I have read the trip reports and recs already on ST but am seeking more advice. Ken and I took a fantastically wonderful safari in Tanzania (my report) and now want Casey to have this incredible experience. We can't afford the company we went with last time as much as that would be our dream. So, seeking suggestions for a December trip. Wants: non-luxury accommodations; 7-9 days; good guides and trackers; abundant viewing; probably Kenya or South Africa;4-wheeled vehicles with open tops; contact with indigenous people.
So, anybody--have the perfect answer or not so perfect answer? Let me know. I am spending hours researching. So far, this one looks pretty good. Kenya Kifaru 8 Days Thanks for help
Hi Terry, I have a couple good leads now. "The famous" Nico was raised in Kenya and has many ties there. He's connecting me up with some people. Plus Leslie has given me the name of an outfit and I have found a couple others that look good. Changes are I'll go with Nico's people as I am confident of the quality of anything he does or recommends. I'll keep you posted.
Jane, I looked at the itinerary you linked. I've been to Aberdares, compared to the alternatives I would skip that and substitute something else.
I just read your trip report and see you went to Terangire. You could check my recommendation below. Are you looking to do a whole new area? I think it will be hard to beat Nogorogoro and Terangire in East Africa. Personally if I wanted something totally different I would lean to South africa or adjacent.
I did not read every word of your report.How many vehicles did your group have,and did they stick together? We loved having our own guide and car for the two of us, we had a lot of control on the itinerary etc.
Re price. Thompson as you know is very high end. In the Moderate category you can have your own private car for Much less. RR
Robert, thanks for the input. I would love to use Tompson's again but can't justify their cost. Right now we have about decided to fly into Nairobi and go to various areas from there.
Nico of Sant' Antonio fame is from Kenya (long story) and has connected me up with some planners from there. One of them has put together what seems to be a good itinerary at an acceptable price. It includes the Mara, Sweet Waters, Lake Nakuru and Samburu. Are you familiar with these areas? He said what you said about Abedares.
I am waiting to hear from one other person and then will make a decision.
This will be a private safari. When we went before we were two vehicles with 5 in each one. We did enjoy the interaction and may miss that; however, in the camps at night we will be with others. We are using tent camps which we really like rather than lodges. I think Casey will like them better, also.
We have taken three "walking safaris" over the years. One to Zambia with Wilderness Travel and one each to Kenya and South Africa with Mountain Travel. But you can arrange your own by using their local companies. Walking safaris normally consist of early morning walks, possibly late afternoon walks, and night drives. You get a more interesting perspective of the land and animals - very safe!
For South Africa and other countries, CCAfrica (Conservation Corporation Africa. They are eco-friendly and also provide inter-action with local villages if you wish. CCAfrica
Also, just search for "countryname walking safari". You will get lots of hits. Take a very good camera with telephoto, LOTS of picture storage and extra batteries (more than you think you will ever need).
minor change to make link clickable - marta
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Marta,
Posts: 16 | Location: Florida | Registered: 01 December 2004
Jane, I want to point out these folks to you: http://www.active-africa.com/ I have not traveled with with this company, but the owners have been our tenants for about 10 years and they sure have our personal recommendation-- on the ball, hardworking people, honest and smart. They've been in the business for as long as they've lived in our house as well, longer I think. My husband and I are so happy with them, that we've hardly raised their rent (we want to keep them there!). They live and are based in Cape Town.
On the go family--thanks for this referral. I just saw it now which is too late for us this time. We are pretty well along now in planning for Kenya. Am working with two really great men in getting ideas and now need to decide which one to go with. A hard decision as is deciding exactly which areas to visit.
Went to your blog to find out more about you--interesting format but neither your profile here or on your blog explains what it is you're doing. It sounds interesting.
Hi Jane, glad you found something great-- can't wait to read about it. I'm not sure what you mean by what it is we are doing. Do you mean for a living? As travelers? Not sure what you mean. That's just a family blog that I keep totally separate from anything public/professionally that I do. I think its important because of all the photos of the kids, etc.
Originally posted by on the go family: Hi Jane, glad you found something great-- can't wait to read about it. I'm not sure what you mean by what it is we are doing. Do you mean for a living? As travelers? Not sure what you mean. That's just a family blog that I keep totally separate from anything public/professionally that I do. I think its important because of all the photos of the kids, etc.
Oops, just remembered to check this thread that I started--not always too focused. I had the impression (evidently, wrong) that your family was a traveling family--on the road for extended time which is why I checked your profile to find out. But.. you are doing lots of fun family things and that is worth being noted. Keep it up!
Robert, the link to his blog is in his profile.
We have now finalized our itinerary. We're going in July--Amboseli, the Mara, Samburu and some points between these big ones. Of course, we are very excited. Using 4x4 with our own guide which will be fun and staying in tent camps. We'll be visiting some tribes as well as viewing animals. It is both a culture and wildlife adventure. We are trying to have Casey grow with an appreciation for people, cultures and the world at large. Only knowing the US is very limiting in understanding the greater world.
We hope to go to Guatemala someday.
