See you in September - We got it booked!

Old Mar 11th, 2010, 07:06 PM
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See you in September - We got it booked!

I am absolutely thrilled that we have finally booked our trip and paid our deposit on our safari in September. Hooray!!!

Although we had to change our itinerary slightly, it worked out great. Here it is:

We fly Sydney - Kilimanjaro via Bangkok and Nairobi on Qantas
and Kenya Airways. In Kili we pick up our guide and vehicle which we keep for the remainder of our time in Tanzania.
1 nt Arusha Coffee Lodge
3 nts Oliver's Camp
2 nts Dunia
4 nts Sayari
Fly to Nairobi
1 nt House of Waine
Fly to Masai Mara
3 nts Naibor (yes, we know) (instead of Rekero)
2 nts Kicheche Mara (instead of Kicheche Bush)
Fly to Kigali
1 nt Top Tower Hotel Kigali
3 nts Virunga Lodge/ 2 gorilla treks

Fly home via Nairobi - with a stop for 3 nts in Bangkok.

We took your advice about not missing the Masai Mara ( I had to lobby for this one), so I am happy, and husband happy because the location has different types of banks (steep) than at Sayari. Yes, as many of you warned me, we left it pretty late to get our first choice (well, MY first choice) itinerary. So what was changed is that we now do Rwanda last instead of first (husband happy) and the camps in the Masai Mara were not our first choice. The entire Tanzania trip was no problem. It was the gorilla permits, availability of camps in the Masai Mara, and flights which got tricky. Plus, with our original plan, we'd have flown directly from the airstrip near Sayari into Kigali instead of having to transit through Nairobi overnight. But that works well because now we definitely have time to go to the Animal Orphanage!

Since last week (when we were away and using Satan's laptop) it got really intense as the availabilities kept moving and it took a long time to get replies from Africa, especially about the Gorilla permits and because of a public holiday there. In the end I couldn't tear myself away from the computer because I was so anxiously awaiting messages of confirmation (I'm like that sometimes). I didn't even put my computer to sleep at night because I didn't want to wait for it to turn on in the morning. Yes, sounds a bit nuts! Afterwards I felt so relaxed and happy!

I think if I were to give anyone advice early in their process, it would be to do their research 9+ months before they want to go, and to book it 8 months ahead if they want smaller camps in the high season. This was our first time, so it was precarious to know who to listen to and what advice to take. It's very hard to tell someone they'd better hurry up because if they don't know you personally, they have not a lot of reason to take that advice to heart, and considering not understanding the difficulty. Although I was ready, my hubby needed to do this at a pace comfortable for him (sigh).

NEXT time (good grief...am I already thinking about the next time?) we will know better!

I couldn't have done this without the generous help of all of you on Fodor's, so a heartfelt thanks to everyone who jumped in and contributed to our ideas for this!

I'm sure I'll be back soon with plenty of questions. So see you soon!
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Old Mar 11th, 2010, 07:07 PM
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OOPS: How could I forget: 2 nts Ngorongor Crater Lodge between Oliver's and Dunia.
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Old Mar 11th, 2010, 07:39 PM
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tinydancer,

congratulations on finally booking! I know how you feel; it was such a relief to get our reservations confirmed. When will you be in Nairobi and Sheldrick's? We will be there September 8th.

Sharon
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Old Mar 11th, 2010, 08:35 PM
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stamiya, sorry, but we won't be there until the 19th. I want to adopt a baby elephant so we can have that up close and personal experience. But I don't know if it's going to work out, because we only arrive in Nairobi from the Mara @ 4:30pm. However, the orphanage is in a triangular configuration between the airport and our accommodation. So, since we have to book this in advance, we'd have to be at the gate by 6:00 (from what I've read). Depending how long it takes us to clear immigration and get our bags, I'd think we could do it no problem because it's only +/- 10km between any 2 of the 3 locations. Gosh, Google Earth sure came in handy when planning this trip!

