Considering I started this thread I'd like to jump in a bit and offer
my take on this.
I normally like independent travel for several reasons. I am a
semi-professional photographer and I dislike package tours. I like the
freedom of exploring an area on my own timetable and setting my own
itinerary. For the most part this works fine for a US national park
strategy or for independent city touring. There are numerous lodging
choices for every accommodation and in most cases it's quite easy to
pick up and leave should your choice prove poor. Should one choose to
camp, the logistics are easy to put together. Depending upon where you
are the most dangerous thing to contend with from a wildlife
perspective is bears. There is a wealth of material available from
public and private sources on the national parks. Renting a car is
simple, roads are well paved and marked and are not dangerous. In some
ways I understand Eben's approach because I too have a hard time
understanding why people take packaged tours to national parks in the
U.S. since it is so easy to do by yourself.
On the flip side though I am finding Africa much harder to deal with as
an independent traveler in reference to safaris. Here is why:
1. Airfares from the US are prohibitively expensive. Yes there are
consolidators that one can use but most people do not go to or
understand how to use them. Package tours do offer great arifares.
There is a company called UTG (US based) that has airfare with their
packages for $1000 no matter what the date. That is almost impossible
for the average person without bein connected.
2. Self driving is really an option for many of us. The majority of
Americans, myself included, do not drive standard shift. Furthermore I
think that a 5 hour drive from Nairobi to the Mara that requires a 4WD
vehicle is beyond the driving skills of 90% of the population. Sure we
own Jeep Cherokees, most are never taken off road. I'd be reluctant to
do so without more experience.
3. Independent camping is not an option. No need to expand on this.
4. Lodging is limited. The available choices are expensive and you may
not necessarily get a better deal once you add in extras like game
drives, etc...
5. Finding a guide company is problematic. Go on KATO's web site and
you will find many companies that offer safari. Most follow the same
itineraries. I've e-mailed several of them asking about customer
itineraries. I've received a response from one. Several of the
e-mails bounced back from the addresses that were provided on their Web
Sites. I can tell you that doesn't inspire much confidence.
I have appreciated both Eben's and Liz's input to my original inquiry.
I've found Liz's site very helpful in learning more about the areas
that I'd like to travel in. Travel is a very personal thing for
different people. Everyone's goals are different. While frustrating
for you Eben I suspect that the tourist in that mini-bus is just as
thrilled as you are to be there and isn't interested in mingling with
the locals. I'm also spending a lot of time doing research. Personally
I enjoy it, the average vacationer likes to be presented with a package
deal. I've also read many of Liz's post and while she does mention
several companies most are in direct response to someone asking (and to
be fair Eben, you did ask Liz) and she doesn't push or promote it. I
would have no problem mentioning a company I have done business and
that I was happy with their service. She is doing the same.
For myself I'm working with someone now on a quote for a private
safari. Hopefully it will fit into my budget. If not, I have no
problem joining a tour and treating it as a reconnaissance trip for a
later date. To each his own.
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