AlexisK

Thanks for the question jesron. We decided to stick with covering the Big 5 countries (Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia) because when first time safari goers are planning their trip, these are the countries they are interested in. While Zambia is becoming a major player in terms of safaris, we decided for this first edition it was best to cover it as part of the Vic Falls package with Zimbabwe. For the next edition, I do hope to explore the possibility of including a full chapter on Zambia. However, unless things change drastically in Zimbabwe, I don't think we will be able to give it coverage outside of Vic Falls.

crys

Thanks for the tip-off about the book. It's excellent for a first-timer like me. And I was so pleased to see Namibia included, as I'm planning to go to both SA and Namibia.

Kavey

Oooh, I didn't know I was quoted too. Katie, I've just got back from Africa today, so will contact you to request a book, which titles can we choose from? Thanks!

richardfh

Thank you for the reminder on who gave quotes for the book. Received my free copy today.

Patty

I received my copy too, thanks!

I've only read the Kenya section so far and while I think it gives a good overview especially for first timers, I found a few errors in the placement of lodges and camps on the maps and also an inaccurate description of the location of one lodge in the accommodation listings.

I'm also curious as to the thoughts behind having no Samburu accommodations listed and the placement of Samburu under the Laikipia Plateau section.

Katie_H

Patty- it would be great to receive your feedback. Feel free to drop me a note at [email protected] and I'll be sure the editor Alexis receives it.

We're also about to make a more formal announcement about all of those quoted in our new color guides, including the safari book---I had posted the names in the Africa forum because I know some of you noted that it was already out.

LyndaS

Katie-

I tried to order it through this website, and it won't recognize any other country than US. (I live north of the border in Canada)

Can you make a suggestion to the powers that be that people in other countries want to read this too?

I'm dying to read it!

Thanks,
Lynda

rsnyder

Katie, you could have "knocked me over" so to speak when I saw my name on the list!! Shortly after seeing this thread I visited the local B&N book store and purchased the new book. Am still reading it. As we hope to be able to return to East Africa next year, it has already been a great planing aid. Realizing the different audiences intended and the breadth of the coverage included I can certainly understand why some of my favorite parks let alone lodges and companies could not be covered. Thanks Fodors for a job well done! Dick

Kavey

Katie, received my copy in the post, many thanks indeed!

On the whole the book looks good and I would imagine it would be quite handy for first time safari planners.

I find some of the camp choices odd though - Little Governor's and Il Moran are included but, unless I missed it, no mention of Governor's main camp. Not that it's to my tastes but since some of the larger lodges are listed, there's no reason to miss that one out. The choices often seem a bit arbitrary!

And it seems that a sloppy editing job has been done - I've only flicked through it and noticed a number of typos already. Overall, looks like a good book, though I'd personally recommend folks wait for the 2nd edition, with some of the errors ironed out!

AlexisK

Oh my. Lots of editing mistakes? Enought to wait for the 2nd edition? Yikes. I'd love to hear your thoughts Kavey and find out exactly where you noticed problems so that I can add them to my notes for the next edition.

Thanks for all the great feedback everyone. It was truly a labor of love. Please do let me know where we can improve, be it listings, etc.

By the way, there was so much great advice on the forums that it was hard to pick the Word of Mouths. Thanks again for making our forums the best out there.

Kavey

Sorry, I'm probably exaggerating, it's just that I picked only 4 or 5 pages to read, based on my recent safari, so I could assess what was written and two of those handful of pages had mistakes on them... so it just SEEMED high. It could be I stumbled onto two of only few pages with errors. I'll have to dig out book to check (it arrived just as we were leaving for a weekend away so I shoved it into the luggage and took it along).

Kavey

PS Katie has my email address (which I sent with my address) so feel free to prod me if I forget to come back to you with examples...

Kavey

PPS I hope you don't think me rude for feeding back? I have always been honest with my feedback on this forum whether it be about accommodation, guides or even guide books so I figured only fair to do same.

It does look like a very useful resource.

I WILL get it back out and give some concrete examples, which would be more helpful, if you prefer I can email them.

