Kenya Tanzania and Zimbabwe holiday package

[Ada]

Hi,

 

I am planning a safari for our daughter's 4th birthday. Below is the itinerary.

1. Fly to Victoria falls from London 

2. A day exploring     Victoria falls.
3. Go to Tanzania 
4. A day Serengeti National park 
5. See and explore Mountain Kilimanjaro 
6. Fly to Kenya 
7. Masai Mara National   park 
8. Fly back to London.

 

How much will it cost please? I am also looking for agency that will do the holiday package for us.

 

Thank you.

[ice]

Are you serious? Fly to Tanzania to spend one day in the Serengeti? And what exactly does "See and explore Kilimanjaro" mean, especially with a 4 year old toddler in company...

[Atravelynn]

Hi Ada,

 

Happy birthday in advance to your daughter.  I do see two major problems with your plans to celebrate.

 

#1 This is too much rushing around for a 4-year old to enjoy.  I really think she'd have a better time on safari in a few years.  There are lots of destinations that would be better suited for a 4 year old--even going to just one spot in Africa and looking at some of the animals from the safari vehicle, with plenty of time outside the vehicle to play and explore new surroundings.  Also be aware that unless this is a private trip, a 4-year old is not usually allowed to participate in outings with other clients.  Finally, do consider the vaccinations and anti-malarial medications and how appropriate they are for a youngster.

 

#2 This is too much rushing around for anyone.  Whatever the cost, the majority of it will be eaten up in flying around the continent.

 

I hate to dis the entire plan but anything less would mean I am not being honest.

 

 I see you have "travel agent" as your Category 2 designation.  Just curious where you send clients.

[ice]

9 hours ago, Atravelynn said:

 I see you have "travel agent" as your Category 2 designation.  Just curious where you send clients.

 

I was wondering about that, too

[LarsS]

On 6/14/2019 at 4:41 PM, Ada said:

Hi,

 

I am planning a safari for our daughter's 4th birthday. Below is the itinerary.

1. Fly to Victoria falls from London 

2. A day exploring     Victoria falls.
3. Go to Tanzania 
4. A day Serengeti National park 
5. See and explore Mountain Kilimanjaro 
6. Fly to Kenya 
7. Masai Mara National   park 
8. Fly back to London.

 

How much will it cost please? I am also looking for agency that will do the holiday package for us.

 

Thank you.

 

Could it be that you actually mean 14th or 40th birthday?

 

I also assume the numbers of your itinerary aren't days but more to sum up the elements of your trip?

 

Depending on what you'd like to see on your trip, I think there can be found better itineraries you will enjoy more and spend less time travelling from one area to another. That's my opnion. If there's a reason you chose these destinations, I can reassure you they're beautiful spots. Make sure you have enough time to really get to see these destinations.

 

We can help you better if you would let us know how many days you're planning for this trip and confirm the age of your daughter. Also your wishes and expectations can help in advicing an itinerary.

[Atravelynn]

I was assuming those #s were days, especially since some of them state "a day" or "a day exploring"

@LarsS brought up a good point that it may just be different locations.  Still, it is not a trip well suited for a 4-year old.

[COSMIC RHINO]

It would  be better to spend  more time in a few places

 

it is  very unlikely  to be able to transfer  from Victoria falls to  northern  Tanzania  in 1 day      

[Soukous]

I'm sorry @Ada but your proposed itinerary just does not make any sense.

Even if you were travelling with other adults rather than your young daughter it is way too hectic and, quite frankly, a very inefficient way to spend your time.

To get the most from any area you need to be able to relax and get to know it. A day in Serengeti or a day in Masai Mara is simply not enough. You need to allow time for several game drives because it is highly unlikely you'll see everything in just one day.

 

As for Mt Kilimanjaro. To explore it usually means climbing it, which takes several days and a lot of prior preparation and is totally unsuitable for a young child.

 

I seriously recommend a re-think and a chat to a travel agent who specialises in Africa.

[Botswanadreams]

37 minutes ago, Soukous said:

As for Mt Kilimanjaro. To explore it usually means climbing it, which takes several days and a lot of prior preparation and is totally unsuitable for a young child.

 

If you can't hike Mt Kilimanjaro but like to explore the mountain please take a look to this not well known option.

 

[wilddog]

Given the number of days you are suggesting you would probably be best going to one camp in either South Africa or Kenya. This would allow time to enjoy the experience and see plenty of wildlife.  You would then need to identify camps which will take a four year old, this is not common and would need some research.

 

I have not visited Kilimanjaro but would suggest this it not a good option for your 4 year old.

 

The other point to consider is the innoculations that may be required and that most places are malaria areas so you and your child would need to take malaria prophylaxis daily.

 

Africa is a huge place so take your time to plan this carefully and try not to do everything at once. If you are like the rest of us you will want to go back again and again, trying different areas each time.

 

Good luck

 

@Ada I see you are in the UK. You could try Expert Africa. They are Uk based and a well established, and experienced Africa Travel Agent. There are many others but you are best to use one that specialises in Africa rather than a 'Spanish Holiday' type of Travel agent .

 

 

Edited June 17, 2019 by wilddog

[monalisa]

Hi @Ada, I think perhaps you have drastically underestimated the commute time it takes to get from place to place. Assume 2 days of travel time to get from London to Vic Falls. Then assume 1 day of travel time to get from there to the Serengeti. Is it still worth it to you to spend only 1 day there after all that? And if your daughter is only 4, the time spent in transit would have to a big consideration. 

 

Perhaps consider doing the Falls and then sticking to one choice of safari destination? Your time on safari is precious so limit travel time where you are willing. Or maybe do the Mara only. You can view Kilimanjaro from Amboseli NP while on safari.