I'd like ideas to lower expenses for trip to Kenya and Tanzania
Jul 28th, 2017, 08:13 PM
#1
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I'd like ideas to lower expenses for trip to Kenya and Tanzania
I'm traveling alone and have decided to hire a private guide and jeep for all my game drives. But I was thinking, I will be away for over three weeks. So I could get a little saddle sore from game drives every day. What if I added a day to each location (Masai Mara, Serengeti, etc) to just relax at the lodge and or tent and enjoy the scenery? Then move to my next location via air or jeep and restart with the jeep and guide. I'm 60 and although in good shape, sometimes realize you're better taking a rest than being tired for an activity. Make sense?
Jul 29th, 2017, 06:37 AM
#2
Out of curiosity, how did you book that private guide and driver? That might be the first and most significant way to curb your expenses, to book through a safari planner who can get you into camps without the unnecessary expense of "private" guide and vehicle. That will also afford you the opportunity to skip game drives as you wish and do other things, like nap and stick by camp, do walks, horseback riding, hot air balloon ride, visit nearby cultural experiences or local villages, etc. Again, this is where a skilled safari planner can help you. You tell them all this and they match camps and itineraries to both your desires and your budget. It doesn't have to be all game drives all the time, but if you work with someone who knows what they're doing, they will be able to easily accommodate your requests without the expense of the private guide and vehicle. If you weren't already asked about any of this by whomever you booked with, you're not working with the right person, especially for your first safari. They should be guiding you through this process.
Depending on the areas you pick to visit, you'll be transported either by vehicle if close enough or air, so that's a non-issue.
I'd suggest looking at Gamewatchers and Africa Travel Resource, both of which are well respected and tend to work better with cost-conscious travelers than some of the higher end planners you may come across. I've used Gamewatchers personally for one safari in Kenya and got quotes from ATR for my last trip (ultimately went with a company I'd gone with before, but was pleased with the itinerary process and proposed prices with ATR).
Depending on the areas you pick to visit, you'll be transported either by vehicle if close enough or air, so that's a non-issue.
I'd suggest looking at Gamewatchers and Africa Travel Resource, both of which are well respected and tend to work better with cost-conscious travelers than some of the higher end planners you may come across. I've used Gamewatchers personally for one safari in Kenya and got quotes from ATR for my last trip (ultimately went with a company I'd gone with before, but was pleased with the itinerary process and proposed prices with ATR).
Jul 29th, 2017, 06:49 AM
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Thanks I'm using Kensington. I wanted a guide because otherwise I'll be lonely. I wanted a little luxury but then because of that wanted to save elsewhere. The contact at K is hugely helpful. I just don't know what I want yet. So your answer is helpful. I finally got a book so that should be helpful too.. I am going to stick with K I think because I have good advantages through Amex for that. You are the second person who mentioned ATR so I will check them out too.
Jul 29th, 2017, 07:26 AM
#4
Just so you know, I've gone twice solo and never felt alone. The community in camps is very collegial and friendly and I've never been more welcomed anywhere I've traveled. Sometimes I've shared vehicles with other like-minded travelers, sometimes I've had the vehicle to myself. Safari is really very accommodating for the solo traveler. I just hate to see you paying for a private guide and driver for that reason, when the environment on all four of my safaris has been quite the opposite of what you anticipate.
Jul 29th, 2017, 09:26 AM
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Kensington is at the higher end price-wise. Having checked them out, I say this from experience. .Glad to hear your contact person as been helpful, but that isn't the person who will be with you in Africa. You need to do more research!!!! I can't emphasize this enough.
Totally agree with AmyB. I've gone solo (as well as a trip with family and one with friends ). NO "lonely" feeling. As to adding days just to rest at camp/lodge o that is fine if you can afford (money and time wise) to add the extra days. Some lodges even have a masseuse in-house. What activities would you plan while you rest?Reading? "Connecting"?-Know that not all places have an internet signal!
OR just go one one of the day's safaris/drives instead of both. (Two game drives/day is standard.)
Totally agree with AmyB. I've gone solo (as well as a trip with family and one with friends ). NO "lonely" feeling. As to adding days just to rest at camp/lodge o that is fine if you can afford (money and time wise) to add the extra days. Some lodges even have a masseuse in-house. What activities would you plan while you rest?Reading? "Connecting"?-Know that not all places have an internet signal!
