What are the best tour companies to use.
 

We hope to go in June and are trying to pick a company, would appreciate anyone's experience with any companies, good or bad.

Connie...You did not state where you are going. Nevertheless, my opinion (of good tour companies that we have used )is as follows: smarTours (low cost-great trip), Globus (we've used them 4 times) Pacific delight (great trip to China) and Isram(great trip to India) <BR>. I see that you are probably from Oklahoma City...I live in a small town in Oklahoma. <BR>

I forgot to include in my orginal message that we are going to go to Kenya and Tanzania.

Connie <BR>We are going to Kenya in June and for the third time and each time we are using Baobab Safari in San Francisco. They do have their own website and 800 free number.We made always all planning via e-mail and phone. They will help you to design safari the way you want and with minimum of two people. I would suggest you talk to them. We were never disappointed and every detail is always taking care of. We never met any of their people in person but we always deal with Steve. They are using permanent tented camps in the best areas. It is not too early to make your reservations now.

Dear Connie <BR> <BR>I can wholeheartedly recommend Marc Harris of Africa Archipelago (e-mai: [email protected]). We have just booked our third holiday through him. <BR> <BR>I don't normally use travel agents because I believe that very few of them add any value, but Marc is excellent - really know's Africa. Check out his web pages <BR>www.tanzaniaodyssey.com <BR>www.tanzania-web.com <BR> <BR>He is based in London, but organises tours from all over - he does a lot of US bookings. <BR> <BR>His number is: <BR>011 44 171 4718780 <BR> <BR>Hope this helps, <BR> <BR>Anna

We also used Baobab Safaris this January for our trip to Kenya and Tanzania. Everything went smoothly, very reliable. We liked being in small groups and the walks are part of this itinerary if you want. You could fly or be driven (or drive). They have their extremely comfortable camps on Private Preserves but adjacent to National Parks. No crowds even in January. We benn told that June is a great time to go but as someone here mentioned you need to make your reservations very soon. We would use them again for any safari in Africa. If you need here is their phone and website <BR> 1-800-835 3692 and ww.baobabsafaris.com

We have just returned from a magical trip in Kenya. We arranged both a safari and a trip to the coast through a Kenyan travel agent (Rosemary)via e-mail ([email protected]) and could not have received better attention. They were very patient and informative, unlike most European Travel Agents, and gave us a cool and extremely knowledgeable private guide (Steve). They were also very reasonably priced. I'm sure we seen and done more than many and felt very lucky we found them. If you use them you'll understand why!

Just returned from a Micato Safari (800-642-2861)in Kenya and Tanzania and were VERY pleased. Stayed in gorgeous lodges and had two surprise flights when we were expecting LONG drives. We saw thousands of animals including the BIG FIVE, many babies, some new-born prancing around the bush so happy to be alive. It was wonderful! This was in connection with a Pacific Princess cruise from Cape Town to Mombasa, also delightful. Very special trip. I feel as tho' I have finally seen the REAL Africa. <BR>

The absolute best tour operator for Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana and Zimbabwe is HLO Tours (800 736-4456). Hamdy Nossair, the company president, is professional, courtious and very thorough. If you are lucky enough to get on one of his escorted tours, take it! <BR>He operates out of Sanford Florida and has been a tour operator for over 25 years. He will customize any itinerary you want, so you don't have to go with the "canned" tours of operators like Globus. I can't recommend him enough. <BR>