Help planning a first safari on a budget?
 

I've wanted to visit Africa for awhile now and finally have the chance to do it, thanks to an unexpected large gift from a relative. I really want to go on a safari (want to see lots of animals, especially zebra) but would also like a few chances to have "cultural" experiences. I was thinking mostly Kenya and Tanzania. I'm 28, female, and would be traveling by myself.

Budget: $5,000 (for everything including airfare, tips, spending money, etc.)
Duration: at least 2 weeks - 3 would be even better!
Timeframe: ideally over Christmas and New Years, but I can be flexible here

Being my first (and possibly only) trip to Africa, I've been looking for trips that cram everything in - masai mara, serengeti, ngongoro crater, zanzibar, and victoria falls are what i'd really like to see. I had picked this gap adventures trip out http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/n...ture/DNV/2011/ but looking at the detailed itinerary, I'm not so sure I'd enjoy spending so much time driving (over 100 hours!) and I am definitely not too keen on participation camping for so many nights.

I really want to see Africa but I'm a little nervous because I've never been camping and almost all of the traveling I've done so far has been on cruises. I would really appreciate even slightly nicer accommodations than participation camping, and it might be a nice idea to fly into vic falls to save on travel time, but I'm not sure my budget will allow for those things. I'm not quite sure which aspects/parts of the trip to change to get the best overall experience. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

First of all congratz with this opportunity! You will be in for a great trip, no matter what the details work out to be ;)

I would not combine victoria falls with Kenia/Tanzania to be honest. Better save that for a future trip in combination with maybe botswana/namibia/zambia/zimbabwe or even SA..

If you are a bit afraid of lots of camping, you can always go for a trip to include lodges (budget) or go for permanent tented camps (more costly, but also more unique 'real' experience). Those tents are really luxuary with a real bed and your own shower (bucket) and toilet.

considering the time of year you might be good for a trip in Tanzania including southern serengeti. Go to include Tarangire, Manyara and The Ngorogoro crater.. I wouldn't include masai mara as that would involve another flight. Save the budget for some more days on the ground.

Most important question for you I think is the trade off between private/luxuary and a group safari. For the budget you mentioned this probably will mean that you can go on a longer trip if you go with a group, safari truck and camping. But I would personally never choose to go on such a trip as I hate the rush and the 'checklist safari' (lion-> check, 'rhino'-> check.. now lets go for an elephant... ugh)

You have to take into account though that it will be more costly to do a private trip when you're alone. (the single supplement).

I would see for yourself what you like best in terms of private vs group and get in touch with some operators to see with what itineraries they come up with.
Roy's safari is one local operator that could give some advice on a more budget basis.
I've also good experience with Tanzania Odyssey (didn't book with them, but got good help and advice)

Game viewing opportunities abound on this Tanzania safari vacation priced at $2795 per person. Travelers save more than $1500 on the cost of similar packages and reap the ...
http://www.travelzoo.com/...2795-Tan...gration-Safari

best deal out there right now Kenya with www.friendlyplanet.com
can be a little cheaper sometimes.SAA has good Kruger package
better food wine wildlife sighting/activity not as good usually.

www.porini.com Lion Camp or other eco-camps more but very good

Be careful many scammers never wire money always pay with CC

www.insuremytrip.com independently always a must for me.

Happy Planning!

There's another thread about reducing costs while on safari:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...2nd-safari.cfm

I would recommend you take a look at trips in South Africa, as I find SA to be much more affordable than East Africa, with many more choices for accommodation. A trip to Victoria Falls is more convenient and affordable from South Africa as well. There are also lots of cultural activities available.

For your budget I think it would be reasonable for a comfortable 2 week trip to SA (solo) and perhaps even include Victoria Falls. I use www.Go2Africa.com as a travel agent and they have been very helpful.

qwovadas
Do you ever bother to check out the links you post. They just are not applicable. It is looking more and more like spam.

If $1500 is airfare (and that's likely conservative), and if $500 is for tips, med evacuation insurance, spending money, visas if needed, malaria pills, purchase of binocs if you don't have them, etc. that leaves $3000 for the trip itself.

