Apologies if I have missed other posts that answer some of the following questions. My fiancee and I are a little late to the game of planning our honeymoon. We are adventurous, and don't mind "roughing" it if it means staying within our budget and seeing great game (we prefer less birds, more big game) with great guides. Is it best to book through a TA (like CCA or Wilderness) or directly book for oneself? Is it possible to book lodges owned by different companies on the same trip through one TA?

Our budget is "modest" in that we are looking to spend between $6,000-$8,000 USD total (not per person) for about 7-9 nights. Our ideal is to combine some more rustic experiences with a night or two in a romantic lodge. Though we were thinking of trying to combine Okavango and Chobe (3 nights in 2-3 different places), we would be open to instead looking at SA.

We will probably try and separately book a few nights at the end at some warm locale..but we thought we can do that independent of the safari TA.

Are we crazy to be trying to do this on this budget? Any insights or advice into planning this, TA's, itineraries, etc. would be much appreciated. Thanks so much in advance!

From my understanding Botswana is the most expensive safari you can take. Primarily due to the fact that you have to fly everywhere. Chobe, Okavango was incredible and your time frame is perfect, including seeing victoria falls, etc. CCA is definately "the best" but i don't think reasonable for your budget.

I just returned from a trip to tanzania. in botswana i used ker & downey. for tanzania i booked using my own ground operator and did exactly as you described. I think even in tanzania where costs are lower, you're going to have a tough time meeting that budget when you incorporate flight costs....

Never done SA, but i have full confidence you'd have a wonderful time, albeit a completely different experience.

good luck.

As mentioned above, Botswana is quite expensive with limited accommodations, especially in the Okavango area. Besides, if arriving JNB, having spent about 1/3 of your budget, if the $8,000 includes Int'l Air... there is also air to/from Botswana and/or Capetown, which eat into your budget.

CCA is expensive who can book their properties and some others, but these would not be considered "budget." And, Wilderness properties cannot be booked direct, you'd have to use a TA or TO.

Even East Africa - Kenya and Tanzania - are in high-season during Sept/Oct. as the wildebeest migration is taking place in Kenya. Tanzania, is often a bit more expensive than Kenya.

Don't know from where you're traveling, but if the US, air fares from the East Coast to East Africa can range from $1,500-$1,900/person, eating into the $8,000. An itinerary to visit either Kenya or Tanzania can be had for 1/wk at about $3,000/person, in mid-price range lodges, if there is availability. Adding a beach resort from either country, can be done with the same TA or TO, but also entails additional flights from the mainland to coastal area or islands and accommodations.

If you have/can find additional budget to give you some wiggle room in planning you can then decide where you wish to visit - East or Southern Africa; search on this board for Tour Operators who could assist in your planning; send a few requests and see what itineraries are returned the costs.

There are always group tours, which can be found at reasonable prices. You may want to look at 2afrika at www.2afrika.com to see what's offered and prices. Not that romantic though.

Kruger self drive? No personal experience, but know it is easier on the budget.

Thanks for the thoughts. I should have clarified that the $8,000 is just for the safari portion...airfare, etc. would be on top of that....

ampisac: I can recommend a great driving itinerary that would be in your budget, luxury level would be fair but gameviewing and adventure outstanding!and you could swing a 10 day trip for probably under $5k once you hit Joburg. I have done a lot of research on these but have not been there myself but all the properties are highly recommended. These rates should be close but could be slightly changed and I believe all these can be booked directly by you.

Fly to Joburg and if coming from USA probably crash at a cheaper option to rest up. Maybe $100-200 here max.

Drive to Sabi Sand Game Reserve
4 nights at Elephant Plains = $1,520
($2,184 if you opt for luxury chalet)

This is possibly the best gameviewing bargain in the world. World class Sabi Sand but about $190 pppn for a standard or you can upgrade to $273 for their luxury chalets.

Drive into the mountain countryside and stay at the Coach House, a lovely B&B where you can have an afternoon of rest at the pool, golf, bike, or have a massage.

My '06 quote was $125 pppn = $250

Drive on to the border of Botswana where you will be met and transfered to Mashatu Tented Camp. This is southern Botswana with a dry, rolling terrain but has more elephants than any private reserve in Africa, has a leopard researcher that you can radio-track leopard with and it is big, open wilderness.

4 nights at Mashatu = $1,600
($200 pppn)

Note that gamedrives are included here but they do have some other activities for nominal additional costs, I think the leopard researcher and mountain biking go for $35 pp and horseback riding is $45 pp. These are somewhat unique activities to be able to do in big wilderness.

You will need to rent a car which is not so cheap but at $100 per day you would be at $1,000

Making 10 day trip for lodging and vehicle for both of you total = $4,570
($5,234 if you opt for luxury option)

You will need another $200 or so for tips at safari camps, some gas money and meals for Joburg and Coach House. All told you could probably do it with some activities and meals for about $5k even but you still need Int'l Air.

You could also just pick one of these since they are very affordable and go for 5 or 6 nights and then go to a beach but I'd rather max out on safari.

For $8,000 you should be able to get an East African safari, including some R&R on a coastal beach resort.

Search this board for "Kenya tour operators" or "Tanzania tour operators" (withouth the "" you'll find a few threads with list of companies that many here have used with success.

Keep us posted as your plans progress.

Wow - great ideas. The self drive one I find particularly interesting and adventurous...I also think maybe it is indeed a good idea to look in Tanzania and Kenya (we were initially trying to limit our options to make selection easier)...thanks to everyone who has responded - I really appreciate your insights. I'll keep you posted.