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Respected Contributor
Posts: 4,854
Registered: ‎03-19-2010

Re: Question for World Traveler

Our last few trips with Tauck,  so many people spoke about their favorite Tauck trips and African Safari was always on the list.  We are looking into doing this in the next several years.  I'm going to look up this organization, although we have loved every Tauck trip that we've taken and are leaning toward one of their trips.  Thanks for renewing my interest.  Have our trip for 2019 already planned and possibly 2020.  This may be a 2021 trip for us!

Enjoy whatever you choose.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,207
Registered: ‎07-11-2010

Re: Question for World Traveler

@World Traveler

 

Thanks for the pics.  This is a little better than I thought it would be.  At least you can stand up and take pics from outside the vehicle instead of through a window!.  Still prefer the open jeeps cuz then you are closer to the animals and its easier when zooming in and taking pics.  I'll have to think about it.  Kenya/Tanzania may not be what I'm wanting.  I'll have to weigh the pros and cons.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,465
Registered: ‎02-02-2015

Re: Question for World Traveler

@JudyL I just got another reply from a couple who went to Tanzania with OAT:

 

The vehicles we used in Tanzania in January, 2018 were closed with pop-up roofs. The large sliding windows allowed photo taking while sitting but most of us usually stood for all around views. Our group of 15 was divided among three vehicles so there was plenty of room to move around.

The closed vehicles were much easier to enter and exit than the open, three tiered vehicles we used a few years ago on our Ultimate Africa trip because you didn't have to climb up narrow steps on the sides.

 

Have asked if they also went to Kenya. Waiting to hear back from them.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,207
Registered: ‎07-11-2010

Re: Question for World Traveler

@World Traveler

 

Thank you!  Nice to hear from someone who went recently.   It looks like it might be ok cuz you can open the windows for pictures or stand up.  I take a lot of pictures.....LOL

 

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,465
Registered: ‎02-02-2015

Re: Question for World Traveler

[ Edited ]

@JudyL Got another person who went on OAT's Kenya/Tanzania trip a year ago, and said that BOTH countries had the closed vehicles with pop-up ceiling.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,207
Registered: ‎07-11-2010

Re: Question for World Traveler

@World Traveler

 

Thanks for all the info!  Went on OAT's website today and they had a pic with the vehicle in it that they use for the Kenya/Tanzania trip.  It'll probably be ok.  Luckily I have a few months to decide.  It seems like it would be a fabulous trip.  Getting antsy to get back to Africa I guess.  Have to remind myself that I still have a long way to wait before I leave.  Sometimes I just have to read the itinerary and dream. 

Esteemed Contributor
Posts: 5,520
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Question for World Traveler

That’s how I remember my Kenya safari vehicles to be too.  A photo of a photo, as I don’t have much from Kenya on my phone.

 

62FB7EED-B64F-46BB-AF67-69F354D26F41.jpeg

 

Yes, I blatantly chose to post that because the car is surrounded by elephants 🐘!! 

 

Not OAT, but, for me, I recall that the different lodges had different vehicles. On the plus side, the more enclosed vehicle is slightly more protection against driving into large flying bugs!

 

What dates are you considering?  Will you be near migration? (Although I think Kenya is Masai Mara, which sounds like an add on for you?)

Honored Contributor
Posts: 13,465
Registered: ‎02-02-2015

Re: Question for World Traveler

@Alter Ego and @JudyL I think the drive goes thru Kenya and Tanzania. They were migrating in both countries when I went that year in June/July.

 

It is my understanding the Masai Mara runs thru both countries.

 

I found Kenya to be greener than Tanzania.

 

Loved being surrounded by elephants when I was there. Those elephants just see us as moving rocks! ha! They have no fear of us, so they came right up to the vehicle and we stuck our hands out to touch them.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 14,207
Registered: ‎07-11-2010

Re: Question for World Traveler

@Alter Ego and @World Traveler

 

I will probably go mid-June to mid-July 2020.  Yes the Masai Mara is an add-on to "Best of Kenya and Tanzania" trip through OAT, which I will definitely do.  Won't make my reservations until next Spring so have time to decide whether I'll do this one or the Ultimate Africa one again.  It seems like its forever but honestly, I can't believe how fast this year has gone.