Micato or Tauck pr A&K?
Apr 18th, 2007, 07:26 AM
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Micato or Tauck pr A&K?
Am looking at January East Africa tours by Micato, Tauck and A&K and would love feedback. Tauck says it sells a trip protection policy for $490 which lets you canel ANY time for ANY reason - sounds too good to be true, but if it IS true, is this a reason to pick Tauck over the others? Micato keeps winning Trael and Leisure Award. Thanks, Jess
Apr 18th, 2007, 07:39 AM
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i would recommend micato over A&K from personal experience. Haven't dealt with Tauck, but they do a good job in general. I know A&K has lost a good deal of their prestige in Africa. Charge the prices, but don't deliver service as well as the others.
Apr 18th, 2007, 12:13 PM
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We took the Tauck tour to Tanzania and Kenya last September and absolutely loved it. I have no experience with Micato or A&K so no basis for comparison. We have taken several Tauck tours and have never been disappointed.
Apr 18th, 2007, 01:14 PM
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Have been on 5 Tauck Tours. Loved everyone of them. First Class is all I can say.
Now......Africa.....did myself and saved literally a couple thousand dollars. Upgraded all accomodations from the Tauck Tour with Roy Safari's and saved a bundle. Only time I have tried this, but felt it was worth every penny saved from all the info gathered on this site.
Now......Africa.....did myself and saved literally a couple thousand dollars. Upgraded all accomodations from the Tauck Tour with Roy Safari's and saved a bundle. Only time I have tried this, but felt it was worth every penny saved from all the info gathered on this site.
Apr 18th, 2007, 02:23 PM
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Is that $490 total, or per person?
I would check www.insuremytrip.com and compare what they offer for the same value of your international flight (assume you paid for these tickets; if not and used FF miles, then don't include in total cost of trip).
Some of the policies on this site, offer "cancel for any reason" for a small supplement.
Only by comparing do you know whether this is a good deal. It's also important to know, with whom the policy offered by Tauck is underwritten. Often, it is suggested, you purchase your insurance separate from your tour operator, in case they go bankrupt, you may not be covered!
I would check www.insuremytrip.com and compare what they offer for the same value of your international flight (assume you paid for these tickets; if not and used FF miles, then don't include in total cost of trip).
Some of the policies on this site, offer "cancel for any reason" for a small supplement.
Only by comparing do you know whether this is a good deal. It's also important to know, with whom the policy offered by Tauck is underwritten. Often, it is suggested, you purchase your insurance separate from your tour operator, in case they go bankrupt, you may not be covered!
Apr 18th, 2007, 02:33 PM
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Here's a previous thread that discusses third party "cancel for any reason" insurance http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34925208
Note that there is a deductible.
The type of insurance sold wouldn't factor high on my list of reasons for choosing a particular operator.
Note that there is a deductible.
The type of insurance sold wouldn't factor high on my list of reasons for choosing a particular operator.
Apr 18th, 2007, 04:34 PM
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If you post the specific itineraries and pricing from the companies, then you can get better feedback. All 3 are high end and reputable.
It would also be to your benefit to do what dssxxxx did and send your desired itinerary to one of the many Africa specialists mentioned on the forum.
Then you'll have many good options to choose from.
It would also be to your benefit to do what dssxxxx did and send your desired itinerary to one of the many Africa specialists mentioned on the forum.
Then you'll have many good options to choose from.
Apr 18th, 2007, 11:13 PM
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I can only give you feed back on one - Micato. It was the most incredible trip that I have ever been on, hands down. Truly, the most AWESOME trip of our lives, and I believe Micato played a huge part in this.
As I have said many times on this board, they are a first class operation, and they delievered a first class trip (please note that is different from luxury - we were not at the Crater Lodge and the small luxury camps, we were on the Stanley Wing Safari which uses mostly the mainstream lodges, Sopa and Serena along with one tented camp).
