Safari Planning--Where to Begin?
Feb 28th, 2012, 10:36 AM
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Safari Planning--Where to Begin?
My husband and I would like to go on an African safari in 2013. At this stage of the process (the very beginning), it is overwhelming. I'm willing to do the hard work but any guidance you can give me now will be greatly appreciated.
I went on a Micato safari to Kenya many years ago and very much enjoyed it. My husband has never been. While I loved my trip to Kenya, I would like to visit a different country and have narrowed it down to three: Tanzania, Botswana, or South Africa. If we go to either Botswana or South Africa, we would probably want to visit Victoria Falls.
So how do I begin gathering the information to choose?
At this point, we are looking at 10-12 nights in Africa. (It will take us forever (at least) to get there from Los Angeles. We do not want to self-drive and would prefer to stay in permanent tented camps. I'm guessing our budget is about $10,000 per person not including air fare. We haven't selected any particular time of year to travel. What other factors should I be considering? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each country? Besides all of you friendly folks providing insight, any pariticular resources I should be looking at?
Thanks in advance for setting me on the right path.
I went on a Micato safari to Kenya many years ago and very much enjoyed it. My husband has never been. While I loved my trip to Kenya, I would like to visit a different country and have narrowed it down to three: Tanzania, Botswana, or South Africa. If we go to either Botswana or South Africa, we would probably want to visit Victoria Falls.
So how do I begin gathering the information to choose?
At this point, we are looking at 10-12 nights in Africa. (It will take us forever (at least) to get there from Los Angeles. We do not want to self-drive and would prefer to stay in permanent tented camps. I'm guessing our budget is about $10,000 per person not including air fare. We haven't selected any particular time of year to travel. What other factors should I be considering? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each country? Besides all of you friendly folks providing insight, any pariticular resources I should be looking at?
Thanks in advance for setting me on the right path.
Feb 28th, 2012, 02:36 PM
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If you haven't done so yet, pick up a copy of Fodor's "Complete Safari Planning Guide" which covers all of the safari countries. Lots of useful information.
With $10K/person, you can choose any destination for 10-12/days, even if during peak seasons. For sure though, I would go on a private safari that you design for yourself, and with other than a Micato type as their prices are simply over-the-top.
But, 'when' you wish to travel - month is important, as different areas/countries would be better than others, so being able to pinpoint this would be helpful.
The Fodor's guide, does indicated seasons/time, as prices will be seasonal in all countries.
In the end, it's your safari, and right path for one isn't always the same for another. Try pinning down a 'when' and believe you'll get better input.
With $10K/person, you can choose any destination for 10-12/days, even if during peak seasons. For sure though, I would go on a private safari that you design for yourself, and with other than a Micato type as their prices are simply over-the-top.
But, 'when' you wish to travel - month is important, as different areas/countries would be better than others, so being able to pinpoint this would be helpful.
The Fodor's guide, does indicated seasons/time, as prices will be seasonal in all countries.
In the end, it's your safari, and right path for one isn't always the same for another. Try pinning down a 'when' and believe you'll get better input.
Feb 28th, 2012, 03:11 PM
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Thanks Sandi.
I was looking at that guidebook online this afternoon and will go ahead and order it this afternoon.
As to the "when," we are fortunate in that we aren't limited to specific months--we can do it whenever we want. I continue to lean towards Botswana.
So far it seems that June through October is peak dry season and presumably the most expensive. It's also very cold. Green season is November through February and hot. Is this right. Thus, I'm wondering about March, April or May. Any thoughts?
I was looking at that guidebook online this afternoon and will go ahead and order it this afternoon.
As to the "when," we are fortunate in that we aren't limited to specific months--we can do it whenever we want. I continue to lean towards Botswana.
So far it seems that June through October is peak dry season and presumably the most expensive. It's also very cold. Green season is November through February and hot. Is this right. Thus, I'm wondering about March, April or May. Any thoughts?
