Planning a safari: where to begin?

[MarathonMax]

For 50th birthday I want to go on a photo safari in Africa.

I do not know where to begin except to as you guys and girls about advise.

What are some great destinations? Does any of them provide other touristic attractions around? (I am think for example of Cape Town in South Africa).

What months are best?

Who are some good safari tour organizers?

How long should I tour for? A few days? A whole week?

What else should I consider?

Regards

Max

PS: No rush, I have 3 years to go before being old! LOL

--
Max
maxphotoblog.net

[Chip]

Sounds like a great trip! Great that you get to do some long-range planning.

My family and I haven't done one yet, but have talked about a safari in the Serengeti (Tanzania). Many animals (especially when wildebeest cross the Grumeti River in May ) and the scenery is supposed to be gorgeous.

Here's a link that tells a bit about what Tanzania has to offer.

Lot's of tour operators operate there, from expensive to budget. I wish I knew one to recommend. (We haven't gone that far in our planning.)

Zanzibar is an island in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of Tanzania and a short flight from Dar es Sallam. Could be a great way to wind down after the safari, if you like the tropical island thing.

For your travel, Qatar Airways just opened a non-stop from Montreal to Doha. QA then has non-stops from Doha to Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. All that travel with one stop would be pretty nice, especially if the layover isn't too bad. QA is a very nice airline. We fly it all the time.

I would suggest you stay for as long as possible. If this is a "once in a lifetime trip", then I'd like to stretch if for as long as possible.

I don't know about Cape Town. Sorry.

And for something very different, how about a jungle safari in Nepal? We're going later this month (not on a safari, though). A friend visited earlier this year and had a great time. Quite safe. Here's a link: Nepal Safari Options QA has non-stops from Doha to Kathmandu.

Have fun planning!

[MarathonMax]

Wow, that was a LOT of content. Thanks a million!