Africa: Suggestions for a safari experience on a Budget?

[Quickstatus]

Question for those who have done VFalls:

I’m sure like any touristy town there are legit operators and dodgy fly by night

Any way of telling who is who in an African town like VFalls?

 

[Quickstatus]

Nguni Lodge is new, small and really nice - Victoria Falls. B&B rates are $65pp for a standard room and $80pp for a deluxe room. Those rates are USD.

Thanks for this.
It seems to be on the far end of the town wrt to the Falls. Is this an issue?
Do activity operators pick up from all accoms?

 

[p--and--t]

I

Question for those who have done VFalls:

I’m sure like any touristy town there are legit operators and dodgy fly by night

Any way of telling who is who in an African town like VFalls?

I don't know about direct locals, but we used Gap Adventures for our Zambia Trip. They have an office in Richmond Vic. Cheap (for me) well organised.

 

[p--and--t]

One highlight was our driver (at his suggestion) took us to a huge traditional village not far from the falls and they had no sewerage, 1/2 dozen taps shared by several thousand people no power (except for the kings lodge) a local took us through one of their houses walked us through the village etc. Wasn't touristy didn't ask for money although they were desperately poor. We of course left a donation.

 

[Quickstatus]

Some of the local activities involve local communities. One was a dinner in a local home and another was a tour through a local community.
I would not be surprise that the people employed in the tourism industry also live in poverty.

 

[crow]

From my recent experience in Victoria Falls there are a number of tour operators who are all well organized for cruises on the Zambezi etc.

However I did find the place very expensive and a real tourist trap.

Eg entry into the park to see the Falls was US$30 ( x 4 in my case). If you want to go back the next day it is another US$30.

Currency in Zimbabwe is US$ although most places do take ZAR.

You need to take cash with you though as the ATM’s in Victoria Falls have no cash.

 

[p--and--t]

Prices are certainly sharp..

However reading the reviews makes me a tad suspicious as most of the more glowing ones as they read like a salesperson wrote them.

Reading what I think are the more genuine ones they do seem to use older vehicles that break down. So you may be trading off $$$ vs reliability.


I look forward to reading how you find them though as for that price if ok, will be one to keep in mind.

Half way through our 12 day Safari with KWSS.

Been superb. Found out that we could have travelled much cheaper with them but because I indicated I wasn't interested in 2* and looking for something better they have booked me into amazing accommodation some I would rate 5* for Africa.

There are only 2 of us with a our own van and own guide.

If booking with larger group and asking for less salubrious accommodation I'm sure the price would come down even more. At most places we have been overnight, simultaneously they have 3 or more vans running tours from 2 pax to 5-6 in each.

in last night's accommodation all guests overnight were from KWSS.

 

[Quickstatus]

What was the cost of your 12 day?

 

[p--and--t]

What was the cost of your 12 day?

On Visa including transaction fees AUD4,529.20 for 2 people
All inclusive, transfers, meals, entrance fees etc.
Drinks (other than water tea and coffee) extra. Juice free at breakfast. Tips extra.

PS: Last night was at ELSAMERE the original private home of the late Joy and George Adamson of movie Born Free.

 

[Quickstatus]

On Visa including transaction fees AUD4,529.20 for 2 people
All inclusive, transfers, meals, entrance fees etc.
Drinks (other than water tea and coffee) extra. Juice free at breakfast. Tips extra.

PS: Last night was at ELSAMERE the original private home of the late Joy and George Adamson of movie Born Free.

That’s a superb price - can you please direct me to a link

 

[p--and--t]

That’s a superb price - can you please direct me to a link

kenyawalk.com

There are various examples of packages on the site but you can just tell the manager Otieno what you want and he will put something together.

 

[p--and--t]

Oh and be warned Kenya requires Australians to have a Visa.

USD50 per person at the border or USD51 online booking direct with immigration department

****Make sure you are on the actual government site. evisa.go.ke

 

[akmacca]

Question for those who have done VFalls:

I’m sure like any touristy town there are legit operators and dodgy fly by night

Any way of telling who is who in an African town like VFalls?

I stayed in Livingston which isn't far from the Falls at a place called Olgas The Italian Corner, true! The place was originally run by an Italian couple who trained locals in the hospitality industry. The place now is run almost entirely by locals who were trained there. The rooms are good and the food is excellent, most of which is Italian. They also have a tour service running from the establishment. I had personalised tours to the local National Park, an authentic local village and of course Victoria Falls. Oh and a special visit to walk with wild rhinos whilst guarded by gamekeepers with AK47s. The rates were very cheap and I had a great time and walked the streets of Livingston with no concerns.