Feb 28th, 2012, 03:18 PM
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I agree with Sandi. the various possibilities are highly seasonal. So deciding on a "when" is a good start. Your budget is huge so you can afford the very best.
Next is where. For us, the biggest decision was southern vs. east Africa. Now that we've been to both (Botswana and Tanzania), here's a bit of "compare/contrast":
- Animals sightings: I think in general we saw more animals in Tanzania, except for the Mombo area which has incredible density. Tanzania also has the great migration. We seldom saw big herds of zebras and WB's in Botswana. Very slight edge to Tanzania if you can afford Mombo (which you can). Definite edge to Tanzania if you cannot.
- Landscape: The Okavanga Delta is stunning, but Tanzania has Ngorongoro Crater, Rift Valley, and Serengeti. Equal or very slight edge to TZ.
- Game drive experience: you can drive off-road and go on night drives in Botswana, which you cannot do most parks in TZ. Also there are far fewer tourists, and there are seldom more than 1-2 (3-4 at the most) other vehicles at a sighting in Botswana. Big edge to Botswana.
- Guiding: In Botswana you will usually do a fly-in safari and use camp guides. In TZ most people get their own guides and drive camp-to-camp. Edge to TZ if you get a good guide, as I think it's more enjoyable to have the rapport with one person for the entire trip, and driving allows you to see much more than flying. However, if your guide is not good, than it's a big edge to Botswana.
- Camps: The mid-high end camps are really nice in both countries. Equal.
- Cost: more expensive in Botswana.
So, having said all that, I would still pick Botswana for the first safari, esp at your budget. I think you are more assured of having an outstanding experience. In Tanzania there are more variables (quality of your guide, vehicle, location of migration, etc).
Hope this helps.
Next is where. For us, the biggest decision was southern vs. east Africa. Now that we've been to both (Botswana and Tanzania), here's a bit of "compare/contrast":
- Animals sightings: I think in general we saw more animals in Tanzania, except for the Mombo area which has incredible density. Tanzania also has the great migration. We seldom saw big herds of zebras and WB's in Botswana. Very slight edge to Tanzania if you can afford Mombo (which you can). Definite edge to Tanzania if you cannot.
- Landscape: The Okavanga Delta is stunning, but Tanzania has Ngorongoro Crater, Rift Valley, and Serengeti. Equal or very slight edge to TZ.
- Game drive experience: you can drive off-road and go on night drives in Botswana, which you cannot do most parks in TZ. Also there are far fewer tourists, and there are seldom more than 1-2 (3-4 at the most) other vehicles at a sighting in Botswana. Big edge to Botswana.
- Guiding: In Botswana you will usually do a fly-in safari and use camp guides. In TZ most people get their own guides and drive camp-to-camp. Edge to TZ if you get a good guide, as I think it's more enjoyable to have the rapport with one person for the entire trip, and driving allows you to see much more than flying. However, if your guide is not good, than it's a big edge to Botswana.
- Camps: The mid-high end camps are really nice in both countries. Equal.
- Cost: more expensive in Botswana.
So, having said all that, I would still pick Botswana for the first safari, esp at your budget. I think you are more assured of having an outstanding experience. In Tanzania there are more variables (quality of your guide, vehicle, location of migration, etc).
Hope this helps.
Feb 28th, 2012, 03:31 PM
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And remember Kenya and South Africa!!!
So many great safari locations and so few $$$ to spend on them (speaking for myself, that is).
regards - Tom
ps - oh, also Zambia has something to offer also.
So many great safari locations and so few $$$ to spend on them (speaking for myself, that is).
regards - Tom
ps - oh, also Zambia has something to offer also.
Feb 28th, 2012, 05:01 PM
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"What other factors should I be considering? "
-How important a private vehicle is to you, or is it not at all important? If you'd like a private vehicle, then that works best in Tanzania.
