African Safari Outfitter recommendations for Kenya trip
Aug 6th, 2018 | 03:55 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1
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African Safari Outfitter recommendations for Kenya trip
I've been considering a few different outfitters for my first trip to Africa, and would like to hear about fellow forum members' experiences with these: Deeper Africa, Ker & Downey, Africa Portfolio. I need to make a decision about who to work with to finalize my trip plans, but haven't found very many comments on these forums about these companies. Thanks to everyone who has filed trip reports and suggestions about Kenya, reading those has been so helpful! Best regards, ESG
Aug 6th, 2018 | 06:22 PM
#2
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,991
Likes: 6
Of the three I’ve only heard of Ker & Downey and they tend to be very high end. Do you want or need that level of luxury? And is it within your budget? I couldn’t get a good read on the camps Deeper Africa uses based on their site, so can’t speak to them.
I think before I or anyone else here or a safari planner can help you, you need to decide if you want a canned itinerary, a group tour or a custom itinerary. Don’t be spooked by custom, they can be quite affordable.
I posted this earlier this year, but it’s worth reposting before you start reaching out to tour or safari operators:
What you need to decide before you contact a safari planner:
1) Your budget (excluding international flights) -- know that this is all inclusive usually, but for the tips. I take very little spending money with me as it's just tipping local staff. Sticker shock usually hits until you realize this is ALL meals, ALL entertainment, ALL room and board for the entire trip.
2) Days on the ground available and time of year (excluding travel time to Africa) -- migrations, rainy seasons, high seasons, all factor into overall costs and when it's best to go
3) Your interests -- Big cats? Elephants? Reptiles? Birds? Beach time? Village visits? Some areas are better than others for wildlife.
4) Lodging types -- do you need soaker tubs and swimming pools? Do you want to stay in tents in the bush (with beds and full bathrooms)? Do you need electricity/wifi/ solid walls?
Once you figure out those above, solicit some quotes from 2-3 planners and come up with some itineraries to compare. Run it by us here if you're unsure how solid the logistics are. I wouldn't stay anywhere less than 2 nights, as packing up and moving usually eats up more than 1/2 a day (and that's lost game drive time in my eyes).
Once you have answers to those, it’d be useful to us in helping you. I don’t tend to travel at Ker & Downey’s level of luxury, so my recommendations might not be appropriate.
I think before I or anyone else here or a safari planner can help you, you need to decide if you want a canned itinerary, a group tour or a custom itinerary. Don’t be spooked by custom, they can be quite affordable.
I posted this earlier this year, but it’s worth reposting before you start reaching out to tour or safari operators:
What you need to decide before you contact a safari planner:
1) Your budget (excluding international flights) -- know that this is all inclusive usually, but for the tips. I take very little spending money with me as it's just tipping local staff. Sticker shock usually hits until you realize this is ALL meals, ALL entertainment, ALL room and board for the entire trip.
2) Days on the ground available and time of year (excluding travel time to Africa) -- migrations, rainy seasons, high seasons, all factor into overall costs and when it's best to go
3) Your interests -- Big cats? Elephants? Reptiles? Birds? Beach time? Village visits? Some areas are better than others for wildlife.
4) Lodging types -- do you need soaker tubs and swimming pools? Do you want to stay in tents in the bush (with beds and full bathrooms)? Do you need electricity/wifi/ solid walls?
Once you figure out those above, solicit some quotes from 2-3 planners and come up with some itineraries to compare. Run it by us here if you're unsure how solid the logistics are. I wouldn't stay anywhere less than 2 nights, as packing up and moving usually eats up more than 1/2 a day (and that's lost game drive time in my eyes).
Once you have answers to those, it’d be useful to us in helping you. I don’t tend to travel at Ker & Downey’s level of luxury, so my recommendations might not be appropriate.
