Safari to Kenya & Tanzania or South Aftrica and when to go?
Feb 24th, 2010, 01:32 PM
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Safari to Kenya & Tanzania or South Aftrica and when to go?
We are trying to decide on a Safari to Kenya & Tanzania or South Africa and also the time of year to go. We are retired active seniors so we could go anytime but want to make this a special trip needless to say. Any assistance would be appreciated.
Feb 24th, 2010, 01:50 PM
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For starters, find anything from Micato or A&K that appeals to you?
http://www.micato.com/choose-a-safari/
http://www.abercrombiekent.com/searc...earch=1&tdgf=4
regards - tom
http://www.micato.com/choose-a-safari/
http://www.abercrombiekent.com/searc...earch=1&tdgf=4
regards - tom
Feb 24th, 2010, 06:17 PM
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Check this chart which shows the best wildlife viewing times.
http://www.africa-adventure.com/dsp_besttime.html
Don't go to South Africa in June-July of this year due to World Cup.
As to East or Southern Africa--
-Is seeing the wildebeest/zebra migration important? East Africa
-How important is easily seeing Big 5? Easiest in Sabi Sands
-Want to add Cape Town or Vic Falls? SA
-Hoping to fly, be driven, or combo?
-Interested in self drive? SA is easiest
-Prefer a private vehicle? which is less expensive in East Africa
Here is a site that looks at East vs Southern Africa. It includes Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.
http://www.fisheaglesafaris.com/choo...ation.htm#faq1
Example itineraries, such as the ones Tom provided, are a good place to start. Micato and A&K are very expensive, so look at parks rather than pricing. You can beat that pricing.
http://www.africa-adventure.com/dsp_besttime.html
Don't go to South Africa in June-July of this year due to World Cup.
As to East or Southern Africa--
-Is seeing the wildebeest/zebra migration important? East Africa
-How important is easily seeing Big 5? Easiest in Sabi Sands
-Want to add Cape Town or Vic Falls? SA
-Hoping to fly, be driven, or combo?
-Interested in self drive? SA is easiest
-Prefer a private vehicle? which is less expensive in East Africa
Here is a site that looks at East vs Southern Africa. It includes Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.
http://www.fisheaglesafaris.com/choo...ation.htm#faq1
Example itineraries, such as the ones Tom provided, are a good place to start. Micato and A&K are very expensive, so look at parks rather than pricing. You can beat that pricing.
Feb 24th, 2010, 09:04 PM
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- we probably will not do it on our own but sign on for a trip. We know it will cost us more but for us it is worth it. Our big problem is we want to do it all - but cannot do it at the same time. And since this is our first safari, we will be there to see the wildlife - that is the most important to us. I have heard about A&K but have not Micato. Thanks for info and web sites Tom and Atravelyn.
Feb 25th, 2010, 06:40 AM
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Micato is basically a provider of East African outfitter (based in Kenya w/ NYC office).... now also doing other African countries, i.e., southernn African countries but outsource their land operation to a local outfitter.
However, Micato itineraries are expensive and in some cases they don't use properties (camps/lodges) that fit the lux-category to justify the cost. And those shown on their site are "group" departures. For private itineraries, these will be even more expensive. Doesn't mean that for those who have used their services aren't pleased.
If looking for a group, you may want to check out OAT (Overseas Adventure Travel) based out of Boston area. They offer international air in their group departure prices... which many like. Avg. age of their participants are 40+, many in their 50s, 60s, even 70s and 80s (active folks).
As lynn mentions, check out A&K and/or Micato for their various itineraries, where they go, how many days, accommodations, etc. for an idea of suggested itineraries/routing. You can then find other tour operators or in-country outfitters that can put together the same or better itinerary with your specific wishes where, when, accomm, for how long... at a savings.
However, Micato itineraries are expensive and in some cases they don't use properties (camps/lodges) that fit the lux-category to justify the cost. And those shown on their site are "group" departures. For private itineraries, these will be even more expensive. Doesn't mean that for those who have used their services aren't pleased.
If looking for a group, you may want to check out OAT (Overseas Adventure Travel) based out of Boston area. They offer international air in their group departure prices... which many like. Avg. age of their participants are 40+, many in their 50s, 60s, even 70s and 80s (active folks).
As lynn mentions, check out A&K and/or Micato for their various itineraries, where they go, how many days, accommodations, etc. for an idea of suggested itineraries/routing. You can then find other tour operators or in-country outfitters that can put together the same or better itinerary with your specific wishes where, when, accomm, for how long... at a savings.
