We are just starting our Africa trip planning. Our primary goal is to see animals in the wild. A number of tour companies seem to offer either Eastern Africa (Kenya & Tanzania) or Southern Africa (Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe). So we are looking for advice. Also, any opinions on Overseas Adventure Travel tour company?
Destination?
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If you already haven't, a good starting place is the books Fodors has on African safari. Take a look at those.
I would choose either Kenya or South Africa. How much time and $$$$$$ do you have?
regards - tom
You'll have a much more "traditional" safari in East Africa, Kenya or Tanzania and is where I'd suggest you consider going for your first safari (yes, your first!) If your budget is fairly small, then the OAT "Safari Serengeti" would be my choice. If you can go higher, then look at doing a private safari. I'd recommend a couple of safari planning companies here in the USA: Africa Serendipity in NY or The Wild Source in CO. I've used both. Give them an idea of your budget and see what they suggest as an itinerary.
"See animals in the wild." Easy to accomplish with most any reputable company on any reasonable African safari itinerary.
Hard to beat OAT's pricing. I've never done a trip with them.
Here are some OAT trip links:
Actually gone--Ultimate
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35085119
actually gone—East Africa by Ann NYC
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34897294 report
http://www.winkflash.com/photo/public.aspx?u=ajennerjahn pics
http://www.fodors.com/community/africa-the-middle-east/trip-report-kili-climboat-serengeti-wrwanda-gorillas.cfm
OAT and timing the migration
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35120290
Packing, baggage, money exchange, tipping with OAT
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35097205
In general
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34954868
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34960960
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34828547
Here are some links that discuss your "Destination" question.
1. Skews slightly toward Southern Africa:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35095477
2. Includes comments on where to see certain animals
http://www.fodors.com/community/africa-the-middle-east/where-to-start-too-many-options.cfm
3. This one starts with a plea for help which encompasses info on the whole of Africa. The person requesting help goes on an East Africa trip and reports back.
http://www.fodors.com/community/africa-the-middle-east/i-dont-know-how-to-get-started-planning-my-trip.cfm
4. This includes SafariCraig’s list, an agent with Travel Beyond
http://www.fodors.com/community/africa-the-middle-east/south-africa-botswana-vs-kenya-tanzania.cfm
5. First time help
http://www.fodors.com/community/africa-the-middle-east/help-first-time-planning-safari.cfm
You're in for an adventure in both the planning and the trip.