I'd love to run into some of the people from this forum!
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Old Mar 12th, 2010, 07:30 AM
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Wow! Glad you showed the 2nts at Ngorongoro. When I first looked at the itinerary, all I saw was that very very very long drive from Oliver's to Dunia.

As to Immigration, arriving from Tanzania... I assume at Wilson, which arrives 2:45pm, is a breeze. It's a small (yes, very very small) airport and you'll clear quickly, collect bags; short 20/min drive to check-in at HOW, then visit Sheldrick and your chubby this day.

If after the Mara, the afternoon flight first departs 4pm and you won't arrive Wilson before 5-5:15pm. Though a short ride to Sheldrick, you may not have sufficient visit time.
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Old Mar 12th, 2010, 09:38 AM
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tinydancer, if you do decide to foster one of the elephants (its only $50 for a year), let me know the name of it and I'll try to give it a pat or two when we visit Sheldrick's

I agree with you totally about meeting people on these forums. On our first (and only) trip to Zambia a few years back we met 4 people on the forum who were going at approximately the same time, and ended up very good friends with one couple. We were all at one camp (Chiawa on the Zambezi River) at the same time, and it was great!

Sharon
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Old Mar 12th, 2010, 01:46 PM
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Hi tinydancer,
We will be in Mara about the same time in Sept. approx. -15/16/17 in Laikipia:
9/ l8-25 Mara, leave 26th - so hopefully we will see a Naibor vehicle and yell, AussieAussie (I think that is what I heard at the Olympics (on tv, did not make it that far north!)

You may see a Serian vechicle and yell, "Hey ya'll" and we'll know its you! (Now make sure you say "ya'll" as in one word - yawl , not YOU All, or Hey You, or Hey "Yous Guys.."
As you can tell, we have our own language in the south.

We can have a sundowner together and exchange camp stories. Naibor and Rekero were on my list, but when Serian offered stay 7, pay 5 we took it. Also the private vehicle and guide were awfully tempting. Supposed to go to Mobile for 2 nights (near Naibor) so if you hear me screaming because a lion is in my tent, come on over!

I'm excited for you; you really got into this trip and I think that is contagious. I had sort of forgotten about Sept. as it seems so far away and we started our plans LAST AUGUST!
Your enthusiasm brought my own back, and,

Sept is just around the corner, yay.

Australia and New Zealand are also on our list; so maybe I can get some tips from you one day...along with Twaffle, our other Aussie on board (that I personally know of)

Don't you love the way everyone helps out. I told Alex of Serian I would have never made this trip if it weren't for Sandi, Patty, Atravelynn, Lynda, Leely - oh, so many that have been many, many times and are so packed full of info...
Whoops, just noticed I did not include the guys...sorry - ya'll know who you are.

I just planned another trip with the help of another forum on Fodors, and they were just as great. My DH cannot believe the stuff I find out. Things a guide book (sorry Fodors) cannot know day by day, week by week, etc.
Of course I tell him, I just know it! LOL

We will be missing the chimps this trip; there are so many places we wanted to go in Africa, Tanzania included, but I think once you start making the trip "air wise", you get used to it and it obviously becomes addictive!

I am thrilled for you! What a great itinerary; you will have a ball.

Moneyburns (formerly Flowerpower) if you wanted to see my zillions of ?????????
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Old Mar 12th, 2010, 04:47 PM
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sandi, stamiy, moneyburns, loved hearing from you! It's interesting, but one of the wonderful things about this forum which is so addicting, is that we all can share our mutual excitement in ways that we can't with our real live, physical friends and family (unless of course they've either gone on safari or dream of going) because they just can't understand. They look at it as another trip. I think so anyway.

