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Fodor's Editor Wants to Know...
How many safaris have you been on?
I've been reading through the forums & I am constantly impressed with the knowledge that is on this forum. So it's time to pick your brain. I'd love to know how many times you've safari'd, what countries you've been to, and your favorites: country, park/reserve, lodge/camp? Also, if you could suggest a country for a first timer, where would it be? I look forward to hearing from you all!! |
Okay all you Safari Experts , lets have the information !!:)
Percy |
Hi Alexis, glad to have you back & we hear you really enjoyed your trip!
First before I get into the questions asked, did you see my post on the end of your other one about the safari journal you are doing up? If not, let me know, I'll dig it up. To answer your question- My husband Jim and I have been on 2 full safaris in East Africa, and 2 - one day game runs in South Africa. First our full safaris - we went May 2006 with Micato on their Stanley Wing Safari to Kenya and Tanzania - we were a group of 18. We LOVED it, so we booked onto their Hemmingway Wing Safari this past May, again to Kenya and Tanzania, this time as a group of 6. A few of the parks were different, while some were the same - but of those that were the same, we were in different lodges, with the exception of Kichwa Tembo in the Mara - that was both years. But that was OK because we really liked that camp. We are planning to go back on another Micato safari in 2009 (we would in 2008, but mom wants to go to Alaska and you can't say no to an 83 yr old, can you?) Our one day safaris (game runs) in South Africa were from a half-world cruise that we were on. At the port of Richard's Bay we opted to go an all day game drive to Hluhluwe-Umfolozi National Park. On another port day, while docked in Durban, we opted to go on a 'safari' on a private game reserve named Tala. Both were INCREDIBLE and I knew at that point that we were meant to do this ever after..... I personally (my opinion only) would recommend East Africa to a first timer as we saw lots of cats and lots of other different animals. In South Africa, we were very close to the game on the private reserve, but they couldn't have predators. In the park, we didn't see any predators, even though they were there. I know one day is not a fair comparison, but that's all I have to go by! And from what I have seen posted (conclusion only) SA is more expensive than East Africa. This alone would prompt me to say East Afica. Also, SA seems to me to be the type of vacation that you want to do more than just a safari (wine country, Cape of Good Hope, historical explorations, culture & learning, etc) while East Africa seems to a safari-intense place with a beach rest at the end (Zanzibar/Lamu). So, I guess based on that last sentence of mine, maybe it would depend on what you are looking for! |
How many safaris? Not enough yet. More specifically, 12 planning 13 and 14 with #15 is floating around in the brain.
Good first safari destination if the goal is wildlife viewing as opposed to mainly bird watching or cultural experiences or anything else: -Kenya/Tanzania or just one of the two if time allows just one, but choose the one country based on time of year. My first safari was to both. -South Africa, especially if activities around Cape Town are of interest. -At a higher budget and for those wanting the most seclusion, Botswana. -If the first time participants prefer walking and active water options, then Zambia or Zimbabwe. -If trip #1 includes the gorillas, then Uganda or Rwanda must be included. My favorite country(ies) depends on the criteria. (Though I mention beaches I know nothing of them.) For variety of species and huge migrating herds, where a private safari is economical, and a post-safari beach experience is possible: Aberdares/Mt. Kenya, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Masaai Mara in <b>Kenya</b> For vast expanses of the Serengeti and its huge migrating herds, World Heritage site—the Ngorongoro Crater, where a private safari is economical, and a post-safari beach experience is possible: Lake Manyara and/or Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti in <b>Tanzania</b>, in other words the Northern Circuit For seclusion, variety of game, and chimps: Selous, Ruaha, Katavi, Mahale, maybe Gombe of <b>Tanzania</b>, in other words the Southern Circuit (no personal experience in any of these locations) For walking, canoeing, good night drives, and best views of Victoria Falls: Matoba Hills (maybe), Hwange, Mana Pools, Matusadona (no experience in this park), Vic Falls in <b>Zimbabwe</b> For walking, canoeing, good night drives, and Victoria Falls: South & North Luangwa, Lower Zambezi, Livingstone maybe, Kafue which offers remoteness, lions, and unique antelope, in <b>Zambia</b> For the largest migration on earth: the bats in Nov-Dec in Kasanka, <b>Zambia</b> (no personal