Greetings! Thank you to all of the regulars whose info, insights and updates I have been devouring with interest while I (actually, my partner and I) prepare for the trip of a lifetime. I am off on safari in late July this year, staying at 3 WS camps in Botswana and then Vic Falls Hotel. WS camps are Little Vumbura, Kwetsani and Duma Tau. My question - is there anything I should be asking my agent to book/arrange now? Perhaps someone knows who the best guides are at these camps? Or that one of these camps does stays outside overnight that I should book? Does someone have an opinion on the best rooms? Recommendations gratefully accepted! Catherine

These camps in late July should produce a fabulous trip to Botswana.

If Z is at LV, I really enjoyed him last year.

I'm not sure if any of these do a night ourside. But those usually are extra, not just a replacement.

If Cilas is still at Duma Tau, he's an excellent guide. Our group enjoyed having him as our guide a year ago. He's been mentioned several times here on the Board.

Howdy Catherine - How exciting! Sounds like a great itinerary. Not sure about other activities but in WS camps activities are included. If you haven't paid deposit yet to secure your WS camps probably wise to do so.

I am green with envy that you are heading out this year - Beware that the "Trip of a lifetime" quickly becomes, our "first" trip to Southern Africa!

The Wilderness website may have info about the opportunity to have a camp out from one of these camps. http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/ or email wilderness in South Africa to enquire [email protected]

I think Julian did a "sleepout" at Savuti. If so, Duma Tau is in the area and they may offer it too.

Have you booked a private vehicle? I dont know if you can request a certain guide without booking a Prvt....chk with your TA, if it is possible....

Hari

Hi I am taking a very similiar trip in June. Kwetsani Chitabe and Duma Tau. In VF we have scheduled an elephant ride for one morning. It may be hokey but who cares. It sound pretty cool.We were told to book this in advance.

Hello,

It sounds like you have a great trip lined up. I did do the sleep-out at Savuti, and you can do the same at Duma Tau (if you're staying for at least 3 nights) -- it is best to let them know in advance that you want to do this so they can organise the logistics. This was one of the highlights of my trip -- sleeping out under the stars and sharing a campfire with my guide and Autumn (Canechick).

As you may have heard, LV is undergoing some major renovations, though the camp will stay small and intimate (6 tents). It's not clear if the tents will be moved from their current positions so it's hard to recommend one.

Cilas is now at Mombo, where he was my guide for my five-day stay in July 2006. It was funny -- I actually requested him or Mr T for Savuti and then he turned up at Mombo.

One fantastic guide who is still at Duma Tau is Mr T (Thebe). He's a bit older than most of the guides and not as chatty, but he knows the bush phenomenally well and has a wry, dry sense of humour that I really enjoyed. He's also one of the best guides I've had in terms of knowing how to position a vehicle for photography.

Enjoy your trip!

Cheers,
Julian

Thanks to all of you - I will get on and see if I can put in a request for the guides mentioned, if they're still around, and will contact Duma Tau about a sleep out. I can't believe I might be sleeping out in the African wilderness ... I think I was bought up on too many Gerald Durrell and Wilbur Smith books!! We were told to have at least 3 nights at each camp to make sure we get two full days of activities at each place so we should be okay there.
Thanks again!!

We had a guide called Oates at Duma Tau and he was phenomenal. He seemed to have X-Ray eyes! He also asked at the start of our visit what we were most interested in both in terms of animals / birds and photography and then concentrated on what we wanted. You will love Duma Tau - start reading the regular newsletters put out by Brian and you will be familiar with much of the camp and the surrounds.
Have a great trip.
Alison

Tropical Gal

Where do you find the newsletters you refer to that are put out by Brian at Duma Tau. We will be there in June and would love to read some information.

Catherine,good luck with your trip.I don't think you will need it because your choice sounds great to me.

Spiegelcjs,here you can find all Wilderness safaris newsletters,they update them very often and it is a fantastic reading for bush enthusiastic.

Paco.

Sorry ,here are Wilderness news:

http://www.wildernesssafaris.com/cam...mp;method=menu

Paco.

Sorry ....again:

http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/news/news.jsp

spiegelcjs

PacoAhedo has replied already - I merely go into the wilderness safari website http:www.wilderness-safaris.com and then go to Camps - Botswana - Linyanti - Duma Tau and you will find all Brian's newsletters there.

Enjoy!