When to Tour Africa?

[T-For-2]

My 14 year old son and I want to travel to Africa and do a safari next year...when is the best time to plan for traveling? Also a recommendation on a tour company would be nice also.

[jno]

They come in a wide range of prices, depending whether you're in a cheapish campsite or a luxury lodge. Overall Kenya is probably the best value for money, places like the Masai Mara or Amboseli; and some of them you can couple a few days on safari with some on a beach. Best time is usually well into the dry season when the bush isn't too dense and the animals have to come out to the waterholes to drink. Kenya and Tanzania have mostly grasslands, whereas South Africa and Zimbabwe (if you must) are much more dense and scrubby, and I find the animals harder to see there.

Companies like Bales Worldwide and Cox & Kings do a lot of this sort of thing but are quite expensive. Other companies just hire local operators do take people round, which is fine; local guides are pretty good and spotting game.