Safari travel agent suggestions?
 

DH and I will be flying to Tanzania next August (2018), arriving in Kilimanjaro on August 4 (at 1:15 AM!), and flying home from Zanzibar on August 16. These dates are firm as I booked business class seats on Turkish Airlines, using United Mileage Plus miles. The 24 hour window to cancel or change without penalty passed yesterday. We are obviously interested in the Serengeti and hopefully seeing the wildebeest migration, although I realize it's not guaranteed, but are willing to do what it takes to maximize the chances, including going into Kenya. The Ngorongoro Crater is also on the wish list and perhaps another game park if time permits. We will end with two or three days in Zanzibar. We have 12 days on the ground, leaving 9-10 for the Serengeti, possibly the Maasai Mara or another game park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. We want the accommodations to be somewhat luxurious, I've always dreamed of a 5 star tent! Our budget is between $5,000.00 - $7000.00 each, which does not include international flights as they are already taken care of. Any suggestions of travel agents to contact, or suggestions of any kind? I've emailed two TAs so far with my wish list and am waiting to hear back from them.

I used Warrior Trails for my northern circuit safari and they were excellent! Great vehicles and awesome guides. Clamian the owner is a Maasai so if you're looking for a cultural experience ask him to show you around his village Makuyuni.

In June the herds were in the Western Corridor so you may want to check roughly where they'll be for your time frame and book camps in that area.

To be honest I wasn't all that impressed with the migration in the Serengeti, it was just hundreds of wildebeest walking around and bleating. A river crossing would be interesting but with that comes all the vehicles jockeying for position.

I stayed at Kirawira and loved it! It was my splash out camp.

Lunch at Gibbs Farm a coffee plantation is excellent and their coffee beans are superb.

I'd add another day or two to Zanzibar because it's worth it, you'll want at least 3 nights at the beach. Check out Mchanga if you're looking for 5 star however they don't offer scuba diving but the huts & food are awesome. Not a party place like further up the coast in Nungwe.

Stone Town deserves at least 2 days - loved walking around the tiny streets of old town and watching the sunset at the Sunset Bar in the Africa House Hotel -- one of David Livingstons hang outs.

We loved our safari with EASY TRAVEL.
They were great to deal with from start to finish: extremely accommodating re: our preferences, gave us the benefit of their expertise without seeming to try to sell us something, answered our zillion questions, always acted like our having a wonderful trip was their goal.
If you get Emmilian as your guide you will be lucky indeed.
They also arranged for a guide in Zanzibar. We stayed at Kisiwa House in Stone Town, which was lovely. We're not beach people, so a day outing to snorkel with Safari Blue was enough beach for us.

Hi Laurie - I see you are in New York City and you asked for an agent. I suggest you contact Elizabeth Gordon at Extraordinary Journeys or Rumit Mehtas at Immersion Journeys. They are independent safari specialist agents in New York which means that can act on your behalf for your interests only. Rumit is from Tanzania and all he does is plan safaris and trips to a few other off-the-beaten-path places. Elizabeth has been to Tanzania and Kenya many times and her family is from Kenya. Both are friends of mine and tough competitors of mine as well!

Travel & Leisure just ranked Elizabeth's Company #4 safari outfitter in the World for 2017. I take these media rankings with a grain of salt but something to consider nonetheless.

If you want more options let me know. I know a lot of great agents here in the US that work directly with the lodges/properties and will therefore be the cheapest way to plan an upscale trip to Africa. This way you can cut out the guide companies in Arusha and save money and also have financial security of working with a US based company. If you work with a company in Africa just make sure they take credit card for deposit AND final payment. You can read the Tanzania forum on Trip Advisor for yet another recent example of a person who wired money to Africa for a safari booked with a local company called "It Started in Africa" only to see it disappear.

Craig Beal

Thanks for the replies. I'll contact everyone mentioned and hopefully find one or more that works for me. And I would only use a company that takes credit cards. Not only do I want to be protected, I want the triple miles I will get using my Chase Sapphire Reserve card!

