Where to go?
Jul 29th, 2011, 09:14 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Where to go?
We would like to go on an African Safari, but there are so many places to see and it is hard to choose! Any suggestions for a first time trip to Africa which would introduce us to a variety of animals and some African culture? We would have about 2 1/2 weeks. My husband and I are active retirees in our early 60s.
Jul 30th, 2011, 03:44 AM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2008
Posts: 12,268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
www.travelzoo.com has great packages in Kenya
with friendlyplanet.com 5 star lodings safari air
from $1795 on sale...
or a bit more
www.porini.com ecocamps are great
Just a heads up many scammers/touts about
I NEVER wire money ALWAYS pay with Credit Card.
Insuremytrip.com always wise
For super custom upscale zicasso.com
Happy Planning!
with friendlyplanet.com 5 star lodings safari air
from $1795 on sale...
or a bit more
www.porini.com ecocamps are great
Just a heads up many scammers/touts about
I NEVER wire money ALWAYS pay with Credit Card.
Insuremytrip.com always wise
For super custom upscale zicasso.com
Happy Planning!
Jul 30th, 2011, 04:06 AM
#3
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 5,215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Two and half weeks is a reasonable amount of time to travel all the way to Africa and experience much. Yes, you are correct and you will get as many different good as answers as there are replies here.
You need to start somewhere. How about looking at Fodors book about African safari -
http://www.fodors.com/guidebooks/specialty-travel/
Read this, about 1/3 the way down after the lion pictures, where Hogan talks about six different areas for safari -
http://www.bythom.com/botswanaworkshop2.htm
And budget??? Be prepared for $500 per person per day, plus airfare over and back. Can be done for less or more $$$.
regards - tom
You need to start somewhere. How about looking at Fodors book about African safari -
http://www.fodors.com/guidebooks/specialty-travel/
Read this, about 1/3 the way down after the lion pictures, where Hogan talks about six different areas for safari -
http://www.bythom.com/botswanaworkshop2.htm
And budget??? Be prepared for $500 per person per day, plus airfare over and back. Can be done for less or more $$$.
regards - tom
Jul 30th, 2011, 04:16 AM
#4
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For a first trip to Africa I think South Africa would be a great choice. South Africa has great infrastructure, a world class city (Cape Town), scenic touring possibilities (wine country, Garden Route) and one of the finest safari destinations in Africa (the Kruger region, comprised of Kruger National Park and adjacent reserves such as Sabi Sand and Timbavati). If you've been independent travelers before South Africa would be ideal for you. You could easily plan the entire trip yourselves. There are plenty of hotels spanning the entire price range, the roads are good and if you've driven on the left before you can easily get around by yourselves---even if you haven't driven on the left before, adjusting comes quickly. You could divvy up the time according to your interests (more touring, less safari; less touring, more safari).
Despite bad press sometimes on safety in Africa, I've never experienced a problem. You just need to exercise common sense; e.g., don't flash jewelry or money, don't leave things in the car open to view, make sure you know where you're going.
Some people like to hop around and include Vic Falls with a trip to South Africa. It's certainly doable in the time you have but I would suggest spending your entire time in South Africa. Many times I think people figure Africa might be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so they get ambitious and perhaps try to do too much. Often, first-time visitors find themselves captivated by Africa and begin planning a return immediately. If you love South Africa, you could then plan a combined and relaxed trip to Vic Falls and Botswana.
Good luck with your planning, Steve
Despite bad press sometimes on safety in Africa, I've never experienced a problem. You just need to exercise common sense; e.g., don't flash jewelry or money, don't leave things in the car open to view, make sure you know where you're going.
Some people like to hop around and include Vic Falls with a trip to South Africa. It's certainly doable in the time you have but I would suggest spending your entire time in South Africa. Many times I think people figure Africa might be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, so they get ambitious and perhaps try to do too much. Often, first-time visitors find themselves captivated by Africa and begin planning a return immediately. If you love South Africa, you could then plan a combined and relaxed trip to Vic Falls and Botswana.
