Africa - Anyone just show up in Africa on their own and go on Safari???

Never been to Africa, looking at going and doing a safari. Went to Peru a couple years back, didn't plan anything out ahead of time(bit dissapointed I couldn't do Inca Trail), then when I got to Cusco there were heaps of tour operators pitching trips at me for Machu Picchu, for cheaper than I researched on the internet before.

Now I picture something similar in Africa, because after all how hard is it to throw together a basic safari? Get a few 4 x 4 vehicles, a couple tents, and bit of food, other basic camping supplies and off you go to the national parks right? I'm not really looking for luxury here, basically just a camping trip with lions and giraffes. Money comes into it to the point I don't wanna get ripped off. Like my ethos for flying, "I'll do anything/go anywhere as long as its a deal"

Anyone ever deal with http://www.africanbudgetsafaris.com/? They seem to be sort of what I'm looking for.

Self drive is an option, but problem is I'll be on my own, so a tour which has a bunch of people, singles + couples + small groups for like a 12 person tour in 3 vehicles maybe would be good. A little company would be good. Plus the whole thing about camping around wild animals. I can handle camping around bears in Canada because I know that, but being Africa, I'm sure I would pitch tent in a 'stampede way' or something I've never heard of, but that is obvious to all the locals.

I'm looking at going for up to 3 weeks last half of may/Early June. Some areas are better than others for the time of year I gather?

Wow what a question. But there's a world of difference - if you'll pardon the pun - between Machu Picchu and 'Africa'.

The reasoning behind the question is fine, but where in Africa are you intending to show up? It does make a difference ....

Is there any country in particular you want to visit?

I would definitely suggest you put a little more thought into this trip.
First off, where in "Africa" would you like to go?
South Africa? Sorry to dissapoint, but you won't find a bunch of safari operators outside JNB looking to snag customers. You don't just walk out of the airport and into Safariland. It's a city.
Second, wildlife set up in South Africa is completely different than Canada or the US. Most reserves are privately owned. I don't think they'll appreciate you just pitching a tent on their property. Sanparks most definately require reservations.

Yeah, I don't know. I think what you are imagining an Africa that only exists in movies circa 1850.

I went to Kenya and Tanzania in Jan 2009. I was going primarily for Mt. Kenya and Kilimanjaro, so I had those researched and had arrangements made for the climbs before I left the US, though no money changed hands til I was in Africa.

I knew I would be going on a couple of small safaris but had no arrangements made beforehand. Did Mt. Kenya-Nelion and Kili, then made arrangements through the Kili folks for a trip to Tarangire, Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro. No problem, got put together with a group the next day.

I then returned to Nairobi and made arrangements through the folks at Upper Hill Camp for another little trip to Masai Mara and Lake Nakuru. Arrangements were made for the dates I needed and I was off again. No problems whatsoever. Both safaris used either permanent tented camps or lodges in nearby towns. Bottom end stuff but just what I was after.

Have fun!
JimS

Saw lots of elephants and lions, hyena, leopard, cheetah, black and white rhinos, hippos crocs, etc, etc. I don't know what it's like in other parts of Africa, but in Nairobi and Arusha and Moshi, you can just show up and make arrangements.

On re-reading this post I start to wonder if this is a wind up.

Plus the whole thing about camping around wild animals. I can handle camping around bears in Canada because I know that, but being Africa, I'm sure I would pitch tent in a 'stampede way' or something I've never heard of, but that is obvious to all the locals.

basically just a camping trip with lions and giraffes

There is NO WAY that you can camp rough in any national parks in Kenya and probably in other countries too. Never mind bears and stampedes, but what about buffaloes, lions, snakes and poachers? You also don't mention - but then you've perhaps not considered - the matter of any type of insurance cover. Have you considered any of the health requirements that you might need in Africa and the time plan to get yourself covered?Get real.

because after all how hard is it to throw together a basic safari? Get a few 4 x 4 vehicles, a couple tents, and bit of food, other basic camping supplies and off you go to the national parks right?

Rather glib wording. Perhaps your tongue is firmly in your cheek, but it doesn't sound as though you've really considered the reality of life in Africa.

Oh yes, and 'deal making' in Africa is a specialist art. The Marquess of Queensbury's rules don't apply. You might find some information on the KATO website for Kenyan safari companies, or on Trip Advisor for travellers experiences.

You absolutely can camp on your own in Africa. When I lived in Kenya, I used to go camping all the time. Of course, we had our own Land Rover, tents, kerosene lamps, etc. There are designated camp sites at several parks (not sure about Masai Mara) and if you keep a campfire going, the animals mostly keep to themselves. The monkeys and baboons are the real issue.
The Aberdares, Samburu, Amboseli all have campsites. Check out: http://www.kenya-information-guide.com/kenya-national-parks.html

The real issue is going to be finding a rental vehicle that can handle off-roading. Also, having a guide who knows the area/where the animals hang out is better than spending all day driving around staring at grass and antelope.

Well I have done it in South Africa. Arrived in JNB rented a vehicle drove to Kruger was able to get a place when arrived had a good time.
But doing it in other places not sure. Zambia might be ok out in one of their parks.