OR just go one one of the day's safaris/drives instead of both. (Two game drives/day is standard.)
Jul 29th, 2017, 09:37 AM
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You are all correct that I have to do more research. I just chatted with ATR who will send itineraries Mon. I am not clear what you mean by safari vs. private guide. Some said its nice to have your own guide so you can do what you want. I like to study animals for a long time while others like to move on more quickly. Does a safari include other travelers? is safari just another name for tour? I don't really need a private guide because I don't need a lot of chit chat. But then does the safari simply have a driver. I've looked way back on Fodors but still confused.
Jul 29th, 2017, 11:06 AM
#7
Terry, you can liken an independent safari vs. a group tour very much like if you're going to France. If you go with a group tour, your schedule is dictated by the group, so you'd do the game drives, village visits, balloon rides, etc. as the group dictates, that includes time you go, time you return, how long you sit at a sighting, whether you go all day or for part days, when and how you eat, etc.
Independently, you dictate what you do. For example, I have to be out before sunrise for the morning game drive. For me, that's the best light of the day for photography and the best chance to see active big cats. That means I'm dressed and in the vehicle ready to go by 6 a.m. Some people like to lie in and go out around 8:30 after breakfast instead. You get to decide that for yourself if you're on an independent safari. You get to decide if you're going to the National Reserve that day or staying in the conservancies, whether you'll return for breakfast or take a picnic basket with you and eat late morning under a gorgeous umbrella acacia. You'll also decide whether you want to sit and wait out a potential hunt (which can take hours to play out!) or if you've had enough waiting and want to move on. I came across four lionesses with 12 cubs once and got to sit there, at my choosing, for over two hours watching them play! You don't get to call the shots like that with a large group tour. Given that you sound like you'd like to stay back and relax or skip drives or have a bit more flexibility, that tells me you're more in the market for an independent experience.
Also, as CaliGirl mentioned, you should consider whether you want to stay in the Mara Reserve itself, or in the conservancy lands around it. The conservancies have much less traffic because they are limited to just the camps that are situated there. You're also paying towards the conservation of that land as part of the price of the camp. The animals don't know the boundaries and go wherever. In three trips to the Mara, I've had two so-so day trips in the Reserve but always stellar sightings in the conservancies. It's the only way to go for me. I think the only "pro" to staying in the Reserve might be if you go during migration season, it would put you in far better position for the river crossings.
You do have a lot to think about, but given your concerns about budget and what activities you do when you're there, I highly suggest working with ATR or similar, who will facilitate that sort of flexibility and experience within your budget constraints. They'd also ensure that you're taken care of in the way of transfers from NBO to your hotel in Nairobi and then the airstrip to the Mara and back. That's just too much unnecessary work you won't need to do.
One other thing CaliGirl brought up which is an excellent point, you can stay in a massive camp with numerous tents, or somewhere smaller and more personal. I've never stayed anywhere with more than 10 tents, which means I get to know a lot of guests and some of the other guides. You may share a vehicle with a couple or small family, but never more than a few people, and they usually try to pair you with like-minded safari folks (ie: early risers, bird watchers, cat or elephant enthusiasts) You may also be alone with your guide (and driver if they are two separate people). Having this smaller group allows you to ask all the questions you want without fear of boring or annoying others but also lets you sit in complete silence if that's what you want.
Independently, you dictate what you do. For example, I have to be out before sunrise for the morning game drive. For me, that's the best light of the day for photography and the best chance to see active big cats. That means I'm dressed and in the vehicle ready to go by 6 a.m. Some people like to lie in and go out around 8:30 after breakfast instead. You get to decide that for yourself if you're on an independent safari. You get to decide if you're going to the National Reserve that day or staying in the conservancies, whether you'll return for breakfast or take a picnic basket with you and eat late morning under a gorgeous umbrella acacia. You'll also decide whether you want to sit and wait out a potential hunt (which can take hours to play out!) or if you've had enough waiting and want to move on. I came across four lionesses with 12 cubs once and got to sit there, at my choosing, for over two hours watching them play! You don't get to call the shots like that with a large group tour. Given that you sound like you'd like to stay back and relax or skip drives or have a bit more flexibility, that tells me you're more in the market for an independent experience.
