Kenya/Tanzania trip report

Old Jan 28th, 2006, 08:25 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Kenya/Tanzania trip report

My husband and I traveled to Kenya and Tanzania at the end of December and I thought I'd add our experiences to the growing list of trip reports. This was our first trip to Africa (not counting Egypt) and we were on a private safari (just he two of us and the guide).

Pictures, daily journal entries, audio of Maasai songs, and all the details (packing list, etc.) are available on our web site at
http://www.whywework.com/travel/safari2005/index.htm

First of all I'd like to thank those who participate in this forum. I found this board a few months before we left and lurked obsessively.

We planned this trip about ten months in advance because 1) we were traveling around the holidays and 2) we were using frequent flyer tickets. We booked the trip through Safariline (in the Chicago suburbs) and they used Transworld in Kenya and Shifting Sands in Tanzania. Our itinerary included Amboseli, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti.

High level summary:

Flights - American/British Air via London on the way there. It's worth noting that it takes forever to change terminals in London, allow at least an hour and a half, especially when there's one flight a day and if you miss it you're stuck. Sabena/American via Brussels on the way back. Only thing worth mentioning is that there were three separate time consuming security checkpoints between terminals at the Brussels airport, and they unpack everyones carry-on luggage, make you remove your shoes, etc.

Vehicles - In Kenya we had a pop-top van and in Tanzania we had a Land Cruiser with removable hatches. We had three flat tires in Tanzania, but none took more than 10 minutes to fix. The Land Cruiser was by no means new (over 200k miles on the odometer) but the roads there will wreak havoc on any vehicle.

Immunizations and Medications - We both got all the shots recommended by the trave clinic, which was probably overkill but we figured better safe than sorry. We also took Malaria meds (Malarone) and brought an emergency antibiotic prescription "just in case". I "needed the antibiotics" on day 4, husband needed them on day 5 - AND we took the appropriate precautions (all bottled water, even for brushing your teeth, etc.). The antibiotics make you extra sensitive to the sun, which we learned the hard way.

Food - We weren't starving, but this certainly wasn't a vacation where we gained weight. You can always find something in the buffet, and we ate a lot of soup.

Pictures - As a caveat, we are photo enthusiasts. We brought two dSLR's, an 80-400 lens (borrowed) , and a 70-200 with 2x teleconverter (rented). The main reason for the two cameras was 1) husband and I both like to take pictures, 2) redundancy, and 3) to avoid having to change lenses and expose the camera insides to dust. Even with the 400mm, there were many times when I would have liked to zoom in a bit closer, but that's what cropping is for I guess. We also brought an Epson P-2000, which we love and couldn't live without. We shot over 2,600 images on this trip, of which about 5% are "keepers".

Nairobi (Serena) - We spent our arrival night at the Nairobi Serena. We were there a total of about 10 hours and the service was good and the room was fine. The rooms have Web TV (though it was not working) and the business center has internet access.

Amboseli (Serena) - Amboseli was a late addition to our itinerary because we were able to get earlier flights. As such, we weren't expecting much and it definitely exceeded our expectations. SO many elephants, and large groups of them too and many with babies. We think two nights is the perfect amount of time. The pool at the Serena was a great place to hang out in between game drives, and the everpresent Vervet monkeys were quite entertaining. The lodge had internet access for a small fee.
Tip: When we were checking out we saw housekeeping delivering a fan to a room - if we'd know that they were available we certainly would have requested one.

Tarangire (Kikoti) - This board had a lot of discussion about Tarangire, so I think our expectations might have been a bit too high. Kikoti Tented Lodge was nice, and the food was the best we experienced, but the lodge land had recently been pre-emptively burned so it was all scorched. The baobab trees in the park are scenic, but we didn't see a lot of animals and the roads we took were so bumpy, curvy, hilly, and dusty that we became cranky. Though we liked Kikoti, I think somewhere inside the park would suffice. The tents have power in the evening, and the main office area has a powerstrip for charging batteries whenever you want. Hot water had to be requested ahead of time and was delivered via bucket.

Lake Manyara (E Unoto Retreat) - Lake Manyara was tropical and lush, and packed with animals (perhaps just compared to our experience in Tarangire), especially elephants, giraffes, and baboons. Our bungalow at E Unoto Retreat was lovely and had a great view, but it was so horribly hot (over 100f, cooled to the high 80's at night) and had no cross-breeze whatsoever. Again, we liked E Unoto Retreat, but think somewhere inside or nearer to the park would suffice. The bungalows have power in the mornings and evenings, and there's a plug in the bar area if you're desperate.

Ngorongoro (Serena) - A definite "must-see" on the Northern Tanzania circuit, Ngorongoro Crater is amazingly huge but also contains a surprising amount of wildlife in very diverse environments. The drive into and out of the crater is quite a nail-biter. The Serena hotel was surprisingly convenient (located between the ascent and descent road), had interesting architecture, and phenominal views from every perspective. We were also surprised to see elephants right outside our room on the crater rim! The lodge had very slow internet access for a not that small fee.

Serengeti (Serena) - The Serengeti is another "must see" in our opinion. Our short stay limited us to the Seronera area, and we saw lots of animals including leopards, lions, and a serval cat. We also splurged and did the hot air balloon trip, which provided an interesting perspective from which to observe the landscape. The Serena pool area was pleasant between game drives, and there was lots of wildlife around our room (cape buffalo off our balcony, and warthogs, hoglets, and dik diks) and on the property (guards posted by the pool at night to keep it from becoming a watering hole). The lodge had internet access, but it wasn't working while we were there.

