Africa - Kenya / Tanzania Questions

I'm going for two weeks in October. The current plan is to fly in and out of DAR, but now I am wondering if I'm better off flying into NBO, then heading overland to Arusha and then flying home from DAR. What do you think?

Also, has anyone had experience going solo on a safari? I'd be happy to join a small group, but it looks like it's not so easy to find one on the budget level and I refuse to pay a single supplement. I'd opt for a private trip, though that might be lonely. Any recommended agencies for solo trips or joining?

Thanks

.. I'd be happy to join a small group, but it looks like it's not so easy to find one on the budget level and I refuse to pay a single supplement. I'd opt for a private trip, though that might be lonely. Any recommended agencies for solo trips or joining?Any backpacker place will have links to a local safari. Backpackers tend to organize / book a day or 2 before. More upscale accommodation will do the same, but may take more time.

Beware of guys who are really agents for a safari company. They will tell you they own/run the business, but that will not be the truth.

Look at www.lonelyplanet.com

DAR is both a higher cost and a less desireable schedule than Nairobi... there's just not any advantage to DAR! There's a nice regular Impala shuttle from NBO (city and airport) to Arusha- about 4-5 hours on the road.

Anything can be done solo, but yes, you do end up paying all the infrastructure costs yourself (guide, fuel, park fees, etc). And yes, it's hard to find a truly small group that will be open to an extra member- many people refuse to set that up.

One recommendation is something like Nomad participatory mobile camping safaris... they usually run with 10-20 people and costs are kept down by the participatory nature of things. They provide all gear except your sleeping bag!

If you were doing Southern Africa, then I might say self-drive, as it is considerably less costly than paying for your guide. It's also in general more affordable in South Africa than East Africa. In East Africa, my best recommendation is the camping truck of Nomad or the like.

One recommendation is something like Nomad participatory mobile camping safaris... they usually run with 10-20 people and costs are kept down by the participatory nature of things. They provide all gear except your sleeping bag! .
I think you might also look at intrepidtravel <dot>com. We went with them in Egypt/Jordan, and are planning to do their Masai Heartland in October 2012.

will be there in a week. what did you discover re: solo safari

will be there in a week. what did you discover re: solo safari

Go to Arusha near the Clock tower. Numerous reliable operators will be able to sell you a single safari. You might need a few days. Arusha is very nice place to be (in Africa perspective)