Given some of your concerns about wanting more lux and minimizing travel, and the timeframe of travel Christmas/New Years, which is not low season, you may want to shorten the 2-3 week time frame.

Fortunately zebras are found all over, so seeing them will not be hard. Do let your guide know of your interest in zebras.

Check Elephant Plains in Sabi Sands Reserves of South Africa. This area has some of the most abundant wildlife in Africa--zebras too. I can personally attest to Sabi Sands, but have not stayed at EP, though many have and enjoyed the stay, appreciated the value, and commented on how very lovely the accommodations are.

http://www.e-gnu.com/elephant_plains...dge_rates.html

A Vic Falls visit (duration depends on whether you want to see just the falls or do activities there) and week or so at Elephant Plains or EP & another lodge would get you zebra, predators, rhino, nice accommodations, relatively close location to Vic Falls.

You'd likely overnight in Joburg, where you could visit Soweto or Apartheid Museum for culutural aspects. There are village visits and cultural activities in Vic Falls and nearby Ele Plains.

As a solo, you'd share a vehicle with other guests and probably dine with them as well.
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Or, if you would eliminate Vic Falls from your itinerary
To see the migrating herds of zebras and wildebeest, plan to spend the bulk of your time in the Southern Serengeti of Tanzania during Dec-Jan. If you stopped at Lake Manyara on the way to the S. Serengeti and at the crater on the way back from S. Serengeti, drive times would be in the 4-hour range at the max.

You may be able to join a group for this trip, decreasing your costs. The budget group trips are harder to find during the Dec-Mar time frame because there are fewer S. Serengeti accommodations to choose from and it is the S. Serengeti that is popular this time of year due to the migration. Near Lake Manyara are plenty of cultural activities.

Might pay you to be flexible on your travel dates to take advantage of group departures that hit the Central Serengeti rather than Southern Serengeti, offered by lots of companies such as Good Earth in Tanzania, 2Afrika in NYC, The Africa Adventure Company in Ft. Lauderdale, Go2Africa (mentioned above) in South Africa.

Roy's (mentioned above) had a nice GROUP photographer trip (catering to serious photographers) during this popular time. Roy's could certainly arrange a private trip for you. But if you plan to visit S. Serengeti this Dec-Jan, act fast as the limited lodging books quickly.

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Or, if you would eliminate Vic Falls from your itinerary
Less expensive than Tanzania--especially Dec-Jan when the migration is in Tanzania's Serenegti--is Kenya. There are still resident zebras in Kenya's Maasai Mara that do not migrate to Tanzania. Plus if you add Samburu there are unique Grevy's Zebras there, a different species of zebra.

You can fly to Samburu for 2-3 days, then on to the Mara for
4 days or more and back to NBO. You can visit both Samburu and Maasai villages. I found Eastern and Southern Safaris in Nairobi to be economical for a solo traveler.

In East Africa, I found I ate alone at the lodges as a solo traveler with a private guide (unless the guide joined me). If you share a vehicle with others, then you'd likely dine with them.

Good luck in planning your first trip to Africa. You could not put that gift to better use.

Africa safari countries are far and wide on the Continent.
For travel over Christmas regardless whether South or East,prices will be at highest rates.

In Tanzania between Dec-Mar is peak season with prices to match, this due to the "calving" in the southern Serengeti. Kenya though is at mid-season prices most properties... lots of zebra everywhere including the Grevys and except for the Ngorongoro Crater that is unique to Tanzania, Kenya has as much or more game (even species not found elsewhere in Africa)... might be the answer for you.

If you haven't yet checked international air prices for travel when you wish to visit,, suggest you do so. See Kayak at www.kayak.com for an idea, then deduct that from the $5K you have which doesn't leave much for the safari itself, and then as a solo traveler, if a private trip... that darn single supplement.

Choosing a group departure might be your best bet; some even include international air.

And, if you choose East Africa, forget about Victoria Falls. Internal flights within Africa are expensive and schedules limited and often at odd hours. Even if you choose Southern Africa, i.e., South Africa, a side-trip to Vic Falls can be rather expensive, especially the air to/from.