Feb 25th, 2010, 11:04 AM
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You might want to look at Zambia as well as East and South Africa. Zambia was our first safari a few years ago, and we saw a lot of wildlife, very friendly country, less expensive (then at least) than East Africa, and very nice lodges and tented (permanent) camps that were very luxurious. We also went to Victoria falls while on that trip. We flew between areas (Vic Falls, Luangwa, Zambezi River) so there wasn't a lot of time spent traveling between camps on bad roads, which is not so much fun if you're in your 60's 
We also did a week self-drive in South Africa (from Johanesburg to the Northeast coast) which was very easy and very enjoyable.
good luck - whatever you decide to do, you will love it!
We also did a week self-drive in South Africa (from Johanesburg to the Northeast coast) which was very easy and very enjoyable.good luck - whatever you decide to do, you will love it!
Feb 25th, 2010, 12:11 PM
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My mother, also an active Senior, had the same questions and possibly the same concerns that you are having. Then I showed her some info on Botswana and she was sold on a trip to Botswana, S Africa (includind Cape Town) and Victoria Falls. She was also convinced that she should go on a group tour with Tauck. Well, we wound up on a private tour and we had a great experience with more flexibility. It's really not as overwhelming to do it through a safari specialist as you think and there is no guarantee that a private tour would save you money, either. The "best" time for wildlife viewing in Southern Africa is between June and Sept. I haven't been to East Africa so I can't help you there.
I used the A & K and Micato itineraries as a basis for what would become a great private safari. I always start my planning with set itineraries and make adjustments as I learn more about where I'm going to hopefully wind up with the best experience possible. Don't worry about doing it all this time around- this probably won't be your only trip to Africa. The "trip of a lifetime" may very well be the first of many.
I used the A & K and Micato itineraries as a basis for what would become a great private safari. I always start my planning with set itineraries and make adjustments as I learn more about where I'm going to hopefully wind up with the best experience possible. Don't worry about doing it all this time around- this probably won't be your only trip to Africa. The "trip of a lifetime" may very well be the first of many.
Feb 25th, 2010, 03:45 PM
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When you say doing a tour is worth it to you, could you spell out what advantages you think a tour would offer?
I wonder if you know that a private trip that you design is just like a tour, but for the two of you (or how ever many are in your group). You will be escorted by a driver/guide throughout. You may be dropped at an airport or airstrip. But you'll be picked up on the other end.
In East Africa, a private trip where no one else shares your vehicle/itinerary is typical, doable, and reasonably priced. In South Africa, you'd probably join others on game activities in each lodge during your stay, then be transported to other places and join others in the next lodge.
When you state you want to do it all, a private trip let's you do more of whatever IT is that you want to do. It appears wildlife viewing is your priority and that is easily accomplished. I often do private trips for that very reason. I realize others on a group trip might not be as gung-ho as I am so I can design a gung-ho wildlife trip that suits me.
A&K and Micato will do private trips too, and then the cost really goes up. But many other sound, reputable, reliable companies routinely arrange private trips so your trip is just what you want.
I wonder if you know that a private trip that you design is just like a tour, but for the two of you (or how ever many are in your group). You will be escorted by a driver/guide throughout. You may be dropped at an airport or airstrip. But you'll be picked up on the other end.
In East Africa, a private trip where no one else shares your vehicle/itinerary is typical, doable, and reasonably priced. In South Africa, you'd probably join others on game activities in each lodge during your stay, then be transported to other places and join others in the next lodge.
When you state you want to do it all, a private trip let's you do more of whatever IT is that you want to do. It appears wildlife viewing is your priority and that is easily accomplished. I often do private trips for that very reason. I realize others on a group trip might not be as gung-ho as I am so I can design a gung-ho wildlife trip that suits me.
A&K and Micato will do private trips too, and then the cost really goes up. But many other sound, reputable, reliable companies routinely arrange private trips so your trip is just what you want.
Feb 25th, 2010, 06:11 PM
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Just one suggestion.
Our first trip encompassed mostly the Sabi Sands game reserve area in South Africa in September, which has a plethora of "camps," many luxurious but some more affordable, and so much wildlife your jaw will drop. We also added Victoria Falls and Chobe in Botswana because that was easily doable on the same trip. It was the perfect first-time trip, I thought. I was a bit wary about doing a private trip but, as Lynn says, it's not what you imagine. You are escorted from beginning to end. No need to be in a group, and easy as pie. IMO, the best way to go. We also stayed in Cape Town for a few days (gorgeous), toured the Winelands, took the famed Blue Train across the country. We used Premier Tours out of Philadelphia which is very experinced in South Africa.
