Destination Tanzania - First Safari - Advice on Tradeoffs
Apr 13th, 2006, 11:36 AM
#41
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Looked at the Nomad information on the link climbhighsleeplow. Expect there would be the added cost for single supplement difference as well since there are 3 of us traveling (one with single supplement). With the trade for Nomad for 3 nights in Tarangire it could cost $1400 more costly since Gibbs for 3 persons is quoted at $426. For the difference - I'd REALLY have to be set on Tarangire another day.
With that said wanted to have time to drive through Tarangire in morning (if possible) and then on to Manyara before reaching Gibbs. I'm leaning toward the more economical package since Mahale is wiping out the budget!
Also, like the idea of getting to know the guide and having one person travel with us for the driving portion of the trip. Having a private tour, and not being with a larger group or sharing the vehicle, this will be a welcome opportunity to make a new friend.
Turns out Oliver's is open, so the alternate is secured. Getting closer bat.
Based on the comments on flying - I would prefer to fly in KLM jet to Dar in stead of small Aircraft. Need to decide on whether getting home a day earlier is a priority too.
Anyone have any thoughts about Ngorongor Sopa vs. Serena -- or are they pretty much a wash if it's only one night at the crater?
And, Patty sounds like you have a plan for Kenya itinerary to get benefit of Nomad camp/guide.
Want to thank you all, again, for the advice and suggestions. Wealth of knowledge and experience to learn from. Very much appreciate it.
LovetoDiscover
With that said wanted to have time to drive through Tarangire in morning (if possible) and then on to Manyara before reaching Gibbs. I'm leaning toward the more economical package since Mahale is wiping out the budget!
Also, like the idea of getting to know the guide and having one person travel with us for the driving portion of the trip. Having a private tour, and not being with a larger group or sharing the vehicle, this will be a welcome opportunity to make a new friend.
Turns out Oliver's is open, so the alternate is secured. Getting closer bat.
Based on the comments on flying - I would prefer to fly in KLM jet to Dar in stead of small Aircraft. Need to decide on whether getting home a day earlier is a priority too.
Anyone have any thoughts about Ngorongor Sopa vs. Serena -- or are they pretty much a wash if it's only one night at the crater?
And, Patty sounds like you have a plan for Kenya itinerary to get benefit of Nomad camp/guide.
Want to thank you all, again, for the advice and suggestions. Wealth of knowledge and experience to learn from. Very much appreciate it.
LovetoDiscover
Apr 14th, 2006, 05:05 AM
#42
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That's great--I think Oliver's looks really good.
Re Sopa vs Serena there are advantages to both--Sopa has sunset, a separate access road right there, a pool. Serena, has individual open air balconies, some think it is a bit nicer. I would not sweat being in one or the other--especially for one night. I spent too much time analyzing which of the 2 to request and originally wanted the Sopa over the Serena and could not get in so wound up in the Serena which I thought was fine. If you want you can go back to the East Africa trip Index and read recent comments--but IMO you are fine with the Sopa (and as I mentioned it has some advantages).
What you are doing makes alot of sense--some budget limitations in the N. circuit part as a trade-off for being able to add Mahale. You'll get your Nomad experience there.
Re Sopa vs Serena there are advantages to both--Sopa has sunset, a separate access road right there, a pool. Serena, has individual open air balconies, some think it is a bit nicer. I would not sweat being in one or the other--especially for one night. I spent too much time analyzing which of the 2 to request and originally wanted the Sopa over the Serena and could not get in so wound up in the Serena which I thought was fine. If you want you can go back to the East Africa trip Index and read recent comments--but IMO you are fine with the Sopa (and as I mentioned it has some advantages).
What you are doing makes alot of sense--some budget limitations in the N. circuit part as a trade-off for being able to add Mahale. You'll get your Nomad experience there.