experience) For the best chance at seeing The Big 5, opportunity for self driving, and top notch other vacation activities that are non-safari: Sabi Sands and nearby private reserves, Kruger (no experience in this park), Phinda maybe, Cape Town in <b>South Africa</b> For Gorillas: <b>Rwanda</b> was the best gorilla viewing experience and easiest logistically For Gorillas, chimps, chimp sanctuary volunteering, savanna species, non-migrating bats, hippos: Kibale, Ngamba—a Jane Goodall Chimp Sanctuary, Volcanoes National Park, Queen Elizabeth, taking the Kazinga Channel trip or doing chimp trekking here, and there is also Murchison Falls (no experience in this park) in <b>Uganda</b> For seclusion, luxury, excellent game, Okavango Delta, desert & meerkats, best river trip: Linyanti, which includes Selinda & Kwando; Okavango Delta, Kalahari, Chobe with the sunset Chobe River cruise in <b>Botswana</b> For stunning desert landscapes: Namib Desert and environs, Skeleton Coast in <b>Namibia</b> (no personal experience in this country) For surfing hippos and lowland gorillas: <b>Gabon</b> but you have to pick the right month for surfing hippos, which I think is Oct (no personal experience in this country so Oct could be wrong) You might also consider how comfortable a 1st time visitor is with a State Dept warning in place for Kenya. It has been there for years, reputable companies and agents send clients, and Kenya is experiencing record numbers of visitors, but the warning could still be a factor. My own personal standouts of locations, activities, and camps in no particular order (I’ve traveled only during the dry season): Masaai Mara in August Spending 4 days & nights with a Maasai family in the Mara Ark’s waterhole at night in Aberdare Ngorongoro Crater in dry season, looking into it from above and the wildlife within Hwange pans where eles and other wildlife gather at sunset Natureways 4-night mobile walking safari in Mana Pools Kutandala Camp in North Luangwa, owned & operated by manager/guide Rod Tether and wife Guz, which has daily walking activities, drives are not customary Canoeing between Sausage Tree and Old Mondoro on the Chifungulu Channel in the Lower Zambezi Black rhino tracking in Matoba Hills White Rhino tracking in Phinda Sand forest and wildlife in it surrounding Phinda Forest Lodge Joining Phinda guide in a family reunion at his home Leopard-abundant environment of Mala Mala Amalinda Lodge in Matoba Hills in which the rooms are luxury caves Chobe River sunset cruise Spending 12-hour days with James 007 at Duba Plains watching the lions and buffalo San Camp in the Makgadikgadi Pans and the activities: walks with bushmen, quad biking, meerkats, hunting for and finding many remnants of ancient tools Wilderness Mobile camping in Botswana Overnight hide at Chitabe Volunteering at Ngamba, Jane Goodall Chimp sanctuary and doing chimp walks into the forest with the youngsters Kibale chimp “habituation visits” where you watch them wake up in the morning, stick with them, and watch them go to bed at night Gorilla visits in Uganda or Rwanda Bat cave and Kazinga Channel (I am more fond of the channel than others) in Queen Elizabeth in Uganda Best meal was at Gibb’s Farm All of these are things anyone can do, except maybe the family reunion and I am not sure about staying with a Maasai family. But none of these were dependent on luck, such as good sightings. |
Two safaris and can't wait for the next.
First safari was Kenya both the Sambura and Mara. Zanibar for the monkeys. Zambia for Victoria Falls. South Africa for the wine country and the penguins at the Cape. This safari was planned by Big Five but we were by ourselves most of the time. We loved the different environments and the people that we met along the way. Second safari was just this summer. Nambia for the dune and the Skelaton Coast Safari Camp. The environment that you see there is like no other on earth. Then is was on to Botswana for the Delta and the animals. Mombo Camp, Vurbumba and the Meercats at Jacks Camp. Then Zimb for the Falls again. I don't think I've yet to find a favorite. It one is sooooo special and has so much to offer. Not just the animals, but the people, environments and food. I can't wait to see all the other African countries. Gorillas are next and Gabon. Kim |
5 Trips, 1 to Kenya, Masai Mara, Sambura and Lewa Downs
1 to South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe. In Botswana I went to Chobe, but I would bypass that now and in Zimbabwe at the moment I would bypass everything. The other 3 trips have been to South Africa. I would highly recommend Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Forrest Lodge Phinda, Londolozi and Exeter Leadwood. Lion Sands Ivory Lodge is on the top of my list, but all the others are great too. |
Knlaw,
Do you have any tidbits on Gabon that you wish to share? Since it is coming up for you. |
I haven't had much time to read the forum lately but I'll play.
