Kenneth Hieber: This is the dry time in virtually all game areas, whether it is East-, South- or Southern Africa, and perceived to be the best time for wildlife viewing, as water is not as readily available and disbursed throughout, so the animals are forced to come to fewer watering holes, and are therefore easier to find. The grass is short, and it is easier to spot the game. Though - I would recommend you concentrate your efforts and time in the Maasai Mara / Serengeti eco-system for there you are bound to see much game. Sadly the drought areas to the north of Kenya have been severely affected - stay south!

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North Conway, NH: I've been on Safari before--18 years ago...Best trip ever. I'd like to organize a trip to share the experience with a group of friends and relatives. 10 days in Africa. What's the best way to organize a group trip, and how many people do you need to get one or 2 people free? I want to keep the cost down so people can afford it but a guide/driver on Safari is a must. Clean lodging and food at the lodge too. One price from a destination..Our other trip was all inclusive and it worked great...the company we went with no longer exists. Holly

Kenneth Hieber: That is SO difficult to answer -- trying to have a 'small group' but with 1 or 2 free of charge passengers AND keeping the price down. Firstly, the airlines have a very hard stance these days on free airline tickets and usually the common rule is 1 free in 20. Accommodations on the other hand are generally 1 free in 15 so there is a bit of juggling to do. I would recommend (given the configuration of the safari vehicle seating -- 6 per vehicle) that you start by considering denominations of 6/12/18 etc to keep balanced numbers (that's a cost saver right there already) and then pay attention to the season that you travel in April/May are good price wise in East Africa (though that is the rainy season) as is June (though marginally higher) due to the fact that the airline will have increased tariffs effective June 01st. East African safaris are always (in my experience) fully inclusive with ALL MEALS, safari game viewing drives, National Park entrance fees etc. Always a good destination for the full on safari experience.
Enjoy the planning -- it is always the best part.
KEN

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San Diego, CA: As a graduation gift for my wife, we will be heading to Africa!!! Originally we intended on Kenya and Tanzania, but we are now leaning towards Botswana. We are wildlife and nature enthusiasts on a budget (try living in SD on one income for 3+ years)who are trying to find the best way to Botswana and a reputable "budget safari." So....Which are the best cities to depart from in Europe (or does it matter)? Which are the best African airlines (or which to avoid)? Are there any other interesting ways to travel from South Africa to Botswana like train, fairly reliable buses which may add to the trip, or should we stick to air? An of coures, do you recomend any good budget safari groups (we did find G.A.P adventures as well as others)? I think that is all for now. Would love to read about our trip in the column as we are long time subscribers. Oh we are planing on a early to mid September trip (arrive 8 -11 ish)for about 14- 16 days then some time back in europe. Our ages are 27 & 33 and active. Thanks a ton, Daniel

Kenneth Hieber: Congratulations on your graduation and what a nice way to start your life journey by heading to Africa.
To reach Botswana from the U.S. and also from Europe, it is necessary to fly through Johannesburg (which has become the central hub for Southern Africa). The best city European city to depart from is London and there are several airlines to choose from, including Nationwide Airlines (a South African carrier) as well as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. From Amsterdam, KLM offers daily service as well.
I would personally recommend flying up to Maun (from Johannesburg) to reach the Okavango Delta Area or into Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and then transferring by land into Kasane/Chobe National Park Area. Air Botswana is the best recommendation to Maun and Nationwide Airlines into Livingstone offers reliable service twice daily and also offers convenient connections throughout most destinations in South Africa as well. There rates are very affordable and service and on time performance is excellent.
From Maun there are several companies that offer tented mobile safaris, that are not only affordable, but allow you the opportunity to actually sleep out under the stars and see Africa in a truly unique way.
Chobe National Park offers some great wildlife viewing and direct access to the Chobe River where herds of elephants are often seen swimming from Botswana to Namibia -- truly an amazing site to see. The Chobe area is one of the most affordable locations for game viewing in Southern Africa.
If you have a bit more time to spare and a little bigger budget, there is a train company called Shongololo Express that has been introducing wonderful train journeys through Africa that span many countries on one trip. Accommodations are adequate and often include many activities as well as food. Think of it as a cruise on wheels J This allows travelers the opportunity to not only see a lot, but avoids the hassle of transferring to airports and losing valuable vacation time. Most of the long journeys are scheduled overnight, so you don't miss a thing.
Have a wonderful time and enjoy Africa!

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Concord, NH: A friend and I would very much like to visit Namibia's Skeleton Coast, but so far all the guided tours we've found have been dreadfully expensive. Of course, even two weeks there can't justify the trip from the US. Are there any reasonably-priced tours that combine that portion of the world with other interesting animals and birds? We have no interest in wineries or cities.

Kenneth Hieber: Namibia in general is not an inexpensive destination, but simply spell-binding. There is very limited access permitted to the Skeleton Coast, as it is such a fragile echo system. To save cost, you could join any Northern Namibia tour that has at least one day at leisure in Swakopmund, and take a one-hour scenic flight over the Skeleton Coast from there, with landing at the airstrip in Damaraland for a brief walk before flying back to Swakopmund (total excursion approximately 2 ½ hours). You will see the ship wrecks (from where the Skeleton Coast takes its name) from the air even better than from the ground.
When going to Namibia, do not miss the Namib Desert (Sossusvlei)-- one of the most breathtaking deserts in the world, particularly at sunset. Etosha National Park offers great game viewing, and if you would like to combine Namibia with another country, you could travel through the Caprivi Strip in the North Eastern section of Namibia into Botswana for Chobe National Park and some serious game viewing and birding, and from there you'd also have easy access to the Victoria Falls.

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Kenneth Hieber: SAFARI SALAMA everyone and thank you for your communications! It has been a pleasure spending the hour with you and it is my wish that you get to experience Africa soon. Then, you will truly come to imbibe the meaning of "warm African wishes".
Until next time -- do take care,
KENNETH R. HIEBER

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