Cate,

I've got the same question as Atravelynn: what African country do you want to go to?

Regardless of the country chosen, I'd opt for a local (African) TA. You will find that almost invariably TA's from EU, US or UK use one of those local TA's to handle things. IOW they just add to the cost.

If you choose southern Africa, I can highly recommend Sun Safaris (based in Cape Town).

Ciao,

Jochen

marking

pixelpower - I just noticed that Cate hasn't replied since 2010. Wonder if she ever went on her safari! This thread got dragged back up to the top the other day. Still good info to make note of, tho'.

Yes Leslie_S, I agree with you. Here is some info for other readers. SATSA has launched a new widget for Accredited Safari Operators and this can be found and downloaded at http://www.satsa.com/pages/default.asp

Might be a bit late for this response however factors remian the same:
1.Where would you like to travel to while on safari
2.Private or Public
3.What time of the year will you be travelling
4.Budget

Numerous Tour Operators, Safari Operators may promise you the World however the facts are as follows. Private reserves a lot more expensive may offer better sightings of (Animal) as one they are allowed to travel offroad (through the bush)the animals may also have transmitters. This clearly contributes to your time in the bush. Trackers and guides are also part of the parcel while staying at private lodges.

Public Parks where private safari operators offer day safaris do have it a bit harder though as they are not allowed to travel on management roads park officials only as well as anti poaching, no tracker is provided. Bear in mind that this too is a good thing as the guide now has to earn his money in trying to establish where to travel to in finding you the animals that you would like to see.

Season also plays a large role in the larger parks as the various animal species do migrate.

Research as much as possible before hand trying to establish private of public safari. However a great trend that we are experiencing at the moment is that clients will do both, shorter stays at the nice private safari lodge and then travel to the public parks. They may then book a day safari excursion or do a self drive safari.

My personal experience is that public park safaris may be better as the guides depending on the operator will employ only good game rangers.

For more goto: www.heritagetoursandsafaris.com as we offer great deals to hluhluwe umfolozi game reserve and iSimangaliso wetlands Park south africa.

Kind regards

Quentin Muir

Woops. Sorry Leslie I didn't notice that.

But indeed as you say; good info in this thread!

I just saw someone use a term for when a really old post gets dragged back up to the top - necroposting.
funny

which, i hasten to add, i wasn't accusing you of pixelpower! i wonder if brooklynjackaye was able to get wanderfilms' attention with her necropost...

OH my gosh! I just saw this. I haven't been on in quite some time. I'm sooooo sorry for not responding sooner and I'm sure no one needs my advice now as it's so late in the game. Is there any way we can get email notifications from this site when someone wants to reach us directly? Kind of like linkedin does?
aGain my apologies-
if anyone wants to reach out to me directly for info feel free to email me at
[email protected] for info on my safari and Mark Thornton. I can't say enough good things about him. I'm dying to go back!!!!!
all the best,
Kim

You can find the best safari tour operators here http://www.yourafricansafari.com/ . Try to check it our.