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-   -   Help planning a first safari on a budget? (https://www.fodors.com/community/africa-and-the-middle-east/help-planning-a-first-safari-on-a-budget-903941/)

atravelynn Sep 3rd, 2011 03:51 PM

If you think you might someday be able to do an Egypt trip, I'd separate Egypt from safari this time.

cary999 Sep 3rd, 2011 04:08 PM

Think I'd agree with atravelynn on that.

regards - tom

sandi Sep 4th, 2011 06:12 AM

Glad you noticed the Ngo/Serengeti segment was an option. I couldn't imagine going that far, only to miss this and rather spend that time in/around Arusha. If you choose this itinerary, definitely opt for this.

The stop at Pangani, beach mostly and some game... I see only as a break in the otherwise very long drive from Arusha to Dar (about 10/hrs and should only be done during daylight hours) before catching ferry to ZNZ.

What I found humorous was "a bit of luxury" offering Breezes or Barazza on Zanzibar, some of the most expensive resorts. Can't imagine anyone doing a budget overland safari would even have the funds for this. Amazing what some companies offer!

As to Egypt, while Cairo is fascinating, suggest you save a visit here for another time.

International flights - if you arrive Nairobi, where airfares are less expensive than if into Kilimanjaro/JRO Tanzania (KLM or Ethiopian), know that you will have to take a Shuttle Bus to Arusha. If arriving NBO at night, you'll require an overnight hotel before taking bus next morning. Bus departures are 8am & 2pm only, it's a 5-6/hr trip, but cost is good at about $35-40 each way. You'll need a Kenyan Visa you can purchase on arrival USD$50, as well a Yellow Fever inoculation and proof of same for entry into Tanzania. Then, of course, a Tanzania Visa at USD$50 (or USD$100 if a US passport holder), you can obtain at Namanga border entering Tanzania.

Unless you plan to do the Masai Mara extension, and depending on which air carrier to NBO, you may just be able to depart for home from DAR, which is a short 15/min flight or 2/hr ferry ride from ZNZ. Airlines that arrive NBO and depart DAR, would be: BA*, KLM, Swiss, Emirates, Ethiopian. This would be an "open-jaw" ticket - in one city/out from another city. Of course, if visiting the Masai Mara, then you can depart for home from NBO.

*the BA flight isn't a daily departure from DAR, and very early morning, believe 9am; other carriers depart DAR between about 4pm-12M.

Check Kayak www.kayak.com for flight schedules/fares.

Chelstravel Jan 6th, 2016 12:43 AM

Hello Guadalakara,

It is right choice to visit East Africa for wildlife safari (Kenya or Tanzania).

First thing is to consider wildebeest migration trend, depends which time.

plambers Jan 12th, 2016 07:21 AM

I also live in Charlotte, where airfares are rediculously high. We are going on safari July 2017 and I am seriously considering flying out of DC or JFK - flights about $600 less and will only cost $200 to get there.

luangwablondes Jan 12th, 2016 10:37 AM

Check Flights. There are some great deals if you buy now. Like about $800 RT from the states including taxes. Suggestion- you can buy last minute safaris in Botswana real cheap. I used Mckenzie 4x4 in Sept. and got a blow out deal, and that was in high season. Arranged about 2 weeks in advance from the states and paid with a credit card.

luangwablondes Jan 12th, 2016 10:38 AM

Btw, those safaris were upmarket.

deladeb Jan 12th, 2016 04:06 PM

Luangwablonds, Flying into where in Africa?

luangwablondes Jan 12th, 2016 04:13 PM

Johannesburg. You can get an inexpensive connection to Vic Falls from Johannesburg. Inexpensive ground transfer to Kasane and start your Botswana safari. I did something similar to this and it went smoothly.


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