They met my expectations from their brochure and more - way more. Their staff was incredible from the booking on through to the guides, drivers and concierge (safari director/escort), Their vehichles were clean, comfy, roomy and reliable. The logistics ran as smooth as ice, and even if it hadn't, we had the safari director with us 24 x 7.
And would I go again with Micato?
You bet!! We're going in three weeks.
OOOHMIGOSH!!!
Three weeks - aargh, that's so soon!!!! (Sandi, how do you do this??? I'm going to be a wreck!)
PS - I'm with Patty on the insurance, I wouldn't think of that as a high selling point as NOTHING could have made me cancel my trip to Africa either last year or this year!!!
As I have said many times on this board, they are a first class operation, and they delievered a first class trip (please note that is different from luxury - we were not at the Crater Lodge and the small luxury camps, we were on the Stanley Wing Safari which uses mostly the mainstream lodges, Sopa and Serena along with one tented camp).
They met my expectations from their brochure and more - way more. Their staff was incredible from the booking on through to the guides, drivers and concierge (safari director/escort), Their vehichles were clean, comfy, roomy and reliable. The logistics ran as smooth as ice, and even if it hadn't, we had the safari director with us 24 x 7.
And would I go again with Micato?
You bet!! We're going in three weeks.
OOOHMIGOSH!!!
Three weeks - aargh, that's so soon!!!! (Sandi, how do you do this??? I'm going to be a wreck!)PS - I'm with Patty on the insurance, I wouldn't think of that as a high selling point as NOTHING could have made me cancel my trip to Africa either last year or this year!!!
Apr 19th, 2007, 04:53 AM
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LyndaS -
You're too funny.
How do I do this. Like a zombie... with few exceptions, I pack the same clothing year-in, year-out - of course, with some new "stuff" tossed in, and that probably doesn't get worn.
And now, I have to buy a new duffle (a zipper issue); the least of my concerns as they're so inexpensive @ $25-$35. Have yet to buy my insurance, but then, I haven't paid yet, so haven't the slightest what to cover. My Malarone script is a standing order with my doc and pharmacy. After awhile it becomes so routine, I don't give it much thought... often don't pack till a few days before departing... you'll get there! The more you do it, the easier it gets
For me, it's getting the work that has to be done before departing, that gets me loony!
You're too funny.
How do I do this. Like a zombie... with few exceptions, I pack the same clothing year-in, year-out - of course, with some new "stuff" tossed in, and that probably doesn't get worn.
And now, I have to buy a new duffle (a zipper issue); the least of my concerns as they're so inexpensive @ $25-$35. Have yet to buy my insurance, but then, I haven't paid yet, so haven't the slightest what to cover. My Malarone script is a standing order with my doc and pharmacy. After awhile it becomes so routine, I don't give it much thought... often don't pack till a few days before departing... you'll get there! The more you do it, the easier it gets
For me, it's getting the work that has to be done before departing, that gets me loony!
Apr 19th, 2007, 09:28 AM
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Jess
I see all three companies on a regular basis in the parks.
In my opinion there is only way to truly select one above the other: compare their actual itineraries for your preferred travel dates! Pick a few itineraries and post them here for comments.
A suitable itinerary is a much better reason to choose an company than the cancellation policy!
I see all three companies on a regular basis in the parks.
In my opinion there is only way to truly select one above the other: compare their actual itineraries for your preferred travel dates! Pick a few itineraries and post them here for comments.
A suitable itinerary is a much better reason to choose an company than the cancellation policy!
Apr 20th, 2007, 06:24 AM
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Thanks to everyone; while I am still researching, my current "decision" is to book Micato's Heart of Kenya and Tanzania with a Zanzibar extension. I'll skip the balloon ride as I've done that elsewhere. I'll probably buy insurance spearately with a "cancel for any reason" clause (What if the dog gets sick?) This trip is like the big pink magnolia I planted - a "classic" I've always dreamed of, although in the rest of my life and travel I pretty much go it alone and "see what happens."
