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Finally getting closer to a decision. Now at least it seems we are set on Kenya, unless someone gives me a good reason for reconsidering that choice.
Andy Biggs: I hope you read this. You pointed out that I could contact you for further help and as I know you are one of the most experienced photography trips in Africa I hope I can get more recommendations from you now.
Bill: I hope you read this too. You have been an enormous help to me and you are also one of the most respected Africa experts. I’d love to get from you again now.
I’ve had lots of good help from you all, thanks. But, now I need help in deciding on the areas I should chose and how to arrange it all.
As said before, we plan on doing a trip with around 14 days out in the wild and we wish on minimizing the costs as much as possible but we are not willing on compromising to the extent of doing it in a buss with many people. It has to be at most 4 or 6 people (me and my brother included), and they all have to be interested on staying out for most of the day taking pictures and tracking. Lodging is an area we sure do want to minimize the cost. We can spend, in total, per person and not including the trip to Africa, a max amount of 4000 US$.
This is what I’m considering atm.:
• Mara and its migration, so I guess October would be fine? I’m hoping on also getting some wild weather, closing up on the rain season. Is another month better for maximizing the chances on seeing the migration?
• Lake Nakuru National Park. Is this area something recommended under normal circumstances? As I’ve previously stated, it’s been reported in late 2006 that it’s being contaminated quite a lot and the Flamingos are dying in big numbers now. Has anyone visited the area lately and can give me a no or go for this area?
• Samburu/Shaba. Anyone has experience on this area?
I’ve picked these three areas to incorporate as many different species as possible AND because of the difference in biotopes. Does anyone have any comments on this? Are they good choices for our photography trip? How should the 14 days be dispersed among the areas?
I need a lot of help on how to arrange all of this. I have got some tips from before but sure do want more help now.
• Which lodges should I go for? As said before I need to reduce price costs in this area but I do want a balance on the experience too so I would prefer not to stay at some place overwhelmed with tourists.
• Do I contact the lodges to help me with getting an experienced photographers guide and good vehicle? Do you have any guides and/or lodges to recommend me to contact?
• Should I go for ready made packages from operators instead?
• Mara Intrepids lodges, is that recommended or is it not or is it too expensive? I’ve heard good things about it (thx Mark)
I’m also wondering what your thoughts are on the following operators:
• Freeman Safaris. They have been praised in a photographer’s magazine (I think it was). But I’m not getting much of personal service from him. He did not answer that much of my questions first time and last time (half year later) when I contacted him for some more in depth help on his tours, he did not respond at all. Anyone has any good or bad on this operator?
• C4 Images. I know, it’s Botswana, but I still would love to know more about this operator which impressed on me. Incredibly good service every time I’ve contacted them (him). He goes out of his way to help in any way. I am concerned though about him not having that many years of experience, at least not as photographer. But he seems to have been deeply devoted to photography since he got into it. He is a bit young too, but I guess that should not matter. Again, any pros or cons on him and his tours?
• Adventure Alternatives?
• Eyes on Africa?
• Africa in Focus?
• Rainbow Tours?
• African Encounter?
• Others ???
Sorry for making this so long. I’m a very meticulous individual ;)
Thank you all.
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