Nikao, I tried the body weight argument with Safari Link last year when they hassled me about too much weight (because of camera gear). The argument fell on deaf ears. I ended up paying a small overweight fee, so it ended well.

Coastal gave me no trouble at all in June. My luggage was a bit less than 15 kg but I still had my ridiculously heavy rolling photo bag, which they didn't weigh and which I carried on. At least that was my experience; hopefully no hassles for you either.

thx sdb2
so they did weigh your 'checked' bag?
I have some difficulty getting that below 15kg while carrying a tripod, monopod, backup camera body and 2 books on safari ohw .. and some clothes

You know, they seemed kind of relaxed the day I checked in. First, they weighed my rolling luggage which I think was more then 15 kg, though they didn't seem concerned. Nevertheless, I carry a light-weight duffle in the luggage and told them I was going to transfer what I needed from the luggage to the duffle and they could store the rolling luggage until I got back. I can't recall if they even weighed the duffle. It worked well by dropping the luggage weight and stuff I didn't need out of the equation.

yeah would think they will be relaxed about it, but a bit difficult to 'gamble' on that..

how did you manage to get 15kg as carry-on luggage on your flight into tanzania by the way?
normally it is 5kg-8kg?

Sorry for any confusion. My rolling luggage gets checked on all flights. I have a rolling photo bag (looks like a backpack and probably weighs in the 9-10 kg range) that always comes with me.

Flights between Kenya/Tanzania the limit is 20Kg. However, since the limit in each country is 15Kg, that's what you have to stick to. How much you weigh, unless very big where purchase of two-seats would be suggested as more comfortable to the passenger and those around him/her... for you weighing way less doesn't matter.

Your main duffle at 15Kg gets weighed and a reasonable sized carryon and/or camera bag is allowed. If the latter two obviously look heavy, the agent will weigh and if they choose assess a fee. But, don't fret... it's a small amount, a few dollars per KG, not LB. So be prepared.

thx sandi!.. if it's just a few dollars per KG I can manage that. Prefer to pay some extra than leaving my tripod or safari books behind

Hi,

we flew Coastal from Arusha to Ruaha in July 2008.

There was a couple who both had 20 kg+ bags who were not able to pay to fly the extra luggage and had to leave some behind with their guide. There was a big debate, tears and open cases which might have been because the flight was very full.

Fortunately our bags were weighed together and came in at a combined 29 kg - I did have a wildlife guidebook and a couple of other items in the pocket of my jacket just in case.

Hope the luggage works OK for you,


Pol

THX for the insight.. seems a risk to not try and get below the 15kg...
Might leave behind my safari guide book then and only take the birding book with me..

by the way; did they also weigh your hand luggage?

Yes, they did weigh hand luggage as part of the 15 kg.

I had a folding backpack with camera and binocs and that was OK. I was well prepared for this flight and wore my walking boots, warm jacket with big pockets that contained up to 2 kg of field guide and I wish I could remember what else.

You might be lucky and if the plane isn't full, they may be more flexible.

Regards,


Pol

hmm ok.. I won't push my luck then and will skip the tripod. This will also enable me to take a lighter bag with me..
Will have to create those time lapse video's some other time then.....

Books weigh a ton. Even a few paperbacks can add up.

Have yet to be in a vehicle where the guide doesn't have books for both animals and birds. Might not be the same as yours, but consider this and not lug the extra weight.

thats true sandi.. i'll leave the Safari Companion behind.. but will take the birds book. Like to go through that alongside the pictures I took in the relaxing hours in camp