Private vs Group Safari
 

Hi everyone-- you have helped on so many of my questions and I have finally decided on a Tanzania & Kenya Safari combo for 9-12 days in Sept. Since it is just 2 of us (maybe 4)-- I think we would prefer a group tour-- it is always fun to get to know others and share experiences. But with a private safari-- we can plan and go as we want. So what suggestions do you all have-- Any experience with either type if only 2 or 4 travel together. Any "group" tour companies to recommend? Help!! I thought this was going to be so easy-- :)

Thanks!
Linda

Hello,

I'd always choose a private safari over a group tour -- there is so much more flexibility, both in terms of scheduling and choosing accommodation. Most of the group tours stay in large hotel-like lodges and use mini-vans, which may not be the kind of trip you want.

With 2 or 4 people, the increase in cost for a private safari will be minimal, and you'll be able to do exactly what you want to, when you want to.

Cheers,
Julian

I would recommend a private departure. You'll still be able to interact with others at your camps, get to know them, and share experiences. To me, planning and going as I want is more important than sharing experiences with others in the vehicle.

If you decide upon a group departure, Natural Habitat, Overseas Adventure Travel, Micato (just Africa and rather expensive), Globus/Brendan are some group companies. I've gone with Nat Hab on trips elsewhere with great success.

Please post again as your itinerary develops.

busybee,
Someone recently returned from Tanzania with Good Earth and it sounds like they had a "shared" safari, perhaps using one of Good Earth's set departures. They shared their vehicle with two Germans who were camping while they stayed at lodges. I will try to dig the thread up for you.

I'd rather have a private safari, but I'm a little shy. :)

Hi busybee,

Here is the trip report from kstyle who just return from a "group" safari with Good Earth. You might want to ask her more questions about how they arranged this. Sounds like it worked out well for them.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34749526

Also, Jules who posts here, took a group trip to TZ and Kenya ( think) with 2afrika. They are now planning a more elaborate 2nd trip, but they very much enjoyed their first safari as well.

Good luck.

Hi busybee, Hey I like the sound of your name,
Leely u are a wizard at finding posts of trip reports, thanks for helping everybody, u are really a nice and helpful person
busybee, I would prefer a private safari but if u could team up with a couple and do a group safari it would also be very nice. Try to have a group of under 4-5 people so u have the flexibility as well as the company. You may be surprised that a group of 4 could cost less on a private safari compared to group departures of 8-12 people by reputed outfitters, Sonali.

Thanks everyone-- I think private is the way to go-- I'm sure we will meet up with other folks at the lodges....
You are all AWESOME! I'll check out the links provided-- appreciate it!