heatherheather

I know a version of this question has been posted several times, but I am having trouble getting a good response to this from travel agents.

We are 4 people (all adults) who were starting to plan a 14-18 day trip from December 22+/- 2009 to January 7 +/- 2010 to Kenya/Tanzania for game watching (safari) and Zanzibar for scuba diving. We wanted to do more or less half and half beach/bush. Landscape and animals are our focus for the non scuba diving parts, Culture and great diving the focus for the non safari part. We are adventurous but not crazy, want to get close to animals (well, as close as we can), not really interested in luxury, but okay with it if we have to have it to get the experience we want, well traveled, but never to Africa and we usually travel by guidebook, not travel agent. We are looking to learn, be amazed and excited, and figure we can relax when we get back from the trip - we don't necessarily go on vacation to relax, that is!

Our travel agent is very experienced with South Africa and is raising big red flags about massive crowds at this time of year in Kenya, unreliable guides and a sketchy safety situation. I'm pretty sure if we could go in migartion season we would not worry about crowds becuase we have heard such wonderful things about the migration. HOWEVER, as this is not migration season, I am concerned about feeling like I am in a zoo with a bunch of tourists as opposed to focusing on the animals. I've been reading about great game watching on private reserves in Kruger and great diving off of Mozambique so now we are asking the million dollar question:

Given our dates of travel would you do South Africa/Mozambique or Kenya/Tanzania/Zanzibar?

sandi

The migration in East Africa is a living thing and "moves" - it's not in one place year-round. During Dec/Jan, the migrating herds can be found in Tanzania, in/around the Ndutu/Southeast Serengeti where they "calve" their young and remain thru March. So, the migration is on!

As you'll be traveling over Christmas/New Year, wherever you go (East or Southern Africa) will be peak season, not only for visitors, but also locals.

Guides from reputable operators/outfitters are experienced, friendly, welcoming and safety is as good here as would be other safari destinations. Even during the political upheaval in Kenya last year (Jan '08), tourists were never targeted nor harmed; those who visited had outstanding experiences and only wished those who chose to cancel hadn't as they missed out.

If you wish good diving, consider Zanzibar or for more remote there is Pemba or Mafia Islands, also off the Tanzania coast. So if these coastal islands for diving, it only makes sense to visit Tanzania for safari.

ShayTay

Your time period falls during the short rains in East Africa. However, they "should" only be afternoon showers... hard to say from year to year. It's always "the migration season" somewhere in East Africa. The herds are usually in Tanzania by Dec - Jan, so you might consider doing a safari in Tanzania, rather than Kenya. The crowds are usually smaller, as well. Also, Zanzibar is a part of Tanzania, so you'd only be going to one country, instead of two. It's the rainy season in southern Africa, as well, so you won't avoid the rains by going there.

I don't know that the crowds this year will be "massive" anywhere in Africa. There are good guides in Kenya and travelers there have been safe, so I'd say your agent is a bit biased.

ShayTay

I see we posted at the same time, Sandi, and reached the same conclusion!

sandi

... we sure did!