Dear All,
I have got a quote from a very reputed safari operator. 12 to 15th Aug Masai Mara for USD 575 (i.e. USD 144 per pax per day) including ALL costs (except sleeping bags, which you can rent).
I am the only one who has signed up for that date and they need at least 1 more person to confirm departure.
If anyone is keen to do this, let me know.
Cheers!
Please forget this. It's way too cheap. The daily reserve fee alone is USD80. There's just no way they could run proper 4-day, 3-night trip for $575. USD800–1000 is the absolute minimum that wont involve some sort of deception. Ask them 1) how many days in the reserve are included 2) where (exactly) you'll be staying - renting sleeping bags?, please!… 3) what is included in terms of transport, food, drinks, accommodation.
Caveat emptor.
Richard
Hi Richard,
I will answer this in detail, so that others may also understand the equation. Of course my objective is to get company for the trip as I want to do 2 full days in Mara while usual tours are only 1 full day.
I have done quite a bit of research and come across similar deals. The following is usually the approx. costs breakdown:
3 days park fee ($80 x $30 = $240) : Since the park fee is on 24 hours basis, the effective days in the park, after travelling will be 0.5 Day 2 Days 0.5 Day = 3 Days. So lets say $ 60 a day
Camping accommodation just outside the park gate, hence about $10 per person for pitching tent. Park camping fees (usually $ 30-40) will not have to be paid.
Food will be cooked by the tour operator's representative, hence food may cost about $10 a day.
"renting sleeping bags?, please!" I beg to differ here Richard. Although right now the priority is budget, given an option I would any day be in a tent rather than lodge/permanent camp. It is definitely much more authentic. Although, you may prefer artificial luxury, it is a personal choice.
So, $80 a day covers your food/accommodation/park fee, the rest $65 goes to the tour operator for fuel, car, their "lower resident" park entry fees, etc. and of course their profit.
I have come up with this equation after talking to several tour operators. And most of these tour operators were recommended by Lonely Planet and other experienced posters.
I'm surprised though, that this is new info to you, as I see you very active in Safari related queries!
Regards,
Sushil
Sushil, Would love to hear about your trip(good, bad or otherwise) when you're done, and if the costs were as you thought.
BTW....Richardtrillo=Rough Guides... He certainly doesn't need me to defend him, but my thinking is... he may have some level of knowledge on this, since he is the author of Rough Guides and has considerable experience in Africa... I would probably go back to studying my itinerary, looking for loopholes and hidden costs, and asking maybe a few more questions of the company in question! For instance, I would wonder if the driver/guide was being paid(maybe he is totally dependent on his tips, and you would have to figure that into your daily costs), his experience and knowledge(a good guide can make or break your safari), and if he is on a tight gas allowance(that would impact on his ability to drive any distance into the Reserve). Those were just a few of my immediate thoughts that you could take into consideration... :)
Still, the Maasai Mara is a wonderful, magical place, and I wish you happy travels!!! Hope you find someone to join with you, and like I said, I would be most interested to hear about your safari when you're done!!!