Apr 14th, 2006, 05:08 AM
#43
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Patty:
I did not realize it about Nomad either until we were there. Nothing in their website suggests it and everything that I had read about them before the trip was about the experience in their camps.
I did not realize it about Nomad either until we were there. Nothing in their website suggests it and everything that I had read about them before the trip was about the experience in their camps.
Apr 15th, 2006, 02:40 PM
#44
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Thanks, bat, I'm going to stick with the available Ngoro Sopa and stop overthinking it.
To all, would we save overall if we shared tents with 3 persons (like Mbuzi Mawe where there are 2 queen bed per tent) rather than one single and one double? If I'm reading the rates details right, seems there's very little benefit with exception of single supplement to sharing tent (3 persons). It doesn't make sense at majority of the stops since many included twid bedded (pushed together) type set-up.
Thanks,
LovetoDiscover
To all, would we save overall if we shared tents with 3 persons (like Mbuzi Mawe where there are 2 queen bed per tent) rather than one single and one double? If I'm reading the rates details right, seems there's very little benefit with exception of single supplement to sharing tent (3 persons). It doesn't make sense at majority of the stops since many included twid bedded (pushed together) type set-up.
Thanks,
LovetoDiscover
Apr 15th, 2006, 05:21 PM
#45
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Chiming in on Ngorongoro Sopa, I thought it was lovely. Look for the tree hyrax around the lodge that are very accommodating photo subjects.
At almost every destination where I've checked, whether Africa or elsewhere, I have found the very same thing with the triple room. As you put it, "there's very little benefit with exception of single supplement to sharing tent (3 persons)." I swear I've seen reductions of only about $10 to triple up vs. double up.
At almost every destination where I've checked, whether Africa or elsewhere, I have found the very same thing with the triple room. As you put it, "there's very little benefit with exception of single supplement to sharing tent (3 persons)." I swear I've seen reductions of only about $10 to triple up vs. double up.
Apr 15th, 2006, 08:22 PM
#46
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Thanks, atravelynn. As to photo ops, just hope to get some good pictures, and check out tree hyrax so I know what they are. And, as for the lodging for 3 - will confirm 2 tents were requested and confirmed in all locations, rather than 3 sharing. Gives us all some quiet time and privacy.
Now, on to getting airfare squared away and looking into travel insurance. Any suggestions on travel insurance? Anyone have a good company they'd recommend or would it be best to work it with the tour company? Given the investment in the trip, this will be the first trip thought it was important to get insurance and make sure there was medical coverage --- just in case.
Do you get any insurance protection if you purchase with a credit card? Thought I'd seen a thread somewhere where that was mentioned.
Now, on to getting airfare squared away and looking into travel insurance. Any suggestions on travel insurance? Anyone have a good company they'd recommend or would it be best to work it with the tour company? Given the investment in the trip, this will be the first trip thought it was important to get insurance and make sure there was medical coverage --- just in case.
Do you get any insurance protection if you purchase with a credit card? Thought I'd seen a thread somewhere where that was mentioned.
Apr 15th, 2006, 09:50 PM
#47
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Found the thread on insurance and looking over costs and types of insurance. There's a lot to plan for a trip to Africa.
Sharing links:
www.insuremytrip.com
www.amref.org
* Check out membership in flying doctors. I'm thinking about. Noticed insurance policies sometimes include evacuation protection
Guess I answered my own question about where to get info. Anyone had BAD experience with a travel insurance provider?
Thanks,
lovetodiscover
Sharing links:
www.insuremytrip.com
www.amref.org
* Check out membership in flying doctors. I'm thinking about. Noticed insurance policies sometimes include evacuation protection
Guess I answered my own question about where to get info. Anyone had BAD experience with a travel insurance provider?
