SDtravelers

OAT will discount only certain trips, we wanted to take the Kenya/Tanzania trip but wouldn't allow us to do our own air. So we booked the Tanzania trip for Sept. We use our AA miles to fly 1st class. I think it is the trips that have internal air they won't allow you to do your own air, which makes sense.

megdean

We are considering doing this OAT trip in 2009 but are wondering on the quality of the accommadations. We are rather enamored by the idea of those luxury tents and classy dining overlooking the sunset that the expensive guys promote, and wonder how nice are the tents and dining facilities that OAT uses? We realize it would be a better value, but how much are we giving up? Also, I have not heard any critisism about the types of jeeps - did you feel you had excellent viewing opportunitites with OAT?

ann_nyc

I was on the OAT Kenya and Tanzania trip, rather than the Serengeti trip, so I can't speak to the exact accomodations, but when I was researching my trip I found that the itinerary and even the exact accomodations was almost the same as the similar A&K trip, for about half the price. A&K added an internal flight and sundowners, but OAT was a great value.

The Boston office is shameful, but the actual trips are run well.

ShayTay

I agree with Ann-NYC, OAT's Boston office usually messes up something (I've traveled with 'em 3 times), but the in-country operators are great. In the case of their Safari Serengeti trip, they use Kibo Guides. They use a different company in Tanzania for the combined Kenya-Tanzania trip. Most of their accommodations are Tanganyika Wilderness Camps properties, which is an affiliated company. I've been on the OAT trip and have also used Kibo for two (and soon to be three) more personal trips to Tanzania. Kibo is a well-respected safari operator. Their vehicles are in good shape and the accommodations are nice. You can see photos of the accommodations at www.tanganyikawildernesscamps.com.

rhkkmk

hello from a neighbor

megdean

Thanks for the comments. I know what you mean about Boston - we used OAT for Peru/ Ecuador and are leaving on their Vietnam trip next week.