$1200 Per Night Private Mobile Safari?
 

I'm planning a special safari for my wife in '09. Been trying to locate some top of the heap private and mobile safari companies but they have eluded me. It's the only thing she has ever asked for and probably our one and only safari, so I want to get it right. I've searched Fodor's - and the internet. Can anyone offer any names and contact information? East Africa is our first choice; Southern Africa would be interesting too.

Thomson is a well-regarded company offering these trips in Tanzania ... http://www.thomsonsafaris.com/

Also try

www.ccafrica.com which is a very reputable company

and

www.nomad-tanzania.com

I just got the rates quoted to me for nomad and they were waaayyy above my budget but might be perfect for what you're looking for.

Good luck!

Cobbles,

Some suggestions for a private, upscale, tented and mobile safari (with an excellent guide and well trained crew) in East Africa are:

Donald Young (Kenya) at http://www.donyoungsafaris.com

Justin Bell (Tanzania) at www.wildernessafrica.com

F. Pierre-Nina (TZ) is an elite and most wonderful guide/host, but you would only encounter him through word-of-mouth.

I could expand the list if you are interested.

With that "?" are you saying that's what you want to spend? Or is that too high? :)

At $1,200/nt/couple, that would be $600/nt/person... there are plenty of resources to provide such a safari. During peak-season that price may even be low! However, for that budget you can have small seasonal camps or permanent camps or unique lodges (still small). In fact, if you wanted to spend $1,500/person/nt... that too can be found. Most any safari planner or tour outfitter can arrange a private itinerary for you. These can be fly only or a combination fly/drive.

But, when you plan to travel can well determine the best destination, either Kenya or Tanzania only or combining both and for how long do you plan to be in-country?

Why not read the East Africa Trip Report Index (here on Fodor's) which can give you an idea of routings, accommodations, time of year, etc. These do range from budget, mid-range and luxury accommodations; the actual routing/places to visit though more important. You'll have an idea of where/when. But also realize, there are many places "off-the-beaten-track" that aren't prominent in this index.

You have time to plan, so take the time to read trip reports on this board, then put together a Wish List; come back here and we'll jump right in to assist.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

Khaki the Don Young safari looks like the sort of vintage, romantic environment I'm seeking. We met a couple on a plane that told us about their glorious safari. My wife was smitten; we never thought to ask them who they booked with. This will be the last trip I take with my wife (and may be the last gift I give her -don't ask, it's a high drama story that I would like not to discuss).

Sandi, good questions; sorry I was not more clear. We will plan three weeks total, and a budget of $1200-$1500 per person per night. We can travel any time/season. I only want luxurious camping and over the top experiences. We are in our mid 70's so extreme activities are out. I want to leave my wife with astonishing memories spent with me on safari in the most incredible place on earth.

Cobbles,
I normally don't reply to these type of inquires but your statement "so I want to get it right." encouraged me to give the name of the company I use to organize our safaris to East and South Africa. Try African Portfolio, website: www.onsafari.com. Ask to speak with Yvette and describe what it is you are looking for. They are a U.S. based travel firm (Conn.) specializing in African safaris and they have been around for enough years to have established a good track record and a loyal following.
Regards-safarichuck

Cobbles, the link for East Africa trip report index is
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34860283


Khakif, thanks for posting Don Young's site, I went in out of curiosity, and came out with a huge wish list for at least 10 of stuffed wild animals on the Hansa Toys sight that he helps design. They are really awesome, and Lynne, if you are reading this, they even have a coatimundi!

The cheetah cub definitely has to come and live in our Africa room, I just may have to take back some Christmas presents and buy that one! :-)

Don Young's safaris look very interesting as well, I hadn't heard of him before. I couldn't quite determine though if they were private safaris, group safaris ar whichever you like?

<b>We will plan three weeks total, and a budget of $1200-$1500 per person per night.</b>

Cobbles, the Africans have a saying about people with your kind of budget:

&quot;That man has enough money to burn a wet elephant&quot;

:)

I second the suggestion for Nomad Tanzania. I have been on 10 safaris now and, far and away, the best overall experience I have had was with Nomad during a mobile safari in the Serengeti. Not only was the wildlife amazing, but the guiding was fantastic and I enjoyed the intimacy of being in a camp with a maximum of only 8 guests (although everyone had their own vehicle and Nomad guide for further exclusivity).