Good luck with your planning, Steve
Aug 2nd, 2011, 01:30 PM
#7
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
"City" Capetown in a keeper and well worth 3-4/days. And, you don't have to go to the winelands which is only one option in the area... lots of stuff to see and do otherwise.
As cary999 mentions, pick up a copy of Fodor's <i>Complete Safari Planning Guide</i>, which covers all of the safari countries, with country background/history/culture, when to visit, where to visit, places to lay your head, estimated costs (these are seasonal) and other useful info.
There is no one answer for everyone. While South Africa has the best overall infrastructure and adds a level of comfort for some first-timers, others prefer a "truer" safari experience whether in the southern (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia) or eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda or Uganda) of the Continent, so do the research for which works best in your situation.
As cary999 mentions, pick up a copy of Fodor's <i>Complete Safari Planning Guide</i>, which covers all of the safari countries, with country background/history/culture, when to visit, where to visit, places to lay your head, estimated costs (these are seasonal) and other useful info.
There is no one answer for everyone. While South Africa has the best overall infrastructure and adds a level of comfort for some first-timers, others prefer a "truer" safari experience whether in the southern (Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia) or eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda or Uganda) of the Continent, so do the research for which works best in your situation.
Aug 2nd, 2011, 02:00 PM
#8
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,286
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
S Africa or Kenya/Tanz for 2 weeks would be great. I am a big fan of S Africa, and keep going back. Just keep in mind that you can do an independent trip with private guides and drivers in cities and camp transfers. A good safari outfitter can do it for a comparable (or less expensive) price than a group tour. Cape Town, the Garden Route and the Kruger area combine well.
Have fun planning!
Have fun planning!
Aug 4th, 2011, 03:37 PM
#9
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2.5 weeks is great. Do you have dates you plan to travel? Do you have a budget you care to share?
Where you go may depend on the importance of:
seeing the wildebeest/zebra migration-Kenya/TZ
see the Big 5 (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard)- easiest in SA, followed by Kenya with the right parks, followed by TZ with the typical parks
what you decide on "city" things-Cape Town means SA
doing a hike to see the gorillas-Kenya/TZ
particular species-depends what species though Kenya, TZ, SA all have a nice variety
having sightings to yourself with few other vehicles-Sabi Sands in South Africa or private concessions in Kenya or more remote parks in TZ
any strong preference for tented camps vs lodges-Lodges are more common in SA
having a private vehicle for just the 2 of you-more economical to do in Kenya, followed by TZ. Expensive in SA.
Many great options out there for you.
Where you go may depend on the importance of:
seeing the wildebeest/zebra migration-Kenya/TZ
see the Big 5 (lion, buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard)- easiest in SA, followed by Kenya with the right parks, followed by TZ with the typical parks
what you decide on "city" things-Cape Town means SA
doing a hike to see the gorillas-Kenya/TZ
particular species-depends what species though Kenya, TZ, SA all have a nice variety
having sightings to yourself with few other vehicles-Sabi Sands in South Africa or private concessions in Kenya or more remote parks in TZ
any strong preference for tented camps vs lodges-Lodges are more common in SA
having a private vehicle for just the 2 of you-more economical to do in Kenya, followed by TZ. Expensive in SA.
Many great options out there for you.
Aug 7th, 2011, 09:44 PM
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Since we are retired, dates are pretty much open but are looking to do this sometime next year. We want to make the most of the trip so want to go when we will have good weather and be able to best see the animals.
Atravelynn, you have mentioned several of our initial interests but we realize we probably can't do all of them. We had been interested in seeing the Big 5, the wildebeest/zebra migration, and the chance to hike to see the gorillas would be spectacular. We would like to at least have a chance to enjoy one or more noted lodges, but also want to use the best approach to seeing the animals which may require tented camps (and that may be a great experience too). We understand that the tented camps now have en suite facilities and that would be the only type we would want. Despite our interest in better accomodations, we don't want to be totally isolated from the locals and would enjoy the opportunity to have some interaction with the Maasi and/or other natives to get a better understanding of their cultures. At the same time, to do all of this may be impossible within two and a half weeks and may require more traveling between sites than it is worth. That is one of the real reasons I wanted to get some thoughts from experienced travelers.
