Safari photo trip: Finally have the time next year for a long awaited Africa safari. I would really appreciate some insight as to a quality tour company, suggestions on where to go for...

dnay1

Finally have the time next year for a long awaited Africa safari. I would really appreciate some insight as to a quality tour company, suggestions on where to go for wildlife from your experience and any general observations that would help in my planning process. My biggest concern right now is monitoring where the world is with Covid as the time gets closer.

Moondoggie Loc: Southern California

I used Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT). Great company. Check them out online.

dnay1

thanks for your quick reply

mikegreenwald Loc: Illinois

Abercrombie and Kent. I used them to select a private guide and plan all aspects of a three week African Safari. The guide was very knowledgeable, and the trip was outstanding. It included many game drives and opportunities. We were primarily in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

dnay1

mikegreenwald wrote:

Abercrombie and Kent. I used them to select a private guide and plan all aspects of a three week African Safari. The guide was very knowledgeable, and the trip was outstanding. It included many game drives and opportunities. We were primarily in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Good information, much appreciated

SkipGWV

We’ve used Abercrombie & Kent and Micato. Pricey but great. Good luck!

bikerguy

We used African Travel Resources. They will ask what you are looking to see and design a trip specifically for you. When we used them they gave us three price points, moderate, expensive and very expensive. When we go again we will be using them. Very professional and every transfer happened as designed.

st218

Moondoggie wrote:

I used Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT). Great company. Check them out online.

I also used OAT for two separate trips to Africa. Both were outstanding!

fecraly

I have used OAT for 2 trips to East Africa countries. Outstanding in all respects, but more "culture visits" in itinerary than I cared for.

Just got back from 2 weeks in Uganda; highlight was trekking to see gorillas. At the time we made the safari plans for Uganda/gorillas (2 years ago), OAT did not have such a plan. Went with "Gorilla Safari Company". Absolutely great outfit. They set up itinerary custom made to your desires; with different levels of lodge accommodations. We used "intermediate" which was more than satisfactory.

sb Loc: Florida's East Coast

You will get the most "bang for your buck" if you go on a safari specifically designed for photography. That means fewer people on the vehicles for one thing. If you are on a good but less expensive OAT trip and you are in the middle of a 3-person seat you may not get the desired photo. In addition, on a photography safari the goal of your guides will be to get you positioned for the best possible photographs, and will often maneuver the vehicles or stay in position long enough for everyone to get a photo.

The safari I took was organized by Greg Sweeney, a photographer who lives in South Africa and owns a small lodge outside of Kruger NP. I found his safari to be ideal - the price was right, and he catered the trip to photographers. We toured Kruger several times and spent a number of days on nearby private reserves. Photographed the "big five" and then some!

http://photographafrica.com/

My favorite game drive: Lions hunting Cape Buffalo:

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-485747-1.html

dbjazz Loc: Long Island, NY

Much depends on the country you plan to visit. We used Rhino Africa in South Africa and could not have been more pleased. Also, you want to make sure you will be in an open vehicle (no roof) for the best shots.

Amaize

I just returned from 2 weeks in the Serengeti — heading back in Oct. While there are many great reserves, Serengeti is the largest and in my mind just the best. There are many options tour-wise. I can give you direct contact with a great guide and good friend. You won’t find a more experienced guide I would be happy to give details. Tanzania has just started Covid vaccination. If you check in “Going to Botswana..…” I wrote extensive basic info on health/travel - not sure
if anyone paid attention to it.
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-708170-1.html
I’ve been there many times - daughter lived in Tanz for 3 years and speaks good Swahili, so I have a bit of an “in.” Can give you plenty of travel info/options from here to there. Feel free to email me amaizn_blu@yahoo.com

Amaize

She’s waiting for you …

Chris

dnay1 wrote:

Finally have the time next year for a long awaited Africa safari. I would really appreciate some insight as to a quality tour company, suggestions on where to go for wildlife from your experience and any general observations that would help in my planning process. My biggest concern right now is monitoring where the world is with Covid as the time gets closer.

following, that's my plan when covid comes down

philo Loc: philo, ca

i went on a OAT non photo trip a few years ago. Most of the group were using cell phones and were not very understanding for the few photographer.