tanner_hector

I am trying to put together a trip to Egypt only for 2 days and then spend about 2 weeks throughout Africa. Not sure as beginners where we should start out in Africa and how long we should be on a safari, I hear it can be physically exhausting day after day. We would like to see the great migration, be in the wild as well explore the small communities and interact with the locals. Does anyone have advice from a trip they may have done and also what is a great time of year to go when the great migration is in full swing, I understand the rains have a lot to do with what migrating you will see. We are planning to go sometime during September, October or November. I have found that September may be a great month.
Also it seems that local African Agencies are a far better route and less expensive in comparison to US Travel Agencies? Any suggestions for reputable local agencies?
Any Suggestions would be greatly appreciated??
Thank You,
Tanner

sandi

"two weeks throughout Africa" I don't think so.

Internal African flights are on weird schedules, not many to all destinations, take time and tend to be costly compared to what we're used to in the West.

Sept is excellent for either Kenya or Tanzania or a combo of each. Know though that Visas are required for each at USD$50/Kenya and USD$100/Tanzania, along with malaria meds also the Yellow Fever inoculation with proof of same for entry from Kenya to Tanzania.

Prices are seasonal and Sep or Oct will be at the highest rates, while by Nov with possible 'short' rains, prices do come down somewhat. And, know that even at this date early May, many properties are already fully booked. In the end, a lot will depend on your budget.

The migration will be in Kenya's Masai Mara during this month; by the time Oct arrives, some herds 'might' start return trip to the Northern Serengeti of Tanzania. Of course, never any guarantee exactly where the herds will be as some years they remain in the Mara thru Nov.

Besides the Mara, both countries have other areas to visit that are known for specific or unique game, as elephants, zebra, predators, etc. Only the Ngorongoro Crater is unique to Tanzania where you can visit 6/hrs only that is often the busiest stop in this country and either receive raves or 'big deal.'

Also, assume you're looking for a 'private' vs 'group' safari, so you can design where you wish to visit rather than what someone else feels best for you.

If you haven't done so yet, suggest you pick-up copy of Fodor's "Complete Safari Planning Guide" for further details re all of the safari countries. This guide also includes a list of tour operators, in both the US and local to these countries.

TracksBerg2013

When planning an African safari the general rule is to allow at least 2 nights (3 days) at each safari location though there are locations where 1 night (2 days) is practical, obviously the longer you are on safari the more you see at a relaxed pace of travel

During the great migration, June to July is a transitional period between the rains and the dry season as the wildebeests concentrate on the few remaining green patches of savannah.

Between July and October it’s when the migration is in full swing. The wildebeests reside in the Masai Mara grazing the lush green grasses that the earlier rains encouraged. This final push North results in a massing along the banks of the swollen Mara river producing one of the most spectacular sights.
The mass of over 2 million animals cover the savannah and grassland as far as the eye can see, predation by the Leopard, Lion and Hyena at this time is great simply due to numbers a time of plenty for all.

During the safari you will have a chance to interact with the locals as Kenya is home to many different ethnic and cultural groups, with swathes of migrants who have helped shape the region. Possibly the most famous of these are the fabled semi-nomadic Masai people, who are known for their survival abilities and hunting expertise. But there are countless different tribes in Kenya, each with its own language, religions and other cultural practices.

tanner_hector

Thank you both so much for your reply. These are great insights to help us plan our first Africa trip.
I cannot thank you enough, greatly appreciated!

TracksBerg2013

You are welcome and all the best with the trip.