NEW EAST AFRICA Trip Report Index

ALWAYSAFRICA – TANZANIA DEC 2004
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34569264

This is an incredible journal by a young couple that took a ‘remote’ trip of a different kind to Tanzania. Using EAST AFRICAN SAFARI AND TOURING COMPANY, their private drive safari itinerary was:

Arusha - Impala Hotel
Serengeti - E.A.S.T.’s mobile Ndutu Camp
Ngorongoro - Wildlife Lodge for game viewing
a 3-day trek (yes, on foot!) through the Crater Highlands
a trek up Oldoinyo Lengai to see the sun rise
Tarangire - Naitolia Camp
a challenging 4 day climb up Mt. Meru

At the end was a well-earned one week beach paradise stay on the exotic island of Zanzibar. Accommodations ran the gamut – they ranged from a 2-man tent on a mountainside, to a luxury camp, and then finally a beach resort in Paradise. This really is a trip report not to be missed, even if you have no desire to have such a ‘remote’ trip!


MATT_FROM_ENGLAND – KILIMANJARO CLIMB & TANZANIA JAN 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34736285 report
http://www.smartgroups.com/pictures/openalbum.cfm?GID=3070834&AlbumID=5272073 photos
http://www.smartgroups.com/pictures/openalbum.cfm?GID=3070834&AlbumID=5280137 photos

Matt has given us a short, but good description of his Mt. Kilimanjaro climb, followed by a down to earth camping safari that took in:

Ngorongoro CA - Simba Public Campsite
Serengeti - Seronera Public Campsite
Olupai Gorge - Mosquito River
Longido
Arusha
Nairobi


Matt gives us some pointers on the local banana beer, as well as some options of good places to eat and buy a few ‘alcoholic supplies’. Be sure to follow his link to his awesome pictures of the climb, and the safari.


ROLNGSTN – TANZANIA JAN 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34561632

Nancy has given us a short report on her adventures in Tanzania with FRIENDLY PLANET. Although there are no specifics on lodges, camps or parks, she has listed a few highlights of the trip, as well as some really point-forward general hints, such as ‘If you think you are prepared for bad roads, think again.’ That comment alone persuaded me get some of those inflatable seat cushions from Magellan’s! There is also a good discussion on the ‘earth-tones’ versus the ‘bright colours’ for clothes in this thread.


JANGOSS - KENYA JAN/FEB 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34567725 report
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=fy9zpit.3jbv2jfp&x=1&y=im6xxe photos

This is an earlier report from Jan; this particular trip was her seventh to Kenya! Self-booked, Jan’s itinerary was:

Nairobi - Holiday Inn
Amboseli - Ol Tukai
Samburu - Elephant Watch Camp
Mombasa - Tamarind Village
Tsavo – Satao

In Amboseli, Jan spent a week with her elephants and their researcher friends, where she was lucky enough to see Echo, one of park’s most famous matriarchs. Staying at both camps and lodges, one camp of interest to fellow Fodorites would be the Elephant Watch Camp in Samburu. Jan’s love for animals is very evident throughout this report as she gives us travelers-to-be some good pointers on animal viewing etiquette and also a few eye-openers on the way some of the animals are treated in the wild. Jan also gives us some good location (location, location, location!) pointers for Amboseli lodges and camps.


PATTY - KENYA FEB 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34566072 report
Sweetwaters
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=jy877nh.2jjmyi2t&x=0&y=-niug41 photos
Tsavo West
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=jy877nh.8odjx7id&x=0&y=ya8mkx photos
Amboseli
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=jy877nh.67esy6dh&x=0&y=-2l4zt5 photos
Nairobi
http://www.ofoto.com/I.jsp?c=jy877nh.6knll4qt&x=0&y=-8zxtev photos


This is Patty and Mark’s report from their first trip (notice I said ‘first…’) to East Africa – and you can feel the excitement they felt as you read this very descriptive, wonderful detailed report. EASTERN AND SOUTHERN was the outfitter that they used, as they traveled by road (private vehicle), throughout from:

Sweetwaters
Tsavo - Finch Hatton’s
Amboseli - Ol Tukai
Nairobi

Patty gives us an incredible description of their safari and some of their adventures, including details of the ‘tourist route’ in Nairobi. Within the thread Patty also gives us good insight and some very useful tips into ‘frequent flyer bookings’ on the air travel to and from Nairobi – no one knows maps, routes and air routings and bookings like our Patty!


EVELYNTRAV – TANZANIA FEB 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34648151

This report from Evelyn recaps her OAT (OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL) group safari with her friend in early 2005. Originally asking about the pre-trip extension and the post-trip extension, Evelyn came back after her trip to post her impressions. Using KIBO as the ground operator, they did the pre-trip of ‘Meet the Maasai – Life in the Foothills of Kilimanjaro’ before their safari from Arusha. Their itinerary included:

Sinya Camp - private reserve
Tarangire - Tented River Camp
Ngorongoro - Ngoronoro Farm House
Serengeti - OAT tented camp
Arusha

Evelyn has given honest and forthright opinions on game drives, lodgings, meals, animals, the cultural visits and the itinerary.


SARGE – KENYA FEB 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34588114

This is a short, but very informative report on Sarge’s 3-day safari to the Mara (Sarova Mara Camp) while visiting Mombasa. He has given us very informative animal sighting descriptions – don’t miss his vivid observations of mating lions – as well as some very informative tips on the clothes they took, how his cameras and the binoculars worked for them, and how he made good use of all the info Fororites gave him before he left.


DIVEWOP - RWANDA, KENYA AND UGANDA FEB 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34579619

Sandy has written an exciting and incredible report on her solo trip booked through VOLCANOES SAFARIS; with the ground operator DIAN FOSSEY FOUNDATION for Rwanda and Uganda, and the three days at the beginning and end in Kenya added by herself. Her exciting itinerary was:

Nairobi (Norfolk Hotel)
Chyulu Hills (Camp Ya Kanzi – Chyulu Hills borders Tsavo)
Kigali, Rwanda
Virunga Mountains (Gorilla’s Nest Lodge and Volcanoes Virunga Lodge)
Uganda
Maasai Mara

Sandy begins her exciting gorilla-trekking adventure with Polly (her new roommate) and three others in Kigali, Rwanda. After heading up to the Virunga Mountains, we experience the thrill of three different treks to see different groups! (Sousa, Amahoro B and Group 13). The report ends here, but someday we all hope she will finish the Uganda and Mara portion. It is an incredible report, packed with useful information on the treks, how they work, how they rate on a ‘tough’ scale, and also some very descriptive observations on the socio/economic life in Rwanda. The highlight was reading about the ‘pushy gorilla’ when one actually touched her! (‘outa my way, lady, I have places to go!’)

JULES39 – TANZANIA & KENYA FEB 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34581453

Jules tells us all about her fabulous trip, a return to Africa for her, but first time for her husband. Booked through 2AFRIKA as a group safari, the ground operators used were PREDATORS in Tanzania and NAKED WILDERNESS in Kenya. Their itinerary took them from:

Tarangire
Lake Manyara
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti
Amboseli
Mt. Kenya NP (Serena Mountain Lodge)
Lake Nakuru
Maasai Mara (Sienna Springs Tented Camp)

Jules gives us good details of how the group situation works in the vehicles, as well as descriptions of their many animal sightings, and some candid observations of their guides and ground operators. As a bonus, there is a very informative posting from someone else on the wildlife situation and sightings in Namibia.


MARIMARI - TANZANIA MARCH 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34604031

This is a great descriptive report of Marilyn’s budget group drive safari with 2AFRICA to Tanzania. Marilyn’s itinerary was:

Tarangire (Tarangire Sopa Lodge)
Lake Manyara (Lake Manyara Hotel)
Ngorongoro (Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge)
Serengeti (Serengeti Wildlife Lodge)

She has given us very good insight into a group safari, including some great tips and practical info on some items to bring along, as well as detailed descriptions of the food and the accommodations at the lodges. This report is crammed full of good advice and observations!


LIZ_FRAZIER – TANZANIA MARCH 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34595582 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34594708 (thread with picture link)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=9kcj3uz.azljcetn&Uy=xmjgg3&Upost_signin=BrowsePhotos.jsp%3FshowSlide%3Dtrue&Ux=1&UV=51891676005_279369214203 (pictures)

Here is a very frank, and very informative report of Liz and Max’s final trip to Africa – they will still travel, but in her words ‘closer to home – less adventuresome trips’. Years ago, she writes, she married Max with ‘baggage,’ - a real love for Africa that has kept them going back at her insistence. ‘Time for Max’ now she says! Her report is an incredibly detailed report on their trip through Tanzania with ROY’S SAFARIS. Taking them from:

Tarangire (Kikoti Camp)
Ngorongoro CA (Ngorongoro Farm House at Karatu)
Serengeti (Kusini Camp & Kirawira)
Ngorongoro (Crater Lodge)

She gives in-depth descriptions of the various camps and one lodge that they stayed at. A highlight is reading about their first class flights to/from Nairobi/States, Liz gives us detailed descriptions of those wonderful first-class Flagship Suites on AA’s international flights!


ALARRYB – TANZANIA MAY 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34752882 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34752871 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34752872 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34752874 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34752878 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34752879 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34752890 (thread with picture link)
http://www.alabama.smugmug.com/ (pictures)

Larry and Donna have written an excellent, very detailed day by day journal on their private fly/drive 10 day adventure into Tanzania. Booked through AFRICA DREAM SAFARIS, they used TANZANIA EXPEDITIONS as their ground operator. Their itinerary was:

Kilimanjaro (Kilimanjaro International Airport Lodge)
Serengeti (Kirawira Camp, Seronera Lodge and a private luxury tented camp)
Olduvai Tented Lodge (NCA)
Ngorongoro Crater (Serena Lodge and Crater Lodge)
Karatu, NCA (Plantation Lodge)
final game run at Lake Manyara

Staying for a for a few days in each of the three sections of the Serengeti afforded many incredible game sightings on their runs, as well as a ½ day trip to the tiny village of Rimaldi on the shores of Lake Victoria. Donna has written very detailed descriptions of all of their lodges and camps, as well as the food that was available at each of them.


RSNYDER (LGOUSTAY) – SOUTHERN TANZANIA JUNE 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34649444 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34656478 (photo links)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=6f4o51n.abn4uz2n&x=1&y=-yahy64 (photos)

Having been already on the Northern Tanzania Route; Dick, his wife Darla and their 18-yr old daughter Beth decided to take a southern 11-night Tanzania fly-in safari with TRAVEL CO and FOXES OF AFRICA. Their itinerary was:

Dar es Salaam (Holiday Inn)
Mikumi NP (Foxes Safari Camp)
Ruaha (Ruaha River Lodge)
Selous NP (Rufiji River Camp)

Dick has written an incredible detailed and tip-packed report on their wonderful adventures on this trip. It is jam packed with lots of wonderful stories, details of animal sightings, the lodgings, the bugs, the group game drives, and even some thoughts on tipping. He has also given us very helpful details on pre-trip planning & arranging details, some packing details and great tips on cameras, camera accessories and money to bring. Highlights are his wonderful descriptions of the food in these camps, and the inter-flight details between the camps. Bonus – Dick’s 2004 pictures of East Africa are in his album too!


COOKNDOC - TANZANIA JUNE 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34649247 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34650503 (report)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=pbtz0f6.6gstj0oy&x=1&y=-rzj1cu (pictures)

This is a very detailed, well written candid report from Howard of his private fly/drive trip with RANGER’S SAFARIS to Tanzania. Not quite finished yet, we are hoping that Howard does come back to finish, or direct us to the thread if it is finished, as we are all looking forward to reading more! In these two threads, Howard recounts his adventures from him, his wife and two daughters (19 and 22) leaving home to:

through London, Nairobi and Kilimanjaro
Arusha (Arusha Coffee Lodge)
There were a few bumps along the way, but nothing that didn’t easily get ‘forgotten’ in the background once they sighted their first animals in Arusha NP. The second thread describes their trip from:

Arusha
Serengeti (Kirawira and Mbuzi Mawe camps)
Howard has given us great animal sightings and wonderful tips throughout the report

SERENGETI – TANZANIA MAY/JUNE 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34642821 (report and photo links)

In this incredibly detailed report, Vijay recounts his exciting impressions of his first time trip to East Africa along with his wife. With ROY’S SAFARIS as their private drive outfitter, their travels took them from:

Arusha (Serena Mountain Village)
Tarangire NP (Sopa Lodge)
Lake Manyara (Lake Manyara Hotel)
Serengeti (Seronera Wildlife Lodge)
Ngorongoro (Ngorongoro Wildlife Lodge)
Arusha (Impala Hotel)

Vijay gives us an outstanding report on lots of different aspects – a food critique as a vegetarian, photo equipment, tourist etiquette and responsibility and some pretty good tips in general. Links to his wonderful pictures are throughout his report – too numerous to list!



SANDI – TANZANIA & KENYA MAY/JUNE 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34649458 (report)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=eh6u2q5.2r1ih84d&x=0&y=-qa0w3g (pictures)

An incredible, fabulously lengthy and detailed report on Sandi’s self-planned AFRICA SERENDIPITY fly/drive trip to East Africa along with her friend Eileen. It is full of great descriptions of some pretty unusual and intriguing camps and lodges, complete with detailed descriptions of the accommodations. (who needs those brochures when we have Sandi?) This report is full of ‘Into Africa’ stories that are both memorable and amusing. Places visited were:

Kilimanjaro (Ngurdoto Lodge)
Western Serengeti (Serena Kirawira Camp)
Zanzibar (Karafuu Resort on southeast coast; Emerson & Green Hotel in Stonetown)
Nairobi (Intercontinental Hotel)
Laikipia (Sabuk Lodge & Loisaba/Starbeds Camp)
Maasai Mara (Cottar’s Camp & Elephant Pepper Camp).



CLIMBHIGHSLEEPLOW – TANZANIA JUNE 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34628643 (report)
West Kilimanjaro Area photos:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34644698
Ngorongoro & NCA Lodges photos:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34644982
Serengeti camps & lodges photos:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34645281
Tarangire Lodges/Camps photos:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34644805

This is a very informative report from Eben on-the-scene in Arusha! Having just camped in the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Tarangire and Ngorongoro, we are treated to first hand up-to-the-minute reports of the lodgings and animal sightings. Eben gives us good insight into the migration patterns in the Serengeti in this thread as well as some good descriptions of some of the camps, lodges and hotels he stayed at. He has also given us four links to his incredible camp/lodge slideshows so that we can check out our lodges that we will stay at! Updates on lodges and camps included in this report are :

Serengeti : Mbalagheti Ikoma Bush Camp, Mbuze Mawe Tented Camp and Migration Camp. Ngorongoro: Farm House
Tarangire: River Camp
West Kilimanjaro: Ndarakwai Ranch, Kambi ya Tembo Tented Camp



JAZZDREW – KENYA & TANZANIA JUNE 2005.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34647066

There are lots of good hints and photo notes in this well-written descriptive family trip report by Andy, Arlene and their 11 year old son, Adam. With ROYS SAFARIS (Tanzania) and WILDTREK (Kenya) as the operators on their private vehicle drive/fly safari, we can follow through with them on their trip from:

Amsterdam (Amsterdam Hilton Hotel)
Nairobi (Giraffe Manor)
Amboseli (Tortilis)
Lake Manyara (Lake Manyara Tree Lodge)
Ngorongoro (Serena Lodge)
Serengeti (Kirawira Tented Camp)

Staying at some of the upper-end lodges and camps in those areas, we are treated to some great descriptions of accommodations. Especially unique was their stay at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, as well as a post from Adam on his highlights as seen through the eyes of an 11-year old. Picture link is mentioned, but not working at this time.



NYAMERA – KENYA JUNE /JULY 2005
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34652401 (report)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=p2uww5u.c4f54k9m&x=0&y=g34dap (photos)

Susanna gives us a fascinating account of her self-booked combination fly/drive/bus/taxi safari through Kenya. Not only traveling solo, but using no particular outfitter, Susanna relates her trials, tribulations and adventures of her safari. And, she had some exciting adventures! This report gives us the full spectrum, from the dark side of Nairobi in a wallet-snatching incident to the humorous story of her walk along one of the fences of Mbweha taking only an umbrella to defend herself against wild animals! Staying at camps and hotels, Susanna’s itinerary took her from:

Nairobi (Hotel Terminal)
Samburu (Intrepids)
Lake Nakuru (Mbweha Camp)
Lamu (Yumbe House)
Kiserian, southwest of Nairobi (Whistling Thorns)
Nairobi (Hotel Embassy).

The highlight of this wonderful report is her comment at the end “There are places outside East Africa I would like to see as well, but these are “wants” – East Africa is “need”. I am sure that would about sum it up for all of us!


PHILW - KENYA AUGUST 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34674495 (report)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=n9o28ve.axxpqse2&Uy=epkbzs&Ux=0 (Mara photos)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=n9o28ve.a4cluzju&Uy=-9uo5sw&Ux=0 (Samburu)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=n9o28ve.1f9h6xxm&Uy=-k3imfa&Ux=0 (Migration river crossing photos)

In this report, we can follow Phil, his wife and his two daughters (11 and 13 yrs) around Kenya on their self-booked ‘return’ trip to East Africa. Having fallen in love with Africa before, Phil picked two select spots for his family to extensively explore, and relax instead of going from park to park.

Nairobi (staying with friends)
Samburu (Serena Lodge)
Maasai Mara (Serena Lodge)

Phil’s fabulous descriptions of his game-viewing highlights are awesome – they saw cats, cats, and more cats! And, don’t miss Phil’s awesome migration pictures!


JANGOSS - KENYA AUGUST 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34668517 (report)

On a repeat trip to East Africa, Jan treats us to a wonderful report of her private drive/fly trip in August with SOUTHERN CROSS SAFARIS. Her adventures took in:

Amboseli (Ol Tukai Lodge)
Samburu (Elephant Watch Camp)
Mombasa (Tamarind Village Complex)
Tsavo (Satao Camp & Satao Rock Camp in Taita Ranch)
Nairobi

Throughout the report, Jan tells us of all of her wonderful animal sightings in some very entertaining stories. You can tell how much she loves animals by reading this report. Staying at lodges and tents throughout Jan makes us feel we are there with her vivid descriptions of them.

SCHLEGAL1 - TANZANIA AUGUST 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34666728 (report)
http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=322231124849741353/l=57835959/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB (photos)

This is an excellent, very detailed report from Schlegal1 of her trip with her husband to Tanzania, booked with ROY’S SAFARIS. Planned by her husband as a surprise trip after she graduated law school and passed the Bar, Schlegal1 has given us a well laid-out report with lots of juicy information on the booking operators, the food, parks, lodges, cameras, clothes, and vaccinations – the whole works! Their trip took them from:
Arusha (Mt Village)
Tarangire (Kikoti Camp)
Ngorongoro Crater (Serena)
Serengeti (Serena & Migration Camp)


TANZANIABOUND – TANZANIA SEPT. 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34688402 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34690692 (report)
http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=540121129120043300/l=63153103/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB (photos)

In two threads, Heather tells us of her and Jeff’s exciting trip booked as a budget group safari with 2AFRIKA, who in turn used PREDATORS as the ground operator. Their itinerary was:

London
Arusha
Tarangire (River Camp)
Lake Manyara
Ngorongoro
Serengeti (Wildlife Lodge)

This trip was the result of husband Jeff making good on a promise to take Heather to Africa someday if she promised to marry him instead joining the Peace Corps. (brought tears to my eyes!) The first thread is full of interesting tips for the safari, while the second thread describes the trip in wonderful details through the eyes of someone who had a dream to see Africa. . Heather has given us good insight into this type of a trip.


CZ – SOUTH AFRICA, KENYA & TANZANIA SEPT 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34679837 (report)

This is a short, but good trip report full of great animal sighting stories on a couple’s trip that started out as a one week self-drive trip in South Africa, and ended in East Africa. The East Africa portion was booked as a private drive safari with NATURE EXPEDITIONS INTERNATIONAL, who used AKORN as the ground operator in both Tanzania and Kenya. Staying at higher-end camps and lodges in Kenya we gain insight into a few of them that do not seem to surface very often in reports. In Part 1, we follow them from:

Cape Town (City Lodge)
Jo’berg
Kruger NP (Berg-en-dal Rest Camp & Skukuzu)
Nairobi (Norfolk Hotel)
Aberdare NP (The Ark)
Samburu (Intrepids)
Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Maasai Mara (Governor’s Camp)

Part 2 would encompass their stay in Tanzania, but at the moment does not seem to be available.


SUNNY_DAYS - KENYA, RWANDA & TANZANIA SEPT 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34688363 (report)
www.ltaylor.info (photos)

Lawrence and Grace, for their honeymoon, booked an incredible 3 ½ week trip with value operators –RAYLENE TOURS for the first part, the second part with EAST AFRICAN SAFARIS, and AFRICAN ENCOUNTERS for the Zanzibar portion. Their itinerary was:

Nairobi (Panafric Hotel)
Mara (Keekorok Lodge)
Kigali, Rwanda (Des Mille Collines Hotel)
Volcanoes National Park (Gorilla’s Nest) (trek to Sabyinyo and Group 13 – 2 days)
Arusha
Lake Manyara (Lake Manyara Hotel)
Ngorongoro Highlands (that included a trek to Olmoti Crater and Munge Falls, and into Empakaai Crater)
Ngorongoro Crater (Sopa Lodge
Tarangire (Sidai Camp – n.b. destroyed in a fire Oct 2005)
Arusha (L’Oasis)
Stonetown, Zanzibar
Mnarani Cottages at Nungwi, Zanzibar)

This report is full of photography tips and useful hints for safaris in general, as well as a ‘pull no punches’ honest review of his operators and the various lodges and camps they stayed at.


VACATIONBENNETT – KENYA & TANZANIA SEPT 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34691922&start=0&dirtyBit=1 (report)

Corbin and his wife have given us an awesome tip-packed detailed report on their first trip to East Africa. Booked as a private drive/fly tour with GOOD EARTH, their Kenya operator was SAFARI LINE, while GOOD EARTH handled the Tanzania portion and ZANZIBAR TOURS handled the Zanzibar portion. Their itinerary took them from:

Nairobi (Norfolk Hotel)
Lake Nakuru (Sarova Lion Lodge)
Mt. Kenya Safari Club
Sweetwater’s (Tented Camp)
Samburu (Serena Hotel)
Maasai Mara (Sopa Lodge)
Zanzibar (Serena Hotel and Matemwe Beach)

He has given first-timers some really good tips, and has debunked some of the myths that we all hear before going on our first safari. It is an honest, humorous report with answers to some of his own unanswered questions as well as some very entertaining stories – note especially the part where the plane gets a flat tire and the pilot has to change it! Use the photo link at the end of the thread to view his incredible photos on Kodak Gallery – the highlight has to be that Zanzibar cat! (I am going to Zanzibar in June setting out to find that cat and bring it home!)
NB- that photo link is not working at this time….


