Hi,

Does anyone have any suggestions to offer in preferring group (4 in a vehicle) vs private tours?

One could imagine that having more people in the vehicle is a better hedge in favor of safety (say if you get stuck or something).. Ofcourse privacy is privacy..

Opinions?

I'd go for private if it is within your budget. You'll have a radio to summon help if you need it. I'd especially opt for private on a honeymoon.

Or a 2nd honeymoon.

Hello,

Assuming you're in East Africa and there are at least two of you I'd opt for a private tour. Fellow tourists are unlikely to be terribly useful in an emergency unless one happens to be a mechanic or, in a worst-case scenario, a doctor.

Cell phones work almost all over Tanzania nowadays (a bit too well in some cases), so while there's no AAA help is only a phone call away, as they say...

Cheers,
Julian

When in Tz in 2005 my wife and I shared a Landcruiser with another couple who we really got on with (having been strangers until the moment the safari began) and shared many laughs together. But then we were lucky: I cannot imagine being confined with other people who I couldn't bare being with - and also with a small group it is imperative that you are all as equally keen: the best viewing times are very early in the morning and if the others don't want to get up early then what will you do? If you can afford it, go private. If not, try to arrange another couple who you know are as into the safari experience as you are.

Matt