obenr

badly need help! just keep on going back and forth between these two destinations. there's that part of me that says to go for South Africa and experience a "luxury" safari that's (hopefully not) once in a lifetime and there's that part of me that says to go see the Maasai Mara and the Serengeti for a first time safari. I need help from people who have actually been to both and can explain to me the concrete differences. Need luxury, romance and authenticity of experience, all in one! Is that too much to ask??

divewop

obenr-
There are a couple of links to visit to give you an idea of how to "have it all" on your safari. The link below describes the differences in Eastern vs. Southern Africa

www.awf.org/news/17083

The second link is right here on the forum with a recently asked question. It is:

www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4.

They are both quite informative and should give you some pretty good info to start. Let us know if you have any more questions.

SusanLynne

Obenr: Hate to make things more difficult for you, but you CAN HAVE LUXURY in East Africa as well!

sandi

obenr - check the thread titled:

"Vast differences in accommodations within Africa."

There are many Luxury Accommodations in East Africa as in Southern Africa. And South Africa doesn't have the market on Luxury camps. There are differences only based on what is allowed/permitted by each country, the environment in which they are built, etc. But I can assure you won't be spending the very high prices currently being quoted for SA accommodations (weak dollar these days).

But accommodations should not be your only determining factor. One should also consider time of year, which has an impact on quality of animal viewing, also the weather, and then pricing.

Small intimate, luxury camps - more than enough to choose from in East Africa; Authenticity - believe, it's more so in East Africa; the romance is your responsibility.

obenr

thanks so much everyone! i am CURRENTLY leaning towards East Africa as we will be travelling in February and it's supposed to be "calving season." Also, it is true that East Africa is less expensive than South Africa but since this is our honeymoon, we are not letting that affect our trip (to a certain extent). We just want a really great experience. As for romance, it will come from us but believe me, the place definitely helps...

tgfny

We send people both the Eastern and Southern Africa. Main difference is infrastructure and fences. Pesonally I prefer East Africa. We've been sending lots of people to Tanzania recently, but my heart will always be in Kenya.

sandi

tgfny - my heart has also been left in Kenya! Kind of reminds me a a song?

tgfny

Definitely, my favorite place in the world.