Hi all,
I've just become addicted to these forums lately. There is so much valuable travel info. that has helped me in my planning. Anyhow, I'm planning a Egypt/Kenya/South Africa wirlwind tour in December of this year and was wondering if you any of you seasoned veterans have advice for me:

1) Mini-bus vs. 4X4 - I've going back on forth on this since we're planning a tour with www.africapoint.com. They said they would have the 2 of us in the mini-bus, but if we wanted the Landcruisers it would be $795 more for our 1 week tour. We're doing a 7-day tour from Samburu to Nakuru to the Maasi Mara. One person mention that the mini-buses tend to gather around animals in the parks when spotted while the 4X4's allow you to get away from any other vehicles. Also, the reliability factor.

2) Lodges vs. tented camping - We'll be rushing from place to place so i was leaning towards the lodges since they seem to be a bit more comfortable. The tented camps I'm seeing are only saving me $250. Are the camps comfortable enough? I'm not looking for theh Ritz, but showers and comfortable sleeping accomodations would be prefered over sleeping on a cot.

3) Village visits in the Maasi and Swazi-land - What are your experiences? I've heard some people complain that these visits were just big tourist traps where they just try to put on shows for you to get your tourist dollars. I'd like to do a village visit, but I'm looking for a real cultural experience (however much you can get in a day) and not something that looks staged.

4) Spending $$ - The trip appears to have the lodge fees, meals, and park fees. However, I was wondering if anyone could give me insight to what I may expect to bring in $/day for additional costs. I don't expect to buy a ton of souviniers and such, but what can I expect from a tipping, fee, lunches, cost for water, etc.? I know I was shocked in the Galapagos when they where trying to charge $2/bottle of water and $18/t-shirt. Can I expect the same in the Maasi and Kruger?

That's it for now... and responses would be appreciated.

That is whirlwind. To get more precise answers, you could post the entire itinerary and when you are going.

1) Mini-bus vs. 4X4 - The rules of the park dictate if you can drive away from the other vehicles or not. In the parks you mentioned, I think off road driving is limited. Whatever vehicle people are in, those vehicles gather around animals.

Here is lots of discussion on vehicles. I’ve been in pop tops, flip tops, canopied vehicles, open vehicles and I prefer the least amount of barrier. But my photos and memories from each trip, regardless of the vehicle, are great.

Here is lots of discussion on vehicles.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34929680
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34872251
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34862745
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34821983


2) Lodges vs. tented camping – “We'll be rushing from place to place.”
Do you really want that for your vacation? Rushing from place to place? If the tented accommodations have cots or sleeping bags and you’d like a regular bed, then the lodge would be best. I’d check the shower setup in the tents. Often it is a nice hot bush shower with water heated by the sun or a fire. If you list the lodges, you could also get feedback on those you have stayed there.

3) Village visits in the Maasi and Swazi-land - What are your experiences? Can comment only on Maasai visits. You mentioned spending a day. If you spent the whole day, I am sure you’d see a slice of life as it is spent by the Maasai. The hour or two visits are often more contrived. Usually you visit a real village but the singing and dancing are done on cue for visitors. If this is a group trip, then you have to go with the schedule. If it is a private trip, you could make this request for a longer, more in depth village visit known to Africa Point up front.

4) Spending $$ --The water situation is set up by your operator so check with them. I’ve been on my own buying water and I’ve had it provided. I’ve also had the guide offer to buy lots of it (with my money) at the start in bulk for better prices. Then it was used as needed throughout the trip. I recall prices being close to $2/bottle, but it was a big bottle. You would want to budget for tips for your guide. Again Africa Point can give you guidelines depending on the type of trip you are taking. Sometimes the village visits you mentioned above are extra ($20-$40) and other activities might be optional and extra. I don’t know what the souvenirs cost. In addition to water you may have to buy some beverages or alcohol at meals.

Regardless the type of vehicle, they gather around game. If on a private safari, and you've discussed this with your guide/driver, he can leave a site with many vehicles and return later. The price for a 4WD Landcruiser is about right, but for the itinerary you'e on, navigating the roads, the mini-bus will be just fine. I've been in both mini-buses, Landcruised and Range Rovers - it's got 4/wheels and going where I am... that's all that matters. None have ever broken down and for traveling the roads, the min-buses do very very well, especially for the suspension factor. That $800 can go towards tips and souvenirs, with money to spare.