This will probably be our only trip to Africa. We know this will be a "splurge" vacation and are willing to spend $10,000 to $15,000 combined for the two of us, not counting airfare from the U.S. We would want a good safari outfitter so we don't have to worry about the little details; we would even consider a group tour if it was a good one.
South Africa would meet some of our interests, but not all. At the same time, the comments about South Africa bring up some other issues that we hadn't thought about--good roads, reduced health issues and other things to see besides animals.
Atravelynn, you have mentioned several of our initial interests but we realize we probably can't do all of them. We had been interested in seeing the Big 5, the wildebeest/zebra migration, and the chance to hike to see the gorillas would be spectacular. We would like to at least have a chance to enjoy one or more noted lodges, but also want to use the best approach to seeing the animals which may require tented camps (and that may be a great experience too). We understand that the tented camps now have en suite facilities and that would be the only type we would want. Despite our interest in better accomodations, we don't want to be totally isolated from the locals and would enjoy the opportunity to have some interaction with the Maasi and/or other natives to get a better understanding of their cultures. At the same time, to do all of this may be impossible within two and a half weeks and may require more traveling between sites than it is worth. That is one of the real reasons I wanted to get some thoughts from experienced travelers.
This will probably be our only trip to Africa. We know this will be a "splurge" vacation and are willing to spend $10,000 to $15,000 combined for the two of us, not counting airfare from the U.S. We would want a good safari outfitter so we don't have to worry about the little details; we would even consider a group tour if it was a good one.
South Africa would meet some of our interests, but not all. At the same time, the comments about South Africa bring up some other issues that we hadn't thought about--good roads, reduced health issues and other things to see besides animals.
Aug 8th, 2011, 05:02 PM
#11
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<i>“…good weather and be able to best see the animals.”</i>
Check out this chart. As weather becomes less predictable, this chart or any chart becomes less useful.
http://www.africa-adventure.com/dsp_besttime.html
<i>“have a chance to enjoy one or more noted lodges”</i>
The most preferred accommodations are usually not "noted lodges" but the tented camps because they offer not only comfort and luxury (with ensuite facilities that you mentioned you require) but are more secluded, have more personal service, and closer to nature.
If you stay in tents on one of the conservancies such as Lewa Downs or Olare Orok, in Kenya for example, you also get to <i>“enjoy the opportunity to have some interaction with the Maasi”</i> or others who benefit from the conservancy. The tented camps usually cost more than the lodges.
A good strategy for cultural interactions is to let your agent and guide know up front of that interest.
<i>“South Africa--good roads, reduced health issues and other things to see besides animals.”</I>
Roads between parks are generally fine in East Africa too--maybe a few bumpy parts. WITHIN the parks it can get very bumpy—even more so in South Africa which allows more offroading.
Health issues: there are some parks such as Madikwe in SA without malaria, otherwise the health issues are similar. The health issues for a healthy visitor on a proper safari should not be a concern if reasonable caution is taken.
SA absolutely does have more to offer beyond animals than most any other sub-Saharan destination.
<i>“We had been interested in seeing the Big 5, the wildebeest/zebra migration, and the chance to hike to see the gorillas would be spectacular.”</i>
With the above goal in mind, here is an idea. For this privately guided itinerary to Rwanda and Kenya, a mid-July or Sept departure would be good. Aug is the traditional travel month for Europe and seems to be busier. Airfares can spike too at that time.
1 Arrive Nairobi and o/nt
2 Day in Nairobi—Karen Blixen Museum, National Museum, Sheldrick Ele Orphanage, Giraffe Center, etc. It also serves as a buffer day in case of delays for you or bags. o/nt NBO
3 Morning flt to Kigali, Rwanda and drive 2.5 hours to Volcanoes Park (PNV). Perhaps see Never Again Memorial, if time, before departing for the park.
4 First gorilla visit. If time in the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
5 Second gorilla visit. If time in the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village if you did not the previous day.
Where to stay at PNV? Lots of options but Kigali Guesthouse saved me a lot of money and it is the closest to the Ranger Station where you depart for the gorilla treks.
