[784caroline]

Has anyone taken or arranged an African Safari ???WE are looking into the idea using Overseas Adventure Travel which is part of the Grand Circle Travel (GCT) operation known for its great river cruises in Europe.

If you have been on an African safari, I would like to hear your story?

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by 784caroline

Has anyone taken or arranged an African Safari ???WE are looking into the idea using Overseas Adventure Travel which is part of the Grand Circle Travel (GCT) operation known for its great river cruises in Europe.

If you have been on an African safari, I would like to hear your story?

.

I haven't done it, but I know someone in TV who has, through OAT. In fact, they arrange all their travels through OAT and speak very highly of them. If you want, I will contact my fried and see if she will speak to you.
about their safari trip.

[blueash]

Did a safari about 5 yrs ago, not with OAT. I was careful to select a company with small vehicles, only 4 of us in the land rover. I saw other rovers with 6 and even small tour busses with over a dozen. You need to be very clear with your tour company about the type of vehicle as you are going to spend hours in it. You want a max of four people (plus the driver/guide) with an open top. Some people prefer a top that extends upward which provides shade for those hours you are out in the sun. Others prefer a removable top for its better visibility and you wear a hat.
You do NOT want to be in a big bus or crammed into a vehicle fighting for views. Look at the lodging options. There are tents and there are tents. Most tour companies can arrange a choice of basic to luxury. Are you interested in spending a whole day of your safari visiting a local tourist trap "craft" factory? or a school? I looked at the OAT itinerary and it looks like of the advertised 13 days there are only two full days and 3 1/2 days of wildlife time. I would encourage you to look at two other tour companies, Roy Tanzania Safaris, Safaris in Tanzania - Roy Safaris, Arusha, Tanzania Safari Specialist and Good Earth http://www.goodearthtours.com/ Both of them will create a trip exactly as you wish. Good Earth has a Florida based representative although it is a Tanzanian company. Check Fodors and Tripadvisor websites for reviews. Of course very few people do this more than once so they can't really compare one experience to another. Everyone seems to come back amazed at how great it was no matter what company they use. The animals are the same for everyone so look at the vehicles, time spent sitting in hotels and driving vs out there seeing, and decide on safari time vs other activities. Go to the tripadvisor website and review different tent camps and lodges and look at the pictures to see what is available. However you do it, it will be a great trip. If you wish to PM me I can give some additional guidance.

[bdabob]

We didn't use a tour company for our South African safari, we booked directly with the camp. We stayed at Sabi Sabi's Bush camp in the Kruger park and it was excellent. Only 6 cottages (12 people) with open jeeps. Two drives per day. We found that 3 nights was perfect.

[buzzy]

My wife made all the arrangements through friendlyplanet.com, for a Kenya safari. We loved it. But, as blueash (above) stated, we have nothing else to compare our trip against. Our minivans held six people plus driver, and had a pop-up roof for viewing and sun protection. At times we envied the folks in private Land Rovers, but everyone was really seeing the same things. The various drivers often exchanged spots so all the tour groups could get a good view.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by bdabob

We didn't use a tour company for our South African safari, we booked directly with the camp. We stayed at Sabi Sabi's Bush camp in the Kruger park and it was excellent. Only 6 cottages (12 people) with open jeeps. Two drives per day. We found that 3 nights was perfect.

bdabob, how many people per jeep?

[bdabob]

Six. Three rows of two and each row was elevated towards the back so completely unobstructed views.

[luvmagic2]

I went to Tanzania in 2011 and loved it. Serengeti during the migration.... Worked through ET AFrican Journeys and everything went extremely well, I put the trip together for them and am planning another one to Kenya. Let me know if I can help

[Stlouislady]

We are interested in the Go Touchdown company that hosts safaris to Kenya and South Africa. If anyone has had experience with this company, please post your opinion of them and the trip. Thank you.