Check out some of the companies mentioned by atravelynn for what they may have available. But do know that it's getting late for booking over the Dec-Mar period in many places.

Good luck!

Thats a tight budget. Try Bobby Tours, they might be able to do a Tanzania Kenya combo safari for you

http://www.bobbytours.com/

wow, thanks so much everyone! the links have been very helpful. for some reason i am not as excited about south africa as i am about the east, so i think i will keep trying for kenya/tanzania and probably give up on vic falls. since i am so used to (and am a little fond of) the "rush" of cruises (less than 24 hrs in each port!) I don't think I would mind a group tour - especially if it was a notch above participation camping every night. i am optimistic that i will sort something great out with enough research. i have calls and emails in to most of the places you all mentioned, but any additional resources for tours are always appreciated.

i know i need to book a tour soon to go during that time of year, but when it comes to airfare, am I best off booking right away, or should I keep an eye on fares for awhile to see if prices drop?

"...keep an eye on fares for awhile to see if prices drop?"

I've heard and since come to believe that airfares are best at about 6 weeks before departure. But I'm sure that this varies a lot. The best priced airfares are likely from "consolidators" like Premier Tours -
http://www.premiertours.com/pages/airfare/airfare.asp
However, consolidators usually have severe policies about changes or refunds so look closely at their T&Cs.

regards - tom

So, it's looking like East Africa. Is Dec-Jan still your preferred time frame or can you go other times too?

Many group tours stay in lodges that are very nice.

I'd still really like to be in Africa on New Years Day. I haven't contacted Premier or any other consolidators, but I'm starting to get nervous about airfare that time of year because from what I've checked (kayak, cheapflights, priceline, etc.), it looks like roundtrip flights in late Dec/early-mid Jan are running at least $2,100 (in excess of $2,500 on certain dates). I thought they were usually $1200-1500 to this region(?) is Nairobi my best bet?

And I don't need to stay in luxury lodges - in fact I'm okay with some participation camping... just probably not 20 straight days of it :)

depends on if you're going for Kenya or Tanzania of course;) If you go to Tanzania you can fly on Kilimanjaro airport directly.
But for budget reasons I would also check the flights to nairobi and dar es salaam and maybe fly from there to kilimanjaro..

My ticket Amsterdam <-> dar es salaam (which also lands at kili) would have cost me 1000 euro's with KLM.. my ticket Amsterdam - Cairo - Dar es Salaam is costing me 500 euro's (with EgyptAir)
So it is worthwhile to checkout the alternative routes with maybe a stopover somewhere.

As for the group-tour. I would also be sure to check out their way of transportation and preferably see if they use multiple jeeps. I've seen a lot of groups crammed up in a minivan where only half of the people could stand up and look out of the top of the roof, and the others were behind glass.. also a big truck doesn't seem to comfortable or nice to me.. but jeeps make it more expensive again of course..

Airfares into NBO are less expensive as more carriers fly here - British, Virgin, KLM, Swiss, Brussel, Emirtes, others - and where you'll see fares in the $1200-1500 range over the holiday period; way less than if from AMSterdam into Kilimanjaro/JRO, Tazania, where fares in excess of $2000 is usual.

From NBO, depending on time of arrival and if wishing to visit in Tanzania, there is a Shuttle Bus (about 5-6/hrs) to Arusha in Tanzania... cost is about $40/person each way. Departures from NBO are 8am and 2pm; return departures from Arusha are, likewise, 8am and 2pm. If you miss any of these bus departures on arrival, you just overnight in Nairobi (Visa required that can be purchased on arrival) and then bus next morning.

Of course, you'll require a Visa for Tanzania, which can be purchased on arrival.

You'll also require a Yellow Fever inoculation and proof of same for entry to Tanzania* from Kenya. No proof, no entry... discuss this, malaria meds and other recommended inoculations with your personal physician.

*if only visiting Kenya, arriving from US, Canada, Europe, Australia, YF inoc is NOT required for entry.