Khakif,
I would be interested in any additional listings you care to share. I've copied the ones you did share for future reference.

Lynda,
A Coatimundi? Really?! Thanks.

Cobbles,
No problem with that budget. Since both East and Southern Africa are of interest, these sites show what parks in which countries have the best wildlife viewing throughout the year.
Your time of travel may dictate where you go.

http://www.africa-adventure.com/dsp_besttime.html
http://www.bornfreesafaris.com/best_travel.htm

If you decide on Tanzania, this site has safari suggestions for each month.

http://www.kiliwarriors.com/

Atravelyn:
For your pleasure:

Peter Jones of Tanganyika Film &amp; Safari Outfitters; http://www.tanzania-safari.com

John Stevens at http://www.johnstevenssafaris.com

LyndaS: Don Young is a true scholar, an exployer and a gentleman. Also well known for his storytelling round the campfire.

I love the Hansa Toys too. Presented my Granddaughter with a collection when she was just born. She is now almost three and she said to me, &quot;Grandma I know you love animals 'caue you gave me some animals for my room.&quot;

Try Tanzania Odyssey. They are actually in London but their phone number is easily available on the internet (toll free) I also spoke with Abercrombie and Kent also but liked the Tanzania Odyssey program better. It was also several thousand dollars less and more personalized.

Definitely 'The Original Ker &amp; Downey&quot; based in Nairobi. http://www.kerdowneysafaris.com

Cobbles -

In your 70s with &quot;drama&quot;... I can only imagine :) Well, good for you two, as you'll find quite a few likeminded mature adults are avid safari goers. Regardless age, many of us have some issues - motion/air sickness, bad backs, use of cane, difficulty with hills/stairs, etc. - do be sure that with whomever you decide to work, they be aware of any (if), along with allergies, food preferences and celebrations while in-country.

safarichuck -

Do you recall who Africa Portfolio uses for their ground outfitters in Kenya and Tanzania? Thnx.

Sandi,
African Portfolio uses Kibo guides in Tanzania and at least in 2006 they used Naked Wilderness in Kenya.
Regards-Safarichuck

Cobbles,
From the tone of your original post it sounds as though you might have gain some peace of mind by looking into Flying Doctors and MedJet Assist. Both are reliable, Medjet is active throughout Africa, Flying Doctors is more used for local evaculations. Do a search on this forum for the pros and cons of each. Cheap peace of mind in you have any concerns. Have a wonderful safari....
Regards-safarichuck

I have to put another vote in for African Portfolio and Yvette. She did our Southern and Eastern Africa trips. And we will work with her on our 2009 trip too!
Every wish and care and concern was addressed.

This question is not meant to be a backhanded slight or to be condescending. So set me straight with the facts. I thought Naked Wilderness was more of a budget option and not that high-end. Their website showed 20 years experienced, so they certainly are established.

I wonder if I have talked to or read about people booking directly and not getting as good of service as using an agent and that’s what I am basing my Naked Wilderness opinion on.

I have seen negative accounts of a company I used twice through an agent, and all was outstanding for me. But the agent picked which guides were used and had gone on safari with them as a test drive. Independent travelers did not have that extra level of protection. With the best guides going to clients booked by agents, less experienced guides might go to others.

I don't know that Naked Wilderness does this. But larger companies with lots of guides and established relationships with several agents may do this. Obviously Africa Portfolio must be getting good results with their Kenya ground agent or they would make a switch.

Here is another agent option:

When I have had some problems in Africa, beyond the agent's control, the Africa Adventure Company fixed everything so I was not inconvenienced. (You could email me for the details if you wish.) So I know they will “get it right,” even if things go wrong. They also will handle the international air and offer trip cancellation insurance, in addition to evacuation insurance (flying doctors). I had to use the cancellation/trip delay insurance once for a delayed flight and was pleased with the results. This would not be your lowest cost choice.

http://www.africa-adventure.com

Good luck with your planning. There are many good agents that will make your dream trip a reality. Please post your trip planning progress.

