Cate_W

Hello Fodorites,

I've been thinking about African adventures and though I usually consider myself an "independent traveler" I'm happy to trust the details to professionals on such a complex trip. Admittedly, it's a little overwhelming to plan, and the major questions of region and budget probably need to be answered by travelers first. But, if you had to recommend one safari company, who would it be and why?

Thanks!

Calo

Hi Cate.

Planning an African adventure <i>can</i> be complex. There are those of us who love doing the research and then partnering with a great safari company to create an ideal itinerary. On the other hand, there are those who don't care to do any research in which case trusting the details to professionals is huge. Either way, it is all very exciting!

I agree with you that region and budget (along with things like interests and length of trip) are first considerations in planning an African safari. I remember when we were planning our first trip, we just <i>could not</i> choose between travel to South or East Africa, and literally settled the debate by throwing a dart at a map. What a lucky happenstance that turned out to be! Once we had "targeted" our destination, I started researching.

I recommend Tanzanian owned and operated Warrior Trails Ltd. This relatively young company is the first Maasai owned safari company in Tanzania and I'm thrilled to be planning another safari with Warrior Trails for May 2011. The combination of the owner's Maasai heritage along with his vast experience in the safari industry provides a unique safari <i>and</i> cultural experience which I don't think any other Tanzanian safari company can offer.

Often on the forum, we speak about value for money and what exactly that means. For me, traveling with a company that can offer something truly unique is what adds tremendous value, and I feel that's what Warrior Trails does.

Cate_W

Calo - Thanks for a great Tanzania recommendation! And I love how you decided where to go.

Any other suggestions out there? Maybe for Kenya or South Africa?

Thanks again!

Old_dude

I second the Warrior Trails recommendation. My wife and I traveled with them May of this year and we can only speak highly of Clamian and his driver Jackson. It is easy to tell when a guide really is proud of their country and this shows with Warrior Trails. Besides, traveling with a "walking encyclopedia-field guide" is enlightening.
In Kenya we used DK Grand Safaris, Daniel Kikemu and his staff exceeded our expectations and comes highly recommended in my book. It is easy to see the differences in guides when at the lodges and camps by the way the staff respond to the guide and the attention given to the clients. Both of these companies earned my respect.
Travel safe

TC

Hi Cate, I did all my own research and then booked everything through Lenny at Africa Travel Resource in the U.K. He was a pleasure to work with and very informed. The cost of the trip was $9000 per person for 22 days in the Southern Tanzania bush. This included all our Coastal Air flights. We used frequent flier miles for the International Business Class on NW and KLM. I was extremely pleased with the price, for unlike packaged tours that count your flight days as 2 of your package calendar, this was 22 full days on the ground doing something. Lenny is an encyclopedia of information -- he had been to all the camps and knew the managers and guides. He phoned me without fail from the U.K. to the U.S. to chat about the tiniest details or answer my questions. Even after the whole deal was nailed down, he lowered the price when a new discount emerged from one of the camps. He was also able to put me in touch with an extremely good insurer who offered trip insurance at a rate much lower than anyone in the U.S. See my trip report for more details.

MyDogKyle

For Kenya, I can highly recommend Eastern and Southern Safaris in Nairobi. They were very helpful, responsive, and easy to work with via e-mail. Serah had great suggestions as well as a willingness to listen to our ideas (since I also love to do the research part myself, and we were on a strict budget). Our guide James was fantastic (sadly, he has since passed away). I know other Fodorites have used Eastern & Southern multiple times and have been very happy with them -- you'll see them mentioned in some great trip reports. I wouldn't hesitate to contact them again if I ever get to return to Kenya.

producerkoof

Africa Point! Had a great safari with them in 2006.

Treepol

Cate,

I've travelled twice with Good Earth http://www.goodearthtours.com/ who offer quality mid-range safaris in Tanzania. They are an African-owned company with an office in the US who also offer safaris in Kenya, Botswana and Uganda through other operators.

Narry is very quick to respond to email enquiries and the company is very willing to tailor itineraries.

Highly recommended.

Cheers,

Pol.

ekscrunchy

SouthernDestinations is a full service travel agency based in Capetown. They arranged my visit to SA, Bots, and Vic Falls and I will use them again for my next trip. I worked with Liesl Matthews and thought she was terrific in responding to my questions, offering information, and handling last-minute details when, for example, the BlueTrain ran late and we had to leave the train in mid journey and be flown by charter to our first Sabi Sands destination:


http://www.southerndestinations.com

Cate_W

Thank you for contributing your ideas, this is a great roundup. I welcome more recommendations.

Also, what's most important to you in an outfitter?

TC

<i>Also, what's most important to you in an outfitter?</i>

The ability to listen.

