Safari/Game Drives accommodation.

[oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriends]

We're hoping to go to Kenya, Tanzania or Botswana, but can't find what we want.

1. Must be a package deal .
2. No extended beach stay, maybe 2-3 days IF there are things to do nearby.
3. No tents - which seems to be a major stumbling block.

Any ideas, please ?

What is your worry about tents? Safari tents are nothing like camping tents - they feel as solid as an actual building.

I think it will be really challenging to find a lodges only trip to any of those destinations, we did basic camping in Kenya and Tanzania, but they have some super luxurious tented camps in those destinations, it's not camping in any conventional sense, it's double beds, ensuite bathrooms etc (budget permitting). You could call trail finders or Audley and see if they have any options using lodges. You could definitely do a lodges only tour somewhere like Namibia, the below link is a group tour (not sure what you expect by a package) but it's not solely wildlife viewing. Lots of other companies offering Namibia using lodges, Audley would definitely have something more luxurious than what's linked below.
https://www.explore.co.uk/holidays/namibia-safari-tour

Even buildings are made to be like tents in some places! I think you’lL struggle as tents are part of the ‘experience’. Buildings are uncommon but we had some in Namibia in Etosha and in Zambia. Tanzania was all (amazing) tents.

@TeamGeriatric Thank you, we hadn't thought about Namibia.

I won't bore all of you with the details, but some close friends had their tent cut open & suitcases stolen.
The Tour Manager's reaction was basically "it's good you weren't killed".

In smaller camps id be almost certain that couldn’t happen. They are small and exclusive with more staff than guests. I can see why that would put you off though.

That wouldn’t happen in a remote camp!

http://www.namibia-tracks-and-trails.com/

these guys are really good

Where were your friends btw? There is a huge difference between countries and lodges. Particularly the comment on being killed

Take a look at Kuoni.

We've had a couple of fantastic safaris in Kenya with them, and never stayed in a tent!

If budgets not a problem, then Hayes and Jarvis are excellent, but thats reflected in the price.

Much of the accommodation in Kafue (Zambia) is tents although you will find some older lodges with proper buildings. They're all really remote too and crime is fairly unheard of. Whether you'd find a package holiday there is open to debate, but definitely no beaches in Zambia.

Many of the lodges in Chobe National Park (the Chobe River is the border between Namibia and Botswana) are proper buildings because they are occasionally exposed to flooding from the river during rainy season. Safaris can be by vehicle or by boat, or sometimes both.

You could combine either of these with a trip to Victoria Falls - Kasane is about an hour's drive from Livingstone.

@RockyBirdy Thanks, I'll look at them.

@InveterateWineDrinker
Thank you. We had a holiday 7-8 years ago that included V.F. & lodges in Zambia & Botswana, so we're a bit surprised that so many holidays include tents.
BTW, there was a theft at 1 of these lodges ! One of our party had a watch stolen. The pile of poo in the room was a bit of a clue. Despite being told very firmly to keep doors & windows closed, she left the door open "I only popped to the loo", & the baboons got in.

Most luxury tented camps it’s a wooden frame with tent walls. Remote enough that the baboons are your only risk!!

so tent can mean many things!

Also, they’re tented because they’re not allowed to build permanent structures in most of the reserves. That’s why you see it a lot

Ha, there's a proper resort hotel, the Avani Victoria Falls, on the Zambian side which is in the Mosi-oa-Tunga National Park and has massive problems with monkeys stealing things from rooms. They also have zebras roaming around the pool and shitting all over the lawn, not to mention lovely ponds etc with "Beware of Crocodiles" signs.

Have a look at the Governor's Camp on the Masai Mara. I've been twice and it is fabulous. It is ( posh) tents. They have another camp called Lodila (??) House which is an old colonial building. Looks lovely.
The guides are great, loads of animals and birds, and food is delicious.

Thanks, the house looks interesting.
I've not seen it in all my surfing, so can you tell me what package tour company uses it please?

Ah! I missed the package deal bit!
We booked our flights from UK to Nairobi, stayed overnight in a safe, airport hotel, then got on a tiny plane out to the Mara. The internal flights were arranged with Governors. We used a fast track service through the airport and booked a car to take us to the airport. There is also a hotel/ airport shuttle bus.
We had absolutely no problems at all. And the company are so brilliant. I can't recommend them enough.
As far as the game drives go, you can book as many as you like. We went for the photography so went out at daybreak and didn't return until dusk. We took breakfast and lunch with us- and wine for sundowners. Others went out early morning retuning for breakfast or lunch.
Im not at all adventurous but it worked out perfectly.

Have you looked at wilderness safaris? They will structure the holiday for you with transfers etc. you may need to get yourself to jo’burg though

www.wildernessdestinations.com/

@ALittleBitofWensleydale @BeardySchnauzer

Thanks for your help, but......

We always used to arrange things independently, to get exactly what we want & often more cheaply than a comparable package.
However, we lost a huge amount because of Covid. We had several holidays booked, but then flights were cancelled & hotels still open , non-refundable car hire etc, and insurance didn't cover it.
So now I'll only use an operator that is covered by the Package Tour Regulations.

I made a post about Tropical Sky tour operator as they could be interesting, but nobody replied.

On the other hand, we might go to Sri Lanka if the war is over !

I think Governors is now part of The Wilderness group that beardy mentions.
I understand your reasons though ( but you are missing out!,)

Fair enough.

do audley and kuoni offer anything? I think audley offer the wilderness camps

Steppes Travel will sort the lot. Speak to Ilona, she’s fantastic and lived and worked in East Africa for years.

Wilderness are via Streppes too - we’ve been. Not cheap though

We got brilliant safari advice from Kuoni - they gave us loads of options and ended up putting together a really good itinerary for us for a self-drive safari trip to Namibia. No tents!

@oncemoreuntothebeachdearfriendsYou absolutely don’t have to stay in a g firm of tent! I love the big safari tents but there are many alternatives.

The best travel companies are Expert Africa and Wildlife Worldwide. You need to understand where to go for the best sightings and think about what you want to see. Botswana is usually more expensive than Kenya. None of the holidays have beach extensions unless you want one and all are inclusive. They book everything. Botswana can be 3 flights for example! Here to Joburg, fly to Botswana and fly by small plane to the game reserves. That’s why it’s expensive.

Tanzania has a fairly well trodden safari circuit but there are areas that a less visited. Kenya has far more than the Mara, but it depends what you want. Governors is a great camp and was used years ago for Big Cat Diary filming. Many other built camps are available though. However I’m not sure what type of agent you are looking at and what you intend to spend! Governors isn’t cheap.

@MeetMeOnTheCorner
Thank you. We have already been to Zambia, Botswana & S.A., so looking for something different.

I posted on 03/06
......So now I'll only use an operator that is covered by the Package Tour Regulations...... & I don't think the companies you quoted are - unfortunately as they do look good.