2014. június 24., kedd

I'd like to go on an African safari but I need some help getting started


Background


I'm a 17 year old US citizen and I'd like to take a solo trip to Africa for a safari adventure. I've only been to Africa once before, but that was with my dad for a work-related thing and I was pretty young.


I'd want to go sometime in August, or late-July at the earliest. I understand that the migration of the animals changes so if you have a suggestion for a better time for this trip I'd appreciate it


As for the length of the trip, it would be nice to do all of these things over 3-5 days


My budget is $6500 USD but it's flexible, includes airfare


I don't have a preference for the country, as long as my priorities are met


Priorities


My main priorities are a private safari tour with a driver (no groups), seeing as many cool animals as possible (Big 5) and spending the nights somewhere upscale with a great staff. I want an authentic experience but I still want the comfort and amenities of a tourist-type adventure.


There's probably much more to a trip than just seeing animals, so here's a list of stuff that interests me.


Nature, animals, meeting new people, exotic food and music, luxury lodging, learning new things, good balance of adventure and relaxation


If you have any recommendations for stuff I can do, please let me know


Beforehand Research


I've done a bit of research beforehand. I know there are a lot of different parks/reserves that offer safari trips, I've only looked into Kruger and Masa Maarai. Like I said, it doesn't matter where as long as it fits my main priorities. Saruni Mara, which does safari trips in Masa Maaai in Kenya seems like a good fit and has excellent reviews.


So if you have any insight please share and tell me what I should do next with the info that I have. Thanks