Organizing tours and accommodations after getting there?
 

So i'm about to go on a 5 month travel trip. South/East africa is my last "area". I have about 8 weeks for Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. My schedule will be very unset because I'm not sure where I'll be when. Is it much of a problem traveling to say the capitols of these countries and booking tours there?

What time of year will it be? We just returned from 8 weeks in Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana - the latter two I was able to book very last minute but it was off season.

Sorry - just re-read your comment - so I'll change my question - what order will you be there?

Thanks Elizabeth! I'll be going in that order starting June. Did you make a travel log. I'd love to hear about any tips you have.

(Sound of voices screaming - "don't ask her about her blog!!!!"

:)

Here's a link to it - still finishing it up though (navigate the countries on the right hand margin)

http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/africa/

And a long Tanzania trip report

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...t-174346-2.cfm

I had booked Tanzania and Rwanda several months before our departure as - as it turns out we were often the only people in lodges, etc BUT the flights were all full.

We stayed in South Africa for 3 weeks - house and car prebooked but booked everything else while there (overnight trips, etc)

Namibia & Botswana - we pre booked most of it but only a couple of weeks in advance but it was off season.

Will you have good internet access? That would make a difference to me as I used the internet for alot of travel planning once on the road.

Just clicked on your name and saw your other post regarding other destinations - here is a link to a posting (a bit old) re Kathmandu - my goddaughter spent 4 months there and these are her notes

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-kathmandu.cfm

Thanks for the information! Did you bring a netbook with you? I'd be nervous booking anything in a net cafe. Is there wireless in these countries?

Yes Nepal is right before Africa, thanks for the link!

If you will be in Rwanda June-Oct and plan to visit the gorillas, you'll want to book those permits in advance. They routinely sell out months in advance.

uuuh I am shell shocked by the gorilla tour prices. looks like an average of $1000/d. i can't believe anyone can afford that. i may have to forgo this.

One permit is $500 for an hour of viewing. Shell shocked is right, but that is the going price. Unlike other activities or locations, where you can arrange it for less, the gorilla permits are set. Supply and demand. Fortunately the gorilla #s have been on the increase and more habituated groups have been established. That's good for the gorillas and people who are willing to pay that kind of price to see them.

If you still wish to visit Rwanda, there are other locations too. I was recently in the lovely Akagera with great savanna animals and birds, plus Nyungwe where you can see chimps and colobus monkeys for about 25% the cost of the gorillas, maybe less.

Rwanda is a beautiful and inspiring destination. Very safe, wonderful people, good transportation. More than just gorillas.

I think the answer to your question is "no, with the exception of gorillas, but if you are in these countries during peak seasons you may have limited choice. The best tours, camps and lodges are quite likely to be full. On the other hand, off-season you may get very good deals if you just turn up.

However, how are you traveling? If overland, it would make much more sense to book things at least a few days in advance so you don't drive 500km past your eventual destination and then have to drive 500km back :-)

Another problem will be the hassle you'll get from touts in some places, but I guess you are ready for that; it's not restricted to Africa.

Another thing is what do you mean by "tours"? Make sure you are well prepared in terms of the cost of things. Rwanda isn't the only place you might find it more expensive to do what you planned than you thought, and if this is the end of the trip you may be running out of funds just when you need them!