ADVENTURE ABROAD TOURS
 

Just found a really great itinery for Kenya/Tanzania w/ this company.

Has anyone used them for a tour and what are your comments.
Thanks

I have been on 8 tours with them and really like them.
They are alot more informal than the larger tour groups. In fact I have called and asked questions regarding the K/T tour and they told me their tour guides love it so much they fight over who is going to do them. I think their Africa cohort is Leopard Tours but could have changed since I checked.
I have never had a problem on any of their tours with fellow travelers ( late etc). The do not do optionals and no shopping stops. Also I know K/T will be different but on most other tours they eat at local restaurants every night where the locals eat. With so few people it is easy to do that.
I am thinking South Africa or K/T with them in the next couple of years. They always have a great mix of people.

MarthaT. Thank you so much for your comments. Validation always makes me feel better!!!!

My TA is talking to them today .....we shall soon see what we see!!

Thanks again!

Leanna

Do you mind posting the actual itinerary or a link to the itinerary?

And your intended travel date?

Leanna,
You have probably found out by now but you go direct with them, they don't go through travel agents.

climb high, their website is
adventures-abroad.com. I don't know how to link but left side of screen has a search by country.

No, I was hoping for an actual itinerary to help this discussion as they offer 21 safaris!

I'm with CHSL, lots of itineraries to K&T, some 15/days, 20/days, and....

From quick glance, lots of long drives, wasted time. Besides, time of year you plan on traveling would help in determining whether best parks/reserves to be visiting.

Leanna, if you can list the exact itinerary you are considering and when traveling, your particular interests (game, cultural visits), type of lodging you'd like, etc.... you can get feedback and whether a group departure is better than arranging a private tour.

According to the link an 8 day Tanzania tour for $3100+pp starting Feb 27. General information said up to 21 plus a group guide.

I don't know, but from what I have priced for time and accommodation it may be high and a large group. Especially since it stars in Nairobi and ends in Arusha. You might still have the cost of a one way transfer at the start or end of the safari.


Tour outline from site:
Day 1 Arrive in Nairobi

Today we arrive in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. Part of Maasai land when the British arrived, this modern capital grew with the development of the railway. Derived from a Maasai word meaning "Cold Water," Nairobi is a pleasant mix of colonial British with modern and traditional African influences. This evening we enjoy dinner at the famous Tamarind Restaurant. Overnight in Nairobi. Nairobi Hilton (or similar). Dinner if required.


Day 2 Nairobi - Amboseli National Park

Today we travel south from Nairobi to the Amboseli National Park. Just across the border from Tanzania, this park is situated on the African plain at the foot of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the continent's tallest mountain at 5894 m (19,300 feet). Here the cone-shaped mountain seems to hover majestically over the shimmering African plains. The Amboseli National Park is also famous for its large herds of elephants. Here they cover themselves in red dust, giving them an even more imposing appearance. On this afternoon's game drive we hope to view animals grazing on the open plain with Kili providing the classic backdrop (weather permitting). Overnight in the Amboseli National Park. Amboseli Sopa or Serena Lodge or similar. All meals.


Day 3 Amboseli, Kenya - Ngorongoro, Tanzania

We depart early this morning as our destination today is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in Tanzania.* We pass through Arusha, the starting point for the northern safari routes of Tanzania, and one of the country's most attractive towns. The surrounding area is primarily a highland forest park and it is a good place to see black and white colobus monkeys and bushbuck. You may catch a glimpse of Mount Kilimanjaro in the distance. After lunch in Arusha (on your own account), we continue to Ngorongoro via Lake Manyara, another Rift Valley lake, renowned for its unique rainforest micro climate. A rough road takes us up the rift escarpment, through dramatic rolling green fields and tiny traditional villages. Our arrival at the crater rim near sunset coincides with the best time to see the elusive leopard as they quietly patrol the thick forests. Called the 'eighth wonder of the world' and stretching across some 8,300 sq km, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania boasts a blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeology that is unsurpassed in Africa. The volcanoes, grasslands, waterfalls and mountain forests are home to an abundance of animals and to the Maasai. Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world's greatest natural spectacles, its magical setting and abundant wildlife never fail to enthral visitors. Overnight in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge or similar. Breakfast and dinner.


Day 4 Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Today we enjoy a half-day tour in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.* After an early breakfast we descend into the crater far below for a game drive in this incredible setting, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We explore the Ngorongoro Crater, 20 km (13 miles) wide and 700 m (2300 feet) high where we may see the "Big Five" as well as many herbivores like wildebeest, gazelle, zebra and hippopotamus, as well as thousands of flamingos. * As of July 2005, in order to reduce congestion and stress on wildlife, the Tanzanian government began limiting visitors to half-day visits of the crater. Depending on what time "window" we are assigned, our excursion may take place first thing in the morning, or later in the afternoon (both of which are equally advantageous for game viewing, given the relatively mild climate at this altitude). Overnight in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Sopa Lodge or similar. All meals.


Day 5 Ngorongoro - Serengeti National Park

Departing the Ngorongoro Conservation area this morning we descend onto the Serengeti Plain, stretching out endlessly before us. Indeed the name "Serengeti" derives from a Maasai word meaning "Land-without-end." This is a land of superlatives, both in the vast landscape that surrounds you and the incredible biodiversity it supports. It is here that you have a chance to witness one of the most compelling natural dramas on earth -- the annual migration, a sight unparalleled anywhere in the natural world. Our afternoon game drive provides an excellent introduction to this fantastic landscape and the biodiversity it supports. Overnight in the Serengeti National Park. Serengeti Sopa Lodge or similar. All meals.