Thanks,
lovetodiscover
Apr 16th, 2006, 03:50 AM
#48
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The www.insuremytrip.com site can provide comprehensive trip interruption and cancellation which also includes flight and baggage delay, baggage loss, medical/dental and medical evacuation. The medical/dental is often secondary to your own personal insurance. The providers found are CSA, Travel Guard, Travelex, Access America, others which are reputable. There have been some who have had need to put in claims; you'll find comments on this board if you do a search here.
Note, that only what you have prepaid can be included in the value of your trip. FF tickets cannot be included.
There is also medical/dental and medical evacuation only.
In all categories there are various providers shown. It's important to read all drop-down menus for exclusions, especially pre-existing medical conditions. And it's best that insurance be purchased within 7 to 14-days after deposit made to cover pre-existing medical.
Generally, the prices are based on cost of trip and age of participant with costs in/around the same range.
In addition to med/med evacuation, there is MedJet which will, if needed, get you back to your home hospital; the other policies only get you to the nearest reputable hospital - i.e., Nairobi for your safari. MedJet, located in the USA will cover travelers anywhere from 50-miles of their home with fully equipped surgical planes. They have family and individual policies which should be considered for anyone who travels extensively, anywhere; quite reasonable. The fee for a single trip is shown on the insuremytrip site.
Flying Doctor's is different and should be considered for the small fee charged. This service, should something unforeseen occur, will fly into the airstrip closest your lodge/camp (in the Mara, Crater, Serengeti, etc.) and get you to Arusha or NBO for diagnosis and determination of further care/where. The fee, is small... more than likely will not be needed... so goes into a fund for use of local people who couldn't otherwise pay for such service.
Note, that only what you have prepaid can be included in the value of your trip. FF tickets cannot be included.
There is also medical/dental and medical evacuation only.
In all categories there are various providers shown. It's important to read all drop-down menus for exclusions, especially pre-existing medical conditions. And it's best that insurance be purchased within 7 to 14-days after deposit made to cover pre-existing medical.
Generally, the prices are based on cost of trip and age of participant with costs in/around the same range.
In addition to med/med evacuation, there is MedJet which will, if needed, get you back to your home hospital; the other policies only get you to the nearest reputable hospital - i.e., Nairobi for your safari. MedJet, located in the USA will cover travelers anywhere from 50-miles of their home with fully equipped surgical planes. They have family and individual policies which should be considered for anyone who travels extensively, anywhere; quite reasonable. The fee for a single trip is shown on the insuremytrip site.
Flying Doctor's is different and should be considered for the small fee charged. This service, should something unforeseen occur, will fly into the airstrip closest your lodge/camp (in the Mara, Crater, Serengeti, etc.) and get you to Arusha or NBO for diagnosis and determination of further care/where. The fee, is small... more than likely will not be needed... so goes into a fund for use of local people who couldn't otherwise pay for such service.
Apr 19th, 2006, 09:12 PM
#49
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Anyone online tonight?
First, will preface this question with a kudo to Africa Travel Resource (ATR). Seen other traffic regarding ATR and want to share that they have been the most responsive tour organizer that I'd sought quotes from. Some, larger operators took as long as a week and never produced a quote. I have been very particular about the written quote, however, and just about getting it to point I will commit (planned to decide by morning - yes, tomorrow!). As I write this though, recently read the T&C's and would like your feedback on whether these are common to other operators. The terms do not give me confidence that we will get what we are quoted and given this expense...my enthusiasm is waning.
To see the T&Cs go to http://www.africatravelresource.com/ and select "about us" (lower right), then pick "small print". Maybe I'm not feeling really humorous now, but the ostrich running away with my money (see the caption and pic) worries me!
2 Subjects on T&C's most troubling:
a) Information
The company takes no responsibility for loss, damage or injury arising from any shortfall, error or omission in the information passed to the customer during the course of the sale or subsequent delivery of the product. This is a standard clause which sounds terrible. Every one else seems to put it in their terms and conditions, so we have too. There's a whole load of these get-out clauses which appear to leave us with no responsibility to you whatsoever, but we obviously do under normal statutory rights - it is the insurance companies that force us to write all this stuff.
