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East Africa Trip Report Index
As I really enjoyed reading all of these reports, my thoughts went back to what Patty said last week about making an index. What a great idea, I thought, and to that end, I have started to compile an index of East African trip reports.
I am by no means finished; I still have at least 10 more reports of the ones that Patty listed for me to go, as well as all the other ones just listed on my original thread. But I thought I would start with what I have read, so that others may benefit from this index. I will keep posting the links, the dates, the operator, and the highlights of the person’s trip as I finish reading them. They are in no particular order, just more or less in the order that I came across them and read them! |
SANDI’S ‘FINALLY – MY TRIP REPORT– TANZANIA & KENYA – MAY/JUNE 2005’
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34649458 An incredible, fabulously lengthy and detailed report on Sandi’s self-planned trip to East Africa along with her friend Eileen. It is full of great descriptions of some pretty unusual and intriguing camps and lodges, complete with detailed descriptions of the accommodations. (who needs those brochures when we have Sandi?) This report is full of ‘Into Africa’ stories that are both memorable and amusing. Places visited were Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Zanzibar, Nairobi, Laikipia, and Masai Mara. Pictures available on Kodak Gallery. JAZZDREW’S ‘JUST RETURNED FROM KENYA/TANZANIA’ – JUNE 2005. http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34647066 There are lots of good hints and photo notes in this well-written descriptive family trip report by Andy, Arlene and their 11 year old son, Adam. With Roy’s Safaris (Tanzania) and Wildtrek (Kenya) as the operators on their private vehicle drive/fly safari, we can follow through with them on their trip from Amsterdam, Nairobi, Amboseli, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Staying at some of the upper-end lodges and camps in those areas, we are treated to some great descriptions of accommodations. Especially unique was their stay at Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, as well as a post from Adam on his highlights as seen through the eyes of an 11-year old. Picture link is mentioned, but I couldn’t get to it. JANGOSS’S ‘TRIP REPORT KENYA’ AUGUST 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34668517 On a repeat trip to East Africa, Jan treats us to a wonderful report of her private drive/fly trip in August with Southern Cross Safaris. As she travels solo from Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo and Nairobi she tells us of all of her wonderful animal sightings in some very entertaining stories. You can tell how much she loves animals by reading this report.. Staying at lodges and tents throughout Jan makes us feel we are there with her descriptions of them. |
ALWAYSAFRICA’S ‘TRIP REPORT PART 1: 26 DAYS IN TANZANIA’ - DEC 2004
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34569264 This is an incredible journal by a young couple that took a ‘remote’ trip of a different kind to Tanzania. Using East African Safari and Touring Company, their private drive safari took them to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro for game viewing, then on a 3-day trek (yes, on foot!) through the Crater Highlands, as well as a trek up Oldoinyo Lengai to see the sun rise. Resting up a bit in Tarangire NP, they were now ready for their next trek – a challenging 4 day climb up Mt. Meru. At the end was a well-earned one week beach paradise stay on the exotic island of Zanzibar. Accommodations ran the gamut – they ranged from a 2-man tent on a mountainside, to a luxury camp, and then finally a beach resort in Paradise. This really is a trip report not to be missed, even if you have no desire to have such a ‘remote’ trip! LISA’S ‘JUST BACK FROM AMAZING TANZANIAN SAFARI!’ NOV 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34718139 Traveling with Good Earth on a private drive safari, Lisa gives us an amazing descriptive narrative of their 15 days sighting hundreds of animals and birds. And what is more amazing is that Lisa lists them all in her report, it truly makes you feel that you are right there with her sighting them. Their itinerary took them from Arusha, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara and finally to Tarangire NP. Staying at mid to upper end lodges and camps, with a farm thrown into the mix, her descriptions of the accommodations and food also makes you feel you are there. A highlight is her encounter with the large green mamba snake at Mbuzi Mawe!. PATTY & MARK’S ‘KENYA & TANZANIA TRIP’ – NOV/DEC 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34719569 This was Patty & Mark’s second trip to East Africa this year – their first trip was so incredible that they just had to go back! It was an ‘off-the-beaten-path’ private drive safari with Eastern & Southern Safaris as the operator. It is a well written report that will keep you reading until you finish, the details are amazing! Staying at smaller guest cottages/ ranches and tented camps, Patty and Mark’s travels took them from various places around and about Mt. Kenya NP, south through Aberdare NP, west to Nakuru, and finally southwest through Lake Naivasha to the Mara. Flying back to Nairobi for a night, and then on to Kilimanjaro for an intriguing 4 day stay at a farm for a horseback safari! Pictures on Kodak Gallery. TO BE CONTINUED… |
Lynda,
What a concept! So we all get a present as a result. |
This is wonderful.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together, so thoughtful. And something we can all benefit from. Definitely - a give to everyone! |
Thanks so much for putting together this fabulous index to the wealth of data we have here.
