DMBTraveler

Came across what I think is an affordable 8 Day (5 On The Ground) package with Friendly Planet to Kenya. While 5 On The Ground seems short , personally it sounds a fair amount of time for me since this will not be my one and only opportunity to visit Africa.

I just have a Safari Itch that needs to be scratched

I have read November is still a "Very Good" time for animal viewing in Kenya. Are there serious safety concerns in Kenya? Any thoughts or experiences with Friendly Planet?

A visit to South Africa without a tour company is also an option but not sure November is best time to visit there for a safari.

Your input is appreciated.

atravelynn

Safety concerns? None that have kept me from going with a reputable safari provider to Kenya's national parks on a guided trip.

Here's a chart on best times to visit various parks throughout the year. As weather becomes less predictable, so do the charts.

http://www.africa-adventure.com/best_time_to_go

Please post the 2 itineraries for a better comparison. Lion World Tours has had some very short low cost options too.

If you can travel for only 8 days, would you be interested in a nature trip closer to home? I am assuming Africa requires 3+ days of travel for you. Anyone who would rank the Waitomo Glow Worm caves as a travel highlight (and by the way I share your enthusiasm) would likely enjoy a wide range of fauna.

DMBTraveler

atravelynn,

Thanks for the info. The chart was the most comprehensive that I have seen so far. It seems November is still a good time to visit Kenya.

If I go to SA it would be on my own with a self-drive to KNP. Will check out Lion World but $2500.00 seems hard to beat for the trip.

After visiting Antarctica, I just might have to update my travel highlights

sandi

As to Lion World, yes... very tempting price, but know that their itineraries are constant "go-go" with some very long drives from one location to another, on not very good roads (bumpy and dusty) and thus less game viewing.

There was a recent report (few months back) on this safari... suggest you do a search on this board for the details.

Naima

You can also have a look at Aktive safaris,they have wonderful ground package with a reasonable price www.aktivesafaris.com

atravelynn

Even an expensive trip such as an African safari is not as costly as Antarctica. Did you post a report on your Antarctica trip? If so, please put in a link here.

There are some great self drive posts in SA by Pixelpower on this forum.

atravelynn

Here's Pixelpower's SA experiences.

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...und-kruger.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ear-kruger.cfm

This link contains links to 3 other parts of this particular report.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...pt4-pungwe.cfm

DMBTraveler

atravelynn,

Thanks for the links. Now, I am leaning towards a self-drive in SA. SA seems to have a lot to offer.

My Antarctica links:

Fodors:
http://www.fodors.com/community/crui...-continent.cfm

Blog:
http://dmbtraveler195.blogspot.com/2...mik-ioffe.html