I would choose 2 agents max. To be fair, maybe one in the US (Rumit or Elizabeth) and one in Tanzania? See who gives best service (don't focus on best price). Based on your fixed dates and budget, if you have multiple agents, they might be trying to get you the same space which will not work to your advantage. As far as Rumit or Elizabeth go, perhaps choose the first one to respond and who also agrees to work with you personally as opposed to hand you to consultant. Not that there is anything wrong with their team but why not the best?

If you find a company in Africa that claims to have a US office be sure to dig a little deeper. For example, there is an Arusha based company called Good Earth Tours that claims on their website to have a US Office. If you remove the #223 from the address and search for the US office listed on their website using Google Maps, you will find it is a METAL BOX at a UPS story in Germantown, Maryland. Try having a financial dispute with a metal box... http://www.goodearthtours.com/contact/

Of course, this is just one of many such examples of "US Offices".

Craig Beal

There are always bad apples in any business no matter where the company is located.

One example would be that fellow a few years ago from New York state who continually ripped people off. Sorry but I can't remember his name.

I've used safari companies in Africa for most of my safaris and have never had a problem. As with anything use common sense.

Right now I am just contacting several companies and want to see what they can do at what price. While I will not base the trip on price alone, the price obviously is important. We do not have unlimited funds. Someone told me about Royal African and said they are the best, but I doubt I will be able to afford them. I sent an email to them outlining what I want and will see if they even bother to answer since I told them my budget.

laurieco, I recommend you surf the threads on safaritalk.net.

I always used local operators without problems. One time I used ATR (London-based and they take CCs), no problems there either but nothing exceptional.

abram, I used Easy Travel on my first-ever safari way back in 2004! Had a great time. Glad to know they're still around. After a couple trips to TZ, I went to Kenya and just fell in love with Kenya. So haven't been back to Tanzania, though if work settles down in a few years I'd like to do another bigger, longer trip that includes both countries.

Thanks Leely2, I will definitely go to safaritalk.net.

I wish to thank everyone who has answered, and I also want to say how much I appreciate not only your input, but also that no one has come here to tell me that I am all wrong in what I want to do, I'm crazy, the time frame is bad, money etc.. Such a nice respite from what goes on on the Europe forum! While I am no newbie to travel, I am to Africa (other than Egypt) and safaris. I hope to hear some more suggestions, and I'm reading trip reports as well.

Hi laurieco, no brilliant advice here, just wanted to offer best wishes.

We spent time in Kenya last April and absolutely loved it. While many "experts" wouldn't recommend April (long rain season), we loved the low crowds (we were the only ones in camp on two different occasions), the abundance of babies (of every kind), and our experience was great. Go read my trip report and feel free to come back with questions.

Thanks surfmom! It sounds like you had a great experience in Kenya. It must have been wonderful to see all the babies!

I've received my first proposed itinerary, from Warrior Trails, for a fairly comprehensive program, and, the price is good, at the lower end of our budget. There are no provisions for mobile tents however, thus I don't know if they will be following the animals, specifically, the wildebeest and zebra migration. I don't have a lot of time to delve into it this week as I'm very busy at work and working long hours, so I will need to go over this carefully on Friday (lucky me, I only work Monday - Thursday but can put in 45 hours in those four days).

I've gone to safaritalk.net but I have to say, I find the format intimidating. I'll try and get used to it though, especially since Fodor's is most likely migrating to a similar format.

I would think that you could specify that you want certain camps with Warrior Trails. They may not get a "break" from them but they can surely book them for you; so you could accept some of their itinerary and then ask them to customize parts for you (will bring the price up). If you are doing the Northern Circuit, I assume, given your tight timeframe, that you will drive out and fly back?

Warrior Trails has always received good marks here.

You probably know this, but August can be dicey for the Migration, especially in the Serengeti. Of course these are animals and they do what they want when they want, year by year, rain dependent, etc., etc.

What is the proposed itinerary?

Hi Laurieco. Sounds like a wonderful safari!

To add to what Leely wrote above, the great migration of the wildebeest across the plains in August is more likely seen in the Masai Mara. I'm saying this not just because i had the good fortune to see it there in August, but also because I'm pretty sure statistics back it up. it will be interesting to see what the TAs suggest --i.e. about having you cross into Kenya for part of your trip.