Really appreciating your summaries. |
This is great! Thanks for taking the time to put together this index, an ambitious undertaking. Really enjoyed your summaries as well.
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Thanks Lynda. This is a wonderful Christmas present.
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MARYNUS’ ‘HONEYMOON TANZANIA & PEMBA’ SEPT 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34683315 This is a very witty, entertaining report of Luisa & Marijin’s 6 night honeymoon private drive safari to Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, Ndutu and the Serengeti with Tanzania Serengeti Adventures; followed by an idyllic 6 nights on the beach at Fundu Lagoon on the island of Pemba (off the coast of Zanzibar). It is an informative review; chock full of details on their adventures and their accommodations which included camps, smaller lodges and a farm. Highlights include some very interesting ‘scary stories’ as told to them by their overly-helpful guide! Links to photos on Snapfish. TANZANIABOUND’S ‘JUST BACK FROM TANZANIA!’ SEPT. 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34688402 & TANANIABOUND’S ‘TRIP REPORT FROM TANZANIA’ SEPT 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34690692 In two threads, Heather tells us of her and Jeff’s exciting trip that takes them to London, Nairobi, Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Serengeti. This trip was the result of husband Jeff making good on a promise to take Heather to Africa someday if she promised to marry him instead joining the peace corps. (brought tears to my eyes!) The first thread is full of interesting tips for the safari, while the second thread describes the trip in wonderful details through the eyes of someone who had a dream to see Africa. It was booked as a budget group safari with 2Afrika; it gives good insight into this type of a trip. Links to photos on Snapfish. CZ’S ‘ONE MONTH IN AFRICA PART 1’ SEPT 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34679837 This is a short, but good trip report full of great animal sighting stories on a couple’s trip that started out as a one week self-drive trip in South Africa, and ended in East Africa. The EA portion was booked as a private drive safari with Nature Expeditions Int’l. Staying at higher-end camps and lodges in Kenya we gain insight into a few of them that do not seem to surface very often in reports – such as the Ark in Aberdare NP. In Part 1 we follow them from Cape Town to Jo’berg, Kruger NP, Nairobi, Aberdare NP, Samburu, Sweetwaters, and the Mara. Part 2 would encompass their stay in Tanzania, but at the moment does not seem to be available. |
CLIMBHIGHSLEEPLOW’S ‘TRIP REPORT-SHORT’ JUNE 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34628643 This is a very informative report from Eben on-the-scene in Arusha! Having just been to the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Tarangire and Ngorongoro we are treated to first hand up-to-the-minute reports of the lodgings and animal sightings. Eben gives us good insight into the migration patterns in the Serengeti in this thread as well as some good descriptions of some of the camps, lodges and hotels he stayed at. He has also given us four links to his incredible camp/lodge slideshows so that we can check out our lodges that we will stay at! West Kilimanjaro Area: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34644698 Ngorongoro & NCA Lodges: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34644982 Serengeti camps & lodges: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34645281 Tarangire Lodges/Camps: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34644805 SONALI74’S ‘TRIP REPORT TANZANIA SERENGETI’ OCT/NOV 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34705490 This report is full of descriptions of some wonderful animal sightings on Sonali’s 7-night trip to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, while staying in three of the Wildlife Lodges. We are treated to some pretty exciting cat-sighting stories in this report, and for those of us who dearly wish to see them, it is encouraging to read that 84 different lions, 8 cheetahs and 3 leopards were sighted! TO BE CONTINUED>>>>>>>>> |
LyndaS:
Thanks for doing this. |
LyndaS:
For the next ones would you add the name of the tour operator? So many posters ask about whether someone has traveled with a particular company. |
duh, never mind. I see that you have it already; not sure why I thought it was missing.