-Whether you want to see the wildebeest migration. If yes, then Tanzania.
-If you'd like to include some water activities such as being poled in a mekoro or doing one of the best wildlife river cruises on the continent (Chobe). If yes, then it's Botswana.
-Would you rather fly from camp to camp than drive? The Botswana makes sense or South Africa.
-How important is it that very few other vehicles are encountered throughout your entire trip? The more important that is, the more Botswana and South Africa move up on your list.
-How important is a trip to Victoria Falls? If very, then no Tanzania.
-Your preference for permanent tented camps is most easily accommodated in Botswana. South Africa tends to have lodges more than tents. You can get all tents or mostly tents in Tanzania.
-If you wish to see rhino and do not want to spend about $1500 or more per person per night for 2-3 of your nights, then Botswana is out. South Africa is the best bet, and Tanzania comes in next with rhino seen occasionally in the Serengeti and often in the crater.
"What are the advantages/disadvantages of each country?"
Really no DISadvantages. But there are features of some that can best match what you're looking for.
Check out this thorough comparison.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...a-tanzania.cfm
"Besides all of you friendly folks providing insight, any pariticular resources I should be looking at?"
Mark Nolting's Africa's Top Wildlife Countries
You ask about March, April, May and mention you are leaning toward Botswana. By May it's usually pretty nice in most of Botswana. In March parts of the delta, especially Kwara camp seem to really deliver at lower prices. I'd like to try Kwara in March. Generally March and April are wetter than later in the season such as June-Sept. I've always gone July or Aug to Botswana because the grass is shorter and there are fewer water sources so animals congregate around the remaining water holes. Makes for better viewing. Prices are higher then, too.
With your budget and your ability to travel anytime, I would try for June or later. I'd spend at least 3 nights per camp too.
Have a great trip! Your husband will finally find out what he has been missing.
-How important a private vehicle is to you, or is it not at all important? If you'd like a private vehicle, then that works best in Tanzania.
-Whether you want to see the wildebeest migration. If yes, then Tanzania.
-If you'd like to include some water activities such as being poled in a mekoro or doing one of the best wildlife river cruises on the continent (Chobe). If yes, then it's Botswana.
-Would you rather fly from camp to camp than drive? The Botswana makes sense or South Africa.
-How important is it that very few other vehicles are encountered throughout your entire trip? The more important that is, the more Botswana and South Africa move up on your list.
-How important is a trip to Victoria Falls? If very, then no Tanzania.
-Your preference for permanent tented camps is most easily accommodated in Botswana. South Africa tends to have lodges more than tents. You can get all tents or mostly tents in Tanzania.
-If you wish to see rhino and do not want to spend about $1500 or more per person per night for 2-3 of your nights, then Botswana is out. South Africa is the best bet, and Tanzania comes in next with rhino seen occasionally in the Serengeti and often in the crater.
"What are the advantages/disadvantages of each country?"
Really no DISadvantages. But there are features of some that can best match what you're looking for.
Check out this thorough comparison.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...a-tanzania.cfm
"Besides all of you friendly folks providing insight, any pariticular resources I should be looking at?"
Mark Nolting's Africa's Top Wildlife Countries
You ask about March, April, May and mention you are leaning toward Botswana. By May it's usually pretty nice in most of Botswana. In March parts of the delta, especially Kwara camp seem to really deliver at lower prices. I'd like to try Kwara in March. Generally March and April are wetter than later in the season such as June-Sept. I've always gone July or Aug to Botswana because the grass is shorter and there are fewer water sources so animals congregate around the remaining water holes. Makes for better viewing. Prices are higher then, too.
With your budget and your ability to travel anytime, I would try for June or later. I'd spend at least 3 nights per camp too.
Have a great trip! Your husband will finally find out what he has been missing.
Feb 28th, 2012, 05:59 PM
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My 18 yo daughter and I are heading to Africa this July. Our focus is to do and see as many different things as possible. See if any portion of this trip looks good to you.
