sandi

Gamewatchers (mainly specializes in Kenya) can probably arrange Tanzania that will be sub-contracted* to a TNZ outfitter, but you'd do better working with a specialized TNZ outfitter of which there are many reputable ones.

*outfitter has to be licensed in a particular country, with own guides/vehicles to conduct the actual safary on the ground.

There are many reputable Tanzanian outfitters (Roy Safaris being one) who get excellent reviews and posted here. Or check www.tatotz.org for list of names of many in-country outfitters.

HML

Swanner,
FYI: Two of my co-workers are currently planning safaris to Tanzania and/or Kenya. Based on the information they have been provided, the price we paid with Naipenda Safaris was very reasonable. As mentioned, our safari was 14 days and it was approx. $4,700.00 pp. Both co-workers have been receiving prices of approx. $5,000.00 pp, for an 8 day safari... Wishing you happy and safe travels.

swanner

Sandi/HML - thank you for taking the time to post - your info is very helpful. Roy is one of the company's we are planning to get a quote from

Peshf

swanner

Sorry for the delay in replying.

Gamewatchers arranged Tanzania and Zansibar for friends and did a great job.

I tend to go to Alex Walkers Serian when I am in Tanzania. http://www.serian.net/thecamps/serengetimaswa.html - I would consider building it into your trip as the camps and locations are usually great and I really like the flexibility. In May June I think he will have reloated to his North Serengeti site.

Also suggest you try Africa Dreams http://www.africadreamsafaris.com/ They are real Tanzania specialists and Michael Wishner arranges visits to some great places which are often not on the usual planned trips - he first put me on to Gol many years ago and in May . His website is really useful.

Try and make sure you are tracking the migration - unfortunately its not sure where they might from one year to the next. This year they are a bit advanced. Normally in April
April the herds will be moving through Moru and the Seronera area. In May they usually head further North towards the Western Corridor where they gather in June.

If you can try and check that whoever you go with allows you long drives to get to where the action is.

swanner

Hi Peshf - I'm going to look into African Dreams - thanks so much for the tip!!!

lkw58

I concur wAfrica Dream Safaris for TZ. Used them for our 1st (currently planning Botswana) and it was an absolutely outstanding trip. They took care of every detail, so we did'nt have to worry about a thing. I cannot recommend the "private luxury camp" highly enough. To be camping in the middle of Makoma Pride territory w/no one but us, was one of the most exhilarating experiences I have ever had. To sit in the dark, just listening to the night song of the Serengeti -OMG I want to go back!

Be sure to take a travel journal. Every evening I would take some time (while hubby cleaned camera gear to write down the days experiences. There is just SO much, I guarantee you will forget things and it is so much fun a year or two later and re-live the whole trip

swanner

Thanks lkw58 - your enthusiasm is contagious - I wish I were going now

1Caroline

Swanner: Sorry I was late getting back to you.

Regarding the River cruise it was included with our lodge, so while there were other boats out there, I'm not really sure how they booked them otherwise. Look or even contact Elephant Valley Lodge. http://www.evlodge.com/

BTW, I tried building a link using html, but it wouldn't work. Is there no way to just build a link?

atravelynn

<blue>swanner on Jun 6, 13 at 11:47pm</blue>

<i>Hi atravelynn - thank you very much for your thorough response... I'm abit confused now because in my initial consult call w A2T today they indicated TZ was made up mostly of Natl Parks and that Private reserves are more plentiful in SA... Your answer suggests the opposite</i>

Very tardy response to your comment. Apologies.

I read "private" as "private vehicle" not "private reserve." Sorry. My comments relate to requesting a private vehcile. Your understanding is right that private AREAS are more common in South Africa.

Get a couple of quotes and perhaps slightly different itineraries before deciding on one. You can even get further advice by posting those itineraries and quotes.

Happy planning and happy safari.

sandi

But even if in South Africa on a private reserve, your game drives will be shared with other guests. Whereas, with a private vehicle in Tanzania (seems this is country where you are focusing), it will be for you alone - having own guide throughout.

Rereading some of the replies since you first posted, with info on both East and Southern Africa, believe you have to decide which area/country as what's above can be very very confusing to first-time safari goer.

SafarisForMe

Hi Swanner,

I've only just joined the forum, so only saw your post yesterday. I post frequently on TA, but decided to join this forum as well.

The experience you will get in all the places mentioned is very different.

What I would recommend it to combine Vic Falls which on its own is not really a safari destination, with an authentic safari experience either in SA or Botswana. If you consider an SA safari, I would combine this with Cape Town and Vic Falls. It is also an idea to combine Vic Falls/Botswana and an SA safari. Regarding Tanzania/Kenya, I think these destinations would need to be done by themselves, especially with the amount of time you have.

You mentioned Londolozi. I've been there and it is fantastic. There are 5 different lodges at different rates. Between Londolozi and Mala Mala I would probably go for Londolozi.

Whether your budget would be enough for Londolozi as well as the rest of the trip is a question. You may have to adjust your budget. There are also cheaper lodges in the Sabi Sands and other private reserves bordering Kruger National Park that are definitely worth considering.

I agree with you that Africa being a very specialised destination needs expert advice and assistance.

I hope this helps a bit along with the other posts.

Regards.

Brett | Safaris For Me | Safari Specialist | South Africa

sandi

Re-reading this thread and some of the posts re 'beach time' if you even have enough days, do know that going into the winter months if choosing South Africa, the Southern Atlantic water is freezing and the Indian Ocean side not much better. Zanzibar or other coastal East African beaches (farther north on the Indian Ocean)... much much warmer (still refreshing) year round.