Day 6 Serengeti National Park

Today we have a full day of game viewing on the Serengeti. We will visit the "kopjes," a series of low, incongruous hills dotting the open landscape that often provide a vantage point for hungry predators contemplating the endless stream of hoofed animals parading past them. During this time, up to 1.5 million wildebeest and a half a million zebra embark on a single-minded and perilous quest for water and grazing land. Following this spectacle, of course, are the meat-eating opportunists, hoping to capitalize on the physical toll this journey exacts on the desperate grazers. Overnight in the Serengeti National Park. Serengeti Sopa Lodge or similar. All meals.


Day 7 Serengeti - Lake Manyara National Park

Travelling back to Manyara today we make a stop at Olduvai Gorge, site of the Leakey excavations in the 1960s and 70s that established this region as the prehistoric habitat of some of the earliest species of hominids with some finds dating back 1.8 million years. Pundits in the life sciences have argued that the Olduvai contribution to the story of human origins remains unsurpassed by any other prehistoric site in the world. A small museum on site outlines the unique geological and human history of the area. Later we will enjoy a leisurely lunch at Gibb's Farm. Founded during German colonial times and still privately owned, Gibb's Farm is now a small hotel perched on the outer slopes of the Ngorongoro Highlands, surrounded by coffee plantations with long views over lush and beautiful agricultural country. We continue to the vicinity of Lake Manyara National Park, the smallest of the northern parks in Tanzania (330 sq km, of which two thirds is the actual lake) hosting a wide variety of vegetation, ranging from savannah to ground water forest to riparian habitats. The park is host to thousands of pelicans, ibis and flamingo that can be heard from afar. Other common visitors to this beautiful lake are hippos and the majestic African fish eagle, which can be seen swooping down from its perch to snatch a fish from the still waters of the lake. We will spend the night at a lodge near Lake Manyara. Overnight near Lake Manyara. Serena Lodge or E Unoto Lodge or similar. All meals.


Day 8 Lake Manyara - Arusha - Depart

Today we return to Arusha by road. Later we transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for our homeward flights. LAND ONLY PASSENGERS need to take into account our morning activities when booking their flights out of Arusha (JRO). Your departure should occur no earlier than 6:00 pm. SAFARI NJEMA!

That's an expensive itinerary at close to $400/day and at mid-range properties.

As far as arriving Nairobi and ending in Arusha, pax can fly KLM into NBO and depart from JRO - an "open jaw" ticket.

As to the routing.
1/day only Amboseli???
Day 3 - from Amboseli to Ngorongoro will take up most of the day and they indicate lunch as paxs "own expense"
In the Serengeti for that time in Feb they have pax sited at Sopa Lodge which is a bit too far north when the migration is in the southern area.

So much for packaged tours.

Leanna,

You can do much better than this.

The flaws Sandi mentioned can be easily avoided. You are not in the correct part of the Serengeti in Feb, a fantastic month to go.

For a group trip of 21, the price is too high. You can get a private trip for 2 for this price or even less from a reputable operator.

Sorry to be so negative, but this is not your best bet at this time of year and especially not at $400/pp/pn.

Check this link of trip reports from East Africa.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34860283

You'll find companies such as OAT, Good Earth, Roy's, Eastern & Southern Safaris, Africa Serendipity, Globus, Africa Adventure, etc. Check out what some of them recommend and compare. Knowledge can't hurt and if what you learn confirms Adventure Abroad Tours is the best choice for you, then you can head off on safari with confidence.

You mentioned working with a travel agent. For Africa it is best to use an Africa specialist. But if you want to work with a local general travel agent, AAA had some interesting offerings through a company called General Tours.

Your current agent may have limited Africa providers and not know about the destinations personally. Don't be pushed into something convenient for your TA that will not be best for you.

I am a tourist, not a travel agent or associated with any agent so my comments are not from an economic standpoint, only from experience.

Wow...my cup runneth over!!! THANK YOU ALL!!!

Ok the tour I'm looking at is the KT1. I liked it cause of taking in the Blixen house which many dont do and also going to Zanzibar at the end. Also ..now dont laugh...but they include eating at The Carnivores and that sounded interesting. I know I know....TOURISTS!!!! :)

I dont know the distances of driving so do appreciate your comments.

I am working w/ a TA and she has been to A, to hopefully can guide me the right way. I havent heard back from her and will be contacting her on monday.

Sandi: Sorry to be so dumb...but who is CHSL??? Can I look them up on the web and check out their tours.

I have really spent time looking thru the tours: Micado, Maupintour, OAT, Somak, Globus, Global Tours, Brendan, Big Five, Odyssey Unlimited plus many small independent companies....and this AA tour seemed to go where I wanted to go and I could more or less afford it!!!

Ok I can see there is still much work to do ......but I truly believe....I will get there!!!!

Thanks again all....I'll keep you posted.

LEANNA - Sorry about that, but CHSL - climbhighsleeplow :) - the guy above who asked for your detailed itinerary.

Of course you can visit Karen Blixen Museum, along with the Giraffe Center to hand feed the tall blonds; eat at The Carnivore or any other very good eateries in Nairobi.

Most of the companies you listed at end of your post basically do group departures; some very costly. Select one of their itineraries and send to some of those African specialist companies that lynn mentions to see what quote and/or alternative smoother routing they can come up with... more competitive pricing.

Duh!! If I had a brain I'd be dangerous!!!

Sorry Climbhigh......but I've got it now.

Sandi..your idea is a good one and I will be talking to my TA tomorrow so will suggest we do that. Price out the same itinery/& rooting etc from other companies.

ITs sunday nite here so this is going to be a busy week!!!!

Thanks again!