Enjoy the planning/dreaming!

I don't have time right now to post the entire itinerary, but suffice it to say that it was not made to my specifications. They sent it to me within 24 hours of my contacting them. The thing that jumped out at me first is they have me going to the airport in Zanzibar hours after my flight would have left. I specially told them that the flight was at 5:40 AM, yet they have us being taken to the airport in the late afternoon. That tells me that very little thought went into planning this itinerary and it certainly wasn't tailored to my wishes. There are no mobile tents, thus they are not following the animals. I get the feeling that they just sent me a canned trip, sold to mass markets. I'm willing to pay more for a better experience. I'll contact them over the weekend. I'm still waiting to hear from several others.

Hi Laurie,

I still suggest you give Elizabeth OR Rumit (not both) a try. I am sure they will listen to everything you say and carefully craft a great trip for you.

Craig Beal

I will Craig. It may have to wait until Friday as it's a busy time at work and I may be working long hours. I'll try to contact them ASAP.

Laurie did you contact Warrior Trails North American rep at [email protected] ?

laurieco, this sounds like an exciting trip, and you've had some good feedback here. I have been on safari with Warrior Trails several times, and they have been delightful to work with; they have always been respectful of my budget, timelines, and interests etc. Because they are a ground operator in Tz and have been in business for 10+ years, they have good relationships with the camps and lodges, so don't be afraid to ask for what you want. As others have indicated, August can be a dicey month to predict where the migration will be, but I certainly recommend you be at the Mara River in Northern Tanzania for good sightings. I stayed at Lemala Mara Camp which is very close to the river. There are a number of great camps in that area now, but you can expect them to be somewhat pricey.

Have fun with the planning!

Hey all! I lived in Tanzania for 2 years volunteering and I have been exposed to several safari companies. Your best bet is a locally owned company (least expensive and most genuine experience and supporting local economy). I highly recommend Tanzania Expeditions https://www.tanzania-expeditions.com/- I climbed Kilimanjaro and went on a 4-day lodging safari with their company for the first time and after that I have been back with my family at least 4 different times ( 3 times to climb kilimanjaro and safari and 1 time just safari ) I loved every experience with them- their guides are professional and really good at what they do. Hope this helps and have a great trip!! Here are their reviews on TripAdvisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...ha_Region.html

Being in NYC I also suggest you contact sandi of Africa Serendipity who works direct with Roy Safari in Arusha. She handled our last 4 trips to Tanzania, accepts personal checks for payment, has traveled quite a bit in East Africa and has a great feel for accommodations particularly for the more up-scale lodges and camps.

Should we return to Tanzania again I would certainly check with Sandi.

As I read through these responses, what struck me was how important it is to contact multiple TOs to find the one that's the right for for you.

rshyder, I will not work with anyone who does not accept credit cards. That is a firm rule. I have already contacted Africa Serendipity but so far, I have not heard back from them. In fact, the only one I have heard back from is Warrior Trails. I've contacted 3 or 4 others but so far nothing. How long do they normally take to get in touch?

I am in the same time frame as you laurie. I will be using UA miles to book flights on TK airlines for a safari in late August 2018. I will get the inbound flight seats this coming week and the outbound in 12 days. I will be on the ground on safari for 11 days.

I had a sample itinerary worked out with camps/lodges chosen. I sent it to five operators for quotes on apples to apples. All responded promptly. Some suggested alternatives. 4 were all within $200 of each other, 1 was $1000 more and that is the US based company. 3 take credit cards with a surcharge of 3-5% added on. I am fairly sure which SO I will use once I have firm dates and it is one of the Arusha based companies.

If you don't have the time or inclination to do your own research and planning and go with one of these agents then you will be paying them a hefty commission to do your homework. If you deal directly with the operators you can save yourself a lot of money.

I would suggest you get on TA as you will get much better detailed advice there about safaris. I can give you the names of the 4 companies I contacted if you like. Send me a PM.