Very close to reserving a safari for 3 with Africa Travel Resource in UK and have questions on the disclaimers on the T&CS on their web site. Link attached: http://www.africatravelresource.com/
First, will preface this question with a kudo to Africa Travel Resource (ATR). Seen other traffic regarding ATR and want to share that they have been the most responsive tour organizer that I'd sought quotes from. Some, larger operators took as long as a week and never produced a quote. I have been very particular about the written quote, however, and just about getting it to point I will commit (planned to decide by morning - yes, tomorrow!). As I write this though, recently read the T&C's and would like your feedback on whether these are common to other operators. The terms do not give me confidence that we will get what we are quoted and given this expense...my enthusiasm is waning.
To see the T&Cs go to http://www.africatravelresource.com/ and select "about us" (lower right), then pick "small print". Maybe I'm not feeling really humorous now, but the ostrich running away with my money (see the caption and pic) worries me!
2 Subjects on T&C's most troubling:
a) Information
The company takes no responsibility for loss, damage or injury arising from any shortfall, error or omission in the information passed to the customer during the course of the sale or subsequent delivery of the product. This is a standard clause which sounds terrible. Every one else seems to put it in their terms and conditions, so we have too. There's a whole load of these get-out clauses which appear to leave us with no responsibility to you whatsoever, but we obviously do under normal statutory rights - it is the insurance companies that force us to write all this stuff.
Very close to reserving a safari for 3 with Africa Travel Resource in UK and have questions on the disclaimers on the T&CS on their web site. Link attached: http://www.africatravelresource.com/
Apr 19th, 2006, 09:26 PM
#50
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Clicked send too soon. See below.
Other Subject of concern:
Reservations
Specific room bookings are usually honoured but cannot be guaranteed. Where a booking has been incorrectly made, or double booked and the customer is not able to stay in the allotted hotel, then the Company is liable to return only the sum paid by the customer for that booking. We send our people round to each hotel and operator regularly to check not only that the bookings are correct, but also that they are automatically upgraded if a better room or option becomes available. Moreover, for an increasing number of hotels we actually hold the master bookings sheets, so we are able to ensure that bookings are correct. Very occasionally mistakes do happen, but Africa tends to be very adaptable and acceptable solutions are nearly always found.
Other Subject of concern:
Reservations
Specific room bookings are usually honoured but cannot be guaranteed. Where a booking has been incorrectly made, or double booked and the customer is not able to stay in the allotted hotel, then the Company is liable to return only the sum paid by the customer for that booking. We send our people round to each hotel and operator regularly to check not only that the bookings are correct, but also that they are automatically upgraded if a better room or option becomes available. Moreover, for an increasing number of hotels we actually hold the master bookings sheets, so we are able to ensure that bookings are correct. Very occasionally mistakes do happen, but Africa tends to be very adaptable and acceptable solutions are nearly always found.
Apr 20th, 2006, 05:45 AM
#51
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The Terms & Conditions are pretty much standard. You will find similar T&C for prepaid tour travel to Europe, Asia and even in North America.
Your tour operator will do their utmost to insure what has been promised and confirmed, but s*&t happens. In turn, the TO will do their best to correct the situation. Flight times may be off, vehicles break down, weather can't be guaranteed and travelers often do stupid things.
You are responsible for what you can control; your tour operator for what they can control. With few exceptions, all goes well. But your tour operator has to advise you as shown a Booking Form and/or Terms & Conditions.
As to your own insurance - you have to be responsible for your medical/evacuation; these countries really can't afford to support you... though circumstancs may occur where they must.
Consider how may climbers have accidents in the US; our medical teams and helicopters go in to retract these folks... who pays? The US tax payer. Thankfully, these companies/govt are starting to bill for said services.
It's not much different than reading the PDR on aspirin. Lots of people take them, but there can be many reactions with this everyday med.