I will be in Kruger on the 13th of March but now days make reservations for a cabin in advance. You can go here and find lots of info. http://www.sanparks.org/

;)

Wow, didn't expect such hostility! I really didn't think it was s silly question, afterall you can just show up in Canadian/US parks and do tours on a whim, same goes for Peru, Costa Rica, or Indonesia (which are lesser developed countries) for their national sites, so why would it be a stretch to assume that's the case in Africa?

Where in Africa I want to go? Where's good? Sort of the point of the question. Want a backpackery type safari. I'll go anywhere if I can fly there for under 2k or so from CGK/SIN/KUL, which keeps most places open. A swing through Cape Town if timing and routing permits. Africa is a huge place, has lots to offer, depending on a lot of factors. Probably want to avoid DRC or any other areas with 'unpleasantness', Kenya I hear has gotten touristy. Tanzania? Zambia/Zimbabwe? SA from what I read is a bit away from the safaris. But I'm really completely open.

Like all of Africa is open to me, what would people who've been to a few different places recommend as the 'must sees'?

And why is assuming you can camp such a stretch? I see these 12 day over land CAMPING safaris, and I assume one could camp. I now see how ridiculous that was of me. Apologies.

Here's my logic. Africa is huge, not saying 'it's all the same' but rather there are unique things to see and do in every part and place, since I'll be able to have a hell of a time going to one of lets say any 50 places, I'll go to the one that I can fly to cheaply, and not really have to worry about organizing things in advance. I'm sure over the course of my life I'll be there a bunch more times, so next time we'll go somewhere different.

There is NO WAY that you can camp rough in any national parks in Kenya and probably in other countries too.But of course you can. Lots of people do it in Botswana and Namibia, to name two examples.

Johan

There is NO WAY that you can camp rough in any national parks in Kenya and probably in other countries too.

OK so perhaps I jumped the gun a bit ... but what I'm trying to say is that you would be most unwise to simply find somewhere nice and just set up camp on your own in the middle of nowhere. I know it sounds romantic and idyllic, but it can be far more dangerous than in the US or Canada, simply because of the unpredictable nature of the wildlife plus health considerations - local water and bilharzia, mossies and malaria etc, which are far less likely to occur in the US/Canada, and where medical care may be closer at hand and more 'up-to-date'.

I wasn't intending to be hostile but you seemed to be so 'glib' and unprepared for the difference in the culture and countries of the two places you were comparing in your first post.

Get as much info as you can, and decide on which country to visit. Certainly pick up some travelling companions, but why not settle for a good adventure camping safari? I saw Geckosafaris truck in the Masaai Mara in January and then checked them out on the web when I got home. They seemed a decent crowd, and might provide the answer for you.

Enjoy yourself, but please be aware of the risks in Africa.

Of course you can camp! You just can't pitch your tent wherever you feel like. For instance, most national parks in South Africa (such as Kruger) DOES NOT ALLOW YOU TO GET OUT OF YOUR VEHICLE. There are camping facilities in the rest camps, but advanced reservations is definately required. That applies to all of the more remote parks as well.

And those overland truck/camping experiences are advanced reservation (and expensive) and much more organized than what you have in mind.

You certainly can get of the plane, rent a car and off you go, but as always, without knowing where you are going and what to expect and no accomodations organized, it is going to be more of a hassle than fun. It's not much fun driving around at 2am in a strange place trying to find someplace to sleep for the night.

There's a reason why the lodges in the Masai Mara have electrified fences.

There's a reason why the lodges in the Masai Mara have electrified fences.But not necessarily a good reason.

The campsites I've stayed at in the Masai Mara and Serengeti were unfenced, fortunately.

Johan

Wow, didn't expect such hostility! I really didn't think it was s silly question, afterall you can just show up in Canadian/US parks and do tours on a whim, same goes for Peru, Costa Rica, or Indonesia (which are lesser developed countries) for their national sites, so why would it be a stretch to assume that's the case in Africa?

Where in Africa I want to go? Where's good? Sort of the point of the question. Want a backpackery type safari. I'll go anywhere if I can fly there for under 2k or so from CGK/SIN/KUL, which keeps most places open. A swing through Cape Town if timing and routing permits. Africa is a huge place, has lots to offer, depending on a lot of factors. Probably want to avoid DRC or any other areas with 'unpleasantness', Kenya I hear has gotten touristy. Tanzania? Zambia/Zimbabwe? SA from what I read is a bit away from the safaris. But I'm really completely open.

Like all of Africa is open to me, what would people who've been to a few different places recommend as the 'must sees'?

And why is assuming you can camp such a stretch? I see these 12 day over land CAMPING safaris, and I assume one could camp. I now see how ridiculous that was of me. Apologies.

Here's my logic. Africa is huge, not saying 'it's all the same' but rather there are unique things to see and do in every part and place, since I'll be able to have a hell of a time going to one of lets say any 50 places, I'll go to the one that I can fly to cheaply, and not really have to worry about organizing things in advance. I'm sure over the course of my life I'll be there a bunch more times, so next time we'll go somewhere different.

I'd be very interested to follow as your plans evolve! I know sometime in the not to distant future I want to visit Africa BUT at this point I really don't have a clue of where to start. I know I will use miles for airfare and I don't want to spend a TON of money. Looking forward to your updates.