Actually the best place for info about safaris is SafariTalk.net. TOs and SOs aren't allowed to chase you for business there and you get the honest opinions of non-agent, normal people who have been on many, many safaris before you. TripAdvisor is drowning in agents and local companies that are doing nothing but trying to shill your business.

>>If you don't have the time or inclination to do your own research and planning and go with one of these agents then you will be paying them a hefty commission to do your homework.<<

Completely false. I've always done BETTER using a safari planner than on my own. They have access to deals and promotions and discounts from their personal relationships with camps that I don't. If you're paying that much of an upcharge, you're working with the wrong people.

For Tanzania, I highly recommend Access2Tanzania. The owners/president are a husband/wife in Minnesota who worked in the Peace Corps in Tanzania. They own their own vehicles and hire their own guides in TZ (rather than subcontract out) and can book you anywhere in TZ you have your eye on. My first safari was with them and I returned to them to book my 5th (gorilla trek) in Rwanda with their sister company Treks2Rwanda. I'd also look into Africa Travel Resource for a quote for comparison purposes. They are quite competitively priced.

The safaritalk website was difficult to figure out before and now with the new format it makes me even more cross eyed.

It's also a bit snobby and can be intimidating. And what's with that popularity or reputation rating business?!

I've yet to post a trip report on there fearing it might not meet expectations.

That's my 2 cents on the site anyway.

I've still heard nothing from any of the other agents. I'm going to contact a few more and see what happens. Does it usually take this long?

laurieco, I don't feel comfortable recommending an itinerary or camps because I haven't been back to TZ in so long and I never went in August. But let me just throw something out there and maybe you'll get more feedback.

Aug. 4: Arrive Arusha. O/n Arusha.
Aug 5: Pick up by guide and drive to Tarangire. O/n Tarangire in tented camp along/near the river.
Aug 6: Tarangire game drives. O/n Tarangire.
Aug 7:. Drive to Ngorongoro. O/n Ngorongoro.
Aug 8: Ngorongoro. O/n Ngorongoro.
Aug 9: Drive to Serengeti. O/n central Serengeti - Seronera area (someone help me here--I can't remember drive times).
Aug. 10: Game drive to Northern Serengeti. o/n Northern Serengeti, hopefully migration is here. O/n tented camp. Nomad Tanzania? Check them out--they are great, very expensive though. Olakira is another. Sanctuary. There are a few, most of them expensive.
Aug 11: O/n Northern Serengeti.
Aug 13: O/n Northern Serengeti.
Aug 14: Flight from Ikoma (??) to ZNZ. I personally would stay in Stonetown but you could head out to the beach instead. O/n Stonetown or ZNZ beach.
Aug 15: O/n somewhere on ZNZ.
Aug 16: Depart for home.

Okay, this might be really lame. I don't even know if you can fly from Northern Serengeti to ZNZ. Could be very expensive.

If I remember correctly, it can take a while for people to get back to you. I don't think August is going to be a problem in terms of camps being booked already though. Feb/March and June used to be the really high seasons in TZ.

Thanks Leely. I'll look into those camps. I'm so overwhelmed with where to go and stay. At least I do have the Warrior Trails to fall back on with may some tweaks.

This is the itinerary sent by Warrior Trails: It was in Word format so I had to format it for Fodor's:

Thank you for choosing Warrior Trails

Creating Unforgettable Safaris and Lifelong Memories


Clients Name: LAURIE
Warrior Trails (T) Limited.
Pax: 2
P.oBox 14937, Arusha. Tanzania. East Africa
Acc on: SEMI LUXURY ACCOMODATIONS


Email:[email protected];sales@warriortrail s.com
12 Days – Northern Tanzania Safari& ZNZ
Phone: +255 254 27 6081 Mobile: +255 784 964 338
Skype:Clamian
Website: www.warriortrails.com




DATE/
DAY
ITINERARY



AUG/2018
1 (Aug 4)

This day you will be met by a friendly Warrior Trails driver guide at Arusha/Kilimanjaro airport, after greetings, you will be transferred to Arusha for overnight at Lake Duluti Serena Hotel.
LAKE DULUTI SERENA HOTEL
http://www.serenahotels.com/serenaarusha/default-en.htm


