SA, Zambia and Namibia in May-June
Mar 13th, 2008, 06:05 AM
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SA, Zambia and Namibia in May-June
I can't believe I am going back to Southern Africa after my 3 years there, and 2 years back in the States. It has gotten unbelievably expensive. I went to Botswana in 2000 when I went to Savuti, Kings Pool, Kwetsani and Cheifs for about $200/night. Now I can't see how people afford to go there. It costs as much as buying a car!
So I am going to Zambia before the season changes,and in middle range lodges, arranged thru Zambezi travel in London. They were very nice and spot on with price, no hidden extras like the silly meet and greet stuff. I checked all the prices myself and they didn't add anything. Going to Mfuwe Lodge, Bilimungwe (hoping they don't make me walk too much, I prefer to ride!) and Kasaka. I realize the board likes the $600/night places, But I just couldn't see paying those rates.
I am also staying with friends in Durban and hoping the lights don't go off. THey have a furniture manufacturing company and luckily are on the same grid with the big public hospital so they have not had too many power outages. We will be doing the art gallery rounds and hope to see our old dog left on a farm when we had to leave. Also doing a face laser at half the price from the U.S. Luckily I have some rand left over that I need to spend and can stand the peeling when no one I know will see me. The hippos won't mind.
Then to Capetown where my favorite is the Green Point Market on Sundays where I have brought an extra suitcase to put the stuff. To some other galleries (I have a sudden interest in African art) and then on to Namibia. (It's lucky I now have a public health job where I can take long vacations)
I have decided it will be my last chance to see real indiginous people so am going to Serra Cafema at $1500/night plus the exorbitant cost to fly there. Then Doro Nawas and Soussevlei Mountain Lodge where I hope to rest from all this traveling. The roof that slides back must be really cool. Too bad I am going with my daughter as it sounds very romantic. Cardboard Box, Kristy, arranged this part and has been outstanding. Again, no hidden costs and exactly as published on websites in terms of prices. I also suggested a cheaper charter company than Sefofane and she was nice enought to investigate. Saved some money and hope they don't use old planes!
As I said, I can't believe I am spending all this money going back after all my interesting experiences working in Zululand. But being a tourist is so much nicer!
Love to the board, Kim
So I am going to Zambia before the season changes,and in middle range lodges, arranged thru Zambezi travel in London. They were very nice and spot on with price, no hidden extras like the silly meet and greet stuff. I checked all the prices myself and they didn't add anything. Going to Mfuwe Lodge, Bilimungwe (hoping they don't make me walk too much, I prefer to ride!) and Kasaka. I realize the board likes the $600/night places, But I just couldn't see paying those rates.
I am also staying with friends in Durban and hoping the lights don't go off. THey have a furniture manufacturing company and luckily are on the same grid with the big public hospital so they have not had too many power outages. We will be doing the art gallery rounds and hope to see our old dog left on a farm when we had to leave. Also doing a face laser at half the price from the U.S. Luckily I have some rand left over that I need to spend and can stand the peeling when no one I know will see me. The hippos won't mind.
Then to Capetown where my favorite is the Green Point Market on Sundays where I have brought an extra suitcase to put the stuff. To some other galleries (I have a sudden interest in African art) and then on to Namibia. (It's lucky I now have a public health job where I can take long vacations)
I have decided it will be my last chance to see real indiginous people so am going to Serra Cafema at $1500/night plus the exorbitant cost to fly there. Then Doro Nawas and Soussevlei Mountain Lodge where I hope to rest from all this traveling. The roof that slides back must be really cool. Too bad I am going with my daughter as it sounds very romantic. Cardboard Box, Kristy, arranged this part and has been outstanding. Again, no hidden costs and exactly as published on websites in terms of prices. I also suggested a cheaper charter company than Sefofane and she was nice enought to investigate. Saved some money and hope they don't use old planes!
As I said, I can't believe I am spending all this money going back after all my interesting experiences working in Zululand. But being a tourist is so much nicer!
Love to the board, Kim
Mar 15th, 2008, 06:35 PM
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Hey Barnetda:
I started to get worried that the lodge would be too much of a family place. Tell me I will actually have some peace and good game spotting. I arrive May 28th for 3 nights. Please put us in a chalet away from the pool!
Chris at Zambezi travel recommended you as a middle end resort that would be nice. I can't believe $700/night is middle end.
I look forward to meeting you and having some drinks looking at the hippos.
Kim and Jessica Whitney
I started to get worried that the lodge would be too much of a family place. Tell me I will actually have some peace and good game spotting. I arrive May 28th for 3 nights. Please put us in a chalet away from the pool!