(If the cost of gorilla permits in high season of $500 is too much, then just do one gorilla vist. But I think 2 visits are worthwhile in case something happens such as weather or elephants in the area or whatever to compromise one of your visits. No 2 visits are ever alike.)
6 Drive 2.5 hours back to Kigali and perhaps see Never Again Memorial if you did not previously then fly to Nairobi and overnight there. A “noted lodge,” actually hotel, is Giraffe Manor. In the morning the giraffes stick their heads in your window and you can share your breakfast with them. This is a more costly choice, or you can stay at any city hotel.
7 Drive about 3 hours to Aberdares and o/nt at The Ark, “a noted lodge” IMO. Famous lit waterhole and guests can be awakened throughout the night if animals they want to see come to the waterhole. Good chance to see rhino, one of the more elusive of the Big 5.
8-9 Drive about 4 hours to Samburu and o/nt for 2 nts. Unique species are found in this region and it is 2nd to Mara in wildlife #s in Kenya. You can visit a Samburu village by camel. Decent chance to see leopard, one of the more elusive of the Big 5.
10 Drive about 3.5 hours to Serena Mountain Lodge in Mt. Kenya and o/nt. Another lit waterhole. Has a rep of the most active waterhole.
11-12 Drive about 4 hours to Lake Nakuru and o/nt. Good chance to see rhino, one of the more elusive of the Big 5. Lots of leopard here too, but don't think they are regularly seen. Also flamingos. Maybe just spend one night instead of the two suggested, but that would be two 1-nighters in a row. You can also drive straight from Samburu to Nakuru (skipping Serena Mountain Lodge in Mt. Kenya) which takes a good 6 hours.
13-16 or even more than 4 nts. Fly to Maasai Mara. If you fly in to a camp or lodge, you'll probably share a vehicle with others, so this part is not private. Decent chance to see rhino and leopard, two of the more elusive of the Big 5. Late July or Sept the migration can be seen, perhaps even crossing the Mara River. You can visit a Maasai village.
17 Fly back to NBO and board your international night flight home.
-------------
For this itinerary to Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa, I’d go early Oct and hit Cape Town last for better weather odds in Cape Town.
See Cape Town weather map.
http://cybercapetown.com/weather/
Usually visitors are advised to go to either Eastern or Southern Africa--not both--to minimize the cost and time of transport. But looking at your hopes of <i>“Big 5, the wildebeest/zebra migration, and the chance to hike to see the gorillas,”</i> and then your consideration of <i>“city things”</i> you might consider this, though I don’t know that it would come in at $15K or less.
1 Arrive Nairobi and o/nt
2 Day in Nairobi—Karen Blixen Museum, National Museum, Sheldrick Ele Orphanage, Giraffe Center, etc. It also serves as a buffer day in case of delays for you or bags. o/nt NBO
3 Morning flt to Kigali, Rwanda and drive 2.5 hours to Volcanoes Park. Perhaps see Never Again Memorial, if time, before departing for the park.
4 First gorilla visit. If time in the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
5 Second gorilla visit. If time in the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village if you did not the previous day.
Where to stay at PNV? Lots of options but Kigali Guesthouse saved me a lot of money and it is the closest to the Ranger Station where you depart for the gorilla treks.
(I’ve recently seen that Oct-Nov gorilla permits are reduced to $350 from $500, offering a savings at this time. There is also a greater chance of rain in Oct-Nov than in July or Sept, but the gorillas live in a RAIN forest where it can rain anytime.)
6 Drive 2.5 hours back to Kigali and perhaps see Never Again Memorial if you did not previously then fly to Nairobi and overnight there. A “noted lodge,” actually hotel, is Giraffe Manor. In the morning the giraffes stick their heads in your window and you can share your breakfast with them. This is a more costly choice or you can stay at any city hotel.
Days 1-6 are the same places as the first suggestion.
7-10 Fly to the Mara for 4 nts. Spend time looking for migration, which will you’ll likely see and maybe even a crossing.
To save money, you could stay at Mara Serena lodge rather than a luxury tented camp. Its location is excellent. A very nice place.
