Looking for Safari advice


MNJason

GT Owner
May 14, 2010
2,097
San Diego
I'm in the early stages of planning a Safari for my wife and I. Wondering if anyone has been on one and would love to know where they went, who they planned it with, and what they would do different. As of now I am thinking Tanzania. Any advice is appreciated. Thank you.
 

dbackg

dbackg
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Jan 28, 2009
691
Tempe, AZ
I would PM Chip.
 

dbk

Admin
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Jul 30, 2005
15,242
Metro Detroit
Definitely PM Chip. I recommend taking the trip before him so there are some animals left alive when you get there. Also, I know FB GT40 can you give you good info based out of S. Africa.
 

Kayvan

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Jul 13, 2006
4,782
Abercrombie & Kent do a great job
 

jaxgt

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Jul 12, 2006
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Jason - we just came back 3 weeks ago from an incredible safari trip to Botswana (Okavango Delta region).
It was perhaps the best trip I've ever taken.
We've also been to S.Africa's Kruger/Sabi Sands area (also incredible) a few years ago on Safari.

Have to say that for pure wild life viewing (we don't hunt !), not to mention some other reasons, I think they are the 2 best areas hands down.

Happy to discuss with you as we did a lot of research on the topic. Feel free to PM me.
As my wife is a fellow Minnesotan, happy to help you out.
 
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ChipBeck

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Feb 13, 2006
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Going on Safari to stay!

Jason,

My son Charley and I have made 4 trips to hunt in Africa. Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, and Tanzania. We spent about a month in each country hunting both dangerous game (Lion, Leopard, Cape Buffalo, Hippo, Elephant, Cheetah) and plains game. Photo Safaris are cool but the wildest and most remote areas can only be seen while hunting on foot. I've experienced two Cape Buffalo charges and two Lion charges at short range. The roar that a charging lion makes when he's coming at you shakes the marrow right out of your bones and the adrenaline sweat you'll experience while tracking a wounded dangerous game animal in heavy cover will never be duplicated from the back of a mini-van in a game preserve on a photo safari. Even fording a river in water up to your waist gets your heart pounding when you know there are 12 foot Crocodiles living in it. We've learned a ton over the years and I could write a book so when you are ready, PM me for my phone # and give me a call. There's way too much to put in a post. Here's a few photos.

Chip
 

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ChipBeck

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2
 

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FB GT40

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May 30, 2006
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MNJason -

Hope I can be of help. I know Africa well. I’m there a couple of times a year. Just got back (September) from a 4,800 mile self driven safari through South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. (Land Rover Defender 110)

There are many great games park in Africa, but the short answer to your question is that I would highly recommend Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. That’s if it’s a non-hunting safari. It’s very well run and is staffed by professionals all the way. The food and lodgings are exceptional and you will see the “Big Five” several times on your trip. See their web site: (http://www.shamwari.com/properties/default.asp). I've been there twice recently and it's 5-star all the way! I recently proposed to my girlfriend there to champagne and a gorgeous African sunset during our evening game drive. She did say yes! And I just happened to have a rather nice stone in my pocket!

Many celebrities have it on their “A” list. Tiger Woods for one and British Royals too. You could combine that with a rail trip on Rovos Rail or The Blue Train.

PM me if you want more info.
 

dbk

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I recently proposed to my girlfriend there to champagne and a gorgeous African sunset during our evening game drive. She did say yes! And I just happened to have a rather nice stone in my pocket!

Congratulations Gordo!
 

fjpikul

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Wow, Gordo, nice going. Congrats.
 
H

HHGT

Guest
Congrats Gordo
 

MNJason

GT Owner
May 14, 2010
2,097
San Diego
Wow! I figured I might get a lead or two here, but sounds like a wealth of information!

I am not looking to hunt but rather just see as many animals as possible and enjoy the experience.

I'm in Bahrain through next week but when I return I will reach out to a few of you to discuss. I'm going to hook up with Chip in January.

Thanks guys!!
 
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PeakCompletions

Boost is an addiction...
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Jan 6, 2007
1,414
West Texas
Check out the Safari Club International in Reno at the end of January. I have been talking to Chip about the same information and he suggested it being the place to go to meet anyone who is anyone in this field..

CONGRATS GORDO!!! Awesome story!
 

STUNTS

FORD GT OWNER & LITTLE TIMMYS DAD!
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... and here I though you bought a mac and was questioning how to use their program to surf the web..... :bored