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10/29/2008 05:23:15 PM · #1 |
A totally awesome friend of mine, Fareen, runs a safari as a means to visit her relatives once or twice a year (not to make profit). Here's her website.
If six other DPCers could commit to a safari through her, that would make a full group, and I'd love to be in on it. She tailors to the interests of the group (ie, once was a group of doctors, I think), so it would be great to have all photographers.
I'm not a details person, so prefer this type of trip rather than bushwhacking it myself. Are there five like-minded people here?
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Some edits:
My deal is that she cuts me a bit of a discount to do photography for Believe Safari. And don't you sharks even think of cutting in on Slippy's business! ;-) I've done a couple of gigs for her and her family already.
Here are some details she just sent me:
Arrival in Nairobi Kenya: Aug 14th 2009
Departure from Nairobi Kenya : Aug 27th 2009
price is $5000usd per person based on double occupancy ( 2 peeps in one room)
does NOT include international airfare; but it does include all ground transport, domestic air, all luxury hotels, all meals, and a personal concierge .
I can guarantee photography like you've never experienced before.
If there are a bunch of seriously interested people I can set up a conference call and we can all chat and get more info to them.
far
Message edited by author 2008-10-30 20:52:53.
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10/29/2008 10:15:48 PM · #2 |
bump for the east-earthers...
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10/29/2008 10:25:50 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by Strikeslip:
Are there five like-minded people here?
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Are you trying to scare us? Hoping or thinking that there are 5 people with minds like yours? Thats scary stuff dude! Anyway I'd love to however its that 5-6K that makes it impossible for me.
Matt
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10/29/2008 11:05:05 PM · #4 |
| When would this be taking place? I'm in the very beginning stages of planning a vacation somewhere with my remaining six weeks for the year ending in April 09, so you never know. Africa would be a dream come true. |
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10/29/2008 11:07:07 PM · #5 |
How much does it cost?
If the price is right, I would seriously consider it. |
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10/30/2008 07:44:14 AM · #6 |
I'll find out how much and when. Two pretty important details, I guess. :-)
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10/30/2008 07:46:21 AM · #7 |
I would love to. It all depends on date and cost.
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10/30/2008 08:51:53 AM · #8 |
| would love to. Find out the costs etc? |
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10/30/2008 08:58:35 AM · #9 |
| been investigating this type of trip myself, so would certainly be interested to hear more. |
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10/30/2008 08:53:31 PM · #10 |
Also edited original post...
Here are some details she just sent me:
Arrival in Nairobi Kenya: Aug 14th 2009
Departure from Nairobi Kenya : Aug 27th 2009
price is $5000usd per person based on double occupancy ( 2 peeps in one room)
does NOT include international airfare; but it does include all ground transport, domestic air, all luxury hotels, all meals, and a personal concierge .
I can guarantee photography like you've never experienced before.
If there are a bunch of seriously interested people I can set up a conference call and we can all chat and get more info to them.
far
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10/30/2008 08:57:22 PM · #11 |
| If you can stand me and not think I am too weird I would be interested |
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10/30/2008 09:04:26 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by JulietNN:
If you can stand me and not think I am too weird I would be interested |
Sorry, I own the patent on weird! ;-)
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10/30/2008 09:09:53 PM · #13 |
Okay had a quick gander at air fare prices.
For the English lot, going to Heathrow to Nairobi Kenya, it is 196 each way, pretty darn cheap!!!
Going from Phoenix to Nairobi Kenya going to cost about $ 2,213.02. So I should imagine a little less on the east coast and a bit more on the west coast. |
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10/30/2008 09:12:05 PM · #14 |
Originally posted by Strikeslip:
Originally posted by JulietNN:
If you can stand me and not think I am too weird I would be interested |
Sorry, I own the patent on weird! ;-) |
Well, we all know that, but 14 days may be a bit much of me lol. |
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10/30/2008 10:03:12 PM · #15 |
I would be curious about the price, but I run tours there too, so I would not likely go.
But I will say that it is an incredible destination and worth doing!
oops saw the price now....
Message edited by author 2008-10-30 22:04:08. |
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10/30/2008 10:55:38 PM · #16 |
I saw that airfare was only 550 from houston if I went in January. August is too far ahead for them to give me a realistic price.
But at 5K it is going to be hard to justify. I know my wife doesnt want to go. she fears Africa. So I would have to go by myself.