Apr 20th, 2007, 01:55 PM
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Jess
I trust you came to this board to hear different opinions to help you make the right decisions about your upcoming safari. If not, then my post is useless but that's OK!
If one removes the emotion and look beyond the cheerleading promoting this style of safari, the numbers are staggering.
January 2007 Itinerary - Heart of Kenya and Tanzania
Advertized at $7460 per person for a group tour (up to 6 per vehicle, several in convoy)
Nairobi - Norfolk - 2 nights
Tarangire - Sopa - 1 night (flight)
Ngorongoro - Sopa - 2 nights
Serengeti - Sopa - 2 nights
Masai Mara - Kichwa - 2 nights (flight)
Nairobi - dayroom (flight)
By searching the internet, the rack rate is $3900 per person for a private 4WD safari for 2
Let's play around a bit and compare an upgraded itinerary visiting the same parks:
Nairobi - Norfolk - 2 nights
Tarangire - Swala - 1 night (flight)
Ngorongoro - Crater Lodge - 2 nights
Serengeti - CCAfrica Luxury under Canvas - 2 nights
Masai Mara - Bateleur - 2 nights (flight)
Nairobi - dayroom (flight)
By searching the internet, the rack rate is $7050 per person for a partially private 4WD safari for 2
In addition, by optimizing the itinerary (removing the one night Tarangire in January, etc), one can design a better overall experience, but only if you are interested!
I trust you came to this board to hear different opinions to help you make the right decisions about your upcoming safari. If not, then my post is useless but that's OK!
If one removes the emotion and look beyond the cheerleading promoting this style of safari, the numbers are staggering.
January 2007 Itinerary - Heart of Kenya and Tanzania
Advertized at $7460 per person for a group tour (up to 6 per vehicle, several in convoy)
Nairobi - Norfolk - 2 nights
Tarangire - Sopa - 1 night (flight)
Ngorongoro - Sopa - 2 nights
Serengeti - Sopa - 2 nights
Masai Mara - Kichwa - 2 nights (flight)
Nairobi - dayroom (flight)
By searching the internet, the rack rate is $3900 per person for a private 4WD safari for 2
Let's play around a bit and compare an upgraded itinerary visiting the same parks:
Nairobi - Norfolk - 2 nights
Tarangire - Swala - 1 night (flight)
Ngorongoro - Crater Lodge - 2 nights
Serengeti - CCAfrica Luxury under Canvas - 2 nights
Masai Mara - Bateleur - 2 nights (flight)
Nairobi - dayroom (flight)
By searching the internet, the rack rate is $7050 per person for a partially private 4WD safari for 2
In addition, by optimizing the itinerary (removing the one night Tarangire in January, etc), one can design a better overall experience, but only if you are interested!
Apr 20th, 2007, 07:20 PM
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Jess215-
If you need a good long read (be prepared, it's detailed!) my trip report of our Stanley Wing Safari, including Zanzibar is at:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34822022
This is a group safari though, ours was 3 vehicles of 6 each last year, so if you do prefer a private safari, you may want to design your own safari, get quotes, etc from some of the outfitters mentioned on this board, as Eben says, it may work out cheaper that way for you.
Jim and I really wanted a group tour though, we love to be with people, and we are really easy to get along with. We just couldn't see us being by ourselves for 3 weeks with a driver/guide that we may or may not like. It just seemed lonely to us, and at the time, we worked together during the day too. That in itself can get a little lonely at times with no outside social contact! This year, our tour (Micato's Hemmingway Wing Safari) has only 6 of us, and, I must say, I was a little disapointed. I think 12 would be a nice number!
The other reason that we chose this type of safari was that we did not, and still do not, have much time to 'put together' and plan a safari - planning, emailing, changing, researching, emailing, changing, planning, etc. Once I came on this board, I found the 'knowledge', but knew I still couldn't find the time. Maybe when we retire I can, but for now, and for the foreseeable future, one of my 'buying' points of this type of safari was that I could give Micato my credit card number, make sure the money was in the bank, and let them plan the logistics. And, I knew the cost up front, as everything except laundry & alcohol are included, even the tips at the camps, lodges.
