Help - have decided on last minute Safari - Where would you go?
Mar 3rd, 2011, 03:09 AM
#21
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I concur with Pixelpower's recomendation for Sun Safaris. The owner, Brett Thompson, is a friend of mine. I went on a ten day safari with him in Namibia back in 2006 and we see each other in Cape Town. He is extremly knowledgable and pricing, as noted, will be great. They will for sure provide good service and Sun Safaris can be considered more "boutique" than Go2Africa.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
Mar 3rd, 2011, 04:16 AM
#22
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Excellent information and suggestions, pixelpower.
I might add that one of the less-publicized costs of safari-going is that of transfers, from one camp (or other accommodation) to another, and to/from airports.
The easiest method, and the costliest, is to let someone else arrange everything for you. In places like Botswana, it's difficult to do otherwise, but in South Africa you've got some options.
First off is getting from Johannesburg to the general Kruger area. Federal Air offers a direct service (technically a charter service) from Johannesburg airport to many camps. However, you can save yourself some money by taking the regularly-scheduled South African Airways flights (operated by SA Express) to Nelspruit (MQP) or Hoedspruit (HDS), then taking a land transfer to your accommodation. Better yet if you're looking to cut costs, rent a car at those airports, and drive yourself -- that gives you complete freedom to set your own schedules.
I might add that one of the less-publicized costs of safari-going is that of transfers, from one camp (or other accommodation) to another, and to/from airports.
The easiest method, and the costliest, is to let someone else arrange everything for you. In places like Botswana, it's difficult to do otherwise, but in South Africa you've got some options.
First off is getting from Johannesburg to the general Kruger area. Federal Air offers a direct service (technically a charter service) from Johannesburg airport to many camps. However, you can save yourself some money by taking the regularly-scheduled South African Airways flights (operated by SA Express) to Nelspruit (MQP) or Hoedspruit (HDS), then taking a land transfer to your accommodation. Better yet if you're looking to cut costs, rent a car at those airports, and drive yourself -- that gives you complete freedom to set your own schedules.
Mar 3rd, 2011, 11:15 AM
#23
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Hey Rizzuto,
Good points.
To keep transfer costs low, I used a logical sequence of camps, and where possible asked the lodges to transfer me (to and from the airport, and even to the next lodge. Worked OK, except when the entrance of one reserve is far away from the entrance of the next reserve (even though they join and lodges are not far apart, when seen from the air). For instance; Pungwe (Manyeleti) is actually real close to Gowrie gate and Elephant Plains (Sabi Sands).
My tip would be; if you really need a company for transfers, make sure to book all transfers with ONE company, and ask for a discount. We used "Eastgate" for that as a lot of lodges seemed to recommend them. http://www.eastgatesafaris.co.za
I actually used Federal Air to get from Kruger to Moz (Vilanculos) and Moz to JNB. The problem was that their online booking sucked big time. I eventually had to arrange all by email, and reread everything twice as they seem to make frequent mistakes. I guess the regular flights from SAA are more expensive than this charter, but hey... you get what you pay for.
@Craig;
Actually I am surprised that you also recommend Sun Safaris. I thought you were competitor of some sort. Can you tell me what your added value is, if people shop at Travel Beyond and you in turn shop at Sun Safaris?
Please note; this is a genuine question and in no way meant to bully you or anything. I understand perfectly that everyone needs/tries to make a living...
Thx,
J.
Good points.
To keep transfer costs low, I used a logical sequence of camps, and where possible asked the lodges to transfer me (to and from the airport, and even to the next lodge. Worked OK, except when the entrance of one reserve is far away from the entrance of the next reserve (even though they join and lodges are not far apart, when seen from the air). For instance; Pungwe (Manyeleti) is actually real close to Gowrie gate and Elephant Plains (Sabi Sands).
My tip would be; if you really need a company for transfers, make sure to book all transfers with ONE company, and ask for a discount. We used "Eastgate" for that as a lot of lodges seemed to recommend them. http://www.eastgatesafaris.co.za
I actually used Federal Air to get from Kruger to Moz (Vilanculos) and Moz to JNB. The problem was that their online booking sucked big time. I eventually had to arrange all by email, and reread everything twice as they seem to make frequent mistakes. I guess the regular flights from SAA are more expensive than this charter, but hey... you get what you pay for.