You also need a 'cholera stamp' (at least Im told everytime I go and have to get one ;) )

@sandi; how safe do you consider that journey to be, from NBO to Arusha? I'm told that this is a very dangerous track, nasty accidents happen to often and it is best avoided....

As you are starting to see, Kenya is a less expensive option than Tanzania, and it starts with the international flight.

The difference in cost continues when pricing the safari itself, generally speaking.

There are also flights between NBO and JRO if you prefer not to drive. I've flown and driven. Both were fine.

Not knocking TZ--I'm headed there soon--but on a tight budget, your $$ goes farther in Kenya. If you want to see the wilde/zebra migration in Dec-Jan, then TZ is where you want to be.

Take a look at this low cost deal with air included. Not sure where you are flying from.
http://2afrika.com/site/safaris/safari.asp?SafariID=96

I have not traveled with 2Afrika but based on what I know about them and others that have gone with them, I would. This is very whirlwind. Lots of long drives. The properties used are very nice. The best pricing still available is when grass is longest, there could be rain, and the migration is elsewhere.

I know someone who did a similar trip low cost whirlwind with Lion World Safaris in Canada as a first safari (prime season in Sept) and described the whole thing as glorious.

For a quick Africa fix on a budget, especially as a solo traveller, I can see going on something like this some day.

Good point by Nikao on the transport. At a minimum, every person should have a window.

You might also look at Overseas Adventure Travel and their Tanzania or Tanzania/Kenya safaris. Their prices include airfare from the US. www.oattravel.com

Thanks again everyone. I'm still having a hard time finding flights under $2,000 even to NBO. I'm flying from Charlotte NC (CLT). The cheapest one I could find was for $1850 and it was a little ridiculous (taking over 40 hours to get there when most took around 24). Any advice? Am I looking too early?

In actuality, most of the plans I'm trying to hatch involve me ending up a long way away from where I start (i.e. a round trip ticket wouldn't do; i'd fly into NBO, overland to some other country, and fly out of a different airport). Should I look into round the world tickets?

atravelynn, that deal you posted is amazing. the dates that get free airfare don't start until next April.. but maybe I can wait if it will save me more than 2 grand! I also wanted to stay for 2 weeks rather than one but maybe the travel company would be flexible on the return flight that comes with that deal. i'll definitely consider it - thanks.

Some of the earlier numbers you saw posted on this thread were accurate, but looks like they increased fares for the holiday period. I see CLT-NBO for $1427 2 stops but reasonable 22 hrs out- 24 back
12/8-12/22 if you are flexible in your dates

nikao - Where did you read/hear that the route between NBO/ARK is accident prone? I sure haven't. Those shuttle buses run daily between and perfectly safe. Granted it's long, but inexpensive.

guadalakara - Airfares are always highest over the holidays.
Maybe you can get a cheap flight to NYC (JFK or EWR) or to WashDC (IAD*) for a lower cost flight via Europe to NBO.
*these do tend to be higher than if out of JFK.

Here are some threads that discussed the Nairobi to Arusha shuttle.

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-to-arusha.cfm


http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...s-or-plane.cfm


If you do your safari in Kenya, then flying in to NBO makes sense and you would not need to take a shuttle elsewhere.

But the plan of flying to NBO and the next day taking the daily shuttle to Arusha in Tanzania is very common and not an out of the way overland diversion. It takes about 5 hours.


Often the first full day is spent in Nairobi doing some of the acitivites there. Then the next day take the shuttle to Arusha, get picked up by your Tanzania guide in Arusha and either visit the local Arusha National Park that afternoon or drive a couple of hours to Manyara or Tarangire.

When you mention "fly out of a different airport" that is also very common for Kenya and Tanzania.

Here's how that works. On the front end of the trip you might do the international flt to NBO, take the daily shuttle to Arusha, TZ then do your safari in Tanzania. At the end, intead of taking the shuttle back to NBO from Arusha, you might want to <i>fly from Kilimanjaro, Tanzania (about an hour's drive from Arusha) back to Nairobi</i> and then catch your interntational night flight out. The timing of the Kilimanjaro to Nairobi flight works well with international departures to Europe.

