Private driver/guide vs. camp/lodge driver/guide
Apr 29th, 2010, 04:16 AM
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Private driver/guide vs. camp/lodge driver/guide
Hi I am not quite clear on this point and have some questions. If we do a private "drive" safari in Kenya and Tanzania, will our driver guide be allowed to guide/drive in all places? Or if we stay in small private camps will we have to use their vehicles and drivers? I have read a lot of posts and people have had great experiences both ways. I understand that if you do a "fly" safari you would use the camp vehicles and drivers. I don't mind spending a little longer getting from place to place. driving (small planes also freak me out!!) And one important issue is, would it be more economical to have the driver/guide drive and guide ? Thanks
Apr 29th, 2010, 07:26 AM
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On a "drive" safari, the guide/driver are one and the same and their job is to guide and drive and they do this very well. I'd say that more than half of the visitors to Kenya and Tanzania go on "driving" safaris.
When you say "will the guide be able to drive all places?" - yes, to the various parks/reserve that are on your itinerary. They know where, how and time needed to get from place to place between parks when moving from one to another.
These would be FB=full-board safaris using your own private guide/vehicle. If a "flying" safari (which you indicate you'd prefer NOT), would be considered a GP=game package safari using guide/vehicle provided by the camp which are small with between 4-10/tents only. Be aware though that a number of the large camps only accept guests on a GP basis only, so you have to fly.
When you say "will the guide be able to drive all places?" - yes, to the various parks/reserve that are on your itinerary. They know where, how and time needed to get from place to place between parks when moving from one to another.
These would be FB=full-board safaris using your own private guide/vehicle. If a "flying" safari (which you indicate you'd prefer NOT), would be considered a GP=game package safari using guide/vehicle provided by the camp which are small with between 4-10/tents only. Be aware though that a number of the large camps only accept guests on a GP basis only, so you have to fly.
Apr 29th, 2010, 10:10 AM
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The quality of guiding on these "drive" safaris is very hit or miss. Ask for references, and ensure before hand that you are getting a good "guide". I specify the term "guide" as opposed to the term "driver". Reason I mention this, I had a terrible experience in 2002 and have been afraid to return ever since then to Tanzania.
Apr 29th, 2010, 10:14 AM
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<i>If we do a private "drive" safari in Kenya and Tanzania, will our driver guide be allowed to guide/drive in all places?</i>
Yes in all national parks/reserves and many private conservancies but there are some private conservancies that place restrictions on this.
<i>Or if we stay in small private camps will we have to use their vehicles and drivers?</i>
As sandi indicated if you have your own vehicle and guide your accommodations are generally booked on a full board as opposed to game package basis. However not all accommodations offer both options and some can only be booked on a game package basis.
<i>And one important issue is, would it be more economical to have the driver/guide drive and guide?</i>
Generally speaking, driving costs less than flying and the more people you have in your party, the more economical driving becomes as you're dividing the cost of the vehicle among more passengers. For solo travelers, driving is not necessarily more economical (if using private vehicle).
Yes in all national parks/reserves and many private conservancies but there are some private conservancies that place restrictions on this.
<i>Or if we stay in small private camps will we have to use their vehicles and drivers?</i>
As sandi indicated if you have your own vehicle and guide your accommodations are generally booked on a full board as opposed to game package basis. However not all accommodations offer both options and some can only be booked on a game package basis.
<i>And one important issue is, would it be more economical to have the driver/guide drive and guide?</i>
Generally speaking, driving costs less than flying and the more people you have in your party, the more economical driving becomes as you're dividing the cost of the vehicle among more passengers. For solo travelers, driving is not necessarily more economical (if using private vehicle).
Apr 29th, 2010, 11:09 AM
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I agree with HarriS,
The Quqlity of Guiding,knowledge of attraction,matters a lot,the guide should be proffetional,usually he is also the Driver,for Kenya there is an organization for Tour Guides,(K.P.S.G.A)Kenya proffetinal Safari Guide Association.They give members a card.
Driving is usually cheaper especially when you are many,the more you are the cheaper it becomes,tour companies organize for group safaris if you fit in their program.
With driving you will see more than a flight.
Enjoy ur trip.
The Quqlity of Guiding,knowledge of attraction,matters a lot,the guide should be proffetional,usually he is also the Driver,for Kenya there is an organization for Tour Guides,(K.P.S.G.A)Kenya proffetinal Safari Guide Association.They give members a card.
Driving is usually cheaper especially when you are many,the more you are the cheaper it becomes,tour companies organize for group safaris if you fit in their program.
With driving you will see more than a flight.
Enjoy ur trip.
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