lisa

We are just starting to look into potential safari destinations for November 2005. Noticed that Kenya is still on the State Department travel advisory list, but Tanzania is not...hmmm.... How is game viewing in Tanzania in November generally? The only other destination we have been to in Africa was South Africa (Kruger/Sabi Sands). How does Tanzania compare for game viewing and in terms of cost? Can anyone recommend moderately-priced game viewing accommodations in Tanzania?

sandi

Of course it makes no sense for Kenya to be on the State Department list and not Tanzania...hmmm! Remember, both embassies were bombed in '98, and both countries "might" have the some issues. The advisory does not say NOT TO GO, rather to be aware, the same for travel anywhere in the world today.

We've traveled to Kenya and Tanzania on various trips in November, and while this is "short rain" season - occasional quick 1/2-hr afternoon thunderstorms, more often overnight showers - certainly doesn't inhibit gameviewing. Gameviewing was excellent in both countries whenever we've visited.

There are accommodations at all price ranges, whether for lodges, tent camps, mobile camping or adventure camping - the decision is yours. Traveling in November, you will find that the wildebeest migration should be heading back from the Masai Mara in Kenya to the Northeastern Serengeti, so it is a good idea to spend time here. Of course, a stop at the Ngorongoro crater. And you should consider some time in Kenya. But not knowing how long you plan for your holiday or budget it's difficult to provide much more detail.

I would suggest you contact an in-country tour operator and work thru them to put together an itinerary for you. Many on this board use Roy Safaris in Arusha who can offer excellent service and competitive pricing for both Tanzania and Kenya. Contact them by email thru their website, tell them what you'd like and go from there.

lisa

Thank you, Sandi. This is exactly the kind of input I was looking for. This will be at least a 2-week trip, possibly slightly longer than that (we are using frequent flier miles so we have to take what we can get in terms of dates). I will take a look at Roy Safaris. I am also looking at some of 2afrika's land-only packages.

sandi

2afrika is good for 1st-timers to Africa, and especially budget concious. That's not to say that return visitors or those with more money to spend, don't use 2afrika for a 2nd or 3rd trip. However, their itineraries have set dates, so deviation is almost impossible, as is alternate lodging. And while a number of posters here have been lucky with 2afrika in being the only participants on a particular safari, their programs are, in fact, group tours. Something to consider in your planning.

JazzDrew

Lisa,

I second Sandi's advice on checking out Roy Safaris. I war were you are about 6 months ago. I spent many hours researching operator's options and just last week made our 30% deposit to Roys and feel great about that choice. The folks on this board are wonderful resources for you as you make your choice. As far as Roy's have been for us - We have dealt with the president Sanjay and he has been great. He arranged for our international air at a much lower price than I could find on the internet. He also coordinated the Kenyan portion of our trip as well. We choose to use some of the most up-market properties for about half the price of Mickato's, A & K, etc. Although we have not actually left on safari yet I feel that we have made the right choice. I contacted a number of past clients and they all would use Roy's again. We also looked at Good Earth Tours, Sun Trek and Born Free and compared reputation, price and service. Roy's was a solid winner followed by Good Earth and Sun Trek. Good luck in your planning. I hope that you have as much enjoyment in planning your safari as I have!