Our first trip encompassed mostly the Sabi Sands game reserve area in South Africa in September, which has a plethora of "camps," many luxurious but some more affordable, and so much wildlife your jaw will drop. We also added Victoria Falls and Chobe in Botswana because that was easily doable on the same trip. It was the perfect first-time trip, I thought. I was a bit wary about doing a private trip but, as Lynn says, it's not what you imagine. You are escorted from beginning to end. No need to be in a group, and easy as pie. IMO, the best way to go. We also stayed in Cape Town for a few days (gorgeous), toured the Winelands, took the famed Blue Train across the country. We used Premier Tours out of Philadelphia which is very experinced in South Africa.
Feb 26th, 2010, 11:23 AM
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As all of the regular readers on this forum are aware, we have been on three safaris since 2006 – two were with Micato as a group trip as while one was a private trip with an operator out of Nairobi, DK Grand Safaris.
I can see both sides of the coin as we LOVED both of our group trips with Micato, as well as our private trip. In May 2006, we signed on with Micato’s Stanley Wing safari, and just LOVED it – our group of 18 felt like a family, we all got along fairly well and we made some lasting friendships with some. The camaraderie was a truly great experience for us.
By 2007 we were longing to go back again, so we did – we booked onto Micato’s Hemmingway Wing Safari. This time was just 6 of us, and we had a blast! We all got along, and we laughed our way through the safari, always having so much fun!
Later on, in 2009 the safari director from our last two trips went out on his own, and we decided to book a private trip through his new company for myself, my husband and our son (not a ‘kid’ – he’s 31). And we had an INCREDIBLE time! I now knew, first hand, what all of the regulars/experts on this board were talking about when they talked about a private safari. Everything went very smoothly and no doubt we would for the most part in the future, go on private safaris.
But – that being said, I think there will come a time when we will go another group trip, as we really did enjoy the friendships & the social aspect of going with a group. And the ease of looking through a brochure, picking a trip and sending Micato my credit card was second to none – it did take quite a bit of my time to arrange the private trip, even with my knowledge that I have garnered through all of the incredibly knowledgeable & very ‘sharing’ people on this board. And not all people have that kind of time or resource. Daniel, from DK Safaris, would have done it for me, yes, but the idea of a private trip to me is to select the properties & camps & locations & experience that YOU want.
Micato is a first-rate, family run operation that is second to none in their specific group trip market as far as I am concerned. Their tours usually go off without a hitch, and if there is a bump, there is a safari director along with you to smooth it out. They treat you like family, and they pay attention to all of the small details, the product they offer is top notch. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for a group trip.
If you are interested in reading any of my three (very long) trip reports on these trips, here are the links –
May 2006 with Micato (group trip with 18)
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-june-2006.cfm
May 2007 with Micato (group trip with 6)
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...--may-2007.cfm
May 2009 with DK Grand Safaris (family trip of 3)
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...all-in-one.cfm
I can see both sides of the coin as we LOVED both of our group trips with Micato, as well as our private trip. In May 2006, we signed on with Micato’s Stanley Wing safari, and just LOVED it – our group of 18 felt like a family, we all got along fairly well and we made some lasting friendships with some. The camaraderie was a truly great experience for us.
By 2007 we were longing to go back again, so we did – we booked onto Micato’s Hemmingway Wing Safari. This time was just 6 of us, and we had a blast! We all got along, and we laughed our way through the safari, always having so much fun!
Later on, in 2009 the safari director from our last two trips went out on his own, and we decided to book a private trip through his new company for myself, my husband and our son (not a ‘kid’ – he’s 31). And we had an INCREDIBLE time! I now knew, first hand, what all of the regulars/experts on this board were talking about when they talked about a private safari. Everything went very smoothly and no doubt we would for the most part in the future, go on private safaris.
But – that being said, I think there will come a time when we will go another group trip, as we really did enjoy the friendships & the social aspect of going with a group. And the ease of looking through a brochure, picking a trip and sending Micato my credit card was second to none – it did take quite a bit of my time to arrange the private trip, even with my knowledge that I have garnered through all of the incredibly knowledgeable & very ‘sharing’ people on this board. And not all people have that kind of time or resource. Daniel, from DK Safaris, would have done it for me, yes, but the idea of a private trip to me is to select the properties & camps & locations & experience that YOU want.
Micato is a first-rate, family run operation that is second to none in their specific group trip market as far as I am concerned. Their tours usually go off without a hitch, and if there is a bump, there is a safari director along with you to smooth it out. They treat you like family, and they pay attention to all of the small details, the product they offer is top notch. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them for a group trip.