2002, Namibia, not a safari but my husband and I stayed with a family on their cattle farm. I fell in love with Africa on that trip and had to go back. 2003, South Africa and Botswana: Mabula, Mashatu (not the Botswana you normally read about but it's still Bots), and two private farms 2004, South Africa: MalaMala 2005, Botswana: mobile camping with GameTrails 2006, South Africa and Namibia: MalaMala and Namibia (one night at Etosha and another cattle farm stay) 2007, Kenya and Rwanda: Campi Ya Kanzi, Offbeat Safaris in Meru, Sosian (in Laikipia area), Joy's Camp in Shaba National Reserve, Little Governer's Camp in the Mara 2007, Botswana, mobile camping with Maun Rest Camp 2008 - Botswana and South Africa, Mashatu and MalaMala . Picking a favorite is tough. Most places have their own special qualities. I've done MalaMala and mobile camping in Bots twice already so I have to say they are my favorites. . Favorite/special moment/sighting - I'll tell you two that come to mind right now. ~The night we spent sleeping on the ground under the stars in the Makgadikgadi Pans has to be one of the most memorable nights. That place is so starkly beautiful ~The night we watched the sun go down on the Chobe River and sat and watched the elephants come down to drink for at least an hour or two after dark. We didn't even have sundowner supplies but we couldn't leave because it was so incredible. Our guide estimated that we saw 5-700 elephants that night. It was just magical in the moonlight. . Pick a country for a first timer? I don't see how you could go wrong with any of them. Seriously. Most first timers are worried/wondering about so many things but once they land they quickly realize that the worry was pretty much for nought (assuming they've chosen a good ground operator). You didn't ask but on my Africa To Do List is Zambia, Tanzania and Namibia (for the dunes and Skeleton Coast). I would also love to go back to Kenya and Rwanda. And Botswana. And South Africa. And in time, Zimbabwe |
August 1999: Kenya (Masai Mara and Amboseli) and Tanzania (Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater)
June 2000: South Africa (Kruger, Sabi Sands and Cape Town, including shark diving at Dyer Island) August 2001: Bostwana (Okavango Delta area (Chitabe and Savuti) and Chobe), Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls and Harare), Zambia (South Luangwa) and Malawi (Lake Malawi) August 2002: Swaziland (Mkhaya), Mozambique (Maputo), Namibia (Ongava, Etosha and Sossosvlei) and Cape Town (shark diving at Dyer Island) August 2003: Uganda (Queen Elizabeth NP and Bwindi), Rwanda (Parc Nacional Volcans) and Kenya (Samburu and Buffalo Springs) May 2005: Madagascar (Perinet, Kirindy and Berenty) July 2006: Hluhluwe (Kwazulu-Natal), Lesotho and Kgalagadi (Northern Cape) ************************************************** * For a first timer, I would suggest visiting Masai Mara/Serengeti during the migration, the destination being determined by the location of the migration. As to camps, I really enjoyed Kalahari Tented Camp in Kgalagadi, probably the nicest self-catering/self-driving accommodations I have visited (nearly as nice as the Wilderness Safaris 5-Paw lodging, albeit on a self-catering basis). Michael |
Four safaris so far.
Two to Zambia-twice to South Luangwa, once to Lower Zambezi One to Namibia (Caprivi Strip only) and Zimbabwe One to South Africa-self drive through Kruger and three nights at Mala Mala in Sabie Sands. Favorite country: Zambia Favorite park: Hwange in Zim Favorite camp: Somalisa in Zim For first timer I'd suggest Zambia Most memorable safari moment: Drinking a glass of wine and eating dinner at Somalisa camp and an elephant came up to the swimming pool next to us and drank from the pool Next up: Looking into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, possibly back to Hwange or Kruger...or Tasmania, Belize or Brazil (thanks to Lynn) |
Ok.....i'll play.
