The Real Deal: A safari adventure that begins and ends in Nairobi, Kenya, and includes a stop in Kisii before you cross the border to Tanzania to visit Lake Victoria, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and Meserani; one night at Kivi Milimani Hotel or a similar property in Nairobi; six nights' camping in a two-person dome tent; most meals while camping; guided sightseeing (including visits to a soapstone-carving cooperative, a traditional marketplace in Musoma, and Olduvai Gorge, Mto Wa Mbu village and market); game drives in Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater conservation area; transportation by truck and 4x4 safari vehicle; and the services of a group leader, a cook, and a driver, from $988 per person—including all taxes and fees.
When: May 2; add $247 to depart most Sundays May 16–June 26, 2011.
The fine print: The starting rate includes a last-minute booking discount of 20 percent (about $247) off the regular price. The tour price includes a $400 cash payment due to your group leader upon arrival. You can purchase an entry visa for Kenya upon arrival for about $25 per person in cash.
Intrepid Travel recommends that you obtain your visa for Tanzania in advance (about $75 per person). Travel insurance is mandatory and can be arranged through Travel Guard. Based on double occupancy; no single supplement. Group sizes range from a minimum of four to a maximum of 21. To book, refer to trip code YOS. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability.
Contact Intrepid Travel, 800/970-7299, intrepidtravel.com.
Why it's a deal: With the 20 percent discount, the cost of this package breaks down to about $141 a night and includes one night at a hotel, six nights' camping, most meals, sightseeing, game drives, ground transportation, and the services of a cook and a driver. Plus, an experienced English-speaking group leader will accompany you throughout your trip.
More: Optional activities include a visit to an animal orphanage and a safari walk in Nairobi ($20 per person), a bike tour of Musoma ($20 per person), a dinner with a dance performance in Karatu ($15 per person), and a balloon ride in Serengeti National Park ($500 per person). Some optional tours and activities require that you rent your own four-wheel-drive vehicle, which costs from about $80 per day. Extra nights at the Kivi Milimani Hotel in Nairobi start at $51 per person per night for a twin room; add $31 per night for a single room.