Honestly, the manner in which ATR expresses this information is not very professional; rather a bit cavalier, but that too is their choice. In the end, it's your decision to sign or not. If not, no safari.
Your tour operator will do their utmost to insure what has been promised and confirmed, but s*&t happens. In turn, the TO will do their best to correct the situation. Flight times may be off, vehicles break down, weather can't be guaranteed and travelers often do stupid things.
You are responsible for what you can control; your tour operator for what they can control. With few exceptions, all goes well. But your tour operator has to advise you as shown a Booking Form and/or Terms & Conditions.
As to your own insurance - you have to be responsible for your medical/evacuation; these countries really can't afford to support you... though circumstancs may occur where they must.
Consider how may climbers have accidents in the US; our medical teams and helicopters go in to retract these folks... who pays? The US tax payer. Thankfully, these companies/govt are starting to bill for said services.
It's not much different than reading the PDR on aspirin. Lots of people take them, but there can be many reactions with this everyday med.
Honestly, the manner in which ATR expresses this information is not very professional; rather a bit cavalier, but that too is their choice. In the end, it's your decision to sign or not. If not, no safari.
Apr 20th, 2006, 06:41 AM
#52
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Thank you Sandi. Okay - so, these type clauses are common. That's what I wanted to know. Not that I like them. ATR is a young company and seems to have "flavor for life" in their descriptions. Hear what you are saying and agree it more cavalier than I was comfortable with. Really do want to go on safari. Just nervous and cautious as I'm about to put the money on the line. On the flip side, ATR has worked with me and accommodated my requests for camp / lodge choices and many details. So, from service perspective, they've been very good.
Planning to secure independent travel insurance through Specialty Risk Int'l and purchase Flying Doctors for incoutry travel back to Nairobi. Also liked the Medjet insurance but it doubles up on SRI round trip insurance.
Very much appreciate your advice. Thanks, again.
Planning to secure independent travel insurance through Specialty Risk Int'l and purchase Flying Doctors for incoutry travel back to Nairobi. Also liked the Medjet insurance but it doubles up on SRI round trip insurance.
Very much appreciate your advice. Thanks, again.
May 4th, 2006, 11:28 AM
#53
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Opinions sought...
In early January, and disregarding any "cost/price" difference is Swala or Oliver's in a better location for safari in Tarangire NP? Eben, I do like the idea of walking safari, and think it may be possible for our individual guide to do this from Swala too.
Thanks
In early January, and disregarding any "cost/price" difference is Swala or Oliver's in a better location for safari in Tarangire NP? Eben, I do like the idea of walking safari, and think it may be possible for our individual guide to do this from Swala too.
Thanks
May 4th, 2006, 12:12 PM
#54
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Their locations are fairly similar - both are deep in the park. Swala has a small waterhole that attracts elephant and smaller game. It is wonderful to sit on the veranda and watch the interaction at the waterhole.
Oliver's is closer to Silale swap and I've always been lucky with leopard and lion not far from camp. There is no waterhole so you cannot sit and watch the wildlife as you would at Swala. But for me, Oliver's has a degree of "wildness" that I enjoy a tiny bit more than Swala. But Swala is a bit more romantic!
I am not familiar with the walking areas around Gursi swamp near Swala. I've not heard of people doing any serious walking safaris at Swala (I know they do bush walks around the camp and I've done the sundowners overlooking the swamp).
A true walking safari inside Tarangire is serious business and requires additional walking fees to be paid and such. I know some of Oliver's guides have approval to lead walking safaris; I would seriously question any other outfitter who claims they can do the same. On these walks you are likely to encounter lion and more.
If anyone else know of outfitters who do walking safaris inside Tarangire on a regular basis (I don't trust part-timers) please post it here! It is very useful information.
As for me, I am VERY particular about walking safari guides. A careless guide can cause unnecessary harm to clients and wildlife alike.