But again, this isn't for everyone, that I do realize. It's just a personal choice for me.
If you are interested in reading what others have done, here is a link to an East African Trip Report Index:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34860283
The Zanzibar extension by the way was INCREDIBLE! I wish that we could go back this year, but I couldn't get the extra time off work (new job last year). Micato will give you a choice of a beach extension (Blue Bay up on the north shore I believe), or Stonetown Serena Inn - we chose the Serena and loved it! I would LOVE to spend three days just sitting on that balcony staring at the ocean and going down for lobster every once in a while....
If you need a good long read (be prepared, it's detailed!) my trip report of our Stanley Wing Safari, including Zanzibar is at:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34822022
This is a group safari though, ours was 3 vehicles of 6 each last year, so if you do prefer a private safari, you may want to design your own safari, get quotes, etc from some of the outfitters mentioned on this board, as Eben says, it may work out cheaper that way for you.
Jim and I really wanted a group tour though, we love to be with people, and we are really easy to get along with. We just couldn't see us being by ourselves for 3 weeks with a driver/guide that we may or may not like. It just seemed lonely to us, and at the time, we worked together during the day too. That in itself can get a little lonely at times with no outside social contact! This year, our tour (Micato's Hemmingway Wing Safari) has only 6 of us, and, I must say, I was a little disapointed. I think 12 would be a nice number!
The other reason that we chose this type of safari was that we did not, and still do not, have much time to 'put together' and plan a safari - planning, emailing, changing, researching, emailing, changing, planning, etc. Once I came on this board, I found the 'knowledge', but knew I still couldn't find the time. Maybe when we retire I can, but for now, and for the foreseeable future, one of my 'buying' points of this type of safari was that I could give Micato my credit card number, make sure the money was in the bank, and let them plan the logistics. And, I knew the cost up front, as everything except laundry & alcohol are included, even the tips at the camps, lodges.
But again, this isn't for everyone, that I do realize. It's just a personal choice for me.
If you are interested in reading what others have done, here is a link to an East African Trip Report Index:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34860283
The Zanzibar extension by the way was INCREDIBLE! I wish that we could go back this year, but I couldn't get the extra time off work (new job last year). Micato will give you a choice of a beach extension (Blue Bay up on the north shore I believe), or Stonetown Serena Inn - we chose the Serena and loved it! I would LOVE to spend three days just sitting on that balcony staring at the ocean and going down for lobster every once in a while....
Apr 21st, 2007, 05:29 AM
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While keeping the overall idea the same, another improvement:
Nairobi - Norfolk - 1 night
Lake Manyara - Tree Lodge - 2 nights (flight)
Ngorongoro - Crater Lodge - 2 nights
Serengeti - CCAfrica Luxury under Canvas - 2 nights
Masai Mara - Bateleur - 2 nights (flight)
Nairobi - dayroom (flight)
By searching the internet, the RACK (not actual) rate is $7900 per person for truly memorable accommodations!
notes:
1. Most outfitters will discount my sample itineraries by average 5-10%. For less than $7460 pp, one get to stay in some of the best properties in East Africa!
2. Sopa Lodges vs. CCAfrica properties. Need I say more?
3. Transfers and game drives will be done by CCAfrica - I rate their guides higher than the guides from most other companies
4. Drinks and laundry are INCLUDED! (Except in Nairobi)
5. If you enjoy meeting others and sharing safari vehicles, the above itinerary does exactly that! You will be sharing the CCAfrica vehicles with 2-4 others.
As for Zanzibar, the RACK rate for the 4-day extension using Zanzibar Serena is $1345 per person. The advertized cost is $1745.
Assuming a 5-10% discount, one can easily save $1000 per couple on Zanzibar when using a different operator!