Why not setup a tour to Alaska eh? :D
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10/31/2008 12:08:31 AM · #17 |
| Aug. is way too far ahead for me and the 6 weeks I have left need to be taken before May 1, 2009. Looks like Central/South America for me. |
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10/31/2008 12:25:21 AM · #18 |
| ahh i wish i had never seen this thread, i swear someday i will go to africa for photos...it just seems so very far away in my future... |
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10/31/2008 05:48:24 AM · #19 |
What's the itinerary, which specific accommodations are included, what vehicles are being used for the game drives, are all park fees included, what about meals, what about drinks (including alcoholic)?
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10/31/2008 07:00:36 AM · #20 |
Originally posted by Kavey:
What's the itinerary, which specific accommodations are included, what vehicles are being used for the game drives, are all park fees included, what about meals, what about drinks (including alcoholic)? |
Here's text from a PDF she sent along with her reply last night. I think it answers some of your questions. Other of your questions are answered on her website, where there is a sample itinerary. You could always email her if you have any particular questions that are left unanswered.
I think a lot of us here would be interested in your opinion,  Kavey, myself included. I think you're the resident expert on Africa, as far as I know. I do know Fareen (Far) personally, and have total trust in her. Her work ethic makes me tired just thinking about it. She's a real powerhouse and get-it-done-well person.
I've spent a lot of years as an exploration geologist roughing it in the bush of Northern Ontario and Quebec, and have no interest in roughing it any more. My bones now prefer some luxury at the end of the day. So that's the type of thing I want in any trips I take these days. ;-)
Clip below (Sorry about the lack of formatting, it's what happened when I cut/pasted from PDF.)
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What makes Believe Safari different?
1.Communication with our clients:
Once a client has booked with Believe, we offer free once a month meetings via conference call to maintain contact. This enables us to provide information to our guests regarding:
•What to expect from our journey; i.e. physical and mental challenges
•Information on how to obtain a visa
•Information on what type of medical consultation to seek
•What to pack: detailed packing lists are provided
•What to read: detailed reading lists and suggested movies to watch are recommended so that the client can maximise their experience.
2.Catering to Clients interest
Each group can experience a custom trip based on their interests. e.g. a group of teachers interested in the schooling systems can be taken to a village school, city school, rural school and private school to get a comparative look at education across the country. Similar experiences can be arranged for any modality or interest such as photography, surfing, music etc.
3.Attention to Detail
Some examples of Believe Safaris attention to detail:
•we have a photocopy of everyone’s passport in case of mishap
•we will always have cash on hand and offer no commission money exchange when in remote locations based on the daily published rate
•all clients are pre-checked into their hotel rooms and bypass the international traveller check in requirement of filling in their passport information everywhere they go
•our client information form provides us with dietary and drink preferences of our clients; we ensure our safari vehicles are always equipped with the necessary items to match our clients needs
•our 4 x 4 vehicles are always clean and fully maintained and operate with a strict no smoking policy
•driver/guides have attained the highest certification from the ministry of tourism and are fully credentialed and extremely knowledgeable about flora, fauna, wildlife, arts, culture, politics, and lighting for optimal photography
•we respect the animals in their environment and never compromise their well being in the interest of the perfect photo
4.Included Services
Personal guide and driver ; when our guests land at Nairobi International Airport they are greeted by their personal guide under the impressive Believe Safari sign. Baggage is accounted for and they are accompanied to our vehicles. A guide/driver is with them for the entire duration of the trip until they are at the airport for the trip home. The value in this service extends to enabling our guests are safe in case of flight cancellations, etc; ensuring our guests receive fair prices while shopping and providing them with a local and personal touch to their journey that leaves a lasting impression on them.
•all water on safari is included for our guests
•all groups receive a free cell phone for the duration of the trip with a preloaded SIM card courtesy of Believe Safari. Pay as you go phone cards are available readily and Believe will always have extra on hand. Phone rates internationally are very reasonable via phone cards and cellular reception is readily available. SMS messaging is a convenient and effective way to communicate with family at home.
•All guests will receive a dvd of pictures that document their trip. A Home movie of their trip will also be made available to them for optional purchase.
5.Our Network:
We have an extensive network of family and close friends who reside in Nairobi and Mombasa and through our contacts we are able to secure firm reservations, the best table in the restaurant and the best rooms available. The service that is extended to guests of Believe Safari is representative of our ties with the community.
6.Social Awareness
Believe Safari guests are exposed to a non profit NGO ( non governmental organisation) that rehabilitates street children and teaches them life skills. The visit to WEMA centre is a highlight for our guests every year as it provides them a first hand experience of hope and a project that works.