Also, as CaliGirl mentioned, you should consider whether you want to stay in the Mara Reserve itself, or in the conservancy lands around it. The conservancies have much less traffic because they are limited to just the camps that are situated there. You're also paying towards the conservation of that land as part of the price of the camp. The animals don't know the boundaries and go wherever. In three trips to the Mara, I've had two so-so day trips in the Reserve but always stellar sightings in the conservancies. It's the only way to go for me. I think the only "pro" to staying in the Reserve might be if you go during migration season, it would put you in far better position for the river crossings.
You do have a lot to think about, but given your concerns about budget and what activities you do when you're there, I highly suggest working with ATR or similar, who will facilitate that sort of flexibility and experience within your budget constraints. They'd also ensure that you're taken care of in the way of transfers from NBO to your hotel in Nairobi and then the airstrip to the Mara and back. That's just too much unnecessary work you won't need to do.
One other thing CaliGirl brought up which is an excellent point, you can stay in a massive camp with numerous tents, or somewhere smaller and more personal. I've never stayed anywhere with more than 10 tents, which means I get to know a lot of guests and some of the other guides. You may share a vehicle with a couple or small family, but never more than a few people, and they usually try to pair you with like-minded safari folks (ie: early risers, bird watchers, cat or elephant enthusiasts) You may also be alone with your guide (and driver if they are two separate people). Having this smaller group allows you to ask all the questions you want without fear of boring or annoying others but also lets you sit in complete silence if that's what you want.
Jul 29th, 2017, 02:07 PM
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Good question, Terry. Safari means "journey" in Swahili. But it has come to mean a trip to see animals! So safari planner is a trip planner.
Camps/lodges each have their now employee guides. These are the people who will go out with you "on safari" in search of the animals. Usually there is one person who is both driver and guide. Some camps (e.g. the Porini Camps) have both driver/guide and "spotter" so these two people will sit up front in the jeep. The jeep often has roll up canvas sides and there is no obstacle between you and the animals in terms of view. Note that there are many excellent folks of both kinds, and just because a camp has two folks up front, does not mean you will see more than with one person as driver/guide. The best driver/guides are amazing and you'll think one person has numerous sets of eyes and ears. So, for example, if you do a fly-in safari, you'll be picked up from an airstrip nearest the camp you'll stay at. Often the person or people who meet you at the airstrip will be your guide while you are at the camp, and will take you back to the airstrip at the end of your stay, where they'll see you onto the next small plane as you head for the next destination.
On my most recent trip in 2014, i went using mostly Porini Camps and booked with Gamewatchers, and did the fly-in way. I did this trip with grandson, but saw other single travelers on the trip.
Another way to do a trip/safari is with one company and one driver, throughout the entire trip. They are not necessarily affiliated with a particular camp, but may get great rates at certain ones. Some of these safari companies have been mentioned in a most positive way on Fodors Forums and there are far, far more on tripadvisor (which also has far more info than what is on Fodors, r/t Africa). In that case, the ONE driver takes you and guides you in ALL the places you go. You'll usually get a choice of a van or jeep (more $$) . They'll have (or should have) a pop up roof for game viewing. The roll-up canvas sided jeeps will not be used---you need something with more "side" on it for the long trips on roads. You can do this kind of trip as a solo traveler as I did. There are many Kenyan based companies that do this. This is usually LESS costly than booking individual camps each with its own guides. Ive done it this way in the past but probably would not do again. However, that was just my experience, with a friend-recommended Nairobi based company who unfortunately booked a contracted driver (very common) who was not very good, imho.
For Uganda, I recommend researching a local Ugandan company. Also, do NOT be put off by high lodging prices---there are always less expensive but perfectly adequate places, These are often a lot more unique, filled with real local-ambiance (for want of a better term). See Inquest's fabulous Uganda trip report, and you'll see what I mean!
You say you like comfortable lodging. So do I. (Btw, I am older than you.) Well, you'll be amazed how even the most basic-lloking exterior tent has what you need inside!! Even bucket showers are a lot more comfortable--and a LOT more fun---than what you may imagine! And the brick and mortar lodges i've stayed at have been lovely...and less $ than the tented camps!
KathBC mentioned Samburu Reserve in another post and I 200% (not a type) agree with her!!!!! It is a very different place from the MM and totally worth the journey from Nairobi, either by plane or van or jeep.