AUG/2018
2 (Aug 5)

After an early breakfast, you will drive to Tarangire National park with picnic lunches, This park has the highest concentration of Elephants in Northern Circuit. Your game drive will concentrate along the river to see drinking water. All meals will be at Tarangire Sopa Lodge.
TARANGIRE SOPA LODGE
http://www.sopalodges.com/tarangire-so pa-lodge/overview


AUG/2018
3 (Aug 6)

Spend the whole morning exploring Tarangire National Park, lunch can either be enjoyed in the park or hot lunch back at the lodge. Later in the afternoon, drive to the Simangori Maasai village for a special wedding anniversary ceremony, which is arranged in a Maasai way.
SIMANGORI MAASAI BOMA (see attached itinenary for this activity)


AUG/2018
4 (Aug 7)

This morning you will join the Maasai warriors in the routine Morning walks. This is a never-miss opportunity as this might be the only chance to stretch your legs while on the safari. Visit Nashipay Maasai school sponsored by Warrior Trails then later in the afternoon, drive to Manyara National Park for the late afternoon/evening game drive. Dinner and overnight at Lake Manyara Serena

LAKE MANYARA SERENA LODGE http://www.serenahotels.com/serenala...efault-en.html


AUG/2018
5 (Aug 8)

This day you will drive across Ngorongoro Highlands to Central parts of Serengeti National park for the full day game drive with picnic lunches. Later drive to Serengeti Serena/Sopa lodge for dinner and overnight. F/B

SERENGETI SERENA LODGE http://www.serenahotels.com/serenase...efault-en.html


AUG/2018
6 (Aug 9)

This day after breakfast, you will have a full day game drive at the endless plains of Serengeti exploring the great migration in the plains of Serengeti with picnic lunches. Later drive back your Lodge for Dinner and overnight. F/B
SERENGETI SERENA LODGE http://www.serenahotels.com/serenase...efault-en.html


AUG/2018
7 (Aug 10)

Another full day in the Serengeti to explore the endless plain of Serengeti, all meals will be Serengeti Serena Lodge. F/B
SERENGETI SERENA LODGE
http://www.serenahotels.com/serenase...efault-en.html


AUG/2018
8 (Aug 11)

Enjoy the morning game drive in Serengeti with picnic lunches en route to Ngorongoro for dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge. F/B NGORONGORO SERENA LODGE http://www.serenahotels.com/serenang...efault-en.html


AUG/2018
9 (Aug Aug 12)

Early this day you will descend the largest unbroken crater for the game drive on the crater floor. Enjoy your picnic lunches at Nkoitoktok picnic site. Later ascend the crater and drive back to your Lodge for Dinner and overnight at Ngorongoro Serena Lodge

NGORONGORO SERENA LODGE http://www.serenahotels.com/serenang...efault-en.html


AUG/2018
10 (Aug 13)

Drive to Arusha airport/Kilimanjaro in time for your afternoon flight to Zanzibar. Arrive stone town in the afternoon and just have time to relax and take in the beauty of Zanzibar and the Serena Hotel. Later, enjoy your dinner at the world famous forodhani gardens for a live cooking of the Zanzibar traditional meals.
ZANZIBAR SERENA LODGE
http://www.serenahotels.com/serenaza...efault-en.html


AUG/2018
11 (Aug 14)

This morning you will enjoy walking within the narrow streets of stone town, visiting the slave trade memorial sites and possibly taking a boat to prison island. Afternoon return to stone town for a Swahili restaurant for lunch. Later arrive at Zanzibar Serena Lodge for dinner and overnight.
ZANZIBAR SERENA LODGE http://www.serenahotels.com/serenaza...efault-en.html


21/09/2017
12 (??? This should be August 15)

Spend your full day of relaxation along the beach, as well as taking the boat to go see the dolphins which is always a fascinating experience. Enjoy Hot lunch back at your Hotel dinner and overnight. F/B
ZANZIBAR SERENA LODGE http://www.serenahotels.com/serenaza...efault-en.html

AUG/2018
13 (August 16)

