.
Wow! Mohammed's shots were very convincing! Thank you for finding those links Lynn. I had done a search but missed those posts.
Spassvogel, glad you answered because I was thinking very specifically about your situation. You had said (I think) that India did not compare very well to Africa, but I see you are planning a return visit?
Looks like Andbeyond has dropped Latin America from their map. Does anyone have any more info on that?
Femi
Yes you are right: India is totally different regarding game drives, "mentality" of locals when doing game drives etc. You obviously have read my report.
And YES - definitely we are thinking of returning to India in 2010. Again in May/June despite the dry heat.
The longer we thought about our India experiences and the more time went by the more sure we became to go back to see these gracious cats again - before they are going to be extinct.
Maybe next time we include Jaipur etc. and we will also get back to Agra to visit the Taj again.
Obviously we needed to ease after we returned to fully comprehend what we saw and experienced.
Happy travels!
SV
Regarding South America/andBeyond.
When I last spoke to one of the reps he was convinced to be able to GUARANTEE panther sightings in their South American camp by 2011. I will again have the opportunity to speak to N.Fitzgerald in Dec. If I hear something I'll revert to you. Can I send you an pm? Have no clue how that functions via fodors.
SV
Panther sightings would be fantastic, I don't think you can PM with Fodor's, but respond to one of my threads and I'll be sure to see it. I was trying to incoporate Andbeyond's lodges into any future travel to Latin America, but looks like it's a no go at least for now (?) India is on my list because of them, but rather further down unless I spot some really good deals.
Yes, I find that I enjoy my trips more in retrospect. The longer I've been home, the more nostalgic I become.
I think I will still visit Yala. After seeing Mohammed's photos (no guarantees of course) I'd be nuts not to go.
Femi
I am sure you have seen andBeyond's rates starting from 16 April to end of June 2010. It's HOT but dry and "only" 400US$pppn everything included.
SV
Even better is a 33% discount on offer. If that had been valid for the end of next year, I might have been going to India instead of South Africa. And, since I must book 11 months in advance (so I can request frequent flyer tickets) I really wish they would post specials for dates further out.
The report that answers my original question is posted here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia/of-wildlife-and-tea-a-sri-lankan-sojourn.cfm
thanks Femi - how about your answer here summarized in two/three sentences?
regards - tom
Overall I found the safari experience in Sri Lanka to be different, but just as enjoyable as in Africa.
Landscape - This time of year (February) was lush. Makes me think I should give green season in Africa more consideration.
Wildlife - Less mammal diversity, but watching animal bahaviour was just as fascinating.
Birdlife - Out of this world. Never been anywhere with as much variety. Or have I just never noticed?
Accommodations - Far less choice. I used a mobile camp outfitter which I think made a huge difference to the overall safari experience.
thanks Femi, you would go back to Sri Lanka for more of same?
regards - tom
Right now, I'm thinking 'Yes'. I'd like to spend more time in Wilpattu as well as Yala, and there were a few parks I never made it to that I would like to see.