@Craig;
Actually I am surprised that you also recommend Sun Safaris. I thought you were competitor of some sort. Can you tell me what your added value is, if people shop at Travel Beyond and you in turn shop at Sun Safaris?
Please note; this is a genuine question and in no way meant to bully you or anything. I understand perfectly that everyone needs/tries to make a living...
Thx,
J.
Mar 3rd, 2011, 11:44 AM
#24
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Hi Pixelpower -
I don't shop at Sun Safaris and they are in some ways a competitor as they do sell into the US market. So, I am not a client of their firm. I simply know the owner quite well. I have helped him with some legal work in the USA and we have traveled together. I trust their service enough that I have referred clients directly to Sun Safaris a few times in the past. I have done this for clients that inquire about lodges outside the fenced portion of the Kruger ecosystem IF no one at Travel Beyond has personally visited the lodge. I also refer any client asking to book Footsteps in Africa camps directly to Sun Safaris. These camps are in Botswana. Brett has been to most Footstep camps and no one at Travel Beyond has. When I refer people to Brett we do not ask for or accept compensation as we have added no value. I also refer all South Africans that get on our web site to Sun Safaris (I did it last month). This happens from time to time and people do not read close enough to see we are based in Minnesota, USA.
It would be very difficult for me to add any value to a Sun Safari service offering as they are a top-to-bottom good company. There are those few odd bookings once and a while where the client only wants to hand their money over to a US company. Travel Beyond is one of the few tour operators in the USA that is covered for bankruptcy protection by the major travel insurance companies and this is meaningful for a lot of agents and about 2% of the consumers out there.
Hope this helps.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
I don't shop at Sun Safaris and they are in some ways a competitor as they do sell into the US market. So, I am not a client of their firm. I simply know the owner quite well. I have helped him with some legal work in the USA and we have traveled together. I trust their service enough that I have referred clients directly to Sun Safaris a few times in the past. I have done this for clients that inquire about lodges outside the fenced portion of the Kruger ecosystem IF no one at Travel Beyond has personally visited the lodge. I also refer any client asking to book Footsteps in Africa camps directly to Sun Safaris. These camps are in Botswana. Brett has been to most Footstep camps and no one at Travel Beyond has. When I refer people to Brett we do not ask for or accept compensation as we have added no value. I also refer all South Africans that get on our web site to Sun Safaris (I did it last month). This happens from time to time and people do not read close enough to see we are based in Minnesota, USA.
It would be very difficult for me to add any value to a Sun Safari service offering as they are a top-to-bottom good company. There are those few odd bookings once and a while where the client only wants to hand their money over to a US company. Travel Beyond is one of the few tour operators in the USA that is covered for bankruptcy protection by the major travel insurance companies and this is meaningful for a lot of agents and about 2% of the consumers out there.
Hope this helps.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
Mar 3rd, 2011, 10:52 PM
#25
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Hey Craig,
It does help a lot! Thanks for the explanation. Now I get the picture.
What you do seems like a healthy way to do business. And quite sporty too, this passing on of customers to Sun Safaris.
Thx again,
J.
It does help a lot! Thanks for the explanation. Now I get the picture.
What you do seems like a healthy way to do business. And quite sporty too, this passing on of customers to Sun Safaris.
Thx again,
J.
Mar 4th, 2011, 04:12 AM
#26
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Interesting and civil discussion above, thanks everyone.
Remembering my first safari/trip to Africa in 2005, I needed a -lot- of help with the logistics, details, getting around from here-to-there. The lot of help was an agent. Decide what you want to do then work with an agent to tie it all together. There are advantages to working with an agent local -to you- (mine is just a few miles away) but sounds like not possible for you.
As for a recommendation for safari camp in all of South Africa, MalaMala. I have been to MM three times, as well as five other camps in the Timbavati and Sabi Sand reserves (adjacent to Kruger). MalaMala is the one I would go back to if I had to choose only one. (Second place would go to Kings Camp in the Timbavati). Cost is a factor in these choices, but secondary to my wildlife/safari experience.
regards - tom
Remembering my first safari/trip to Africa in 2005, I needed a -lot- of help with the logistics, details, getting around from here-to-there. The lot of help was an agent. Decide what you want to do then work with an agent to tie it all together. There are advantages to working with an agent local -to you- (mine is just a few miles away) but sounds like not possible for you.
