African safari information

gorky

gorky

CGN frequent flyer
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Ok, I am T-minus 5 weeks till I get married. My wife-to-be really wants to go to Europe in the fall for our honeymoon. I have been to Europe several times and while I wouldnt mind going again, I am looking at alternatives. Mexico is out. Caribbean is out. South America is out. Australia and NZ is out.

So, I brought up the idea of a safari honeymoon and after the initial name-calling, Jen might be warming up to the idea. However, she is concerned that there will not be enough for her to do (she doesn't hunt) and she is also concerned about the accommodations.

I know alot of you guys have been to Africa... what were your wife's experiences ? How was the lodging ? Was there enough for her to do ? Did she come with you on your hunts (for photography or what have you) ? Would she go again ?

Specifically I am looking at some sort of Plains animal safari, not exorbitantly expensive (no big 5), I want luxury accommodations, and we are looking at a 14-20day trip (hunt for 7-10 days, spend the rest of the time at a resort or... ideas ?)

PS - if you see/know Jen, please don't mention this to her until I have all the information I need to convince her... this is going to be a tough sell as it is :D
 
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We spent two weeks in Tanzania and while it wasn't hunting :mad: it was a great safari. My wife got to live her "Out of Africa" fantasies, minus Robert Redford and found the accomodations and service to be better than most of places we have stayed in north america.
Tip 1: rent the movie and pretend to like it or at least say 'wow, thats beautiful' alot
Tip 2: buy her the ladies Tilly safari hat- she will spend hours infront of the mirror 'imagining' :D
 
Permanent or semi permanent tent camps have comfortable beds, running water, hot showers, and real toilets, electricity (generator) excellent food, daily laundry service, and probably a dozen people whose entire purpose in life is to ensure that the clients are safe and comfortable. If you prefer to stay at a lodge, they are like any other hotel room you've ever stayed in, but IMHO they lack the charm and individual attention you get in a tent camp.

Tell her, her fears are groundless. But Africa, like any other experience, is what you make it. If she wants to see wild animals in a landscape different from any other she has ever seen, Africa is the place. You know better than anyone what your fiancee likes, all I can say is my wife loved the experience and would love to go back. Keep you eyes peeled for safaris that have been cancelled. These can be bought at greatly discounted rates, but they might require you to act on short notice, so be sure to have your shots and travel documents early in the planning stage.

Tanzania is expensive, Zimbabwe is more affordable, but has some security concerns, Botswana is expensive, but Zambia less so. The RSA, and Namibia are probably where the best deals exist for plains game safaris.
 
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