darovidse

I stumbled into this board and how nice cuz we want to safari in May 2008. It's so much information and too many places to go in Africa. How do you guys know where to start and how to do it? Is this too late to plan for our trip?
How do you choose which travel agent?
Has anyone booked a trip with Eyes on Africa or Timeless Africa?
Any other recommendations would be appreciated too.

atravelynn

Darovidse,

How nice you stumbled in.

<i>Where to start?</i>
Do you know what you want out of your safari? If so, then you can choose the countries and parks that will deliver it.

You can also consider what places are best in May.

http://www.africa-adventure.com/dsp_besttime.html

http://www.bornfreesafaris.com/best_travel.htm

<i>too late?</i> No, but I would start working on the plans. It may be too late for a few camps in Botswana.

<i>How do you choose agent?</i> I look at how I am treated, pricing, independent reviews on them.

<i>Eyes on Africa?</i> I used them for South Africa this year. From initial contact, to the trip itself, to post-trip followup, all was outstanding.

For better recommendations, do you know where you want to go in Africa?

Marija

We booked a trip with Timeless Africa and were very pleased. Here's our report:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35038385

matnikstym

I booked with Timeless Africa twice and had no problems at all

darovidse

Thanks everyone for the tips. I will email both of these agencies. And also after reading here, I found others (southerndestinations and gotoafrica) so at least here are tried and tested travel agencies people have used. Thank you!

I tink we will go easy and start with a combo safari and city trip. So maybe South Africa? We only have 9 days, maybe 10, total! Not too much time for vacation since we fly all the way from Calif. Is this too short a time to go to Africa?

So will post more when I have a better plan and more questions. This is such a great forum for info.

matnikstym

9-10 days total including travel days? Figure 2-4 days travel from CA roundtrip doesn't leave you much time, but doable. If you want city and safari maybe Capetown for 2-3 days (from what I hear you do need more time there) and a safari for the remainder, maybe stay at only 1 camp to lessen travel time. Or skip the city, fly into Johannesburg, overnight and pick a few camps in Sabie Sands. Your agent will give you ideas, then come back and run it by the experts here.
Happy Planning!