If you are interested in reading any of my three (very long) trip reports on these trips, here are the links –
May 2006 with Micato (group trip with 18)
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-june-2006.cfm
May 2007 with Micato (group trip with 6)
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...--may-2007.cfm
May 2009 with DK Grand Safaris (family trip of 3)
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...all-in-one.cfm
Feb 26th, 2010, 02:59 PM
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Thank you Linda - I will read your trip reports. We have found that we have enjoyed the social aspects of the group tour and not having ever been to Africa would feel more comfortable with one.
Feb 26th, 2010, 03:08 PM
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I have a feeling that most of you are much younger and far more experienced travelers then we are. We didn't get started traveling until we were older (three to put through college, medical school, two weddings) - we have the travel bug now and have trying to do as much as we can before we can't - we celebrated our 50th anniversary last June. I appreciate all your input - based the the links supplied I think we will try to book something for July or August which is a perfect time to be out of Tucson.
Feb 26th, 2010, 03:44 PM
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My mother was 76 when she went on her first safari and she was thrilled with our private tour. At most lodges there is lots of interaction with all the other guests - at most of the places we've stayed in Bots and S Africa the eating (and drinking) is communal. And unless you get a private vehicle, you go on game drives in a group. So don't let the social thing keep you from going on a private tour. We've met people from all over the world, and from around the block!!
Whatever you chose, you'll love it!! And summer sounds like a perfect time to get out of Tucson - I wish I had planned a winter trip this year to get away from some of this $"&*#% snow in NY!!
Whatever you chose, you'll love it!! And summer sounds like a perfect time to get out of Tucson - I wish I had planned a winter trip this year to get away from some of this $"&*#% snow in NY!!
Feb 26th, 2010, 03:49 PM
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Tucsoncoors, I do not know how old/young you are but we see several folks in the mid-70s climb Kilimanjaro every year and most people I deal with on a daily basis have never been to Africa!
Fodor's is not the norm. It is a very small community of safari enthusiasts and most here are experienced for sure but the majority of visitors to Africa are "beginners" mostly because Africa is so diverse! If one has only been to South Africa, then Tanzania will be a new and different experience all-together!
Before settling on a group safari, please read this short summary of the decision process. http://www.go-safari.com/safari_groups.htm
Group safaris of the kind described above are extremely expensive; $5000 - $9000 PER PERSON more than necessary.
Whatever your style of safari, you will be very well taken care of by your safari outfitter from the moment you land and until you depart. There is nothing to be worried about!
Fodor's is not the norm. It is a very small community of safari enthusiasts and most here are experienced for sure but the majority of visitors to Africa are "beginners" mostly because Africa is so diverse! If one has only been to South Africa, then Tanzania will be a new and different experience all-together!
Before settling on a group safari, please read this short summary of the decision process. http://www.go-safari.com/safari_groups.htm
Group safaris of the kind described above are extremely expensive; $5000 - $9000 PER PERSON more than necessary.
Whatever your style of safari, you will be very well taken care of by your safari outfitter from the moment you land and until you depart. There is nothing to be worried about!
Feb 26th, 2010, 05:34 PM
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If you would like the continuity of the cameraderie of group travel in which you remain with the same participants throughout, I'd suggest:
-Natural Habitat (used them for group travel to non-Africa destinations)
-Wilderness Travel (in California, there's a different Wilderness Safaris in Botswana)
-International Expeditions (used them for a non-Africa private trip once but I've run into their very happy groups all over)
-Africa Adventure in Ft. Lauderdale (I've done group and private trips with them)
-Cheeseman's (They tend to be more expensive and I've only talked with them, never traveled with them, but they do the group itineraries I'd like to do. They stay longer in places and go to the places I would like. The group trips that I've investigated from them look very good to me.)
-OAT is a good budget option that most people seem to enjoy very much. The comments on expensive group trips for A&K and Micato would not apply to OAT. I've never gone with them.
-Globus has operated trips to Africa in the past, don't know now. I've used Globus elsewhere in the world and have family members who have been very happy with many Globus trips. Non were Africa.
Some of the big name group trips stay in places that are just average--like Sopa Lodges. These places are just fine and are the kind of places I am comfortable with, but they do not warrant the huge premium these group trips charge.
Also some of the group trips do not stay put long enough in the most special parts of Africa.
Whatever you decide, you will have a marvelous time and you may become part of this online "small community of safari enthusiasts." As ClimbHighSleepLow observes we are not the "norm," and once you go you will not be either. You're at the first stages of an exciting adventure.
