July 2009 Africa Trip
 

Hello, Im planning a trip to Africa, mainly east Africa this July 2009. My expected departure dates are between July 1- July 28th. I have to be in Dar Es salam for a wedding between the 21st and the 16th. I would like to incorporate the following in the preceeding weeks:
i) serengeti
ii)masi mara
iii)ngorongoro crater
iv)zanzibar
v) *maybe* mozambique

I need some help in planning out the best possible route for this trip, where to start, the types of things i should look for in booking safari tours *im not looking for luxury, just the best experience possible*

Sorry i meant Mombasa not mozambique

Also, Would a trip to see Victoria Falls be worthwhile, with the time that i have?

sorry the i meant 21st to the 26th for the time in DAR

Are you considering some travel after the wedding as well? That's when you could consider Vic Falls, though it would be a lot of flying and cost for a couple of days at the falls.

It appears July 16-21 you'll be involved in wedding activities.

If it takes 2 days to get to Africa and you want to arrive in Dar on the 15th, then that's about 12 days of traveling before the wedding.

You'll probably fly in and out of Dar and will store your nice wedding clothes upon arrival.

Zanzibar = 3
Serengeti = 3
Crater = 1-2
Mara = 3
Internal transfers = 1-2

That's 12. If you took a day each from the Serengeti and Mara that would give you 2 in Mombasa, if Mombasa was a high priority and you would be happy with a fewer days of wildlife. I wouldn't do it.

I'd do the Serengeti early and the Mara at the end if you can.

I don't think Vic Falls would fit before the wedding. Maybe after.

I don't recall group tours that include exactly these places. Maybe other people can recommend one. You might need to do your own itinerary, which is common.

Some companies in Africa that have been used successfully include:

Good Earth (TZ and Tampa, FL)
Roys (TZ)
Kiliwarrior (TZ)
Sunny's (TZ)
Eastern and Southern Safaris (Kenya)

Do you prefer to work with a company in the US or another country?

thanks for the info. I live in canada, does it make a huge difference where the companies are located?

It's your preference on where you wish to book. It's a good idea to compare pricing and ask where your deposits are kept whatever company you choose.

I also live in Canada (Vancouver) and used Green Footprint Adventures in Arusha for my trip to Tanzania last March. They were great to work with.