patandhank

DH and I are looking at finally planning our E. Africa Safari. Loads of information (I'm in overload) on this site and the East Africa thread. One of the safari's I'm considering is the following:

http://www.kiliwarriors.com/safari_augustCM.htm

Looking to do this in either August/Sep 2010.

I know everyone keeps writing a lot about private safaris, but we're thinking we would actually like to have maybe a few other people (but not a large group) to chat and share experiences with and because we don't have friends that like to do much in the way of travel, it's one of the reasons that the "group of 8" appealed to me. One of the few companies I've found with an option for a group this few in number.

Opinions on the company? Did I search and only a couple of really old hits.

Yes, our days are limited 14 or 16 and yes we want to have a taste of both Kenya and Tanzania.

Thanks!

atravelynn

As I was reading the Diamond itinerary I was thinking, "This is set up to visit great parks with no rushing, but these properties are way too costly. Too bad."

But then I scrolled down to the Gold itinerary and thought like Goldilocks, "It's just right." They even have you go to Lake Eyasi and visit the Hadzabe people.

14 to 16 days is a good amount of time and you are going to the crown jewel of Kenya's national parks along with Tanzania.

I have only read positive things about Kiliwarriors and have had helpful email correspondence with the owner. I've never traveled with them.

If you wanted top of the line fanciest luxury, Diamonds is it. I'd do the Gold--which has very nice accommdations that can also be considered luxury--and who knows, maybe eventually I actually will. Thanks for the alert.

Marija

Unless you're traveling by private vehicle, safaris are a group adventure since you share accomodations, vehicles and meals with others. At each camp you meet different people. The "Diamond" itinerary which claims to go even with two participants takes you to several &beyond camps (used to be CC Africa) where you will mix with whoever is there and take game rides with them. If you're part of a group you may have the same people in the camp vehicles at the different camps, which is an asset only if you like the people. Serengeti Under Canvas used to have a limit of 8 people, I'm not sure if that's still the case. If you're the only two signed up for a particular date you'll have a "private" safari anyway but it won't really be private since you'll meet plenty of people along the way. I wouldn't give the "only eight" too much weight. Choose an itinerary that you like and see what it costs.

photowannabe

I am trying to plan my trip to Kenya/Tanzania as well. I have run across many helpful posts by the owner of Kiliwarriors. He is willing to share a great deal of knowledge regardless of what company you are using. I am hoping to travel in August/Sept of 2009 and from what I have gathered the trip you are looking at hits all of the major activity for that time of the year.

patandhank

I did wonder about what Marija touched on - that is even if we did a "private" safari we would meet and be able to chat with others at the camps/lodges. Appreciate the comments there.

atravelynn - thanks for your comments on the itinerary too. Like I said, feeling overwhelmed (as everyone says) about what would consitute a "good" itinerary given the time we have. May sound horrible to say (seems alot of people know what they want), but we're looking for a good overall itinerary and other than wanting a taste of both Kenya and Tanzania, we don't have any real "must see" spots.

Glad to hear this is a responsive company too.

Thanks for the input!

patandhank

P.S.

Photowannabe - would love to hear what you end up doing itineary wise and plan and how it goes!

atravelynn

If the price was right, I don't think you could go wrong with this itinerary, especially Aug or Sept. Even the order of the parks is right.

On your arrival into Arusha, I'd see if you could do even a quick Arusha National Park visit because the terrain is more forest-like than anything else you would see.

In fact if you have enough vacation days, I'd consider arriving a day early, in case of delays of your flight, your luggage, or jet lag problems. Then for sure you could visit Arusha National Park and even do the walking and canoeing activities offered.

As to enjoying the company of fellow travelers, I've never found it hard to mingle with others on safari whether we shared a vehicle or not. People like to share their sightings with others and talk about where they are going and where they've been. You certainly all have something in common.

PatandHank & Photowannabe, please let us know what you decide.