Hi, Zimdonna--
To tell the truth, I had pause after having posted a reply to your report, leading you to the pictures and all. Don't know exactly what I was thinking except to let you know that OAT people are on their feet. And yes, I'm not Gloria.
About 10 years ago, when I was 54, I decided that if I were to see and do the things that I'd always wanted to...well, if not at that point, then when? As a result, this past decade has brought home to me the most amazing experiences ever. I have a couple of good travel partners, and that always helps. It also helped that my husband--passed away this past July--who didn't like to travel, sent me off with his blessings. Bottom line for this thread, I've traveled independently and also with groups. The first group I traveled with 10 years ago, I'd never ever go with again. But after that, for China, Pacific Delight was great. And there were other group experiences, too, which were wonderful. As I say, OAT has never disappointed us. We loved our 2 Afrika experience in Kenya and Tanzania, but for several reasons we've decided on OAT for this next trip to Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. Probably because we thought that it would bring more bang for the buck for this expensive itinerary. I'll let you know. Let me leave you with the reminder, though, that our other OAT trips have been wonderful. I know that many on this board recommend that one do independent planning, and for the amount we are paying, we probably might have done that also. Well, let's just see how this goes. I promise to do a report.

I have always done independent planning for my Africa trips but sometimes I am the ONLY client in the camps and it can get very lonely...unless I have some great guides. So this time I decided to try a group tour and will hope for the best.

I will be particulary interested in hearing about the Namibia section of the trip. There is little information on this site regarding OAT's Ultimate Africa tour, most is a few years old using a different itinerary, but what is available seems to indicate there is little to no game in the Caprivi Strip. Would be interested to hear how you found it when you return. I have been to Hwange and Chobe several times and those are no worry to me at all.

The Namibia portion of the trip was OK. The lodge (Lianshulu Bush Lodge, not the main hotel) was nice and the food was excellent. The park definitely had less game than we saw in Botswana, but we did see some things that were unique, such as Roan Antelope. Plenty of elephants. Our time there was mainly spent on visits to a school and a village. The real village was very interesting -- we got to visit inside a family compound and met the village head man who talked to us about traditional life. We were also taken to a mock village where people in costume performed. That part was pretty weak. While I can't say we were unhappy with Caprivi, I certainly wouldn't seek it out for another visit.

Bookmarking

Our June 2008 trip to Peru was our first with OAT. We have considerable independent travel experience and chose OAT simply because of the low cost. That alone had us worried. But we WILL travel with OAT again. Our group of 16 ranged in age from 18-78. We learned from them all. Traveling with or without groups is NEVER perfect. But we WILL travel with OAT again. It is the over 50 crowd that can mainly afford such trips...

Just adding to what others have said. I just booked Safari Serengeti for September. This will be my 5th OAT trip. Trust me when I tell you that anyone you encounter on an OAT trip - regardless of their age - will be fit, energetic and a blast to travel with. IN all my trips we have only had one person in our group who was a tad whiny and complain-y about walking etc. It was on our recent Peru/Ecuador trip. Over, I can tell you when I (48 at the time) and my husband (40 at the time) hiked Tiger's NEst in the Himalayas (Bhutan) there was a couple in their EIGHTIES who left me in the dust. It was sobering.

Be prepared for a blast. I love OAT and right now they are having fantastic sales to Africa.

Bon Voyage!