An age old question -- which safari?
May 16th, 2010, 04:13 PM
#22
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The Victoria Falls confusion is that the flight is to Victoria Falls airport to get to the lodge at Chobe National Park -- the falls is not visited until later. One has to read the more specific itinerary if you want to know what's included in each day.
And again one of the less than three days at Caprivi is the village/home/school visit. I kind of look forward to that kind of "cultural activity" instead of more animal watching for two full weeks.
I suppose any trip is up to the "mood" of the animals. If all the animals decided to go on vacation to Angolo, well. . .
By the way, if I do the option 2, there is an add on at the end which would include flying me to Johannesburg and to Victoria Falls plus a couple days at Chobe. So adding that to the rest is really sounding very good. And I can fly to Nairobi from London on my pass, then do the overland part (via OAT) to Johannesburg and continue my pass from there.
Or I could even fly to Johannesburg on my own, and then fly roundtrip from there to Victoria Falls and do the Falls and some of Chobe on my own instead of doing the OAT package.
And again one of the less than three days at Caprivi is the village/home/school visit. I kind of look forward to that kind of "cultural activity" instead of more animal watching for two full weeks.
I suppose any trip is up to the "mood" of the animals. If all the animals decided to go on vacation to Angolo, well. . .
By the way, if I do the option 2, there is an add on at the end which would include flying me to Johannesburg and to Victoria Falls plus a couple days at Chobe. So adding that to the rest is really sounding very good. And I can fly to Nairobi from London on my pass, then do the overland part (via OAT) to Johannesburg and continue my pass from there.
Or I could even fly to Johannesburg on my own, and then fly roundtrip from there to Victoria Falls and do the Falls and some of Chobe on my own instead of doing the OAT package.
May 16th, 2010, 04:30 PM
#23
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I think I got my #1s and #2s mixed up in my comments above.
The East Africa (#2) plus a Chobe and Vic Falls add-on, whether with OAT or on your own, is looking good.
Could you stretch it further and also include Cape Town?
The East Africa (#2) plus a Chobe and Vic Falls add-on, whether with OAT or on your own, is looking good.
Could you stretch it further and also include Cape Town?
May 16th, 2010, 05:05 PM
#24
If I remember correctly, when I was in Chobe the guides told us the farmers in Caprivi Strip/Namibia chase away all of the game that gets on their land where they farm and graze cattle. http://www.pbase.com/cjw/image/84378651 One morning a herd of cape buffalo was crossing back into Botswana because it was daylight and they didn't want to be caught in Namibia. http://www.pbase.com/cjw/image/86400650 That could be why the game is in Angola (or Chobe) 
.
Good luck with your trip planning, Patrick. As you can probably tell, there are some very knowledgeable people here that can help with your itinerary.
Cindy
.Good luck with your trip planning, Patrick. As you can probably tell, there are some very knowledgeable people here that can help with your itinerary.
Cindy
May 16th, 2010, 06:23 PM
#25
I've not been to Southern Africa but the EA option looks pretty good for a group trip itinerary--not too fast-paced and I like the four full days in the Serengeti. I'd be inclined to take that trip in June. Is that the same itinerary as Ann_NYC's? She really enjoyed her OAT trip.
Best of luck. I'm sure it will be a great experience, whatever you decide.
Best of luck. I'm sure it will be a great experience, whatever you decide.
May 16th, 2010, 07:26 PM
#26
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June? I was worried that even early July was slightly early for the migration -- most things seem to say July to September or even later is better. NO?
Atravelynn, yes, I'm definitely planning on Capetown on my own. I only mentioned getting to Johannesburg due to the issues with a One World Pass, but I can also fly between Capetown and Johannesburg on it. One issue is that I can't fly between Nairobi and Johannesburg on it, which is why I kind of liked that OAT extension that included the flight to Johannesburg and then Victoria Falls from Nairobi and the main part of the trip. That flight is included on the "land only" package.
Atravelynn, yes, I'm definitely planning on Capetown on my own. I only mentioned getting to Johannesburg due to the issues with a One World Pass, but I can also fly between Capetown and Johannesburg on it. One issue is that I can't fly between Nairobi and Johannesburg on it, which is why I kind of liked that OAT extension that included the flight to Johannesburg and then Victoria Falls from Nairobi and the main part of the trip. That flight is included on the "land only" package.
May 17th, 2010, 08:58 AM
#27
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<i>I was worried that even early July was slightly early for the migration -- most things seem to say July to September or even later is better. NO?</i>
That's for migration in the Mara in Kenya. The OAT tour goes to the Serengeti in Tanzania so the earlier in your time frame, the better.
What do you mean by Oneworld pass? Are you referring to a Oneworld award or one of the RTW products or the Visit Africa pass?
That's for migration in the Mara in Kenya. The OAT tour goes to the Serengeti in Tanzania so the earlier in your time frame, the better.
What do you mean by Oneworld pass? Are you referring to a Oneworld award or one of the RTW products or the Visit Africa pass?
