Thank you, Sharon.

Btw, my Amarula-Niederegger experiment is a full success. Hhhmmmm... :-P

Good Luck Bwana! Scary to think that things like this happen to a veteran African traveler...just think if it happens to a virgin traveler!
<font color="blue">:s</font>

Dennis,

This can happen to everyone. Apparently depends on the company you're dealing with.

Two days ago I was in contact with Tafika Lodge - what a difference. They have a new contact person there, Julie, her first season with John Coppinger. And the big surprise - the world is so small - she knew me: we met at Lufupa Lodge three years ago, where she was a guest like me, and now she's working in South Luangwa. Isn't that great? Her dreams have come true!

Mitch

I'm glad you are feeling better! ((D)) :-!

You will have a great time.

Peace,
((@))

Here is the flip side matniskstym---
there is still hope for us--
Have a great trip Bwana--thanks for being a great mentor.

48 hours and counting...

...and BANDITS OF MFUWE (aka The Bushcamp Company)

After I sent a very sharp mail last night they are now awaken down in Mfuwe. Bushcamp Company has sent me a mail that clarifies some points:

All BC clients are first driven to Mfuwe Lodge for tea or meal before they are transfered to their bush camps. (BC and Mfuwe Lodge are the same company.) There I will meet rent-a-vehicle Andy to discuss matters.

A vehicle for Bili Camp is available.

So far so good. Now the surprise:

They've increased the rate at $50/day as I am &quot;only needing it for 2 days&quot;. That's interesting. In their offer from May they had offered me &quot;a reduced rate for a pvt vehicle in the bushcamps, if you can come in October&quot;. No other clause. Do they want me to pay for the third day which is mainly used for transfer (2 x 3.5 hours) and already paid with the accommodation? Who knows.

How would you call this? In German we call such a thing (I don't say it in English because I don't want this page being deleted) BESCHISS.

So I certainly will have a 'nice' discussion with Andy at Mfuwe Lodge.

Mitch

Btw, in my reply I mentioned that I publish my travel experiences at Fodor's. Do they know Fodor's?

48 hours to go - lucky you! Here's wishing for you a fantastic journey! Look forward to hearing all about your trip when you return.

Cindy

42 hours and counting...

...and now it's WAR!

Well, that sounds a little dramatic, but my small (and already settled - at least from my side) differences with Bushcamp Company are suddenly evolving into something that looks more like a surreal dream than reality. I've never experienced such a thing before. I will keep you informed.

Mitch

PS: Looks like this page has become my personal blog.

Good luck getting things sorted, Mitch -- looking forward to your trip report!

Cheers,
Julian

Mitch - I would be FURIOUS! and frantic. Best of luck to you and I know it's easy for us to say but please try not to let it get you down. These things always have a way of working out, one way or another.

Mitch,

E-mail Andy a direct link to this topic and your treatment may improve. You would be surprised at how many people (operators) in South Luangwa are aware of this site and its impact on tourism in SLNP.

Mitch,

One more thing...the Tetse flies are REALLY biting this year. This was not a problem in the Lower Zambezi for me but in South Luangwa, especially at Puku Ridge's driving areas, it was a big problem. Make sure that you cover up, as it seemed that no matter how much insect repellent was used, even with DEET, that it was little help against the Tetse flies.

It is worth mentioning that the Norman Carr/RPS/BC vehicles seemed to almost always be full while I only shared a single game drive with another person during my six nights at Puku Ridge and Luangwa River Lodge. Of course this is all in the luck of the draw, but when you have more commercialized companies such as NC/RPS/BC it seems much less likely that they will be able to really provide you with a personalized safari experience.

25 hours and counting...

I've put my story with The Bushcamp Company in another thread,
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...p;tid=34678822

The only advice I can give you all: double-check if you are dealing directly with them, and take some tranquillizers.

Rocco,

Thank you for you thoughts. It doesn't make big sense to me, to continue my discussion with BC on another level. I've already lost too much time with this issue - and time is currently a very precious resource.

Tsetse bites? That isn't something new. And if you've had problems with them in South Luangwa, you better don't go to Kafue. At some places there it is really hell - and I know that DOOM or Sleep Well don't help much (at least in open vehicles).

Empty vehicles? This is the advantage of a new lodge and will certainly change next year. However, at the end of the high season (end of October) this is more relaxed, even with the renowned operators.

Mitch

11 hours and counting...

Packing is done!

Now I will enjoy an Amarula and viewing a nice Botswana video...

Mitch

2 hours and counting?

The taxi is on it's way...

I will be back in three and a half week.

Mitch :-P

Auf Weidersehn...(or however it's spelled!) =;