MARYNUS – TANZANIA SEPT 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34683315 (report)
http://www.snapfish.com/share/p=786271127845284769/l=61513422/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB (photos)

This is a very witty, entertaining report of Luisa & Marijin’s 6 night honeymoon private drive safari booked with TANZANIA SERENGETI ADVENTURES. Their path took them to:

Arusha (Arusha Bungalows)
Tarangire (Sopa Lodge)
Lake Manyara (E Unoto Lodge)
Ngorongoro (Farm House)
Serengeti Plains (Ndutu Safari Lodge)
Serengeti (Migration Camp)
Fundu Lagoon on the island of Pemba (off the coast of Zanzibar)

It is an informative review; chock full of details on their adventures and their accommodations which included camps, smaller lodges and a farm. Highlights include some very interesting ‘scary stories’ as told to them by their overly-helpful guide!


LORIB1 – KENYA & TANZANIA OCT 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34697880 (report)
http://loriandgregsafricatrip.shutterfly.com/action/ (photos)

Lori and Greg celebrated their 10th anniversary by going on a private drive/fly safari in Kenya and Tanzania with GOOD EARTH TOURS. But wait until you see their pictures – you sure won’t believe they have been married 10 years, they look young enough to be ‘just married’! Staying in lodges and camps, their itinerary was:
Nairobi (Nairobi Safari Club)
Maasai Mara (Serena)
Arusha (Arusha Coffee Lodge)
Tarangire (Swala Camp)
Ngorongoro NP (Serena Lodge)
Fundu Lagoon on the island of Pemba, (off the coast of Zanzibar)

Lori’s wonderful descriptions of the game drives and the animal sightings will make you think you are right beside them in the van; while her recounting of their three days at Fundu Lagoon will make you wish you were there!


CHEERFUL - KENYA & TANZANIA OCT 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34698150 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34703556 (report)

This is an incredibly fascinating report on a type of safari that we don’t get too many reports on – participation camping. Booked with GAP, Cheerful has given us a very good insight into what it would be like to ‘rough it’ in both the public and private campgrounds of:

Mt. Kenya (Mountain Rock Bantu Lodge grounds)
Samburu (public site)
Lake Nakuru (Lion Hill)
Maasai Mara (Amicabre)
Meserani Snake Park (by Arusha)
Lake Manyara (Twiga)
Serengeti (Tumbili public site)
Ngorongoro (Simba public site)
Marangu, by Kilimanjaro (Nakara Hotel)

Sometimes on dirt, sometimes on grass, but always in a tent, Cheerful remains ‘cheerful’ throughout their 15 days. Only giving in once and upgrading the lodgings from a tent to a lodge when it was raining in Lake Nakuru, shows us the stamina these campers must have had! Giving us the stats on each campsite and the animals they sighted, as well as some very good hints and tips on the roads, the dust, clothes, luggage, lenses and other necessary things to bring, Cheerful keeps us glued to her report.

AMF – TANZANIA OCTOBER 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34701084 (report)

This is a candid, detailed review of amfs’s honeymoon trip booked through ATR. Their itinerary was:

Arusha (Moivaro Coffee Lodge)
Tarangire (Mawe Ninga)
NCA (Gibbs Farm & Olduvai Gorge Camp)
Serengeti (Serena)
Zanzibar (Pongwe Beach, Matemwe Beach Village, Chumbe Island & Emerson & Green)

Amfs provides us with a great deal of detailed information and frank, honest reviews of their outfitters, camps, lodges and bungalows. You will also find a good discussion on box lunches here – if anyone has wondered what is usually in them, read this thread! Two highlights in the thread have to be the story on Olduvai Gorge Camp’s newly hired dishwashers; and the souvenir that amfs and her husband brought back from the Moivaro Coffee Lodge!


DORISH34 - KENYA, TANZANIA & UGANDA OCT 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34729392 (report)

Dorish34 has given us a very short, but helpful report on their trip booked through UNITED TRAVEL GROUP. The local guides they used were RANGERS and POLLMANS for Kenya and Tanzania, while Uganda was handled by Ngamba Island’s own tour company. Although the exact itinerary is not mentioned, Amboseli (Ol Tukai) as well as Ngamba Island in Uganda is.


WAYNEHAZLE – KENYA, TANZANIA & RWANDA OCTOBER 2005
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34724552 (5 – minute version)
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34833568 (the detailed report)
www.waynehazle.com/eastafrica/ (Full-length version on his website with pictures)

The first thread on Fodor’s is a ‘quickie’ version of Wayne and Mary Ellen’s fabulous first trip to East Africa thru AFRICA POINT (Kenya & Tanzania) and RNXPLORER (Rwanda) along with his parents Dorrel and Beryl. Bumping along on those ‘wonderful’ roads Wayne describes, we can follow their travels from:

Dubai (Emirates Airport Hotel)
Nairobi (PanAfric Hotel & Nairobi Safari Club Hotel)
Maasai Mara (Ilkeliani Tented Camp)
Lake Nakuru
Lake Naivasha (Sopa Lodge)
Aberdare NP (Treetops Hotel)
Amboseli (Sopa Lodge)
Arusha
Lake Manyara (Serena Lodge)
Serengeti (Sopa Lodge)
Ngorongoro (Serena Lodge)
Nairobi (Hilton Hotel)

Saying goodbye to Wayne’s parents here, Wayne and Mary Ellen flew to Kigali, Rwanda for an exciting gorilla trek.

Kigali (Des Mille Collines Hotel, aka Hotel Rwanda)
Nyungwe Forest (OPTN Guest House & Bethanie Guest House)
Gorilla’s Nest Hotel to track gorillas in Volcanoes Forest (Amaharo Group and the Sabyinyo Group)
Kigali (Des Mille Collines Hotel)
Nairobi, Dubai and home

There are lots of fabulous and useful hints in his 5 minute report as well as his detailed report – BUT – don’t miss his full-length version on his web site either, as it is an incredible piece of art and wonderful reading! It’s the type of report that you will want to print out in colour (lots of pictures to go with the text) and read on buses, taxis, and in doctor’s offices. The highlight had to be ‘that looking thing’ – who would ever have thought that someone could still maintain their sense of humor after their car/jeep breaking down 6 times, especially in the middle of nowhere???


SONALI74 – TANZANIA OCT/NOV 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34705490 (report)

This report is full of descriptions of some wonderful animal sightings on Sonali’s 7-night trip to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, while staying in three of the Wildlife Lodges. We are treated to some pretty exciting cat-sighting stories in this report, and for those of us who dearly wish to see them, it is encouraging to read that 84 different lions, 8 cheetahs and 3 leopards were sighted! Sonali stayed at:

Serengeti (Seronera Wildlife Lodge and Lobo Wildlife Lodge)
Ngorongoro (Serena Lodge)


LISA – TANZANIA NOV 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34718139 (report)
http://homepage.mac.com/lisaandmarktravel/PhotoAlbum1.html (photos)
http://homepage.mac.com/lisaandmarktravel/PhotoAlbum2.html (photos)
http://homepage.mac.com/lisaandmarktravel/PhotoAlbum3.html (photos)

Traveling with GOOD EARTH on a private drive safari, Lisa gives us an amazing descriptive narrative of her and Mark’s 15 days sighting hundreds of animals and birds. And what is more amazing is that Lisa lists them all in her report, it truly makes you feel that you are right there with her sighting them. Their itinerary took them from:

Arusha (New Arusha Hotel)
Serengeti (Migration Camp, Mbuzi Mawe & Serena Lodge)
Serengeti Plains (Ndutu Safari Lodge)
Ngorongoro (Serena Lodge)
Lake Manyara (Gibbs Farm)
Tarangire NP ( Swala Camp)

Staying at mid to upper end lodges and camps, with a farm thrown into the mix, her descriptions of the accommodations and food also makes you feel you are there. A highlight is her encounter with the large green mamba snake at Mbuzi Mawe!


CLIMBHIGHSLEEPLOW – TANZANIA NOV 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34711271 (report)

Eben gives us a fabulously detailed report on up-to-date information on the Mara migration patterns, a Google Earth maps update (see his web site www.go-safari.com – fabulous site!), and best of all – up to the minute reports on loads of camps, seasonal camps and lodges in Tarangire, Loliondo (borders the north-eastern Serengeti), Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. As per his disclaimer, this is not a typical safari report, it was to update the GPS/lodge/road info on his site and see new safari routes. Eben definitely proves to us that once Africa gets in your blood it just WON’T wash out.


MW123 - KENYA & TANZANIA NOV 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34683516 (report)
http://www.mariawitas.com/Kenya.html and http://www.mariawitas.com/Tanzania.html (photos)

Here is a trip report with a different perspective – Maria starts out on this thread in Sept 2005 with two tickets to Nairobi and no other plans. With the help of those incredible regular Fodorites - Michael, Patty, Leely and Sandi, Maria puts together a great trip for her and her husband which covers Kenya and Tanzania! At the end of the thread, Maria tells us about her trip arranged through KANIA TOURS and AFRICAN TRAILS. Their itinerary was:

Nairobi (Norfolk Hotel)
Maasai Mara (Kania Tours tented camp)
Lake Nakuru (a charming colonial guesthouse)
Arusha (a Lutheran Hostel)
Ngorongoro Crater (a Lutheran Hostel)
Lake Manyara (a Lutheran hostel)
Zanzibar (Matemwe Baharini Bungalows)

EEZAM - KENYA & TANZANIA NOV 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34714347 (report)

Eezam’s short, but very informative report on their private drive safari with AFFORDABLE TOURS.COM/BRENDAN in Kenya, and RANGERS SAFARIS in Tanzania takes in:

Nairobi (Safari Park Hotel)
Samburu (Serena Mountain Lodge)
Lake Nakuru (Lake Nakuru Lodge)
Maasai Mara (Sopa Lodge)
Arusha (Arusha Mountain Lodge)
Lake Manyara (Serena Lodge)
Serengeti (Serengeti Lodge & Sopa Lodge)
Ngorongoro (Sopa Lodge).

This report is full of delightful animal sightings and a few helpful hints as well.


PATTY & MARK - KENYA & TANZANIA NOV/DEC 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34719569 (report)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=jy877nh.b9pn8cnt&x=0&y=-r5e7ji (photos)

This was Patty & Mark’s second trip to East Africa this year – their first trip was so incredible that they just had to go back! It was an ‘off-the-beaten-path’ private drive safari with EASTERN AND SOUTHERN SAFARIS as the operator. It is a well written report that will keep you reading until you finish, the details are amazing! Staying at smaller guest cottages/ ranches and tented camps, Patty and Mark’s travels took them from:

Nairobi (Hilton Hotel)
Laikipia (El Karama Ranch)
Olea Africana at the foot of Mt Kenya (with day visits to Solio Game Reserve and Aberdares NP)
Lake Nakuru (Mbweha Camp)
Lake Baringo (Samatian Island Lodge)
Lake Naivasha (Malu Country Hotel)
Maasai Mara (Kicheche Mara Camp & Ilkeliani Camp)
Nairobi (Hilton Hotel)
Kilimanjaro (Makoa Farm for a horseback safari)


NIKAO – TANZANIA NOV/DEC 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34784464 (report)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/97227495@N00/sets/1627852/ (photos)

Nikao has written a short report on his trip in Nov/Dec to Tanzania. Booked through GREEN FOOTPRINT ADVENTURES, Nikao set out with his girlfriend, her mother and brother on an incredible adventure. Their itinerary was:

Arusha (nature walks at Kigongoni Lodge, canoeing on Duluti, and exploring Arusha National Park)
Tarangire (Tarangire Safari Lodge)
Lake Manyara (Serena Lodge)
Karatu (Plantation Lodge)
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti (Ndutu area – Camp Olakira and Sayari camp in the Gol Mountains)

Nikao and his family did some pretty exciting and different activities while on safari – mountain biking down a mountain at Lake Manyara, as well as a wonderful dinner in the bush and a night game drive. Don’t miss his picture of the mother cheetah with her cub – National Geographic could snap that one up any day now!


MARCUSBOXER - TANZANIA DEC 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34723862 (report)

Marcus has given us a fabulous report of their safari with AFRICA DREAM SAFARIS. Their exciting safari started with the ‘tourist circuit’ in Nairobi, flying to Kilimanjaro with stays in:

Tarangire (Swala Camp)
Lake Manyara (Lake Manyara Tree Lodge)
Ngorongoro (Crater Lodge)
Serengeti (mobile camp in the Seronera)
Zanzibar (Stonetown Serena Inn and Emerson & Green)
Zanzibar (Mnemba Island)


KIMBURU - KENYA DEC 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34730608 (part 1)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34731332 (part 2)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34738448 (thread mentioning photos)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=10hnymn7.vgq9lez&x=1&y=-d0z61l (photos)

In both of these threads, Paul gives us a very humorous and very detailed report of his and his wife’s first African adventure – note, first, as they are already planning a second trip for this year. As we speak Paul’s wife is calculating how many Louis Vuitton bags she can give up for each night of the trip. Being adventurous, and trying to please his wife who wasn’t sure at all about this trip, Paul booked it partially with EASTERN & SOUTHERN SAFARIS, partially with LET’S GO TRAVEL, and the rest left up to ‘CHANCE’ while in Africa. A real mixed bag! And that did indeed hold some challenges, which they seem to have taken in their stride. Their itinerary took them from arriving very hungry from their flight from Dubai in:

Nairobi (Nairobi Safari Club)
Maasai Mara (Serena Lodge)
Lake Nakuru (Midland Hotel)
Lake Baringo (Lake Baringo Club)
Mount Kenya National Park (Mountain Lodge)
Nairobi (Jacaranda Hotel).

The highlight of his adventure had to be his dealings with ‘G’ (Gibson, the safari man) who they came across in Lake Nakuru and seemed to be ‘stuck’ to them over the next 6 days!


TOSHI – KENYA & TANZANIA DEC 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34745146 (report)

This thread is an introduction with a link to Andy & Jennifer’s first trip to Africa on a private drive safari booked through SAFARILINE, with ground operators TRANSWORLD in Kenya, and SHIFTING SANDS In Tanzania. In the thread Jennifer gives us great summaries on their flights, vehicles, immunizations, food, pictures and a brief overview of the lodges and camps they stayed in:

Nairobi (Serena Hotel)
Amboseli (Serena Lodge)
Tarangire (Kikoti Tented Lodge)
Lake Manyara (E Unoto Retreat)
Ngorongoro (Serena Lodge)
Serengeti (Serena Lodge)
Arusha (Kigongoni)

In the thread there is a link to their web pages (LOVE the name of their site – ‘Why We Work’!) that has an incredible detailed diary of their trip, audio of Maasai songs, and their pictures. It’s a great read, full of detailed descriptions of the lodges and camps, the food, the roads and the game runs.

SARVOWINNER – TANZANIA & SOUTH AFRICA DEC2005-JAN 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34744998 (report)

Just before Christmas, Julie and her husband Tony started out from their home in Australia and set about going around the world on an incredible trip. Flying east from Sydney to Toronto, they spent Christmas with their 14 year old daughter and Julie’s brother and his family. From here, taking their daughter Caitlin along, they flew through London to Dar es Salaam, where they began their wonderful Tanzania safari booked through AFRICA TRAVEL RESOURCE (ATR). Their itinerary was:

Arusha (Moivaro Lodge)
Karatu (Gibbs Farm)
Ngorongoro Crater (for a game run)
Oldupai Gorge (Olduvai Tented Camp)
Serengeti (Ronjo Flycamp & Ndutu Lodge)
Ngorongoro Crater (Serena Lodge)
Arusha.
Zanzibar (Pongwe Beach & Dhow Palace)

After relaxing on the beach in Zanzibar, they flew back to Dar es Salaam for their South African adventure in Durban and Capetown and Victoria Falls. Still flying east, from here they headed back home which completed their circumnavigation of the globe! Julie gives us incredible details of their activities, camp and lodge descriptions, and in general makes us feel we were right there with them!


FAMILY5 - TANZANIA DEC 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34788468 (report)
http://jtravels.shutterfly.com (photos)

This is a fabulous report from Brett, an 18 yr old who went on safari with his mom and dad and his two brothers. Going with NAIPENDA SAFARIS, they started off in:

Arusha (Kia Lodge)
Lake Manyara (for a game run)
Lake Eyasi (Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp)
Ngorongoro Crater (Sopa Lodge)
Serengeti ( Sopa Lodge and a camp in the southern part)
Zanzibar (beach break - hotel not mentioned)

Brett relates some wonderful detailed stories to us, with lots of information that you never thought you would need – such as the size of the spiders in Arusha, what it feels like to throw up in a plane five times, what a real hunt is like for the Hadzabe tribe, and incredible details on stuff lions do – sleep, eat, poop, and hunt. Brett has done an incredible job on his journal – as you read you will feel as though you are right there with him, or at the very least, watching the animal planet. And for those of us who have been on safari in the same area, you will wonder why you didn’t see half of all that exciting stuff! Don’t miss Brett’s photo of that HUGE spider!


50SOMETHING – TANZANIA JAN 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34740106 (report)

This is a very informative report on 50something’s trip, along with his wife to Tanzania. Booked through DUMA EXPLORER, their travels took them from:

Arusha (Impala Hotel)
Tarangire (Oliver’s Camp)
Ngorongoro Crater (Sopa)
Serengeti (Ndutu Lodge and the Sopa Lodge)
Lake Manyara (Kirurumu Lodge)

There are plenty of details in this report on the lodges, hotels and camps they stayed at, along with some good observations on the roads, the food and the staff at the lodges. 50something also brings up some very good points as suggestions for the Tanzania Tourist Authority on road improvements and bathroom/public area improvements. We hope they are reading this report and take his suggestions to heart!


TORDENMALM - TANZANIA JAN 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34741005 (report)
http://stefan.tordenmalm.com. (photos)

Stefan has written a very good descriptive trip report of his & his family’s safari on the Northern Tanzania circuit. Booked as a private drive/fly through ROYS SAFARIS, their itinerary took them from:

Arusha (Impala Hotel)
Ngorongoro Crater (Serena Lodge)
Serengeti (Ndutu Lodge)
Zanzibar (Pemba Island -Manta Reef Lodge and Stonetown)


CHRISO – TANZANIA JAN 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34747534 (report)

Chris has written a short, but really good report on his terrific Tanzania/Zanzibar trip along with his friend. Booked as a private drive safari through GOOD EARTH TOURS, along with Rafael, their guide, they went to:

Tarangire (Tarangire Tented Lodge)
Lake Manyara (Serena Lodge)
Serengeti (Serena Lodge & Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp)
Ngorongoro Crater (Sopa Lodge)
Zanzibar (Shooting Star Lodge)

It’s brief – but it’s informative


KSTYLE – TANZANIA JAN 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34749526 (report)
http://markkrystal.multiply.com (photos)

This is a ‘more is coming’ thread from Mark and Krystal’s Tanzanian safari booked through GOOD EARTH, with Goodluck as their guide. Traveling on a small group safari (2 other people only), Mark and Krystal stayed at lodges, while the other 2 stayed at camps. This thread gives us a few highlights, with promises of a trip report to come.


JANGOSS - KENYA JAN 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34753334 (picture link and intro)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34753308 (Amboseli)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34754641 (Tsavo East)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=fy9zpit.6u99kprt&x=1&y=3hf84e (pictures)

This is Jan’s detailed trip report on her 9th trip to East Africa. Traveling solo, Jan goes back a couple of times each year to check in on her beloved elephants and her friends at Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks. Booked with SOUTHERN CROSS, Jan started out this time in:

Nairobi (Holiday Inn)
Amboseli (Ol Tukai – Jan’s absolute favorite!)
Mombasa
Tsavo East (Satao Camp)

Jan relates to us some incredible stories of her adventures in these threads, reading her reports is more like reading a good novel than a trip report! She keeps us up to date on all kinds of wildlife-related issues in her report, as well as research data on the animals


BILL-H – TANZANIA JANUARY 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34827475 (report)
http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/tanzania_2006/index.htm (photos)

In January of 2006 Bill and his wife Carolyn, took a 16-day group photographic safari to Tanzania with PHOTOGRAPHER TODD GUSTAFSON. There were 5 jeeps with two professional photographers; their mission was to get the best wildlife shots ever. And, once you look at Bill and Carolyn’s shots – you will see, they succeeded! This safari, their first – but not their last – took them from:

Tarangire (Sopa Lodge)
Lake Manyara ( Serena Hotel)
Serengeti (Ndutu Safari Lodge and the Seronera)
Ngorongoro (Sopa Lodge)

His report is full of great tips for good photos, but the highlight are his pictures – they are not only incredible, but I am sure they would be the envy of National Geographic! Bill and Carolyn enjoyed their time in Africa so much, they went back on their own in April of 2006. (more on that later of course!)

MAXWELL - UGANDA JANUARY 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34760146 (report)
http://www.imagestation.com/album/pictures.html?id=2108809272&code=20906270&mode=invite&DCMP=isc-email-AlbumInvite (pictures)

Linda has written a wonderful detailed report on her incredible trip to Uganda. Booked through GREAT LAKES SAFARIS, Linda’s itinerary was:

Entebbe (Sophie’s Motel)
Ngamba Island (to see, and play with the chimpanzees)
Kampala (Hotel Africana)
Kisoro (Travellers Rest – of the Dian Fossey fame – hiking to see a group of gorillas in Bwindi)
Queen Elizabeth National Park (Mweya Lodge)
boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel
Kyambura River Gorge to try and find some more chimps
Fort Portal (Rwenzori View Guest House) for more chimp tracking in Kibale
Kampala and Entebbe for flight back home.

For two days, she was lucky enough to spend quite a bit of time with the chimpanzees, complete with hugs, shoulder rides, and a life-defining moment of sitting on the rocks on the shores of Lake Victoria watching the chimpanzees play with her shoelaces!


COCCO1 - KENYA & TANZANIA JAN-FEB 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34755788 (report)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=zv068ge.b5eef7y&x=0&y=-rpdb99 (photos)

This is a very detailed, well-written trip report that Kimberly has written for us on their first African safari. Just back, it is an up-to-the-minute report of conditions in Kenya and Tanzania. Booked as a private fly/drive with TANZANIA SERENGETI ADVENTURE (TSA), their itinerary was:

Nairobi (Norfolk Hotel)
Samburu (Intrepid’s Camp)
Amboseli (Tortilis Tented Camp)
Arusha (Serena Mt. Village Lodge)
Tarangire (Swala Camp)
Ngorongoro (Crater Lodge)
Serengeti (Ndutu Safari Lodge)
Dar es Salaam (Ras Kutani Beach Resort) for some well-deserved relaxation.

Kimberly has given us lots of wonderful details on game drives, lodges and camps, along with some of their incredible experiences.