May 17th, 2010, 09:19 AM
#28
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Here's a map of the general migration movements http://www.rhinoafrica.com/destinati...migration_map/
May 17th, 2010, 09:31 AM
#29
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Are you sure the OAT Vic Falls extension includes NBO-JNB airfare? It doesn't say that under the inclusions, only JNB-VFA-JNB. In any case, it should be pretty easy to do Vic Falls on your own and you might be able to include the JNB-VFA or LVI segments on your Oneworld ticket.
May 17th, 2010, 11:48 AM
#30
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You are right Patty. I just called. If I'm doing my own airfare TO Nairobi, then I have to do my own from Nairobi to Johannesburg for the extension to Victoria Falls.
Meanwhile I found that both the two tours are two of the most popular OAT ones and particularly in July and August, so it seems little chance (but some) of either being canceled.
And yes, I could include the JNB-VFA rountrip on my pass if I do it originally. But the Nairobi-Johannesburg flights seem to be something like $600.
Meanwhile I found that both the two tours are two of the most popular OAT ones and particularly in July and August, so it seems little chance (but some) of either being canceled.
And yes, I could include the JNB-VFA rountrip on my pass if I do it originally. But the Nairobi-Johannesburg flights seem to be something like $600.
May 17th, 2010, 12:50 PM
#31
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Meanwhile a friend was telling me that if I'm doing my own airfare, I shouldn't sign up with any package. That I could book a couple of the lodges myself and let them handle the actual "safaris", and that I really might want to experience some of both Kenya/Tanzania and Botswana. He said that was especially a good idea as a single traveler as I would be added to a small group from any of the lodges. Good idea or not?
May 17th, 2010, 01:01 PM
#32
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I'm a little behind on reading Fodor's... NeoPatrick, what I think I said was that Botswana was my favorite place in SOUTHERN Africa. My favorite place in East Africa is Tanzania, but the Masai Mara during the Migration is awesome!
May 17th, 2010, 01:09 PM
#33
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Well then... it's always the decision of whether "group" or "private."
As a single, many choose the likes of OAT as if doing private, you get stuck with the single supplement. Besides seasonal pricing, i.e., in June it's mid-season in Kenya, but peak-season in Tanzania.
Of course, you can do private once you decide which country/ies and where you want to visit in each. There are many threads on this subject and recommended tour operators/planners/outfitters who can assist.
However, if Kenya/Tanzania & Botswana are on your agenda, unless it's really streamlined, it can be difficult to do both East and Southern with less than 3/weeks. If only for the limited schedules between the areas, overnights somewhere to accommodate ongoing flights. Even from JNB, the few-days trip to VFA can be a costly add-on.
Since you're not considering this trip till next year, you have time to look into continuing on the "group" path or going "solo." No need to rush into anything right now.
As a single, many choose the likes of OAT as if doing private, you get stuck with the single supplement. Besides seasonal pricing, i.e., in June it's mid-season in Kenya, but peak-season in Tanzania.
Of course, you can do private once you decide which country/ies and where you want to visit in each. There are many threads on this subject and recommended tour operators/planners/outfitters who can assist.
However, if Kenya/Tanzania & Botswana are on your agenda, unless it's really streamlined, it can be difficult to do both East and Southern with less than 3/weeks. If only for the limited schedules between the areas, overnights somewhere to accommodate ongoing flights. Even from JNB, the few-days trip to VFA can be a costly add-on.
Since you're not considering this trip till next year, you have time to look into continuing on the "group" path or going "solo." No need to rush into anything right now.
May 17th, 2010, 01:38 PM
#34
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The only need to "rush" is booking an itinerary on a One World Pass. Once the itinerary is set you can't change any part of the routing or itinerary other than dates within it, but must keep the same stops and the same order. I am looking at up to four weeks total for Africa, including some "safari" and also a few days each in Johannesburg and Capetown.
To get all the flights I need (particularly the trans Atlantic ones which go first) I'll need to book by late summer this year for next summer.
To get all the flights I need (particularly the trans Atlantic ones which go first) I'll need to book by late summer this year for next summer.
May 17th, 2010, 01:57 PM
#35
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My personal preference would be to plan my own itinerary rather than choose a group tour, but what were your original reasons for looking at a group tour? Cost? Travel with others? Ease of planning?
There is the single supplement issue as Sandi mentioned. Some camps waive this.
If you fly to/from camp, you'll generally go on game drives in their vehicles together with other fly-in guests. In East Africa, it's also common to drive between locations. In that case, you'd utilize the same vehicle for your transportation as well as game drives (generally provided by a tour operator instead of camp or lodge) which may not be cost effective for a solo traveler if you don't have anyone else to share with. In Southern Africa, it's more common to fly.
Also keep in mind that intra-Africa airfare can be expensive and you'd need to purchase several segments in addition to your Oneworld ticket if doing Kenya/Tanzania/Botswana.
Good luck with your decision!
There is the single supplement issue as Sandi mentioned. Some camps waive this.
