Leely

Thanks, Sandi. And what great itineraries you've provided. Yes, we're thinking of at least a few nights at a permanent tented camp. I am very curious to see how the increase in park fees will affect total costs. Also, I will definitely be dealing with the dreaded single supplement (gulp) this time.

On the bright side, I think "my Swahili" is probably much better than "my French." And that says more about my French than my Swahili.

Please have a delightful, exciting time in Tanzania and Kenya! And thank you for all your contributions to this board.

csuss

Sandi - intersting point about a discount at the hotel chains - I had not seen that before. THank you

sandi

Leely -

Didn't you ever hear of a "triple?" They can be had. In many lodges, most rooms are more then ample for a third bed; sometimes there are two double beds. For tents, triples can be iffy in some places - might only be available if it's a child and maybe only a child up to a certain age where they'll provide a cot, or ask for a King bed if the girls don't mind these arrangements. Ask and see what responses you get.

Leely

Hmm, triples. I guess I hadn't thought of it b/c I'd never seen it mentioned for E. Africa. I will definitely look into it. Thanks again, Sandi. Your advice is invaluable.

Sorry for hijacking your thread, dreamseeker.

dreamseeker

Hijack away and thank you, thank you, thank you! I'm so excited, I finally have something to "sink my teeth into". It hadn't occured to me to spend time in Nairobi, but it sounds like a good idea now. Both itineraries sound really wonderful,I knew the folks on this board(all of you)would be a great resourse.I'm going to keep reading and may join in from time to time but now I have to roll up my sleeves and start doing my homework. To all planning trips soon or not so soon, be safe, happy and have a ball!

JanGoss

Sandi:

Excellent itinerary suggestions. However, the late afternoon visiting of the orphaned elephants is for adoptive parents only. Not open to the public then.

Public viewing is only from 11 a.m. to noon.

Jan

sandi

Jan - Thanks for your comments. I mentioned the late afternoon Ellee visits for adoptive parents assuming that by the time of their safari, "dreamseeker" may have become a grandparent. LOL!

dreamseeker

Hi to Jan and Sandi, I do intend to become a "parent" when it gets a little closer to departure times. I've a couple more questions though--if both of the above timeframes work for me, which do you all think would be better, Jan. or June, or is it a horse apiece? Also, should I try to fit in a visit to Lake Nakuru, reading some other entries, it sounds awfully pretty. I like the idea of some flying, hours and hours of driving hurts my butt!! There is still the possibilty of trying to add on a few days in Egypt-probably trying to do too much.

sandi

dreamseeker -

To me it's a toss of the coin. But if considering January with the "calving" season in Tanzania, you shouldn't hesitate as this area is already booking up. You have a bit more leeway for time if you decide on a June itinerary.

While there are a number of long drives, there are plenty of stops along the way - to stretch your legs, if nature calls, to buy some souvenirs - but combining an itinerary with flying is good especially for the longer distances.

Now, here you started off with an 8-10 day itinerary, I've suggested an itinerary with a few more days... and now you also want to stop in Egypt! Of course it can be done, but you have to check the carriers that will get you to both, coordinate schedules. Personally, I believe it'll be overload.

Both Kenya/Tanzania and Egypt are amazing, but oh so different - culturally distinct, hard (pyramids, tombs) vs soft (animals) sights. I think each should be given their just due - as separate trips. There's alway the following year (maybe only six-months later)... another trip to plan. But, it's your choice and decision to make!

dreamseeker

I know , it's not the first time (or probably the last) that I'll get carried away. Eventually,I start thinking with my head and pocketbook instead of my heart. Sounds like the second or third week of Jan. might be better than the first. If I do Jan., it may have to wait until '07--nuts!! Maybe June would be ok.