Howdy Ags!

Mrs. Oak Forest Ag and I are looking to experience a safari. While I have traveled all over the world, my African travels have been limited to Morrocco, Nigeria and Egypt.

Any ideas, preferences and/or suggestions?

Thanks!

Are you looking for more luxury, or middle of the road?
How many nights are you thinking?
Are you wanting to do Gorilla trekking?

I would be happy to assist if you are not working with an agent.

I've worked with Alexander & Roberts & Big Five Tours & Expeditions. There are several other great vendors (Salute Africa, Tembo Wild, etc).

Howdy!

I love working with first time safari goers. This is one of my specialties, specifically in East Africa and South Africa, which offer more traditional experiences, and are my recommendation for a first safari trip.

The time of year, budget, type of Safari experience, and if you want accompanying activities (like a beach stay, wineries, etc.) are how I like to narrow down the right destinations.

I would be happy to chat and see if we can put something together. I have a close friend who spent 10+ years in Zambia & South Africa working at various lodges, so there's probably no question we can't answer.

We just did a safari in Tanzania in June with Thomson Safaris, and it couldn't have been better. They have offices based in Massachusetts, so all your planning/coordination, payment, etc, goes through U.S. channels. They will help set up your flights, stays in Arusha to start and end your trip, and all logistics from there. Including a puddle jumper flight out to the Serengeti. Glamping style tents with fantastic food/ drinks at all locations. All vehicle transport to and around the National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, or other locations you set for your trip.

For us it was an A+ experience.

Thanks, I got one of their brochures and was looking thru it this AM. Looks first class!

Are those listed prices per person ?

ChoppinDs40 said:

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Are those listed prices per person ?

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Safaris are definitely not cheap. Some are extremely high.

I'm actually heading on an African safari myself in the summer of 2027, and it's an incredible trip to start planning well in advance especially if you're looking for smaller, boutique-style lodges and camps, as those can book up quickly.

I also have clients I'm currently planning safari experiences for in 2028. There are so many great options depending on the type of experience you want, from Kenya and Tanzania as well as South Africa.

If you're not currently working with a travel advisor, African safaris are one of my specialties, and I work with several excellent tour operators that specialize in this part of the world. My contact information is in my bio.

Kenya

Amboseli
Masa Mara
Crater Lake


I did this trip and it was amazing.

Curious about the best safari locations for a trip in early August.

Early August is PRIME great migration time, so Kenya & Tanzania (and honestly all locations) pricing will be at their height and booking will fill up well in advance.

June - October is the dry season, so honestly (and not to be cheeky) take your pick. Dry season means animal viewing is at its best, and getting out of the vehicles to go on walks is easier.

It will depend on your budget, duration of your trip, type of safari, and if you want to pair it with anything else.

Happy to chat further, no pressure!

ETA: not trying to dodge the question if you're asking for specific lodges. If you share more on those few items I'm happy to suggest a specific country to start looking into. Rates can vary from $750 pp per night to well over $10k pp per night so suggesting a specific lodge (or reserve) is rarely the right starting point.

Check this place out. Wife just got back from a trip in August. First part was a conservation trip. They helped radio collar lions at Tembe Elephant Park. Second part was a more traditional safari at Manyoni private game reserve. Their group rented the Luleka Homestead. Pretty neat setup with option of doing your on meals or full catering. We are planning a family Christmas trip and renting that lodge in 2028. The lodge rental includes morning and afternoon game drives and a full time butler at the lodge.

https://www.manyoni.co.za

A couple of memorable shots from the trip

I love these folks in S Africa and the story behind their reserve, so I'm happy to give them a shout out. It's private so they are the only ones with rights to go out on game drives.

They partner with a few other reserves/lodges in the area so putting together a combined Safari experience is straightforward. Being in SA you can easily pair some wineries, or a trip to Mauritius.

https://www.samara.co.za/?utm_id=720155938962&device=m&network=g&placement&adposition&keyword=samara%20karoo&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=%5BUS%5D%5BSearch%5D%5BIntent%5D&utm_content=169649313589&utm_term=samara%20karoo&hsa_acc=6765687619&hsa_cam=21885605983&hsa_grp=169649313589&hsa_ad=720155938962&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-319646515570&hsa_kw=samara%20karoo&hsa_mt=e&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21885605983&gclid=Cj0KCQjwhsrUBhDxARIsAN3AQScHqcHcs6eD7dAcjuWdk0f_Ol7I7doMcGEa3f07U756qrGYHpAX0bwaAi_EEALw_wcB

ETA: sorry for the length of the link…

The further south you go august will be cooler. Just a couple of weeks ago in South Africa temps were in the 50's during the day with rain so not ideal. This was a couple hours north of Durban.

Took a Tauck trip to S Africa October 2020. Absolutely amazing.

S Africa

Saw the big five in three different reserves, the Cape, Victoria Falls, a two day old elephant, rhino nursing, three year old twin lions and on and on.

The wildlife is amazing almost anywhere you go.



View off my porch:

My wife and I did 2 weeks in Tanzania with Access 2 Tanzania in February 2025. It was incredible. The company places a heavy focus on hiring, training and retaining very high quality guides. We would absolutely use them again. They will build a totally custom trip for you based on your interests.