African Safari

[cher8754]

I will be exchanging my points to go on an African Safari in the fall. Looking for anyone who has been there, or anyone who has any thoughts or suggestions for me. Is there anything you forgot on your trip, something you would do different next time, did you enjoy it? I am a single woman going by herself - how is the security there? I am very excited about his trip - any help anyone has would be appreciated.

 

[RobDoc]

I hope someone can answer your questions!

I can't recall anyone ever reporting about this Adventure Collection trip in the past. I hope you will share your experiences after returning.

I will assume that the security is appropriate. DVC does reserach these options very well before offering them to members. so I'd expect a top notch experience.

Please, take LOTS of photos!

Enjoy!

 

[4greatboys]

Welcome to the Dis cher8754! I have not gone on the safari but one of the ladies that went to Dis con in Dec was going to go one on. She was going alone as well. Check the Disneyland board--her poster name is poopie. You could pm her and ask how her trip was. HTH.

 

[cgcw]

We will also anticipate your trip report. This is something DH and the kids would like to do. Not sure I'm that's adventurous! Have a great trip!

 

[DavidRoss]

cher8754,

Can you tell me the amount of points you used to trade for this? I thought the rate was based on double occupancy per person. Is that not the case?

 

[cher8754]

The Afican Safari requires 450 points and since I am going single, I have to pay a single supplement of $390. I don't think that's bad at all. The Safari portion of the package is $3990 and the total package with airfare from New York is $4990. (depending on the time of year you go). Thomson Safaries has told me that the airfare should be between $1500 and $2000. I think perhaps in hindsight it would be better to rent or trade my points and then take those dollars and buy the vacation, but once I made the decision to go, I just wanted to do it right away. The money I saved by using my points I am going to use to do an extension of my trip within Tanzania. I am very excited about all of this!

 

[Scott H]

Funny you should ask. We just returned late last night from the Thomson Tanzanian Wildlife Safari. When the jet lag subsides and I get caught up at work I will post a report. I did a rough draft on the plane on the way home.

Thomsons is wonderful. It was great indescribable the wonder of Tanzania. Will try to post the report sometime today, no guarentee.

 

[LindaBabe]

Count me as another Safari traveler wannabe.

 

[DIGGER68]

Scott I can't Wait for your report.

I have been curious about the Safari since we joined.

 

[kem330]

one tip is to break up travel by overnighting in London/Amsterdam or other gateway city- it is very grueling to go straight through. Look for alternatives to malaria medicine as it can have side affects.

 

[Scott H]

KEM330, Great suggestions and we did just that. Spent 4 days in Paris before and one after. Could have used more after as my body clock is really messed up. I am fighting off sleep as I type this at 3:00pm.

Talk to your doc about what malaria meds to use. We chose malarone, still taking for another week after exposure. Others on larium (sp?) were having vivid dreams. One person tried to convince us that there was a US 4 dollar bill.

Will post a DLP report maybe tonight as it is almost finished and will work on the Africa one during the weekend.

 

[kem330]

Look forward to report Scott!!

 

[mkunichi]

A prescription sleep-aid for sleeping at the right times will be great help in adjusting - particularly if you have to sleep on the plane on either or both of your long flights.

I did a trip to Tanzania in 1995 as a single w/ room share to avoid the single supplement and it turned out to be the best trip of my life.

At least back then, it was prudent to take all the over-the-counter meds you might need (Immodium, Tylenol, Benadryl), some antibiotics, and as suggested, a high-tech anti-malarial. Anything you don't use you can leave with the travel company on the last day - they can donate it to the appropriate parties.

A suggestion back then was to bring along some common western goodies for gifts/tips for your guides - digital watches, solar calculators, that kind of thing. I don't know if this suggestion still applies today. The travel company should be able to provide tips on this.

I can provide a lot of photography advice if you let me/us know the extent of your camera experience and what you want to achieve on the trip.