JNB to Zambia and to Sausage Tree Camp. http://www.sausagetreecamp.com/ For canoeing, walking safari, tiger fishing.
Then to Royal Livingstone at Victoria Falls. http://royal-livingstone-hotel.com/
On to South Africa and Camp Jabulani for elephant back safari's, hot air balloon and animal rehab center. http://www.campjabulani.com/ http://www.hesc.co.za/
Last stop in SA is Londolozi. http://www.londolozi.com/en/home/
Best of luck to you. The planning was surely half the fun.
JNB to Zambia and to Sausage Tree Camp. http://www.sausagetreecamp.com/ For canoeing, walking safari, tiger fishing.
Then to Royal Livingstone at Victoria Falls. http://royal-livingstone-hotel.com/
On to South Africa and Camp Jabulani for elephant back safari's, hot air balloon and animal rehab center. http://www.campjabulani.com/ http://www.hesc.co.za/
Last stop in SA is Londolozi. http://www.londolozi.com/en/home/
Best of luck to you. The planning was surely half the fun.
Feb 29th, 2012, 02:11 AM
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amazing! we are in the process of planning a wonderful safari for June 2013... our 50th wedding anniversary.
We have a great travel agent that is walking us through the process...
Our budget is about the same...So far our itinerary is as follows:
Johannesburg..
Fly to Botswanna...2 nights in one spot..3 in another. Both luxury tented camps
Fly to Victoria Falls 2 nights
Fly back to S.A. spend 3 nights in MalaMala
Back to USA
Private touring throughout....
Maximizing animal viewing and avoiding big cities except for tour of Johannesburg.
Let us know how your planning pans out...
We have a great travel agent that is walking us through the process...
Our budget is about the same...So far our itinerary is as follows:
Johannesburg..
Fly to Botswanna...2 nights in one spot..3 in another. Both luxury tented camps
Fly to Victoria Falls 2 nights
Fly back to S.A. spend 3 nights in MalaMala
Back to USA
Private touring throughout....
Maximizing animal viewing and avoiding big cities except for tour of Johannesburg.
Let us know how your planning pans out...
Feb 29th, 2012, 06:48 AM
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Happy 50th and there's no better way to celebrate, Baba7.
WHERE in Botswana are you staying?
I'm sure your agent has passed on the info to the camp/lodge managers in Africa that you are celebrating a special event so you'll receive some extra attention and surprises.
As to "private touring," are you getting a private vehicle? If so, maybe the extra cost is not something you really need or want. Unless you have unique needs or are keen photographers with hefty equipment, you may not need to have your own vehicle. Perhaps "private touring" means you will not be with a group that moves as a unit from Botswana to Vic Falls to Mala Mala.
For your Joburg tour, does it include Soweto?
Should be a fantastic anniversary for you!
Pcnw, you and your daughter will have a wonderful time too.
WHERE in Botswana are you staying?
I'm sure your agent has passed on the info to the camp/lodge managers in Africa that you are celebrating a special event so you'll receive some extra attention and surprises.
As to "private touring," are you getting a private vehicle? If so, maybe the extra cost is not something you really need or want. Unless you have unique needs or are keen photographers with hefty equipment, you may not need to have your own vehicle. Perhaps "private touring" means you will not be with a group that moves as a unit from Botswana to Vic Falls to Mala Mala.
For your Joburg tour, does it include Soweto?
Should be a fantastic anniversary for you!
Pcnw, you and your daughter will have a wonderful time too.
Mar 1st, 2012, 03:05 PM
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"Why not just contact the real experts in Africa who have been doing it their entire lives."
Indeed, and your web site says - "South Africa Safari Packages are Fully Customisable and can be Tailormade to Suit You".
Well, thus we are then back to where we started, are we not. That is - What is it that I want? So maybe I should ask around some?
regards - tom
Indeed, and your web site says - "South Africa Safari Packages are Fully Customisable and can be Tailormade to Suit You".
