In message <1186047454.377020.76570@22g2000hsm.googlegroups.com>
richyla2004@... wrote:
> Hi
>
> Myself and my girlfriend are looking to go on our first safari next
> July (2008). We're pretty set on a trip to Selous (probably 3 to 4
> days) followed by a a week in Zanzibar (possibly separated by a night
> in Dar es Salaam). Basically around 14 days overall.
>
> If anyone can recommend any safari operators for us to talk to I'd be
> very grateful (or if there are any operators reading this who can give
> me an idea of prices for such a trip, again I'd be very grateful).
>
> Also, I've read mixed reports regarding the amount of wildlife we'd
> expect to see in Selous. Most seem to say that wildlife of all sorts
> is abundant, but I've read a couple of reports suggesting it's better
> for viewing landscapes, and that you won't see the large numbers of
> animals you'd see in the Serengeti. Again, any advice from anyone
> who's been there would be gratefully received!
>
You don't say where you're based, but there are several reliable UK
operators who can do any sort of tailor-made safaris.
I'd say that it's unusual, but not unheard of, to visit Selous on a
first safari. In fact, when we were there, there was a man and his two
grown-up sons on their first safari: Selous/Ruaha/Zanzibar.
There are lots of animals in Selous, *but* when we were there about 10
years ago, they weren't very habituated like in the Northern Circuit,
so we often just saw their tails disappearing into cover. (However, on
your first trip, you won't have anything better to compare this to.) I
met some people last week who had just come from Selous and the
situation doesn't seem to have changed much in the meantime, from what
they said.
If you're interested in birds, and stay on one of the riverside camps,
you'll have a great time. When we were there, the water levels were
very high because of El Nino, but still lots of birds to see.
To be honest, in July you'd be better going to the northern Serengeti
(in the early-middle month) or the southern Masai Mara (around
Keekorok) (mid-late month) to see lots of animals because that's where
the migration will be. But presumably you know this and have your own
reasons for visiting Selous.
I have some info about Selous starting at:
http://www.v-liz.com/safari/tanzania/selous/sel_a.htm
and on Zanzibar at:
http://www.v-liz.com/safari/tanzania/zanzibar/zanhom.htm
(nothing to sell)
This info is quite old, but things don't change that fast in Africa.
Whatever you decide, safari njema
Slainte
Liz
--
http://www.v-liz.com - Kenya; Tanzania; Namibia; India; Galapagos
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