Well CB, get a cup of coffee and sit back, here’s the whole enchilada in 25,000 words or less.

Executive summary – I’m spending all my safari time at Kings Camp, Timbavati reserve, South Africa.

Last August 2011 British Airways had a 2-for-1 use your FF miles deal. I decided to use most of the 100,000 miles I had and go back to South Africa. So set it up for May 2012 thinking that May is off/green season and there would be great safari camp deals and I would wait to last second for reservations or even go into JNB and shop for safari camps from there. Or, heck, maybe rent/hire a car and just drive around Kruger and Pilanesburg, stuff like that. You remember my many Forum questions regarding all this . Yeah, “free” FF flights using FF miles, still cost $1,100 in taxes, fees, fuel charges, etc etc. And still have to pay extra to reserve a seat early!!! But I also got class upgrade to Traveler Plus, one/half step above economy cattle. FWIW, I’m no longer paying any attention to FF mile deals, nor credit cards to collect such, etc. (If you’re a business flyer and getting 500,000 miles a year, I understand their appeal).

So that was August, life was rosy, but then comes Oct and I went into hospital for major back surgery. Recovering well, but still recovering even now. For the first time in my life I’m feeling physically “vulnerable”. For weeks I self debated about whether to go safari or cancel. I finally decided to go and do best/most I can, it may be my last safari. Mainly because I hate 32 hours, door-to-door, flying.

With that as some background, at three weeks out from leaving and no safari camp(s), I’m thinking this no camp thing, this serendipity, is simply not my personality. So I’ll contact some camps and see what deals they might have this late date (mid April). I emailed three camps in the Timbavati reserve – Shindzela, Simbavati River Lodge, and Kings Camp. I have been to Kings three times before and thinking I should at least try a new camp. Anyway, when all negotiations were over with Kings rate was higher, but not by a lot more, than the other two camps. I said heck with it all, keep it simple, whole time, 19 nights, at Kings. Call me crazy, I agree. A big factor was knowing the rangers at Kings, Patrick and Morne, also avid photographers.

I appreciate your, J-pixelpower, and other’s advice on this and your contributions to the Forum. I will certainly do a trip report, but with only one camp it may be a little dull. In fact, like I said, having been Kings three times I can almost write the report now . So, back to gathering up and cleaning up the camera kit, and then packing the other non-important stuff like cloths, etc .

Regards - tom

So sorry to hear about your back, but good to you feel good enough to go!!

I think it's a great choice. You will have a great time at Kings. Eighteen nights at some other options would be challenging and you save a lot by staying put. I'm a little bummed you didn't wing it - but for entirely selfish reasons. I want to know if/how it can be done.

I almost booked during that BA special. We usually fly biz, so we do save a lot when using FF miles. We did the Econ Plus last year - it will remind you of what flying used to be like. I found it significantly better that cattle car. Your back will appreciate the upgrade.

Have fun. Looking forward to the TR. Thanks for the update.

Thanks CB, yeah I rather "chickened out" I will admit. It will be interesting to see how I feel after 10 nights there - will I have really settled in or wish I were moving about more? I do admire your adventuresome spirit of driving to lots of different places.

regards - tom

You and I are all about game drives. How bad can it be to wake up to another one?! There's a lot to be said for knowing what to expect. I rarely do the way we move around.

Yep indeed, game drives.
So many of the Timbavati camps (over half?) share traversing rights so that once you are driving you all are pretty much seeing the same sightings. Except for I think Shindzela that has own property and does not share. And again so much depends on your ranger/guide.

regards - tom

I was at Shindzela last October and had a great time... too bad you're not going to at least try them out for a few days. I saw leopards every night, lots of rhino, eles, etc.

Sorry to learn about your back problem. After 19 nights, you'll be Junior Ranger. I think it's a great idea to stay put, especially at a place you know and love.

And I hope this is not the last safari for you.

Good to hear from you, atravelynn. Where've you been? Someone mentioned India?

Although we had a very memorable hyena encounter, we had bad luck seeing much at Shindzela. We enjoyed the atmosphere and the guides, though. But after a few days the lack of space would have become a problem for me. The food and atmosphere was outstanding. I wish the weather hadn't made sightings so difficult.