This Morning after breakfast, you will have options on how to spend the morning. This includes either swimming with the dolphins or visiting the famous Zanzibar spice market where you will enjoy the taste of the spicy Swahili hot lunch. After Lunch, you will be transferred to the airport ready for your outbound flight.
END OF SERVICE. **We will not have the morning as our flight leaves on Aug. 16 at 5:40 AM.**

COSTING FOR THIS ITINERARY WILL BE:
* 2 People travelling sharing 1 double room US $ 5,780 per person in a private

Price includes:
> Accommodation in one double room at lodges as per the selected itinerary
> Transportation, transfers, sightseeing and game viewing as detailed in the itinerary
> Game drives in a 4x4 Land Cruiser that are custom built to provide ample leg room, large pop-up roof hatches for game viewing and photographic opportunities and fitted with two spare tires, cooler boxes, equipped tool-kits, a comprehensive first aid kits, fire extinguishers, seat belts, canvas seats and VHF radios
> Flight from Arusha to Zanzibar
> Membership to Flying Doctors Society
> Unlimited bottled water in the safari vehicles during all game drives
> Park entry fees
> Crater fee
> Full board accommodation in safari – 3 meals per day
> All activities in the Maasai Boma as per the attached itinerary
> English speaking guide
> Accommodation at Zanzibar
> All transfers as mentioned in the itinerary

Price Excludes
> Lodge/camp extras i.e. Drinks, laundry, telephone, Internet etc.
> International flights
> Driver/guide and lodge/camp staff tips
> Travel Insurance.
> Visa fee.
> All items of personal nature and those not mentioned in itinerary
….ENJOY YOUR TRIP…

I'd go back to Warrior Trails and let them know you want a more customized itinerary with some tented camps thrown in, longer time in the Serengeti, migration-focused, you'd prefer to avoid big lodges most of the time, etc. By the way, that will bring your price up. Possibly way up. :)

I did a search for Tanzania August. This thread from several years ago came up, might help.

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ugust-2012.cfm

Here's another one:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ari-advice.cfm

You could do a mix of camps & lodges to bring price down if/when that becomes an issue.

Now I'm starting to get the E Africa itch again. This is why I stay off Africa boards--don't have the time or $ right now for this. Darn it.

We're willing to spend about $7000.00 per person so I'm hoping that we can get something a little more tailored.

For all of you safari mavens, does that itinerary look good? I'm fairly clueless about this. I'm not used to not knowing exactly what I want as I usually book everything myself, knowing exactly where I want to go. This is so different. I did buy a guide book for Tanzania that concentrates on safaris.

No, the itinerary is just a basic, canned one. Remember, they don't know you or what kind of traveler you are. I think you should persist a little and get something more in line with what you said your goals are.

Laurie,
Have you checked websites for where the migration may be the month of August? It sounds like they may be in the North or even in the Mara by that time. Understand that even with a mobile camp if that mobile camp originates in TZ and the herds happen to be in Kenya they can’t just cross the border. It’s a bit of crap shoot as to where exactly they’ll be but a bit of research might help you decide where you want to position yourself. Just google “wildebeest migration cycle” and check out a few sites.

When planning a safari I’ve found your final itinerary looks nothing like the first kick at the can. The itinerary can be a work in progress for months while you tweak here, research there and tweak some more. It’s too early for you to start panicking!:)

I’ve heard good things about Maramboi Tented Camp in Tarangire. Check it out and ask WT to swap it out for the Serena.

I’ve stayed at the Lake Manyara Serena Lodge and its beautiful sitting high up on a ridge with stunning views of the park and the food was excellent.

Ask if logistically you can drive from the Maasai Boma to the crater, skip o/n in Lake Manyara (add that day to the Serengeti) and do the crater before the Serengeti. That way you can fly like I did from the Serengeti to Zanzibar. If it’s too far a drive then keep the o/n at Lake Manyara then travel to the crater, then the Serengeti again allowing you to fly from the Serengeti to ZNZ via Dar es Salaam.

Keeping in mind that tented camps cost more than lodges ask about swapping out some of the lodges with tented camps they suggest. Once you see the final cost with camps added in you can then decide if it’s within your budget or if you need to balance it out with lodges and camps. The flight from the Serengeti will also add to the cost.

