Where the wild things are: Safaris from Kenya's Cheli & Peacock are now 15% off.
If you think than an African safari is the type of trip that's out of your financial reach, it's time to think again.
The ultimate African adventure is more affordable than you might think—as outlined in the "Safari Primer" featured in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler, on newsstands now—thanks to a bumper crop of lodges and camps offering unprecedented discounts.
We tapped three of our top safari-planning travel specialists for their take on some of the best bargains now and into 2010 in both eastern and southern Africa—some of which offer up to 25% off the usual cost.
BOTSWANA
The Camps: Kalahari Plains Camp in the Kalahari Desert, and Xigera Camp in the Okavango Delta.
The Deal: Pay for four nights, stay for six (that's three nights at each camp). You'll pay $3,295 per person based on sharing accommodations, or 25% less than the original price of $4,370. (The single supplement has also come down, to $870, 33% less than the original $1,300.)
The Dates: Available for travel from now through March 15, 2010.
How to Book: Contact Julian Harrison of Premier Tours at julianh@premiertours.com.
Read on for more money-saving suggestions in southern and eastern Africa.
KENYA
The Camps: The luxury properties used by the upscale outfitter Cheli & Peacock, including the celebrated Tortilis Camp, Saruni Samburu, and Cottar's Camp.
The Deal: Bookings are 15% off for low, mid, and high seasons. For a seven-day trip, prices run from $4,180 per person sharing in the low season to $5,900 per person sharing in the high season.
The Dates: Book for the low season (April 15-May 31, 2010), mid season (Jan 2-March 31, June, and Oct-Dec. 20, 2010), and high season (July 1-September 30 and December 21, 2010-January 1, 2011).
How to Book: Contact Nina Wennersten of Hippo Creek Safaris at info@hippocreeksafaris.com.
SOUTH AFRICA
The Camps: Singita's Lebombo or Sweni Lodges in Kruger National Park.
The Deal: A five-day itinerary with a stay in Capetown includes pay for three, stay for five at either of these lodges. You'll pay from $5,125 per person this year and $5,495 per person in 2010.
The Dates: The sale this year is good for travel through December 15. Next year's dates are January 15-May 31 and August 1-December 15.
How to Book: Contact Mark Nolting at Africa Adventure Company at safari@africanadventure.com.
The Camps: The luxury properties used by the upscale outfitter Cheli & Peacock, including the celebrated Tortilis Camp, Saruni Samburu, and Cottar's Camp.
The Deal: Bookings are 15% off for low, mid, and high seasons. For a seven-day trip, prices run from $4,180 per person sharing in the low season to $5,900 per person sharing in the high season.
The Dates: Book for the low season (April 15-May 31, 2010), mid season (Jan 2-March 31, June, and Oct-Dec. 20, 2010), and high season (July 1-September 30 and December 21, 2010-January 1, 2011).
How to Book: Contact Nina Wennersten of Hippo Creek Safaris at info@hippocreeksafaris.com.
SOUTH AFRICA
The Camps: Singita's Lebombo or Sweni Lodges in Kruger National Park.
The Deal: A five-day itinerary with a stay in Capetown includes pay for three, stay for five at either of these lodges. You'll pay from $5,125 per person this year and $5,495 per person in 2010.
The Dates: The sale this year is good for travel through December 15. Next year's dates are January 15-May 31 and August 1-December 15.
How to Book: Contact Mark Nolting at Africa Adventure Company at safari@africanadventure.com.
Good deals for the one's who budget conscious.