8 safaris so far. 9 and 10 in 2008. 8 includes two trips to East Africa (Ken and Tanz) and six trips to Southern Africa (SA and Bots). Fav country - Botswana. Fav camp - Lebala My suggestions for a first timer: SA or Kenya or Tanzania. Outside of safaris - i've done the usual SA tourist attractions and being part of the cricket world cup in 2003 was a great experience!!! Wish list for the future includes - Namibia, Serengeti in Feb or march, Southern Tanzania and perhaps parts of Botswana that i have not been to before(CKGR, Nxai pan, Chitabe, Mashatu). |
Hi Alexis
I have now been on 12 safaris. May 2000 - Kenya - Samburu and Mara and Shamwari in Sth Africa Feb 2001 - Tanzania - Kusini and Ngorongoro Crater Sept 2001 - Botswana - Stanleys, Chiefs and Chobe Chilwero and MalaMala, Sth Africa July 2002 - Ulusaba, Thornybush and MalaMala, Sth Africa May 2003 - MalaMala, Sth Africa Nov 2003 - MalaMala and Singita June 2004 - MalaMala December 2004 - MalaMala and Singita December 2005 - MalaMala, Singita, Londolozi and Lion Sands June 2006 - Botswana - Nxageba and Sandibe and Zimbabwe - Matetsi and Londolozi, South Africa Dec 2006 -MalaMala and Lion Sands March 2007 - MalaMala Trips in the future Dec 2007 - MalaMala June 2007 - MalaMala Dec 2008 - MalaMala and Mashutu in Botswana My favourite is MalaMala, a clear winner for me as I am a gameviewing fanatic! Not really interested in much else! I do not regret any place, as it brought me to MM and I now know quite clearly what I want, and when I found it, I do not need to be looking anywhere else! I also seem to be one of the few that absolutely hate jumping from camp to camp to camp to camp - I love being in the one place as everyday I see different things that I have not seen before. It will be a sad day when I think I have seen everything!!! I should think a first timer would be happy any reserve/park that has reasonable gameviewing, if this is their interest. Though to me, some guests on safari, gameviewing is not a high priority to them at all! Kind regards Kaye |
Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Namibia , South Africa, Mozambique , Kenya , Angola
Living in Africa all the time. First time travellers Botswana. Will always come back. |
Regretfully, only 7 safaris so far...have had to slow down because of a shortage of resources. #8 next year, after a three-year break.
Game-viewing is my top priority, but it has to be in wilder, remoter, less-managed areas, otherwise the experience is polluted. That's the reason why my experiences are biased towards northern Botswana, but that I would also like to see the south and west of Tanzania. To a first-timer, I would recommend Botswana, but I agree that most newbies would be delighted wherever they went. My first three safaris were like dipping my toes in three different, wonderful baths: Okavango Delta (Mombo, among others); Kenya; and wild and remote Chizarira NP, Zimbabwe. The comparisons led me to non-delta north-western Botswana, and that's been my favourite until now. Now for Zambia. John |
My good lord. i can not believe how many safaris you have all been on!! And the passion you all feel for the places you have been is quite obvious. Thanks so much for playing along.
I found all of your answers extremely helpful and interesting. A lot of people I have spoken with said that they would recommned people visit Botswana. To hear so many other opinions is wonderful. |
Hey Lynda,
I did see your post. Thanks for asking about the book. I posted a reply on that thread. If you have any other questions, please do let me know. I'm really excited to see all the interest reagarding the book on the forums. This guide has been a labor lo love for me and for all the writers involved. |
Alexis,
OK, you've heard from everyone with numerious safaris under their belt now here's my two cents having just gone on my first safari in July. We chose Mala Mala in SA after looking at a lot of options. We based our choice on Sabi Sands' location next to Krueger National Park and the variety of game. Game viewing was a priority for us. We were also attracted to Mala Mala's size and reputation. The facility is small while the reserve itself is quite large. When we went we figured it would most likely be a once in a lifetime experience. What we didn't count on was the pull of Africa. We plan to return and most likely it will be to Mala Mala. The trip was everything that was promised and much more. I'm writing this looking at my pictures hanging on the wall. I'm not a great photographer but you'd think I was looking at those pictures. |
8 safaris so far, with the 9th coming next September back to where it started...Kenya.