BAT - TANZANIA FEBRUARY 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34760129 (report)

This is Barbara’s absolutely incredible, very descriptive report on her private drive/fly trip booked through AFRICA TRAVEL RESOURCE (ATR) to Tanzania. Barbara, S/O Fred, and T/C Mark started their wonderful safari in Arusha (Ngare Sero Lodge), by doing a few unusual ‘things’. Bat gives us a very detailed report on the lodge, their wonderful canoeing adventure (booked through GREEN FOOTPRINTS) on Little Momella Lake in Arusha NP, taking school supplies to the local school, and attending an exciting piece of history – the Rwanda genocide trials. From here, with MKSC (Mount Kilimanjaro Safari Club) as their ground operator, they set out on their adventure, in search of wild animals –

Lake Manyara for a game run
Ngorongoro Crater (Serena Lodge, Crater Lodge)
Oldupai Gorge (Olduvai Camp)
Serengeti (Ronjo Camp)

And wild animals, balloon rides, as well as other incredible adventures, they did indeed find! Switching to NOMAD as their ground operator, Bat and her clan stayed next at:

Serengeti (Nomad’s Serengeti Camp and Loliondo Camp)
Stonetown, Zanzibar (Emerson & Green)
Zanzibar (Matemwe Bungalows, on the north-eastern part of the island)

Once you read this enticing report, you will be on the phone booking your next trip to Africa!


CHIQUITA - FEB 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34778745 (PART 1)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34778831 (PART 2)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&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 booked a private drive safari with KIBO in Tanzania. Their itinerary was:

Nairobi - Serena Hotel
Arusha
Sinya Wildlife Conservancy - Kambi ya Tembo Camp
Arusha National Park - Kigongoni Lodge – (aka Spider Lodge by Chiquita!)
Tarangire -Tarangire River Camp
Lake Manyara - Gibbs Farm
Serengeti - Kibo mobile tented camp in Central Serengeti
Ngorongoro - Serena Lodge & Ngorongoro Farm House
This a fun read with lots of great info in it! At Kambi ya Tembo Camp, DH managed single handedly to bring on some rain in the current drought by doing a rain dance with the Maasai!


PHILW – KENYA FEB 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34765618 (report)
www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=n9o28ve.4o2h6maq&x=0&y=-lm5iz9 (pictures)

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 their time at:

Maasai Mara - Cottars 1920’s camp
Nairobi - Giraffe Manor


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!


NET_WARRIOR - TANZANIA Feb 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34805266 (report)

This is a report from net_warrior’s 2nd trip to Africa along with his mom. Loving the first one so much from Oct 2004, they decided to go again in early of 2006. Now, first off, he says he isn’t a good writer – but I, as well as everyone else, have to disagree. He has a marvelously humorous way to get his point across to us, and, if one could really win an award for Truth In Travel, net_warrior should win it. He booked out of England with AFRICAN SAFARIS, they used the ground operator RANGER SAFARIS for a private drive safari. He gives us frank opinions, no holds barred; on the lodges, the service, the ground operator, the outfitter and, last but not least, the guide and the vehicle. Fortunately the first thing he packed on his trip was his sense of humor – he has some amazing stories!

Lodges and camps used in Tanzania were:
Arusha – Moivaro Lodge
Tarangire NP – Kikoti Camp
Ngorongoro CA – Ngorongoro Farm House
Serengeti – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti - Lobo Wildlife Lodge
Serengeti - Mbalageti Tented Lodge
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Arusha – Kigongoni Lodge (reports no spiders by the way….)


MEICHX - KAKAMEGA, ELDORET FEB 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&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.


DLO - RWANDA, UGANDA, KENYA & TANZANIA DEC 05- MAR 06
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34765002 (report)
http://www.imagestation.com/member/index.html?name=dnickel&c=201 (photos)

Here is a fabulously LONG report on a fabulously LONG amazing trip! Darren 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 Darren 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.
Kampala – budget accommodation
Murchison Falls - Red Chili Campsight
Budongo Forest for chimp tracking - Rwenzori View Guesthouse
Queen Elizabeth Park - Institute of Ecology Hostel & Ishasha River Bandas

Rwanda
Volcanoes National Park - Kinigi Guest House to see the Umubano Group of gorillas in and to trek to see Dian Fossey’s grave with a ‘free’ sighting of the Amahoro Group when they came across them in the forest
Gisenyi - Palm Beach Hotel
Kigali - an unexpected side trip to the hospital

Kigali - Chez Lando
Butare

Uganda
Lake Bunyoni
Lake Mburro for a boat trip
Kampala - Fairway Hotel for Christmas Eve and a visit to the Sanyu babies’ orphanage

Kenya
Nairobi - Fairview Hotel
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
Maasai Mara - Governors Camp for their incredible storybook wedding
Nairobi

Tsavo NP - Serena Kilaguni Lodge
Watamu - Turtle Bay Beach Club
Lamu - Lamu Palace Hotel
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 to:

Arusha- Karama Lodge and a day climb up the 18,500 ft level of Mt. Kilimanjaro
Tarangire - tent under a baobob tree
Lake Manyara - Twiga campsight
Serengeti – tenting and Ndutu Lodge
Ngorongoro CA - Simba camp & Sopa Lodge
Nainokanoka for a 6 day Olmati/Empakai Crater Highlands Trek
Lake Natron
Arusha - Karama Lodge
Booked on their own they needed some relaxation -
Zanzibar to sleep 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, Darren & Christine finished off in the Southern Tanzania route with:
Mikumi NP - Foxes Camp
Foxes Highland Lodge

Now that they have seen ALL of KY & TZ, they are going to have to think up a great excuse to go back!!!

CYBOR – TANZANIA& SEYCHELLES FEBRUARY/MARCH 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34766566 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34817288 (thread with link to photos)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=44ep7pej.32mnfe3f&Uy=-50qi0d&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0 (photos)

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. With the Tanzania portion booked as a group safari, they lucked out on a private safari vehicle! Their adventure:

Arusha (New Arusha Hotel)
Tarangire (Kikoti Safari Camp)
Ngorongoro CA (Kifaru Lodge)
Lake Eyasi (Kisima Ngeda Camp) where they went hunting with the Hadzabe bushmen, and visiting the Datoga, Barabaig and Watindiga tribes
Ngorongoro Crater (Sopa Lodge)
Serengeti (mobile camping in the Nyaibollo (sp.) area)
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 – but our 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.


BOSTONGAL – KILIMANJARO CLIMB, KENYA & TABZANIA MARCH 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34774854 (Report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34775275 (Thread with picture link)
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8ZbuHDRoxmw (Photos)

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!). Their itinerary was:

Arusha - Moivaro Coffee Lodge
At the foot of Kilimanjaro - 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
Serengeti - Ronjo Flycamp in the Seronera
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.


ROCCO – TANZANIA MARCH 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34775997 (detailed report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34767105 (report from the field)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34773267 (thread with picture link)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/rocco/tanzania (photos)

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
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 ManyaraTree Lodge)
Ngorongoro (Crater Lodge)
Oldupai Gorge (Olduvai Camp)
Serengeti (Ndutu Nomad Camp and Mbuzi Mawe Camp)
Zanzibar to take in both ‘beach’ time on the island’s east coast (The Palms), and ‘shopping’ time in Stonetown (Serena Inn).

Don’t miss his incredible pictures, which capture the very essence of the best of Tanzania’s wildlife.


TUSKERDAVE - UGANDA & KENYA MARCH 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34780289 (report)

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)
4 chimp trackings with a stay at an elevated banda in Uganda
Nairobi (a friends place & Didi’s Guest House)
Tsavo (Ndololo Camp) for a drive and a viewing of the bone house with KWS

Be sure to read this report to find out how Tuskerdave acquired his own personal cow from a Maasai!



PDNY – TANZANIA MARCH 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34781952 (report)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=12tkb997.9azbnmf3&x=1&y=-novgdh (photos)

Here is a great little report from Daniel & Fiona’s trip to Tanzania in March to go along with their fabulous pictures. Having lived in Nairobi on three separate occasions, Daniel gives us a good perspective into how things have changed over the years, as well as how different things look through the eyes of a tourist as opposed to a resident. Booked as a private drive safari with ACCESS 2 TANZANIA, a relatively new outfit in the US, Daniel and Fiona first visited a local charitable organization ‘Project Zawadi’ that the outfitter helps support. Their safari took in:

Arusha (Impala Hotel)
Tarangire (Tarangire River Camp)
a game drive in Lake Manyara
Karatu in NCA (Crater Rim Lodge)
Serengeti (Serena Lodge)
Ngorongoro (Serena Lodge and Crater Lodge)
a hike on foot through Olmoti Crater, hunting with the Hadzabe at Lake Eyasi, (Kisima Ngeda)
Arusha (day room at Kia Lodge)


KAREN47 – TANZANIA MARCH 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34782932 (report)

This is a short, but very informative report on Karen & her husband’s trip to Tanzania booked through CC AFRICA. Karen has given us her honest impressions on the outfitter, the lodges and camps, the highlights of her trip, and, of course the number one reason we all go – the wildlife. Their exciting itinerary of their fly-in safari took them to:

Mahale (Mahale Camp- chimp tracking)
Tarangire
Lake Manyara (Lake Manyara Tree Lodge)
Ngorongoro Crater (Crater Lodge)
Serengeti (Serengeti Serena)
Zanzibar (The Palms)
Dar Es Salaam (Royal Palms)

COUNTINGDOWN – TANZANIA MARCH 2006”
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34821686 (report)

Here is a beautifully written, emotional, fresh and sparkling report that will stay with you long after you read it. An African addict since she was a child, Teri finally took the plunge and booked a trip to Africa with her sister through THOMPSON SAFARIS. Teri is an enthusiast, descriptive writer, who gives us refreshing and honest stories of her trip, along with some reflections on the ‘life changing’ values that she went through from her trip. Her Classic Camping Safari itinerary was:

Arusha - Mountain Village Lodge
Tarangire – Classic Camp
Ngorongoro CA – Gibb’s Farm
Ngorongoro CA - Classic Camp
Serengeti – Serengeti Lodge
Serengeti - Wildlife Camp
Arusha – Mt. Meru Hotel (day room)


CYNSTALKER - S. AFRICA, TANZANIA & KENYAN FEB MAR 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34831311 (report)
http://kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=nwapff6.acsur6xu&x=0&y=aozn7n (photos)

Here is Cyn’s long-awaited trip report – and was it ever worth the wait! And, once you read it, you will see why it took Cyn a long time to write this bittersweet memory of her and Peter’s trip. It is an incredibly moving report, written so well that you will go on an emotional roller-coaster with them. Starting out in South Africa in Capetown (Radisson Waterfront Hotel, Table Bay Hotel), booked on their own, they explored some of the great stuff that South Africa offers, as well as Fraenschhoek (Akademie Guest House). Then, off to Nairobi to start their private (fly) safari with ROYAL AFRICAN SAFARIS, where they were to meet their friend, and owner/guide David, who had visited, and stayed with them in their home in Vermont, along with his friend Christof, the owner of the Ngong House in Nairobi. It was another owner/guide, Jan, meeting them though; and sadly, he had to break the news that both Christof and David had recently died in a plane crash. Devastated, Cyn and Peter just wanted to go back home and call it all off.
But, thankfully they did go on – and had some wonderful adventures which, as you read along, will change your tears of sadness into laughter! Their itinerary was as follows:

Southern Serengeti - private camp
Ngorongoro CA - Crater Lodge
Mahale Mountains – Greystoke
Solio Ranch - private camp
Loisaba Wilderness - Loisaba Lodge
Lake Nakuru National Park - Soy Sambu campsite
Rusinga Island, Lake Victoria - Rusinga Island Lodge
Masai Mara NP - Root crossing on Sand River, private camp
Nairobi - Ngong House

BILL_H - TANZANIA APRIL 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34827612 (report)
http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/tanzania_rainy_2006/ (pictures & commentary)

After having such a great time on safari in January of this year, Bill and Carolyn could just not wait to get back to Tanzania! This time they booked a private safari with one of their favorite drivers from their January group trip. Dubbed ‘Master Photographers’ by many on this board – they did not disappoint us with their absolutely incredible photographs. The itinerary was:

Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge (for optimum bird sightings)
Serengeti – Serena Lodge (for big game – a walloping 7 nights there!)
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge (to break up the drive back to Arusha)

Thinking that the drought from January would continue, Bill and Carolyn expected dry weather, but landed up in the middle of the rains. Deciding to make the best of it though, they had some pretty incredible sightings which he describes in his report, along with of course – the proof – his not to be missed pictures!


RICHARDFH – KENYA & RWANDA MAY 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34815285 (Kenya)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34815342 (Rwanda)
http://richardfh.zippyvideos.com/gallery.z (gorilla video)

This is Richard’s report of his ‘off the beaten track’ safari of his first trip to Africa with a group of 7 that he put together. Booked through GAMEWATCHERS, it is a wonderful, fact-filled report, with links to websites and lots of great information. He has given us some very good descriptions of what to expect at some of the less common lodges and camps that they stayed in, along with his recommendations. Describing the gorilla trek to the Sabyinyo group, Richard sums it all up by saying ‘by far, one of the best hours of my life’. His exciting itinerary was:

Nairobi – Ngong House
Samburu – Larsen’s Tented Camp
Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Lake Naivasha – Chui Lodge
Maasai Mara – Porini Camp
Selenkay (near Amboseli Park) – Porini Camp
Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Kigali, Rwanda – drive to Mountain Gorillas Nest Hotel
Goma, Congo – short visit at Congo border
Kigali – lunch at Milles des Collins Hotel before returning home

Follow the link above to his videos on the gorilla encounter. They are just so cute!



ACABOT - LAMU AND MALINDI MAY 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34813632 (report)
www.kenyacabot.shutterfly.com (photos – use sunshine for password)

This is a short, but descriptive report of Ann’s trip to Lamu, Malindi and the Seychelles. Ann has given us a little background on the island of Lamu and a bit about Malindi. Her pictures are the star of the show though – the varieties of underwater fish that she saw were incredible – and the quality of her underwater shots will be envied by all who have snorkeled! Places mentioned:

Lamu – Lamu Palace
Malindi – Coral Key Beach Resort


KMACTRAVEL – KENYA JUNE 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?screen_name=kmactravel&fid=4 (report)

This is Kay’s report of her trip to Kenya with LUXURY TOURS out of Florida, with the ground operator being TRAVEL WILD. Kay has described some of lodgings along with good descriptions of the parks and areas she stayed in. There is also a link to some of her fabulous wildlife shots, on her website, once on her website, click ‘buy items’, from there you can enlarge the picture on the right hand side by clicking on the top right corner. Be sure to click on the controversial picture of the lions resting on the TOP of the acacia tree, in the branches – quite a discussion developed on this topic within the thread! Her itinerary included:

Nairobi – Karen Blixen Cottages
Nairobi – House of Waine
Lake Nakuru – Mbweha
Sweetwaters Game Reserve – Great Tented Camp
Lake Naivasha – Kiangazi House
Maasai Mara – Serian Tented Camp


MARTYNC - TANZANIA, KENYA & RWANDA JUNE 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34827329 (report)
http://web.mac.com/mstickle/iWeb/Marty%27s%20Site/Photos.html (photos)


In June, Marty, his wife and 2 of their friends embarked on a private drive safari with TANZANIA PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS for Tanzania, ORIGINS for Kenya and PRIMATE SAFARIS for Rwanda. Marty has given us some really fabulous descriptions of the animal sightings, some general information pointers, and some great information on the lodges and the food there. The highlight is reading about his incredible gorilla trek to see the Amahoro Group, as well as a Golden Monkey hike. As more and more come back and write about the encounter so vividly, more and more of us decide to book! Their itinerary was:


Arusaha - Dik Dik Hotel
Serengeti - Mobile Camping Nyabeho/Seronera
Tarangire - Kikoti Camp
Amboseli - Tortilis Camp
Lewa Downs - Lewa Camp
Masai Mara - Kichwa Tembo
Kinigi, Rwanda – Mountain Gorilla’s Nest Lodge
Kigali - Novotel-Kigali


CAROLY – KENYA & TANZANIA JUNE 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34829270 (grandmother’s trip report)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34829017 (11 yr. old granddaughter’s trip report)

This is a short, but good descriptive report of Carol & Al’s trip to Africa with their 11 yr old granddaughter Rebecca. In Rebecca’s report, Carol gives us a few hints on traveling on safari with kids, along with Rebecca’s highlights and things that she didn’t enjoy as much. Their itinerary included:

Serena Mountain Lodge
Sweetwaters
Samburu
Amboseli
Tarangire
Serengeti
Ngorongoro Crater

Dear Lynda,
Thanks for the comprehensive list of information - however please note that United Touring Company Closed down some 3 years ago.
thanks
shamim

Lynda,
You may wish to add our trip report for Tanzania (Northern Circuit) in Oct 2004. Link:
http://fodors.com/forums/pgMessages.jsp?fid=4&tid=34537881&numresponses=20&start=50&searchText=RuthieC

Lynda,

I can't shower ENOUGH priase on you for this amazing job. I am printing on your index right now.

Thank you for this monumentous work.

Thank you SO much for this labour of love, my friend. It really is HUGELY appreciated! I just had such a journey down memory lane reading my OWN trip report that you've included!!!

CARRIES – TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR JUNE 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34829143 (report)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=cwxy9cf.67oj5lkz&Uy=hvdaoc&Ux=1
(photos)

Carrie has written a wonderful detailed account of her first safari. Booked as a private drive safari through GOOD EARTH, Carrie, her husband and her 14 yr old son Evan had some great adventures! She has given us very detailed descriptions on the camps and lodges they stayed at, as well as lots of info on the food, the game runs and lots of info on Zanzibar at the end. Their itinerary was:

Arusha - Arusha Hotel
Tangire NP - Tarangire Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro CA - Serena Lodge
Serengeti - Serena (with balloon ride the next morning)
Serengeti - Kirawira
Zanzibar – Stonetown - Tembo Hotel
Zanzibar – beach stay - Matemwe Bungalows

As much as Evan enjoyed his trip, Carrie mentioned at the end that he had fallen a bit ill during the time he was in the Serengeti, which continued even once they got home. All of us Fodorites sure do hope he is feeling better now as we bet his mom is planning another trip soon!


JANISCHA28 – KENYA & TANZANIA JUNE 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34828984 (report)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52696230@N00/179611761/in/photostream/ (photos)

This is Janischa28’s incredible trip report on her 20-day honeymoon to Kenya and Tanzania booked through TROPICAL TRAILS for Tanzania; and SOUTHERN CROSS for Kenya. There are lots of camp and lodge reviews, as well as great hints for camera gear, tipping, as well as for packing in this thread. Their itinerary included:

Arusha – Karama Lodge
Ngorongoro CA – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Wildlife Lodge
Serengeti – Ikoma Bush Camp
Lake Manyara – Lake Manyara Hotel
Lake Eyasi – Kisima Ngeda (visit with Hadzabe Tribe)
Tarangire NP – Tarangire Safari Lodge
Arusha – Karama Lodge
Nairobi – Stanley Hotel
Nairobi – Serena Hotel
Great Rift Valley - Shompole
Maasai Mara – Olonana Camp


LEELY – TANZANIA JUNE 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34830142 (report)
http://tinyurl.com/pk88s (photos)

Leely was back on the road, traveling again after not being able to think of much else after her trip last year! (an affliction all of us seem to have). This time, not only did Leely’s friend Kari go, but Kari’s mom, Judy went too. Booked as a private drive safari through ATR, who used MKSC and NOMAD as their ground operator, Leely came home with some GREAT stories of their adventures to tell! Her vivid descriptions of their wildlife sightings will keep you on the edge of your seat reading – you know, the type where you miss your bus stop! Their itinerary was:

Arusha – Moivaro Coffee Lodge
Arusha National Park with Green Footprint
Tarangire - Mawe Ninga
Ngorongoro Crater - Wildlife Lodge
Oldupai – Olduvai Camp
Serengeti - Ronjo Camp
Serengeti – Nomad camp - Mbalageti Camp (campsite was Simiti)
Arusha - Moivaro. (visit Sekei Primary School with Wilbert from Kiliwarrior)

I'm having a mite bit of trouble posting the two that I have ready, everytime I go to preview to make sure my bolding is in correct, it disappears!!

Anybody out there have a solution to this? Very strange...

MAIRSEYDOTES - TANZANIA JUNE 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34830877 (report)

This is Mairseydote’s report of her trip with Fred to Tanzania in June. Booked as a private drive/fly safari through AFRICA DREAM SAFARIS, just before leaving Mairseydote was having second thoughts on the small planes that they would be flying in on their inter-Africa flights. But she is happy to report that all went well and they loved the personalization, to say nothing of the view, a 4-seat Cessna provided them with. Mairseydotes gives us a good report of the BIG 5 that they managed to see within the first few days, and we know she is busy with renovations on her house and moving and all kinds of other ‘unimportant’ stuff; but we all hope she will finish this splendid tale soon, as well as posting her pictures! Her itinerary was:

Nairobi to Kilimanjaro to the Western Serengeti by air
Western Serengeti – Mbalageti Serengeti Lodge
Serengeti – luxury camping near Moru Kopjes
Ngorongoro Crater – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater – Crater Lodge


KERIKERI - KENYA JULY 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34834283 (report)

Kerikeri writes her report from within Africa, as her trip goes on for months (she is working with NGO) and she knows we don’t want to wait that long for it! This is her report on the Kenya portion of her trip taking in:

Lake Nakuru
Watamu
Maasai Mara – Maasai Safari Club
Nairobi
Amboseli National Park – Amboseli Lodge

There are many more places that she went to, but they are mentioned in the report. But she does take quite the ribbing from everyone in good taste, over this thread and continuing into others, when she mentions that all the Mara had was ‘boring’ animals! In the end we find out that all she meant was that she wanted her days to be filled with male lions as opposed to zebras and impala

it finally let me do it!

CSUSS - TANZANIA JUNE/JUL 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34837904 (report)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=6y8pdbx.bdrra7o1&x=0&y=ua468r (photos)

This is Carol & Jim’s report from their wonderful trip to Tanzania in June. Using MATENBEZI as their safari company, Carol relates some very humorous highlights of their drive/fly private safari (don’t miss the one about the bathroom at Oliver’s Camp, or her apt description of a hippo) as well as some very detailed descriptions of her camps and lodges. Carol and Jim’s photos have a great mix of people, animals and things. Their itinerary was:

Nairobi – Holiday Inn
Transfer (drive) to Arusha
Sinya, West Kilimanjaro – Kambi ya Tembo
Arusha – Kigongoni Lodge
Tarangire – Oliver’s Camp
Lake Manyara – lunch at Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro CA – Ngorongoro Farm House
Northern Serengeti – Sayari Camp
Zanzibar – Stonetown – Emerson & Greene
Zanzibar – Ras Nungwi Beach Hotel

Carol’s ‘final thoughts – things that I can’t out of my head’ is hilarious! Anyone who has visited East Africa can relate to the last part – it’s akin to coming home from ‘A Small World’ in Disneyland….