Any other kind of overlanding through other countries where the plane lands or takes off to get to Kenya or Tanzania is a no go.

Two weeks on an escorted safari without public-site-camping for about $215 per night [ ($5000-$2000 transport/other expenses)/14] for a solo traveler might be hard to find.

But if you have $5K, you'll find a safari of some kind with transport to/from.

@sandi a few years back the sister of my girlfriend (at that time), who was the owner of Green Foot Print Adventures in Arusha, told us of a few accidents that happened around that time and warned us for this road.
I guess the links of atravelynn show some experiences of others that confirm it's not a really 'fun' ride to say the least ;)

bookmarking

Hi, we have just come back from 3 wonderful weeks in East Africa. We live in Western Australia and went with Peregrine Tours - their operator in Kenya is JK Safari's.
Before I get carried away, don't take Malarone in the morning because it can make you queasy all day; take it after dinner -there seems to be less obvious side effects. Also most of our holiday - we went on Peregrine's Highlights of Kenya & Tanzania - was spent at very high altitudes compared to here in Perth - 400 feet -and that can cause dehydration if you're not used to it so make sure you drink plenty.
Also do not go to this part of the world if you have a weak bladder or, alternatively are prepared to pee on the side of the road or behind your vehicle, and always keep a good supply of toilet paper or tissues stuffed in your pockets. There are not that many toilet stops especially on all day game drives.
And take a face mask if you can handle wearing them - if you go at this time of year the dust is ever present especially as the roof of the vehicle is usually popped up for the full length of the game drive.
Would not recommend going on your own; when you are seeing so many wonderful things, sharing them with someone makes the experience much more special and, if you lose your camera, you at least have access to their photos.
Would recommend staying at Luxury Tented Camps in preference to most hotels or lodges. It's a much more personal experience and staff and other guests will chat with you - in a lodge or hotel, this is normally not the case.
The only hotels/lodges we would recommend is PanAfric in Nairobi and the Sopa Serengeti in the Serengeti. Recommended tented camps are Meru Springs Eco Lodge, Maili Saba Camp & Nairobi Tented Camps. The staff and management at all of these places are warm & friendly and at the camps, will chat to you for hours and the food is fantastic. And all the beds are King Size!
A lot of the other tourists were not English speaking so travelling on your own could get pretty lonely.
Tanzania has been ravaged by drought for the last 3 years so this has affected the variety of wildlife you are likely to see at their parks, for now. Tarangire, we only saw elephants, Ngorongoro was nothing like the mass of wildlife we expected but the Serengeti was worth the 6 hour trip from Arusha.
Do not try to do this trip on a tight budget as you may spend a lot of your holiday coping with a vehicle that keeps breaking down - the roads are horrific and littered with broken down vehicles. Demand a Land Cruiser or don't go. Do not go in an 8 seater transit van; even if it is 4WD.
Do not expect to do washing - I would just take enough underwear for the length of the holiday. Running water, especially hot running water is not often available except for showers between 5pm & 8 pm and you need to get in early before it runs out.
Kenyans are very warm & friendly - the people are very proud of their country and very passionate about conservation. We felt very safe over there. Tanzania, we didn't get to know so well and they do everything a lot slower over there so it's more frustrating than Kenya. Do not try and exchange cash at one of their banks - you'll be there forever.
Hope you have a wonderful holiday...

In my last posting, I recommended Meru Springs Eco Lodge - that should have read Murera Springs Eco Lodge.

cmunro,
Thank you for the report. Perhaps it can be added to the E African trip index on fodors.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...port-index.cfm

also, can you elaborate on your time in Tarangire. Its normally very good in August. Perhaps the Crater as well.

Just looked more closely at this 2Afrika itinerary.
http://2afrika.com/site/safaris/safari.asp?SafariID=96

The stay at Shaba Sarova would be great if the majority of your game drives were done in Samburu or Buffalo Springs, about 30 minutes away. Shaba has far, far less wildlife activitiy than Samburu/Buffalo Springs. The itinerary shows all game drives in Shaba. I'd look into that. If the drives are not done in Samburu/Buffalo Springs, which has outstanding abundance and diversity, then this deal is not so good.