One should spend a few nights under canvas for a true African experience, but depending on the camping... if a savings, then these maybe rustic vs permanent tent camps. I'd get clarification from your tour operator as to exactly what type of tents, toilets, showers, beds, etc. It really would be best, if you detailed your entire itinerary here, so we could comment with more substance.

As to Masai Manyatta visits, if you're on a rush-rush itinerary, these are more than likely to be those that some consider "touristy" - but, hey, you're a tourist. With luck you may enter one of these manyattas when there are few other tourists and it can be interesting. And, if you're on a private tour, you can have your guide run interference if you get the feeling of being obliged to purchase items. But this is how many of these communities earn an income. These visits aren't much different than what is referred to as "folkloric" visits in other countries. But, you're not obliged to stop here, if you choose not.

If your tour operator doesn't provide water, it's easy enough to stop into a market and buy a case (at a good price) for use as you wish, along with other beverages and/or munchies you'll want during your stay. As to tipping, do a search on this board and you'll find many threads that address this topic. However, your tour operator should provide you with guidelines, as well, you often find guidelines at the lodges/camps.

just my 2 cents worth, i was in SA and botswana the begining of this month. I personally much prefered the tented camps than the lodge. We stayed in Bongani at small houses, very nice, but still resort-y. We then stayed at Mashatu in tents. I loved being in the tent in the fresh air. we did have private shower's and potty's, which was mandatory for me. the beds were great, not cots at all. the inside of the tent was very comfortable. we did look at the main lodge in Mashatu, but it just looked like a nice resort/hotel you would find in arizona or california. if you go to africa, and you want to experience it, stay in a tent camp.

betsyatl, I would love to hear more about your time at Mashatu. Have you posted about your trip? (if you did, I missed it) I was there in 2003 and loved the tent camp. I'm interested in hearing about the game viewing. Is Daniel still there?

Cindy

Thanks all for the advice... here's my break neck itinerary if you want to see:

16-Dec Cairo - Desert Tour to visit Memphis, Sakkara, Giza Pyramids & Sphinx, include lunch. (evening flight to Nairobi)
17-Dec Samburu - Samburu Serena Safari Lodge
18-Dec Samburu - Samburu Serena Safari Lodge
19-Dec Aberdares - Ark
20-Dec Nakuru - Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
21-Dec Maasi Mara - Mara Sopa Lodge
22-Dec Maasi Mara - Mara Sopa Lodge
23-Dec Nairobi - Panafric Hotel
24-Dec Johannesburg, Pretoria, & Mpumalanga - Royal Hotel
25-Dec Kruger - Kruger Rest Camp (TBD)
26-Dec Kruger - Kruger Rest Camp (TBD)
27-Dec Swazi-land - Ezulwini Sun
28-Dec St. Lucia - Elephant Lake
29-Dec Durban - central durban hotel
30-Dec Durban/Johannesburg/Cairo - Flight 17:00:00 with 21:45 transfer to Cairo at 5:45 arriving on 31st
31-Dec Cairo - Time on own to catch my breath
01-Jan Abu Simbel - Flight to Abu Simble and back to Aswan - afternoon tour to visit the High Dam and Philae Temple
02-Jan Aswan - Nile Cruise, tour by Felucca ride to visit Botanical Gardens & Elephantine Islands, Sail to Kom Ombo
03-Jan Kom Ombo/Edfu/Luxor - Visit Kom Ombo city & temple, visit Edfu city & Temple, sail to Luxor
04-Jan Luxor - Visit Valley of Kings, Valley of Queens, Queen Hatshipsut temple, and two Colossi of Memnon
05-Jan Luxor- visit Denderah & Adydos, drive back to Luxor, at afternoon Tour to visit Luxor & Karnak Temples, at evening transfer to airport for Cairo

Wow!

betsyatl - second the motion, also would like to hear about Mashatu. How were the game drives? Compare it with other camps you have been to. It is high on my list for future safari, first it and then on to Mala.
regards - tom