CHRISAMG - TANZANIA JUNE/JULY 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34837637 (report)

This is a partial report of Chris and Sophie’s honeymoon in June/July of 2006 in Tanzania. With the help of some of our board’s most knowledgeable, Sandi, Leely and Eben; Chris put together a wonderful trip for their honeymoon. Booked through ATR (AFRICAN TRAVEL RESOURCES) their itinerary was:

Arusha Moivaro coffee lodge
Tarangire - Mawe Ninga
Ngorongoro Crater - Crater Lodge
Serengeti - Olakira Luxury MobileTents
Northern Serengeti - Sayari Camp
Zanzibar - Pongwe Beach
Zanzibar - Asali Suite at Matemwe
Zanzibar - Kenda Sunset Bungalows
Zanzibar - Stone Town – Dhow Palace
Zanzibar – Stone Town - Emerson Green

Even though this particular trip report isn’t finished, look in this thread to find Chris’ thoughts – the good and the bad – on each of the places they stayed:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34831661

As she comes out of hibernation from 3 weeks of constant company.......

PIXELPOWER - TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR JULY 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34838221 (thread on Fodors)
http://www.aardvarktravel.net/chat/viewtopic.php?t=21459 (photo’s & trip report)

Here is a wonderfully long trip report with enough juicy details to keep all of us Afreekah enthusiasts going for awhile! Interspersed throughout, in Jochen’s trip report are his incredible pictures. Joachen, his wife Mira and 4 of their friends set out on this trip from Europe, and six sets of luggage were lost by KLM. That had to be some record set! Booked through EXPLORE TANZANIA as a private drive photographic safari, their ground operator was GANE & MARSHALL. Their itinerary was:

Arusha – Kia Lodge
Tarangire – Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara – Kirurumu Tented Camp
Ngorongoro Crater – Sopa Lodge
A day for an Empaki Crater Hike and a Maasai boma visit
Serengeti – Ikoma tented Camp
Zanzibar – Pongwe Beach

Jochen has given us very detailed descriptions of all that he saw and experienced, good or bad. Don’t miss the story about the lioness who decided to take a liking to Nikon lens caps – along with great pictures of it!


NHULBERG - TANZANIA JULY 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34840447 (report)
http://www2.snapfish.com (photo’s – use email address mmq2004@pacbell.net to sign in with password: ‘forboard’)

Norm, his wife and his 2 daughters (age 15 and 18) booked their first trip to Africa with MULTICHOICE SAFARIS out of Arusha. Norm gives us some really good details on the camps and lodges that they stayed at, along with some plane/ticketing nightmares that they ran across. Not only does he give us all these details, but he also tells us where some of the names that are familiar to us all come from – who says you can’t learn something new everyday! Norm has also provided us with some excellent background information on the Maasai and Hadzabe cultures. His trip report also includes some great details on Dar Es Salaam, a place we don’t often see reports on! Their itinerary was:

Arusha – Moivaro Coffee Lodge
Lake Manyara National Park – Wild Africa (previously Manyara Tented Lodge)
A day with the Hadzabe Bushmen
Ngorongoro Crater – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro Conservation Area – Plantation Lodge
Cultural tour at Mto wa Mbu (River of Mosquitos)
Arusha – Impala Hotel – with a visit to Ng’iresi on the slopes of Mt Meru
Ruaha – Ruaha River Camp (Foxes camp)
Selous – Rufiji River Camp
Dar Es Salaam – Holiday Inn


BAHAMABREEZE - TANZANIA JULY 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34843794 (report)

BahamaBreeze will hook you from the start in her incredibly humorous and well done trip report. Thinking that her and her husband might like to take a trip to Africa for their 25th anniversary, somehow she became the UGL (Unofficial Group Leader) of a crew of 8, which included 5 adults and 3 kids ranging in age from 11-15 yrs! Choosing AFRICA TRAVEL RESOURCE (ATR) as their agent for a private drive safari, they experienced:

Arusha – Moivaro Lodge
Tarangire – Tarangire Treeops
NCA – Gibbs Farm
Olupai Camp
Serengeti – Migration Camp
Selous – Sand River (for fishing!)
Dar Es Salaam – Holiday Inn

A footnote? Rumour has it that BahamaBreeze is actively planning to be UGL again – this time to Botswana!

LyndaS,

Somebody pointed out that you included my trip report here. Thanks!

A small correction for you; between crater and serebgeti is also one day @ Ndutu lodge.

I am so sorry, Jochen! My apologies on this, I usually check my data twice, but last night supper was ready & waiting and I pressed the 'post' before checking!
Looks like you will have to go back and do another trip so I can get it right this time

SANDI - TANZANIA & KENYA - MAY/JUNE 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34846716 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34825845 (photo thread)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=eh6u2q5.a3pjxhfd&x=0&y=f3p09y (photos)

This was Sandi’s 12th year in visiting Africa, an incredible goal for all of us to try and catch up too! Her wealth of knowledge and her willingness to share it is an integral part of our ever-growing family of AFREE-KAH enthusiasts. For this trip, booked as a private safari, through her very own AFRICA SERENDIPITY (of course), Sandi chose some off-the beaten track, little known – but incredible – camps for her incredible ‘educational’ (to borrow Julian’s term) visit. Mostly flying between camps her itinerary was:

Kilimanjaro, Tanzania - Kibo Palace
Day in Arusha
Nairobi, Kenya - House of Waine (in Karen)
Kowop/Mt. Nyiru - Desert Rose
Shompole - Shompole
Tsavo, West - Finch Hatton’s Camp
Maasai Mara - Richard’s Camp
Maasai Mara - Saruni Camp

Sandi’s report, as usual, is full of loads of funny stories (my oh my, the strangest things seem to happen to our Sandi on these trips!) and fabulous details about the camps and lodges that she stayed in. So detailed that you really don’t need pictures – you can just picture the room in your mind. But, that’s no reason to miss her great photos, which are mainly of the lodges, but do include some scenery and a few wildlife shots to round them out.

LYNDA S. - KENYA, TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR MAY/JUNE 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34822022 (report)
(Photos will follow someday!)

Well, hey, what can I say about this report, as it's mine! It took a while to write, but here is a VERY long, very detailed report of our awesome, incredible 'dream-come-true' trip. Booked as a group safari through MICATO SAFARIS(Stanley Wing Safari), our mostly flying (only 2 driving legs) itinerary was as follows -

Nairobi - Grand Regency Hotel
Amboseli - Serena Lodge
Tarangire - Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro - Sopa Lodge
Serengeti - Sopa Lodge
Maasai Mara - Kichwa Tembo tented camp
Mt. Kenya - Mt. Kenya Safari Club
Nairobi - Grand Regency Hotel
Stonetown, Zanzibar - Serena Inn

Full of packing tips for first timers, as well as lodge and camp descriptions (not as good as Sandi's, but I did try!) and many other details such as money matters, security and group travelling, this report will keep you reading for a very long time. I do hope that my enjoyment and enthusiasm on this incredible trip shows through!

WILDEBEESTUS TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR JULY 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34846622 (report)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=156ihh2z.162gimfv&x=1&y=r2q10c (pictures)

Here is a terrific deliciously funny report from Deb and Faye’s first trip to Africa. Deb has told some wonderful amusing stories, along with great descriptions of their camps & lodges. . Booked as a private drive safari with JOURNEY TO AFRICA as their outfitter, Deb and Faye’s itinerary was as follows:

Arusha – Moivaro Coffee Lodge
Tarangire – Tarangire Safari Lodge
Lake Eyasi – Kisima Ngeda tented camp (for Hadzabe tribe and Datoga tribe visits)
Ngorongoro CA – Ngorongoro Farm House
Serengeti – Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Serengeti – Ikoma Camp
Western Serengeti – Mbalageti
Stonetown, Zanzibar – Emerson & Green
Zanzibar – Matemwe Beach Village


Her stories will keep you laughing through the report, be sure to look for the ‘oh well we’re stuck, might as well shop’ story!

CALO - TANZANIA JUNE/JULY 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34846477 (report)
This is Cathy’s trip report from her first (NOT the last, she’s already planned one for next year!) trip to Africa. Booked through ROY’S SAFARIS, Cathy, along with her 18 year old son and 22 yr old daughter went on an incredible private drive safari. Her magnificent story-telling will make you think you are right there with them. Their itinerary was:

Arusha - Impala Hotel, Ngiresi Village tour
Tarangire Park - Tarangire River Camp
Rift Valley Children’s Village visit
Ngorongoro Crater - Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Western Serengeti - Kirawira camp
Northern Serengeti - Lobo
Central Serengeti - Serena lodge
Lake Manyara - Kirurumu camp.
Arusha - day use Kia Lodge
Nairobi - Fairview Hotel.

A few posts in, her daughter ‘Breezydreezy’ jumps in to contribute to her mom’s trip report. It’s not very often we get a ‘mother / daughter’ trip report, it’s great!

ONLYMEORISH (IMELDA) RWANDA & KENYA JULY 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34852537 (report)

This report from Imelda detailing her & Deck’s first trip to East Africa will keep you up reading all night long!! Booked on their own, in sections, Imelda will have you laughing, and crying as you read all about their adventures that took them from lost luggage (for days), ending up in the wrong country (Deck and Imelda – not their luggage!) and guides that ranged from 'extraordinary' through ‘ok’ to ‘a little rude’. It is a hilarious, suspenseful, moving and downright entertaining report! The story on the extra visa stamp on their passport alone is worth the read…. Their itinerary was:

Nairobi – fly to Kigali, Rwanda (theoretically….)
Day in Kigali (theoretically…)
Volcanoes National Park - Gorillas Nest & trek (Amahoro Group)
Kigali - Des Mille Collines
fly to Nairobi, drive to Lake Nakuru with Kennedy - Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Maasai Mara - Serena
Nairobi – Serena (and that famous cheetah hug!)



MOHAMMED KENYA JULY 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34844365 (report)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&
Uc=b2opcbv.p3c0ekr&Uy=-pl3x6t&Ux=0 (pictures)

This is Mohammed’s trip report on his first visit to Kenya, along with his wife, and two daughters, aged 9 and 12. Booked through AFRICAN QUEST SAFARIS, out of Nairobi, Mohammed has given us lots of great details on the lodges and camps; along with built in edge-of-the-seat suspense on their wildlife sightings & the logistics of the trip. Don’t miss his incredibly exciting description of the wildebeest crossing that they were lucky enough to see in the Mara! Their itinerary was:
Nairobi – drive to Samburu
Samburu – Sarova Shaba Lodge
Aberdare National Park – The Ark
Lake Nakuru – Sarova Lion Lodge
Maasai Mara – Sarova Mara Tented Camp
Lake Naivasha – Sopa Lodge
Nairobi

Great job!

Thanks again.

Deb

SAMSCOMPS TANZANIA AND ZANZIBAR JULY 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34868464 (report)

This is a short, and to the point trip report on Sam and her husband’s first trip to Africa. Booked through EASTCO – EAST AFRICAN SAFARI AND TORUING COMPANY Sam’s main point of the report is not to report on lodges, etc, but to tell us about some pretty scarry happenings. It is a no-holds-barred trip report, where she tells of the awesome (the animals) the good (the scenery), the bad (their experience with Eastco ) and the downright ugly (being left stranded on the side of the road by themselves for four hours en route to the Serengeti). This particular trip report flashes ‘buyer beware’ and should be read by all. But, amazingly, Sam and her husband packed a great attitude along with them, and we do hope that someday they will go back and have an incredible experience!

LUCIA78 RWANDA AND KENYA AUG 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34854667 (report)

This is Lucy’s incredible trip report on her & her boyfriend Michael’s first trip to Africa. As Michael was going to Africa to study the gorillas, Lucy thought she just might as well tag along too! Booked as tight-budget trip through GAMEWATCHERS, their fabulous itinerary took them to :

Kigali, Rwanda – The Milles des Collines
Ruhengeri – Hotel Murhabura
PNV – gorilla trek – Susa Group
Gisenyi, Rwand – Palm Beach Hotel
Kibuye – Bethanie Guest House
Kigali – Milles des Collines
PNV – gorilla trek – Hirwa Group
Kigali – Milles des Collines
Nairobi
Kigio Conservancy – Malewa River Lodge
Lake Nakuru – Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Maasai Mara – Ilkeliani Camp
Maasai Mara – Basecamp Dorobo Bush Camp
Maasai Mara – Basecamp Main Camp
Nairobi

Lucy tells us some wonderful, entertaining stories in her report – one not to be missed is about the bat ‘poop’ – it will have you rolling in the rafters saying ‘eeeewwwwww’. She has given us good descriptions of their lodgings – good and bad, along with lots of food ‘critique’. There are also lots of good hints interspersed on what to bring, such as a pair of garden gloves for the gorilla trek. What a great idea – $4.98 at Home Depot, use and then leave them!

AMYH KENYA & TANZANIA AUG 06

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34854664 (REPORT)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34863857 (THREAD FOR PICTURES)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=12ec6mn7.9gr16xm3&x=0&y=ofbj4q (PICTURES)

Here is an incredibly detailed, juicy full-of-good-stories report from AmyH. Booked as a private fly/drive trip, with a private guide throughout; with HOOPOE SAFARIS as the operator, AmyH, her husband and their two kids – a 13yr old son and an 11 yr. old daughter, had an incredible trip! And Amy sure has the stories to prove it, it is a fabulous read. One story, the “8 lions vs. the 1 mongoose” story is an edge of the seat thriller. The mongoose (a smart & lucky guy) ran under their 4 x4 with 8 lions in hot pursuit! Their itinerary was as follows:

Nairobi - Norfolk Hotel.
Lake Nakuru, game drive
Naivasha - Llodia House on the shore of Lake Naivasha.
Aberdares – The Ark
Samburu - Larsen's Camp
Namunyak Conservation Trust – Sarara Tented Camp
Arusha - Arusha Coffee Lodge
Lake Manyara – Kifaru Coffee
Ngorongoro Crater - Crater Lodge
Tarangire – Swala Camp
Maasai Mara -Il Moran at Governors
Nairobi - day room at the Norfolk

JANGOSS KENYA AUGUST 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34859414 (report)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34856547 (thread with picture link)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=fy9zpit.b00nxi2x&x=1&y=trmdvt (pictures)

On her 10th trip to Kenya, Jan tells us of some of her incredible adventures – as one poster put it – ‘this report has all of the elements of a good drama!’. Booked through SOUTHERN CROSS, Jan did her usual circuit of:

Nairobi – Mayfair Inn
Amboseli – Ol Tukai
Tsavo – Satao Camp

Jan tells of us her adventures in wonderful detail, from the heartwarming story of the rescue of the elephant stuck in the mud, to the heartracing story of the theft of her valuables (thankfully fully recovered) to the very strange story of the son that did not report his family missing until the next day. We are looking forward to her next set of adventures from her next trip!


LLE KENYA AUG 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34859293 (report)

This is a short thread with some questions and answers on Ile’s trip to Kenya, no operator or agent mentioned. Here is their itinerary:

Amboseli, Ol Tukai
Laikipia, El Karama
Lake Baringo, Island Camp
Lake Nakuru, Lake Nakuru Guest House
Lake Naivasha, Elsamere
Masai Mara, Simon's camp, Ololaimutiek gate
Lamu, Kizingo
Nairobi, Hotel Boulevard


BETHARWEIN KENYA AUGUST 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34860246 (REPORT)

In August, Betty went with her family of 8 on quite the adventure to Kenya! The family was Betty and her husband, their three children in their 30’s, two spouses and one grandchild, aged 4 ½. Booked through AFRICA ADVENTURE COMPANY, their itinerary was:

Samburu – Serena Lodge
Aberdares – Aberdare Country Club
Lake Nakuru – Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge
Maasai Mara – Group Shared Siringet Mobile Camp

Betty gives us some great tips on traveling with a young child, with some good advice on getting the little ones to take the malaria pills.


<ISABELMEI KENYA AUGUST 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34864301 (REPORT)

This is a very informative report from a mom who took her 4 year old daughter, Issy to Kenya on a fabulous adventure! Using a UK company called AARDVARK SAFARIS,, who used the ground handler BUSH HOMES to book the private flying safari, their itinerary was:

Kigio Wildlife Conservancy – Malewa River Lodge
Samburu – Sabuk
Maasai Mara – Ol Seki Mara
Lamu – Manda Bay

Isabelamei has included some details and lots of useful advice for traveling with small children. Interspersed are some pretty amusing stories about bats, one part of Africa’s wildlife that seemed to follow them everywhere….

STAKERK KENYA AUGUST 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34868269 (REPORT)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34860239 (THREAD WITH PHOTOS)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=iwnki8o.c8sq4xpw&x=0&y=xznihu (PHOTOS)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34861731 (THREAD WITH VIDEO LINK PT 1)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34862430 (THREAD WITH VIDEO LINK PT 2)

After planning this trip with fellow Fodorites for the last 4 or 5 months, Kevin and his family – wife Mari, 26 yr old daughter Marisa and 18 yr old son, Sean set out for their trip of a lifetime, booked with SOUTHERN CROSS. Not only was their fun and adventure trip packed full of wonderful happenings, but so is Kevin’s well-written, very entertaining report. With his wonderful sense of humour, Kevin describes the lodgings/camps, the food, the guides and the animal sightings in such a way that will keep you reading until you finish! Kevin’s enthusiasm sparkles throughout the report. Interspersed throughout, he has also given us some insight into his thoughts on the different way of life in Africa – stuff that really does make you think. Their itinerary was:

Nairobi – The Stanley
Samburu – Larsen’s Tented Camp
Maasai Mara – Little Governor’s Camp
Lamu Island - Kizingo

There are lots of videos and great pictures to see along with his report!

YVONNEM TANZANIA AUG 06

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34865981 (REPORT)
http://tinyurl.com/kat75 (PICTURES)

After coming back from Zambia, SA and Mozambique, Yvonne found herself planning a return safari for her, husband Robert and 11 yr. old Carmen. Booked through NOMAD, they visited:

Arusha
Mt Meru – Mt Meru game Lodge
Kilimanjaro – Makoa Farm
West Kilimanjaro – Ndarakwai Camp
Arusha – Arusha Coffee Lodge
Serengeti – Klein’s Camp
Zanzibar – Kempinski

Yvonne’s report of their unusual trip is wonderful to read, she gives us some very good descriptions of some of the less-written about camps/farms that she stayed at, as well as giving us some stories while on their horseback safari, along with lots of great animal sighting stories! And, in the thread, there are instructions for any Kodak novices to get your pictures successfully uploaded and the link shared.


WHIZFORTY KENYA AUG 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34872100 (REPORT)

Whizforty, her husband AD and their two sons Adim (14 yrs old) and Aamer (9 yrs old) dreamt of going to Africa. Narrowing it down to Kenya, Whizforty, together with help from Fodorites and others, put together a dynamite trip! Booked through ACROSSAFRICA (now owned by Liberty Africa Safaris), thier itinerary was:

Aberdares – The Ark
Shaba Game Reserve – Sarova Game Lodge
Visit to Samburu and Buffalo Springs
Mt Kenya Safari Club
Lake Nakuru – Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Maasai Mara – Sarova Mara Camp
Nairobi – a friend’s house

Whizforty tells us some wonderful stories about their incredible amount of cat sightings; along with some very detailed descriptions of the other animals they enjoyed seeing. There are also lots of great little tips throughout the report on things to pack and bring along for the trip, especially as a family.

SUEBLUE KENYA & TANZANIA AUG 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34866073 (REPORT)

After some great consultations with some of our very knowledgeable Fodorites, Sueblue had a great time on her safari with her friend to Kenya and Tanzania. The ground operators she used were WILDTREK in Kenya, and ROYS in Tanzania. Their itinerary was:

Nairobi - InterContinental Hotel
Masai Mara – Il Moran Camp
Amboseli National Park - Amboseli Serena Lodge
Arusha - Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge (chalet
Nigresi Village Visit
Tarangire National Park - Kikoti Camp
Ngorongoro Crater - Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Serengeti National Park - Serengeti Serena Lodge
Lake Manyara National Park - Kirurumu Tented
Arusha - KIA Lodge for dayroom use

Sueblue’s thread includes some really helpful discussions on prices paid, something that is always on the top of our minds! (Good deals = go back to Afree-kah faster!) She also gives us some very honest opinions on what they thought of the camps, lodges and parks they visited, along with some great details of these places. And, don’t miss the fabulously funny story about the spider in the tent!


IGGY5858 KENYA AUG 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34872773 (REPORT)
www.wanderlust06.shutterfly.com/action/ (PICTURES)

In August, Thomas, his wife Renee and their friend Sandra set out on a wildlife adventure. Booked through TATUM INTERNATIONAL their wonderfu7l adventure took them to :

Nairobi - Norfolk Hotel
Maasai Mara – Mara Explorer Camp
Mahale – Nkyungwe Tented Camp

Having been to Africa before, Thomas went this time in search of the spotted hyena, the elusive honey badger, the chimpanzees at Mahale and a wildebeest crossing in the Mara. And, well, four out of five isn’t bad! (no honey badgers!) With great descriptions of the camps interspersed with lost of details of his animal sightings, Thomas has written a great report!

ttt

JENN24 TANZANIA AUG 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34873555 (REPORT)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=w1fs62l.7fxmd4h9&Uy=-texcxz&Ux=1
(PICTURES)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34861202 (1st THREAD with photos)

This report is sure to go down in Fodors trip report history! Who could forget Jenn’s (mis)adventures with her roommate Arielle, and her ground operator? Jenn is a very easy going person who likes to take things in stride – which is good as NOT ONE of their accommodations (and in some cases, parks) stayed the same as planned! Constantly moving from camp to lodge to camp, being bumped off her connections to Zanzibar, and being set up as lion bait by her very skittish roommate Arielle (“you sleep by the door so you are eaten first”) would have taken its toll on any one of us, but not Jenn! This is a wonderful report with lots of humourous stories – I laughed, I cried (I really did cry in parts!), and I DIDN’T want it to end – I felt as though I was right there with Jenn and Arielle. Booked as a group trip, through GO2AFRICA, they were joined up as a group with others as well from 2AFRIKA.COM; their ground operator was PREDATOR SAFARI CLUB. Their itinerary ended up to be:

Arusha – Ilboru Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara – Lake Manyara Hotel
Ngorongoro CA – Crater Forest Tented Lodge
Ngorongoro CA – Wildlife Lodge
Serengeti – Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Serengeti – Ikoma Bush Camp
Serengeti – Mbalageti
Tarangire – Tarangire River Camp
Arusha – Kia Lodge (only because they were bumped from their Precision Air Flight to Zanzibar
Zanzibar – Nungwi

As a bonus, there is a great discussion on collaring the animals in the wild with Predator Biologist shedding light on this rather touchy subject for us. Who knew you could learn so much from a trip report!






