atravelynn

"The camping sounds exciting, and kind of scary!" As long as you remain in your tent, it is just fine. Some tents have ensuite facilities. I've been given a bed pan when they do not. I don't like scary, dare devil, risky things and I would do another camping trip with a reputable outfitter without hesitation.

Kugellager

If you are going to Namibia and like scenery and vast landscapes I recommend Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge in the NamibRand Nature Reserve in central Namibia in early June. It is near Sossusvlei, Dead Vlei and Sesriem Canyon. There is some wildlife to see but it is more for the Namib Desert...Breathtaking..I wish we could have spent more there.

My wife and I stayed there for three days on our honeymoon...A bit expensive but was well worth it for us. Take the quad-bike ride in the dunes at sunset...I keep a panorama I took on my PC desktop and dream of it often..The image still sends shivers down my spine. There are also petroglyphs in the surrounding mesas, a nice evening telescope viewing...and, for me, an adequate amout of wildlife to see.

We rented a vehicle and drove to Sossusvlei...I think you can also fly-in as they have a small private runway.

JNG

For a first african safari I highly recommend Tanzania.

NGail

We're looking at a tour for February that includes an optional post-trip gorilla trek. We're both over 70 and in good (not excellent) shape. Is it a tough hike? It sounds amazing.
The other post-trip alternative is to Zanzibar - which sounds enchanting too.
Any advice?

atravelynn

NGail,
If your gorilla trip is in Rwanda, there may be some hard and easy options to choose from. I've done both extremes. Let your agent and guide now you'd like the easier hike. You may wish to hire extra porters (at something like $10 to $20) to assist you. A pair of strong arms on either side of you can make a big difference. I've gone with people in their 70s numerous times. You may want to do some training in anticipation of the trek. It will help. The gorillas really are amazing. I have no info on Zanzibar.

aby

NGail
Feb in Zanz is hell hot
aby

NGail

Thanks Atravelynn and Aby for the feedback.

loru100

Another vote for the gorillas in Rwanda and the migration in Kenya in September. By far, our best trip ever, including three previous trips to Africa!

NGail

Any other info on Zanzibar?

wildlifepainter

We've been to Pongwe on Zanzibar the last 2 Februarys, 2008 and 2009 and thought it was heaven on earth. I will agree that it is pretty warm in Stonetown but you can always duck into an air-conditioned store. A daytrip from the beach is best. There is usually a slight sea breeze on the beach and some nights I would even put on pants for dinner. There is no air-conditioning at Pongwe but they do have a couple of fans in the rooms and they run all night if it is hot. The first year we stayed 4 nights on the beach and 1 night in town. The next year we stayed 7 nights on the beach. I can’t imagine a better place to end a safari and I’d go again in a heartbeat!

sandals

Without hesitation, I would recommend you look at the OAT website and click on the African adventure closest to the area you wish to visit. I have always done the planning for our trips, but for a first trip to Africa, this was a bonanza.

sandi

Not only are the coastal areas/islands tropical year-round, but come February (their summer) you can expect temps of 90+ degrees, even 100+, and also very humid. Fans are nice, but air conditioning is even nicer.

LAleslie

Not to confuse you, WayUpNorth, but we've been to AFrica twice. Botswana is one of my all-time favorite places on earth (for the sheer people-less, roadless beauty, varied terrains, endless animals and open vehicles that are allowed off-road). But if I were going for the first time I'd go to Sabi Sands in South Arica, chockablock with a huge variety of wildlife, esp. if you go in Sept/Oct, and it's easy to travel to and around. I haven't been to East Arica tho.

satpacker

Hi. Again, don't want to confuse the issue (gorillas, Masai Mara and Zanzibar seem to be getting the votes and I agree confirm they are all excellent). But to put another option out there - consider South Africa, potentially with Namibia (agree with Kugellager - Soussevlei Mountain Lodge is awesome, but will be seriously hot). SA will probably give you more cheaper options as is very competitive. Also offers at the big animals (apart from gorilla). And advantages of Cape Town, some nice beaches, winelands, great food, good roads (so can drive around), Drakensberg Mountains (may remind you of Montana?!)... the list goes on. I'd suggest April or October/November as best months - a bit quieter and the weather should be nice all over the country. In summer (e.g. Dec-Feb) safari isn't as good because that's when we get all our rain and the bush is quite thick). SA is probably the easier and cheaper option.

kjanes

We recently returned from the Okavango Delta and loved it. I cut and pasted this from my just for fun travel site, (kimsegal.com) that is why it has references to Kruger.You have so much great advice above but thought I would give you some info on where we were in Botswana. Have fun!!!!

Okavango Delta in Botswana: Amazing!! Vast and undeveloped with wildlife everywhere. Small planes that land on dirt runways is how you hop from one camp to the next. From the air don’t be surprised if you spot giraffes or elephants. I liked it better than Kruger because you are really in the bush.The stars are amazing. We saw all four of the big five (no Rhino). Yet there were more hippos here then Kruger. The birds and the animals are abundant. Just stunning.

Orient Express: rooms are similar at the camps. They have everything you could want or need. Wake up calls come with a knock on the door and a tray of coffee, tea and biscuits. Heavy ponchos that come in very handy to use for game drive. Hot water bottle in your bed for the cold night. A/C and Heat in each “tent.” Internet, pool, good food and great staff. Managers go above and beyond to assist the guests. Not stuffy but classy. Their lodges tha we stayed in are below:

Khwai River Lodges: Located near the Moremi Reserve. Game drives are done in a vehicle driving on dirt roads. We spotted our first leopard here, which we were told was a treat, as it had been months since one was spotted. There weren’t too many other vehicles on the roads, so it felt more personal. From the main deck you can see elephants, hippos and birds. Each “tent” has a deck with a balcony and chairs. While having dinner one night an elephant wondered onto the property. It was the only place we saw lions eating, a buffalo and a hippo. I could have done without witnessing that.

Eagle Island: Water based safari. Your safari is done on a Barge, Motor Boat and Mekoro (dug out canoe). It’s more quiet than the vehicle game drives, the guides aren’t radioing each other about what they are spotting. At times you are brought to an island to walk around and see the animals. This is where you will see a lot of huge Crocs, lots of Hippos and beautiful birds. Not as many of the bigger animals as Khwai but enough that will satisfy you. A visit to the nearby village is an interesting trip, bring some Rand to buy a handmade bracelet or bowl. A Helicopter tour was included and that was worth the ride. Seeing the animals from above and the scenery was breathtaking

atravelynn

Welcome back and glad it was a good trip. How do the animals react to the helicopter?