RE:East Africa index
I was adding reports to that for a while, but I'm no longer doing that. I just use the search function now.

nikao - no one ever said the bus between Nairobi/Arusha was <b>fun</b> :) it's just a means of getting between A & B, and cheap. Lots of people like cheap and time/comfort or fun isn't at issue.

cmunro - interesting report, but should be posted on the NEW East African Index, as link FrankS provided. Otherwise, it get lost on this thread. Maybe copy/paste to the proper thread.

As to some of your comments, know that everyone depending on when traveling will have a different experience. I for one and others with whom I've traveled have always taken Malarone (or even Lariam) in the morning with no ill effects; others though do report taking with dinner... so each their own, how their system reacts.

The dry season is just that and yes, lots of dust... just be aware. Other times, none at all. At least I've never found this to impact my breathing or finding dirty/dusty clothing at end day, or bringing them home as such. And, living at sea level (NYC), altitude anywhere, even at Ngorongoro hasn't had any effect on me... again, we're all different. It's awareness.

If there is no running water at camps or lodges but between certain hours, sufficient for taking showers... when it comes to laundry, it can be done by staff at very reasonable prices. And, when it comes to "wears" (especially women's smalls) which often are not done, either bring sufficient for the duration, or as I have done these past years... paper panties (inexpensive and just toss after wearing; less weight on the homebound trip).

guadalakara - safaris can be found at reasonable prices traveling with a group, but they're not always the best routings, lodgings and lots of time spent in transit rather than game viewing. And, if as you, trying to do so during the holiday, gets quite expensive - airfare and safari itself.

While visitors come from everywhere and some are not English speakers, if you work with an outfitter who caters to those who are, whether you travel with a group or solo... this shouldn't be a problem. Besides, such outfitters tend to recommend lodges/camps that more often than not do cater to English speakers. There are on the otherhand, many properties that do, indeed, cater to those who don't, whether Italian, German, Japanese, Chinese, etc. for whatever reason... so it's important to inquire.

Still, wishing you luck in this endeavor.

thanks again everyone. after some more time to think, i decided that an i'm up for an overland trip after all. what's most important to me is just getting to see the widest variety of sights in africa and an overland trip is the best way to do that (and really the only way, on my budget!)

so, i'm back to considering the nairobi to vic falls trip i linked to in my very first post in this thread... but also seriously considering this one through vic falls/botswana/namibia/s.a.: http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/d...lls/DZLD/2011/

i'm especially excited about the sand dunes, bushmen, canoe ride, and night game drive in etosha - but exactly how bad of an idea is it to visit that region during that part of the year? the fodors guide said its the "green season" in botswana - very hot and humid, but not crowded. i know on the other trip, things will be crowded (at least in tanzania) because of migration and the holidays... but what exactly does "crowded" mean in a game reserve in the serengeti? it can't be as bad as "crowded" at disneyworld, right? :)

"it can't be as bad as "crowded" at disneyworld, right??

Depends. Serengeti, watching leopard in tree (Feb of 2011)-
http://tomgraham.smugmug.com/SAFARI2...337_7SfvQ-A-LB

regards - tom

One year we were in Botswana/Chobe early-Dec and did have an occasional shower, but didn't inhibit safari. However, as December in going into "summer" in most of Africa from the Equator south, you can expect daytime weather to be hot and humid (it sure was in Chobe, Victoria Falls and Kruger). Evenings though do cool down somewhat. Mornings also are cool, sometimes even downright cold, so proper attire is required - layers works always, as you peel off/put on as changes happen.

Good luck with an overland!

You may want to look at flying out of DC or Atlanta.

"what's most important to me is just getting to see the widest variety of sights in africa and an overland trip is the best way to do that (and really the only way, on my budget!)"

I think you have hit on a plan that combines variety and economy. This option will not provide the best conditions for photography and you'll have to go on the group schedule so no lingering at will, but you'll see a lot.