MARIJA KENYA AND TANZANIA SEPT 06

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34864322 (report)

Marija has written a delightful pre and post trip report for us from the eyes of a person who had never considered going on a safari until she met Bruce, an Eagle Scout who watched National Geographic shows with a passion. Heading off to the local library and video stores, Marija learns the difference between lions and leopards, elephants and giraffes. Moving to the next level, they plan their trip and book through CC AFRICA with the following itinerary:

Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Nairobi – Giraffe Manor
Around Amboseli – Camp ya Kanzi
Maasai Mara – Bataleur Camp
Lake Manyara – Lake Manyara Lodge
Ngorongoro CA – Crater Lodge
Serengeti- Tanzania Under Canvas

This is a very witty and entertaining report written through the eyes of a first -timer, with some very frank assessments of her booking agents. We all hope that Marija will drop her I Love Lucy reruns and come on over to National Geographic so that they will go and we can read another delightful report from her!

NEVERMIND TANZANIA SEPT 06

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34870880 (report)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=aexb6a6.mmk79im&Uy=-jtvi47&Ux=0
(pictures)

Just three months before Linda (nevermind, hopefully I have your name right, I got it from Kodak Gallery) & her husband's well planned & long dreamt about trip to Africa, Linda tore her ACL on another trip. But, with the enthusiastic help of other Fodorites cheering her on, they did indeed go on the trip, and the knee was not much of a problem for them! This is a very refreshing report full of priceless stories (like the one when Linda was lost) along with lots of great tidbits on the various customs and the cultures that they came across in East Africa. Traveling as a group tour (10 people/2 Landrovers) with INTRAV, their itinerary was:

Arusha - Serena Mountain Lodge
Tarangire - Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara - game run
NCA - Gibbs Farm - lunch
Ngorongoro - Serena
Serengeti - Serena Kirawira Camp
Lake Victoria - day trip
Serengeti - Serena Lodge
Arusha - Serena Mountain Lodge

As a bonus, take a look at her wonderful pictures, Linda has listed the Swahili name on all of them! A real learning experience for all of us.

WALKTHEEARTH - KILIMANJARO SUMMIT CLIMB, TANZANIA SAFARI & ZANZIBAR-AUG 06

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34873867 (Kili report thread)

www.walktheearth.us/tanzania/kilimanjaro (Kili report & pictures)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34873803 (safari & Zanzibar thread)

www.walktheearth.us/tanzania/safari (Safari & ZBar report & pictures)

These are two very well-written reports/blogs on Walktheearth’s Kili climb, safari and Zanzibar adventure. With lots of dry humour and wonderful details, I promise you a good read – and some great facts and figures in here as well. His story of Pasta, Gorilla and Moshi is incredible to read, it is a very enlightening story of how the people of Tanzania live. Booked through 7SUMMITS.COM, his itinerary was:

Moshi, TZ - Springlands Hotel
7 day Kili climb to Kili’s highest peak, Uruhu
1 day to descend
Moshi, TZ – Springlands Hotel
Lake Manyara
Ngorongoro Crater
Olmoti Crater hike
Serengeti – Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Zanzibar – Stonetown – Clove Hotel
Zanzibar – Paje – Hakuna Majiwe

The report on the Kili climb will give anyone going for the first time what life will be like when they are ascending. I am always truly amazed whenever I read anyone’s report on their climb, it’s a huge mountain!

Lynda, yes you have my name right! Thank you for including my trip report. I think I'll go back and reread it -- just to relive the experience.

I am so impressed that you have kept up with the East Africa Trip Report Index project. It will serve as a wonderful resource for other travelers. Especially first timers. I remember that this time last year, I was so bewildered and not sure what to expect from my first safari. I didn't even know what questions to ask. Thank you for organizing all these trip reports; I'm sure there are many Fodorites out there who really appreciate it.

I was just about to copy your very thorough packing list when I lost the thread. Please tell me where I can find it

Pamlg- I posted these on your other thread, but here they are as well-

Before I left for my first safari, I posted a VERY comprehensive list, which all of the experienced people on the board helped me fine tune in this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34802443


Then, when I came back, I posted a what worked and what didn't work in the first part of my trip report:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34822022

And, then, once I had time to really think about it, I posted a 'really only things that you need' list at:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34902894

Hope this helps!

LyndaS
Sorry I posted twice. I'm new to this, but that was probably a no-no. Thanks again for your help. Your packing list is great - there were some things I would never have thought of, and some things I thought of but will now eliminate.

LyndaS
Hi
firstly what a great Index really helpful for the first time traveller
just one thing
I have been looking for solitaire11
trip report and cant find it perhaps I am looking in the wrong place

YASER TANZANIA SEPT 06

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34879078 (report)

http://www.umiacs.umd.edu/users/yaser/AFRICA06/ (pictures and brief report)

This is a unique report from Yaser on their self-drive through Tanzanaia! Renting a car in Arusha, they drove to:

Katavi National Park – Riverside Camp
Ruaha - bandas at the Ruaha headquarters
Selous – Mbega Camp
Kilwa Masoko – Kilwa Seaview Resort
Arusha – Colubus Mountain Lodge

His website has many wonderful photos, and there is some good information in both his Fodors report and his website on self-driving

BANKER123 KENYA SEPT 06

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34871408 (thread)
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AbNGjJu0btWFF (pictures)
share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8AbNGjJu0btWFU (Lamu pictures)

Jordan has given us two links to his wonderful pictures in this thread from his recent trip to Kenya; along with answering some questions in the thread. He visited:

Mt Kenya – Mountain Lodge
Lake Nakuru – Sarova Lion Hill
Maasai Mara – Sarova Mara
Lamu – Kizingo

SAFARIDUDE KENYA SEPT 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34880203 (part 1 report)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34882078 (part 2 report)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34880683 (part 3 report)

This is Safaridude’s really detailed (as we all like) report on his trip to East Africa. It is chock full of really cool, historical background information and stories; a great report to learn things from. He has also given us some great thought-provoking ideas on hunting concessions and photo concessions. He really does make you step back and think about it. And besides all that he has great descriptions of animal sightings and the properties he stayed at too! His unusual itinerary took him to:

Near Tsavo – Campi Ya Kanzi
Mt Meru – Elsa’s Kopje
Ngorongoro – Crater Lodge
Serengeti – Kirawira Camp
Ugalia Game Reserve (accompanied bird-shooters)

CARY999 SOUTH AFRICA, ZAMBIA AND KENYA SEPT 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34881694 (REPORT)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/tdgraham/main/safari_2005 (photos from last year)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/tdgraham/main/kruger_2006 (photos Kruger NP)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/tdgraham/main/mala_mala_2006 (photos Mala Mala)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/tdgraham/main/Nsefu_Tena_2006 (photos Nsefu & Tena Tena)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/tdgraham/main/Little_Governors (photos Maasai Mara - Governors)

Here is Tom and Carolyn’s wonderfully detailed trip report on their incredible trip that spanned much of our favorite continent. It was their second safari, starting with a self drive in South Africa from Johannesburg to Kruger National Park, and then on to Male Male. There are tons of details of camps, lodges, animal sightings, & camera equipment – enough to satisfy all of us in this report, along with a choice selection of some pretty incredible photos. Their itinerary took them to:
Hazyview , SA – Africa Idle & Wilde B&B
Kruger National Park - Mopani and Satara Camps
Mala Mala, SA
Lusaka, Zambia – Holiday Inn Lusaka
South Luangwa, Zambia – Nsefu and Tena Tena Camps
Lusaka, Zambia – Holiday Inn
Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Maasai Mara – Little Governors Camp
Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel

And a special thanks from us, Tom – I told Jim about the ProShow Gold you mentioned and he said it was EXACTLY what he was looking for.

PURPLE KENYA & TANZANIA SEPT 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34882614 (thread & mini report)
http://WWW.kodakgallery.Com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=11ydeuh7.a7wvku1v&Uy=iwnil2&Ux=0 (pictures)

This is Sharon’s pictoral essay on their first trip to Africa. Although she didn’t write much, she packed a lot of information in the pictures, and it tells an incredible story, her album is all you will need to get the whole picture! In every place Sharon has taken pictures of the signs, the animals, the rooms, the lodges, the people – all sorts of wonderful things that we all see when we are there – but sometimes just don’t notice!. Her and George visited the following places:

Mt Kenya slopes – Serena Mountain Lodge
Samburu – Intrepids Camp
Maasai Mara – Governors Camp
Arusha – Impala Hotel
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge
Tarangire – River Camp
Amboseli – Tortilis Camp

CINDYSAFARI KENYA SEPTEMBER 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34882956 (REPORT)

This is Cindy’s trip report of her very first trip to Africa with her husband and 4 of their friends. This is not only a private safari – they even had their own private plane to take them to the camps they visited! Booked through TIM LAPAGE/SAFARI EXPERTS out of Utah, with BUSH HOMES OF EAST AFRICA, Cindy dragged her reluctant husband (with his new camera as a bribe) all the way to Nairobi to start their trip. Herself a little reluctant at first to fly on small planes, they transited to Wilson Airport to their awaiting Cessna to:
Lake Baringo – Samatian Island Camp
Samburu – Ol Malo
Laikipia – Borango Lodge
Maasai Mara – Richard’s Camp

At this time, Cindy’s report is still not finished, and with good reason. A tragic incident at the end of the trip, heartfelt by all of us back at home, occurred at Richard’s Camp, and we all know how difficult it is to deal with something like this in a trip report. Being a trooper though Cindy has been working on completing the report for us; which we all appreciate, we all know how hard it must be for her. But, Cindy we are all dying to know if your husband did enjoy Africa after all!

Addendum to Purple's Photo Essay:

I just found the name of her agent/outfitter in a recent thread!

Purple booked with AFRICAN SERENDITY in the US.

Sorry, Sharon please forgive me for not seeing this and posting in the right place!

AND: ADDENDUM for David987:

Thanks for alerting me to solitaire11'as report - I know I have read it, but I did miss it in the trip report index! I am re-reading to refresh and then will post a link in this index - my apologies solitaire11 as well!

LyndaS - I can't thank you enough for putting this together. For a first time Africa traveller, it is an incredible wealth of usable information.

WISTMAN TANZANIA OCTOBER 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34895099 (REPORT)

This is a report from Roger, on his trip along with his wife, Julie and daughter Lizzie (13) on their first safari. Booked through AFRICA TRAVEL RESOURCE (ATR) Roger and his family visited the following:

Arusha - Moivaro Lodge
Tarangire - Mawe Ninga Tented Camp
Lake Manyara – game drive
Ngorongoro Crater Area - Gibbs Farm
Serengeti – Ndutu Lodge & Lobo Wildlife Lodge
Zanzibar - Pongwe Beach Hotel.
Stonetown - Dhow Palace

Roger has written a wonderfully detailed report on their trip, supplying us with all kinds of great details of the parks, the lodges, the animals, the food, and the costs; as well as their overall impressions.

SOLITAIRE11 TANZANIA MAY/JUNE 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34842202 (thread with link to report)

http://sashasolitaire.smugmug.com/Solitaires%20Picks/203178 (report and pictures)


Aarthi has written a wonderful report, with a great layout of pictures and scads of information on her and her husband, Sashi’s amazing first trip to Africa. Booked through EASTCO, God Bless was their hearty companion and driver/guide for the trip. This report is full of descriptions and great information, both written and visually, on the following itinerary:

Arusha – Outpost B &B
Serengeti – Tumbili Campsite
NCA - Olmati Crater – hike to the top
NCA - Empakai Crater Campsite
NCA – Acacia Campsite at Mt. Ol Doinyo Lengai
Lake Natron – Lake Natron Campsite
Tarangire CA – Naitolia Lodge
Zanzibar – Pongwe Beach Resort
Stonetown, Zanzibar – Emerson & Greene

You will feel you are right there with Aarthi as she writes about their adventures, and you will feel her heartbreak and disappointment along with her as she tells their guides and Sashi that she just can’t make it all the way up on their hike up Ol Doinyo Lengai. Sashi, who had broken his toe the day before and didn’t mention it, was probably quite relieved! But, to me, anyone that can hike even halfway up any mountain is a hero in my eyes, it’s 100% more than I could even attempt!

DENBASKING KENYA JUNE 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34913040 (report)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34838608 (Photo collage thread)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=13qlsdtx.z2odkfp&x=0&y=-knykj0 (photo collage)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34807800 (Camera-kit-in-a-bag thread)

Here is Den’s report on her fabulous first safari with KILIWARRIOR EXPEDITIONS. She has posted in a unusual format, instead of posting in order, she started with a wonderful section to thank all the Fodorites who helped her; and then posted a report on the last part of her trip, which was to see the gorillas in Rwanda with GREAT LAKES SAFARIS. Den has some incredible descriptions of her trek with the gorillas, and her visit to the Genocide Museum. Den’s report on the museum is a real eye opener for those of us who haven’t been, she has pulled no punches on the descriptions, and tells it like it is.

As well, Den started a wonderful thread on ‘what’s in your camera bag’ that is a wonderful thread to help out all of the people who are trying decide ‘what shall I bring in my camera bag. It’s an incredible thread!

Her itinerary (not complete though) included:

Kilimanjaro & Karatu Region
Tarangire National Park
Ngorongoro Crater
Gibbs Farm
Mobile Fly Camping in the Serengeti
Gorilla Treking in Rwanda

Although not finished, we hope that you will come back and add to this report when you can, Den!

CHINOOK KENYA JUNE 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34822095 (report)

http://www.colorsofwildlife.net/forum/index.php?action=profile (pictures)

This is a brief, but enlightening report from Chinook on their private Cessna flying safari. Booked with ALEXIS PELTIER , their itinerary took them to:

Nairobi - Nairobi Backpackers Hotel
Maasai Mara - Fig Tree Camp
Amboseli - Sopa Lodge
Samburu


KATESY KENYA & ZANZIBAR AUG 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34898693 (Report)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=jizpahj.almyeraz&x=0&y=-we9kjh (photos)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvIq_G0s4rw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol_5wPrXSPQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANZmUooC6Xs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1xvCd8CJQU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdKY9MxKjcI (all above are videos)

This is a wonderfully descriptive report from Katesy and Doug on their honeymoon to Africa. Katesy has gone into some very good details and given some great descriptions of the accommodations, and the game they saw.
Their itinerary (not mentioned who they booked with) was:

Nairobi – Macushla House
Maasai Mara – Serian Camp
Shompole
Zanzíbar – Matemwe Bungalows

HLESTER3 KENYA & ZANZIBAR SEPT/OCT 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34892411 (REPORT)

By the time Heather and her husband are finished, they will have 2 of the most incredibly well-traveled kids the world has known. The trip of the year, this year, was to show her twins, aged 5, the animals in Africa, and they sure did see animals! Booked through MANGO AFRICAN SAFARIS Heather, her husband, her dad and the two twins, Robbie and Madison took in the following off-the-beaten-path places:

Samburu Complex – Sabuk Lodge
Laikipia Plateau – Shompole Safari Lodge
Maasai Mara – Elephant Pepper Camp
Zanzibar – Mnemba Island Resort
Nairobi - Giraffe Manor

Heather packs a lot of information into her report, lots of details on the camps, and tells us how it was traveling in Africa with the twins. People taking young ones will get lots of hints from Heather’s report.

NANKAR TANZANIA & KENYA & ZAMBIA SEPT 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34898701 (report)

This is Nankar’s report from their incredible first African adventure. They booked the Zambian portion through DESTINY AFRICA, and the rest through TAUCK TOURS. This is a short report, but Nankar gives us a good overview of a group tour. The Kenya/Tanzania itinerary was:

Arusha – Serena Mountain Lodge
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater – Serena
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Amboseli – Serena
Samburu – Serena
Maasai Mara – Mara Safari Club

Small correction to the HLester itinerary above - locations:

LAIKIPIA – Sabuk Lodge
KENYA/TANZANIA BORDER/LK.NATRON – Shompole Lodge
Maasai Mara – Elephant Pepper Camp
Zanzibar – Mnemba Island Resort
Nairobi - Giraffe Manor

DRANO KENYA AND TANZANIA SEPT 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34939376 (report)

http://adrianoalmeida.smugmug.com/ (pictures & trip notes)

This was Adriano & Chris’s first safari to Africa – but we doubt it will be their last! Adriano has written a great report with his overall impressions of the lodgings, the trip itself and the wildlife. But as good as this report is, with a great discussion of Cannon and Sigma lenses, don’t miss his incredible photos – they really tell their story. Booked with GOOD EARTH TOURS with SAFARI LINE as the ground operator, their itinerary was as follows:

Nairobi - Norfolk Hotel
Samburu - Serena Lodge
Masai Mara – Serena Lodge
Amboseli - Serena Lodge
Tarangire - Tarangire River Camp
Ngorongoro - Serena Lodge

NANALE KENYA & ZANZIBAR OCT 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34883822 ( report)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/anackas (photos)

Nanale has given us a link to some fabulous photos from their safari, which took in the Maasai Mara, Samburu, climbing Mt Kenya and a rest on a Zanzibar beach. In the thread, Jan identifies one of the pictures of an elephant as Babyl, the elephant who was born with a dislocated hip. And, don’t miss Nanale’s stunning close up of a serval cat in the Mara

JDAVIES TANZANIA OCT 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34886156 (report)

This a short report on Julie’s trip with 8 others – 5 of those were kids age 6 to 13! Booked through GREEN FOOTPRINTS, their safari took in:

Arusha – Kigongoni Lodge
Tarangire – Tarangire Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara – Eunoto Retreat (close by to Lake Manyara)
Ngorongoro Crater – Plantation
Serengeti – Sayari Camp
Zanzibar

FHFTRF KENYA OCT 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34889021 (report)

Twenty five years after their first safari, Fhftrf and his wife decided that they would spend their 25th anniversary in Kenya on safari. This is a short, but informative report from their trip, organized by BORN FREE SAFARI and TRAVEL in Denver. Their fly/drive itinerary was as follows:

Nairobi – Karen Coffee Plantation
Amboseli – Tortilis Lodge
Samburu – Intrepid Tented Camp
Maasai Mara – Leleshwa Camp
Maasai Mara – Little Governors

ANN_NYC KENYA AND TANZANIA OCTOBER 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34897294 (REPORT)
http://www.winkflash.com/photo/public.aspx?u=ajennerjahn (pictures)

This is the wonderfully detailed trip report of Ann’s first trip to East Africa with OVERSEAS ADVENTURE TRAVEL (OAT) . Anxiously awaited by Fodorites to see if she liked her roommate, or had another Ariel, Ann was happy to report that her roommate was incredible! In this report she gives good pointers on what worked, and what didn’t, as well as vivid descriptions of lodges and camps, the animals they saw and their adventures. It is a very refreshing read from the view of a first timer as she describes vividly the sights, the sounds and the smells that we all remember so well from our first (& all the others after that!) trip. Her itinerary on this group safari was as follows:

Nairobi – Stanley Hotel
Sweetwaters – Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Amboseli – Serena Lodge
Tarangire – Tarangire Safari Camp
NCA – Gibbs Farm
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Serena Lodge & Mbuzi Mawe Camp
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge

OVENBIRD KENYA & UGANDA OCT/NOV 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34909259 (REPORT)

www.pbase.com/deseml/uganda_2006. (PICTURES)
www.pbase.com/deseml/kenya_2006_ (PICTURES)

Ovenbird has written a great report on their safari to Kenya, and treks in Uganda. Self-confessed birders, the trip started out to be an 18 day birding tour in Uganda, with the Mara added for hopes of a glimpse of the migration. Both were great successes! Their itinerary was as follows:

Nairobi -Holiday Inn Mayfair
Maasai Mara - Rekero Tented Camp
Maassai Mara - Governor’s Il Moran
Entebbe, Uganda - Imperial Resort Hotel
Masindi - Masindi Hotel
Murchison Falls National Park - Sarova Paraa Lodge
Kibale National Park - Mantana Tented Camp
Queen Elizabeth National Park - Mweya Lodge
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park -Gorilla Forest Camp (R Group – Rushegura)
Kabale - White Horse Inn
Lake Mburo National Park - Mantana Safari Camp
Jinja/Mabira Forest -Gately on the Nile Guest House
Entebbe – Imperial Resort Hotel

Ovenbird has given some wonderful details & opinions of their lodgings, great descriptions of animal sightings, and lots of good hints interlaced through the report. Their photos are fabulous, and arranged by type of animal, which is a great way to spend more time with your favourite animals!

Just bookmarking. Love this thread. Thanks, Lynda

HICK TANZANIA, GOMBE & ZANZIBAR SEPT/OCT 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34966885 (REPORT)

This is a short report, but Hick has given us some good information on the chimps at Gombe. Booked with ACCESS TO TANZANIA, Hick’s itinerary was:

Arusha – Royal Court
Lake Manyara National Park - Crater Rim Lodge at Karatu
Lake Eyasi, to visit the Hadzabe on the way to Serengeti
Serengeti - camping in the Central Serengeti
Ngorongoro Crater – camping on the rim
Arusha – Impala
Zanzibar - Dhow Palace (Stone Town)
Zanzibar – Pongwe Beach
Stone Town - Dhow Palace
Kigoma - Kigoma Hilltop Hotel
Gombe Stream – Chimp trekking
Dar es Salaam - Peacock Hotel
Udzungwa Mountains - Camping
Selous Game Reserve - Camping

PRODUCERKOOF KENYA/TANZANIA OCT 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34895357 (report)

instructions for photo links in the middle of the report (photos)

This is a very detailed report from Aaron of his wonderful trip with 3 of his friends and a mom of one of his friends to Kenya and Tanzania. They had a pretty crazy beginning; it seemed touch and go that they would even get there, with tickets that got mixed up and engines on the plane that didn’t work! But, they did get there, and what a trip they had! Booked as a private drive safari through AFRICA POINT their itinerary was:

Nairobi – Silver Springs Hotel
Maasai Mara – Mara Simba Lodge
Amboseli – Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro CA – Ngorongoro Farm House
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge
Nairobi – Pan Afric Hotel

LIZYOUNG KENYA NOV/DEC 06

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34920910 (report part 1)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34920912 (report part 2)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34920914 (report part 3)

www.rebeccachandler.myphotoalbum.com (photos)

Liz has written a delightful and detailed read on her trip to Kenya with a friend. Organized by AFRICA ADVENTURE COMPANY based in Florida, their trip itinerary was:

Nairobi - Stanley Hotel
Amboseli – Tortillis Camp
Samburu – Larsens Cmp

Maasai Mara – Cottars Camp
Nairobi-Giraffe Manor

Liz gives us lots of wonderful details of her accommodations, with honest and forthright opinions, and great descriptions of her day with Kennedy in Nairobi, and the various game runs they went on. Accompanying this are her wonderful photos.


