TucanCosta2009

Ding Ding - Round 2 of my safari planning.

Okay I was living a dream when I started to look at Kiliwarriors 16 day gold package for August based on some recommendations as a good itinerary. I did love the flow and lodges Eben has selected in today’s terms. However, the ranges right now are in the cost ranges of $16-$20,000 for 2 people from at least 3 companies that priced it out for me – ouch. It has some great lodges but here is what I am now thinking to bring costs down and days down so I can get into a range of like $10-$12,000 for the 2 of us.

Here are the locations and nights I want to spend at each and looking for thoughts on this from you board members – perhaps you can recommend ordering them as it makes the most sense to minimize on driving and flying if necessary.
• I still want 10-12 days in country and not travel days counted. What I mean is day 1 arrive in Naiobi from the USA and day 12 depart Naiobi for USA. Nope nope that doesn't count in how I want to see it play out. I want day 1 to be the day we are heading out to the bush from Naiobi if that makes sense.
• I still want to see Tanzania and Kenya specifically the following areas and estimated days in each:
o Lake Manyara – 1 nights
o Northern Serengeti – 2 to 3 nights (preference 2)
o Tarangire park – 2 to 3 nights (preference 3)
o Ngorongoro Crater – 2 nights
o Masai Mara (Kenya) – 3 nights a must if I am going to travel there.

Other things I have decided or now know.
• My target safari date is going to be first 2-3 weeks in August 2011.
• I have to use frequent flyer miles to Naiobi on United via one of these 3 partners to get there from Chicago area – Swiss Airlines out to Zurich or Emirates Airlines has daily flights from New York (JFK) to Dar es Salaam or Nairobi via Dubai or Turkish Airlines from Chicago direct to Istanbul to Nairobi.
• I understand I will use Precise air or Kenya airlines to get from Naiobi to Kilimanjaro area (Arusha) either the night we arrive or early the next morning to kick off our safari.
• My budget is growing in terms of what I am willing to spend with a $12,000 cap excluding getting there, tips, the usual items excluded by most companies.
• I am not interested sorry to say in going to museums, orphanages and villages to tour – just game drives and I know those provide value to folks but just simply not interested .
• Not interested in Zanzibar or other beach areas as an extension – safari only is the focus of this trip.
• I still want to keep this a private safari for me and the Mrs. for her 40th Bday.
• I want to be in modest tents vs. large lodges but costs is a factor and willing to splurge for some areas such as in Tarangire whether that is at Swala Tented Lodge, Olivers or Kikoti Tented Lodge to have a unique experience at least in one park to last a lifetime.

I am getting discouraged to be honest on the few prices I have been quoted or seen for tours on various provider web sites. At the same time, I really don’t want to give up on the dream of going to Africa but have to be more realistic while planning this once in lifetime trip. We simply don’t have the financial means to come back nor is it my philosophy to do so as the world is to big a place and too many places on my list to see. As always, your help is appreciated in advance.

PS -
Here is my process I plan to implement to get to the right places, company and safari to us. Once I nail down # of days and locations then I will look at Round #3 of lodges and ranking them in terms of preference between now and May 2010. Round #4 – Question development of what is to be asked of companies in selection process between now and April 2010. Round #5 to be sent with 2011 pricing in May 2010 will be looking at what safari companies will get my proposal request and how to grade their responses outside of bottom line costs and Round #6 – Finalist and selections to be made after flight path and airline tickets purchased in Sept 2010.

DonTopaz

Indeed. Planning can be a wonderful thing. But, as with other wonderful things such as Veuve Clicquot, too much is as bad or worse than none at all.

You are 2-1/2 years away from the date of your trip, and 1-1/2 years away from the time you would actually engage an agent or outfitter. As a matter of courtesy, I think you must mention this to any agent/outfitter whom you contact. It is certainly possible that some agents, especially if they are busy with current clients, might choose not to put together $$ quotes for you. Not only because the trip is so far away, but also because they haven't any clue about prices. I doubt that 2010 prices are available yet, let alone 2011 prices.

I guess I'm wondering what it is, exactly, that you are looking to do right now (or between right now and 14 months from now, in May 2010)?

TucanCosta2009

I always as a courtesy have disclosed my dates as you outlined Rizzuto to anyone I have gotten a basic idea from on pricing. What my intent right now is to see what areas I should concentrate on in terms of parks which I think I have nailed down but am now looking for people to tell me if the number of days at each are good or should I add/subtract some out of the mix. I am also looking for advice on the best flow in parks I have selected to see where I can cut driven down to a minimum and when I should/should not fly so that can help shape a plan to get priced out.

My end goal is to have a solid itinerary I can squirrel away to shop several months in advance (May 2010). The parks aren't going anywhere just camps so that is why I am staying to identifying for now the parks and flow.

Then I will turn my attention over to the questions I should ask each outfitter when I am ready to get formal proposals with the itinerary I am trying to piece together now.

My initial goal of sending to 1-3 outfitters was to get a sense if I am dreaming to big and how much I have to dial that back in to make Africa a reality on my budget. I have to tell you that I could get a hell of a vacation anywhere else in the world for $12,000 for the 2 of us for 10 days. But have my heart is set on taking the wife to Africa for her 40th. I am trying to make an initial determination if I need to move on for now and do this trip when we are older or continue to pursue based on input from the board and a handful of providers.

atravelynn

Your itinerary looks reasonable. Try Roy's or Good Earth since much of your time is in Tanzania.

TucanCosta2009

Thanks atravelynn