cigalechanta

killed but I call murder after hearing all the facts

christabir

Facebook, Instagram, twitter, every news outlet have it covered. It's probably a hot topic in the Fodors Lounge, if you want a lively discussion. Heartbreaking.

AskOksona

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sandi

The story has been on every program regardless the country and/or Continent.
It's a slaughter and heartbreaking... to the point I have difficulty replying to such threads as all it does is bring tears.

Sad to say, but maybe something as this will wake up the world so people realize that hunting 'overall' (all species or whatever might be left) should be banned everywhere, whether in Africa or Asia.

Lion, elephant, rhino, giraffe, cheetah (especially with their babies), leopard, tiger, dolphin, shark.... and too many others to name.

At least some air carriers have recently outlawed the transport of trophy game (Delta, KLM, American), but for some reason, SAA has pulled out of this deal, though you can be sure that the Middle Eastern air carriers are still stealing and shipping various species that cannot exist in their new environments... too hot!

Think it's time that the animals 'turn the tables' against us humans!

crefloors

That thread got ugly so it's best to keep it there. This forum stays pretty calm and it's a nice relief to come here and lurk. I would love to go to Africa, it's a dream, and will probably remain one for a lot of reason, one being financial. I love the trip reports and the photos. You guys that go all the time are really lucky.

christabir

crefloors- it doesn't have to cost a lot to go to the African continent. The flights June - September are less expensive than going to Europe and there are many very affordable full service safari camps. It's really a shame that so many think it is an exclusive holiday. We go often because it's the same cost as a domestic trip. Our last two week trip to Colorado cost the same as our last two week trip to S Africa. I know most people spend a lot (more than a lot), but it doesn't have to be expensive compared to travel to other places.

sandi - this is such a hard thing to talk about because people are firmly on one side or the other. I can't for the life of me figure out how killing anything saves them. Baffling. I'm hopeful that maybe things will change, too. I used to think that once we knew better we'd do better. I'm not sure about that anymore.

crefloors

Thank you christabir. I may look into it further. I dread the flight, come from the west coast of US, but the reward would be great. Thanks again and I enjoy your posts here.

KathBC

crefloors- I too fly from the west coast of North America and break up the long flight with a stay over in London which has a higher ticket tax but I have friends there so it's worth it for me. Others stay over in Amsterdam, Dubai, Doha, etc.

So check it out cause like you said the reward is definitely worth it!

christabir

crefloors - believe it or not, getting to SA "easily" is one of the primary reasons we haven't moved to Oregon! But you can get to Hawaii so easily. We are likely retiring to SA, so come visit. DH wants to get a Land Cruiser with a snorkel, so we will be able to escort you anywhere! It scares me half to death.

If you can stay in SA, or any African country, for ten nights or more it makes sense for that awful flight. We have gone for as few as 10 and as many as 23 nights. We've done every possible flight combo, but none are good. Our last trip, we went direct from Atlanta to Johannesburg. Since we had to fly JFK to ATL, it's not that much shorter than west coast to ATL to JNB. What is that, an extra three hours from the west coast? Not a big deal. Yes, the flight in coach sucks, but it gets you to Africa!! The drinks are free.

Just for fun, check out Wild Wings Safaris. They have a 5 day, 4 night safari to Kruger Nat'l Park for R11000 and change including trans to/from JNB, most food, game drives plus a walk and lodging. That's well under $1000 pp at today's exchange rates. Then they can transfer you to a private reserve lodge like Gomo Gomo, nDzuti or Arathusa (there are many) for a few nights and you have a very nice, very affordable, fully guided, full service safari. Add a few nights in Cape Town at the beginning, and there you go! Honestly, the sh#!%+y flights are so worth it. You'll be planning your return before you get off that flight you are dreading.

Well, that's way off topic. Much happier subject than the op.

crefloors

Thank you and I will check them out. I'm going to consider it again. My brother and SO went for 8 nights and I really would have to do 10 or 12 for that kind of flight. Thanks so much and I may be back with questions.

Anyway, yes a sad topic indeed. I'm not getting any younger for sure and if I'm going to try to do it, it will have to be in the next couple of years.

I would love to blow bubbles from your land cruiser. LOL

christabir

crefloors - it seems to help us to go May - July (winter) when the nights are longest. That way we still get to see all the creatures during dawn and dusk, eat dinner after the evening game drives and still get a good night's sleep. It may not sound like a big deal, but I like it. I'm just not as tired as when we went at a different time of year. It also happens to be the best time to see wildlife and for me, the weather is good. Yes, it does get cold in Africa!!

We will hopefully be able to have visitors in about 8 years. That should be around the third time you go.

Please don't give my husband any ideas.

I hope it works out for you. If so, come back with any questions you may have.

sandi

No doubt the cost of flights from the States can give one a stroke, but during some seasons, the rates are darn good, just a bit over $1K. Not my favorite flight as this rather cheap one doesn't arrive till 1-2am, so I shop around.

Last year, surprise, surprise of surprises with only 2-3/weeks in advance, I was lucky enough to get an Award ticket flying from JFK via JNB, connecting to DAR - was visiting southern TNZ before to Northern TNZ and then into NBO... free. Shocked. Still it took me awhile to decide whether I wanted to sit on a plane 16/hrs before connecting for another 4.5 hrs to DAR... hey 'free is free.' and I've learned regardless the route = after 8/hrs you feel no pain. And for this year, can (hopefully) get another Award ticket on Qatar via Doha to Kili/JRO, then home from NBO.

Then I have to figure out my actual on-the-ground itinerary.

Unfortunately, the airfares most of us are used to (the old ones) simply aren't available anymore, so if there is somewhere you wish to visit, you pay.

For sure though, no way would I use Micato as my tour operator... these are 'group' (rather than private tours) and they don't us the best lodges/camps... overall way to expensive.

You should be able to find a local (in-country) tour outfitter or even some in the States that can provide a competitive safari to your wishes rather than what Micato, A&K and even Tauck* offer.
*did notice that Tauck reduced rates somewhat, but I still wouldn''t get all that excited

You have to do your own research as anyone who simply drops an itinerary into your lap might still disappoint. Remember - it's your safari' no one elses. Time for homework!

For KEN tour operators - see - www.kato.org
For TNZ see; www.TATOTZ.org
for list of names of outfitters, many who work with partners in the other country and can coodinate both. Good luck and save yourselves some $$$$.

crefloors

Thanks so much for all the info. I have already "played around a bit" so will see what evolves. I read this forum fairly regularly and of course read the reports and view the phhotos. I don't participate because I have nothing solid in the works and certainly have nothing to contribute since I have never been.

I do have limited finances so I will be doing a lot of looking and pricing.

I only posted because of the reference to Cecil and was hoping to keep the "unpleasantness" in the lounge.