JOEYI KENYA NOV/DEC 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34914854 (REPORT)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=13endpq5.97j9wbt9&x=1&y=-gc4a0a (pictures)

Now here is the first report of the three ‘intertwined reports’ from three of our favourite Fodorites, Joyce, Patty and Kimburu, who were all going to be in Kenya at almost the same time. Well, actually in the case of Patty and Joyce, it was at the same time, and they did indeed meet and share time together at Larsen’s Camp! Joyce and Rod have a relative living in Nairobi (and you guys just have to look at her pictures to see their house – it’s fabulous!) – Rod’s sister Pam and her family. And while family in Nairobi, you have to do a safari, right? Put together by Joyce, along with local help from Pam, here is their flying/driving itinerary:

Nairobi – staying at Pam’s
Maasai Mara – Olonana Tented Camp
Nairobi – at Pam’s
Amboseli – Kibo Tented Camp
Nairobi – at Pam’s
Samburu – Larsen’s Tented Camp
Meru National park – Elsa’s Kopje
Nairobi – Pam’s house
The Aberdares – The Ark
Lake Nakuru – Lake Nakuru Lodge
Lake Naivasha – Lake Naivasha Country Club
Nairobi – at Pam’s house

And what happens when Fodorites get together? Well, you really have to read Joyce’s hilarious report on when the four of them (Joyce & Rod, Patty and Mark) got stuck in the mud at Elsa’s Kopje – and don’t miss the pictures to go along with the story!

PATTY KENYA/TANZANIA DEC 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34920145 (REPORT)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=jy877nh.227jgn8d&x=0&y=drl4tc (PHOTOS)

As always, Patty has written an incredible report, with lots of wonderful stories and descriptions, on their latest (their third to East Africa) trip to East Africa. Using EASTERN & SOUTHERN again, Patty put together a wonderful itinerary that took in some new places, as well as revisiting a couple of their favorite places again – but this year, it was just a little wetter than normal! Her wonderful details and hilarious stories (you must read her rendition of the ‘Stuck In The Mud With Joyce and Rod’ story too!) Although they didn’t quite stay at Elsa’s at the same time as Kimburu, Patty left behind some hidden prizes for Paul in the camp – be sure to read his report next to find out if he found them! The following is their itinerary-

Nairobi – Hilton Hotel
Laikipia – El Karama Ranch
Samburu – Larsen’s Tented Camp
Shaba National reserve – Joy’s Camp
Meru National Park – Elsa’s Kopje
near the Aberdares – Olea Africana
Nairobi – Hilton
Selous – Sand River
Dar Es Salaam – Holiday Inn day room

Don’t miss her wonderful photos (and more great pictures of them stuck in the mud!). Oh, and Patty, our very own resident airline routes/points expert, by the way, got to fly a small plane between Mt Kenya and the Aberdares! When we all move to East Africa and find jobs, now Patty can apply for position of pilot!

KIMBURU KENYA DEC 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34921781 (REPORT)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=10hnymn7.4ttt7fr7&x=0&y=-aegjde (PICTURES)

Here is the third ‘intertwined’ trip report from December. Even though Paul and his lovely wife, Nam Wan did not actually meet either Patty and Mark, or Joyce and Rod, they followed Patty and Mark into Elsa’s Kopje where Patty had set up a game of ‘find the hidden animals treasure hunt’ for them. And did they find them all? Well, you just have to read the report to find out! This was Paul and Nam Wan’s second trip, booked again through EASTERN AND SOUTHERN. Their itinerary, with a few rained-in, road-was-turned-to-river adjustments thrown in was:

Nairobi – Stanley Hotel
Meru NP – Elsa’s Kopje
Shaba NP – Sarova
Samburu NP- Serena
Ol Pejata Conservancy – Sweetwaters tented camp
Aberdare NP – Tusk Camp
Mount Kenya NP – Mountain Lodge
Nairobi – Stanley Hotel

Paul’s story-telling is as entertaining as ever, he has some wonderful, humorous stories in his report, (I know I won’t ever be able to look at a kori bustard again without laughing to myself) lots of reflections & interesting tangents, and his wonderful pictures make you feel you are right there with him. And if we thought Patty and Mark, along with Joyce and Rod’s story was entertaining, wait until you read Paul’s story of his washed out river that almost carried them away!

PETER-JOANNE TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR JUNE 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34967350 (report)

This is Peter and Joanne’s trip report from June 2006. Using SWALA SAFARIS as their outfitter, their exciting itinerary took them to:

Arusha – Mount Meru Game Lodge
Tarangire – game run
Lake Manyara – Lake Manyara Hotel
Lake Manyara – Kirurumu Tented Lodge
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Ndutu Lodge
Serengeti – Mbuzi Mawe Tented Lodge
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Stonetown, Zanzibar – Serena Inn
Pongwe Beach – Pongwe Beach Hotel

Their detailed report is a very good read, packed full of information and some very honest observations of both the good and the perhaps-not-as-expected experiences they had. There is also a very good section on donations to the communities – really makes you think.


TUCKEG TANZANIA (and Southern Africa – 7 months!) JUNE-DEC 2006
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34913641 (report)

Wow, 7 months!!! Who amongst us wouldn’t give our eye teeth for that ? George give us some of his impressions of the places he visited, amongst them all the CC Africa lodges with the exception of Mnemba and Kichwa Tembo, and Swala in Tarangire. His excellent report is short, but you have to read this, if for other reason than to turn green with envy!

I'm overwhelmed by the work that's gone into this. About to start research for first Africa trip in 2009, this is invaluable. Bookmarking, with much gratitude.

TOSHI RWANDA AND KENYA DEC 06

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34924325 (report)

http://tinyurl.com/y5c4m8 (pictures)

This is a report from Toshi, and Mr. Toshi’s second trip to East Africa . Having had such a good time last year, they, like most of find, had to return this year again! The Rwanda portion was booked through R & N XPLORER, while the Kenya portion was through CC AFRICA and RANGERS SAFARIS. Their itinerary included:

Kigali – Intercontinental Hotel
Ruhengeri – Gorillas Nest Lodge – tracked the Amahoro and Sabyinyo Group
Nairobi – transit with Kennedy for day tour
Maasai Mara – Serena, requested Sammy as their guide
Nairobi – Stanley Hotel


Toshi has given a marvellous, detailed description of the gorilla trek – all your questions about gorilla treks will be answered here with the details she ahs given. And, don’t miss her description of their very interesting 30-minute visit to the Congo to get a ‘passport’ stamp!

MIHOSZ - TANZANIA - JAN 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34937597 (report)

This is a short, but pretty informative report of mihosz’s safari with BOBBY CAMPING (some of us may remember this one well from a ‘mispelled’ post about it once ). Mihosz has given us some pretty frank and honest opinions – both the good and the bad – about the camps & lodges he/she visited. The itinerary was:

Arusha – Impala Hotel
Lake Manyara – Lake Manyara Hotel
Serengeti – Ikoma Tented Camp
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge
Olmoti Crater – day hike
Tarangire Park – Sopa Lodge
Arusha – Impala Hotel
Zanzibar



LOLAZAHRA - KENYA/TANZANIA - JAN 07

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34935011 (REPORT)

This report is unfinished, but it has good info in what is there. Using CC AFRICA and RANGERS as the ground operators, Lolazahra, along with her husband, aunt and 2 kids – age 2 ½ and 4 ½ visited the following:

Nairobi – The House of Waine
Maasai Mara – Bataleur Camp
Serengeti – Olakira Camp
Lake Eyasi – Kisima Ngeda
Ngorongoro- Crater Lodge
Diani Beach, Mombassa – Alfajari Viilla

Lolazahra has given a great description of Bataleur Camp, as well as lots about the Nairobi goings-on. Having worked with UNICEF, she also arranged for a visit to Kibera, in order to bring much-needed items to a few of the occupants.

DRGOUGH UGANDA & RWANDA DEC 06

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34927443 (report)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34926508 (questions & answers & more info)

Using TRAVELUST as the tour operator, drgough has given us a short, but very descriptive account of his driving tour of some of Uganda and Rwanda to trek the gorillas. Their itinerary took them to:

Kampala
Entebbe – Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel – vist to Jane Goodall Ngamba Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Murchison Falls Nat Park – Inns on the Nile Camp – Nile curise
Kibale Forst – Ndali Lodge - walk in the forest
Queen Elizabeth national Park – Jacana Camp
Chambura Gorge – Chimpanzee trek
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park – Gorilla Resort – gorilla trek
Rwanda – Gorillas Nest Lodge – gorilla trek
Lake Bunyonyi



13MOONS KENYA JAN 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34947507 (REPORT)

This is an account of Rhoda’s first (note – first only, more to come!) to East Africa, Kenya in particular. Rhoda has written a wonderful account full of details of her camps and lodges, and as well, has given us wonderful detailed daily sightings of the animals. She has also given very good notations of what it is like to be a single female traveler for the first time in Africa. Her itinerary, booked with ANNE KENT TAYLOR INTERNATIONAL was:

Mt National Park – Elsa’s Kopje
Laikipia Region – Loisaba
Laikipia Region – Ol Malo
Maasai Mara – Lewa Downs Wilderness Trails
Maasai Mara –Little Governor’s Camp
Nairobi – Day room at Giraffe Manor

Rhoda has also listed 25 really good tips – love that # 24 tip!!!!

I hesitate to add my own trip report here, as I feel I'm hijacking Lynda's most excellent work. I'm hoping to FINALLY get some photos posted in the next week or so, though, and will add the link to my original thread.

http://fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35030033

TANZANIA JUNE/JULY 2007 WITH KIBO GUIDES

ITINERARY:

Nairobi - Fairview Hotel
Arusha - Moivaro Lodge
Tarangire - Lake Burunge Tented Camp
Ngorongoro - Ngorongoro Farmhouse
Serengeti - Kibo Tented Camp
Zanzibar - Shooting Star Lodge and Tembo House

Our group consisted of 10 women, most of whom were first-time travelers to Africa.

No problem Shay Tay on posting your own, I have been seriously behind, haven't I?

The good news though is I am up to Jan 2007 now in my reading & posting - I'm getting there!

Just to let everyone know, I print them up as soon as you first post them, put them in trip date order, and keep them until it's time to read them, when I print them again - that way theoretically I don't miss any! )well, hopefully...)

HULADOLPHIN TANZANIA JAN 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34935823 (brief report on Fodors)
http://talesfromthemiddleeast.blogspot.com/2007_01_21_archive.html (blog - full report)
pictures are linked throughout the blog

Laura, who is studying Arabic intensely in the Middle East, decided while her mom was visiting her in Africa, they should do a safari. As luck would have it, Laura’s bag, with her passport, money and even her camera was stolen while still in Cairo, a week before they were leave. This is where the blog picks up on her exciting, detailed and fascinating account of her ‘Tales from the Middle East’ safari portion. Booked through VENTURE AFRICA GROUP with ROY’S SAFARIS as the ground op, Laura and her mom traveled to:

Arusha (Mt. Meru) – Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge
Nigresi Village – visit a Maasai Village
Lake Manyara – Kirurumu
Oldupai Gorge – to visit museum
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge
Olmoti Crater – day hike
Arusha – Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge

Laura’s description of their descent into the Crater is probably the best one I have read yet!

RUBY_SAGE TANZANIA JAN 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34925947 (REPORT)

As many African travelers have discovered, posting a trip report when jet lag occurs is a win-win situation! Erica, upon her return has posted lots of highlights, animal sightings and opinions/impressions of the lodges & camps they stayed at. Using GOOD EARTH SAFARI & TOURS as the ground operator and Joseph as their guide (highly recommended), Erica’s itinerary was:

Arusha – Serena Mountain Village
Tarangire – Tarangire Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara – E Unoto Retreat
Serengeti – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Migration Camp
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge
Arusha – Serena Mt. Village

NIKAO TANZANIA JANUARY 207

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34948304 (REPORT)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34944156 (discussion on aardwolf/striped hyena)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34943839 (detailed report on dogs killing a wildebeest)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34944176 (detailed report on an unsuccessful wild dog hunt)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikao/sets/72157594524618438/ (photos)
and the photo’s of the dogs here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikao/sets/72157594525161323/

and here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikao/sets/72157594526094242/


Once again, Nikao, his girlfriend, her mother and her brother set out for an incredible trip back to Tanzania for 3 weeks. Booking through GREEN FOOTPRINT ADVENTURES again, their itinerary this year took them to :

Tarangire – Oliver’s Camp
Karatu – Plantation Lodge
Serengeti – Ndutu area – Olakira
Serengeti – Gol Mountains – Suyan
Arusha
Zanzibar – Stonetown and Matemwe Bungalows

Nikao has written of some of his amazing adventures in this thread and the others linked with it – they saw 12 rhino in the crater (and a zillion other vehicles…), a pack of wild dogs successfully hunt and kill a wildebeest, and an unsuccessful wild dog hunt the next day – wow!!!
And, don’t miss his incredible pictures to go along with the stories!

PS - sorry Nikao that it took me this long to get this in the index - I'm gradualy catching up!

CHRIS_GA_ATL UGANDA/RWANDA JAN 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34942129 (REPORT)
http://www.pbase.com/cwillis (PICTURES)

Here is Chris’s incredible report, and his amazing pictures, from his trip to Uganda and Rwanda, arranged through AFRICAN HORIZONS who used VOLCANOES SAFARIS as the ground operator. He has given us a very detailed report on their chimp trek on Ngamba Island – and, if this doesn’t make you want to book one right away, nothing will! As well, his very descriptive narrative of the gorilla treks in both countries are amazing! His itinerary was:

Ngamba Island – permanent tented camp for Wild Frontier Safaris
Driving tour of Entebbe and Kampala
Kigali – Milles Collines Hotel
Ruhengeri – Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Trek to see the Amahoro Group, visit to Karisoke Research Center & trek for Hirwa Group
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) – Volcanoes Mt Gahinga Lodge
Trek to Nkuringo Group
Buhoma – Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Trek to Habinyanja Group

Don’t miss the story of “Drug Belly’ as someday we will see this guy on TV as a future revolutionary…..

CLIMBHIGHSLEEPLOW ZANZIBAR – LODGES, RESORTS & MAPS FEB 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34942788 (REPORT)
maps, websites & photos mentioned linked throughout

Sleeping all over the island on a self drive trip, Eben has written an incredibly detailed and information-packed report on many of Zanzibar’s lodges, resorts, hotels and restaurants. He has linked maps and photos throughout, making anyone’s decision about where to stay a breeze. Also included is information on car rental and self-driving on the island, an experience unto itself. The various places that he has reviewed are too numerous to mention, you will just have to go in and read for yourself!
Not to be missed is his hilarious story about his time spent at Karafuu and their magic solution to make everything better!

SUNDOWNER & DIVEWOP RWANDA & KENYA JAN/FEB 07

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34967381 (INTRO AND PHOTO LINK)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35080093 (REPORT)

http://www.pbase.com/cjw/kenya_2007 (PHOTOS)
http://www.pbase.com/cjw/gorillas_in_rwanda_jan_2007 (PHOTOS)

It didn’t Cindy too long to say ‘yes’ to Sandy (Divewop) when she asked if she would like to come along on a safari to Kenya and Rwanda – actually about 10 minutes! And, they met up with another Fodorite too, Carolines at Little Governor’s Camp. Cindy has written a very detailed, wonderful report about their trip, with Sandy chiming in – even though she says she’s getting too old for reports, she’s still pretty good at writing them! They had some pretty exciting times at the gorilla trek, Cindy was constantly being bumped by the silverback of the Hirwa Group, he must have really liked her! And, don’t forget to look at Cindy’s photos, they really are stunning! Their itinerary was:

Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Ruhengeri, Rwanda - staying at friends - 2 Gorilla treks – Hirwa and oops – forgot to say! (and 2 others & a golden monkey trek)
Near Tsavo - Campi ya Kanzi
Meru - Offbeat Meru
Laikipia - Sosian Lodge
Shaba National Reserve - Joy's Camp
Maasai Mara - Little Governors

OTIS72 TANZANIA JAN 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34945433 (REPORT)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=b58e5n71.9cojbyrx&Uy=fwqy7&Ux=0 (PHOTOS)

Here is an enthusiastic, detailed report from Jim and Phyllis’ first trip to East Africa. With GOOD EARTH TOURS as their ground operator, and Abdul as their driver/guide, they set off to find a hoopoe bird (amongst other birds & wildlife though of course!). Jim has written lots about the planning, selecting the tour operator, wonderful descriptions of their days on safari, and lots of tips and observations. Their itinerary was:

Arusha – Arusha Hotel
Tarangire – Tarangire Tented Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Ndutu Lodge
Serengeti – Serena
Arusha – Impala Hotel

And, we do hope that Jim took his own advice – ‘sell the house, sell the cars, and go to Africa. Repeat.’ !
(oh so true!)

Apologies to Sundowner & Divewop - they did indeed mention the name of their second trek together to see the gorillas - it was Amahoro!

Sorry guys, I must have missed that somehow when reading.

BILL AND CAROLYN TANZANIA JAN 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34956593 (thread with report links)

http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/tanzania_january_2007/manyara-1.htm (Lake Manyara photos and daily reports)

http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/tanzania_january_2007/ndutu-1.htm (Ndutu photos and daily reports)

http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/tanzania_january_2007/crater.htm (Ngorongoro photos and daily reports)

For their third photographic safari to East Africa, Bill and Carolyn went again with ROY’S SAFARIS. Concentrating this time on a few parks, their itinerary took them to:

Arusha – Kibo Palace
Lake Manyara- Serena Hotel
Serengeti (Ndutu) – Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge

Bill has written an excellent day by diary on his website, concentrating not on what they did especially, but how they took those absolutely outstanding photographs that all of us Fodorites love to look at. By reading Bill’s journal and really paying attention, once could gather quite a bit of good hints on taking some pictures that may someday make them proud of us!

Kenya & Tanzania June 2007

I used Bellafric, a new company (local) in Nairobi.

email: info@bellafric-expeditions.com

The website is nothing to speak about but the actual safari was perfect and we saved $2,000 over the next quote for our 3 week safari and 5 day excursion to Zanzibar and Chumbe Island.

I received quotes from 6 different companies frequently mentioned on this forum.

We were quoted hundreds of dollars more for the use of a private Toyota Landcruiser in Kenya. This company not only gave us the best quote, but we got the Toyota Landcruiser. So we had this large private landcruiser in Kenya and another Landcruiser in Tanzania.

Most of the vehicles we saw in Kenya were mini vans and these are very light weight vehicles, not as comfortable as the heavier vehicle we had.

We stayed at Larsens Camp, Tortillas Camp and Mbalageti Seregetti. All three were great. Try them. The Serena Lodges had 100 people at meals, the tented camps have a very different feeling to them - real Africa. We were not overly impressed with the Serena Lodges in Kenya or Tanzania. Splurge and try the tented camps is my advice.

Go to the Serengeti and spend a night in the central Serengeti at the Serena and then go for two nights to the western corridor of the Serengeti and stay in a tented chalet at the Mbalageti Serengeti. It was a bargain at less than $500 per night for a couple which included free water and beverages at dinner.

Also, ask for Shikaya at Bellafric Expeditions. He was a fantastice guide and spoke excellent English.

TRAVLINFOOL KENYA FEB 07

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34961723 (REPORT)

Here is a wonderful report from Travlinfool’s first trip to East Africa. Booked as a private flying safari though GAMEWATCHERS, their itinerary was:

Amboseli – Tortillis
Lew Downs – Lew Safari Camp
Meru NP – Elsa’s Kopje
Maasai Mara – Saruni

This humourous report has good descriptions of the activities and observations in the camps and on the game runs. One thing Travelinfool didn’t forget to pack was a great attitude and his humour!

NORVAL KENYA & TANZANIA FEB 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34956410 (report)

This is a short, but descriptive report of Norval’s trip to East Africa with SIMBA, using Yusef Shoo as their guide. Their itinerary was as follows-

Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Arusha – Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge
NCA – Gibbs Farm
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Sayari (mobile camp)
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge

SNORKLESUE TANZANIA JAN/FEB 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34950392 (REPORT)

Booked through OAT, with KIBO as their ground operator, Snorklesue has written a very good ‘cover-it-all’ descriptive report of her trip. Her itinerary (not necessarily in correct oder) was as follows:

West Kilimanjaro – Kambi Ya Tembo
Tarangire – Maramboi Tented Camp
visit to the Datoga tribe
Serengeti – Simiyu Mobile camp
NCA – Ngorongoro Farm House
Arusha – Mama Wilson’s

Snorklesue has not written her report from a day-to-day diary, but rather from an information-giving perspective – ie the pros & cons of group vs private trips, tents vs lodges, random thoughts on packing, etc. It is a good read for a first-timer trying to decide on some of the various possibilities of an East Africa safari.

The best random thought though? When talking about having to ‘check the tire pressure’ (pee behind the jeep) one day -
“What is worse than getting dragged off by a lion? Getting dragged off with your pants down and everyone around you holding cameras!”

HGUY47 TANZANIA FEB/MAR 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34963570 (overview/synopsis of trip)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34964376 (diary of trip)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34971269 (link to pictures)

http://tinyurl.com/38a8zl (pictures)

One day in February 17, Tom, DW and DF set out on an adventure to East Africa. And what an adventure they had! The synopsis offers us great tips and valuable advice on what worked, and what didn’t (not much of that!), while the diary give us a day by day journal of what they saw, what they did, and all of the amazing amazing animals they saw (including some unusual ones). Tom’s captivating writing style, and his great sense of humour will keep you reading long into the night. Their operator was SUNNY SAFARIS based out of Arusha, their guide was Gerald, and their itinerary included:

Kilimanjaro – Kia Lodge
Sinya West Kili area – Kambi Ya Tembo
Arusha – Kigongoni Lodge
Canoeing in Arusha National Park with GREEN FOOTPRINTS
Tarangire – Treetops Lodge
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge
NCA – Ndutu area – Olakira Tented Camp
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Zanzibar – Matemwe Bungalows

But Tom, what was the 4th valuable item in your backpack? Curious minds, you know….