Oliver's is closer to Silale swap and I've always been lucky with leopard and lion not far from camp. There is no waterhole so you cannot sit and watch the wildlife as you would at Swala. But for me, Oliver's has a degree of "wildness" that I enjoy a tiny bit more than Swala. But Swala is a bit more romantic!
I am not familiar with the walking areas around Gursi swamp near Swala. I've not heard of people doing any serious walking safaris at Swala (I know they do bush walks around the camp and I've done the sundowners overlooking the swamp).
A true walking safari inside Tarangire is serious business and requires additional walking fees to be paid and such. I know some of Oliver's guides have approval to lead walking safaris; I would seriously question any other outfitter who claims they can do the same. On these walks you are likely to encounter lion and more.
If anyone else know of outfitters who do walking safaris inside Tarangire on a regular basis (I don't trust part-timers) please post it here! It is very useful information.
As for me, I am VERY particular about walking safari guides. A careless guide can cause unnecessary harm to clients and wildlife alike.
May 4th, 2006, 12:23 PM
#55
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Great comparison, Eben. Thanks. It does make it a bit of a trade-off. Given it's the first stop, easing our way in with Swala would be good. However, it's our only opportunity, ( I think) for walking safari on the N. Circuit.
There is a charge of $25 pp for the walking safari license included in our quote and I assumed that meant our private guide (ATR's assigned local guide - MKSC?) would take us rather than staff at Oliver's. Thanks for the predator tip, hope we (really me) can stomach the idea of being on foot and seeing the predators nearby. That is part of the thrill. Also like the idea of getting a little exercise before being vehicle bound for several days.
Choices - we are so lucky to have choices.
Will follow-up and find out how/with who the walk was planned/organized.
There is a charge of $25 pp for the walking safari license included in our quote and I assumed that meant our private guide (ATR's assigned local guide - MKSC?) would take us rather than staff at Oliver's. Thanks for the predator tip, hope we (really me) can stomach the idea of being on foot and seeing the predators nearby. That is part of the thrill. Also like the idea of getting a little exercise before being vehicle bound for several days.
Choices - we are so lucky to have choices.
Will follow-up and find out how/with who the walk was planned/organized.
May 4th, 2006, 03:48 PM
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Patty - it did not clear yet. Sounded like the camps were booked at least end of year + for tour group visits (on hold). My notes from ATR show Swala as choice for Tarangire if it clears. My intention was to stick with Oliver's, but if the $ are a wash and one was a better locale than the other. Doesn't look quite that clear cut. So, no it didn't clear. What would you choose?
May 4th, 2006, 03:59 PM
#58
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Same itinerary as 4/13 last revised with Oliver's at Tarangire confirmed and Kigongoni at the back end for one night. Waiting on confirmation at Mbuzi Mawe - formally and that's the last missing link. Expect will have down payment made by the end of next week. Actually surprised it's taken so long for formal confirmation on accommodations, but appreciate the diligence of ATR to ensure it's secured.
May 4th, 2006, 08:12 PM
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That's a tough one. I like the rusticity of Oliver's and the walking options. On the other hand, being able to see game at camp is a big plus for Swala. Have you seen lisa's photos from Swala? http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34728853
May 4th, 2006, 08:48 PM
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Great Pics from Lisa and Mark - thanks Patty. There are some very good photographers on Fodors. Swala would be a great way to begin the safari. Don't mind rusticity of Oliver's either.
Think both camps are good for different reasons. Pretty much win/win. So, no concerns anymore.
Eben - on further discussion among the family, it turns out I'm not the one with the biggest concerns on walking safaris. So, we may not do a walk even from Oliver's. We'll see.
Think both camps are good for different reasons. Pretty much win/win. So, no concerns anymore.
Eben - on further discussion among the family, it turns out I'm not the one with the biggest concerns on walking safaris. So, we may not do a walk even from Oliver's. We'll see.
