jczinn

I had posted earlier about working with Birding & Beyond for my Northern Tanzania safari. And I have gotten a proposal from them. But it seems that I should at least get some pricing/proposals from other operators! My problem is that I really need a guide who knows birds well (not just the common ones but can also find the endemics and LBJs..)

Can anyone suggest another operator that may be able to provide a proposal with a bird guide?

cary999

Roy Safaris in Arusha
http://www.roysafaris.com/safaris.html

regards - tom

jczinn

thanks Tom--I had wondered about Roy's. They don't say anything on their website about birding, but I'll drop them an email.

Nikao

you should make your wishes clear to the safari company. A lot of guides are really into birding, even though it is never advertised this way.

cary999

As you likely remember I had two week safari with them TZ last Feb. Average cost per day was $440 pppn. This for -two- persons per vehicle and during peak Feb season.

You need to talk with Sanjay, he is manager. They employ about 20 guides and I'm sure some of them are keen on birds. Emphasis that to Sanjay. Sometimes email is a little "quirky" with them there.

regards - tom

sandi

... "some of them keen on birds?" Goodness, I'd say most of them. It's quite amazing that regardless how good the Roy's guides are spotting game, they get so excited when it comes to birds and if their guests are into these beautiful creatures... you've made a friend for life!

Nikao

hehe you are right sandi. On my first trip I must say I wasn't keen on birds at all and was a bit surprised by the guides beeing more excitec about some birds than spotting other 'big' game.
In 1 camp they would even go out with each other to do some birding in between game drives. I thought it was really great to see this passion!

jczinn

I've heard back from Sanjay at Roy's and it seems they have guided many of the birding groups (although those groups also, of course, bring their own guides.) But he seemed to have a handle on what birders want.... So he will be sending me a proposal. Thanks for the suggestion!

sangeeta

jczinn - there is a relatively new ST member called TzBirder who I believe does precisely the sort of thing you're looking for. Not sure about his pricing, but he is a guide trainer and seems very knowledgeable. No harm asking him as well. I believe his website is ethan-kinsey.com