BRBRT KENYA AND TANZANIA FEB 07

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34968904 (REPORT)

This is Barbara’s very detailed, candid and descriptive report on their trip to East Africa with 2 other couples. Using WILDTREK as the ground operator for Kenya, and ROY’S SAFARIS for the Tanzania portion, they had OJ as their guide in Nairobi, Ben for Kenya and Salvatory for Tanzania. Their itinerary was:

Nairobi – Intercontinental Hotel
Lake Nakuru – Sarova Lion Lodge
Amboseli Lodge – Ol Tukai Lodge
Arusha – Mountain Lodge
Tarangire – Sopa Lodge
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Ndutu Lodge
Serengeti – Kusini Camp

TREEPOL KENAY TANZANIA (ALSO SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA) SEPT 2005

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35052226 (REPORT)
http://picasaweb.google.com/Treepol (PICTURES)

Written a few years later, Pol has written a good detailed ‘overview’ of her second trip (but not the last!) trip to Africa. Booked through GOOD EARTH, with Chris as her guide in Kenya and Kisali as her guide in Tanzania, her itinerary was:

Nairobi – Nairobi Safari Club
Samburu – Samburu Game Lodge
Lake Nakuru – Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Maasai Mara – Serena Lodge
Tarangire – Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro – (not mentioned- but from the view I’m guessing the Serena)
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Lake Manyara
Arusha – Arusha Hotel
Nairobi – Fairview Hotel

Even though this is written as an overview, Pol has given us some good details of animal sightings, lodges and camps and lots of good memories.

HAUSFRAU KENYA TANZANIA FEB 07

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34985224 (thread with blog address)
http://elephantexpress.blogspot.com/2007/04/prologue.html (first entry in the blog – at the end of this entry, click on ‘Next’ and it will take you to the next day, and so on.)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hausfrau/ (pictures)

This is Jessica’s very well-written, descriptive report on her first trip to East Africa, along with her husband, MIL and FIL. Booked through MICATO SAFARIS, their Stanley Wing Safari covered the following Itinerary-

Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Amboseli – Serena Lodge
Tarangire – Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Sopa Lodge
Maasai Mara – Kichwa Tembo
Mount Kenya Safari Club

Jessica has great descriptions of the game sightings, the people, the lodges and the camps. Personally myself, I’m waiting for the book to come out!

MONICAH RWANDA AND TANZANIA FEB 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34953547 (JUST BACK FROM TRIP THREAD)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34961957 (REPORT)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLandingSignin.jsp?Uc=5g2idk1.9vog9kxx&Uy=-4gk4c8&Upost_signin=Slideshow.jsp%3Fmode%3Dfromshare&Ux=0 (pictures)

This trip was a 20th wedding anniversary present to each other for MonicaH and her husband, that was suggested by her travel agent. The Rwanda portion was handled by VOLCANOES SAFARIS, with Bill as their guide, while the Tanzania portion was handled by CC AFRICA. Their itinerary was:

Nairobi - Norfolk Hotel
Volcanoes National Park – Gorillas Nest Hotel – trekked 1.5 hrs to Group 13
Kigali – Hotel des Mille Collines
Lake Manyara – Tree Lodge
Ngorongoro – Crater Lodge
Serengeti (Ndutu area) – Tanzania Under Canvas

Monica has given us good descriptions of the gorilla trek, the genocide museum in Kigali, and lots of hints on books, packing, etc. The best though is her observation about the ascent road in the crater:
“That was an E ticket ride for sure.” Truer words have never been spoken!

JULES39 TANZANIA & RWANDA FEB 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35007771 (REPORT)

Having had great fun on their trip in 2005, Jules39 and her husband returned to East Africa, this time to trek the gorillas. Jules39 has written a good overview of her trip in this report, giving us some details on their trek and their time in Tanzania. The Tanzania portion was booked through ROYS SAFARIS, with Tesha as their driver. The Rwanda portion was booked through RNXplorers with John as their driver. The itinerary was as follows-

Arusha – Impala Hotel
Tarangire – Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti (Ndutu area) – Ndutu Safari Lodge
Serengeti – Mobile camp in Ndutu area
Serengeti – Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge
Arusha – Impala Hotel
Kigali – Mille des Collines
Volcanoes National Park – Gorillas Nest – trekked 7 hours (hopefully that’s total time there & back!) to Susa group ; next day trekked an hour to a group not mentioned by name

GROMMET19 TANZANIA & RWANDA MARCH 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34970780 (REPORT – PART 1)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34971382 (REPORT PART 2)

Heather’s trip to East Africa was mostly for work, but she managed to mix in some tourist activities. Working in the health field, Heather spent her first nine days staffing a fundraiser for the pediatric AIDS foundation, followed by a short safari with GOOD EARTH TOURS with Joseph as her driver. Her time in Rwanda included one day working in her foundations office, followed by a gorilla trek on the second day booked through KIBOKO SAFARIS with Paulie as her guide.

Her itinerary was as follows:

Arusha/Kilimanjaro – River Trees Country Inn in Usa River
Lake Manyara – lake Manyara Hotel
Ngorongoro – Wildlife Lodge
Arusha – Karama Lodge
Kigali – Novotel
Volcanoes National Park – trekking the Susa Group – 2hrs one way

Heather has posted an excerpt from her website for the foundation that she works for, on her visit to a health clinic in Rwanda. It is an eye-opener to read this.

YOOPER1 KILIMANJARO CLIMB & TANZANIA MAR 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34970054 (Kilimanjaro report)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34990018 (safari)

http://brianrfox.net/Photos/Kilimanjaro/data/index.html (Kili climb photoshow - click on the link at the bottom of this page)

http://brianrfox.net/Photos/Safari/data/index.html (safari photoshow - click on link at bottom of page)

This is Brian & Michelle’s report of their trip to East Africa using TUSKER TRAILS for the Kili Climb as well as their safari using KILIWARRIORS for the safari portion. Their itinerary was:

Climbing Kilimanjaro Machambe Route 5 nights & six days
Moshi
Lake Eyasi – Kisima Ngeda Camp – visit with Hadzabe tribe
Ngorongoro – Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Olmoti Crater trek
Serengeti – Olakira Tented Camp
Lake Manyara – Kirurumu Tented Lodge

Michelle gives us lots of tips on lots of different aspects of their trip in the report, tipping, Diamoxx, gear, etc,. But don’t miss their fabulous photoshow – it has music and everything

FUNTIMES2 TANZANIA APRIL 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34860283&start=0&dirtyBit=1 (REPORT)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=zpikp3z.2cwyekxj&x=1&y=-c3lz2z (PHOTOS)

This is a short report & photos from Daylene on her trip to Tanzania with TAUCK TOURS. Her itinerary was as follows:
Tarangire
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Kirawira Camp

BELGIRL KENYA APRIL 07

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34984349 (report)

Here is a descriptive report of Belgirls’ group trip to Kenya with GO AHEAD TOURS, who uses VINTAGE AFRICA for their operator. Her itinerary was:

Nairobi – Safari Hotel Club and Casino
Mt Kenya area - Serena Mountain Lodge
Sweetwaters Camp
Lake Nakuru – Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Maasai Mara – Siana Springs
Nairobi – Safari Park Hotel

Belgirl gives us good descriptions and ratings of the food and lodgings she experienced.

I'm slowly but surely catching up guys!

I think I have to change my format in this index a bit in order to catch up with the backlog I have! For the next little bit I will post the basics from the trip reports so that the info is in here, and later on after I get 'current' I can go back to my 'ramblings'!

SEMBLA TANZANIA & KENYA APRIL 07

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=34996435 (REPORT)

Agent or Outfitter : Kenya - POLLMAN’S Tanzania: RANGERS
Guide: THOMAS (Pollman’s) - JUSTIN (Rangers)
Private safari

ITINERARY:
Nairobi
Mt Kenya area – Sweetwaters Tented Camp
Nairobi
Arusha – Impala Hotel
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater – Serena Lodge
Nairobi

LORIS TANZANIA MAY 07

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35006134 (REPORT)

Agent or Outfitter:
Guide:
Business trip with a bit of R & R

ITINERARY:
Dar Es Salaam – Kempinski Kilimanjaro
Zanzibar (by ferry) – Serena Inn
Dar Es Salaam – Kempinski Kilimanjaro

LYNDAS KENYA & TANZANIA MAY 07

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35009765 (REPORT)
http://www.pbase.com/lyndas/east_africa_2007&page=all (PHOTOS)

Agent or Outfitter: MICATO SAFARIS (HEMMINGWAY WING SAFARI)
Guide: DANIEL (Kenya) RENNY (Tanzania)
Group trip – 6 people total
Logistics: mostly flying, one driving stretch

ITINERARY:
Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Samburu – Larsen’s Tented Camp
Maasai Mara – Kichwa Tembo
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro- Serena Lodge
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel

JULIMBO KENYA, TANZANIA & UGANDA MAY 07

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35003918 (INTRO REPORT)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35049603 (MORE DETAILS)

Agent, Outfitter or Operator: AFRICA SERENDIPITY (Kenya & Tanzania)
GORILLA TOURS (for Gorilla trek)
Self-booked Uganda portion
Guide: RICHARD (Gorilla Tours)
Type:Private safari in KY and TZ, family visit in Uganda combined with gorilla trek
Logistics: mostly driving (In-country)
Things you shouldn’t miss: includes a full, comprehensive packing list for trekking & safari

ITINERARY:
Entebbe, Uganda
Kampala, Uganda – Mosa Court Apartments
Kisoro, Uganda – Travellers Rest Hotel
Bwindi National Park – trekking Nkuringo (1 ½ hrs)
Nairobi – Intercontinental Hotel
Samburu – Serena Lodge
Mt Kenya – Sweetwater’s Tented Camp
Lake Nakuru – Lion Hill Sarova Lodge
Maasai Mara – Simba Lodge
Mombasa – Indiana Beach Hotel
Lake Manyara – Kirurumu Tented Camp
Ngorongor – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Serena Lodge

RSNYDER TANZANIA MAY/JUNE 07

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35021616 (REPORT)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slideshow.jsp?mode=fromshare&Uc=6f4o51n.2mr4ylu3&Uy=jn6eie&Ux=1 (PHOTOS)
Agent, Outfitter: GAZELLE HOLIDAYS (Northern Tanzania)
FOXES OF AFRICA (Southern Tanzania)
Ground Operator:THE SAFARI COMPANY
Guide: ZOYA
Type:Private safari
Logistics: combination flying & driving
Things you shouldn’t miss: full descriptions of lodges, camps, menus even including prices for extras

ITINERARY:
Mt Meru – Mt Meru Game Lodge
Arusha National Park
Lake Manyara – Kirurumu Tented Lodge
Serengeti National Park – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro C.A. – Farm House Lodge
Tarangire – Tarangire Safari Camp
Ruaha – Ruaha River Lodge
Mikumi – Vuma Hill Tented Lodge
Dar Es Salaam

GIRLPOLO33 TANZANIA JUNE 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35027251 (REPORT)


Agent, Outfitter: AFRICA SERENDIPITY (Sandi)
Ground Operator: ROY’S SAFARIS
Guide: DANIEL
Type: Private safari
Logistics: driving
Things you shouldn’t miss: information about their horseback safari

ITINERARY:
Mt. Kilimanjaro plateau – Horseback safari with Makoa Farm
Western Serengeti – Simiyu semi-perm camp
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge

RICHARDLEEDS KENYA & TANZANIA JUNE 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35029354 (REPORT)

Agent, Outfitter: BELLAFRIC SAFARIS (Kenya)
Agent, Outfitter: SUNNY SAFARIS (Tanzania)
Guide: ANDREW SHIKAYA - Bellafric
Type: Private safari
Logistics: driving
Things you shouldn’t miss: a good suggestion for a Hadzabe tribe visit

ITINERARY:
(not complete, nor necessarily in order)
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Mbalageti
Lake Manyara -
Samburu – Larsen’s Tented Camp
Amboseli – Tortillas
Mt Kenya – Serena Mountain Lodge
Arusha – River Lodge
Zanzibar Stonetown – Emerson & Green
Zanzibar – Chumbe Island Lodge

Sandi KENYA & TANZANIA MAY/JUNE 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35080621 (REPORT)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=eh6u2q5.c4lsrra1&x=1&y=nebvzo (photos)

Agent, Outfitter: AFRICA SERENDIPITY
Guide: JOSHUA (Tanzania) PHILLIP (Maasai Mara)
Type: Private safari / property knowledge trip
Logistics: flying/driving
Things you shouldn't miss: FABULOUS property descriptions / which places have hairdryers and which don't / places where you can get your manicure fixed

ITINERARY:

Nairobi - Panari Hotel
Arusha - Kibo Palace
Tarangire - Treetops (site visits Maramboi Camp / Whistling Thorn Camp / Tarangire River Camp / Tarangire Safari Lodge / Boundary Hill Lodge / Kikoti Camp
Nairobi - House of Waine
Maasai Mara - Saruni
Maasai Mara - Serian
Maasai Mara - Olonana
Maasai Mara - Explorer
Nairobi - Ngong House
Tsavo - Campi ya Kanzi
Tsavo - Ndolwa House

IDSSXXXX TANZANIA JUNE 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35026527 (report)


Agent, Outfitter: ROY’S SAFARIS
Guide: HABIB
Type: Private safari
Logistics: driving
Things you shouldn’t miss: good overview and observations on boxed lunches, guide, cell phone usage, etc.

ITINERARY:

Arusha – Mt. Serena Village
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro – Crater Lodge
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Western Serengeti – Kirawira Camp
Arusha – Mt. Serena Village day room

JILL_H TANZANIA & RWANDA JUNE 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35031685 (report)
http://web.mac.com/rhudgens/iWeb/Site/Africa%202007%20-%20I.html (photos)

http://web.mac.com/rhudgens/iWeb/Site/Africa%202007%20-%20II.html (photos)


Agent, Outfitter: ACROSS TANZANIA EXPEDITIONS (Tanzania) RN EXPLORER (Rwanda)
Guide: HEZRON (Tanzania) / Vicky (Rwanda)
Type: Private safari
Logistics: driving / flying
Things you shouldn’t miss: her wonderful TIA (This Is Africa) attitude when the vehicle broke down

ITINERARY:

Arusha – Arumera River Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Sopa Lodge
Arusha – Arumera River Lodge
Kigali, Rwanda – Impala Hotel
visit to the ALARM compound and Rwamagana Girls School
visit Genocide Memorial in Kigali
Ruhengeri – Gorilla’s Nest
trek to see Kwitando (spelling?) group – (I hour)
Gisenyi – Lake Kivu Serena

SD_KIFARU TANZANIA JUNE 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35025242 (report)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/10093097@N03/ (photos)


Agent, Outfitter: EASTCO (EAST AFRICA SAFARI & TOURING COMPANY)
Guide: BERNARD
Type: Private safari
Logistics: driving
Things you shouldn’t miss: great info on driving the Southern Tanzania circuit, with great descriptions of the countryside so many of us miss by flying!

ITINERARY:

Dar es Salaam - Sea Cliff Hotel
Selous GR – Beho Beho Special Campsite
Mikumi NP - Vuma Hills Tented Camp
Iringa - Isimila Hotel
Ruaha NP. - Mbagi Special Campsite on the Mwagusi River
Dar es Salaam – Sea Cliff Hotel

TREEHUGGER KENYA JUNE 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35026958 (REPORT)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ralphpina/sets/72157600464728547/ and http://www.flickr.com/photos/clarissahughes/sets/72157600716777319/


Agent, Outfitter: ECO AFRICA TRAVEL
Guide:
Type: WALKING SAFARI IN TSAVO
Logistics: walking
Things you shouldn’t miss: this is a great description of a 12-day walking safari! Cool!

ITINERARY:
This walk covers 153 kms in 12 days.
Starting in Mzima Springs in Tsavo West, this walk follows the contour of the old WW1 road alongside the Tsavo river.

CALIFORNIA9 TANZANIA, NAMIBIA & SOUTH AFRICA JUNE 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35024614 (REPORT)

Agent, Outfitter: CC AFRICA
Guide:
Type:
Logistics:
Things you shouldn’t miss: this is short, but descriptive!

ITINERARY:

Serengeti – Grumeti River Camp
Serengeti – TUC (Tanzania Under Canvas)
Ngorongoro – Crater Lodge
Namibia – Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge
South Africa – Phinda Viei and Rattray’s in Mala Mala
Johannesburg – Airport Sun Intercontinental

HAMISHBEAR TANZANIA JUNE 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35036731 (REPORT)
http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/6108148 (PHOTOS - TARANGIRE))
http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/6125292 (PHOTOS - NGORONGORO)
http://www.photobox.co.uk/album/6131481 (PHOTOS - SERENGETI)

Agent, Outfitter: AFRICAN TRAVEL RESOURCES (ATR)
Guide: PETER
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: DRIVING
Things you shouldn’t miss: A good, detailed description of the standard ATR itinerary with wonderful photos and detailed sightings

ITINERARY:

Arusha – Moivaro Lodge
Tarangire – Mawe Ninga Camp
South Central Serengeti – Olduvai Tented Camp
Central Serengeti – Ronjo Camp
Karatu – Ngorongoro Farmhouse
Zanzibar – Pongwe Beach
Stonetown, Zanzibar – Dhow Palace

NYAMERA KENYA JUNE/JULY 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35039610 (Report)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=p2uww5u.1zytkvxi&x=0&y=u81ius (photos)

Agent, Outfitter: NONE, SELF
Guide: DANCAN & JOEL / JOSHUA FOR BUSHBUCK
DENNIS AT INTREPIDS
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: DRIVING FIRST LEG, THEN FLYING SECOND
Things you shouldn’t miss: THE WHOLE REPORT! This is a wonderfully written, humorous very detailed account of Nyamera’s quest to find a way to stay in Kenya and her incredible experiences on her very basic down-to-earth grass-roots (read ‘good price/cheap’ in there….) safari. But especially don’t miss the story when Susanah tried to help find baby Sunset’s AWOL dad for a very distressed new mom, Purity. Even the bus driver was laughing along with me when I was reading this one!

ITINERARY:

Nairobi – Hotel Terminal
Maasai Mara – Bushbuck Camp
Nairobi – Hotel Impala
Maasai Mara –(again!) – Mara Intrepids
Nairobi – Karen Camp
Nairobi – Hotel Terminal

ROOMOO RWANDA, KENYA & EGYPT JULY 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35041815 (Report)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071491 (Thread with photo location)

http://s235.photobucket.com/albums/ee24/roomoog/ (photos) (Not working at this time though)

Agent, Outfitter: GAMEWATCHERS (KENYA) & ALBERTINE RIFT SAFARIS (RWANDA)
Guide: NOT MENTIONED
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: FLYING/DRIVING
Things you shouldn’t miss: This is a good, detailed forthright report with lots of info on the Golden monkey and the gorilla treks – this was their honeymoon.

ITINERARY:

Nairobi – Hilton Hotel
Rwanda – Kinigi Guest House, Golden Monkey Trek (1 hr trek) and Susa Group for gorilla trek (1 hr)
Kigali – Iris Hotel, visit Genocide Museum
Nairobi – Holiday Inn
Maasai Mara – Little Governors
Shompole
Nairobi – Holiday Inn
Cairo - Ramses Hilton

DANDYJ TANZANIA JUNE/JULY 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35068647 (Report)

Agent, Outfitter: THOMPSON SAFARIS
Guide: LEONARD (DRIVER)
Type: GROUP
Logistics: DRIVING / FLYING
Things you shouldn’t miss: a good description of the balloon ride logistics .

ITINERARY:

Arusha – Kigongoni Lodge
Lake Manyara – Manyara Lodge
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Thompson Camp
Ruaha NP - ? Lodge (not mentioned)

JVIGANO TANZANIA JULY 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35041254 (Report)

http://picasaweb.google.com/jose.vigano/Tanzania?authkey=XlCzS2-_jwc (photos)

Agent, Outfitter: GOOD EARTH
Guide: SAIDI
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: DRIVING / FLYING
Things you shouldn’t miss: This is an incredibly organized, well written report packed FULL of great stuff! Jose, I really think you should quit your day job and take over helping Alexis at Fodors write their safari guide!

ITINERARY:

Arusha – Ilboru Safari Lodge
Tarangire NP – Swala Camp
Lake Manyara – Kirurumu Tented Camp
Ngorongoro Crater – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Northern Serengeti – Migration Camp
Western Serengeti – Kirawira Tented Camp
Arusha – day room Ilboru Safari Lodge

Wow, Lynda, this is a fantastic job, thank you sooo much!!!
I can't think of how many hours, days, weeks or month you spent on it...
Steff

You are very welcome steffid!

DUANE TANZANIA JULY 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35040848 (Report)

http://ricesafari.shutterfly.com/action/ (PICTURES)

Agent, Outfitter: GOOD EARTH TOURS
Guide: MR. GOODLUCK
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: FLY/DRIVE
Things you shouldn’t miss: lots of good, juicy details on the lodges and camps they stayed at, as well as packing tips.

ITINERARY:

Nairobi – Fairview Hotel
Arusha – New Arusha Hotel
Western Serengeti – Kirawira Camp
Northern Serengeti – Migration Camp
Central Serengeti – Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp
Ngorongoro – Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
Tarangire – Tarangire river Camp
Nairobi – Fairview Hotel

Lynda -

You're a star!

Thankyou so much, Sandi!

MARIA2 KENYA AUGUST 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35049589 (Report)

Agent, Outfitter: EASTERN AND SOUTHERN SAFARIS
Guide: MOSES (AMBOSELI) YASIN (SAMBURU) AND JULIUS (MAASAI MARA)
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: FLY
Things you shouldn't miss: The best quote I have ever seen in a report : "Don't wear anything on your trip to Africa that you wouldn't want to wear for the whole trip" : Maria has given us other good tips on what to do if your luggage is lost for the entire time (which theirs was!); amongst other great tips!

ITINERARY:

Nairobi - Serena Inn
Amboseli - Serena Lodge
Samburu - Serena Lodge
Maasai Mara - Serena Lodge
Nairobi - Ngong House

Thanks so much for this info! I'm falling behind on my reading (fiction) as I am so enjoying these trip reports. So kind of you to do this for us.

Your welcome, KRNS!

EMDEE KENYA & TANZANIA AUG 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35061473 (Report)

Agent, Outfitter: AFRICA SERENDIPITY and CHELI AND PEACOCK and ROY SAFARIS
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: FLY / DRIVE
Things you shouldn’t miss: the description of the river crossing, made me cry!

ITINERARY:

One week in Mumbai, India visiting family
Nairobi – Hilton Hotel
Maasai Mara – Little Governors Tented Camp
Arusha – Serena Lodge
Northern Serengeti – Sayari Tented Camp
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge
Nairobi - Interncontinental

oops, I seemed to have missed matching up a slide show that Jvigano did with his report!

For a fabulous slide show of his travel, to match his report (see 3 entries above this post) go to:

http://www.photodex.com/sharing/viewshow.html?fl=2869519&alb=0

AMANDA _CHICAGO KENYA AUG 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35067239 (Report)

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6823&l=be66b&id=734148143

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6865&l=1e26a&id=734148143

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6833&l=97500&id=734148143

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6836&l=086ea&id=734148143

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=6837&l=9407d&id=734148143 (photos)

Agent, Outfitter: EARTHWATCH
<Type: VOLUNTEER
Logistics: DRIVE
Things you shouldn’t miss: This is one of the first reports we have seen on the volunteer Earthwatch trips Amanda’s description of the various projects and the interactions with the locals are delightful to read .

