Go Back  Fodor's Travel Talk Forums > Destinations > Africa & the Middle East
Reload this Page >

East Africa Trip Report Index

Search

East Africa Trip Report Index

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 16th, 2006, 08:05 AM
  #41  
bat
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Lynda:
Thanks again. These descriptions are really good.
bat is offline  
Old Mar 16th, 2006, 08:47 AM
  #42  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
THANK YOU!! This is an incredible undertaking, and incredibly beneficial. You deserve our compliments, but more importantly, our thanks.
thit_cho is offline  
Old Mar 18th, 2006, 04:45 PM
  #43  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thankyou, Michael and everyone else who has commented with such encouraging remarks - I do appreciate it. It's fun reading all of these reports, I have learned SO MUCH! And added SO MANY 'things to do' and 'places to go' on my list of 101 Things To Do Before We Die!
LyndaS is offline  
Old Mar 18th, 2006, 04:45 PM
  #44  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
PHILW’S ‘KENYA FEB 2006 – COTTARS’ FEB 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34765618
Everyone may remember Phil from last year, when he took his wife, and two daughters back to Africa. Well, this time it was just him and his wife on a short, but wonderful trip to the Mara. Booked through local Nairobi operator GAMEWATCHERS, Phil and his wife spent 5 nights at Cottars 1920’s camp near the Mara, and a night at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi. Phil had some wonderful rare sightings – a pangolin in daylight, a zorilla, a black rhino, and a great impromptu game walk amongst a herd of 500 or so buffalo near the Sand River. And, as elusive as the cheetahs proved to be in the Mara, they got really up close and personal – to the point of petting one – in the cheetah sanctuary at the orphanage in Nairobi! His incredible pictures are posted in Kodak Gallery, link is in the thread.