11 Fly out of the Mara on the mid-morning flight in time to connect with the late afternoon flt from NBO to Cape Town. o/nt Cape Town
12-14 In Cape Town. May I suggest Wayne of Take2Tours for your private guide?
15 Depart Cape Town very early for Johannesburg (the first flights leave before 6 am) and then do one of the midday lodge-package-flight-and-safari options from Joburg to one of the many Sabi Sands lodges, probably in time for the afternoon game drive in a shared vehicle. Sabi Sands is the best place in Africa to see the Big 5 easily. o/nt Sabi Sands
A “noted lodge” in Sabi Sands is the longest lived Mala Mala. It actually is not as expensive as some of the other lodges and certainly far less than the “noted lodges” of Singita.
16-17 (you could even stay another night) Sabi Sands
18 After morning game drive, depart on the lodge-sponsored flight back to Joburg for your evening international flt home.
The above has more traveling around than is my preference, but it also does everything you want. If you think you'll be able to return to Africa, this option becomes less attractive.
-------------
Finally, if you start pushing the trip to Nov or Dec for less rain in Cape Town, then you’d want to catch the migration in Tanzania instead of Kenya. However Tanzania is generally more costly than Kenya. Most Tanzania northern circuit safaris include:
Tarangire 2 nts
Perhaps Manyara 1-2 nts—there are some exciting cultural activities here in addition to wildlife, which would make a 2-nt stay logical
Ngorongoro Crater 1-2 nts
Serengeti (for migration) 3 or more nights.
Probably no room for gorillas if you do Tanzania (for migration) and South Africa.
Lots of exciting possibilities.
Check out this chart. As weather becomes less predictable, this chart or any chart becomes less useful.
http://www.africa-adventure.com/dsp_besttime.html
<i>“have a chance to enjoy one or more noted lodges”</i>
The most preferred accommodations are usually not "noted lodges" but the tented camps because they offer not only comfort and luxury (with ensuite facilities that you mentioned you require) but are more secluded, have more personal service, and closer to nature.
If you stay in tents on one of the conservancies such as Lewa Downs or Olare Orok, in Kenya for example, you also get to <i>“enjoy the opportunity to have some interaction with the Maasi”</i> or others who benefit from the conservancy. The tented camps usually cost more than the lodges.
A good strategy for cultural interactions is to let your agent and guide know up front of that interest.
<i>“South Africa--good roads, reduced health issues and other things to see besides animals.”</I>
Roads between parks are generally fine in East Africa too--maybe a few bumpy parts. WITHIN the parks it can get very bumpy—even more so in South Africa which allows more offroading.
Health issues: there are some parks such as Madikwe in SA without malaria, otherwise the health issues are similar. The health issues for a healthy visitor on a proper safari should not be a concern if reasonable caution is taken.
SA absolutely does have more to offer beyond animals than most any other sub-Saharan destination.
<i>“We had been interested in seeing the Big 5, the wildebeest/zebra migration, and the chance to hike to see the gorillas would be spectacular.”</i>
With the above goal in mind, here is an idea. For this privately guided itinerary to Rwanda and Kenya, a mid-July or Sept departure would be good. Aug is the traditional travel month for Europe and seems to be busier. Airfares can spike too at that time.
1 Arrive Nairobi and o/nt
2 Day in Nairobi—Karen Blixen Museum, National Museum, Sheldrick Ele Orphanage, Giraffe Center, etc. It also serves as a buffer day in case of delays for you or bags. o/nt NBO
3 Morning flt to Kigali, Rwanda and drive 2.5 hours to Volcanoes Park (PNV). Perhaps see Never Again Memorial, if time, before departing for the park.
4 First gorilla visit. If time in the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
5 Second gorilla visit. If time in the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village if you did not the previous day.
Where to stay at PNV? Lots of options but Kigali Guesthouse saved me a lot of money and it is the closest to the Ranger Station where you depart for the gorilla treks.
(If the cost of gorilla permits in high season of $500 is too much, then just do one gorilla vist. But I think 2 visits are worthwhile in case something happens such as weather or elephants in the area or whatever to compromise one of your visits. No 2 visits are ever alike.)