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SANDI’S PICTURE LINK TO GO WITH HER REPORT:
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...&y=-qa0w3g This is Sandi’s link to her pictures on the Kodak website as mentioned in the first Trip Report in this thread – the pictures are wonderful, and plentiful! SUNNY_DAYS ‘KENYA, RWANDA & TANZANIA SHORT TRIP REPORT’ – SEPT 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34688363 Lawrence, for his honeymoon, booked an incredible 3 ½ week trip with value operators – Raylene Tours for the first part, the second part with East African Safaris, and African Encounters for the Zanzibar portion. Starting in Nairobi, they drove first to the Mara, then drove back to Nairobi and flew to Kigali in Rwanda. Heading up to the Gorilla’s Nest they spent two exciting days watching two of the gorilla groups before flying to Arusha to continue on their safari through Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Highlands that included a trek into Empakai Crater; Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire and back to Arusha. Then it was on to the relaxing part of the trip that took in a few days at Stonetown, Zanzibar, and Mnarani Cottages at Nungwi. This report is full of photography tips and useful hints for safaris in general, as well as a ‘pull no punches’ honest review of his operators and the various lodges and camps they stayed at. Photo link is mentioned, but says it is not available at this moment. Lawrence, if you are out there, please post a new link as everyone would love to see the pictures! MORE TO COME….. |
WAYNEHAZLE’S ‘EAST AFRICA TRIP REPORT’ OCTOBER 2005
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34724552 (5 – minute version) and www.waynehazle.com/eastafrica/ (Full-length version) The thread on Fodor’s is a ‘quickie’ version of Wayne and Mary Ellen’s fabulous first trip to East Africa thru Africa Point (Kenya & Tanzania) and RNXplorer (Rwanda) along with his parents Dorrel and Beryl. Bumping along on those ‘wonderful’ roads Wayne describes, we can follow their travels on safari from the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Amboseli, Arusha, Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro and finally an exciting gorilla trek in Rwanda. There are lots of fabulous and useful hints in his 5 minute report – BUT – don’t miss his full-length version – it is an incredible piece of art and wonderful reading! It’s the type of report that you will want to print out in colour (lots of pictures to go with the text) and read on buses, taxis, and in doctor’s offices. The highlight had to be ‘that looking thing’ – who would ever have thought that someone could still maintain their sense of humor after their car/jeep breaking down 6 times, especially in the middle of nowhere??? Pictures are on Wayne’s web site, see above link. LIZ_FRAZIER’S ‘TANZANIA TRIP REPORT’ MARCH 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34595582 (REPORT) http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34594708 (PICTURES) Here is a very frank, and very informative report of Liz and Max’s final trip to Africa – they will still travel, but in her words ‘closer to home – less adventuresome trips’. Years ago, she writes, she married Max with ‘baggage,’ - a real love for Africa that has kept them going back at her insistence. ‘Time for Max’ now she says! Her report is an incredibly detailed report on their trip through Tanzania with Roy’s Safaris’. Taking them from Tarangire, Ngorongoro CA, Serengeti, and then back to Ngorongoro, she gives in-depth descriptions of the various camps and one lodge that they stayed at. A highlight is reading about their first class flights to/from Nairobi/States, Liz gives us detailed descriptions of those wonderful first-class Flagship Suites on AA’s international flights! Her pictures are on Kodak Gallery, see the second thread for the link. EEZAM’S ‘OUR RECENT TRIP TO KENYA & TANZANIA’ NOV 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34714347 Eezam’s short, but very informative report on their private drive safari with Affordable Tours.Com/ Brendan takes us to Samburu, Lake Nakura, Masi Mara and then Nairobi. From here they fly to Arusha for the Tanzanian portion group drive safari with Rangers Safaris, taking them to Lake Manyara, Serengeti, Ngorongoro, staying mostly at Serena and Sopa lodges. This report is full of delightful animal sightings, and a few helpful hints as well. MARCUSBOXER’S ‘SAFARI TRIP REPORT’ DEC 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34723862 Marcus has given us a fabulous report of their safari with Africa Dream Safaris. Staying at upper end permanent, as well as mobile camps and tree lodges, their safari started with the ‘tourist circuit’ in Nairobi, flying to Kilimanjaro with stays in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Their trip finished with some historical sightseeing in Stonetown (Zanzibar) and then three ‘glorious’ days of doing nothing on Mnemba Island – a small, exclusive island off the island of Zanzibar. STILL MORE TO COME…… |