I don't know about Naked Wilderness, they met us at the airport and handeled our flights into an out of different camps in Kenya. I have know idea what their guides are like or even if they employ a regular stable of guides. As far as the medical evacuation programs I mentioned, you are comparing apples to oranges. I would not equate these programs to the coverage afforded by a trip a cancellation. MedJet and Flying Docs have been discussed many times on this forum and it might be worthwhile to review those threads.
Regards-safarichuck

For something really special try Thad Pieterson in Arusha at Dorobo Safaris [email protected]

Also suggest you to read &quot;Leopard in the Afternoon - An African Tenting Safari&quot; by Christopher Ondaatje

http://www.amazon.com/Leopard-Aftern...502&amp;sr=8-1

Cobbles

<i><font color="red">&quot;so I want to get it right.&quot;
</font></i>
Is $1200 pppn what 'gets it right' <b>??</b>
Sorry Dear Cobbles, i don't think this is what makes a &quot;Safari&quot; right.
IMHO you are looking for the wrong answers...

aby

cynstalker used a high-end company for a private mobile safari. Royal African

You can find her report in Lynda's EA Trip Report thread, around Feb 07 and a little more than a third down.

How funny that I should see this right after Bat's posting!

Royal African Safaris was truly a wonderful company to use - we had an unbelievable trip, and I can recommend them without hesitation. They will not combine you with anyone else - the entire trip is <b>yours</b> - planned by you and your guide. Whatever you want, they will find a way to provide. We rarely saw other vehicles, and we saw incredible wildlife, for us the whole point of the trip.

They are very expensive, but for us, we <b>got</b> what we paid for. We stayed at a combination of mobile tents and top-rated lodges, and there was nothing that could have been any better.

And because I sound like an advertisement for them, I need to say that I am in no way asociated with them other than as a customer from a trip nearly 2 years ago.

Cyn

I second a few recommendations so far, and will whittle it down a bit for you. For the best private guides in Tanzania, I would whittle it down to 4 people I know:

Peter Jones

Corbett Bishop

Jo Anderson

Francesco Pierre-Nina

Hi there

If you decide to not do East Africa but Southern africa, proberbly the BEST BEST overland and your wife will be in awe is to do an overland Safari with mike Penman. Mike hosts the show Mad Mike and Mark on animal planet and he does overland safaris in Botswana his web address is www.wildlifestyles.com and it will truely be a trip to remember he is amazing when it comes to finding any animal you want!!

Aby,

I took the &quot;I want to get it right&quot; comment to refer to making &quot;the only thing she has ever asked for&quot; a success without glitches for his wife. I did not take it as, I am spending lots of money and I want perfection.

I agree that cost does not necessarily make it right.

Lots of good suggestions have been generated by this thread that should help Cobbles and me and others.

aby,

You know everyone's &quot;right&quot; is different. As different as every safari goer. Some are thrilled beyond expectations with budget safaris, hole-in-the-ground loos, and pup tents on the ground, while others want &quot;over-the-top&quot; air conditioned tents. Some prefer groups and other &quot;want to be left alone!&quot; For as many who think Serena Lodges are the best thing since sliced bread, as many feel only the likes of Sasakwa is the cat's meow.

A good itinerary with a reputable operator who listens, a professional ground outfitter, an outstanding guide, vehicles to meet one's needs, visiting areas with the game one hopes to see at that time of travel, the type of accommodations, at a pace that works.

I am sure that my right would not be the same as yours, nor are there many who have done only one safari wish the same for a subsequent safari. Maybe more here, less there, staying in one type of lodging and not others.

All different, all can be &quot;right.&quot;

Cobbles has a number of resources to research.

Aby,

You're right.

Just lurking, enjoying, and following this thread. With only two safaris under my belt, both in Zambia, I, too, am looking for future places to explore in the vastness of Africa. Wasn't going to comment, but feel compelled to after seeing the plug for Mad Mike.

Do, please look at the show on Animal Planet and on U-Tube for his famous (infamous) teasing of the lion with the toilet paper roll.

