Countdown...please post how long before you leave for Africa and your itinerary!!!
May 9th, 2005, 07:57 AM
#102
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77 Days and counting!
Cape Town (3)
JNB Airport Hotel (1)
Kafunta River Lodge (3) South Luangwa
Kafunta Island Bush Camp (2) South Luangwa
Chongwe River Lodge (3) Lower Zambezi
JNB - Westcliff (1)
I'm looking forward to reading all of these trip reports!
Cape Town (3)
JNB Airport Hotel (1)
Kafunta River Lodge (3) South Luangwa
Kafunta Island Bush Camp (2) South Luangwa
Chongwe River Lodge (3) Lower Zambezi
JNB - Westcliff (1)
I'm looking forward to reading all of these trip reports!
May 9th, 2005, 10:07 AM
#103
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dreaming,
Just one possibility...I also did the 5 night Kafunta River Lodge / Kafunta Island Bush Camp itinerary...I thought it would have been much smoother had it started out with the 2 nights at Kafunta Island Bush Camp and then finish with 3 consecutive nights at Kafunta River Lodge, although I don't know what time you are arriving in Mfuwe.
It takes about 3.5 - 4 hours between the two camps and it is a bit of a grueling trip complete with very bumpy roads and tetse flies. With 2 nights at KRL, followed by 2 nights at KIBC, and then finishing with only 1 night at KRL, I found it a bit tiring. One more night at the end would have been perfect, or as previously suggested, maybe 2 nights at KIBC, followed by 3 straight nights at KRL.
But, if the above is not possible, don't worry about it. You should see plenty of animals on your transfers between lodges, so it is really nothing more than one long game drive. Where I think I went wrong was doing a game drive that same morning...had I instead chose a bush walk, it would not have been so taxing to do a morning game drive, followed by breakfast, follwed by the 4 hour road transfer to KIBC. So, a bush walk on your morning of transfer will make a big difference, IMO.
Chongwe River Camp looks like a great place, and after seeing its ad in this months Africa Travel, I quickly tacked it on after my 3 nights at Kasaka River Lodge for a short 2 night stay.
My final itinerary:
Kasaka River Lodge (3)
Chongwe River Camp (2)
Puku Ridge (2)
Robin's House at Nkwali (2) (awaiting confirmation)
Luangwa River Lodge (3)
Cape Town (4)
Simbambili (3)
113 days and counting!
Just one possibility...I also did the 5 night Kafunta River Lodge / Kafunta Island Bush Camp itinerary...I thought it would have been much smoother had it started out with the 2 nights at Kafunta Island Bush Camp and then finish with 3 consecutive nights at Kafunta River Lodge, although I don't know what time you are arriving in Mfuwe.
It takes about 3.5 - 4 hours between the two camps and it is a bit of a grueling trip complete with very bumpy roads and tetse flies. With 2 nights at KRL, followed by 2 nights at KIBC, and then finishing with only 1 night at KRL, I found it a bit tiring. One more night at the end would have been perfect, or as previously suggested, maybe 2 nights at KIBC, followed by 3 straight nights at KRL.
But, if the above is not possible, don't worry about it. You should see plenty of animals on your transfers between lodges, so it is really nothing more than one long game drive. Where I think I went wrong was doing a game drive that same morning...had I instead chose a bush walk, it would not have been so taxing to do a morning game drive, followed by breakfast, follwed by the 4 hour road transfer to KIBC. So, a bush walk on your morning of transfer will make a big difference, IMO.
Chongwe River Camp looks like a great place, and after seeing its ad in this months Africa Travel, I quickly tacked it on after my 3 nights at Kasaka River Lodge for a short 2 night stay.
My final itinerary:
Kasaka River Lodge (3)
Chongwe River Camp (2)
Puku Ridge (2)
Robin's House at Nkwali (2) (awaiting confirmation)
Luangwa River Lodge (3)
Cape Town (4)
Simbambili (3)
113 days and counting!
May 9th, 2005, 10:13 AM
#104
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Approximately 36 days.
I’ll leave for Kenya around 15 June and I’ll stay for 3 weeks.
Stockholm – Amsterdam – Nairobi
As it looks right now I’ll stay at the Terminal Hotel (1 night)
Then I’ll go on an expensive flying safari to Samburu Intrepids (4 nights, would like a longer stay)
After that I’ll take the bus to Nakuru and stay in Mbweha Camp for a couple of days.
