Africa tour vendor suggestions?
Mar 14, 2018 20:59:11 #
mikedent
Loc: Florida
Hi all- wanting to plan an Africa trip for 2019, to stay 10-12 days in country, not counting air days. Want to see Cape Town and area, Victoria Falls, and at least one game preserve or park for game drives and of course photos. Any experiences with tour providers for such a trip, trying to stay about $7000 pp. and ideally include airfare, rated a 4-star equivalent, not real high-end? Have looked at AAA offerings but there are so many other vendors that it's hard to compare. So I'm asking for ideas based on your experiences. Also time of year to go to avoid rainy season, I know their seasons are reversed from ours. Thanks!
Mar 14, 2018 21:09:32 #
I'd love to go to Africa. When I went to Israel a couple years ago I went with a company my parents had used for years, Overseas Adventure Travel https://www.oattravel.com/ . I know they have a few different Africa itineraries, but they aren't specifically designed for photography. If you don't like crowds OAT is perfect. Their land trips are limited to 16 people and airfare can be included or bought separately as I did...$aved $everal hundred, but it took me weeks of research. Good luck whatever you choose. PS if you decide to go OAT, PM me and I'll give you my name or ID # or whatever it is and we both get some credit ($100)
Mar 14, 2018 21:17:33 #
Watch this: https://vimeo.com/256772321
You can book a similar trip here: http://www.meine-namibia-safaris.com/
You can book a similar trip here: http://www.meine-namibia-safaris.com/
Mar 14, 2018 21:26:00 #
Why South Africa? the safari's there are totally different than what you would encounter in Kenya or Tanzania. Have a good friend who has lead over 150 safaris, described SA as a very planned excursion. They know what quadrant the different animals are in. My safari in 2016 was with Sunworld safari's was excellent, tremendous guide (which frankly is the most critical aspect), and comfortable accommodations. He did recommend if I went again to go to Tanzania, because of some unrest in Kenya at this point in time. In 9 days I shot over 3000 frames, and was blessed to capture elephants, black and white rhinos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and countless others, and frankly it exceeded my expectations.
Mar 14, 2018 22:13:38 #
osoblancophoto
Loc: Venice FL
I like Tanzania and my preferred vendor there is Augustine at http://aaafrica.net/ Top notch company, excellent guides and vehicles.
I have a tour company and operate tours around the world.
Sell him Steve form Mexi-Mayan sent you.
I have a tour company and operate tours around the world.
Sell him Steve form Mexi-Mayan sent you.
Mar 15, 2018 06:43:18 #
Wild-eye.com is awesome, they could help you out with photo safaris, and also recommend some one for the city tours,I would trust their advise.
Mar 15, 2018 07:01:42 #
ft
Loc: New York, USA
Check out Idube Photo Safaris www.idubephotosafaris.com
Their trips are geared toward photographers and they have extensive experience in South Africa.
The owner is a professional photographer and his wife is South African. Together they provide excellent, unforgettable photo adventures with deluxe accommodations at a reasonable price.
Their trips are geared toward photographers and they have extensive experience in South Africa.
The owner is a professional photographer and his wife is South African. Together they provide excellent, unforgettable photo adventures with deluxe accommodations at a reasonable price.
Mar 15, 2018 07:37:21 #
A quick note, while it would be exciting to go during the migration period, September/October, it gets VERY crowded then, hard to get too close to the big animals, you would be blocked from good pictures, and we were there in January, and were able to get in very good views of all that we saw. I will say my bank really questioned me when I asked them to wire some money to Kenya, they said "are you sure?" http://www.sunworld-safari.com/en
Mar 15, 2018 07:38:03 #
mikedent
Loc: Florida
Thanks for these tips! I know about OAT but have not yet checked them. I want to see SA mainly to see Cape Town and area, I'd love Botswana etc but can't afford the extra time there. It's not primarily a photo trip but I know I'll take many. Another vendor suggested by Outdoor Photographer is Pangolin, they seem more geared to photo excursions, prices aren't too bad but don't include airfare.
Mar 15, 2018 07:43:18 #
my trip ran about $7000, including airfare, and it would have been 1200 less had I purchased tickets 3 weeks earlier. Some of them run more from the small plane flights within the countries. Our guide had sandbags on top, shut off engine each time so no vibration, really knew what he was doing, not all of the guides were nearly as good. He got a terrific tip!
Mar 15, 2018 07:45:33 #
Mar 15, 2018 08:22:47 #
Just returned from South Africa, spent 4 very productive days and nights at Zimanga Wildlife Reserve. This facility is designed for photography and photographers. It is located about 3.5 hours north of Durban. Includes several photo blinds. My photo friend and I saw and photographed lions, hunting dogs, rhinos, elephants, hippos, many birds, antelope, warthogs, giraffe, jackals, zebras, porcupine and other creatures. The number of participants at any one time is limited. We had the safari vehicle to ourselves along with Rowan, a top notch guide/naturalist. Do a web search for Zimanga and you will find contact information. This photo was taken just a few days ago, later that day we were able to photograph lions feasting on a gnu.
Mar 15, 2018 08:52:22 #
AZNikon
Loc: Mesa, AZ
mikedent wrote:
Hi all- wanting to plan an Africa trip for 2019, t... (show quote)
If I could afford a trip to Africa, here's who I would go with: https://www.pipermackayphotography.com/. I've seen her presentations at our photo group and she is amazing. She truly loves Africa and helping photographers achieve their goals.
Mar 15, 2018 08:55:17 #
check out extraordinary journeys
they have great guides
they will customize the safari
went to Tanzania in early December
almost no crowds
they have great guides
they will customize the safari
went to Tanzania in early December
almost no crowds
Mar 15, 2018 09:00:13 #
Last year I took basically the same trip you are interested in. I used Smartours.com out of NY. The price was right and the tour was first rate.
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