Maybe you will enjoy a trip where it's about the guide more than the country and wildlife, but I have been thoroughly disgusted by his over-the-top-act and outright harassment of wildlife. Some of the stuff on the Animal Planet is so phony (eg, Will Mad Mike survive the climb to the top of the Namibia while hauling a $15,000. camera inches above the sand?) So disgusted I've been planning to complain to Animal Planet about the show. They must be looking for a replacement to Steve Irwin,I guess. But at least Irwin did some good things for conservation.

It's different strokes for different folks, I suppose, but when you are going to be almost as close to someone as your spouse for weeks at a time, I should think you would want to make sure you can stand that person.

For me, and for Ruth, Mad Mike is the most obnoxious person I never care to meet or spend time with in Africa.

Jim

I'd suggest checking with guide, Simon Belcher, at Ker &amp; Downey, Ltd (Nairobi):

http://www.kerdowneysafaris.co.ke

Here is his website:

http://traditionsafari.com

Just returned from nearly 3 weeks in Kenya and Tanzania with him and two other K&amp;D guides.

They made it a truly amazing trip.

Have a great time!

I'm planning the next trip....

If you want the best of the best- contact Safari Consultants. They specialize in tailor made safaris. These guys put a safari together for me many years ago that was amazing.

www.safari-consultants.co.uk/

Also look at John Steves. He is considered one of the top guides in Africa.

www.johnstevenssafaris.com/

I joined him in Chikwenya-Mana Pools when he also had some English Royalty on safari.

This was in Oct. An observation-- I swear,royalty don't sweat.

the best web site to get Simon Belcher on is http://simonbelcher.com

All,

Re Cobbles:

Nyamera, you might remember my mentioning last year that my husband and I were moving to Texas. Unfortunately, my husband’s health took a sudden turn and he died early February of this year, just one week before our scheduled move. I made the journey alone. This past weekend, I finally plucked up the courage to unpack those boxes that had been pre-packed with his possessions. I was poking around his laptop, gaining insights to his various contacts and accounts so I could close out his affairs properly. To my shock and surprise I clicked on his Favorites List and his link to Fodor’s, to discover he was registered as Cobbles. From what I could tell, he had only posted one question - asking for assistance in planning just one extraordinary safari. Yes, years ago we had taken a very romantic private safari for two with Don Young. Cobbles mentioned meeting a couple on a plane…well not exactly. We me a couple at a dinner in New York that spoke of a private safari they had arranged through TCS-Expeditions and we had often wondered who they might have used as their guides. Perhaps this was what he was trying to re-create for the two of us; We had hoped that we could make one final journey to EA together. What a lovely husband he was. DH had often said he was sure I would never leave him for another man, but was not so sure about Africa. Just like him to want to leave me with one more incredible memory of the man and place I love so much.

Khakif -

What a wonderful man &quot;Cobbles.&quot; I'm so sorry for your loss.

TCS, if I recall, is located in the northwest believe Seattle. Their itineraries are top-of-the-line ($$$$$), often with private plane (DC-9) to get their group paxs from place to place. So, I guess it's understandable when he wrote $1200/nt/person.

Maybe, as time goes bye, you'll get to arrange a TCS or similar lux safari. As you know, East Africa is really easy for solo travelers and the many friends your meet and make along the way.

All my best.

I'm so very sorry for your loss. What a wonderful husband to plan that special trip for you and I'm sad that you weren't able to go together. I'm sure Cobbles will be with you on your next trip to Africa.

Khakif--I'm so glad you found the &quot;Cobbles&quot; thread on your husband's computer. It's an incredible story. I, too, am so sorry for your loss, he sounds like a wonderful man.

What an incredible story. The whole office had tears in their eyes when I read your letter. What a fantastic husband and memory.
Good luck with your new life in Texas.

A loving, caring husband--how lucky you are to have shared your life with such a man. I am sorry for your loss. Thank you for telling us the story of &quot;Cobbles.&quot; I agree with sundowner; he will be with you on all your travels.

Khakif-
What a touching and emotional story. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Best of luck in Texas and if you choose to return to Africa, have a wonderful time. I'm sure &quot;Cobbles&quot; will be watching over you.