First Time Safari: July/August 2012 -- Where to go?
Feb 2nd, 2012, 08:45 AM
#21
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Xyz99, it appears you are in on this group hug as well.
I've made the Jochen-Johan error myself. What's more confusing is sometimes I think Jochen aka Pixelpower has traveled with Johan aka Skimmer if I am not mistaken. It's all as murky as a heavy morning mist on the Luangwa River.
If we are getting technical with the screen names, it is Skimmer with two m's and not Skinner.
And if we are getting technical with the countries indicated, Somalisa is in Hwange, Zimbabwe, not in Zambia. There was no mention of Zimbabwe in the post's main title or the heading of Itinerary Option #3. With uncertainty in elections in Zim, that could be a consideration, especially since "no hassle" is one of the goals. Even if no hassle actually occurs on the ground, a concern about a potential hassle might be considered a hassle. (It's all as murky as a heavy morning mist on the Luangwa River.)
Xyz99, when you mention "the safari experience" what comes to mind and what is most important to you? That can help in deciding on a trip.
You have mentioned night drive, being active, and some walking.
Walking most mornings in remote areas of the bush and seeing animals at a distance on foot?
Canoeing several times and watching animals on the shore or crocs/hippos in the water at a distance?
Spending most of the time in a vehicle where sightings are usually better and closer, but doing at least one walk?
Being surrounded by huge herds of migrating wildebeest and zebras and perhaps quite a few other vehicles? Having a chance to see the famous Mara River crossing where herds of wildes and zebra swim across, dodging crocs?
Seeing the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, ele, buffalo) fairly easily in a day or two?
Lingering at a sighting of interest for as long as you wish, perhaps 30-90 minutes?
Sharing a vehicle with others on safari so you can marvel at what is out their together and share your experiences with others besides each other and the guide?
Not seeing more than a half dozen vehicles in your entire day and sharing sightings with no more than one or two vehicles?
Seeing many animals and a great variety, even if it means sharing some sightings with several other vehicles?
Having your own private vehicle and guide so you are in control of each day, such as extra early or sleep in, stay out all day with a lunch box, etc.?
Is driving yourself on a preplanned route and having complete control over what you do and when desirable (or would this not fall under hassle-free?)
Are there certain animals you most want to see? Some parks are much better for some species over others.
Would knocking down the price from $1000 pp/pd to $600-750 pp/pd be a priority for you if you could meet most of your safari goals? Or are the places mentioned (which are well known for high quality) a high priority for you?
Before booking, I'd talk to about 3 different safari providers for pricing and ideas. It's always an education.
I've made the Jochen-Johan error myself. What's more confusing is sometimes I think Jochen aka Pixelpower has traveled with Johan aka Skimmer if I am not mistaken. It's all as murky as a heavy morning mist on the Luangwa River.
If we are getting technical with the screen names, it is Skimmer with two m's and not Skinner.
And if we are getting technical with the countries indicated, Somalisa is in Hwange, Zimbabwe, not in Zambia. There was no mention of Zimbabwe in the post's main title or the heading of Itinerary Option #3. With uncertainty in elections in Zim, that could be a consideration, especially since "no hassle" is one of the goals. Even if no hassle actually occurs on the ground, a concern about a potential hassle might be considered a hassle. (It's all as murky as a heavy morning mist on the Luangwa River.)
Xyz99, when you mention "the safari experience" what comes to mind and what is most important to you? That can help in deciding on a trip.
You have mentioned night drive, being active, and some walking.
Walking most mornings in remote areas of the bush and seeing animals at a distance on foot?
Canoeing several times and watching animals on the shore or crocs/hippos in the water at a distance?
Spending most of the time in a vehicle where sightings are usually better and closer, but doing at least one walk?
Being surrounded by huge herds of migrating wildebeest and zebras and perhaps quite a few other vehicles? Having a chance to see the famous Mara River crossing where herds of wildes and zebra swim across, dodging crocs?
Seeing the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, ele, buffalo) fairly easily in a day or two?
Lingering at a sighting of interest for as long as you wish, perhaps 30-90 minutes?
Sharing a vehicle with others on safari so you can marvel at what is out their together and share your experiences with others besides each other and the guide?
Not seeing more than a half dozen vehicles in your entire day and sharing sightings with no more than one or two vehicles?
Seeing many animals and a great variety, even if it means sharing some sightings with several other vehicles?
Having your own private vehicle and guide so you are in control of each day, such as extra early or sleep in, stay out all day with a lunch box, etc.?
Is driving yourself on a preplanned route and having complete control over what you do and when desirable (or would this not fall under hassle-free?)
Are there certain animals you most want to see? Some parks are much better for some species over others.
Would knocking down the price from $1000 pp/pd to $600-750 pp/pd be a priority for you if you could meet most of your safari goals? Or are the places mentioned (which are well known for high quality) a high priority for you?
Before booking, I'd talk to about 3 different safari providers for pricing and ideas. It's always an education.
Feb 2nd, 2012, 11:31 AM
#22
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... hey, we're not arguing, just a group of friends, all expressing what we see as obvious and offering alternatives. 
If friends, can't... then who can?
The more information, while it can seem confusing, also gives you a better understanding of your options. And, for those who are into quality over costs or vice versa... we all have our opinions. None right or wrong! In the end 'it's your safari' and you should be able to get that which meets your wishes.
If friends, can't... then who can? The more information, while it can seem confusing, also gives you a better understanding of your options. And, for those who are into quality over costs or vice versa... we all have our opinions. None right or wrong! In the end 'it's your safari' and you should be able to get that which meets your wishes.
Feb 6th, 2012, 05:03 AM
#23
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Thanks for all of the insight -- there is much collective wisdom on this forum. Based on your thoughts I've continued talking to many safari providers and I'm starting to structure a Kenya safari for late July / early August.
I've decided that we'll just have to delay South Africa to 2013 and maybe Zambia in 2014.
I've decided that we'll just have to delay South Africa to 2013 and maybe Zambia in 2014.
Feb 8th, 2012, 07:39 AM
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Hi apc
Glad to see you have narrowed it down. Don't try to take in all of Africa in one trip as it will not work. Africa is huge and has many many experiences to offer in terms of safaris. I can assure you once the first safari is under your belt you will be planning the next.
Have a Great Time
Yours on Safari
Mark
Glad to see you have narrowed it down. Don't try to take in all of Africa in one trip as it will not work. Africa is huge and has many many experiences to offer in terms of safaris. I can assure you once the first safari is under your belt you will be planning the next.
Have a Great Time
Yours on Safari
Mark
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