doryyoung

Hello All...I have been reading posts for the past couple of weeks and WOW...this is one of the best forums I've ever read! Since I am new I wanted to introduce myself..my name is Dory and I live in Hendersonville, NC-I am trying to plan my first trip to Africa and I am overwhelmed. I do not know where to start to plan this trip. Can anyone out there tell me how to begin to plan a 14 day trip? I want to "do" a safari for sure. Also want to visit the sites in Egypt. Are there any books anyone would reccomend? I have read many threads and still am so confused!! Every time I read one I have yet another question! Maybe I should start with one question...where could we (myself & husband) get a really great Safari experience-mainly seeing the big 5....NOT on a luxurty budget!
I will stop with that question even though I have a thousand more! Thank you all for any help! I look forward to being a part of this great group of travelers!
Dory

OnlyMeOirish

Welcome to Fodors Dory! I am a relative Newbie here myself - have only been posting a few months - I am only 5 weeks away from our second trip to Africa and I still have many more questions!
I'm sure many of the more experienced Fodorites will jump in to help you. Anyways, I suppose to get the ball rolling, when are you planning on going?

Leely

Hi Newbie,

I think a poster here named Jean Valjean just completed/is about to leave on a trip combining Egypt and East Africa. I would imagine he could help you very much in terms of flights, etc.

14 days will be very tight for Egypt and a safari country. Is there any way you can extend your vacation?

And, welcome aboard!!!

Nyamera

Karibu Dory,
Go to Kenya and save Egypt for another trip.
Have you had a look at the amazing East Africa Trip Report Index? http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34725679
Though most, but not all, trips in the index are on a luxury budget.
Also, to get an overview you could read some travellers guides like the very new (April this year) Lonely Planet Kenya.

doryyoung

Thank you all! I can not extend my trip-2 weeks is all I have-since we are on the topic-should I try to do the entire 2 weeks in one place or break it up & visit more places? example-SA-Kenya-mosambique? I want to safari and also see the coast (any coast) I love the ocean! Thank you Leely & Nyamera-I will look up that post on E. Africa
Dory

Patty

I wouldn't try to visit 3 countries in two weeks. Personally, I'd limit it to one but there are some that are more easily combinable than others in which case you could possibly consider two (but no more than that).

sandi

Welcome to our happy family.

No way in 14-days can you do both East and Southern Africa. Time of year can best determine whether Kenya or Tanzania are the country/iesto visit. If still looking for 2006, your best bet is likely late October, November to mid-December; otherwise, think 2007 (and even that is booking up especially the first quarter).

As to seeing the water/coast - you can do so if visiting Kenya - go to Mombasa, Lamu or Malini; if Tanzania - go to Zanzibar Island. Of course, you can go to Zanzibar if visiting Kenya, but that requires an additional Visa fee. Best to stick with one country.

You can definitely do a drive only safari in Kenya (though flights to/from the Masai Mara are recommeneded due to lousy roads)... but it's doable. As is, Tanzania doable by road.

When considering budget, besides the safari/beach portions, remember there are Visa fees, trip insurance highly recommended and inoculations and malaria meds. While the price you receive for your safari will include your accommodations, meals, game drives, vehicle, guide, internal flights (if any) - tips, drinks and sourvenir shopping will be extra.

If you'd provide dates, estimated budget, what you would like to see/do (game drives, walking safaris), type of accommodations - lodges, permanent tents, budges or semi-lux camping; anything else you feel will help us to help you, we're here to help.

GHarvey

I too am a newbie although I feel I have been reading these forums forever
My wife and I, along with our two kids (17 & 15) just booked our trip to Kenya and Egypt last week (for March 2007). We found that even with three weeks we were hard pressed to get in everything we wanted to see. I couldn't see doing it in two weeks.

atravelynn

Welcome Dory!
The time of year you travel will be helpful, as was mentioned.


GHarvey,
Could you post your itinerary? That could be helpful to Dory and others wanting to combine Kenya and Egypt.

stakerk

I can't advise re Eqpyt and am going to East Africa for the first time in August. But assuming 7 days in East Africa I would recommend staying primarily at Serena lodges for best value.

Sandi and others are the experts but I would suggest. Serena arranging a minivan to pick you in Nairobi and do the follwing:
1 night Mountain Lodge,
2 nights Samburu
1 night Sweetwaters
3 nights Mara

However, depends on time of year. Also long drive to and from the Mara.

I would suggest not going to coast. Can do Hawaii or other beach places other trips. I would want to see animals!

Kevin

waynehazle

Welcome aboard Dory, I will second that this is one of the best boards/list I have ever been on. Truly classy people, all united by our love for Africa.

I think I read a lot here before October 2005. But of course everything changes once you experience Africa all for yourself!

GHarvey

atravelynn

I am trying not to hijack dory's thread but the following is our three week itineray:

12MAR MEET AND GREET AND TRANSFER TO SAFARI CLUB
13MAR NAIROBI TO SAMBURU, STAY AT SAMBURU SERENA LODGE
14MAR SAMBURU, STAY AT SAMBURU SERENA LODGE
15MAR SAMBURU TO TREE HOTEL, STAY AT SERENA MOUNTAIN LODGE
16MAR SERENA MOUNTAIN LODGE TO LAKE NAKURU, STAY AT LAKE NAKURU LODGE
17MAR LAKE NAKURU TO MASAI MARA, STAY AT MARA SOPA LODGE
18MAR MASAI MARA, STAY AT MARA SOPA LODGE
19MAR MASAI MARA, STAY AT MARA SAROVA TENTED CAMP
20MAR MASAI MARA TO NAIROBI, DINNER AT CARNIVORE, TRANSFER
TO NAIROBI PANAFRIC HOTEL (DAY ROOM IS NOT POSSIBLE SINCE
CHECK OUT IS AT 5PM. RATE IS BASED ON OVERNIGHT)
20/21MAR TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT FOR FLIGHT

We then catch the 5 am Egyptair flight from NBO to Cairo on 21 March. We are awaiting final pricing for the Egypt 2007 season before we book that part of our trip but I am sure it will be the custumary 4 day Nile cruise, Abu Simbel, 4 days in Cairo / Giza before we fly back to Canada from Cairo on 30 March.

Dory, our motto from the beginning has been, get as much as you can, with the time and budget allowed. Once you have made your decision, don't look back. Both my wife and I have promised each other we will not utter the phrase "I wish we had..."

doryyoung

You guys are so awesome...Ive never been on a forum with such great replies! Ok-my dates are very flexible...I can pretty much go any time and I am planning this trip for 2007....so having said that...does anyone want to offer up an opinion on Kenya Vs. Somewhere else?? Kevin-you're so funny...Hawaii?? dont even get me off track!!

And GHarvey your motto is just right! that has always been my motto too! I am amazed at how much different it is to travel to Africa Vs. Europe! It seems that 2 weeks are plenty of time to see a country in Europe!
Thanks All!
Dory

pbrydie

Welcome Dory: You're very smart to join Fodors - I'm a newbie myself and I've gotten the absolute best information from this forum to help me plan my first safari (February 2007).

All your questions will be expertly answered (perhaps through you some of my additional questions will also be addressed)

Happy Planning.