ITINERARY:
Nairobi – Fairview Hotel
Wamba, Samburu – to track & document carnivores in the reserve, a Samburu tribe census, as sell as documenting activities & location of Grevy’s zebra.
Meru – visit a school child Amanda sponsored at Victory Academy & take Stella, her sponsor child, shopping for school supplies!

SAFARIDUDE KENYA AND TANZANIA AUG 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35067825 (Report)

Agent, Outfitter: UNCHARTERED OUTPOSTS FOR KENYA; LEGENDARY ADVENTURES FOR TANZANIA
Type: PRIVATE SAFARI
Things you shouldn’t miss: The wonderful stories and legends, and the history on the camps he stayed at. Especially don’t miss the legend of Woody and the one on Ed the hunter!

ITINERARY:

Nairobi – Serena Inn - includes a Swara Plains visit
Mbirikani Group Ranch - Ol Donyo Wuas
Meru National Park – Elsa’s Kopje
Lewa Downs – Wilderness Trails
Serengeti – Sayari Camp
Ugalla Game reserve – Ugalla East Camp

PAT_RICK KENYA AUG 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35050434 (Report – 1ST SEGMENT)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35050440 (Report – 2ND SEGMENT)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35050442 (Report – 3RD SEGMENT)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35050449 (Report – 4TH SEGMENT)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35050449 (Report – 5TH SEGMENT)


Agent, Outfitter: EASTERN AND SOUTHERN SAFARI (ESS)
Guide: GEORGE (from ESS, primary guide)
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: FLY / DRIVE
Things you shouldn’t miss: Great hints in this report on all kinds of things from bandannas to give out as gifts to traveling with a 13 yr old well-travelled grandchild. And, don’t miss the story on the white socks – I think Pat may have discovered where that ‘other’ sock in the dryer goes to.

ITINERARY:

Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Samburu – Intrepid Tented Camp
Mt. Kenya – Mt Kenya Safari Club
Lake Nakuru – Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Maasai Mara – Mara Serena and Little Governors

Thank you LyndaS for doing this. Really provides a way to learn and plan our next African adventure.

MYDOGKYLE KENYA AND TANZANIA SEPT/OCT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35089175 (Report)

PHOTOS:
Nairobi, Mt. Kenya and Samburu: http://tinyurl.com/2ox9cs

Sweetwaters and Lake Nakuru: http://tinyurl.com/38j6kj
Maasai Mara: http://tinyurl.com/2gv98p
Arusha : http://tinyurl.com/2ugs2p
Tarangire: http://tinyurl.com/2wn8gu
Lake Manyara, Mto Wa Mbu and the Rift Valley Children's Village : http://tinyurl.com/356rk2
Ngorongoro Crater : http://tinyurl.com/2qmm7g
Zanzibar : http://tinyurl.com/3js9ne

Agent, Outfitter: EASTERN & SOUTHERN (KENYA)
GREEN FOOTPRINT (TANZANIA)
Guide: JAMES (KENYA) and JACKSON (TANZANIA)
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: DRIVE/SOME FLYING
Things you shouldn’t miss: This whole report – don’t miss a WORD! This is an incredible report of an incredible trip that is packed with all kinds of wonderful details and observations! Carol’s writing will make you believe you are along with her, and no detail is too small for her to notice – very refreshing and a great pleasure to read.

ITINERARY:

Nairobi - Kenya Comfort Hotel
Mt. Kenya - Serena Mountain Lodge
Samburu - Samburu Intrepids , visit Samburu village
Sweetwaters - Sweetwaters Tented Camp, includes lion tracking game drive
Lake Nakuru -- Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Maasai Mara - Mara Serena, balloon ride, Maasai village visit & night game drives
Arusha - Karama Lodge, canoeing Arusha National Park
Tarangire -- Oliver's Camp, walking safari
Lake Manyara -- Kirurumu Lodge , bush dinner
Mto Wa Mbu - walking tour and the Rift Valley Children's Village to meet sponsor child
Ngorongoro Conservation Area - Plantation Lodge
Stonetown, Zanzibar - 236 Hurumzi, (formerly Emerson & Greene)
Zanzibar - Pongwe Beach

Thanks for the generous words, Lynda! We all really appreciate your hard work in keeping this index updated.

Just one quick correction to the itinerary info for my report, in case anyone is doing a keyword search -- our lodging in Samburu was at Elephant Bedroom.

Ohmigosh, I am SO sorry, Carol! I went through the trip report on Sat looking for itinerary changes as I knew there was some from the itinerary that you had on page 1, and I even marked that one as a change! I guess I missed it in the posting though, oh for an edit button now!

Your report, by the way, was spectacular - you really should write that book, you have a wonderful flair for writing - I started it on our cruise and I just finished it on Sat - I really was sad to see it end!

LindaS,
A bit thanks again for all your time and effort to keep this index going with high quality results. Time and time again I have referred would-be East Africa travelers to this thread.
Dick

Lynda, don't worry about it! You've read through and posted comments on hundreds and hundreds of pages here, and you've done us all a tremendous service by keeping this thread going. I'm happily digging into the reports on Uganda and Rwanda now, in preparation for my next trip (for which I'll be happy to write another trip report!)

RIZZUTO KENYA AUGUST 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35059031 ( report – Maasai Mara)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35061546 (Report – Shompole)

www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=aephx4n.3oc7a587&x=0&y=-legh40 (photos) – Mara a few Shompole

www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=aephx4n.8cp4hkaf&x=0&y=9vyzh (photos – Shompole)

Guide: JOSHUA (IL MORAN)
Type: private
Things you shouldn’t miss: good description of the migration and the crossing, and a very detailed description of what Shompole is like

ITINERARY:
Maasai Mara – Governor’s Il Moran
Rift Valley - Shompole

KERNEL_DECKER TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR JULY 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35116179 (Report)

Agent, Outfitter: SUNNY SAFARIS
Guide: ABU
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: FLY / DRIVE
Things you shouldn’t miss: good description of Swala Camp, the report isn’t finished but what is there, is a good read!

ITINERARY:
Arusha – Arumeru River Lodge
Tarangire – Swala Camp
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Kirawira – 8 days worth!
Zanzibar – Emerson & Green
Zanzibar – Pongwe Beach
Zanzibar – Zamani Kempinski

my goal in August is to catch up top THIS August by the end of the month!!!

guess I should proofread first
top = to

JNK TANZANIA APRIL 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35129547 (Iintroduction)
http://jnkmau.com/wordpress/?m=20070407 (blog & photos)

Agent, Outfitter: GOOD EARTH SAFARIS & TOURS
Guide: MOSES MACHOO
Type: PRIVATE, FIRST-TIMERS
Things you shouldn’t miss: great observations scattered within, with humorous stories and lots of details. Took me a while to figure out though that Gabby was a dog, I thought it was one of their children that tried to run away from their sitter! Good pictures throughout the blog.

ITINERARY:
Arusha - Arusha Hotel
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Ndutu Lodge
Serengeti – Mbuzi Mawe Tented Camp
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge

DES1713 KENYA & TANZANIA AUGUST 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35072403 (Report)

www.brightsidebasics.com/hea (photos)


Agent, Outfitter: A & K (HIGHLIGHTS OF EAST AFRICA)
Type: GROUP, FIRST-TIMERS
Logistics: FLY / DRIVE
Things you shouldn’t miss: This is a short report, but has some good thoughts on the wildlife, A & K and some good observations & hints

ITINERARY :
Nairobi - Serena Hotel
Amboseli – Serena Lodge
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro – Gibbs Farm
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Maasai Mara – Mara Intrepids

CMLONG TANZANIA / KILI TREK SEPT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35099749 (Report)

http://morris1638.smugmug.com/ (photos)
Agent, Outfitter: GOOD EARTH TOURS
Guide: EARNEST (TREK) JOSEPH (SAFARI)
Things you shouldn’t miss: pictures are fabulous – really detailed pictures of the trek

JVNOLEDAWG KENYA & TANZANIA SEPT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35072312 (introduction to blog)

http://noledawg.blogspot.com/2007/06/my-adventure-begins-soon.html ( blog & photos) Instructions for reading from the beginning: start with this post, at the bottom click on ‘Newer”, it will take you to the next post, etc, etc

Agent, Outfitter: MICATO STANLEY WING SAFARI
Guide: ALFRED (Kenya) RENNY (Tanzania)
Type: GROUP
Been before?: FIRST-TIMERS
Logistics: FLY – SOME DRIVE
Things you shouldn’t miss: very enthusiastic writing, with some wonderful observations and thoughts throughout, very detailed and thorough

ITINERARY:

Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Amboseli – Serena Lodge
Tarangire – Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Sopa Lodge
Maasai Mara – Mara Safari Club
Mt Kenya Safari Club
Nairobi

MARGIECO TANZANIA SEPT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071477 (Report)

http://picasaweb.google.com/margieco/Safari07 (Photos)


Agent, Outfitter: UNCHARTERED OUTPOSTS, uses NOMAD TANZANIA as the ground operator
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: FLY-IN
Things you shouldn’t miss: the really good description & the pictures of the dog den in the Serengeti

ITINERARY:

Dar Es Salaam – Holiday Inn
Serengeti – Loliondo Camp
Serengeti – Safari Camp
Selous – Sand Rivers Lodge, with fly-camping

ATRAVELYNN’S FRIEND KENYA SEPT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35070891 (Report)

Agent, Outfitter: LION WORLD
Type: GROUP (note, Atravelynn is not the person who went on safari, her co-worker did)
Been Before? FIRST-TIMERS
Things you shouldn’t miss: this is a good, brief report on a very reasonable group trip


ITINERARY:
Nairobi – Stanley Hotel
Shaba Reserve – Lion Hill Sarova
Maasai Mara – Sarova Camp

FLUFFNFOLD KENYA AND TANZANIA SEPT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071905 (REVIEW - AIRPORTS)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071880 (REVIEW – HOUSE OF WAINE)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071909 (REVIEW – NAIROBI & KENNEDY)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071885 (REVIEW – BATELEUR CAMP)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071911 (BALLOON SAFARI – MARA)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071912 (REVIEW – MAASAI VILLAGE VISIT)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071888 (REVIEW – NGORONGORO CRATER LODGE)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071889 (REVIEW – KLEIN’S CAMP)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071907 (REVIEW – TANZANIAN AIRPORTS)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071914 (REVIEW – ZANZIBAR)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35071893 (REVIEW – KILIMANJARO KEMPINSKI)

Agent, Outfitter: NOT MENTIONED

Things you shouldn’t miss: a very useful set of reviews with lots of tidbits of info you won’t see in other reports!

ITINERARY:

Nairobi – House of Waine
Maasai Mara – Bateleur Camp
Ngorongoro – Crater Lodge

Serengeti – Klein’s Camp
Zanzibar – The Palms
Dar es Salaam – Kilimanjaro Kempinski

TWOTEACHERS ETHIOPIA AND KENYA JULY 2006

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35079412 (Report)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=d75qf99.bpxxwww1&x=0&h=1&y=lphgji (Ethiopia Photos)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=d75qf99.7o2ms40h&x=0&h=1&y=qz716 (Kenya photos)


Agent, Outfitter:RAYLENNE SAFARIS (for safari only - Ethiopia on their own)
Guide: GEORGE
Type: PRIVATE, BUT VERY BUDGET
THIS WAS A MOTHER/DAUGHTER TRIP TO VISIT THEIR WORLD VISION SPONSERED CHILDREN
Logistics: DRIVE (KENYA) DRIVE & FLY (ETHOPIA)
Been Before? FIRST-TIMERS
Things you shouldn’t miss: taking this report to your nearest publisher and getting it published. This was the most honest, moving and ‘can’t put down’ trip report I have read in the four years of doing trip reports. It is loaded with some very unusual experiences, thought-provoking and funny stories, philosophies and observations, you will laugh a lot, and cry a lot reading her report. The pictures of the kids and people in Ethiopia are absolutely amazing. Reading Anne’s report also was a very humbling experience for me; all of a sudden some of the ‘things’ and ‘luxuries’ I have come to expect on a trip just didn’t matter too much any more. KUDOS for Anne and Dallas, and we hope you make it back to Africa again!

ITINERARY:

Addis Ababa – Barto Hotel
Ethiopian countryside Kemesse district – World Vision compound
Gondar – Q’uaro Hotel
Addis Ababa – Atlantic Hotel

Nairobi – Nairobi Backpackers
Maasai Mara – Sopa Lodge
Lake Nakuru – Lion Hill Lodge
Kabernet – Hilltop Camp in Hell’s Gate

CDNFOLKS KENYA AND TANZANIA SEPT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35081097 (Report # 1)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35082933 (Report #2)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35081635 (report # 3)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bv395ek.bm4lgi88&x=1&y=mhjtoq (photos-Sweetwaters)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bv395ek.4wenpdx4&x=0&y=luprvs (photos-Samburu)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=bv395ek.9i7073g8&x=0&y=-am92jf (photos – MKSC & Mara)


Agent, Outfitter: EASTERN AND SOUTHERN (KY) LEOPARD TOURS (TZ)
Guide: GEORGE (E & S), LEONCE (Leopard)
Type: private
Logistics: drive/fly
Things you shouldn’t miss: a good descriptive report of lodges & camps, and some advice on how to minimize lost luggage problems

ITINERARY:
Nairobi – Nairobi Safari Club
Sweetwaters – Ol Pejeta House
Samburu- Serena Lodge
Mt Kenya Safari Club
Maasai Mara – Mara Safari Club
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Serena
Nairobi – Nairobi Safari Club

ATRAVELYNN KENYA AND TANZANIA JULY 1994

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35103171 (Report)

Agent, Outfitter: AFRICA ADVENTURE COMPANY
Guide: JOMA (TZ), WILSON (KY)
Type: Private, Budget
Logistics: Drive
Been Before? Not at this point! This is Lynn’s trip report on her FIRST (of 13th now!) trip to Africa
Things you shouldn’t miss: this whole wonderful romp down memory lane to see how Lynn has progressed from ‘many antlered things’ to the incredible knowledgeable safari aficionado that she is today. Especially don’t miss the dyed socks story, or the discussion on lions for Walmart Greeters in the Serengeti. Oh - and have Abba music playing in the background when you read this….


ITINERARY:

Nairobi – Nairobi Boulevard
Tarangire – Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara – Lake Manyara Lodge
Serengeti – Seronera Wildlife Lodge
Serengeti – Lobo Lodge
Ngorongoro – Wildlife Lodge
Nairobi – Boulevard Hotel
Samburu – Serena Lodge
The Aberdares – The Ark
Lake Nakuru – Lake Nakuru Lodge
Maasai Mara - Serena Lodge
Maasai Mara – Little Governor’s Camp

SAMCAT KENYA, TANZANIA AND ZAMBIA SEPT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35133102 (Report – SECTION 1)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35133108 (Report – SECTION 2)

Agent, Outfitter: A & K SAFARIS
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: DRIVE, FLY
Been Before? YES
Things you shouldn’t miss: the wonderful details of the food, the animals, and the animal’s habits or characteristics. Peppered throughout the report, Samcat shares with us the knowledge gained from the guides on the various animals and birds, guaranteed anyone reading will be sure to learn a new fact or two!

ITINERARY:

Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Lake Naivasha – Loldia House
Maasai Mara – Little Governors
Nairobi – Giraffe Manor
Tsavo – Finch Hatton’s camp
Dar es Salaam – Kempenski Hotel
Ruaha – Jongomero Camp
Selous – bush camp in the wild
Selous – Selous Safari Camp
Lusaka, Zambia – Intercontinental Hotel
South Luangwa Valley – Nsefu
Chongwe River Camp

CLARIS TANZANIA SEPT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35138166 (Report)

Agent, Outfitter: FORSTERS SAFARIS
Type: 5 DAY CAMPING SAFARI
Things you shouldn’t miss: very short report, but a report nonetheless!

ITINERARY:
Serengeti – Nguchiro Campsite
Ngorongoro – public camping site
Lake Manyara – public camping site

KAMANIA TANZANIA OCT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35081177 (Report)

Things you shouldn’t miss: a short report, some highlights mentioned along with info on visa fees

MISTADOBALINA RWANDA, SOUTH AFRICA, BOTSWANA, ZAMBIA

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35081227 (Report)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/xtal0/sets/72157602357578608/ (photos)

< Things you shouldn’t miss: fabulous pictures!

QUEENOFDANILE TANZANIA OCT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35090526 (Report)

Agent, Outfitter: GREEN FOOTPRINTS
Guide: ELISA
Type: PRIVATE
Been Before? TO BOTSWANA
Things you shouldn’t miss: good description of hunting with the Hadzabe and Datoga, along with good descriptions of lodges/camps.

ITINERARY:
Arusha – Karama Lodge
Tarangire – Maramboi Tented Camp
Lake Eyasi – Kisima Ngeda Camp

753951 KENYA OCT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35083494 (Report)

http://members.shaw.ca/KenyaSafari/ (photos)
Agent, Outfitter: SUN TREK SAFARIS
Guide: LAWRENCE
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: DRIVE – SOME SELF DRIVE (TO BEACH)
Things you shouldn’t miss: some good self-drive tips in the report – and INCREDIBLE pictures!.

ITINERARY:
Lake Nakuru
Lake Naivasha – Simba Lodge
Maasai Mara – Serena Lodge
Amboseli – Serena Lodge
Diani/Galu beach – rented villa

EMDEE TANZANIA & KENYA OCT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35083224 (Report)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZOXLlw5ct2Llw&emid=sharshar&linkid=link2 ( Kenya photos)

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0AZOXLlw5ct2Ljo&emid=sharshar&linkid=link2 (Tanzania photos)

-links to pictures only - itinerary not given

ALEJANDRA KENYA OCT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35083074 (Report)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=95zx1rt.bket9pm9&x=0&y=-r7qold (photos)

Things you shouldn’t miss: lots of info on accommodations in the Seychelles in this report, and don’t miss the pictures, they are really good pictures!.

ITINERARY:

Nairobi – Palacina Suites and House of Waine
Maasai Mara – Seruni, Serian & Naibor Camps
Seychelles – Maia Resort on Mahe and Lemuria Resort on Praslin

SARIDDER KENYA AND TANZANIA OCT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35081621 (Report)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/saridder/sets/72157602267289120/show/ (photos-SLIDESHOW)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/saridder/sets/72157602267289120/ (photos)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/saridder/1488504836/ (photo – top of Kili)

Agent, Outfitter: GAP ADVENTURES
Type: GROUP –(ADVENTURE CAMPING STYLE)
Logistics: DRIVE
Things you shouldn’t miss: great photos, and the story baboons and the water faucet in Samburu – brought to mind the GREMLINS movie from the 80’s!.

ITINERARY:
Nairobi –
Samburu – camp along the Uaso Nyiro River
Mt Kenya –
Lake Nakuru

YI KENYA SEPT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35081520 (Report)
http://www.pbase.com/monicawong/kenya_safari_2007_ (photos)
Agent, Outfitter: WONI SAFARIS LTD.
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: FLY/DRIVE
Things you shouldn’t miss: really nice photos,

ITINERARY:
Samburu – Serena Lodge
Maasai Mara – Serena Lodge
Lake Naivasha – Sopa Lodge
Lake Nakuru – Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Nairobi – Panari Hotel

TRAVELLER 88 TANZANIA OCT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35086885 (Report)

(NOTE: LINK TO PHOTOS IN REPORT IS NO LONGER VALID)

Agent, Outfitter: GREEEN FOOTPRINTS
Guide: ELISA
Type: PRIVATE
Things you shouldn’t miss: good description of Plantation Lodge with a large discussion of driving times, good info for people to know if they plan to go there for lunch or to stay.

ITINERARY:
Arusha – Onsea House
Tarangire – Tarangire Safari Lodge
Central Serengeti – Olakira Camp
Northern Serengeti – Sayari Camp
Ngorongoro Crater – Plantation Lodge

JENACK KENYA & TANZANIA SEPT 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35077919 (Report)

(note: Link to photos in thread no longer valid)
Agent, Outfitter: KILIWARRIORS AND AUTHENTIC TANZANIA (DAR ES SALAAM)
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: FLY/DRIVE
Been Before? NO
Things you shouldn’t miss: good details & descriptions on Serian & Rekero Camps

ITINERARY:
Nairobi – Panari Hotel
Maasai Mara – Serian Camp & Serian FlyCamp
Maasai Mara – Rekero Camp
Arusha – Arusha Hotel
Ruaha River – Foxes flycamping
Katavi Wilderness – Foxes camp
Mahale – Nkungwe Camp

PATTYROTH TANZANIA & ZANZIBAR NOV 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35098229 (Report)

www.pbase.com/pattyroth (photos)
Agent, Outfitter: ROY’S SAFARIS
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: FLY/DRIVE
Been Before? YES – FOURTH TIME
Things you shouldn’t miss: lots of details & descriptions with some wonderful stories to go with the details. And be sure not miss her fabulous pictures!

ITINERARY:
Arusha – Kibo Palace
Tarangire – Kikoti Tented Camp
Ngorongoro Crater – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Zanzibar – The Tembo
Dar es Salaam – Holiday Inn

JOCELIN TANZANIA NOV 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35090331 (Report)

Agent, Outfitter: GREEN FOOTPRINTS
Guide: JACKSON
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: FLY
Things you shouldn’t miss: good information on a couple of the camps & Matemwe/Zanzibar

ITINERARY:
Zanzibar – Matemwe Bungalows, and Matemwe Retreat
Arusha – Onsea House
Tarangire – Oliver’s Camp
Lake Manyara/Mto Wa Mbu – Plantation Lodge
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Sayari Camp

DHRUVGUPTA TANZANIA DEC 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35096529 (Report)

http://dhruv.smugmug.com/gallery/4045140 (photos)
Agent, Outfitter: ROY’S SAFARIS
Guide: THOMAS
Type: PRIVATE
Logistics: DRIVE
Been Before? NO, FIRST-TIMER’S
Things you shouldn’t miss: Their fabulous pictures and the honest descriptions/opinions on their accommodations trhoughout

ITINERARY:
Arusha – Impala Hotel
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Ndutu Lodge
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro – Serena Hotel
Arusha – Coffee Plantation Lodge
Zanzibar – Breeze’s

MRALOHA KENYA & TANZANIA DEC 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35102331 (Report)

Agent, Outfitter: KER AND DOWNEY, KENYA
Guide: SIMON BELCHER, SANDOR CARTER AND ANDY CAMPBELL
Type: GROUP OF 9 FRIENDS
Been Before? FIRST TIME FOR MOST, SOME HAD BEEN BEFORE
Things you shouldn’t miss: he mentions some pretty adventurous and unusual activities, and this is one of the first reports that