Fabulous Tanzania Safari

[sailor]

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Originally Posted by Oldbabe Interesting! I looked at Australian Intrepid and their total for a comparable 14 day safari would be about $2178, not including airfare from the States. So about $4200. The website doesn't have any information about lodges or camps or the safari company; have to write to ask. The OAT price from Denver would be about $5200. Neither price includes trip insurance or taxes or tips. It gets expensive. Thanks for the info!

You could frequently save additional 20% off $2178 if you are flexible with your departure date - subscribe to their newsletter and wait for your trip to go on sale - for example right now the trip you want to take is not on sale, but they offer 20% off Tanzania Adventure one. You can check it on their website: Special Promotions - Intrepid Travel
Also you might want to check your air line ticket prices, can get to NBO (JRO $200 more) for $1300 from ATL. Add $200 for Denver and it's still 1.5k with taxes included ( ~$700 cheaper than flight in your calculations I believe)

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Originally Posted by meridiver I've actually traveled with Intrepid and they are great! I highly recommend them and my next trip to Africa will probably be with them. However, they are definitely more of a "budget-minded" travel company as they don't stay at the upscale safari camps.

They now have a line of "upscale tours" too - look for their "comfort" style tours - Our Trips Styles - Intrepid Travel

And not - I'm not affiliated with them - just a happy past customer.

[Zoocat]

The Intrepid upscale tour is similar to the OAT trip I took.

Intrepid costs for 12 days (same length, same kinds of lodges as OAT) $3966 = plus airfare. I multiplied their 6 day tour costs X 2. Works out to be about the same price as OAT.

I don't think there's a substantially cheaper way to go on a reasonably comfortable safari to Tanzania. Then again, if you don't mind camping with no frills, go for it! I saw the Gecko tour bus on the Serengeti and it looked like a good time for those younger travelers. Everyone on my OAT tour was over 55. Some, like me!, felt they were on a real adventure just being in a tent on the Serengeti.

[Caroline]

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I would encourage anyone who is thinking about going to do it.

Me three! Went a couple years back -- the whole trip was phenomenal. If you have the desire climb Kilimanjaro first consider that as well. Hike of a lifetime.

Thanks for the memories, Oldbabe!

[bigla]

We have been to China with OAT and heading to Thailand and Cambodia in November with them. Our friends also went on the Serengeti/Tanzania trip this summer and loved it. That will probably be our next big one for 08.
Glad you loved your trip. Any hints or tips that OAT didn't mention?
Thanks
Larry

[Zoocat]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigla We have been to China with OAT and heading to Thailand and Cambodia in November with them. Our friends also went on the Serengeti/Tanzania trip this summer and loved it. That will probably be our next big one for 08. Glad you loved your trip. Any hints or tips that OAT didn't mention? Thanks Larry

I can't think of anything. OAT is very thorough in their pre-trip information. I just wish that I had opted for the pre- and post-trip extensions. It would have been worth the extra $$$ for sure.

[Lagniappe]

Old Babe,

Really happy to read about your great great trip. I am leaving for Kenya and Tanzania in 2 weeks. After reading your posts, I am much less aprehensive. Adding a few days on the island of Zanzibar to recover from my vacation. Looking forward to it more and more as it gets closer.