Well, thus we are then back to where we started, are we not. That is - What is it that I want? So maybe I should ask around some?
regards - tom
Mar 6th, 2012, 03:36 AM
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My husband and I are leaving for Africa on April 23. We are in a similar situation to you - same budget, we live in the western U.S. I was totally overwhelmed when I started planning the trip. I did a lot of reading on this forum and based on one reply I got to my appeal for guidance I contacted Craig Beal at Travel Beyond. He was great in helping us plan our trip based on our needs, budget and timeline. It really helps sort things out to talk to someone who has experience and knowledge of the country. To make a long story short, we are flying (Economy Comfort class, extra leg room) to Johannesbury. All of the lodges where we are staying have a buy 3/stay 4 nights deal so we'll stay for 4 nights each at Mashatu Tented Camp in Botswana and Savanna Game Lodge and Phinda in South Africa. My husband is an avid photographer and is going to spend one morning at Mashatu in an elephant blind with a resident photographer. Planning this trip has been a pleasure for us, good luck with your planning and travels.
Mar 6th, 2012, 06:30 PM
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I have just returned from an extraordinary safari in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. This despite the fact its now the Green or off season when prices are significantly less than the peak winter season in June to September. My trip report is here:
http://safaritalk.net/topic/8028-bot...-green-season/
http://safaritalk.net/topic/8028-bot...-green-season/
Mar 6th, 2012, 07:25 PM
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labfans - how are the transfers being handled between camps?
I'll be watching for your trip report especially on Mashatu as I'm hoping to be there in 2013. Still trying to figure out which month tho and April is in the running.
I'll be watching for your trip report especially on Mashatu as I'm hoping to be there in 2013. Still trying to figure out which month tho and April is in the running.
Mar 8th, 2012, 01:32 PM
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Congratulations!
Like others I suggest Botswana and Victoria Falls.
Even the Delta.
It is overwhelming if you are starting from scratch and I suggest a good guide book with sample trips and the best times to go.
When something catches your eye you can post here for specific information on pros and cons.
Either that or we are gonna throw out all the possibilities especially with your huge budget!
Lol!!!!
Everything is nice and stands out in its own right.
It will come down to the your personal preference.
I also suggest Wikitravel to get your bearings.
The site is city specific and not overwhelming.
Like others I suggest Botswana and Victoria Falls.
Even the Delta.
It is overwhelming if you are starting from scratch and I suggest a good guide book with sample trips and the best times to go.
When something catches your eye you can post here for specific information on pros and cons.
Either that or we are gonna throw out all the possibilities especially with your huge budget!
Lol!!!!
Everything is nice and stands out in its own right.
It will come down to the your personal preference.
I also suggest Wikitravel to get your bearings.
The site is city specific and not overwhelming.
Mar 9th, 2012, 06:10 AM
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KathBC we have ground transfer - 3 hours - between Johannesburg and Mashatu. Mashatu to Savanna, Savanna to Phinda and Phinda back to Johannesburg will be light aircraft transfer. We are limited to 20 kg of luggage in a soft-sided duffel and 5 kg hand luggage on those light aircraft. We could have chosen ground transfer but decided that the time we would save by flying is worth the extra $$. I am a very reluctant flyer and this is my biggest worry of the trip - it's crazy. I will try to think of myself as Meryl Streep being flown by Robert Redford. Right after the shampoo scene.
Mar 9th, 2012, 08:13 AM
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Yes, that drive is a lot longer than three hours. You have to be to Pont Drift by 3pm, so double check that.
lebfans - you'll either love or hate the flights. I was uneasy too. But it turned out that I love those little planes! It's beautiful country you fly over. Enjoy it.
lebfans - you'll either love or hate the flights. I was uneasy too. But it turned out that I love those little planes! It's beautiful country you fly over. Enjoy it.
