lexi123

Hi all,

My parents kindly offered to take me on a graduation trip for my graduation gift. We are a little late on the planning boat, but hopefully you can still help. I have wanted to explore continental Europe for a while now, and would likely visit Paris--Barcelona--Rome if we went that route (my mother is British so I've visited London many times). However, my father also suggested the idea of an African safari, which appeals to me in that I'm not sure when I'll get the opportunity in the near future. We would have two or three weeks in late June for the trip and a budget of around 25,000 USD. If we went to Europe, we would be able to fly stand-by easily as the flights to Paris from where I live in the Western US are relatively unpacked.

Gardyloo

A bit of both if possible. Fly to Europe and spend a few days getting your body clocks adjusted, then fly to Africa for a safari plus some sightseeing. Most of eastern and southern Africa is on the same time zone as western Europe, and acclimatizing before you head south would help you make the most of your time.

I'd strongly suggest South Africa for first timers, especially the northern parts around Kruger National Park. There are safari experiences that will suit all budgets (and SA is excellent value these days) and June is the dry, winter season, meaning excellent wildlife viewing, few if any bugs, and comfortable temperatures. Cape Town might be wet, but go expecting San Francisco winter weather and you won't be far off.

If you go with the Africa option, post on the Africa board and you'll get lots of feedback.

lexi123

@Gardyloo It's kind of an either/or choice because of the cost.
If we went to S. Africa, we'd probably spend a few days in Cape Town to get over the jet lag. My family is decently used to jet lag, as my extended family lives in England and Australia and my dad works as a pilot, so it shouldn't taken us over a day or two for it to subside.
Of course, your comment made me think maybe Paris--Barcelona--Morocco? Obviously it wouldn't be a safari, but I would still get to see Africa.

marvelousmouse

I would do African safari if your parents are footing the bill. Continental Europe is easy and cheap to do solo, while a safari would not be.

lexi123

Also, because I know this is always asked on this forum, I am strongly interested in history, which would make Europe the obvious choice. That said, my favourite trip we've been on was to Alaska, and something tells me, that in terms of natural beauty, Africa might come close to Alaska.

abram

We had a fabulous safari in Tanzania using tour operator EASY TRAVEL. I have no connection to them other than being a very satisfied customer.

suze

I have never been interested in a safari myself, but if you are, the graduation trip would be the time to do it. For the only reason, and as already mentioned, that going to Europe is easy to do on your own, and on a lower budget, later on. A safari not so much!

Shar

did Africa in September 2016. Best trip ever. Johannesburg for history (SOWETO and Apartheid Museum) 2 safaris Chobe in Botswana where you will see major elephants and Kruger in South Africa where we saw 31 lions and completed the BIG FIVE! Capetown and surround in South Africa (Robben Island, Tip of Africa, Cape of Good Hope) and Zambia for Victoria Falls. You can do it for that amount of money for sure. We went through Alexander & Roberts for the majority of our trip but did Johannesburg on our own. You could fly to London for a few days and then a straight shot down to South Africa.
Beautiful and exciting adventure.

quiltingmamma

Europe will still be there in a few years when you can do it on your own and in your own way. I vote Africa with a little Europe thrown in.
Particularly from Western North America, a few days in Europe enroute to Africa would be a physical godsend (same thing on the way back). As stated, this is the opportunity to go on Safari. Things in Africa are changing fast and animal species are becoming more and more endangered - go while you can. I would also recommend Tanzania. It is still remote enough to feel like 'real' Africa. It also has the highest concentration of animals. Kenya advertises more, but holds only a small amount of the Serengeti land structure that supports the vast amounts of wildebeest and zebra...'the great migration'. Some find South Africa 'easy', but it pales in comparison to the density and diversity in the Serengeti and neighbouring parks. Also, the Ngorongoro Crater is a unique environment not found anywhere else but Tanzania.

hudsonguz

I have been to a lot of European countries and I went on a 2 week African safari in Tanzania this past September. I would highly recommend the safari.

RoamsAround

In 30+ years of travel we've been all over the world (including lots of European visits)but one of our best trips we've ever taken was the 12 day African Safari to Kruger Nation Park and the adjacent Sabi Sands area we took this past September. If you want a really memorable experience opt for the safari - you'll be glad you did.