As for a recommendation for safari camp in all of South Africa, MalaMala. I have been to MM three times, as well as five other camps in the Timbavati and Sabi Sand reserves (adjacent to Kruger). MalaMala is the one I would go back to if I had to choose only one. (Second place would go to Kings Camp in the Timbavati). Cost is a factor in these choices, but secondary to my wildlife/safari experience.
regards - tom
Mar 4th, 2011, 09:47 AM
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Aw-shucks, somebody remembered and missed me 
Yeah, got back last night (Mar 3rd). Highlight was Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Manyara, Ndutu, Serengeti, ok. Kindly give me 2-3 weeks to write report, writing is a painful task for me. And to look over a few pictures for posting.
happy to be back - tom
Yeah, got back last night (Mar 3rd). Highlight was Ngorongoro Crater. Lake Manyara, Ndutu, Serengeti, ok. Kindly give me 2-3 weeks to write report, writing is a painful task for me. And to look over a few pictures for posting.
happy to be back - tom
Mar 4th, 2011, 09:55 AM
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returntoyourseat, have you already mentioned when you are planning the trip? Maybe you did and I missed it. I ask because you are wondering how far in advance you need to book. I just got my ticket to SA last friday leaving April 8 for 2.5 weeks and since last week I have been able to reserve for 6 nights at 3 different rest camps (Lower Sabie, Skukuza, Berg) for a self-driving portion and a 3 night all inclusive stay at Umkumbe. So at least for April there are still some places left, though the week after Easter things are almost completely booked. I have been working with the above mentioned Brett Thompson to organize the Umkumbe stay and I also want to say so far he has been really terrific. I think he has answered all my emails in under an hour ! We are then on to Cape Town for 6 nights where my partner is currently working so I will leave most of that to him to organise, but I do have a shark cage diving tour booked one day.
Hope you have a great trip, I cant wait.
Hope you have a great trip, I cant wait.
Mar 4th, 2011, 10:27 AM
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cary999, I've been wondering abut you too. I'm always thinking about photo safaris and was looking forward to hearing about your thoughts on and impressions about the one you participated in. Best, Steve
Mar 6th, 2011, 03:25 AM
#31
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We are planning our trip in April. We are planning on Cape Town at the Vitoria and Albert hotel for about four days and then we are going to Sabi Sabi for four days. I didn't go through an agency. I have done all the plans myself. I think it will be okay. I am used to making all the plans myself as far as airline tickets, hotels, and transport. Tne only portion I may consider getting some assistance with is some side trips in Cape Town and I have a recommendation from a friend who has used them. My husband has worked in South Africa but I have not been there, we have lived for the past year in Madagascar so I think I am prepared for some of the trip. The only thing that has me a bit concerned is coming in close contact with the animals which I am very excited about but still very apprehensive about. I know the location we have chosen is a luxury for us but my husband is trying to ease me into it for lack of a better word. It is our gift to ourselves for being away from home for so long. Still trying to decide whether to go to the wine country for a day. I think it sounds like beautiful countryside and we love trying new wines and meeting people who enjoy the same. Hope all of you planning trip have a great trip too, what a joy to be able to experience this trip.
Mar 6th, 2011, 06:20 AM
#32
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Sounds like a good plan!
I am sure you meant Victoria & Alfred? This is a very well located hotel.
Good choice on the safari. Sabi Sabi is a fine safari lodge. They are one of the originals! The only drawbacks in my opinion are that the lodge has no river flowing through (or on the boundary) of the property and both parcels of Sabi Sabi’s land have fence-lines on them. The NE parcel has a fence on the western boundary and the SW parcel has a fence on the north and west boundary. When you drive from the NE parcel to the SW parcel each day you also have to go by the gate. Here is a map of the Sabi Sands maintained by the Sabi Sands trade organization so you can see the position of the lodge. http://www.sabisand.co.za/ssw-map.html
If you have not already made deposit to Sabi Sabi, I suggest you check if they are running any auctions on Luxury Link. For the past three or four years they have been selling their property through this auction site at pretty good discounts – usually up to 50%. They are the only lodge in the Sabi Sands that participates in last minute auctions on this site so this can be a pretty big savings. I just checked and it looks like they don’t have one right now, but they come and go all the time so I would check before making a payment. http://www.luxurylink.com/fivestar/l...e-game-reserve
You should also make sure you know the exchange rate used by your credit card company before you pay a lodge in Rand. The credit card companies mask their fees through a very unfavorable exchange rate or foreign currency transaction fee. You should investigate this before making payments versus using a company that can convert the Rand at a good rate and charge you in dollars. You could save up to 5%. For example, Luxury Link charges in dollars. I have found that Capital One has the lowest overall fees when making payments in Rand. Perhaps get a card before making big payments.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
I am sure you meant Victoria & Alfred? This is a very well located hotel.
