Guests
Dec 31st, 2007, 10:59 AM
#142
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
tom,
I've not once had a private vehicle on safari. Perhaps I've been lucky to have the Clayton's kind...the private vehicle you're having when you're not having a private vehicle.
Travelling with friends always affords a good share of the front passenger seat, and even when not with friends, most people think higher is better, so leave the front to me. Guides who are savvy help, of course, and most have been good in that respect in my experience.
John
I've not once had a private vehicle on safari. Perhaps I've been lucky to have the Clayton's kind...the private vehicle you're having when you're not having a private vehicle.
Travelling with friends always affords a good share of the front passenger seat, and even when not with friends, most people think higher is better, so leave the front to me. Guides who are savvy help, of course, and most have been good in that respect in my experience.
John
Dec 31st, 2007, 11:06 AM
#143
Join Date: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, it's been 2008 here for about 7 hours-- and hot--so best wishes for the New Year to all...including salty. In Oz, salty usually means a 20 ft. croc 
. I have a guide friend who was once visited by a delta croc in the middle of the night. But he, the guide, was sleeping in the open next to the water, not in his tent.
John
. I have a guide friend who was once visited by a delta croc in the middle of the night. But he, the guide, was sleeping in the open next to the water, not in his tent. John
Dec 31st, 2007, 12:14 PM
#144
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cutther,
Great idea! I love funny stories about guests and always impose upon my guides to tell me some. I may even be the source of a few. A long time ago I recall alluding to a forum where managers and guides could complain about guests, just as some clients complain about guides and camps here. I never thought that Fodors could serve both purposes. Congrats on taking the initiative.
Shinmewa,
Cute mouse hole in the tent story. Seems that philosophy could be effectively applied to many things in life.
On sharing accommodations with wildlife: A highlight for me was when a rock hyrax ran through my luxury cave suite in Matoba Hills and knocked into a table, which overturned a small lamp. No damage to the furniture and I hope no damage to the rock hyrax.
Tafika has been mentioned here. I was in a fight once over who would get the shower chameleon at Tafika We all wanted the hut with the resident chameleon friend.
I forget whoever mentioned bats as a plus. You are so right. That's one reason I still miss the photographers' tents (you didn't have to be a real pro photographer to stay in one, just spend a week and be content without a river view for less money) at Mara River Camp. They came with several resident bats.
Happy New Year and hope updates to this thread or similar ones are frequent in 2008.
Great idea! I love funny stories about guests and always impose upon my guides to tell me some. I may even be the source of a few. A long time ago I recall alluding to a forum where managers and guides could complain about guests, just as some clients complain about guides and camps here. I never thought that Fodors could serve both purposes. Congrats on taking the initiative.
Shinmewa,
Cute mouse hole in the tent story. Seems that philosophy could be effectively applied to many things in life.
On sharing accommodations with wildlife: A highlight for me was when a rock hyrax ran through my luxury cave suite in Matoba Hills and knocked into a table, which overturned a small lamp. No damage to the furniture and I hope no damage to the rock hyrax.
Tafika has been mentioned here. I was in a fight once over who would get the shower chameleon at Tafika We all wanted the hut with the resident chameleon friend.
I forget whoever mentioned bats as a plus. You are so right. That's one reason I still miss the photographers' tents (you didn't have to be a real pro photographer to stay in one, just spend a week and be content without a river view for less money) at Mara River Camp. They came with several resident bats.
Happy New Year and hope updates to this thread or similar ones are frequent in 2008.
Dec 31st, 2007, 01:17 PM
#145
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Quote "Tafika has been mentioned here. I was in a fight once over who would get the shower chameleon at Tafika We all wanted the hut with the resident chameleon friend."
Lynn,
John Coppinger looks a real sight wearing goggles & a snorkle when removing Spitting cobras from those lodgings.
Geoff.
Lynn,
John Coppinger looks a real sight wearing goggles & a snorkle when removing Spitting cobras from those lodgings.
Geoff.
Dec 31st, 2007, 01:40 PM
#146
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I can imagine that sight! I'll remember that the next time I think my job is tough. While I experienced no spitting cobras, we did take a Puff Adder for a ride, away from camp, and let it go.
While the chameleon held an attraction, I would not have fought to be able to shower with a spitting cobra.
While the chameleon held an attraction, I would not have fought to be able to shower with a spitting cobra.
Dec 31st, 2007, 02:25 PM
#147
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 317
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Speaking of spitting cobras...
I have told this story before but it is apropos for this thread. While at Mombo in 2004 I had the great pleasure of stepping on a spitting cobra whilst walking on the raised deck to the viewing deck on the way to the gift shop. My wife and eldest child freaked out but all I could think to do was get a few quick snaps with my camera. Fortunately no harm, no foul but I did get the heebie jeebies for a couple of days after I came to the realization of what might have been.
It also seems Tafika has its share of funny stories but I suspect it is because of the rooms without window screens. My middle child (son age 16 at the time) has one great fear but it is not bugs. When he and his brother and sister entered their room at Tafika one evening there were thousands of bugs of all sizes and shapes on the mosquito netting (think of that commercial where the couple is planning a trip) so he picked up the Doom in an effort to protect his sibs...he tried to press the button but to his great horror there was a giant toad on the top and he was pressing it...guess what his great fear is...you got it toads and frogs!
He screamed as if he had been attacked by a lion and threw the can half way across the room. I guess the toad was the protector of the Doom for the insects. Maybe it just doesn't like Doom flavored dead bugs.
Also, Jon Coppinger mentioned that Tafika is definitely NOT the place to be in the wet season if your are arachnophobic as the ground is literally covered with them as they escape the water and they are not the tiny little spiders we get here in New Jersey.
