The specific promotions described in this article have now passed, but it remains online so that the resources named will be of future use to travelers.
Imagine yourself staring out at the watering hole at sunset, herds of animals gather to drink and bathe. In the distance on the vast plains, you see the outlines of larger animals walking towards you and you realize that your trip was worth every penny. Most people think that an African safari is beyond their budget, but there are a few companies offering value for money adventures that can make your safari dream a reality. Whether you choose South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, Kenya, Swaziland, Namibia, Zambia or a combination of African destinations, you will undoubtedly experience the vacation of a lifetime.
The "South African Explorer" trip from Friendly Planet (tel. 800/555-5765; www.friendlyplanet.com) combines the best of South Africa's cities, culture and wildlife in a 14-day adventure priced from $2,599 per person based on double occupancy. Visit Johannesburg, Capetown, Durban, Zululand and Hluhluwe. Experience traditional Zulu customs, spend an afternoon in an open safari vehicle at Hluhluwe Game Reserve, shop for souvenirs at the markets in Swaziland, see the beautiful countryside of the province of Transvaal, have a close encounter with lions, elephants, buffalos, rhinos and maybe even leopards on a full day safari at Kruger National Park, visit Blyde River Canyon, Bourke's Luck Pot Holes, God's Window, the old gold-mining town of Pilgrim's Rest, Soweto, and the diamond center of Sandton.
The trip includes round-trip airfare from New York on South African Airways, intra-South Africa flight and ground transportation, 12-nights' accommodations at Superior First Class hotels, 18 meals (11 buffet breakfasts, two lunches and five dinners), comprehensive touring and safaris including admission fees, all transfers and a professional English-speaking tour director. Sale prices include savings of $600 per couple if you reserve before January 31, 2006. Most tours sell out quickly but there is still availability for departures on January 22, February 12, ($2,699) and May 14, 2006 ($2,599)
Gap Adventures (tel. 800/708-7761; www.gapadventures.com) has several safari adventure trips (land only) from as low as $430 per person based on double occupancy.
The four-day "Kruger National Park" adventure will give you a short but sweet introduction to Africa's most famous wildlife reserve. Departing from Johannesburg up to twice weekly throughout the year, it includes all transportation via the Mpumalanga Panoramic Route, meals (three breakfasts, four lunches and three dinners), three-nights camping accommodation, a certified safari guide throughout and most importantly, two full-days exploring the Park and the possibility of seeing Africa's famed "Big Five."
For a more in-depth wildlife and natural beauty encounter with a difference, travel to Botswana. The GAP "Delta and Falls Experience" takes you to the wildlife meccas of Okavango and Chobe, finishing at the magnificent Victoria Falls - a natural wonder of the world. Priced at $550 per person plus a $200 local payment, the trip departs from Windhoek and includes eight-nights camping accommodation, transport by overland safari vehicle, meals (eight breakfasts, six lunches and six dinners). Journey through the heart of the Kalahari desert, visit Maun, experience two breath-taking days in the Okavango Delta camping on remote islands, enjoy game walks, swimming, birdlife and game viewing in a pristine wilderness area, visit Gweta, have more wildlife interaction at Chobe National Park, known for its 55,000 elephants and spend two days exploring Victoria Falls with optional rafting trips available.
The eight-day "Serengeti Explorer" is a Tanzanian adventure that departs from Nairobi and features game viewing and visits to Arusha, Lake Manyara National Park, the world famous Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, the palaeontological mecca of Olduvai Gorge and Marangu. Priced from $1395 per person plus a $200 local payment, it includes seven-nights accommodation in simple hotels and comfortable lodges, meals (seven breakfasts, eight lunches and seven dinners, safari vehicle, a GAP leader and certified safari guide throughout. This trip has departures in February, April, May, July, September and December 2006. International airfare is additional on all of these trips.
One of the largest selections of safaris is available through Adventure Center (tel. 800/228-8747; www.adventurecenter.com). Featuring dozens of options from Gorillas and Game Parks in Uganda to Namibia and Botswana family adventures, these land-only tours range from short four-day excursions to eight-week overland extravaganzas. The eight-day Kenya Explorer is priced from $1,020 per person plus a "kitty" amount of $300. Explore the most famous national parks and reserves in Kenya - Samburu, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara. The trip includes four-days of wildlife viewing with two-days in Samburu National Reserve, a visit to Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Naivasha and two-days in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Transportation, fully serviced camping with experienced guides, camp crew, park fees and permits are includes. This tour departs from Nairobi 12 times per year in January February June July August September and December.
The "Namib Wilderness and Wildlife" tour is a 13-day adventure departing from Windhoek priced from $1,720. Using a specially modified truck, explore dramatic canyons and sand dunes and enjoy the colonial charm of early European settlements. Spend three days in the pre-historic Etosha National Park - one of Africa's very best wildlife reserves. The trip also includes three-nights hotel accommodation, nine-nights camping; 12 breakfasts, ten lunches and nine dinners with a group size of 12 to 16 people, tour staff, the tour leader, driver and cook.
For a truly budget option, consider a trip to Zambia staying at Flat Dogs Camp (www.flatdogscamp.com). Located near the South Luangwa National Park, the Park features over 300 square miles of pristine wilderness in Zambia's Eastern Province. The Luangwa offers an exceptional safari experience with year round access, open game viewing vehicles, walking safaris and night drives. Camping at Flat Dog is priced from only $7.50 per night, accommodation in safari tents from $20 per person and in chalets from $35 per person (based on 2006 rates) plus there is a restaurant, Internet access, a swimming pool and laundry facilities available. Game viewing is $35 per person for the initial activity and $30 for subsequent trips. Park entry ($25 per day) is additional. There is a 5% surcharge for payments using credit cards. They can also arrange transfers from Lusaka airport for $20 per person, although the trip may take up to 10 hours depending on road conditions. Lusaka is accessible by regular daily flights on Zambian Airways (www.zambianairways.com).