I stayed across the street (not somewhere I’d recommend) from the Stone Town Serena which is lovely. Another great place to watch the sunset. If the Serena is not your style then check out some other places. What’s nice about the Serena is that it’s on the outskirts of the maze of narrow streets of old Stone Town so you’ll have less chance getting lost!

To add on to KathBC, for sample itineraries in August, you might check:

http://www.asiliaafrica.com/plan-you...i/itineraries/
http://www.africa-adventure.com/safaris/Tanzania

Thanks! I'm trying not to panic. Never mind that I didn't book most of my south of France trip until mid August and we left on September 4, and left a fair bit of my Australia trip until about a month before we left. But Europe and Australia are different, I've been to both many times. I've heard that lodges and camps can sell out a year in advance for safaris and I feel like a clueless newbie. I don't know why I'm so intimidated, it's just another trip! Your help though is very much appreciated.

Safari_Craig, I just contacted Elizabeth Gordon via the Extraordinary Journeys website and hopefully I will hear from her soon. Still of the 4 or 5 that I have so far contacted, only one has gotten back to me. I find that somewhat discouraging.

I got a very nice and long email back from Extraordinary Journeys, not from Elizabeth, but from Pearl Jurist-Schoen, one of their agents. I contacted them yesterday and got an email that shows that she read my requirements and really listened. She gave advice about going into Kenya vs. sticking to just Tanzania, and said she hopes to speak with me to get a better idea of what I want, and to let me know the extra cost of going to Kenya, when it isn't guaranteed to see the wildebeest crossing over, and how to stretch our dollars. From her email, I really feel like she listened to my wish list, budget and what is important to me. I think Extraordinary Journeys will be the TA I work with. I also like that they are in NYC close to me. I hope they take Visa!

Hi -- I am so excited about your trip. I have been on African safaris in Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, Botswana and South Africa multiple times. It gets into your blood. But I still remember planning the first one and it does feel like a heavy burden as a lot is at stake. However, you have been given some excellent advice. I think one of the points made that you should really take to heart is that it can take months to complete your final itinerary and that research and tweaking and more research and tweaking is part of the process and fun. For my East Africa trip because I was also interested in the migration, I was given the advice to go to both Kenya and Tanzania too. And I am happy that we did as we loved both countries for very different reasons and the choice added to our journey beyond belief. We also did a mobile tented camp to maximize our viewing and it was well worth it. But it is true that they are much more expensive and it added to our budget. We started in the Mara and then onward to the Serengeti where we stayed in a small lodge and then a tented mobile camp. After the Serengeti, our guide drove us to the Ngorongoro Crater, where we stopped at some interesting archeological places along the way -- plus had extra fantastic sightings. After two nights on the Crater rim, we were driven to Lake Eyasi as I wanted my kids and I to trek one of the most ancient tribes in Africa who still speak in a click language. We stayed in a super cheap no frills place but it was not about the accommodation but the interaction with this most amazing tribe. We then went back to Kenya and ended in Mombasa. I say this to say that it took months to fine tune this itinerary. I added Lake Eyasi totally late in the game as I read a National Geographic article on the tribe. I decided on Diani Beach in Mombasa after first considering Zanzibar. I added a couple of days in Nairobi since I was now going to Kenya. In terms of lodging -- do ask for smaller scale properties and a mobile camp thrown in with the larger more economical choices and once you get your prices you can decide what is important for you for the right reasons. But please do not fret and enjoy. And post whatever your heart desires on any and all forums and ignore the haters. Keep researching, keep asking questions and keep fine tuning. By the way I always pay with cards too as I love to utilize points for travel as well. It is all about my Amex and Chase Sapphire! Good luck!

<i>I think one of the points made that you should really take to heart is that it can take months to complete your final itinerary and that research and tweaking and more research and tweaking is part of the process and fun.</i>

I agree. Well, I never found that part fun exactly, but I wouldn't get too stressed about not having everything nailed down this early. I would fully expect your trip to morph a bit over time as you learn more about what is available and what it is you want.

Safari njema!