a quick migration update!
Jul 22nd, 2003, 12:22 PM
#22
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Dear Liz,
Rekero came up only with our travel agent and Peter Jones of The River Club in Zambia months ago when we were thinking of going to Tanzania. At that time, we had no idea that one had to be at certain places at certain times of the year. Now, I am getting the picture!
Therefore, Wildlife Explorer came into the picture as there are two camps - one called the Wilderness Camp of The Ngaroi, which is seasonal ( as Rekero ). They put it up from Dec. to June and it is just outside of the Eastern Serengeti border. There are only eight tents in camp and we would book on a private basis, ie being on our own and hosted by a driver-guide and a walking guide. The other camp is in the Serengeti and will be set up in the Southern part. It is a fully mobile camp.It is a small family operation that comes highly recommended. But, expensive as far as I can gather at this point. That is why I am also interested ( very at this point )in Ndutu. As per your suggestion - I will email this evening and not wait for Louises return. If you have the time to post what your sojourn cost is I really would appreciate it. Just as you are doing it. Liz, Thanks again!
Sara
Rekero came up only with our travel agent and Peter Jones of The River Club in Zambia months ago when we were thinking of going to Tanzania. At that time, we had no idea that one had to be at certain places at certain times of the year. Now, I am getting the picture!
Therefore, Wildlife Explorer came into the picture as there are two camps - one called the Wilderness Camp of The Ngaroi, which is seasonal ( as Rekero ). They put it up from Dec. to June and it is just outside of the Eastern Serengeti border. There are only eight tents in camp and we would book on a private basis, ie being on our own and hosted by a driver-guide and a walking guide. The other camp is in the Serengeti and will be set up in the Southern part. It is a fully mobile camp.It is a small family operation that comes highly recommended. But, expensive as far as I can gather at this point. That is why I am also interested ( very at this point )in Ndutu. As per your suggestion - I will email this evening and not wait for Louises return. If you have the time to post what your sojourn cost is I really would appreciate it. Just as you are doing it. Liz, Thanks again!
Sara
Jul 24th, 2003, 09:35 AM
#25
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Liz,
Happy to hear that I did not make a faux pas. And thank you for passing on to me the cost of Ndutu. Very reasonable, I must say. Our quote from Wildlife is $3,938.00 per person for 8 days! Quite a difference. Let me know what you think? We just made reservations ( using miles ) US to Nairobi via London as seats were becoming very difficult to come by. Have not booked Wildlife yet as I am still waiting to here from Nudtu.
Sara
Happy to hear that I did not make a faux pas. And thank you for passing on to me the cost of Ndutu. Very reasonable, I must say. Our quote from Wildlife is $3,938.00 per person for 8 days! Quite a difference. Let me know what you think? We just made reservations ( using miles ) US to Nairobi via London as seats were becoming very difficult to come by. Have not booked Wildlife yet as I am still waiting to here from Nudtu.
Sara
Jul 24th, 2003, 02:11 PM
#26
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Sara-
What dates did you book for? We too are using ff miles, American/British, uh oh, its for the Sept trip to the Mara. We bought NW/KLM tickets to KIA. You can get the tickets yourself from Wilson A/P clear through to Seronera and as long as that is your only lodge you should be fine. You can even book your own air on from Nairobi to J'berg.
It would have been easier for me to just say that our rate is $250.00 ea per day with room and private car. You don't have to have a private car though. That part is tricky. Since I haven't been there before I can't vouch for all the details as the rates are kind of hard to understand because of half board vs. full board, game drives, etc. I can't give you the current room rate since we didn't get them for this year. Louise had given us the figures for last year and held them for us due to the length of our stay, etc.
You are right that Ndutu is cheap, lets not expect king size beds or marble bathrooms. Just to be in a room with bath and good company and homey atmosphere and meals, hey, we're all set. Sure hope to see you there. Wouldn't that be thrilling? It just seems so laid back on the website. And with all of those people coming back, it can't be bad. I plan to be out on the plains most all day anyways.
Gee, that other place sure was expensive. That's what I found out when I contacted a TA before. Ndutu doesn't post their rates because the TAs ask them not to. I wonder why?
Let me know when you hear from Louise. Didn't you email her again?
Till later. Liz
What dates did you book for? We too are using ff miles, American/British, uh oh, its for the Sept trip to the Mara. We bought NW/KLM tickets to KIA. You can get the tickets yourself from Wilson A/P clear through to Seronera and as long as that is your only lodge you should be fine. You can even book your own air on from Nairobi to J'berg.
It would have been easier for me to just say that our rate is $250.00 ea per day with room and private car. You don't have to have a private car though. That part is tricky. Since I haven't been there before I can't vouch for all the details as the rates are kind of hard to understand because of half board vs. full board, game drives, etc. I can't give you the current room rate since we didn't get them for this year. Louise had given us the figures for last year and held them for us due to the length of our stay, etc.
You are right that Ndutu is cheap, lets not expect king size beds or marble bathrooms. Just to be in a room with bath and good company and homey atmosphere and meals, hey, we're all set. Sure hope to see you there. Wouldn't that be thrilling? It just seems so laid back on the website. And with all of those people coming back, it can't be bad. I plan to be out on the plains most all day anyways.
Gee, that other place sure was expensive. That's what I found out when I contacted a TA before. Ndutu doesn't post their rates because the TAs ask them not to. I wonder why?
