Safari is set!
 

Some of you may remember my earlier post asking for help with a safari to Tanzania and with choosing an outfitter. I appreciate all of the responses and gave much thought to all of them. In the end, I chose Extraordinary Journeys.

I contacted about 6 or 7, not all responded. One particularly annoyed me, asking me where another outfitter was putting us and wanting to know the price. I stupidly told her, but said I did not know the individual prices of each lodging, but that the total was at the upper end of our budget of about $7500.00 per person, excluding international flights. I guess our budget wasn't big enough because she said she could not help me (but was willing before she knew our budget), even though I really wanted to see what itinerary and properties she could come up with.

ATR also came up with a pretty good itinerary, but in the end, Extraordinary Journeys had the best balance of itinerary, accommodations and price, although we did end up spending more than originally anticipated. Our consultant did put together a cheaper option that was about $1100.00 per person less, going to the same areas but at less luxurious accommodations, but in the end I decided that I wanted the better places. This is our first safari and I want it to be special. Life is short, and can be shorter than we hope, and I told my husband that if something awful happens, I don't want to be on my deathbed thinking "sh!t! I should have spent the extra money."

Last week, while in Punta Cana, DR, I was in touch with Pearl, my consultant, and put down the 30% deposit on the trip! I didn't even want to wait until I got home because I wanted to make sure everything would be held. I paid with a credit card since I am getting 3 miles per dollar. It softens the blow! I'm so excited and do not know how I will be able to wait the 8 months until we go. I have not been this excited about a trip since 2000 when we went to Vietnam and Cambodia (Angkor was a decades long dream, just as the Serengeti has been). Anyway, here is a link to the trip. I can hardly wait!
http://itineraries.ejafrica.com/Itin...E-2A09491A538B

That’s the trouble with having to plan ahead - the wait is terrible!! You’ll love every second.

Wow - I am glad the company I referred you to worked out! Looks like a good trip!

Craig Beal

Thanks Craig. I would not have heard of them if not for you. I am very happy with the level of personalized service I received. I'll be sure to post a trip report.

Congratulations! Now the waiting begins! I love how you say “first safari” because indeed, it’s like eating peanuts or potato chips, no one can eat just one! I’m planning #5 as I write!

Looks like a great trip! I’ll be eagerly looking for the report - hope to do a similar trip in the next couple of years.

Adding to congratulations, Laurieco. Looks like a great trip at an unrushed pace!
What is the name of the annoying travel agency? It helps us to know who to be wary of.

Looks like a great trip. Enjoy the anticipation -- it increases the joy of the trip!

CaliNurse, the agency is Royal African, which came very highly recommended but I was not happy with them. When I told the person who recommended them about the exchange, she said she was really surprised that they treated me so poorly and that what they did was unethical. And she has booked 3 safaris with them. I really thought that they would put together an itinerary based on what I said I wanted out of a safari. But asking where another outfitter was placing us and wanting to know the price struck me as odd. I wish I had not told them. Suffice it to say, I will never contact them again.

Thank you for that information, Laurie!
I read about your chosen agency EJ and they sound great! Very interesting story of how it was started.
While you are waiting for you trip...we are waiting for your trip report!!
You will love Africa. Many decades ago during my first trip, I was told, "You'll be back. Africa gets into your blood." Truer words were never spoken!