I've been to Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa. As I've said in other posts, I would recommend East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania) for first time visitors. There is lots of game, the classic acacia plains that so many people expect when they first come to Africa, tribal cultures such as the Maasai, and fairly reasonable costs, at least compared to some southern African destinations. Botswana and the Okavango Delta is my favorite location in southern Africa. The absolute wildness of the place is wonderful. By the way, Alexis, perhaps you should have Lynn write a chapter for one of your African guides. Her knowledge and writing abilities are fantastic! |
I am envious of you all and thrilled to have the opportunity to share my next adventure (#2) with such seasoned travelers! <):)
Excellent information provided by all. My first trip was the "sampler platter" and had me begging for more! I was happy to see anything and everything. |
I have been on one African safari, but will definitely go on another before I die. I was in South Africa (Sabi Sand) and Botswana (Linyanti, Okavango Delta).
I recommend Botswana for the sense of isolation, varied ecosystems and exceptional accomodations. |
I have been on only 2 "safaris" ..Kenya and more recently, SA and Botswana. I will definitely be returning! I do wish, however, that people will branch out to other parts of Africa that are off the safari trail!
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Country for first timer? I would suggest East Africa or Botswana with at least a few nights camping to get a feel for the bush.
Personal experience? Well I’ve been visiting the Continent since the late 70’s, but I don’t keep track of the number of times, just the memories. Here is the list… Kenya: Tsavo East (Satao Camp) Amboseli (Campi Ya Knazi, Old Donyo Wuas) Masai Mara (Mobile Camping Karen (Ngong House, Giraffe Manor) Nakuru (Camping) Samburu Shaba, Buffalo Springs Aberdares (Guest of KWS at their Lodge- I was Rhinoark DOT org U.S. Pro bono Chairperson) Lake Naivasha (Hippo Point) Lewa Downs – Wilderness Trails Lodge Loisaba – Mobile Camping, Walking Safari and Sky Beds, Il Ngwesi - Ngare Ndare River on Foot, Ol Lentille my DH’s 65th B’day the year before he was diagnosed with Cancer Laikpia (Camel Safari) Nyeri (Mount Kenya Academy: Helped build Grace Chapel and planted trees at school with students) Tanzania: Arusha, TZ 2-years volunteering and lots of reconnoitering for new campsites in remote wilderness areas with pup tent and vehicle. Not luxurious but very exciting. Highlights: Witness Maasai female circumcision ceremony, lions in camp all night – I didn’t breathe or sleep all night, Ele dropped trunk in vehicle almost touched us, all things experienced on foot, sleeping in pup tent when elephant herd walked past (the earth moved), all tribal experiences. Arusha NP (Walk from Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge to Arusha Mobile Campsite) Tarangire NP (Mostly Mobile Camping; love Southern Park exploration) Ngorongoro Crater (Camping Crater Floor) Ndutu (Mobile Camping) Serengeti: (Mobile Camping- Moru, Gol, Barafu, Lobo etc.) Ruaha: (Mwagusi Camp) Selous (Sand Rivers) Katavi (Chada Katavi) Ras Nungwi Botswana (Awesome): Chobe (Mobile Camping) Moremi (Chitabe Camp) Savuti (Mobile Camping) Okavango (Mobile Camping) Kalahari (Jack’s Camp) South Africa (one trip): Kruger NP (Ngala Tented Camp) Phinda (Walking Safaris) Sabi Sands (Singita) Egypt (The usual sites, just had to do it once): Luxor Aswan Cairo Abu Simbel Alexandria Ethiopia (Amazing place, very different. Searched for Simien wolf, Mountain nyala, and the Gelada baboon, Menelik’s bushbuck and birding to see the Black-winged lovebird and hear the Abyssinian catbird) Sankaber Bale Mountain Laibela Gonder Omo River Valley Namibia (one visit): Etosha Skeleton Coast (Camping in Northern Area – Himba visit) Zambia: Bush Camping/Walked with Robin Pope-some breathtaking moments. Nkwali, Palmgrove, Luangwa, Nsefu) Gorilla? Well, I used to baby-sit with KoKo and the SF zoo, so I have had a very up-close and personal time with at least one Gorilla. Someday I will see them in the wild. Khaki Fever |
Wow, AlexisK, you just read my mind! I came here to ask the experts WHERE is a good place for a first trip to Africa!!! Now you've asked the question for me. :-D
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Eight safaris in Africa...lived for six months on the continent travelling budget style in 1992---have been going back ever since.
