Where to start--Safari
 

My step mother and I would like to go on an African Safari. We are "do it ourselves" kind of travelers. Don't really like the tour guide group experience but if need be. Don't even know where or with whom to start looking for a trip to Africa. We want a few days on a safari but don't want to break the bank.

Where do I start? Do I need an organized tour?
Thanks in advance.

What part of the world are you from? Do you want to do/visit other things than safari? How big is your bank???
All questions above, so far one answer - no you do not need an organized tour. Our first safari in 2005 in three countries was not an organized tour and neither has any been since then. But you will need a good TA who is familiar with what you want to do/go in Africa.

regards - tom

Below is a good link that contains many other links for someone getting started.

In East Africa it is very common for two people to do a private trip with a driver/guide. In Southern Africa it is common to self-drive in South Africa and Namibia. It is also common to fly from camp to camp on your own schedule and then engage in safari activities with others at each camp, especially in Southern Africa. You can mix and match the above options. All of these avoid a tour group, which you stated you don't really like.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=35095477

Are you the koryandleslie that were in Egypt a little while back!?

How many Koryandleslies could there be?

If you can give any further insight into not breaking the bank, even a broad price range, that would help.

Hopefully, these are the only ones!!!!! :)

When do you plan to travel?
- prices are seasonal and highest when the Migration is in the Masai Mara (July-Oct)
- there are two "wet" seasons; Apr/May and Nov/early-Dec; though doesn't mean it will rain; prices are lower

From where are you arriving? Europe? USA? Canada? Asia? Australia? Other?
- "a few days" safari - is that 5, 7 10 or 14.
- you'll have traveled a long way for only 5/days!

What are your interests? Specific game? Culture? Other activities?

What type of accommodations? Lodges or tented camps or "camping?"

Do you have an estimated budget, per person?

Suggest you pick-up copy of <i>"Fodor's Complete Safari Planning Guide"</i> with a wealth of info on safari countries, where, what, when, how much, getting there, visas, health/safety, etc. etc.

There is no one answer for everyone. More info needed.

Look at all these threads where people were in your shoes!

Going to a site like A&K or Micato or Tauk to see what their itineraries look like and the places they go is a good place to start too.

These companies have ready made itineraries too so you can see what is popular:

Eastern and Southern Safaris
Go2Africa
Good Earth Safaris
Kiliwarriors--their East Africa group trips are as close as what I'd do from scratch for just me as I've seen, but I like staying longer in places
The Africa Adventure Company

Nature companies that go to Africa with published itineraries include Natural Habitat, Wilderness Travel, Mountain Sobek, International Expeditions.

There are hundreds more good companies out there besides these and just because the stated itinerary is for a group, you can arrange it for just your party. That is typical in Africa.

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=35095477

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ny-options.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ing-safari.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-did-i-dre.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...experience.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...eed-advice.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...yatanzania.cfm


http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...ica---2008.cfm

Most people do more than "a few days" on safari unless they have restrictions.