Hello,

My husband and I are thinking about going to Africa on Safari for 7-10 days in May 2007 and I wanted some advice on where to go and how much to expect to spend:
Kenya
Tanzania
South Africa


We live in the US. Is it possible to go all-in for $3,000 each? $400 each? We'd like to stay in lodges.

Add airfare, $1,500-$2,000 each, to that and you'll do fine.
That's why I like to have minimum 14 days on safari. It seems "inefficient" to have airfare such a large percentage of total safari cost otherwise.
Not to mention the two days required travel time on each end of the journey.

regards - tom

Be aware that May is rainy season in Kenya and Tanzania. So, your chances of finding a cheap safari are good, but your choices and game viewing may be limited.

I haven't been, but I believe May is a shoulder season in South Africa - the low season starts in June. I understand the game viewing to be at its best between May and August, plus you get low season rates.

Tom's point is apt - the sticking point is the international airfare. I believe it can be done, but you don't have a lot of time to put something together by May.

I'd probably try Tanzania first. If you're going end of May, you should be at the end of the rainy season and might score some deals. If you check around the forum, you'll find recommendations for in-country outfitters (like Roy Safaris). Send a number of them an e-mail with your dates and budget and see what they can put together for you.

South Africa in March -- 15 days
http://tinyurl.com/24v8gm

Kenya, Tanz and SA --- 17 days
http://tinyurl.com/3dgks3

In May

Soochoo,

Are you talking about May 2007 or 2008, I guess its 2008, Kenya is a very nice place if you really want to see wild and again it is low season, I think your budget will be enough for lodge safari.Well I would suggest the below itinerary for you,

Day 1; Nairobi-Samburu National Reserve

Day 2; Samburu;

Day 3;Aberdares National Park;

Day 4; Maasai Mara;

Day 5;Maasai Mara;

Day 6; Amboseli;

Day 7; Amboseli;

Day 8; Tsavo West;

Day 9;Tsavo West;

Day 10; Nairobi;

Do you have an outfitter yet, If not, i would recommend All Seasons Safari for you, it is a reputable tour company, we are also doing a safari with them in August.

You can as well compare quotes with 2 or other 3 local tour companies and go for the one pleases you.

Thanks all for such wonderful suggestions. I just didn't know where to start and I really appreciate it.

We had a really great experience with Eastern & Southern Safaris in Kenya last September. On their website they have prices listed for sample lodge and camping itineraries, and will arrange both Kenya and Tanzania for you if you want (we only used them for Kenya). You might want to take a look at their site to get a general idea of what your budget could cover: http://www.essafari.co.ke/

Serah did a great job helping us plan our trip. I've started a trip report about it, and other folks on this board have recommended E&S very highly, too.

Soochoo - try Overseas Adventure Travel - they have a 14 day Keny/Tanzania trip in lodges and some nice tents you can go within your budget it includes air as well. They also have a S. Africa trip.

SD

To help with weather and best wildlife viewing, here is a link that includes each month of the year.
http://www.africa-adventure.com/dsp_besttime.html

Here is an index of reports from trips in East Africa.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34860283

In South Africa, consider a self drive in Kruger or a stay in some place such as Elephant Plains in the Sabi Sands, next to Kruger.

To help with where to go, are there certain animals you wished to see?

Hi soochoo,

I haven't travelled to africa, but was contemplating a trip for my graduation next year. I found www.2afrika.com the most affordable of my searches especially cuz they include air.

Again I haven't used them personally, but based on my research they seem reliable and of good value...thought I'd mention it.


Layla