MEICHX’S ‘TRIP REPORT: KAKAMEGA, ELDORET’
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34763305
This is a short report on Meichx’s trip to Eldoret, with a side trip to Kakamega Forest, staying at Rondo Retreat. It’s short, but it gives us lots of information on Rondo, in case anyone is thinking of heading there, this is a good frank and honest report to read.
LyndaS is offline  
Old Mar 30th, 2006, 06:53 PM
  #45  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
DLO’S ‘RWANDA, UGANDA, KENYA, TANZANIA DEC 05- MAR 06’
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34765002
Here is a fabulously LONG report on a fabulously LONG amazing trip! Dlo has treated us to some great details of his trip, starting in December, and finishing in March. And, as if a 3 month trip that involved a gorilla trek, a donkey trek, climbing to the summit of Kilimanjaro, a crater highlands hike, an incredible game-filled safari, and tons of culture and relaxation in Lamu and Zanzibar wasn’t enough excitement for Dlo and Christine, they actually got married at Governor’s Camp in the Mara! The first part, booked through GREAT LAKES SAFARIS took them from Canada to Entebbe, Uganda. Using mostly budget accommodations throughout Uganda, they stayed their first night in Kampala, drove to Murchison Falls (Red Chili Campsight), Budongo Forest for chimp tracking (Rwenzori View Guesthouse), and Queen Elizabeth Park (Institute of Ecology Hostel & Ishasha River Bandas). Next was Rwanda to see the Umubano Group of gorillas in Volcanoes National Park (Kinigi Guest House), and to trek to see Dian Fossey’s grave – which, by the way included a ‘free’ sighting of the Amahoro Group when they came across them in the forest! After a short drive to Gisenyi (Palm Beach Hotel), dlo took an unexpected side trip to the hospital in Kigali, followed by a stay at Chez Lando, and a short visit to Butare. Heading back into Uganda, their route took them to Lake Bunyoni, Lake Mburro for a boat trip and Kampala (Fairway Hotel) for Christmas Eve and a visit to the Sanyu babies’ orphanage, before flying back to Nairobi (Fairview Hotel). After an 8 hour dusty drive, dlo and Christine arrived in Samburuland for their 5-day donkey trek with 23 donkeys and 8 Samburu warriors, booked through SAMBURU TRAILS. The next part, booked through KENYA WILDLIFE TRAILS took them to Nairobi (Boulevard Hotel) and the Maasai Mara (Governors Camp) for their incredible storybook wedding, back to Nairobi again, Tsavo NP (Serena Kilaguni Lodge), Watamu (Turtle Bay Beach Club), Lamu (Lamu Palace Hotel), and back to Nairobi (Boulevard Hotel). No, no, no, we’re NOT finished yet – we’re only half-way through! The next leg, booked through TROPICAL TRAILS, took them by shuttle bus to Arusha (Karama Lodge) and a day climb up the 18,500 ft level of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Up next was Tarangire (tent under a baobob tree), Lake Manyara (Twiga campsight), the Serengeti (tenting, and Ndutu Lodge), Ngorongoro CA (Simba camp & Sopa Lodge), Nainokanoka for a 6 day Olmati/Empakai Crater Highlands Trek, Lake Natron and finally, Arusha (Karama Lodge). On their own now, they flew to Zanzibar and slept all over the island – Stonetown (Tembo Hotel), Pongwe Beach, Shooting Star, Mbweni Ruins. For the last leg of this incredible trip, booked through FOXES SAFARIS, dlo & Christine finished off in the Southern Tanzania route; with 7 days at Mikumi NP (Foxes Camp) and Foxes Highland Lodge. Their wonderful pictures, and plenty of them, are on Imagestation – the link is mentioned about halfway through his report.
LyndaS is offline  
Old Mar 30th, 2006, 09:22 PM
  #46  
bat
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Lynda.
bat is offline  
Old Mar 31st, 2006, 09:00 AM
  #47  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,413
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm constantly amazed by how great your summaries are.
Patty is online now  
Old Mar 31st, 2006, 11:22 AM
  #48  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Patty & bat!
That last one felt as though it took me as long to write, as dlo's trip was! What an itinerary - wow, other than the fact that I couldn't do all that trekking and hiking (I'm worried aboiut just plain walking!) I'd LOVE to have done that itinerary! A real dream come true. Sherry's trip is upnext - just finishing reading it tonight.
I love to read these reports, and I love to write - and I'm glad everyone is finding it useful - I know I will use it when we plan our NEXT trip to Africa!
Doing this is keeping me sane until we go in June...
LyndaS is offline  
Old Apr 1st, 2006, 12:00 PM
  #49  
dlo
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thats a great summary Linda.You're right of course it really was a dream come true.I'll post my thoughts in my summary but i've really crashed this week and finally am having a huge letdown.I had a lot of people tell me it was a once in a lifetime trip and i suppose they're right as i think this will be impossible to top but i sure will have fun trying!
dlo is offline  
Old Apr 1st, 2006, 01:15 PM
  #50  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
As a fellow Canadian, dlo whereabouts in this wonderful country are you?
I'm in Vancouver - sunny & cold today. Sunny is nice, but I think the next time I will be warm is on May 28th when I land in that 'hot tropical air' in Nairobi.
LyndaS is offline  
Old Apr 1st, 2006, 02:21 PM
  #51  
dlo
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Lynda i'm from lovely Winnipeg.Well at least most of our snow has melted.I think you can now understand why i need to get away in the winter so much.The funny thing is it was 1 of the warmest winters ever so you know next winter will be brutal.I still have never been to Vancouver but my wife loves it as does her brother who lives there.You're lucky you live in the beautiful part of the country.
dlo is offline  
Old Apr 1st, 2006, 06:46 PM
  #52  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Winnipeg! Wow, we moved from Windsor when I was 13 to -

are you ready for this? -

Lac Du Bonnet....

I moved to Wpg when I was 18, and then moved here 7 years later - found my husband there in Wpg - we are just about to celebrate our 30th anniversary buying spices in Zanzibar in June - so, you can see the quality of 'husbands' from Wpg in that one statement alone... Please be sure to tell Christine she has a keeper!