6 Drive 2.5 hours back to Kigali and perhaps see Never Again Memorial if you did not previously then fly to Nairobi and overnight there. A “noted lodge,” actually hotel, is Giraffe Manor. In the morning the giraffes stick their heads in your window and you can share your breakfast with them. This is a more costly choice, or you can stay at any city hotel.
7 Drive about 3 hours to Aberdares and o/nt at The Ark, “a noted lodge” IMO. Famous lit waterhole and guests can be awakened throughout the night if animals they want to see come to the waterhole. Good chance to see rhino, one of the more elusive of the Big 5.
8-9 Drive about 4 hours to Samburu and o/nt for 2 nts. Unique species are found in this region and it is 2nd to Mara in wildlife #s in Kenya. You can visit a Samburu village by camel. Decent chance to see leopard, one of the more elusive of the Big 5.
10 Drive about 3.5 hours to Serena Mountain Lodge in Mt. Kenya and o/nt. Another lit waterhole. Has a rep of the most active waterhole.
11-12 Drive about 4 hours to Lake Nakuru and o/nt. Good chance to see rhino, one of the more elusive of the Big 5. Lots of leopard here too, but don't think they are regularly seen. Also flamingos. Maybe just spend one night instead of the two suggested, but that would be two 1-nighters in a row. You can also drive straight from Samburu to Nakuru (skipping Serena Mountain Lodge in Mt. Kenya) which takes a good 6 hours.
13-16 or even more than 4 nts. Fly to Maasai Mara. If you fly in to a camp or lodge, you'll probably share a vehicle with others, so this part is not private. Decent chance to see rhino and leopard, two of the more elusive of the Big 5. Late July or Sept the migration can be seen, perhaps even crossing the Mara River. You can visit a Maasai village.
17 Fly back to NBO and board your international night flight home.
-------------
For this itinerary to Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa, I’d go early Oct and hit Cape Town last for better weather odds in Cape Town.
See Cape Town weather map.
http://cybercapetown.com/weather/
Usually visitors are advised to go to either Eastern or Southern Africa--not both--to minimize the cost and time of transport. But looking at your hopes of <i>“Big 5, the wildebeest/zebra migration, and the chance to hike to see the gorillas,”</i> and then your consideration of <i>“city things”</i> you might consider this, though I don’t know that it would come in at $15K or less.
1 Arrive Nairobi and o/nt
2 Day in Nairobi—Karen Blixen Museum, National Museum, Sheldrick Ele Orphanage, Giraffe Center, etc. It also serves as a buffer day in case of delays for you or bags. o/nt NBO
3 Morning flt to Kigali, Rwanda and drive 2.5 hours to Volcanoes Park. Perhaps see Never Again Memorial, if time, before departing for the park.
4 First gorilla visit. If time in the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village
5 Second gorilla visit. If time in the afternoon, visit Iby’Iwacu Cultural Village if you did not the previous day.
Where to stay at PNV? Lots of options but Kigali Guesthouse saved me a lot of money and it is the closest to the Ranger Station where you depart for the gorilla treks.
(I’ve recently seen that Oct-Nov gorilla permits are reduced to $350 from $500, offering a savings at this time. There is also a greater chance of rain in Oct-Nov than in July or Sept, but the gorillas live in a RAIN forest where it can rain anytime.)
6 Drive 2.5 hours back to Kigali and perhaps see Never Again Memorial if you did not previously then fly to Nairobi and overnight there. A “noted lodge,” actually hotel, is Giraffe Manor. In the morning the giraffes stick their heads in your window and you can share your breakfast with them. This is a more costly choice or you can stay at any city hotel.
Days 1-6 are the same places as the first suggestion.
7-10 Fly to the Mara for 4 nts. Spend time looking for migration, which will you’ll likely see and maybe even a crossing.
To save money, you could stay at Mara Serena lodge rather than a luxury tented camp. Its location is excellent. A very nice place.
11 Fly out of the Mara on the mid-morning flight in time to connect with the late afternoon flt from NBO to Cape Town. o/nt Cape Town
12-14 In Cape Town. May I suggest Wayne of Take2Tours for your private guide?