Have you changed your mind about participation camping?
"Help set up camp, pitch in at mealtime and work together to cross rivers, plains and passes." -from itinerary

Have you changed your mind about driving long distances? Drive times listed are about 90 hours. My experience is that listed times are usually on the low end. These times do not include the game drives.

Good luck.

We did the Lion World Tours trip pout of DC...phenominal...consider domestic to DC or take the Big Bus from CLT.

Neuman605,

While staying at Shaba Sarova do you recall in which reserve(s) you did the game drives? From the looks of the Lion World itinerary, Samburu and Buffalo Springs are never mentioned as the locations of the game drives. Only Shaba is mentioned.

Hi,
I would recommend that you do Kenya. Kenya has a wide variety of things that you can enjoy and even if you stayed for two full months,you will never have enough of it. Its tours are also cheap and any budget will always find a tour that fits. With your $ 5,000,if you subtract airfare and other official expendiures,you will be left with over $ 3000 to spend for your tour. You can get a number of places to visit. You can do safaris (and Kenya has such a large number of wildlife) and incorporate cultural visits and activities. You also have a chance to do trekking,home stays and other interesting activites. You can also tour the famous Kakamega forest,the only rain forest in East Africa with interesting stories.

Camping does not have to be in a scarery,lonely,abandoned place. There is a number of places to camp,including national parks and private camp sites. Check out this tour company, www.facebook.com/HeelsValiseToursKenya
It has a number of packages that can work for you since it is quite flexible. It can also custom make the itinerary to suit your needs.

I hope this helps you. All the best.

Although your overland trip covers a lot, you will find that you are travelling a lot and may not get the game viewing experience you want. Take a look at the group trips offered by Explore Worldwide, Exodus and The Adventure Company. They are usually smaller groups and smaller vehicles than those used by the overland trips. My first two trips to Africa were on trips like this and were a great introduction.

I have an acquaintance who went on an Intrepid Travel tour. Some of their tours might be what you are looking for. All prices are in USD, and watch out for the kitty costs.

http://www.intrepidtravel.com/

gap is more expensive than Intrepid. I know nothing about East Africa, so I can't help with good/bad itineraries or areas. You are getting good advice here from the experts.

Thanks again everyone. I am still evaluating options. It's hard for me to make a decision all by myself with so many exciting possibilities! For the past 2 weeks I've spent practically all my free time researching Africa trips :) I really appreciate everyone's help.

I am close to making a final decision. I am now back to wanting an East Africa trip, especially considering the weather in Botswana that time of year. Also thinking I'll depart in January rather than Dec for better airfares and possibly better weather. I'm currently looking at a few different tours that go from Nairobi to Zanzibar for 10 or so days, with plans to tack on an additional short Masai Mara excursion (if by myself), or short Cairo visit (I have a friend who might be interested in coming with me, but I don't really want to visit Cairo by myself).

For the main tour, I'm considering options from Gap, Nomad, and Tucan Travel all in the $1500-1700 range. christabir, I found that Intrepid is more expensive than Gap, across the board, once you add in those darn kitty costs. Gap doesn't charge additional kitty costs.

I also saw what looks like a great deal on an Amanzi tour: http://www.amanzitravel.co.uk/produc...002/index.html $959 + $150 extra for accomodation in Zanz = $1109 ... plus they're running a special to tack on a 3-day Masai Mara safari for only the local payment of $160! Is this too good to be true?


When it comes to airfare, since I'm looking at itineraries that require multi-city international air travel, that is a whole separate hunt to find the most economical way of doing things. If I did not do Egypt, it looks best to book a return flight from CLT(Charlotte NC, where I live)-NBO, depart on the tour from Nairobi, then at the end of the tour take a one-way flight from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam back to Nairobi, go on the Masai Mara excursion then take my return flight back home.

Adding Egypt would complicate things. Air travel tips welcome!

ah just realized that Amanzi trip price does not include the "optional" Serengeti/Ngorongoro Crater Excursion, which is an additional $410. Still an alright deal though thanks to the MM special.