Arusha (Kigongoni) - Our time in Arusha was limited to 5 hours transiting between the Arusha and Kilimanjaro airports. We had a day room at Kigongoni, and it was the nicest accommodations of our entire stay. Our room was huge and lovely, the pool area was relaxing, and the restaurant was not a buffet. It was a perfect place to relax for a few hours before our marathon flight home. The lodge had internet access for a small fee.

Toshi is offline  
Old Jan 28th, 2006, 01:30 PM
  #2  
bat
 
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks Toshi, I'll check out your website also.
bat is offline  
Old Jan 28th, 2006, 02:28 PM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,916
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Your photos and trip report are excellent, as are the rest of your photos (I checked out your Galapagos photos, which is a trip we did in December 2003). Thanks for sharing.
thit_cho is offline  
Old Jan 28th, 2006, 04:14 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the trip report - and the link to your web page. I particularly liked the title "why we work," Indeed!

The photography is outstanding!
Sharon
Sundance is offline  
Old Jan 29th, 2006, 01:29 AM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,326
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for taking the time to share your trip!
Kavey is offline  
Old Jan 29th, 2006, 02:49 AM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Toshi,
Thanks for sharing your report, photos and song. I loved the baby vervet and the elephant close ups.


Nyamera is offline  
Old Jan 29th, 2006, 06:27 AM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Toshi,
I keenly read your report and viewed your pics., as I'll be going to the same areas soon.

We'll be staying at Kikoti and it actually sounds better than I had thought. Having good food will be a plus. I do hope though, that the grounds will be healed from the burns. Also, it's good to hear that there is partial electric, as I was told by my operator that there wasn't any on site.

I appreciate that your report was not only a good read but that you included useful details.

Loved the well done and diverse photos. Snuck a peek at those sweet kitties as well.

Thanks for sharing;
Sherry
cybor is offline  
Old Jan 29th, 2006, 07:14 AM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Jennifer,
An absolutely amazing web site with a great trip report.

Learned a lot - and will use your experiences to improve my experiences in May.

Thanks for taking the trouble to share everything.
boomerm3 is offline  
Old Jan 29th, 2006, 07:17 AM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,553
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Toshi,

Thanks for the excellent report and wonderful photos. (on the opening page, however, what's with the tough guy look on DH's face...SMILE, you are in Africa!).

I will be leaving in three weeks visiting most of the same parks you visited. I see you two did the hot air ballooning over the Serengeti. Was the experience worth the price? I am debating whether or not to spend the money.

There are some great photographs in your report. Although I realize that it is the photographer that makes the shot with excellent composition, etc., I am still curious what kind of equipment you use.

Thanks.
Roccco is offline  
Old Jan 29th, 2006, 08:59 AM
  #10  
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
You certainly are photo enthusiasts! Wonderful shots, especially the extreme closeups of the elephants. I liked your horns, hooves, and hippos category. The birds were outstanding.

Now that you are likely back at work, I hope you have some more adventures in mind to justify that 4-letter word!
atravelynn is offline  
Old Jan 29th, 2006, 10:44 AM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,222
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for the report. And your website is very impressive. I'm sorry that both you and your husband were a little sick for a while. Certainly sounds like the hot weather didn't help matters. But it also sounds like it didn't ruin your trip.

Wonderful photos!

Welcome home.
Leely is offline  
Old Jan 29th, 2006, 11:09 AM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Wow, your website is fab!
lisa is offline  
Old Jan 30th, 2006, 11:34 AM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Thanks for sharing. I loved the detailed day by day report on your website. Off to look at some of your other trip photos.
Patty is online now  
Old Jan 30th, 2006, 04:05 PM
  #14  
 
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1,448
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Execellent pics. I left comments on your board.

as much as I loved the elephants. I found Amboseli so dry and dusty it wouldn't be on my list of places to go back to.

I guess it is all in the timing.
waynehazle is offline  
Old Jan 30th, 2006, 05:40 PM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,779
Received 17 Likes on 1 Post
Ok, this is where I am on the trip report at your website - We heard the army of men around 5:30. stomp, stomp, stomp. pour. Stomp stomp stomp. Pour "Hello? Your shower is here."

Don't you just love Africa!

I'm enjoying your report and your wonderful photos.
sundowner is offline  
Old Feb 1st, 2006, 02:53 PM
  #16  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi All-

Thanks for the kind remarks and thanks for checking out our pictures and web site.

Re: Ballooning - it was quite a splurge and it is best to just write the check and forget about what it cost (ain't that the truth about most aspects of these trips). But - taking off as the sun rose over the horizon of silhouetted acacias and silently gliding over the vast Serengeti and seeing the herds of zebras, wildebeests, and elephants is something that we will never forget. As expensive as it is, they are sold out quite frequently (and there are two balloons that hold 16 passengers each). We booked in advance and our day was sold out when we arrived (and the flight the day before was canceled due to wind). The video on their web site captures the experience quite well
http://www.balloonsafaris.com/

Re: our photo gear, it's all Nikon (d70, d70s, and a 7900). The 7900 also shoots video (640 x 480) and there's definitely a "highlights of our safari" video in the future

Now all we have to do is figure out where to go next!
Toshi is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Calo
Africa & the Middle East
49
May 10th, 2009 04:25 PM
gokyoto
Africa & the Middle East
16
May 26th, 2008 09:13 AM
Amanda_Chicago
Africa & the Middle East
8
Sep 16th, 2007 11:16 AM
family5
Africa & the Middle East
15
Apr 19th, 2006 06:07 PM
lorib1
Africa & the Middle East
20
Nov 1st, 2005 06:01 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are On


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -