sandi

sonali -

Sorry, but for the Ndutu lodge (which is fully booked) NO other lodges in the area.

You'll be just fine. You aren't the first solo traveler, nor will you be the last. For that matter, even if you were two or a group, the camp staff are very aware of visitor's concerns... let them know, but again - "be aware, but don't ponder this."

You'll sleep so well after full days of game drives and walks, great guides, food and fresh air - you probably won't even hear the lions roar, whether saying in a lodge or under canvas.

bat

sonali:
Sandi is giving you (us) great advice--on the plus side being in the tent will make the experience so much more heightened than being in a lodge.

wjsonl

Sonali,

Having never stayed in a tented camp before, I had some of your same concerns about safety. But I have recently learned some things about lion behavior that certainly have made me feel a whole lot more comfortable about a lion wandering through camp than I felt before. I hope these things help ease your concern a little as I feel, as Sandi and bat have both stated, that staying in a tent will add to your enjoyment of your safari, not take away from it.

In fact, to be able to stay in tents is one of the main reasons my son and I are returning to Tanzain in June.

So, here are some things about being around lions that make me feel better about staying in tents:

Lions are not naturally aggressive toward humans, that is, they do not see humans as prey.

Don't stare at the lion's eyes. This might be considered a challenge by the lion.

Don't stand and directly face the lion. Lions might consider this an aggressive stance.

Don't raise your voice, and if talking, try to talk as calmly and gently as possible. Loud talking aggitates a lion.

And don't run. Lions associate running with prey.

I hope this helps ease your concerns. Have a great trip, and enjoy all the sights, and sounds, of your safari. And also have a great Christmas! Jack

wjsonl

Wish this board had spell check as I obviously meant Tanzania, not Tanzain! Aaaarrggghhhh!

sonali74

Guys thanks for all the support!! Do they have camp staff at these special campsites, other than the driver/guides of the safari company?? And will other people also be there camping at the camp site?? or if the camp site is given to one operater it is solely reserved for that operater??? I also want a bigger tent. What are the types and sizes of the tents available usually with operaters?? I am a voracious reader, so can u keep the light on at night and read in the tent?? And if u want to answer nature's call at night, can u go out??? Thanks for the help in advance.

Patty

sonali,
My understanding with the special campsites is that it is only booked by one party at a time, so I don't think there will be other campers sharing the same site. Other than your driver/guide, you should have a cook along.

Did you ask Sunny what they provide as far as equipment and staff? Special campsites are basically wilderness sites and your tour operator has to bring in everything. Have you discussed the type of camping you'll be doing with them?

We camped twice this past trip and the setup is what I would call 'medium' camping (in other words not budget but not luxury either). I think some operators would call it semi-luxury camping. We had medium size dome tents with either cots or mattresses on the ground and separate toilet and shower tents. You can see some pics of our camp set up on my albums -

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-r5e7ji

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-dle0fg

I must admit that I never got up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom and if I did, I probably would've made Mark walk with me

But check all the details with Sunnys as only they can tell you exactly what they provide.

I slept better camping than I did anywhere else the entire trip (of course that could've been because I was tired after walking and riding). I would've liked to have heard the elephants and hyena near camp but unfortunately, I slept so soundly that I didn't hear anything at night.

I wouldn't worry too much about it.

Patty

P.S. - look for the photos that are labeled 'fly camp'

sonali74

Patty thanks, I will talk with sunny, presently I am having a look at your photos. They have turned out real good.
Sandi, where do u live??? Do u live in Africa?? bat would really like to meet you in tanzania, lets see if anything is possible and if we are at the same place at the same time.Jack hope u have a good time in tanzain(hehe),merry christmas everybody

wjsonl

a he he, a ha ha, and a HO HO HO!

sandi

sonali -

I live in New York City, but sure wish it was in Kenya instead. Since I don't, I try to get over to Kenya and/or Tanzania as often as time allows.

In 2005, I spent about 17-days in Tanzania/Zanzibar and Kenya. At this time, I'm considering a return trip to Kenya - sometime early June 2006. Will keep you posted.

sonali74

There are some parts in this posts in the middle which give some answers for safety on camping,
Jiman, Are u camping at public campsites or private campsites???