My back problem, not unusual, is coming along fine, thanks. My vertebrae L3-L4-L5 were bad out of alignment and starting to affect leg nerves. Now re-aligned and pinned and fused. I walk fine, drive, get around good. Not worried about rough game drives, etc. (If I can survive those two long flights over, I can survive anything!!). Left leg is still a bit weak and easy to get a bit of lower back pain. I'm doing several exercises and planning to be 100% within 6 months.

Shindzela was indeed very tempting to split with Kings. Shindezla has their own property in Timbavati that is not shared, so, depends on what is moving around/through there I suppose. Could be very nice, very exclusive sightings. What finally put me off with Shindzela was their insistence on a single supplement rate. Guess business is good for them this May.

I hope the weather is mostly good, not expecting rain but who knows about a cold front moving through. Happened to me in May of 2007. They also had in Jan this year flooding in the area including Kruger NP so will be interesting to hear about that and if any permanent impact from it.

Yeah Lynn, where you been?

regards - tom

Glad to hear you are getting better after your back surgery.

I assume your L3-L4-L5 after fusion ,are functioning as one unit and no pressure on the exiting nerves.

Good Luck

Hi Tom, glad you're on the mend after back surgery and off on another safari. Don't say it's your last cause you just never know!

27 years ago I had surgery on my L5-S1 so I know a little of what you speak.

When I return to Africa will depend a lot on how I "tolerate" the flights over. I hate it, like I keep saying.

The fitst sign I had major back/nerve problem was the nerve (bundle) as Percy says. My left leg went tingly/nervy. I could still walk good but I knew enough to go to a neurologist who did extensive fancy electronic testing and a set of x-rays. Next was a neuro-surgeon, more x-rays, and surgery. All happened within 4 weeks. After surgery this nervy is almost totally gone. But will take more time to know how nerve(s) recovery, if they all do 100%.

FWIW, we have good friends in England. They use private medical insurance whenever possible, not the British NHC. The NHC can take 18 weeks (and longer) to get you a -referral- to a specialist after your primary Dr sees you. After referral, more wait time. My wait time was the next available appointment time for -my call- to the Dr. I'm very happy with the way our health care works now, today.

regards - tom
ps - least you think I'm kidding about NHC referral times, check this NHC site -
http://tinyurl.com/3x27nqh
Note many wiggle-out phrases they use to not meet even 18 weeks.

Sorry, FWIW, should be NHS not NHC.

regards - tom

Hopefully you will be back to 100% soon, Tom. Do drinks on the plane make the flight more palatable?

"Yeah Lynn, where you been?"

Since you asked, I've been hanging out with Wild Asses. Among other things.

I was in India. The state of Gurjarat has an abundance of wildlife from flamingos to wolves to wild asses.

Did you write a TR on the India (Asia) board?

You know how I feel about wolves (and wild dogs). I hope it was eventful. Welcome home - good to have you back.

"Do drinks on the plane make the flight more palatable?"
Yeah, some Vicodin, some Ambien and some Vodka and I'll sprout wings!!! Angel wings!!!

Wild Asses huh, bet there's a tale (or tail) there!!! May even be better than thigh high waders!?!?! Yeah baby, come to papa!!!

regards - tom

If I mixed all of those together, Tom, I'd need the barf bag long before sprouting any wings. At 114 degrees F for a high in the land of the wild ass, my waders might have boiled me alive. But it was a dry heat.

Really magnificent creatures those wild asses and very picturesque in their active herds in the morning light. The wild asses got me to go to the southwest part of India. But there's so much more there.

Christabir, can I interest you in both the Indian and the Desert Fox kits at their respective dens along with striped hyena, in addition to the Indian Wolf? For the cat lovers, there are Asiatic Lions. Gujarat (spelled correctly this time) is one happening place!

Anyway, when's the departure Tom or should I ask when do you start sprouting the wings?

You gonna put up some photos Lynn?? I'm sure India is one humongous fascinating place.