Back to Nairobi, buy a one-way ticket to Lamu, stay at Yumbe House. And then I don’t know what I’ll do.
I’ll leave for Kenya around 15 June and I’ll stay for 3 weeks.
Stockholm – Amsterdam – Nairobi
As it looks right now I’ll stay at the Terminal Hotel (1 night)
Then I’ll go on an expensive flying safari to Samburu Intrepids (4 nights, would like a longer stay)
After that I’ll take the bus to Nakuru and stay in Mbweha Camp for a couple of days.
Back to Nairobi, buy a one-way ticket to Lamu, stay at Yumbe House. And then I don’t know what I’ll do.
May 9th, 2005, 11:14 AM
#105
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Rocco -
Thanks for the feedback.... I had considered requesting the 3/2 division you've suggested for Kafunta, but I thought maybe I'd just go with what's set-up and see. I will plan to do the bush walk the morning of the transfer, rather than a drive.
Did you read Bradt's Zambia guide comments on Chongwe? It sounded pretty good. I have not yet seen the ad in Africa Travel. From the descriptions of Kasaka and Chongwe in Bradt's it seems that the two camps would be a good combination of experiences.
I've just had a project come up at work that may require me to cancel my trip (and final deposits are due in the next couple of weeks, yikes!). So the focus of my energy is trying to figure out a way to make both the project and my trip work out, rather than make any changes to the trip or more detailed plans for the time in Cape Town & Johannesburg.
For anyone who is travelling to Cape Town at the same time I am (end of July), the Table Mountain Cableway is scheduled to be closed for annual maintenace from July 25th - August 7th...
Thanks for the feedback.... I had considered requesting the 3/2 division you've suggested for Kafunta, but I thought maybe I'd just go with what's set-up and see. I will plan to do the bush walk the morning of the transfer, rather than a drive.
Did you read Bradt's Zambia guide comments on Chongwe? It sounded pretty good. I have not yet seen the ad in Africa Travel. From the descriptions of Kasaka and Chongwe in Bradt's it seems that the two camps would be a good combination of experiences.
I've just had a project come up at work that may require me to cancel my trip (and final deposits are due in the next couple of weeks, yikes!). So the focus of my energy is trying to figure out a way to make both the project and my trip work out, rather than make any changes to the trip or more detailed plans for the time in Cape Town & Johannesburg.
For anyone who is travelling to Cape Town at the same time I am (end of July), the Table Mountain Cableway is scheduled to be closed for annual maintenace from July 25th - August 7th...
May 9th, 2005, 04:19 PM
#106
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hello again guys. ok, in this link is a bit more of my plans. if your interested. take a look.
cheers, david
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/1e53c/
cheers, david
http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/1e53c/
May 10th, 2005, 10:11 AM
#107
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dreaming,
I just ordered the Bradt Zambia guide book today, after seeing that it has a very recent publication date of January 2005.
Would you mind paraphrasing what the Bradt Zambia guide had to say about Chongwe River Camp?
Chongwe River Camp looks like a nicer alternative than Old Mondoro. The combo of Kasaka River Lodge/Chongwe River Camp is about 1/3 less than Sausage Tree Camp/Old Mondoro or Chiawa/Old Mondoro.
Thanks for any additional feedback (and if it had anything to say about Kasaka River Lodge, I would appreciated those comments, as well).
I just ordered the Bradt Zambia guide book today, after seeing that it has a very recent publication date of January 2005.
Would you mind paraphrasing what the Bradt Zambia guide had to say about Chongwe River Camp?
Chongwe River Camp looks like a nicer alternative than Old Mondoro. The combo of Kasaka River Lodge/Chongwe River Camp is about 1/3 less than Sausage Tree Camp/Old Mondoro or Chiawa/Old Mondoro.
Thanks for any additional feedback (and if it had anything to say about Kasaka River Lodge, I would appreciated those comments, as well).
May 10th, 2005, 08:32 PM
#108
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Roccco-
I'm currently out of town, but when I return I'll paraphrase both Chongwe and Kasaka for you...
In the meantime, the Sunvil Africa site has a brief version of the comments - http://www.sunvil.co.uk/africa/pdfs/...%20Zambezi.pdf
I'm currently out of town, but when I return I'll paraphrase both Chongwe and Kasaka for you...