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How about a first timer for kids ages 10-15?
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I'm a mere beginner!
Sometime in the 1980s I went on my first safari which took in parks in Kenya and Tanzania. I was a teenager and went with parents and sister. In 2001 my husband and I spent a week in Namibia and another in Botswana. In 2004 I spent less than a week in the Masai Mara. In 2004 my husband and I spent 5 weeks in South Africa (of which 2-3 weeks was safari) followed directly by 3.5 weeks in Botswana (all safari) and half a week in Namibia (in one camp in the Namib Desert). This year we'll be spending 3.5 weeks in Kenya and Tanzania in a variety of reserves/ parks/ conservancies. We've also enjoyed wildlife trips to other places such as an Antarctica trip in 2004 (where we're also returning to this year). |
This is the great part of my job...I get to travel in Africa:
3 trips to the Vic Falls. And swam at the lip of the falls....thought my last minute had come. Frantic doggie paddle to the other side! You would think that for $50 they could at least tie you to a tree with some string! 1 trip to Uganda to see the gorillas. This was an incredible experience and something every safari lover should do. Uganda is unspoilt Africa. Get fit before you see the gorillas...my porter practically dragged my up the mountain! 2 trips to Kenya and Tanzania. Loved Tanzania, thought Kenya was a bit commercial compared. 2 trips to Zanzibar. Took my friends the second time and we all had a blast. You must stay in Stone Town and get out of the resorts. 1 trip to Botswana in December. Lifechanging experience. Wide open spaces, no other people, great game and just time to think. Awesome. Take important stuff in hand luggage. 4 days in colleagues starry pj's was interesting! 1 trip to Mozambique. Expensive destination for mainstream tourists, but a superb relaxing beach experience. Not for people wanting activities galore. Diving was great. 1 trip to Malawi. Not a safari though since all we saw was a very lonely antelope. But the lake was spectacular. Diving was interesting and different. People were what stood out. they are so friendly and humble and don't push too hard. But this is definitely for the adventurous traveler. Facilities are 2 star (outside the Wilderness properties)and toilets often a hole in the ground 2 trips to Namibia. My favourite place in the world is Sossusvlei. The silence is deafening. And don't miss out on Okahirongo for the Ovahimba experience. Zambia as well. Remote and fantastic. Only saw Kafue and want to go back for the rest. The Wilderness Camps there were really awesome. Multiple trips in South Africa and a planned trip to Khoka Moya, Camp Jabulani and Ulusaba at the end of the month. Yay. |
started travelling to south africa in 1996 and returened ever since to southern africa and east africa.
i would advise anybody interested in wildlife should start the "safari career" in south africa working up via botswana, zambia and zimbabwe and then start visiting kenya and tanzania. because east africa has such a prolific wildlife - especially serengeti and massai mara. if you do it vv one might get disappointed. of course the southern circuit also offers great wildlife. but kenya and tanzania has it all in large numbers. |
Here is a better q,
HOW MANY GAME DRIVES HAVE YOU BEEN ON? I have an unfair advantage but I have probably been on about 6000 game drives (I am now a manager and used to be a guide) I have been on approx 5000+ walks (I used to specialise in walking). Found it interesting when seeing how many safaris people have been on and what their comments have been on Fodors in the past. East Africa sucks in my opinion. Botswana is fantastic and even though the lodge prices are expensive it still works out pretty even to East Africa when you consider park fees to Tanapa (the most useless organisation on earth - TAnzania NAtional PArks). My favorite is still the Sabi Sands in South Africa. Just some info from someone who has worked around and done a couple of game drives! |
My number of game drives:
More than I need but less than I would like. |
jackssid2 Can't help but ask -I saw an interview with a Sabi Sands guide who had worked at many of the reserves and he swore the game viewing was basically the same at most of these reserves. Do you agree? If not how would you rate them? Mala Mala... Also great video on You tube of a missed kill in Kruger very exciting.