Chris at Zambezi travel recommended you as a middle end resort that would be nice. I can't believe $700/night is middle end.
I look forward to meeting you and having some drinks looking at the hippos.
Kim and Jessica Whitney
Mar 15th, 2008, 07:16 PM
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Hello Kim,
You seem to be a little confused about your stay at Sossusvlei. Are you sure you are staying at Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge (there are several lodges with Sossusvlei in their names)? If so, then the roof on your chalet does not roll back. Instead there is a large skylight over the bed. Actually it will be cold enough at night when you are there that you probably wouldn't want to sleep outside anyway.
If you are at Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge, I am scheduled to be the visiting astronomer and will arrive May 25th. Say hello when you arrive and if you are interested, come up to the observatory for some viewing.
George
You seem to be a little confused about your stay at Sossusvlei. Are you sure you are staying at Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge (there are several lodges with Sossusvlei in their names)? If so, then the roof on your chalet does not roll back. Instead there is a large skylight over the bed. Actually it will be cold enough at night when you are there that you probably wouldn't want to sleep outside anyway.
If you are at Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge, I am scheduled to be the visiting astronomer and will arrive May 25th. Say hello when you arrive and if you are interested, come up to the observatory for some viewing.
George
Mar 16th, 2008, 12:21 AM
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Hi kim,
You will have a great time. I will be in the UK but i have informed the MD to expect you.
It will be peaceful and hopefully you will get some great game viewing.
I will be there earlier in MAy and if its anything like last year it will be superb.
Remember it will be a bit cold early morning and evening drives.
Enjoy
David
You will have a great time. I will be in the UK but i have informed the MD to expect you.
It will be peaceful and hopefully you will get some great game viewing.
I will be there earlier in MAy and if its anything like last year it will be superb.
Remember it will be a bit cold early morning and evening drives.
Enjoy
David
Mar 16th, 2008, 09:32 AM
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Hi Kim,
In case you didn't know, SML (as Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge is known) has just received a new 12" Meade telescope so the views should be excellent. I don't know your schedule, but hopefully you be arriving you'll be arriving before June 10 as the Moon will begin to be a problem then. Look forward to meeting you!
George
In case you didn't know, SML (as Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge is known) has just received a new 12" Meade telescope so the views should be excellent. I don't know your schedule, but hopefully you be arriving you'll be arriving before June 10 as the Moon will begin to be a problem then. Look forward to meeting you!
George
Mar 17th, 2008, 12:31 AM
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Dear Kim & Jessica,
I am the Marketing Manager for Kasaka River Lodge and was previously based in the lodge for the 2007 season and assure you that you are going to have an amazing time at the lodge. Kasaka is unique to other lodges in the the area as it is above the rivers edge so allows you magnificent views out over the river with a vast number of different areas to unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet away from other guests, whether you choose the deck in the Tamarind tree tops or in the Library where cool river breezes help you to relax. The camp has 2 different areas so that if we do have children in camp we are able to keep them away from our other guests and we ensure that families are given their own private activities.
Last year our game sightings in May were incredible with many of our guests enjoying sightings of leopards, lions and many other animals. In the Lower Zambezi we are lucky to be able to offer our guests bother river and land based activities so you will be sure to have many options should you decide that you would like a change of pace from relaxing qround the lodge.
We have recently done some work in the lodge to upgrade our existing structures and are having a professional photographer visit the lodge in April and I will be sure to include you to our mailing list of our newsletter, if you contact me directly on [email protected].
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any queries or requests.
All the best
Melanie
I am the Marketing Manager for Kasaka River Lodge and was previously based in the lodge for the 2007 season and assure you that you are going to have an amazing time at the lodge. Kasaka is unique to other lodges in the the area as it is above the rivers edge so allows you magnificent views out over the river with a vast number of different areas to unwind and enjoy the peace and quiet away from other guests, whether you choose the deck in the Tamarind tree tops or in the Library where cool river breezes help you to relax. The camp has 2 different areas so that if we do have children in camp we are able to keep them away from our other guests and we ensure that families are given their own private activities.
Last year our game sightings in May were incredible with many of our guests enjoying sightings of leopards, lions and many other animals. In the Lower Zambezi we are lucky to be able to offer our guests bother river and land based activities so you will be sure to have many options should you decide that you would like a change of pace from relaxing qround the lodge.
We have recently done some work in the lodge to upgrade our existing structures and are having a professional photographer visit the lodge in April and I will be sure to include you to our mailing list of our newsletter, if you contact me directly on [email protected].
Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any queries or requests.
All the best
Melanie
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