I'm putting together a trip to Kenya and Tanzania for a group of about a
dozen friends from the United States. We've never been to Africa before and
I'm looking for some help. I've read the guides and surfed the web but I'm
hoping this group can help me with some basic questions and decisions.
We traveled together before and don't mind going a little rough, a tent
safari will be fine. If we're going that far I hope to spend several weeks
so I'm thinking between 20 and 25 days for the trip. As with most, we're
interested in the large animals, but also birds and culture. Like everyone
else, we'd like to get off the beaten path but I'm realistic that we'll
probably be following the tourist routes. It would be nice to avoid too
many other tourists at any given place.
My first question is pretty open - where to go, or at lest concentrate our
time? I hear lots of wonderful things about Arusha, Ngorogono, and of
course the Serengeti. Is it realistic to see them all ion only three weeks
or will we spend our entire time traveling? To put it another way, if you
had never been to Africa and had three weeks, where would you go?
Next is probably related to the above question; when to go? I realize most
tourists go in the summer dry season and I assume that's because the
wildlife is concentrated at the waterholes. I also read that the Serengeti
is better in the early winter for mass migrations. I'm sure there are other
good times although it makes sense to avoid the heavy rain. Any
recommendations?
Finally I'd like any recommendations for safari companies. I've heard some
good things about Bushback Safaris and Djoser. The latter is a Dutch
Company but they do have a U.S. office. Of course with the internet that's
not even really important. Thompson and Robin Hurt have also been
recommended but they seem pretty expensive. Any good, bad or other
experiences with these or other companies?
Thanks in advance for any advice. I'm looking forward to the responses.
pjb
|