If you fly to/from camp, you'll generally go on game drives in their vehicles together with other fly-in guests. In East Africa, it's also common to drive between locations. In that case, you'd utilize the same vehicle for your transportation as well as game drives (generally provided by a tour operator instead of camp or lodge) which may not be cost effective for a solo traveler if you don't have anyone else to share with. In Southern Africa, it's more common to fly.
Also keep in mind that intra-Africa airfare can be expensive and you'd need to purchase several segments in addition to your Oneworld ticket if doing Kenya/Tanzania/Botswana.
Good luck with your decision!
May 17th, 2010, 02:13 PM
#36
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A few other thoughts if you decide to plan your own itinerary -
Kenya is generally less expensive than Tanzania. Flight logistics are also easier from Kenya. There are NBO-JNB nonstops on Kenya Airways and South African. From JRO (Kilimanjaro airport in northern Tanzania), you'd have to backtrack to NBO or connect in DAR (Dar Es Salaam in southern Tanzania) to get to JNB.
Kenya is generally less expensive than Tanzania. Flight logistics are also easier from Kenya. There are NBO-JNB nonstops on Kenya Airways and South African. From JRO (Kilimanjaro airport in northern Tanzania), you'd have to backtrack to NBO or connect in DAR (Dar Es Salaam in southern Tanzania) to get to JNB.
May 18th, 2010, 11:25 PM
#37
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Hi there
If this is your first time to Africa, I would definitely go for option #1. Cape Town is a must see for everybody - what a great place to start a trip to Africa. Seeing that you will be in SA then, there are a number of possibilities to investigate with regards to going on safari. Travelling to neighbouring countries from SA is quite easy, but you may want to look at spending some time on safari in SA itself as well. Your game viewing is absolutely superb in many locations and the accomodation extremely luxurious, even though these places may not be quite as well-known as Chobe et al. Then obviously, you could add the rest of your must sees such as Vic Falls etc. Some of the areas that you mention in your posting may not be quite what you expect right now due to years of mismanagement, but this is a public forum and I would rather refrain from bad-mouthing any specific place.
Johannesburg is a vibrant city and even though we never feels like returning to a city after a few days 'in the bush' (being on safari), it may be the ideal place for you to conclude your trip.
Regards
If this is your first time to Africa, I would definitely go for option #1. Cape Town is a must see for everybody - what a great place to start a trip to Africa. Seeing that you will be in SA then, there are a number of possibilities to investigate with regards to going on safari. Travelling to neighbouring countries from SA is quite easy, but you may want to look at spending some time on safari in SA itself as well. Your game viewing is absolutely superb in many locations and the accomodation extremely luxurious, even though these places may not be quite as well-known as Chobe et al. Then obviously, you could add the rest of your must sees such as Vic Falls etc. Some of the areas that you mention in your posting may not be quite what you expect right now due to years of mismanagement, but this is a public forum and I would rather refrain from bad-mouthing any specific place.
Johannesburg is a vibrant city and even though we never feels like returning to a city after a few days 'in the bush' (being on safari), it may be the ideal place for you to conclude your trip.
Regards
May 19th, 2010, 06:55 AM
#38
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Yolande, thanks for your comments, but don't be misled. Regardless of which itinerary I do, I'd be doing a number of days in both Johannesburg and in Capetown as well as doing Victoria Falls (on my own even if I do option #1). Does that change your mind about which itinerary I should do?
May 19th, 2010, 04:34 PM
#39
Patty's laid out all the private v. group + air issues nicely for you. I'll admit she helped me with my award ticket above and beyond (waayyyy beyond) the call of duty. So naturally I had to punish her by planning to meet up with her and her husband in Kenya next month. I'm also having dinner with Sandi in Nairobi. So if you do ultimately choose a private trip, you may just end up with company here and there.
Best wishes!
Best wishes!
May 20th, 2010, 12:33 AM
#40
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Hi NeoPatrick
With regards to your question posed to Yolande, I would still opt for number 1, and agree with her about thinking of going to one of South Africa's own safari destinations. I'm not only being patriotic, but we really have excellent safari destinations, offering you a wonderful experience not only in terms of game viewing, but also in terms of luxury, excellent food, your comfort as a guest and in my mind they are priced quite well. Vic Falls...yes - what a place to see! And glad that you feel that way about JHB & Cape Town - you won't be sorry. If you need any pointers in terms of tourist attractions, I'd be happy to chat to you some more.
Kind regards
With regards to your question posed to Yolande, I would still opt for number 1, and agree with her about thinking of going to one of South Africa's own safari destinations. I'm not only being patriotic, but we really have excellent safari destinations, offering you a wonderful experience not only in terms of game viewing, but also in terms of luxury, excellent food, your comfort as a guest and in my mind they are priced quite well. Vic Falls...yes - what a place to see! And glad that you feel that way about JHB & Cape Town - you won't be sorry. If you need any pointers in terms of tourist attractions, I'd be happy to chat to you some more.
Kind regards
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