African safari, Gorillas and beach

researcher

For a 50th birthday treat my Nephew and wife are thinking about doing a safari either in SA or Kenya and then going to see the mountain gorillas in Uganda or Rwanda and then ending up with a nice beach holiday in the Seychelles? They are Canadian living in USA. They've asked me for advice - I haven't a clue! Any useful info very much welcomed.TYVM

agrinnall

I'm sure you'll get some suggestions on here, but I wonder why they have asked you (it doesn't appear that you have any specialist knowledge in this area) rather than just go to a travel agent where they live?

Voyager2002

Tell them about the 'Thorn Tree' travel forum on the Lonely Planet web site. The Africa branch there has lots of relevant information. Some points:
If they are determined to see gorillas they should go to the appropriate national park in Rwanda, with a guide. They will need a permit for this, and permits get sold out well in advance;

A trip to see the gorillas is fairly time-consuming, and after such an adventure they might not be in the mood for a safari, nor have time for one. If they do want to go on safari as well, then the game parks of Kenya and Tanzania would be a great deal closer to them than those of South Africa. Since air fares within Africa are rather high, that could make a noticeable difference to the total cost of the holiday;

Seychelles is not cheap, but does have the world's best beaches. Expect to pay at least 150 pounds per night for a room in a guest house, much more for a luxury hotel.

prenton01

Hi

I have worked in Africa and done a few Safari's

This is what i would recommend for the first park

Fly to Cape Town SA then internal flight to Port Elizabeth and then go on Safari and stay on the Safari site http://schotiasafaris.co.za/accommodation.htm

Brilliant place and Peter the guide we have had twice is excellent you don't go in a minibus with 10 other people its 6 people in an open landrover. Some pics here

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.116229232812.124915.779567812&type=1&l=8b4c629693

the last two photos are from a b&b called the Lemon tree in Port Elizabeth we stayed at for 2 days

prenton01

I saw Gorillas in Gabon wild as they come and not used to Humans at all amazing experience

sandsy

Much as I love South Africa, it would be much easier to combine Kenya or Tanzania with a visit to the gorillas and finishing up in the Seychelles. Tell them to leave Southern Africa for the 60th birthday treat.

researcher

agrinnall wrote: »

I'm sure you'll get some suggestions on here, but I wonder why they have asked you (it doesn't appear that you have any specialist knowledge in this area) rather than just go to a travel agent where they live?

Because I've been their 'go to' for years - and they trust me to give them advice based on my knowledge of their likes and dislikes.

researcher

prenton01 wrote: »

Hi

I have worked in Africa and done a few Safari's

This is what i would recommend for the first park

Fly to Cape Town SA then internal flight to Port Elizabeth and then go on Safari and stay on the Safari site http://schotiasafaris.co.za/accommodation.htm

Brilliant place and Peter the guide we have had twice is excellent you don't go in a minibus with 10 other people its 6 people in an open landrover. Some pics here

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.116229232812.124915.779567812&type=1&l=8b4c629693

the last two photos are from a b&b called the Lemon tree in Port Elizabeth we stayed at for 2 days

The link to Facebook says 'content isn't available', any other link? :beer::beer:

Blue264

Please send them this link. The company is long standing and very reputable. Please make then aware that the accommodation will be basic at some locations.

http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ch/tanzania/gorillas-game-parks-beaches-103726

prenton01

researcher wrote: »

The link to Facebook says 'content isn't available', any other link? :beer::beer:

Try this put some pics on my dropbox

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p7fhop25zm9sqgr/AABAG7aDqE_joxP0Tc4nK_Ifa?dl=0

enjoyyourshoes

We have been to impenetrable forest Uganda, stayed at Clouds for the Gorillas.Fantastic.

We did it ourselves, driving etc, so can not give advice on tour operators.

Also visited the Wildlife parks at Queen Elizabeth (stayed Mweya) Murchison Falls (stayed at Paraa, you must get accommodation north of Nile as the boat does not allow enough time for early morning safaris) , Kidepo (stayed in UWA Bandasat Apoka) , Lake Mburo (stayed at Rwakobo Rock).

Always go for Night Safari as they are out of this world, especially with night time big game.

I think there is more than enough activity and variety of accommodation within Uganda to make the whole trip sing.

Actually we off there again next week.