Hi everyone....I'm new to the africa board, but have been a member on fodor's for a couple of years now.

I will be graduating university in December 2008 and as a grad gift my family might be helping me with a trip to africa. I will be going solo if it happens, so i think for my first time a packaged tour would be great for me to get the feel for everything.

I have looked at the website 2afrika.com and their tours look amazing! Do you guys know of any other resources where I might look at other packaged tours?

Also, in terms of spending money I'm estimating that I would have approximately 700$-1000$ CAD for my trip, would that be enough for some small souvenirs and some of my meals (i say some because so far the tours i've looked at include some of the meals).

This is still in the EARLY EARLY stages of planning and not even 100% but I would like to get some ideas and #s ready so that when time comes i'm better prepared.

I hope this happens!!!

Thanks!

Layla

Sorry, I forgot to mention that i'm looking at trips of between 7 and 11 days.....and I would like a tour that includes a safari

thanks

Congratulations! I guess the first question is... do your parents have a budget in mind? Also, how many days would you have to travel? If you graduate in December, a trip to Tanzania in February would be a great idea. You could combine a safari with a few days on the beach in Zanzibar.

I've used Overseas Adventure Travel in the past, but a lot of Fodorites are leary of them, having heard that they just cancelled someone's trip a week before they were to leave. You might see if you can find a traveling companion and look at booking directly with a safari ground operator for a private safari. You could also do more searches to see if you can find an itinerary that suits you, then share it with us.

On most safaris, almost everything is included, so you would only need money for tips, drinks, laundry, and souvenirs. If you went to Zanzibar, you'd probably need to purchase a few meals, as well.

Hey ShayTay,

Thanks...your answer was a great start in my research.

In terms of a buget, there is one...it would probably be 3000$ and I would like to have air included in the price. I will be paying a third (1000$) and my spending money so that would leave 1000$ for each parent to pay (they're divorced).

I'll keep scouring the forum for info....I would really love to do a shark cage dive, but I'd need to get scuba certified before i leave and i don't have a clue what the prices for that would be. And I suppose such an activity would limit my choices of destinations as i would have to be in a good spot for diving

Thanks again for your help!!

Layla

Congrats on your upcoming graduation.

2Afrika does have some of the most affordable options, especially because air is included.

Here are some reports on 2Afrika

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34688402

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34690692

http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=5401...=SYE/otsi=SALB

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34581453

When I look at these 4 2Afrika itineraries below for Kenya, I like the fact they spend 3 nights in the Maasai Mara. That is uncommon for budget trips.

Beauty & Mystery Of Africa
In The Shadow Of The Sun
Rules Of The Wild
Keen On Kenya


When I look at these for 2 Tanzania below I prefer Tanazanite that gives you 3 nights in the Serengeti

Snows of Kilimanjaro
Tanzanite

You don’t have to be scuba certified for the shark trip, but since that takes place near Cape Town in South Africa, then that’s where you’d need to spend your holiday. I’d also recommend devoting a few outings to the shark trip in case some get cancelled by weather or seas. You can look forward to the sharks after you’ve been working a while and go back to Africa. That’s the downside of a safari graduation present. You’ll get hooked on Africa early in life.

As to Kenya or Tanzania, it depends what time of year you travel. Here are two sites that show the best wildlife viewing times throughout the year at different locations.

http://www.africa-adventure.com/dsp_besttime.html

http://www.bornfreesafaris.com/best_travel.htm

This site looks just at the best locations in Kenya and Tanzania.
http://www.kiliwarriors.com/

Even with 2Afrika prices, it may be tough to keep it at $3,000. Remember there are visas, possibly travel insurance, maybe shots and definitely malaria pills, plus tips to guides and staff, souvenirs, and do you have decent binoculars and a 10X zoom or better camera?, Not trying to be a party pooper, just mentioning realistic costs to consider. No need to spend a lot on a safari wardrobe, but do get a good wide brimmed hat.

If you were planning on traveling shortly after your Dec. graduation, those trips to Tanzania will have few spaces. If you are just one person, that is easier to squeeze in than a group.

Good luck

Hi Layla,

Africa is a big place and there all sorts of places to go and things to do and see, and all sorts of ways in which to do it, so you should definately do some research (like you are doing here) to begin to get your head around all the various possibilities. It's a very daunting task for a first-timer, which I was up until very recently.

I just had a great trip on a mobile camping safari in northern Botswana ("Migration Routes" trip operated by Wilderness Safaris and available through any number of specialist Africa travel agents). For next year (2008) this will be a 10d / 9n trip costing about $3600 (US) plus a single supplement if you are travelling alone (plus the cost of getting to Africa [Johannesburg,typically; in my case this was about $1300]) and the cost of getting to Maun, Botswana, or Livingstone, Zambia, where this trip kicks off (figure about $450 round trip). It's a "fully serviced camping safari" meaning that you are in 2-person tents at pre-erected, seasonal camps, and move from place to place every 2 days. The camp staff do all the work (cooking, laundry, etc.), and you have a professional Guide that leads the trip from start to finish. Transport between camps is a combination of air, land, and water modes. All meals, food, and drink are included.

I posted a brief trip synopsis and LOTS of pictures here:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35089092

Many people pay $1000 per person per night or more to experience the abundant and amazing wildlife of Botswana (staying in posh "permanent tented camps&quot. For someone that enjoys a camping type experience, the mobile camping type of trip is a great way to see the same areas and the same outstanding wildlife at a fraction of the cost.

Good luck with your research and your planning process, and keep asking questions! Even at this early stage, you are embarking on a great journey!

Please also look at Imaginative Traveler. They have a range of itineraries and budgets. www.imaginative-traveller.com. We went with them to Japan and became friends with our guide who then went on to more management type positions in the company. They have a good philosophy of travel.

Hi Layla,
Where are you flying from? Have you checked airfares?

If you have an inexpensive flight you may be able to add in a Mana Canoe trip down the Zambesi - Zimbabwe run by Wilderness safari (4 day) appox. 1100. USD with a side trip to Victoria Falls staying at a place like Ilana appox. 100.

The sticking point will be the airfare, as it can run close to $2000 from North America. The larger group tour companies can negotiate prices, so your best bet will probably be with them.

Hi guys,

Thanks again so much!! I really appreciate all of this great advice.

The trip doesn't have to happen directly after grad, in fact the more I think about the more I may want to hold out a little ( even a year ) to ensure that I have more than enough $$$$ to make this the best possible first trip. I don't shy away from roughing it or having to make the best of "interesting" situations at all....so far all of my trips have been on a budget. However, with such potential for this to be the most incredible experience of my life I want to make sure it all works out.

When I feel that the timing is right and the funds are ready on my side i will then look to seriously book a trip, until then i'll consider myself in the "pre" preliminary planning stages

Thanks again for all the help, I will continue with my research and i'll be sure to let you guys know if i make any decisions!!

Layla