In the meantime, the Sunvil Africa site has a brief version of the comments - http://www.sunvil.co.uk/africa/pdfs/...%20Zambezi.pdf
May 16th, 2005, 07:30 AM
#109
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Rocco -
Apologies for the delay. If you've received your book already you won't need this, but just in case... Paraphrasing and abbreviating below.
Regarding Kasaka, it is nicely located 5km west of the park. The appearance of the camp is nice and luxurious. Rooms might be a little smaller than the norm, but have what you'll need in them. The ambiance seems to be about being on vacation more than about being in the bush.
In regards to Chongwe, great location at the intersection of the Zambezi and Chongwe Rivers and at the boundary of the national park. The author saw wild dog there on his trip. Tented chalets. There is a camp impala. Regular elephant crossings of the river. Good guiding. And there are some day / overnight trips that can be arranged in advance. Ambiance seems more about being in the bush.
I suggested the Sunvil site, since the author works at Sunvil Africa.
When you get your book, have a look at the reading list in the Appendix - might give you some further possibilities for reading before you go.
Apologies for the delay. If you've received your book already you won't need this, but just in case... Paraphrasing and abbreviating below.
Regarding Kasaka, it is nicely located 5km west of the park. The appearance of the camp is nice and luxurious. Rooms might be a little smaller than the norm, but have what you'll need in them. The ambiance seems to be about being on vacation more than about being in the bush.
In regards to Chongwe, great location at the intersection of the Zambezi and Chongwe Rivers and at the boundary of the national park. The author saw wild dog there on his trip. Tented chalets. There is a camp impala. Regular elephant crossings of the river. Good guiding. And there are some day / overnight trips that can be arranged in advance. Ambiance seems more about being in the bush.
I suggested the Sunvil site, since the author works at Sunvil Africa.
When you get your book, have a look at the reading list in the Appendix - might give you some further possibilities for reading before you go.
May 17th, 2005, 11:23 AM
#110
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Okay, hopefully this is it...my final itinerary.
Kasaka River Lodge, LZNP (3)
Chongwe River Camp, LZNP (3)
Luangwa River Lodge, SLNP (3)
Puku Ridge, SLNP (3)
Cape Town (4) Lodging TBD
Simbambili, SSGR (3)
I am no oddsmaker, but I do think my 9 nights between Lower Zambezi and Simbambili will give me about a 50% chance of seeing wild dogs. I just couldn't sell myself on Madikwe to I would much rather take my chances this way.
Kasaka River Lodge, LZNP (3)
Chongwe River Camp, LZNP (3)
Luangwa River Lodge, SLNP (3)
Puku Ridge, SLNP (3)
Cape Town (4) Lodging TBD
Simbambili, SSGR (3)
I am no oddsmaker, but I do think my 9 nights between Lower Zambezi and Simbambili will give me about a 50% chance of seeing wild dogs. I just couldn't sell myself on Madikwe to I would much rather take my chances this way.
May 17th, 2005, 12:26 PM
#111
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ok could not resist this thread however we have 106 long long days to go before we hit Kenya, Tanzania and then two days on the beach in Zanzibar. So thankful for all the advice we have received here
May 17th, 2005, 12:57 PM
#112
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2 days...
Who else (besides of Rocco of course) is going to Simbambili?
Sorry, I told somebody I would write something in Simbambili's guest book as they are arriving there just after I will have left, but I have forgotten you name..
Is it Rochat ??
Who else (besides of Rocco of course) is going to Simbambili?
Sorry, I told somebody I would write something in Simbambili's guest book as they are arriving there just after I will have left, but I have forgotten you name..
Is it Rochat ??
May 17th, 2005, 01:01 PM
#113
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5 months and counting! leave hilo hawaii to honolulu to san francisco for 2 days then off to atlanta, 3 nights capetown villarosa inn, 3 nights balule/kruger tremisana wildlife lodge, 1 night victoria falls a'zmabezi river lodge, 3 nights chobe national park chobe safari lodge, 1 night johannesburg emerald guest house, back to san francisco 2 days with family, then back to honolulu then hilo, hawaii
May 17th, 2005, 01:18 PM
#114
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Yes it's me!!! Arriving Simbambili on 31st May.
13 days til we fly from Heathrow, couldn't afford an upgrade but have managed to get seats in the upper tier on SA airlines as this has 35in leg room opposed to the normal 31. Has anyone else been up there and is it better?