Your rings intrigued me by the way, in your report - I wouldn't mind looking at some while in Nairobi - can you give me a heads up on where you found yours? Our wedding rings are gold bands with a design etched in them - but I'd sure like to see animals etched in instead. That would make a nice anniversary present to each other don't you think?
LyndaS is offline  
Old Apr 2nd, 2006, 07:36 AM
  #53  
dlo
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Lynda,no worries i tell Chris everyday how lucky she is! As far as the ring we bought them from Mr Maru.I believe the building was called Lonrho House.We called him at (020)213061.I know its near a Nakumatt and the Stanley Hotel.He had a pretty good size selection and a wide range of prices so you should be able to find something.I think it only took about an hour to have my ring sized so we headed to a nearby bookshop and hung out there.Good luck and let me know if you find anything.
dlo is offline  
Old Apr 4th, 2006, 09:53 PM
  #54  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
CYBOR’S ‘TANZANIA/SEYCHELLES TRIP REPORT’ FEBRUARY/MARCH 2006.04.04
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34766566
This is a well-written, detailed and informative trip report of Sherry & Mike’s wonderful adventure of their safari to Tanzania, and their unusual ‘beach’ post-adventure on a catamaran for 8 days. Booking through AFRICA ADVENTURE, their ground operator was TANZANIA PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS, and their ground operator in Nairobi was ORIGINS. Their adventure started out in Arusha (New Arusha Hotel), where they lucked out in a private safari vehicle after booking onto a group safari. Their first night was spent at Tarangire (Kikoti Safari Camp), followed by a night in the NCA (Kifaru Lodge), before driving to Lake Eyasi (Kisima Ngeda Camp) where they went hunting with the Hadzabe bushmen, and visiting the Datoga, Barabaig and Watindiga tribes. Driving on, they stayed two nights at Ngorongoro Crater (Sopa Lodge) before arriving in the Serengeti (mobile camping in the Nyaibollo (sp.) area). Flying back to Nairobi (Karen Blixen Cottages), Sherry and Mike spent a great night in Nairobi before being told that their confirmed seats on their flight to the Seychelles had been given away, and they were to come back TWO days later! Not sitting well with a person who had not had a decent shower in the better part of a week – Sherry wore them down and they eventually re-routed them to the Seychelles via Dubai. This would enable them to make their catamaran trip at least, but the prepaid room in Mahé was history, to say nothing of the luxurious soak Sherry was looking forward too. But, adventurous as they are, they went, and they did get a partial night in at the hotel (La Meridien Barbarons) before embarking on their incredible 8 day catamaran tour of the Seychelles Islands. The islands & Marine Parks they explored included Ste. Anne Marine Park, La Digue Island, Coco Island, Praslin Island, Grand Soeur Island, Curieuse Island, and Cousin Island. After docking in Victoria Harbour back on Mahé, Sherry finally got her nice long bath at Le Meridien Barbarons where they stayed their final two nights, before flying back to Nairobi for a wonderful last day in Africa.
LyndaS is offline  
Old Apr 8th, 2006, 06:24 PM
  #55  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
BOSTONGAL’S ‘KILIMANJARO, SAFARI & ZANZIBAR REPORT’ MARCH 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34774854 (REPORT)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34775275 (PICTURES)
Here is an incredible, very detailed report on Nicole and Jay’s amazing trip to Kenya and Tanzania, including their Mt. Kilimanjaro climb. Booked through AFRICA TRAVEL RESOURCE (ATR), Nicole and Jay set out from Boston, stopped in Amsterdam and, almost without Jay’s passport, finally landed in Kilimanjaro and stepped out into the ‘hot, exotic African air’. (love that phrase, Nicole!). After spending a night in Arusha (Moivaro Coffee Lodge), the next stop was at Ilburo Lodge, for a last night on a bed before the climb, and a briefing from AFRICAN WALKING COMPANY. The next morning, after driving by jeep to the base of Kilimanjaro, they started their 6 day up – 2 day down Kili climb on the Shira route - going through five climate zones, lack of sleep, and plenty of emotions, to get to Uhuru Peak at 19,340 feet. Tired, dirty and cold, but exhilarated beyond belief, after the descent they spent another night at Ilboru Lodge. The next part was easy – the safari, Nicole’s trade off with Jay for climbing Kili. Their itinerary took them from Arusha, a game drive in Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater (Crater Lodge), Oldupai Gorge (Olduvai Camp), the Serengeti (Ronjo Flycamp in the Seronera), and finally, flying to Zanzibar with a pretty scarry landing, staying at Emerson & Green in Stonetown for culture, and Matemwe Beach Village for a much needed rest. This is a well-done report where you will feel you were with Nicole and Jay every step of the way – especially as she describes the climb – the tears, the joy, the humour, and the cold. It should be required reading for everyone who is considering going on a Mt. Kilimanjaro climb. Their fabulous pictures are in a separate thread – see the above link.