This coming weekend. I'm gathering/cleaning up camera kit - which of course is the most important stuff to take. Notifying credit card people, post office, newspaper, getting new $$$ bills, reprogram lawn sprinklers, get medivac insurance, still have to make hotel reservation first night on arrival JNB, details, details, details. Good thing I start early on this stuff - I have a check list .

regards - tom

Yikes atravelynn. I am so intrigued!! Where's the TR?!

tom - two of those might be ok, but all three? Likely angel wings. The econ plus will help, too. Do you have a layover in Europe? Try to snag a lounge pass if you can. If LHR and no lounge access, there are really comfy chairs by the biz class check in. You'll have to go through security to get back in, but the space is nice and quiet.

Have a good trip Tom! There will be a report eventually.

Tom- sorry to hear about your back. Glad you are healed and ready to head out again. Wishing you safe travels and wonderful sightings.
You all were right. It is so easy to fall in love with SA. I keep checking back and reminiscing. It's nice to feel connected through your travels and reports.
Have a wonderful trip!

Lounge pass good idea. I'm flying BA and going through LHR with about 4 hour layover between flights to/from JNB. I doubt if my Traveler Plus ticket gets me lounge access. Anyone recommend a lounge and preferably that I do not to change terminals (5 I think) and re do security?

regards - tom

I did a quick check - BA doesn't sell lounge passes. Four hours isn't too bad. Go get a sit-down restaurant meal and a drink and that takes up most of that time. There are a few that serve decent food, and hopefully won't rush you. There are no other lounges in BA terminal.

Have a fantastic time Tom and on that looooong flight maybe think about over nighting somewhere next time.

It really makes a difference getting a good night sleep.

Looking forward to your trip report and pics.

hey Tom! Hope you have a good trip! 19 days! Must be nice...
I don't think I'll make it back until 2014 or later. Sure missing Afreeekah! Hope your back holds up. Kings doesn't charge for sodas do they?

Thanks CB for checking. Yeah, 4 hours (actually bit less) is not that bad layover.

KBC - I have thought several times about over nighting in London. But never tried it, maybe I'd love it?? I hate to leave the airport, seems like big waste of time and re-work "starting over" next day. But a hotel in LHR?? That wouldn't be so bad. The 9 hour time change (from LAX) is bothersome, would it be better to start adjusting in Europe or wait until Africa?? As it stands, I get into JNB early morning and will spend that night around JNB. Then next day to Kings.

You know, although I've flown to Africa seven times and more times across both oceans with no major problems, it does not get any easier or less stressful. That's why I'm feeling - yeah baby, only nice cruises out of LA Harbor/Long beach, that's the ticket!!! (I think I'm old enough now for Holland America Line ).

"Kings doesn't charge for sodas do they? "
GOOD memory and AlOOOOha Hawaii !!! No they don't charge for soda, nor beer, nor wine, nor most liquors. In fact there is an in room mini-bar. FWIW, I was told that a (SA) 5 star resort/camp room had to have in room mini-bar or it would be 4 star!! Ok, if you insist!!! Hope you can make it back no later than 2014, gads, that's two years!!!

regards - tom
ps - still gathering up camera kit !!

Hi Tom

Wishing you a pain free trip to Africa this weekend! I have no problem being in one spot for a long period time! You are just settling in Tom!

Let us hope that you see heaps of stuff that you haven't seen before!

Really not close to saying I have had enough so currently planning my return trip, hope to get one in before the end of the year!

Good luck with some great gameviewing!

Kind regards

Kaye

There is a Yotel in Terminal 4, so I guess that wouldn't work for you. I had a longer layover at LHR and used this for a few hours (minimum rental of 4 hours.) It was a good way to get a shower and some sleep.

Hi KN - thanks for wishes, you are indeed the champion of long stays, no hope of matching you .

ST - Yotel is good idea, if I had longer layover. For 3-4 hours I'll just have to make do, but, a nice lounge would be nice.

regards - tom

Tom - You might want to try Flyer Talk/BAEC website: The Lounge Master Meet up thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/british-airways-executive-club/1085141-lounge-meet-up-master-thread.html

You could ask a British Airways Executive Club member with status if they could 'guest' you in one of the Lounges for a few hours. Most people seem willing to do that. Just mention the day and time you would like access. It's a possibility.

Also, have a wonderful holiday. I feel your pain as I too have back issues - bulging disc - last Sept on my annual trip to the Mara I rode around on safari sitting on an inflatable donut - helped loads!