Patty

Katie/Alexis,
I sent 2 emails on Friday with my comments/corrections. Kavey is right. There are also a number of typos which I neglected to mention in my emails. If you want those, I can send another email with the ones I spotted.

Patty

PS - I'm referring to the Kenya chapter only (I haven't read the others yet).

Will corrections be posted somewhere on this site?

happy_train

I, for one, have found the Safari book to be a delight. Any insignificant copyediting errors that may have crept in do not affect the quality of the book, which is excellent. The organization makes sense, the special boxes and such add a touch of whimsy, and the photos are quite stunning.

Congrats!

Katie_H

Thanks for the feedback-- Patty, I did see your email and I'm sorry to have not replied sooner.

In the near future we will have the information from this new guide on the site; when we do we can then look at the possibility of establishing a place there for members to post feedback (or post feedback like yours that we have received). In the meantime, all feedback we receive is very helpful and of course, is appreciated as we go to produce a 2nd edition.

canadian_robin

After reading Moondoggie and Thit Cho's favourable reviews, I headed to a nearby bookstore to have a look at the book. Imagine my surprise when I found myself quoted in the South African section.

I was pleased to discover that the book covers Tanzania and Kenya as, although just back from 6 weeks in Southern Africa, my husband and I are already planning our next trip. Having visited South Africa (3X), Namibia (3X) and Botswana (1X), we feel it is time to head further afield. We certainly want to return to Botswana, having been there only once, and we are thinking of combining a return visit there with a visit to Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania. We will once again be self-driving. Like Jesron, I wish Zambia had been included in the book but, having read Katie's comments, I understand why it wasn't. I have little doubt that the book will be most useful as we plan this next trip. The Fodor's Namibia and Botswana books are excellent, and we used them extensively when planning the trip from which we have just returned.

I would like to thank eveyone on this forum who contributed to what was another wonderful visit to Southern Africa. Although I think the South African section of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park remains our favourite park/reserve, Moremi and Chobe were amazing. We loved them both and we loved the roof top tent! I am currently writing up a trip report, which I will post when it is complete.

The tips that we received on this forum, when we were in the planning stages of our trip, certainly contributed to its success. It is amazing how the simplest advice can have such a huge impact. Our favourite tip came from Luangwablondes, who responded to my query about what to do about the baboons and monkeys that are known to be such a nuisance in the campsites in Moremi and Chobe. Luangwablondes responded that we should take a slingshot. I suggested that, since I can't hit the broad side of a barn with a snowball, I would be of little use with a slingshot. Luangwablondes immediately responded that I didn't need to be able to hit the baboons or monkeys because they would flee at the mere sight of a slingshot. I was a tad skeptical, but went and purchased one at my local hardware store anyway. Imagine our surprise, when besieged by baboons and monkeys at North Gate campsite, to have them scatter in all directions at the sight of the slingshot. We simply had to wave it about and the pesky beasts would disappear and not return for the duration of the meal. The Germans on the neighbouring site were so impressed, that they came and borrowed it! Thanks Luangwablondes - we owe many relaxed meals to you!

As for the book - my apologies, I got way off topic - at first glance, it looks great - well organized, beautifully illustrated and packed full of info. My only concern is that I wish there were more information and tips for self-drivers (ie. there is nothing about the campsites in Moremi and Chobe, like Third Bridge and Ihaha), but that is after only a cursory glance - there may well be lots of input for self-drivers that I haven't found yet. I am off to make a cup of tea and have a good read right now.
Robin

AlexisK

Wow! You guys are great. Your feedback has been amazing. Please do keep it coming, as it will only make the 2nd edition better.

Katie has sent all the emails to me, which I am keeping in my "folder for the next edition."

Patty, Kavey, Robin, and Dick: Thanks for taking the time to email us. It's much appreciated.

kcnmoz

We are planning an African safari next year, and I picked up the new book, African Safari Planner and i have a question. The book has plenty of information about Kenya, how come the same information is not available on Fodor's website. The only African destinations available online are South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco.
Is there a reason why? Thanks and would be glad to hear some responses.