First trip to Africa
 

We are considering a trip to Africa next year and having never been there, I have no idea where to start. Wildlife viewing is our highest priority. Any suggestions on regions and tour companies would be appreciated.

Hi Lisa,

Depending on the time of the year, different destinations could be suitably suggested....

The main Wildlife destinations are East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) and Southern Africa (SA, Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe).

Southern Africa is at it's peak...say July to October.

Do a search in the little search box on top on different countries and you will find plenty of information.....

Hari

Yes, time of year can best determine where it's best to visit.

East African peaks can be:
Tanzania -
Jan - Mar - in southeast and central Serengeti for the wildebeests "calving" season. Though at this date, much has already been booked.

Jun - July - in west and some north Serengeti as the wildebeests head north into Kenya, some space is available.

Jun - Oct - in Tarangire which has a mini-migration going on with lots of elephants.

late/Oct - Dec - in northern and central Serengeti as the herds return from Kenya, space is available.

year-round - Ngorongoro Crater

In Kenya -
A wonderful destination year-round.
July - Oct - in the Masai Mara, where the wildebeests (along with zebra and antelope) and the predators stay these months. The Mara, however, is great year-round, even when these very large herds are gone.

Amboseli - for large elephant herds, views of Kilimanjaro; a bit too dusty during the dry season.

Samburu - for species not seen elsewhere, as reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, gerenuk (antelope), Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, with luck wild dogs.

Lake Nakuru - for flamingoes and other water fowl; Rothschild giraffe, rhino.

The Laikipia area with private ranches, small camps, horseback riding, etc.

Meru and Lewa - also small, with varies eco-systems, rhinos, ellees.

... and then there is still more in Tanzania, if you choose the southern parks of Selous, Ruaha, Katavi, Mahale. The coastal islands of Zanzibar, Pemba and Mafia.

in Kenya, more lake areas, farther north, and their coastal areas of Mombasa, Lamu and Malindi islands.

Lots of choices. So, when, for how long, type of accommodations - lodges, permanent tent camps, seasonal tent camps, or mobile camping - and your projected budget.

Search for LyndaS - New East Africa Index, where you'll find trip reports from visitors over these past few years. This will give you an idea for an itinerary and the various tour operators used.

Sandi - what a great reference this is, thankyou - I have printed it out and put it in my 'next trip' folder, it's wonderful!

Lisa-
here is the link to the East Africa index Sandi mentioned:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34860283

There is also one on South Africa

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34858382

I am biased at the moment, I admit, but as much as I LOVED South Africa, (haven't been to Botswana & Zambia and Zimbabwe yet though) East Africa was INCREDIBLE. When it came time to decide where to go next year, there wasn't any contest, we just have to return to East Africa first. (followed closely of course by South Africa, Botswana and Zambia after that!) :-)

One deciding factor for us to go back to East Africa, in all fairnes though, was that we were there longer than South Africa and we made many friends. Also, cost next year is a factor - as much as I want to see Botswana and Zambia I will have to save a little longer as it is more expensive.

I found that in South Africa there was more versatility to the things you could explore (wildlife, wine country, scenery, history, etc) but the animals were front and center in East Africa.

I think East Africa is the best place to start your African travels. It's usually less expensive than southern Africa, the game is more prolific, and you get more cultural interaction. Notice I said "start"...you'll be back!

Went on first safari through Overseas Adventure Travel and they are actually VERY reasonable considering what the trip was like. GREAT. Can not emphasize more the amazing experience. Tanzania is where we went. And, now have been back there 2 more times to visit friends made during 1st trip. People are amazing.Our Trip Leader was/is one of the most amazing people on earth. If you want more info on OAT let me know.

At the risk of getting into a fight

"the game is more prolific"

strong words! My sense would be that it depends on time of year and type of game. Leopard are at there most prolific in Sabi Sand Game Reserve for example, and plenty of trip reports from East Africa would not tend to confirm this opinion.

Thank you all for the input - I really appreciate your time and thoughts. I will research on the East and South Africa threads you posted. Thank you Sandi for the details on wildlife viewing/locations. Birdflyer, re Overseas Adventure Travel: What kind of trip did you take with them - length - locations??

Lisa NYC,

Some great advice has been given.

You've stated wildlife is a high priority. To help narrow the search here are a couple of other questions.

What month do you want to travel? (Sandi's response may help with this one)

How long would you like to spend in Africa?

Are there certain animals you really hope to see? Is seeing the Big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant, rhino) important to you?

Is seeing the migration of wildebeest and zebras (or at least huge herds if you miss the bulk of the migration) important?

Do you plan to include gorilla tracking or chimp tracking?

Would you prefer to do most of your viewing from a vehicle or would you like to include a good deal of walking or boating/canoeing to view wildlife?

Here's one more piece of advice that may send you to the library. Get the book Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark Nolting, 6th edition. You can also check out a few travel videos/DVDs because seeing the destinations can be more helpful than just reading about them. Get one on Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, maybe Zambia or Zimbabwe. Some of these might even be combined.

Finally, booking a year in advance is common, especially for smaller camps like those in Botswana, or if you go at key times for the migration. So even though a year seems like a huge head start, it's not too early to get serious.

Please post with additional questions and as your plans take shape.

"game is more prolific"...my words.

What I was thinking of was the Migration, which is what so many people want to experience in East Africa. I can't think of anywhere in southern Africa where you could experience something like it.