15 Depart Cape Town very early for Johannesburg (the first flights leave before 6 am) and then do one of the midday lodge-package-flight-and-safari options from Joburg to one of the many Sabi Sands lodges, probably in time for the afternoon game drive in a shared vehicle. Sabi Sands is the best place in Africa to see the Big 5 easily. o/nt Sabi Sands
A “noted lodge” in Sabi Sands is the longest lived Mala Mala. It actually is not as expensive as some of the other lodges and certainly far less than the “noted lodges” of Singita.
16-17 (you could even stay another night) Sabi Sands
18 After morning game drive, depart on the lodge-sponsored flight back to Joburg for your evening international flt home.
The above has more traveling around than is my preference, but it also does everything you want. If you think you'll be able to return to Africa, this option becomes less attractive.
-------------
Finally, if you start pushing the trip to Nov or Dec for less rain in Cape Town, then you’d want to catch the migration in Tanzania instead of Kenya. However Tanzania is generally more costly than Kenya. Most Tanzania northern circuit safaris include:
Tarangire 2 nts
Perhaps Manyara 1-2 nts—there are some exciting cultural activities here in addition to wildlife, which would make a 2-nt stay logical
Ngorongoro Crater 1-2 nts
Serengeti (for migration) 3 or more nights.
Probably no room for gorillas if you do Tanzania (for migration) and South Africa.
Lots of exciting possibilities.
Aug 8th, 2011, 05:06 PM
#12
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Travelbuggie, I'm going on a group safari to Tanzania in July/August next year. It's planned by Bill Given of "The Wild Source". I've used him before and think he does a great job. It's in your price range so you want more details, e-mail me at divedive99 at aol dot com.
Aug 9th, 2011, 05:14 AM
#13
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Back again to Tanzania Shaytay? Please share that itinerary, either here or another thread or email me at hotmail using my screen name.
Further reading for Travelbuggie if the ShayTay offer looks intriguing.
A forum member joined ShayTay on a previous Tanzania trip and the report is here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...rip-report.cfm
That same member put out an initial request for safari help after feeling overwhelmed by the many options:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...rip-report.cfm
Further reading for Travelbuggie if the ShayTay offer looks intriguing.
A forum member joined ShayTay on a previous Tanzania trip and the report is here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...rip-report.cfm
That same member put out an initial request for safari help after feeling overwhelmed by the many options:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...rip-report.cfm
Aug 9th, 2011, 09:18 AM
#14
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,619
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yep, back to Tanzania! (Aknards, too, I think.) Bill has great guides and knowledge of camps that I don't know about. Because he's a wildlife biologist, his focus on that aspect is helpful, especially in the Serengeti. We'll still have interactions with the locals, though. Rift Valley Children's Village is always on my itinerary, as I sponsor a boy there. Some of us are interested in more wildlife viewing, too, so we're looking at a few days in Kenya, as well. Zanzibar is a great place to unwind after a safari, as well.
Aug 9th, 2011, 01:01 PM
#15
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A 3-4/day trip to Rwanda will cost from $2,500+/person.
Once in Kenya or Tanzania, you'll have to allow anywhere from $450-650+/person day which includes: room/tent, meals*, game drives, park fees, flights (if applicable), taxes.
*Some accommodations include soft-drinks, local beers/wines and laundry. Where not included, you pay as you go, though prices especially for laundry are quite reasonable; beverages vary from cheap to a bit over-the-top.
Prices are always seasonal with Tanzania being generally higher priced than Kenya.
Once in Kenya or Tanzania, you'll have to allow anywhere from $450-650+/person day which includes: room/tent, meals*, game drives, park fees, flights (if applicable), taxes.
*Some accommodations include soft-drinks, local beers/wines and laundry. Where not included, you pay as you go, though prices especially for laundry are quite reasonable; beverages vary from cheap to a bit over-the-top.
Prices are always seasonal with Tanzania being generally higher priced than Kenya.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
mandsj
Africa & the Middle East
31
Oct 6th, 2012 10:25 AM