My funniest guest story had to be at Mara Explorer in 2006. A family of 5 from a European country spent the whole time there wearing bee keeper hats with full face masks. There wasn't a single bug anywhere and they wore them everywhere including meals. Very funny watching them trying to eat with those things on.
And one last thing... I have had more snakes and mice in my house in suburbia than in all of my trips to the bush...but then again I have also had a deer with vultures on it in my backyard as well.
Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone!
Eric
I have told this story before but it is apropos for this thread. While at Mombo in 2004 I had the great pleasure of stepping on a spitting cobra whilst walking on the raised deck to the viewing deck on the way to the gift shop. My wife and eldest child freaked out but all I could think to do was get a few quick snaps with my camera. Fortunately no harm, no foul but I did get the heebie jeebies for a couple of days after I came to the realization of what might have been.
It also seems Tafika has its share of funny stories but I suspect it is because of the rooms without window screens. My middle child (son age 16 at the time) has one great fear but it is not bugs. When he and his brother and sister entered their room at Tafika one evening there were thousands of bugs of all sizes and shapes on the mosquito netting (think of that commercial where the couple is planning a trip) so he picked up the Doom in an effort to protect his sibs...he tried to press the button but to his great horror there was a giant toad on the top and he was pressing it...guess what his great fear is...you got it toads and frogs!
He screamed as if he had been attacked by a lion and threw the can half way across the room. I guess the toad was the protector of the Doom for the insects. Maybe it just doesn't like Doom flavored dead bugs.
Also, Jon Coppinger mentioned that Tafika is definitely NOT the place to be in the wet season if your are arachnophobic as the ground is literally covered with them as they escape the water and they are not the tiny little spiders we get here in New Jersey.
My funniest guest story had to be at Mara Explorer in 2006. A family of 5 from a European country spent the whole time there wearing bee keeper hats with full face masks. There wasn't a single bug anywhere and they wore them everywhere including meals. Very funny watching them trying to eat with those things on.
And one last thing... I have had more snakes and mice in my house in suburbia than in all of my trips to the bush...but then again I have also had a deer with vultures on it in my backyard as well.
Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone!
Eric
Jan 1st, 2008, 06:28 AM
#149
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Very, very interesting thread. I’d like to see even more closet managers. Re. the communication problems, I avoid travel agents and always try to book directly with the camp, but I’ve had problems anyway. As a solo traveller I’ve been very lucky getting a private vehicle without paying for about half my game drives. And when I’ve had to share, I’ve shared the vehicle with three well-behaved people at the most.
Lynn, my experience is that if the bathroom isn’t completely closed there will <b>always</b> be a bat flying around the lamp.
I’m really jealous of people who see snakes. In 4 trips I’ve only seen 2 small and quick ones. One of them was moving in the grass just in front of me when I was walking barefoot. I wouldn’t like a snake in the tent though.
I’d love to hear more stories about guests and most of all I’d like to know how to be a perfect guest.
Happy New Year to everyone, especially to Salty.
Lynn, my experience is that if the bathroom isn’t completely closed there will <b>always</b> be a bat flying around the lamp.
I’m really jealous of people who see snakes. In 4 trips I’ve only seen 2 small and quick ones. One of them was moving in the grass just in front of me when I was walking barefoot. I wouldn’t like a snake in the tent though.
I’d love to hear more stories about guests and most of all I’d like to know how to be a perfect guest.
Happy New Year to everyone, especially to Salty.
Jan 10th, 2008, 06:04 AM
#150
Do you ever find things in your sheets? I was wondering if we should bring those bedsack type liners, used for sleeping beds, altho they add a pound to the precious weight.
Also, didn't like the bat flying around part, as I have a bird phobia and that's close enough. Speaking of which, I think I've read about birds landing on your breakfast table, which would freak me out. I'm bringing a plastic water gun to scare them off...do you think it'll work? I also have a plastic snake I could leave on the table. Any bird avoidance tips are much appreciated!
At least I'm ok with spiders and insects, since I live in Florida...I'm not a total wuss (but close!)
Also, didn't like the bat flying around part, as I have a bird phobia and that's close enough. Speaking of which, I think I've read about birds landing on your breakfast table, which would freak me out. I'm bringing a plastic water gun to scare them off...do you think it'll work? I also have a plastic snake I could leave on the table. Any bird avoidance tips are much appreciated!
At least I'm ok with spiders and insects, since I live in Florida...I'm not a total wuss (but close!)
Jan 10th, 2008, 08:43 AM
#151
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
barefootbeach,
Coming from the U.S. I would not want to have a gun-shaped item in my suitcase...the TSA prohibits anything even resembling a firearm, including squirt guns, etc. If you feel that strongly about it, maybe a small spray bottle?
Coming from the U.S. I would not want to have a gun-shaped item in my suitcase...the TSA prohibits anything even resembling a firearm, including squirt guns, etc. If you feel that strongly about it, maybe a small spray bottle?
Jan 12th, 2008, 10:30 AM
#154
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The birds are so pretty and small.
They like toast with marmalade or preserves; some don't like butter.
As to the fake snake... the birds will probably pick it up realize it's not food and drop it in your lap.
They like toast with marmalade or preserves; some don't like butter.
As to the fake snake... the birds will probably pick it up realize it's not food and drop it in your lap.
Jan 12th, 2008, 10:47 AM
#156
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,880
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
<b><i>The birds are so pretty and small.</i></b>
Like those yellow kites at Ngorongoro's picnic area that swoop down and grab the sandwich from your mouth, leaving people with broken glasses and cut noses
Like those yellow kites at Ngorongoro's picnic area that swoop down and grab the sandwich from your mouth, leaving people with broken glasses and cut noses
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bwanamitch
Africa & the Middle East
29
Sep 16th, 2005 02:15 PM