Cateyes555

Cate - I've only been to Africa once so far, but had a great experience in Tanzania with Kiliwarriors. The company started as a Kilimanjaro climbing company but now do safaris separate from climbing trips, or combined with climbing. We did not climb

Most important thing to me is that a company is responsible, responsive, well organized and an ethical reputable company. You are putting thousands of dollars up front and traveling around the world for an Africa trip. Want to be sure things go well, and if there are problems that they are dealt with quickly and professionally.

crosscheck

I highly recommend Gamewatchers in Nairobi - They run the eco-friendly Porini camps in various community-owned conservancies throughout Kenya. That means that a) your safari will be the real deal in comfortable (but not over-the-top) tents, b) you will experience authentic cultural interaction because all their guides are from the local communities, c) your money will be going to conservation efforts and local interests d) you will be less crowded, non-touristy conservancies off the beaten track but adjacent to the top game parks.

Gamewatchers, though based in Kenya, also has US and UK reps for phone calls and "hand holding," and are very responsive about answering emails and changing your itinerary dozens of times. All of our travel arrangements went flawlessly. The owner is the head of Kenya Tourist Board and can also get you good prices in other properties. And the vehicles and guides are exceptional. We also got a terrific rate...and, unlike other outfitters, they take credit cards.

atravelynn

Cate W, do you have an idea of where you'd like to go in Africa? Once you have an idea such as East Africa, Botswana, South Africa, etc. then you can check on operators that handle those.

wildwings

As to what's most important in an outfitter, this is a good question. In as much as we sometimes partner with ground operators in certain areas, for me some of the most important things are:
- Responsiveness (I don't want to wait 5 days for an answer)
- Contactability (accurate contact details including names of key people, 24h emergency number that works)
- Ability to listen (already mentioned)
- Ability to explain (English speaking? Also providing detailed information and descriptions, no surprises, no assumptions)
- Detailed destination knowledge and accurate advice (from first hand experience)
- Reliability (this covers a lot, like quality of vehicles and punctuality and keeping promises, and if I booked an airport transfer, I know they will be there without further reminders)...
- Insurance (am I covered if anything goes wrong)
- Industry memberships (ties in with the above, offers some protection)
- Integrity / honesty (can I trust them)
- Rates (I don't want to be overcharged, and no hidden fees or unexpected charges please, full disclosure of local costs or additional expenses)
- And finally, their approach and how they treat me as well as our guests. Are they professional, courteous, patient, sensitive, informative, and humble? Or perhaps proud, heavy handed and abrupt, easily offended or irritable?

Onne from Wild Wings Safaris

Nelson

I've only been to Africa once, back in 2005, so by no means am I particularly knowledgeable, but after contacting 8 or 10 outfitters my wife and I wound up choosing Tanzania Adventure for a custom, private trip:
http://www.tanzania-adventure.com/index.htm

This choice was, to some degree, based on vibes. This is perhaps not the best strategy for making such a major decision, but it worked out perfectly. The vibes did surround many of the excellent points listed by wildwings.

They were a relatively new outfitter at the time, but they did provide references to past clients and I did contact several of them.

Good luck in your planning!

cary999

Roy Safaris - http://www.roysafaris.com/home-page.html
I will be going with them this Feb in Tanzania. They have been in business over 20 years, I have know of them for the last five years, get consistently good reviews, competitive prices, used by many photo safaris.

regards - tom

Wanderfilms

HI,
after much research and confusion, I did my first trip to Tanzania this year with Mark Thornton Safaris. I'm embarrassed to say I have yet to write my trip report! BUT it was one of the most amazing trips I've ever been on in my life, and I can't say enough good things about Mark. We spent the first few days doing a walking tour - which he is particularly known for (found him through Nat Geographic's Adventure Travel magazine where he was named number 1 outfitter 2 years in a row) and I still day dream about that experience. I can't wait to go back! It was also my first time 'camping' and I have to say I really appreciated how safe I felt with him. He also used local Maasai in his operation and worked closely with one of the villages there to make sure that money was going back into it. If you have any specific questions I'm happy to tell you more about him...but I will write that trip report sometime!!!

BrooklynJackaye

@ Wanderfilms - I just hung up the phone with Mark and he sounds fantastic, however, I have NO idea how much this trip could cost so I don't want to get my hopes up too high. Can we talk offline so I can get an idea of what your itinerary was like and the pricing structure (it sounds like there is a range). We too are heading to Zanzibar afterwards so I would love to pick your brain for some suggestions. Thanks so much!!([email protected])

ShayTay

I'd recommend The Wild Source in Golden CO. Bill Given, the owner, is also a wildlife biologist and brings a sharp focus to that aspect of a safari. He doesn't push the expensive camps, but plans your safari at the best locations within your budget. Guides are an all-important aspect of any safari and he has some of the best in Tanzania. He and his Ops Mgr Shannon have worked tirelessly to put together some rather complicated arrangements for the 8 ladies in my upcoming safari to Kenya and Tanzania. He also put together a safari to southern Africa in 2010 for me and a group of friends.