Let me know when you hear from Louise. Didn't you email her again?
Till later. Liz
Jul 25th, 2003, 05:48 PM
#27
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Why dont you try this web site. We are taking the August tour. Leaves from Atlanta.
http://www.smartours.net/kenya.htm
http://www.smartours.net/kenya.htm
Jul 25th, 2003, 05:49 PM
#28
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Dear Liz,
I heard back from Louise this evening. Actually, a delightful email! I should never have shared with my husband the rates! It is more then half of what Wildlife Explorer is. Why am I thinking of spending a small fortune with Wildlife? That allure of doing the mobile tent thing is one of the huge draws - and obviously, being a small part of the migration. I really don't give a d--- about the marble bathroom thing this time around. Did that in SA and Bots last year. Something more real is what i am looking for. Anyway, I asked Louise a load of questions and will eagerly await her reply.
Tickets are already booked as seats were filling up fast for Nairobi.
We leave the US into London around the end of Jan. Spend a few days and the are confirmed Feb.1 into Nairobi. There, we will again spend a couple of nights there to relax and see a bit of the city. Old folks that we are! So from Nairobi to Serengeti we will be in some TA hands. Also, for the rest of the trip, I might add.
I am very confused as what to do at this point! How about chatting on the telephone? Can't type worth a d---.
Awaiting your reply.
Regards,
Sara
I heard back from Louise this evening. Actually, a delightful email! I should never have shared with my husband the rates! It is more then half of what Wildlife Explorer is. Why am I thinking of spending a small fortune with Wildlife? That allure of doing the mobile tent thing is one of the huge draws - and obviously, being a small part of the migration. I really don't give a d--- about the marble bathroom thing this time around. Did that in SA and Bots last year. Something more real is what i am looking for. Anyway, I asked Louise a load of questions and will eagerly await her reply.
Tickets are already booked as seats were filling up fast for Nairobi.
We leave the US into London around the end of Jan. Spend a few days and the are confirmed Feb.1 into Nairobi. There, we will again spend a couple of nights there to relax and see a bit of the city. Old folks that we are! So from Nairobi to Serengeti we will be in some TA hands. Also, for the rest of the trip, I might add.
I am very confused as what to do at this point! How about chatting on the telephone? Can't type worth a d---.
Awaiting your reply.
Regards,
Sara
Jul 26th, 2003, 05:14 AM
#31
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Thought those of you traveling soon to Kenya to see the Great Migration might be interested in the following. A friend who lives in Nakuru wrote:
"We are also looking forward to what is expected to be the biggest migration in the Mara in the last 10 years." Oh, how I was I was going this year!!!!!
"We are also looking forward to what is expected to be the biggest migration in the Mara in the last 10 years." Oh, how I was I was going this year!!!!!
Jul 26th, 2003, 07:31 AM
#32
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Oh Susan-
Why can't you? They say it may be the last one this big. A week isn't that bad to get off work or to be away. Rekero says they have rooms yet. I have those two big suitcases we bought for cruises. Anyways airlines rates go down 1 Sept from the summer high. Just do it!
Why can't you? They say it may be the last one this big. A week isn't that bad to get off work or to be away. Rekero says they have rooms yet. I have those two big suitcases we bought for cruises. Anyways airlines rates go down 1 Sept from the summer high. Just do it!
Jul 26th, 2003, 08:54 AM
#33
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I tell you, if I hadn't got other trips booked which I just can't cancel I think I'd be using every trick I could think of to persuade Pete...
He enjoyed our trip to Southern Africa too, and is looking forward to next year, but isn't quite as desperate as I am about the continent!
Susan, if you can go, do go and that will be another report for me to salivate over...
He enjoyed our trip to Southern Africa too, and is looking forward to next year, but isn't quite as desperate as I am about the continent!
Susan, if you can go, do go and that will be another report for me to salivate over...
Jul 26th, 2003, 05:45 PM
#34
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Liz and Kavey: Believe me, it is all I can do to stop myself from just going over there, but not possible this go around. A little thing called "money," or lack thereof at the moment, just keeps getting in the way!!!! Besides, I am placating myself by planning my trip to Kenya and Tanzania for 2004. We were going to travel to Tanzania/Kenya in February, but instead are opting for August/September. By beloved Michael needs to accrue more vacation time - and I need a bit more time to tell, er, convince, him that this trip will be the "trip of a lifetime." Needless does he know, I am already planning for Botswana in 2006. You see, dear ladies, you two are definitely not the only ones nuts about Africa! The sites, the sounds and yes, even the smells of East Africa have permeated my heart and soul. So, I will have to rely on the reports of others who witness this migration as well as my memories for a tad bit longer. Alas, I wish I could find some blood ties to Bill Gates, the Rockerfellers or even the Windsors - on your side of the pond, Kavey - but all my searches have been fruitless thus far. Oh well ...
Jul 28th, 2003, 05:54 PM
#35
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Dear Liz and Kavey,
Thanks again Liz for all your help! Did you notice my name change?
Kavey, we would love to have that cup of coffee if I ever put this trip together! Thanks to Liz it just may happen. Best to you both.
Sara
Thanks again Liz for all your help! Did you notice my name change?
Kavey, we would love to have that cup of coffee if I ever put this trip together! Thanks to Liz it just may happen. Best to you both.
Sara