Camps/lodges each have their now employee guides. These are the people who will go out with you "on safari" in search of the animals. Usually there is one person who is both driver and guide. Some camps (e.g. the Porini Camps) have both driver/guide and "spotter" so these two people will sit up front in the jeep. The jeep often has roll up canvas sides and there is no obstacle between you and the animals in terms of view. Note that there are many excellent folks of both kinds, and just because a camp has two folks up front, does not mean you will see more than with one person as driver/guide. The best driver/guides are amazing and you'll think one person has numerous sets of eyes and ears. So, for example, if you do a fly-in safari, you'll be picked up from an airstrip nearest the camp you'll stay at. Often the person or people who meet you at the airstrip will be your guide while you are at the camp, and will take you back to the airstrip at the end of your stay, where they'll see you onto the next small plane as you head for the next destination.
On my most recent trip in 2014, i went using mostly Porini Camps and booked with Gamewatchers, and did the fly-in way. I did this trip with grandson, but saw other single travelers on the trip.
Another way to do a trip/safari is with one company and one driver, throughout the entire trip. They are not necessarily affiliated with a particular camp, but may get great rates at certain ones. Some of these safari companies have been mentioned in a most positive way on Fodors Forums and there are far, far more on tripadvisor (which also has far more info than what is on Fodors, r/t Africa). In that case, the ONE driver takes you and guides you in ALL the places you go. You'll usually get a choice of a van or jeep (more $$) . They'll have (or should have) a pop up roof for game viewing. The roll-up canvas sided jeeps will not be used---you need something with more "side" on it for the long trips on roads. You can do this kind of trip as a solo traveler as I did. There are many Kenyan based companies that do this. This is usually LESS costly than booking individual camps each with its own guides. Ive done it this way in the past but probably would not do again. However, that was just my experience, with a friend-recommended Nairobi based company who unfortunately booked a contracted driver (very common) who was not very good, imho.
For Uganda, I recommend researching a local Ugandan company. Also, do NOT be put off by high lodging prices---there are always less expensive but perfectly adequate places, These are often a lot more unique, filled with real local-ambiance (for want of a better term). See Inquest's fabulous Uganda trip report, and you'll see what I mean!
You say you like comfortable lodging. So do I. (Btw, I am older than you.) Well, you'll be amazed how even the most basic-lloking exterior tent has what you need inside!! Even bucket showers are a lot more comfortable--and a LOT more fun---than what you may imagine! And the brick and mortar lodges i've stayed at have been lovely...and less $ than the tented camps!
KathBC mentioned Samburu Reserve in another post and I 200% (not a type) agree with her!!!!! It is a very different place from the MM and totally worth the journey from Nairobi, either by plane or van or jeep.
Jul 30th, 2017, 12:29 PM
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I have mentioned on another post how helpful everyone was and now feel I'm in the right direction. I'm now talking to ATR and Gamewatchers and decided to stay in conservancies. Even after reading in my guide books I wouldn't have clarity without you folks. Thank you.
Jul 31st, 2017, 09:30 AM
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Be very careful when booking a safari through an agent to be sure you are not using someone involved in game hunting. There is an excellent thread on TA posting out the TO's and camps that are connected with game hunting. ATR is on the list of someone who subcontracts to companies on the list. be sure to read through the whole thread as some upf=dates have been added since it was started.
Aug 1st, 2017, 09:01 AM
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Glad to hear you're doing well with GW, Terry. I was happy with 95% of their services on last trip to Kenya!! Worked with their USA rep, but it will make no difference if you're working with someone in UK--(don't you live in USA?). I should add though that the lodging they recommend for Uganda is quitehigh priced--so be sure, if you use them for Uganda as well, to ask for alternatives!
Aug 1st, 2017, 09:46 AM
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I know game hunting is illegal in Kenya but it is not in Tanzania. The OP asked about both countries. I should have clarified the TA thread about lodges and companies involved in game hunting is on the Tanzania forum.
Aug 2nd, 2017, 09:36 AM
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Just another voice chiming in about doing a safari as a solo traveller. I used Expert Africa for a two week trip in Southern Tanzania and was very happy with them. They worked with my budget and knew which camps offered "shoulder season" pricing or stay 3 nights and get a fourth night free. In most of the camps, I went on game drives with other guests (camp #1, an older couple and their adult children, so 5 of us in the game vehicle; camp #2, different people joined me on game drives each day; camp #3, mostly another solo traveler and I). At camps 1 and 2, lunch & dinners were group so plenty of people to chat with. Since it was my first trip to Africa, I didn't skip any game drives, but when I go back, i'll add in ranger walks and, depending on the camp, might skip a drive.