sandi, our itinerary has us flying on the 19th, the only overnight in Nairobi, from Sereneti/Kogatende airstrip, dep 10am arriving Kili@ 1:15pm, dep KQ6727@ 3:30pm, arr Wilson 4:30pm, not the times you mention. Not sure why, but I know our t.a. was really juggling gorilla permits/accommodation/flights with finesse. He thought he'd have to do a private charter at one point, but got around that, so saving us that added expense. We transit 3 times through Nairobi but the first one we practically go straight through, the 19th (above) we overnight, and en route home we arrive @4:30pm, depart around 11:00pm, so I think it's not a good idea to plan to do it that evening (?) as we have to check in and board flight for Bangkok. I have emailed Sheldrick's, but no answer yet. I asked them what is involved and if we can do the 6:00 pm at the gate thing. But we haven't signed up yet, so maybe they won't get back to us. I kind of thought that I'd wait to foster in case any newbies are born before we go. If you have any idea's, would love to hear them.

moneyburns, we will be at Kicheche Mara 20-25, so could happen! Y'all! (I was born in GA)

Fodor's should capitalize on these forums and sell shirts, hats, bags, or something with their name 'tastefully' embroidered/printed on it so we could recognize each other automatically! Something cool like 'Fodor's Forum', with a premium design 'Fodor's Fanatic'?

These forum's are addicting. i don't even remember what my t.v. looks like anymore.

I'd be happy to help with ideas for Australia. Oh, it's 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oy, Oy, Oy!

I'm so excited. I'm sure I will love every thing and every place!
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Old Mar 12th, 2010, 04:53 PM
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That's wonderful! Your next time comment is pretty funny too.
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Old Mar 12th, 2010, 04:56 PM
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Actually, on the 25th, we transit in Nairobi to Kigali arriving from the Masai Mara @ 12:20pm and departing for Kigali at 18:45. So the Elephant Orphanage is possible on that day too. I guess I should just sign up to foster one and then just work our whatever we can work out, even if we don't get up close and personal at bedtimes.
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Old Mar 12th, 2010, 05:04 PM
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atravelynn! Funny? My hubby would murder me if he got wind that I'm already thinking about next time! But yes, it's so funny! He wanted to do a really big trip "so we don't have to go back again." I don't think he realizes how much more wonderful this will be from our stopover safari in Kruger 12 years ago for 4 days staying in their big lodges and seeing only 1 elephant, 2 lions, one leopard, and plenty of the other wildlife.

At least he's already talked about going to Botswana in the green season.
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Old Mar 12th, 2010, 05:54 PM
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Tinydancer- We finally booked our airfare and are ready for our trip in August, 2010. Our Tanzania itinerary is almost the same as yours with almost all the same camps except the Crater where we are staying at Lemala and we also have a night at Gibb's Farm. I was a little unsure about Dunia as it is new but I have read a few good reviews. Are you taking any of the walking trips at Oliver's or Sayari? We also have our guide and driver for the whole trip. Last summer we went to Uganda to see the gorillas. It was definitely an experience of a lifetime. I will never forget coming around the corner and seeing a huge silverback eating his lunch less than ten feet away from me. Your trip sounds amazing. Can't wait to read your trip report upon your return.
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Old Mar 12th, 2010, 07:47 PM
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I love it - a southern gal in Australia! /aussie aussie oy oy oy! I am thrilled you know southern speak! Ya'll,-- love ya, ---let's party,--- come back ya hear.....Can I git you somthin -
Love ya more, ..of course we say that to everyone......if only that would be true worldwide!
am thrilled for you that you have such an intense and exciting itinerary -
Gotta meet; when will you be at Sheldricks?
I just know I will find you in the Mara. ...

Wish fodors had a pm thing;but not.....so we will keep in touch.

MB -(close to GA -a bit north)
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Old Mar 13th, 2010, 02:00 AM
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Ihgreenacres- I thought I'd posted back to you earlier, but must not have hit the button. Yes, we have every intention of doing some walking safaris at one or more. We'll see how it all evolves.

moneyburns - you got my curiosity up about Serian, so I went had a few looks at different sites about it and it in fact looks gorgeous.

