African Safari Advice?

Travel, Wine Tourism, and Restaurants Forum
21

If you do Kruger in South Africa, you should absolutely consider staying at one of the Singita properties. We went to Singita Lebombo a year and a half ago and it was our greatest vacation ever. Unparalleled luxury and service, the best game sightings, AND Singita is the number one buyer of wine in South Africa and has a large cellar of rare and older SA wines – PLUS they are all included (as opposed to some of the other lodges where “premium” wine costs extra).

We used a company called Guided Safaris (based in San Francisco, but also in Cape Town) to plan our whole trip. Links below.

http://www.guidedsafaris.com/contact.html (we worked with Sonia Hayat - soniya@guidedsafaris.com - she’s awesome)

http://www.singita.com/index.php

If you PM me, I can send you an email writeup that basically describes our whole trip.

22

Hey Charlie,

Another thought that i had, in addition to talking to the folks at Ultimate Africa Safaris http://www.ultimateafrica.com/, is to register at http://www.safaritalk.net and ask your questions there too. That site was quite a bit of help for us when we were planning our trip. Most folks there are frequent safari goers and the depth of knowledge is impressive.

A place that looks interesting to me is Limpopo-Lipadi. Check out their Facebook page or their website for more details http://www.limpopo-lipadi.org/.

Hope that helps with your planning process.

David

23

I’m going to the Ivory Lodge in Lion Sands in South Africa in June. Did a lot of research. Somewhat cheaper than Singhita, but still a fortune. I wound up going to Ivory Lodge because a friend had gone in 2010.

24

just got a quote for June for Zanzibar/Tanzania. Really really nice accommodations but man, 12 nights for $10k a person is steep. I might have to take this honeymoon in 2013 HAHA

25

That’s the going rate, Bro. Africa is the most expensive place to visit if you wanna stay in luxury accomodations (Antartica doesn’t count). But, arguably the most unique experience. Forget the money, give your future bride a memorable experience. Also, get familiar with a DSLR camera.

26

After our stop in london for a few days and the airfare, this thing might end up costing more than my wedding. [snort.gif]

27

Is that before or after you add up those red envelope things, what the heck are they called again…hung bao?

28

man. I’m inviting too many people my age… I won’t get anything. And the ten white people I do invite will probably get me a bottle of champagne with engraved glasses with the caveat that I only open this on my first year anniversary. [snort.gif]

29

Go honeymoon in San Diego and take Kathy to the Wild Animal Safari Park. I’ll buy you tickets for your wedding gift!

30

Hey Fu, I use the following website (they also make a great book every year) for any type of luxury vacation that I’m contemplating. They have never steered me wrong. I’ve stayed at a number of places that they recommend and all have been 5 star. Disclaimer: All of these hotels and vacations are not inexpensive, be prepared for some sticker shock.

31

Was very happy with Wilderness Travel for a Kili+Safari trip for my Dad’s 60th. Great trip, but average age was 60ish. If you are looking for a younger crowd would suggest some of the European organizers. I think it is much more common for younger folks in Europe to head to Africa for travel/honeymoon.

32

the average cost of the lodges they have on our list presently are $1500 a person a night , I’m over sticker shock now. Lol.

33

[wow.gif] [swoon.gif]

34

We recommend Eyes on Africa. http://www.eyesonafrica.net/

We spent nearly a month in South Africa and Botswana about 5 years ago.

Botswana is amazing. We stayed at Lebala in the Kwando concession. We also stayed at a camp in the delta that had to close due to rising waters in the region.

We so want to return.

The best camps fill fast despite the prices. You may need to move between a few to make an itinerary work. The private plane flights are cheap compared to the camp prices.

Check out our pictures here:

http://www.graffitimagery.com/Travel-Africa/Botswana/


Steve

35

Twelve nights in lodges sounds like a lot. I’m doing 4 in South Africa, (with a pay 3 get 4 deal) and then two in Livingston to see the falls, with three nights in Capetown and one in Jo’berg.

Then stopping in London and Burgundy on the way back! Consider splitting the time between burgundy and africa and it will come out cheaper!

36

Yeah, we’re thinking of spending two nights in London since the fiancee has never been there.

37

Agree with Barry - 12 nights is too long for safari. If a 14 day trip, I would take 2 nights in London, 5-6 nights safari and 6-7 nights somewhere ilke mauritius (strongly recommend the saint geran hotel - my wife cried when we left…!)

38

Regarding number of nights, 12 nights is long. Don’t remember how many we spent total but splitting the time between 2 camps in different surroundings was key. Different habitats-> different animals.

39

I think Africa, Antarctica and Galapagos are the 3 most expensive “cost per day” type places to go… and maybe Bora Bora (but that’s mainly due to the hotel)

12 nights for 10K for TWO people? that’s bad but I’m looking at $16K for 2 people for 12 nights in Moorea/Bora Bora… :frowning:

But agree with Joe, An African Safari is one of the most unique experiences you’ll ever have…

40

no. 10k a person for 12 nights =(