Good choice on the safari. Sabi Sabi is a fine safari lodge. They are one of the originals! The only drawbacks in my opinion are that the lodge has no river flowing through (or on the boundary) of the property and both parcels of Sabi Sabi’s land have fence-lines on them. The NE parcel has a fence on the western boundary and the SW parcel has a fence on the north and west boundary. When you drive from the NE parcel to the SW parcel each day you also have to go by the gate. Here is a map of the Sabi Sands maintained by the Sabi Sands trade organization so you can see the position of the lodge. http://www.sabisand.co.za/ssw-map.html
If you have not already made deposit to Sabi Sabi, I suggest you check if they are running any auctions on Luxury Link. For the past three or four years they have been selling their property through this auction site at pretty good discounts – usually up to 50%. They are the only lodge in the Sabi Sands that participates in last minute auctions on this site so this can be a pretty big savings. I just checked and it looks like they don’t have one right now, but they come and go all the time so I would check before making a payment. http://www.luxurylink.com/fivestar/l...e-game-reserve
You should also make sure you know the exchange rate used by your credit card company before you pay a lodge in Rand. The credit card companies mask their fees through a very unfavorable exchange rate or foreign currency transaction fee. You should investigate this before making payments versus using a company that can convert the Rand at a good rate and charge you in dollars. You could save up to 5%. For example, Luxury Link charges in dollars. I have found that Capital One has the lowest overall fees when making payments in Rand. Perhaps get a card before making big payments.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
Mar 7th, 2011, 10:54 AM
#33
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Thank you for the links Craig. I think I have most under control and am happy to say that I have gotten a Capital One card thanks to Fodorites a few months ago, perfect for points and traveling.
I am not sure about fences around the properties, not experienced enough to know the pros and cons of that. I have looked at many pics of Sabi Sabi and it looks like it offers a lot in viewing of the animals, I guess the pro of the fence would be more animals, and they may not be the case, all new for me. And to be honest a bit scary.
I am still looking for a wine tour to Stellenbosch if you know of a private tour from Cape Town.
Again thank you for all your posts. I have not done trip reports, I am going to make a real effort this time to do so...
I am not sure about fences around the properties, not experienced enough to know the pros and cons of that. I have looked at many pics of Sabi Sabi and it looks like it offers a lot in viewing of the animals, I guess the pro of the fence would be more animals, and they may not be the case, all new for me. And to be honest a bit scary.
I am still looking for a wine tour to Stellenbosch if you know of a private tour from Cape Town.
Again thank you for all your posts. I have not done trip reports, I am going to make a real effort this time to do so...
Mar 7th, 2011, 01:47 PM
#34
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HI There,
The fence I was referring to is a permiter fence around the entire Kruger, Sabi Sands, Timbavati ecosystem. There is no fence between the individual lodges in the Sabi Sands. Nor is there a fence between the Sabi Sands and the Kruger. Sabi Sabi is on the far western edge of the ecosystem thus the fence I was referring to above.
Hope this helps.
Wine tour: The concierge desk at the hotel you are staying with should be able to book this for a decent price.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
The fence I was referring to is a permiter fence around the entire Kruger, Sabi Sands, Timbavati ecosystem. There is no fence between the individual lodges in the Sabi Sands. Nor is there a fence between the Sabi Sands and the Kruger. Sabi Sabi is on the far western edge of the ecosystem thus the fence I was referring to above.
Hope this helps.
Wine tour: The concierge desk at the hotel you are staying with should be able to book this for a decent price.
Craig Beal - owner - Travel Beyond