7.Cultural Awareness
Believe Safari guests will have the opportunity to visit a masai homestead as well as have dinner with a local upper- middle income family at their home. They will enjoy local food, culture and conversation and enhance their experience.
Believe Safari – we will make your dream vacation the experience of a lifetime
Message edited by author 2008-10-31 07:27:08.
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10/31/2008 08:28:35 AM · #21 |
| think i need to win a lottery |
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10/31/2008 08:35:07 AM · #22 |
This sounds amazing !..! - no funds for this but I will keep an eye on this thread
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10/31/2008 01:18:35 PM · #23 |
Slippy, definitely no expert BUT I love my safaris (just got back recently from another one in Kenya and Tanzania) and even when I'm not planning one I spend a ridiculous amount of time on Africa travel boards reading other peoples' reports, participating in discussions on every aspect, discussing preferences, sharing links to new info...
I'm an addict, in other words.
I've had a look at the sample itinerary on her website.
My comments:
Nairobi Safari Club, heard good things about this hotel, not stayed there myself, but standards are meant to be good. Depending on what time your flight arrives into Nairobi you might want to do a city tour, ask about itineraries and prices, should be roughly US$60 per person + entrance fees, less if there are more than 2 people, for private full day tour. Our favourite places included the visit to the Sheldrick ele orphanage, the Giraffe Centre (short stop but fun), Utamaduni Craft Centre (excellent place for lunch and for shopping).
Aberdare, not visited this park, it interests me but I wouldn't choose it for an itinerary for first-time safari-goers. It is said to be a beautiful forest environment and excellent for various monkey species. You might be lucky and see the giant forest hogs too. It's also known for the opportunity (at some hotels) to view animals visiting the salt licks at night. I was under the impression that The Ark is currently closed, so would check into that.
Lake Nakuru is a worthwhile stop. Am not familiar with all the accomm. options there.
Masai Mara is an absolute must to visit, the game density there is incredible. Of course, it's more crowded too but, it's worth it. Fig Tree Camp is in a reasonably good location, on the northern border of the National Reserve, about half way across, East to West. It’s a proper luxury tented camp (I’d always choose a tented camp over a lodge of bricks and mortar) and is small enough to give a wonderful, intimate experience. I’ve not read any trip reports on the forums I read, but it scores well on tripadvisor. But two nights in the Masai Mara is not enough. I’d want an absolute minimum of 3 and would much rather have 4 nights in this key location. Feel free to ask me if there are other camps being suggested as location is important and some camps are pretty far from the best action.
The rest of the itinerary all seems to be beach time, I can’t comment on that. For me, it’s a complete waste of potential safari time but, I do appreciate that others feel differently.
Personally, for a first-timer, I’d probably recommend an itinerary taking in Samburu, one of the Lakes and finishing in the Masai Mara. (You wouldn’t want to start there, as it’s Kenya’s highlight, in my opinion).
Other things to think about:
The website says that they _try_ to limit to 6 per vehicle but there could be 8. I’d want that 6 maximum locked down as part of the contract. And to be honest, 4 or 5 would be far better when you’re talking a group of photographers with lots of lenses and gear.
_Exactly_ what kind of vehicle, ask for make and model. If it has a pop-top roof, does the hatch stay up to provide shade, or is it removed entirely, which means no protection from that harsh sun?
The site says all water is included, but we’ve found that in practice that some companies actually limit to a measly 500ml per person per day. When it’s very hot you should be drinking much more than that. Ask how much is included and, more importantly, make sure enough is on board.
Are you driving from park to park or flying? I prefer flying as it minimises travel time and maximises safari time but it does add to the cost. Either way, ask for actual timings for departure and arrivals into the parks so you can work out how much time will be spent actually viewing game.
That's all off the top of my head, ask away if I can help further.
I would idly be interested in something like this, though probably won't be able to afford it, in all honesty, as we've just come back from expensive 3+ week safari in Kenya and Tanzania and are about to leave on even more expensive Antarctica trip.
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10/31/2008 02:09:26 PM · #24 |
| Excellent insight there, I didnt think that there would be beach time, all lion, tigers and bears, oh my |
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10/31/2008 03:08:48 PM · #25 |
Thanks Kavey!
The itinerary is customized to the type of group, and the itinerary on the site is labeled as a 'sample', so I suppose the beach time might be less for a photographer group.
This shot is on her website, but I don't know if it's a 'Believe' vehicle...
You're sounding very expert to me, yikes! A lot of great info, thanks!
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