Finally, I don't get the notion that it is hard to plan a simple safari such as the one outlined above!
a) You call a reputable agent, operator or outfitter and give them a sample itinerary gathered from Fodors or brochure or the internet. They may offer advice or suggestions or modifications.
b) You get a quote and pay the deposit (credit cards are accepted by many)
c) You buy your insurance and international air tickets.
d) You receive your safari package, get visas and shots, buy clothes and eventually pay the balance
e) You arrive, meet your local representative at the airport and are escorted until you return home!
Unless you travel with truly budget outfitters, the whole process is well-understood, pretty standard, rather simple and repeated many times a week by a vast array of outfitters!
Nairobi - Norfolk - 1 night
Lake Manyara - Tree Lodge - 2 nights (flight)
Ngorongoro - Crater Lodge - 2 nights
Serengeti - CCAfrica Luxury under Canvas - 2 nights
Masai Mara - Bateleur - 2 nights (flight)
Nairobi - dayroom (flight)
By searching the internet, the RACK (not actual) rate is $7900 per person for truly memorable accommodations!
notes:
1. Most outfitters will discount my sample itineraries by average 5-10%. For less than $7460 pp, one get to stay in some of the best properties in East Africa!
2. Sopa Lodges vs. CCAfrica properties. Need I say more?
3. Transfers and game drives will be done by CCAfrica - I rate their guides higher than the guides from most other companies
4. Drinks and laundry are INCLUDED! (Except in Nairobi)
5. If you enjoy meeting others and sharing safari vehicles, the above itinerary does exactly that! You will be sharing the CCAfrica vehicles with 2-4 others.
As for Zanzibar, the RACK rate for the 4-day extension using Zanzibar Serena is $1345 per person. The advertized cost is $1745.
Assuming a 5-10% discount, one can easily save $1000 per couple on Zanzibar when using a different operator!
Finally, I don't get the notion that it is hard to plan a simple safari such as the one outlined above!
a) You call a reputable agent, operator or outfitter and give them a sample itinerary gathered from Fodors or brochure or the internet. They may offer advice or suggestions or modifications.
b) You get a quote and pay the deposit (credit cards are accepted by many)
c) You buy your insurance and international air tickets.
d) You receive your safari package, get visas and shots, buy clothes and eventually pay the balance
e) You arrive, meet your local representative at the airport and are escorted until you return home!
Unless you travel with truly budget outfitters, the whole process is well-understood, pretty standard, rather simple and repeated many times a week by a vast array of outfitters!
Apr 21st, 2007, 09:24 AM
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Re: doing essentially a "mirror image" of a tour, and saving a bundle - even while upgrading some - is intriguing, and is usually my style - but not at this time, especially since I will be travelling solo. I LOVE the internet planning, comparing, etc. , but in the event - when something goes awry, this could be a wonderful discovery or a helluva waste of time and money and energy. This time, I'll get to evaluate the choices made by Micato (or whomever I pick) and see what I'd like to do differently, another time, on my own. In my experience, a snafu in Paris or Tokyo (for example)- , can be a delightful seredipidous experience - and language lesson,-- amd if it isn't, so what? On a first trip to Africa, I think I'll just relax and learn.
Apr 21st, 2007, 10:23 AM
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Jess, I ditto everything Lynda said about Micato and the tour group experience. This was my first-ever group tour ANYWHERE; normally I enjoy the freedom and money-savings of planning my own trips, and we're not particularly "social" people. But there is absolutely nothing wrong with saying "This is my first trip to Africa and I want everything to go right." Plus I really think the social interaction of the safari was an enormous bonus that I didn't even consider before we went. Of course you could always end up with some people that don't get along, but we asked our safari director Tonnie about this and he said frankly it doesn't happen very often. Our group of 12 was a perfect size (2 vehicles of 6 each). We rotated who sat in which car every time we changed parks so we had new people to talk to and share the experience with. I never thought I would say this, but I personally don't think I would want to do a private safari, having had this experience!