LyndaS is offline  
Old Apr 10th, 2006, 10:05 PM
  #56  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
ROCCO’S ‘THE ACCIDENTAL SAFARI – TANZANIA ADVENTURE’ MARCH 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34775997 (DETAILED REPORT)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34767105 (REPORT FROM THE FIELD)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34773267 (PICTURES)
As one Fodorite said in this report about Rocco’s writing – “Move Over Bill Bryson”! Rocco, in his usual style, has given us an amazing report; sometimes it will tug on your heartstrings and bring tears to your eyes, other times you will be rolling with laughter, but at all times, it will pull you into the adventure, and keep you reading until the end. And, as we always appreciate – and would expect from Rocco, it is an honest and frank assessment of things that did work, as well as things that didn’t. Starting with a very entertaining story of how he ended up trading his Porsche for this trip to Tanzania, we follow the many escapades and adventures of the accidental travelers from Los Angeles to Amsterdam, to Kilimanjaro, to Dar Es Salaam, and back to Kilimanjaro, - and that was just getting there to Tanzania! Booked through AFRICA TRAVEL RESOURCES, Rocco’s ground operators were MKSC (MT KILIMANJARO SAFARI CLUB) and NOMAD. Their itinerary (not that we didn’t all know this by heart by now!) included Arusha (Moivaro Coffee Lodge), Tarangire (Tree Tops Lodge), Lake Manyara (Lake Manyara Tree Lodge), Ngorongoro (Crater Lodge), Oldupai Gorge (Olduvai Camp), Serengeti (Ndutu Nomad Camp and Mbuzi Mawe Camp), and finally, a jaunt over to Zanzibar to take in both ‘beach’ time on the island’s east coast (The Palms), and ‘shopping’ time in Stonetown (Serena Inn). Their incredible pictures that capture the very essence of the best of Tanzania’s wildlife are in Kodak Gallery, see the thread above.
LyndaS is offline  
Old Apr 17th, 2006, 08:02 PM
  #57  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
CHIQUITA’S ‘SAFARI REPORT – PART 1/2/3’ FEB 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34778745 (PART 1)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34778831 (PART 2)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34778922 (PART 3)
This is a very humorous report from Chiquita and her DH’s first trip to Africa. Telling us she’s not the best writer (and disproving that right away as it is a very entertaining read!) Chiquita relates their trip from the US, through Zurich and on to Nairobi where they meet their safari representative, and are taken to the Serena Hotel for the night. The next morning their exciting adventure starts as they fly to Kilimanjaro Airport, and pick up their guide/driver Abraham for the next 14 days. Booked as a private drive safari, their ground operator was KIBO in Tanzania. Their itinerary included Sinya Wildlife Conservancy (Kambi ya Tembo Camp) where Dh managed single handedly to bring on some rain in the current drought by doing a rain dance with the Maasai, Arusha National Park (Kigongoni Lodge – aka Spider Lodge by Chiquita!), Tarangire (Tarangire River Camp), Lake Manyara (Gibbs Farm), the Serengeti (Kibo mobile tented camp in Central Serengeti), and to finish - Ngorongoro (Serena Lodge & Ngorongoro Farm House). This a fun read with lots of great info in it!
LyndaS is offline  
Old Apr 18th, 2006, 09:55 AM
  #58  
 
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ive got a trip report on Tanzania here:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34784464
Nikao is offline  
Old Apr 18th, 2006, 12:18 PM
  #59  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for posting that Nikao, I had printed yours out, along with a couple of others, and I will add them - hopefully tonight! Sorry I didn't get too it sooner, tax time still here in Canada.....!
LyndaS is offline  
Old Apr 18th, 2006, 07:24 PM
  #60  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
TUSKERDAVE’S ‘THANKS - GREAT LAKES & ECO RESORTS’ MARCH 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34780289
Tuskerdave has written a short, but very informative report on his current trip to Uganda and Kenya. Or, well, he said it wasn’t a report – but it’s sure packed with anecdotes and useful info! Booked through GREAT LAKES, Tuskerdave’s itinerary included Kibale, Entebbe (Sophie’s Motel), and 4 chimp trackings with a stay at an elevated banda in Uganda. His Kenya itinerary included Nairobi (a friends place & Didi’s Guest House), a drive and a viewing of the bone house with KWS, and Tsavo (Ndololo Camp). Be sure to read this report to find out how Tuskerdave acquired his own personal cow from a Maasai!
LyndaS is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Your Privacy Choices -