althom1122

I'd like to be able to browse for possibilities on the web, but hardly any of the companies I've looked at seem to provide prices. Am I missing something? I know the prices vary depending on time of year, itinerary, and so on, but it seems if you're looking for a group trip of a set itinerary, that they'd list the prices. Anyone know of companies that do include prices?

I'm considering a going by myself (so may go on a group tour) to Kenya or Tanzania, first time, in January/February. I'm looking for something in the moderate range; considering OAT but am also open to local companies in Africa. Looking at about 8-9 days.

Suggestions?

If I thought I could afford it, I'd like to add Uganda or Rwanda to see gorillas.

althom1122

Budget = $5000-$6000 (which would need to include airfare from US)

cary999

Here's one - Thomsons Safaris
http://www.thomsonsafaris.com/sa_tsclassicindex.shtml

regards -tom

roissy17

Good Earth Tours includes prices for all their safaris, a good point of comparison for your planning. You can also make changes in their itineraries & lodgings. www.goodearthtours.com

christabir

Try this site, more prices than most:

http://www.eyesonafrica.net/

cary999

This commercial travel site has a pretty good summary of "rack rates" by safari camp. So while not a tour package deal, you can get some feel for costs per night per person, pppn, of many camps, may countries.
http://www.eyesonafrica.net/safari-p...rack-rates.htm

regards - tom

atravelynn

In addition to those mentioned...

Eastern and Southern Safaris
The Africa Adventure Company
e-gnu.com (Greenlife Africa)
Lion World Tours
Gate 1
Natural Habitat
AndBeyond
International Expeditions
Tauck Tours

...to name a few. Hard to beat the OAT pricing for a group trip, though. I think OAT does gorilla extensions.

KathBC

Any that specialize in Zimbabwe?

qwovadis

Alan Fox, Chairman & CEO Great listed safari sales
http://www.tourvacationstogo.com/fir...ortedtours.cfm

www.friendlyplanet.com best price points sales on travelzoo.com have seen Kenya packages including air
from $1795 this year.

jenmansafaris.com Garth Jenman best for local expertise.

Careful many scammers I never wire money always pay with CC

And insuremytrip.com independently.

qwovadis

LOTS of bad reviews on the boards on Gate 1 and OAT

Check bbb.org and ripoffreport.com

pixelpower

I guess it depends on what type of website it is.

- If it is a website of a lodge itself; most show their prices. Some ask to contact them. They lose my business right away.
- If it is a website of a lodge group, like &Beyond or Wilderness Safaris; they all show prices AFAIK.
- If it is a website of a tour operator or safari outfitter; most of them don't show prices because it would be way too much effort to keep up. Thing is; their offering includes all the above (individual lodges AND lodge groups).

Here's what I do; I contact only the last type of company, and ask them for prices. What most people don't know is that they should give you the same prices as advertised on the sites of the lodges they sell.

It's as simple as this; every bednight price contains a percentage for the company making the sale. If the lodge sells directly, it all goes to the lodge. If an agency sells it, they are entitled to that percentage (it's their profit). Lodges will not undercut prices of agencies, as they reach a much bigger market than the lodge itself.
Agencies that come up with higher prices than the lodges themselves are not honest, or have extra costs to "hide" (typically a US agency will have a bigger or additional personnel cost, compared to a local - ic African - agency).

In my opinion, working with a local TA gives you the biggest choice, for the correct prices.

Ciao,

J.

althom1122

Wow, thanks for all this! I'll get busy with my research. I was thinking OAT mainly because it seemed so easy. I'll check these out and see if I can come up with something better.

althom1122

I found this on Good Earth's site in the budget camping section...

"...hardly you can hear campers being attacked by animals..."


I guess the animals have learned to be quiet when they attack people. Yikes.

atravelynn

That comment is hilarious, althom!

althom1122

They went on to say that animal attacks are extremely rare, but that phrase sure jumped out at me.

Or maybe the tents have sound-proofing? tee hee

sandi

The animals don't want to come in contact with humans any more than humans with them. Of course, monkeys can fly thru the trees, but it sure wouldn't be something to worry much about if on a 'camping' safari.

Lots of 'set' 'group' tour operators listed above.

And for those individual private tour operators that show room/tent prices, might be the 'rack' (highest) rates, others might be what they are offering, but may change by season. It's a guideline, but often not set till you establish an itinerary. Besides, of course, costs for: meet/treet and transfers, guide/driver, game drives and/or other activities, flights (if taking any), taxes, etc.

pody22

Tour operators do not write prices on their websites may be due to fluctuations in the exchange rate or speculations in the market.This has resulted to travelers having to send requests plus the budgets.I think as in every other trade price is necessary and should be included.
Local companies understand the locality hence the options given above are 0k.You need also to verify whether the companies are legitimate.

travelpeach

check out www.africansafarihome.com - they seem to offer starting price ranges for all their safaris and accommodation

Harris_Mike

Check out http://www.destinationservices.co.ke on their itineraries page they have included prices for different seasons