TC,

How relevant is it for safari-goers to ask in their emails about agents who work "outside" or "inside". Isn't it, that end of the day one seeks information and knowledge that is required to make the desired plan for a trip? End of the day, it's upto the agency to have knowledgeable staff who are capable of providing information to people to make their luxury holidays.... eventually, the good agents are easily distinguished from the rest ........ their knowledgeable information to clients, reputable word of mouth, good quality websites with relevant information (quality info) etc etc.,?

Yesterday I had a lengthy discussion with Craig Beal, who owns Travel Beyond. I'm glad we spoke as opposed to emailing as we were able to have a dialogue. Craig was sincerely baffled by the humongous difference in his quote and Fish Eagle's and, eventually, was able to figure out the discrepancies. He did not attempt to win back my business and, in fact, was very complimentary about Fish Eagle Safaris.
After our conversation, I felt better and concluded that Travel Beyond was not trying to rip me off. And, I think Craig understands that I was not being malicious when I decided to post my experience.

<i>was able to figure out the discrepancies</i>

Phernska, So what were they? All who have been following this exchange would like to know so we can be more knowledgeable the next time.

Hari, I would always ask, since it makes a great deal of difference in the kind of knowledge an agent might have. I want to know if the knowledge was acquired first or second hand. I want to know if the agenency's reputation extends to the consultant that I am working with. I don't believe the "good agents" are easily distinguished from the rest. If this is the first encounter with planning a trip to Africa (or anywhere) and the client is inexperienced, it is quite easy for a consultant to bluff their way through and "sound" quite smart. Personally, I could <u>read</u> enough about Timbuktu to bluff my way through selling a trip to an inexperienced first time traveler. That would in no way make me an expert, but how would the first time traveler know that? If I am working under the umbrella banner of a big time agency, one that markets itself as a specialist for Timbuktu, a lot of assumptions are easily made to the benefit of the consultant, not the client. Just go back and read the inaccurate information that has been passed on by consultants mentioned in this posting alone.

With internet technology, I would think there'd be more outside employees. Innies, outies, it's sounding like belly buttons now.

Phernska, thanks for posting your followup, which offers perspective and insight. When you settle on an itinerary, please let us know. Southern Tanzania is becoming a sought after destination.

TC,

The discrepancies seemed to be two-fold. Travel Beyond quoted the internal flights as if I were the only passenger (which is highly unlikely), which amounted to about 1/3 of the price difference. And, they were remiss in not checking the specials offered at each property.

atravelynn,

I have settled on an itinerary--4 nights at Mwagusi in Ruaha, 3 nights at Chada in Katavi, and 4 nights at Greystoke in Mahale. I will be going in September 2011.

I am off to Zimbabwe in October.

When I safari solo I expect to pay -charter- flight prices for two. And every time (maybe 4 times) I have been the only passenger pickup at the camp airstrip.

Not knowing special offers at camps is a lazy TA. Not looking out for me, not good,

regards - tom

tom - are you serious? You expect paying 2 seat when flying single?

I know only WS does this. AndBeyond wouldn't charge 2 seats. Mack Air also wouldn't.

I am puzzled..........

((@))

SV - yes serious. In South Africa on safari camp transfers between Timbavati and Sabi Sand camps, and to Nelspruit, I have been only passenger on charter flights. Charters were by Chilipepper Charters and General Airways Charters. Cost of flights were $250-$300 two person minimum. If only one pax, same price. These flights were not like WS or &Beyond transfering 6 guests to their next WS or &Beyond camp. Just me, at the little camp airstrip waiting for the sputtering little four seat Cessna to land :) .

I don't like paying for two, but anyway what is another $150 on a $7,000 safari? So doesn't bug me too much. If you know of better way/price, let me know please.

regards - tom

THX tom!

My point is Wilderness charging on their SEFOFANE planes 2 seats for a single traveller - doesn't matter whether the plane is full at the day of travel.
It's NOT a charter as such!

A charter is without question reasoned to charge that amount.

And yes - Safari costs a lot of money but humans tend to be really counting pennies when it comes to the add-ons ;-)

THX for the info!

((@))

Often when I'm traveling East Africa there have been times when I've been the only pax... ugh! Especially when visiting in "low" season. And, certain routes even in high-season, have a minimum 2/pax requirement, i.e., Lake Naivasha/Masai Mara.