What would you, or anyone reading this, have to say about us looking into changing from Naibor 3 & Kicheche Mara 2, and instead doing 5 at Serian? Would it be worth the switch? They all look nice, but Serian looks more like what we were originally after.

Comments?
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Old Mar 13th, 2010, 04:20 AM
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Hi Tinydancer!

If you do a search on Serian you can read Twaffle's January trip report, and Hari's of a year or so ago; Canadian_Robin was also there last year on her drive through Africa..they all seemed to love it.

I know Twaffle did and she also has a report with pictures on "Safaritalk" - I'd provide the link, but that is something that rarely works for me - maybe Atravelynn can do it as she seems rather adept at that...I am not!

I am not trying to change your mind; I am sure wherever you end up it will be fabulous. Serian was a draw for us because of the private guide and tracker - whenever you want to go - wherever you want to go..no schedules. We felt traveling so far (not as far as ya'll though) we wanted to take advantage of every moment.

We've had great interaction with Alex and his staff (and he has opened a camp in Serengeti - though I do not know the area - Sandi would!)
You could possibly do a stay 5, get 7 and divide your time since you are going to Tanzania - but don't get me started; your T/a will come after me for changing your mind!
I am just sharing what I know...

I too was obsessed with my plans, if you looked at any of my previous posts under FP, I asked so many questions, changed my mind constantly and always second guessed my decisions. FINALLY I just went with two areas - though if I had more time and money, I would have loved to add the Crater. (but I am burning through it) Next time!

DH thought it would be more of an adventure to stay at Serian and like I said we will spend 2 nights somewhere in the reserve at their Mobile camp, hoping to catch a view of Migration .

We like walking which they also love to do; Serian has a treehouse you can walk to and if you choose, you can sleep under the stars, tre' romance in the mara! I haven't decided on that and will play that by day.

So, check the reports, talk to your TA (they are small and could be booked for your dates - I booked last year) and if it is not to be, be happy with your choices. You will be in the Mara afterall!

Good Luck; Options are always a good thing!

$$$$burns
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Old Mar 13th, 2010, 07:16 AM
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Alex's Serian Camp in the Serengeti is up north, between Jul/Oct (Sayari, Lemala, Olakira and Klein's are also up this way during same timeframe) and another in the Ndutu area, between Jan/Mar.
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Old Mar 13th, 2010, 07:50 AM
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KQ6727 (codeshare operated by Precision Air) arrives at NBO (Jomo Kenyatta Intl) not Wilson. Immigration and baggage claim will take longer at NBO plus it's a longer drive to Sheldricks. I think you'd be cutting it really close trying to make it by 6:00pm.

I don't think it would work on the 25th either. The eles come back to the stockades around 5:00pm and you really need to be at NBO by that time for a 18:45 flight to Kigali.
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Old Mar 13th, 2010, 08:12 AM
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The only other visitng time at Sheldrick other than late afternoon for foster parents is from 11:00-noon.
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Old Mar 13th, 2010, 01:53 PM
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"Sereneti/Kogatende airstrip, dep 10am arriving Kili@ 1:15pm, dep KQ6727@ 3:30pm, arr Wilson 4:30pm"

Flights from Kogatende stop in Arusha before continuing onto JRO. Unless there are no seats available, there is the 1:45pm flight out of Arusha that gets into Wilson at 2:45pm, and as I mentioned above... sufficient time to check-in at HOW and get to Sheldrick by 4:45-5pm.

Have your agent check for this earlier flight. It also saves the 2+/hrs wait at JRO to Wilson.
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Old Mar 13th, 2010, 03:15 PM
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I didn't have a chance to look at flight schedules earlier but if you're arriving at Kilimanjaro at 1:15pm, couldn't you take the 2:00pm Air Kenya flight to Wilson? Is your Kogatende-Kilimanjaro flight on Regional? They partner with Air Kenya. These flights are usually scheduled to connect same day.
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