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Hi Tbug
Within the Sabi Sands many places are very much the same wrt game viewing and even 'share' animals. A leopard may have different names on different land. The best thing to do is get hold of a map, see what area suits you (i.e. riverbeds etc.) and then check prices. Some lodges are within a very close distance from one another but prices can vary a huge amount. If you can get a good deal on prices go to the cheaper option and you will see the same as if you went to the lodge next door for double the price. |
jackssid2,
Why is the SSGR your favourite? From the viewpoint of a guide or from the point of a client? - yes, i agree great leopard and lion viewing. But, on the flip side there are minuses for the SSGR also...... In East Africa - is it possible to logically get away from the crowds and still have good gameviewing with good guiding? |
We have been on 12 trips to the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Our pictures (and some stories) can be found at http://okavango.ifp3.com
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Avons,
You have some great pictures, here. Can i please request you to start a new thread with the pictures, so that everyone can do justice to your photography? I'm afraid it might get lost in this particular thread. Rgds Hari |
Thanks for the idea. It's done now, and the name of the message is "Okavango Pictures".
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avons: 12 trips to the Okavango Delta? Wow! I am both jealous and impressed. And I must ask, what is it exacly or specifically that keeps you coming back to the Okavago? Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful place, but with so many other spots to see in Africa, why return to just this one? By the way, gorgeous pictures.
tbug, did anyone answer your questions about where to go for the first time with teenagers? I'd love to know what people think. |
Hi Alexis,
We keep going back to the Okavango for many reasons: 1. The place is truly wild 2. You will only run into small numbers of tourists, which means you will not see many other vehicles during game drives 3. Beautiful scenery, which makes for nicer pictures; places like Simbira in the Mombo concession or Buffalo Point in the Duba Plains concession are absolutely stunning in our opinion; the view from the deck in front of Jacana isn't bad either! 4. Plenty of food for all wildlife, which makes most animals look healthy and happy 5. The concept of "private vehicle", which allows you to decide at any point in time where you would like to go and what you would like to do; not sure if this concept exists in East Africa as well? 5. Very knowledgeable and friendly guides (very few exceptions) 6. Long summer days in December/January; still shorter than in South Africa, but it beats East Africa by approximately 2 hours/day at that time of year; of course this is not true in June/July when the days are shorter, but that's one of the reasons why we don't go to the Delta that time of year 7. No need to take malaria pills (this is our personal opinion; happy to explain why we feel this way) |
started in 1996 with south africa, followed by bot, zam, nam, ken, taz.
SA ngala, phinda, lion sand's ivory, sabi sabi's erth and bush, tanda tula, nam ongava lodge, serra cafema, sekelton coast camp, sossusvlei lodge bot kwando lagoon, lebala, kwara, lt. kwara, mombo OE savute elephant, eagle island and khwai, baines, chief's zam nsefu, nkwali, tena tena, chongwe, sausage tree, old mondoro ken kicheche bush and mara, ilkeliani, overnors il moran and little, lewa, loisaba, elsa's, joy's, tortillis, finch hatton's, olonana taz suyan, sayari all locations, oliver's, olakira, swala, kusini, crater lodge, plantation lodge, hatari some of the a.m. reteatedly |
<i>5. The concept of "private vehicle", which allows you to decide at any point in time where you would like to go and what you would like to do; not sure if this concept exists in East Africa as well?</i>
Yes, it's fairly common to hire a private vehicle East Africa. Actually, I was under the impression that it was the other way around, that private vehicles are more commonplace in East Africa whereas shared vehicles are more the norm in Southern Africa due mainly to many East Africa safaris being conducted as driving/road safaris, although I've stayed at fly-in camps in East Africa and had a private vehicle as well. |
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