Why I often leave the flights to a few weeks prior travel to see whether I'll have a private plane and cost for the 2nd pax, or others will join. In some cases, the alternative is a road transfer, but there's a cost associated with this. I simply weight the benefits... $$$ or time!

On recent visit, staying at SaSaab on Western Conservancy at Samburu, was scheduled for flight out of Samburu proper as 1/pax which was fine, but it's rare not to have other paxs on this route. This, despite, the very very early and long drive into Samburu. The night prior the manager offered a pop-over flight with a private pilot who was scheduled to fly other guests farther north... whoopie; he'd pick me up, pop over to Samburu (10/min), then return for his paxs. But next morning, a surprise... the Samburu pilot agreed to fly into their private airstrip just for moi, and I was an even happier camper all the way back to Wilson w/ stop at Nanyuki.

I just go with the flow and while that 2/pax minimum is a PIA (rarely been more than $200), it's sure better than walking :)

TC,

Thanks for your clarification. Valid points, indeed!!!

It's nice to see people back to being concerned about price. Personally I think the 2/pax minimum on flights to places that can be driven to is quite a good deal, but for places that rely solely on guests arriving via air and are already charging a lot of money, I've always thought it was a bit cheeky.

Phernska... this was a good one - thanks for bringing it up and following it through.

Can I ask why you only asked for quoted from US and UK based companies? There are so many excellent TZ based companies, and the US/UK companies usually contract out to them anyway. If you're aware of the forums, I would think you could have found recommendations for reputable TZ based companies, and they probably would have been cheaper (and maybe better) than the US/UK companies.

It's a good question, DivingPrincessE. There are reasons I think, but the idea of putting all the money you are spending into the country you are visiting always appeals greatly to me.

kimburu

It's a good intention but most of those TZ/KEN/SA/ZAM/BOT based DMC's have their accounts safe in UK, US, Switzerland ;-)

((@))

Looks like I have been the man of the hour! :-)

My post above (way above) was posted with places like Tanzania in mind. The Serengeti is mostly filled with private camps, rather than just a few lodges, and that is what I had in mind when posting. Too bad that somebody royally flipped out and postal about it. Probably speaks more about that person than anything else.

DivingPrincessE,

It was hard enough for me to start using a London-based company! And, if I try to explain why, it sounds ridiculous. But, we all have our little neuroses, don't we?
Wiring money makes me anxious, not being able to talk to someone makes me uneasy, etc. etc. I'm kind of 'old school' in that way. It makes no logical sense....

Phernska, I found that many of the small local companies either have no means or do not want to communicate directly with clients. If contacted, they will point one toward a booking agent. They may not want to (or again, may not have the means) to contend with International money collections or language may be an uncomfortable barrier. These issues may go more smoothly for them if left to a more worldly entity. There is a complicated banking network associated with the transfer and receipt of International money -- one better absorbed by a larger company. I don't think you need apologize. It's perfectly logical.

TC -

One doesn't have to be a large company to send or receive funds by EFT (electronic funds transfer, better known as wire transfers). As an individual or company you just go into any bank with your cash/check (or if you already have an account with said financial institution) and have them wire said funds to someone (individual or business) direct into their account. And, vice versa, if one has a bank account they can receive funds wired from elsewhere. Nothing special in doing this. As long as the correct information is provided the sender: Name of receiving company, the bank name, address, account number and Swift Code... a click of the "send" button and joila, it's done. Funds generally on the other end within 24/hrs if not sooner.

Sandi, Sadly banking isn't the same in all countries. Read the following excerpt from the news release of a bank in Dar. Maybe some businesses prefer to have their funds held in a UK bank account.

<i>“_____Bank Tanzania is passionate about decreasing the bureaucracy involved in opening a bank account and equally fervent and determined to outlaw bribes and facilitation that has been practice elsewhere”, said David James, CEO of the _____ Bank Tanzania, at recent press conference at the new Head office of the Bank in Kijitonyama, Dar es Salaam.

His message to all customers is - “Please do not offer our Staff even a cup of tea or soda when they visit your business premises to assess your loan request. I want all our customers to know and appreciate that our Staff will politely turn down all offers just to show how determined _____Bank is in fighting corruption.”

"When it comes to opening current and savings accounts, the Bank is proud to boast that we reduce bureaucracy and reduce the pile of paper that you need to open a bank account......."</i>