RSNYDER’S (LGOUSTAY) “MIKUMI, RUAHA, SELOUS TRIP’ JUNE 2005
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34649444 (report) http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34656478 (photo links) Having been already on the Northern Tanzania Route; Dick, his wife Darla and their 18-yr old daughter Beth decided to take a southern 11-night Tanzania fly-in safari with Foxes of Africa. Staying in Dar Es Salaam (hotel), Mikumi NP (banda), Ruaha and Selous NP (camps), Dick has written an incredible detailed and tip-packed report on their wonderful adventures on this trip. It is jam packed with lots of wonderful stories, details of animal sightings, the lodgings, the bugs, the group game drives, and even some thoughts on tipping. He has also given us very helpful details on pre-trip planning & arranging details, some packing details and great tips on cameras, camera accessories and money to bring. Highlights are his wonderful descriptions of the food in these camps, and the inter-flight details between the camps. Photos are linked in the second thread, but not the first address in Kodak Gallery given, scroll down to bottom of thread (Dec 2005) for the newest link to the photos. Bonus – Dick’s 2004 pictures of East Africa are there too! COOKNDOC’S ‘TANZANIA REPORT #1 AND TANZANIA REPORT # 2’ JUNE 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34649247 and http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34650503 This is a very detailed, well written candid report from Howard of his private fly/drive trip with Ranger’s Safaris to Tanzania. Not quite finished yet, we are hoping that Howard does come back to finish, or direct us to the thread if it is finished, as we are all looking forward to reading more! In these two threads, Howard recounts his adventures from him, his wife and two daughters (19 and 22) leaving home, through London, to Nairobi and onto Kilimanjaro and their pre-safari in Arusha. There were a few bumps along the way, but nothing that didn’t easily get ‘forgotten’ in the background once they sighted their first animals in Arusha NP. The second thread describes their trip from Arusha to their Serengeti camp. Howard has given us great animal sightings and wonderful tips throughout the report. Link to pictures in Kodak Gallery in first thread; link in second thread not working at this time though. MARIMARI’S ‘BACK FROM TANZANIA SAFARI’ MARCH 2005 http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34604031 This is a great descriptive report of Marilyn’s budget group drive safari with 2Africa to Tanzania. Staying at lodges throughout, Marilyn stayed in Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. She has given us very good insight into a group safari, including some great tips and practical info on some items to bring along, as well as detailed descriptions of the food and the accommodations at the lodges. The report is crammed full of good advice and observations! LISA’S PICTURE LINK TO GO WITH HER REPORT (earlier in this thread) http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34728853 Here are Lisa’s fabulous pictures to go with her report. These pictures for sure will get everyone dreaming of going to Africa! STILL WAY MORE TO COME…… |
Thanks again Lynda:
Did you notice how it came in handy when Leely refered someone to it recently? |
Yes, Lynda, this must be a labor of love. Thanks so much. Things have slowed down at work post-holidays, and I'm re-reading a lot of these, just dreaming of East Africa.
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Wonderful!
What did you do in your former life, now that you've have taken so much of, I'm sure, precious time for this project. Do tell! |
Lynda, you have quite the talent for condensing quite a bit of information into a few sentences capturing the essence of each report. What a valuable service to anyone thinking of heading to our favorite continent. Thank you so much. Dick
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