-Natural Habitat (used them for group travel to non-Africa destinations)
-Wilderness Travel (in California, there's a different Wilderness Safaris in Botswana)
-International Expeditions (used them for a non-Africa private trip once but I've run into their very happy groups all over)
-Africa Adventure in Ft. Lauderdale (I've done group and private trips with them)
-Cheeseman's (They tend to be more expensive and I've only talked with them, never traveled with them, but they do the group itineraries I'd like to do. They stay longer in places and go to the places I would like. The group trips that I've investigated from them look very good to me.)
-OAT is a good budget option that most people seem to enjoy very much. The comments on expensive group trips for A&K and Micato would not apply to OAT. I've never gone with them.
-Globus has operated trips to Africa in the past, don't know now. I've used Globus elsewhere in the world and have family members who have been very happy with many Globus trips. Non were Africa.
Some of the big name group trips stay in places that are just average--like Sopa Lodges. These places are just fine and are the kind of places I am comfortable with, but they do not warrant the huge premium these group trips charge.
Also some of the group trips do not stay put long enough in the most special parts of Africa.
Whatever you decide, you will have a marvelous time and you may become part of this online "small community of safari enthusiasts." As ClimbHighSleepLow observes we are not the "norm," and once you go you will not be either. You're at the first stages of an exciting adventure.
Feb 26th, 2010, 10:28 PM
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Lynda, I am on your first trip report and have stayed up way past my bedtime - I am only up to day 10 and have not had a chance to jump to your packing list - but I have a question - why the firm sports bra? It is 12:20am in Tucson and I am can't stay up any longer - will read some more tomorrow.
atravelynn - thanks for some of your suggested group trips.
atravelynn - thanks for some of your suggested group trips.
Feb 26th, 2010, 10:45 PM
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hi,
we just came from a 6 day safaris in Kenya and a 5 days safari in Tanzania, after a lot of consultaion and recommendations on the internet we finally settled on steenbok safaris, i am very proud saying that the company lived up to the recommendations, our safari was organized by George( he is the owner) he personally met us at the airport and the safari was very exciting with Isaac the guide showing a lot of knowledge in his work we saw all the big five and the lions climbing trees, after our Tanzania trip we were given a private transfer from Arusha to Nairobi as a complimentary for our flight back home....the journey back was very interesting, George sent one of his staff named paris with the driver to make sure that we had a good time. we want to come back especially in kenya to experience and visit the other parks that paris suggested even though we have already been to masai mara it is still our number one park and we will include that to her list, and my husband wants to climb kilimanjaro too. i would recommend you contactthem, their email address is [email protected].
we just came from a 6 day safaris in Kenya and a 5 days safari in Tanzania, after a lot of consultaion and recommendations on the internet we finally settled on steenbok safaris, i am very proud saying that the company lived up to the recommendations, our safari was organized by George( he is the owner) he personally met us at the airport and the safari was very exciting with Isaac the guide showing a lot of knowledge in his work we saw all the big five and the lions climbing trees, after our Tanzania trip we were given a private transfer from Arusha to Nairobi as a complimentary for our flight back home....the journey back was very interesting, George sent one of his staff named paris with the driver to make sure that we had a good time. we want to come back especially in kenya to experience and visit the other parks that paris suggested even though we have already been to masai mara it is still our number one park and we will include that to her list, and my husband wants to climb kilimanjaro too. i would recommend you contactthem, their email address is [email protected].
Feb 27th, 2010, 08:48 AM
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<i>Keeps "the girls" firmly and place, especially if they're "big girls!" </i>
Even the not so big girls.
On my first trip to Africa, I booked a Nairobi National Park couple-hour safari right after I had arrived just to kick things off. I thought I'd keep the sports bra stowed until I needed it for the real thing and not break it out for the day trip.
The night after Nairobi National Park I had an uncomfortable aching feeling in my chest and actually started wondering if I had some kind of problem. Should have worn the sports bra from the get-go. Bouncy, bouncy, bouncy in the vehicle.
Before my first safari, when I had a phone conversation with a client who had agreed to be a reference, that was the one big hint I took away from the husband and wife team with whom I consulted. Wear a sports bra.
Even the not so big girls.
On my first trip to Africa, I booked a Nairobi National Park couple-hour safari right after I had arrived just to kick things off. I thought I'd keep the sports bra stowed until I needed it for the real thing and not break it out for the day trip.
The night after Nairobi National Park I had an uncomfortable aching feeling in my chest and actually started wondering if I had some kind of problem. Should have worn the sports bra from the get-go. Bouncy, bouncy, bouncy in the vehicle.
Before my first safari, when I had a phone conversation with a client who had agreed to be a reference, that was the one big hint I took away from the husband and wife team with whom I consulted. Wear a sports bra.