Actually who cares.... I'll be on holiday!!!
Rochat
13 days til we fly from Heathrow, couldn't afford an upgrade but have managed to get seats in the upper tier on SA airlines as this has 35in leg room opposed to the normal 31. Has anyone else been up there and is it better?
Actually who cares.... I'll be on holiday!!!
Rochat
May 18th, 2005, 03:56 PM
#115
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rochat,
You Brits are spoiled...oh how I would love a direct 11 hour overnight flight, waking up in South Africa!
I don't know if you have seen the latest update from the Leopards Of Simbambili series but it is pretty gory. At least the leopards do not seem to go hungry.
(If you look closely at the photos you will notice that the Impala eyeballs must be like the appetizer, as they are long gone from the sockets)
http://www.tagasafaris.co.za/african...est-events.htm
You Brits are spoiled...oh how I would love a direct 11 hour overnight flight, waking up in South Africa!
I don't know if you have seen the latest update from the Leopards Of Simbambili series but it is pretty gory.
At least the leopards do not seem to go hungry. (If you look closely at the photos you will notice that the Impala eyeballs must be like the appetizer, as they are long gone from the sockets)
http://www.tagasafaris.co.za/african...est-events.htm
May 18th, 2005, 06:09 PM
#117
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Dear All,
It still seems too long to wait, but it is this year -
I leave with a niece from Brisbane to Hong Kong then onto J'burg on Dec 11/12
night 1 Lion Sands, Sabi Sands
nights 2-8 MalaMala, Sabi Sands
nights 9-10 Singita Boulders
nights 11-15 Londolozi, either
Founders or Bateleur
nights 16-17 Lion Sands, Sabi Sands
nights 18-22 MalaMala, Sabi Sands
nights 23 J'burg
then return home Cathay Pacific, J'burg, Hong Kong and then to Brisbane in Australia
I am really interested to hear from anyone who has been to Lion Sands.
I would also love to hear from NapaMatt or from someone who calls themselves Safarinut privately through email about a question I have regarding MalaMala - my favourite place in the whole world but something has happened with the booking of my trip in December that I would like to speak to someone that goes there regularly - my email address is [email protected]
I shall be away for a few days but I will reply to them early next week.
Kaye
It still seems too long to wait, but it is this year -
I leave with a niece from Brisbane to Hong Kong then onto J'burg on Dec 11/12
night 1 Lion Sands, Sabi Sands
nights 2-8 MalaMala, Sabi Sands
nights 9-10 Singita Boulders
nights 11-15 Londolozi, either
Founders or Bateleur
nights 16-17 Lion Sands, Sabi Sands
nights 18-22 MalaMala, Sabi Sands
nights 23 J'burg
then return home Cathay Pacific, J'burg, Hong Kong and then to Brisbane in Australia
I am really interested to hear from anyone who has been to Lion Sands.
I would also love to hear from NapaMatt or from someone who calls themselves Safarinut privately through email about a question I have regarding MalaMala - my favourite place in the whole world but something has happened with the booking of my trip in December that I would like to speak to someone that goes there regularly - my email address is [email protected]
I shall be away for a few days but I will reply to them early next week.
Kaye
May 19th, 2005, 05:53 AM
#120
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We leave on August 3 (after I take the Virginia Bar and hopefully pass!) and return on August 22. We have a very standard itinerary as this is our first time and we want to hit the "typical" stuff. I can't wait!!!
Day 1: Arrive Kili Airport, overnight Mt. Village Lodge
Days 2-8: Kili trek; Machame route with an acclimitization day.
Days 9-11: Tarangire, Kikoti Camp
Days 11-13: Arrive Ngorongoro Crater (and Olduvai), Ngorongoro Serena
Day 13: Serengeti, Serena Lodge
Day 14-16: Serengeti, Migration Camp
Day 17: Flight back to Arusha and Departure
Day 1: Arrive Kili Airport, overnight Mt. Village Lodge
Days 2-8: Kili trek; Machame route with an acclimitization day.
Days 9-11: Tarangire, Kikoti Camp
Days 11-13: Arrive Ngorongoro Crater (and Olduvai), Ngorongoro Serena
Day 13: Serengeti, Serena Lodge
Day 14-16: Serengeti, Migration Camp
Day 17: Flight back to Arusha and Departure
