help with itinerary please
May 18th, 2016, 04:53 PM
#21
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which company are you using Amy?
Thanks CaliNurse I have so many options in front of me I am going crazy. My friend is coming tomorrow and I will narrow it down to three choices for her.
I will let you know
Thanks CaliNurse I have so many options in front of me I am going crazy. My friend is coming tomorrow and I will narrow it down to three choices for her.
I will let you know
May 18th, 2016, 05:44 PM
#22
You two should see my Excel trip planning spreadsheet, it's really a thing of beauty. HA!
I got quotes from several operators on Uganda, and they were all coming in very close to the same. But Africa Travel Resource had the best prices for Uganda. For Rwanda, I'm looking at Africa Travel Resource, Expert Africa and Treks2Rwanda (they are the sister company of Access2Tanzania, who I went to Tanzania with) and the prices are significantly lower than what I was quote in Uganda. To the point where I can do Rwanda and still sneak back to my beloved Mara....sigh! Besides just the price, the ease of getting around and to the gorillas and back in Rwanda without extra nights is important, as I'm limited to two weeks total vacation time. It was killing me to have to spend nights en route back and forth in Uganda.
I got quotes from several operators on Uganda, and they were all coming in very close to the same. But Africa Travel Resource had the best prices for Uganda. For Rwanda, I'm looking at Africa Travel Resource, Expert Africa and Treks2Rwanda (they are the sister company of Access2Tanzania, who I went to Tanzania with) and the prices are significantly lower than what I was quote in Uganda. To the point where I can do Rwanda and still sneak back to my beloved Mara....sigh! Besides just the price, the ease of getting around and to the gorillas and back in Rwanda without extra nights is important, as I'm limited to two weeks total vacation time. It was killing me to have to spend nights en route back and forth in Uganda.
May 18th, 2016, 09:41 PM
#23
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If only doing gorillas, I think for ease of logistics Rwanda is better. However, when I did my Uganda trip (back in 2007) the chimps were actually a surprise highlight, some would say it's sacrilege to say so but I actually enjoyed my chimp tracking at Kyumbura more than my gorilla trek. And chimp tracking comes at a fraction of the price. I would definitely do more chimps in the future, maybe somewhere else like Mahale, but I'm not in a hurry to do the gorillas again.
I think the chimps can be a bit hit and miss at Kyambura and I had a great experience but if I were to go back to Uganda I would do more chimp tracking, maybe the habituation experience at Kibale.
I think the chimps can be a bit hit and miss at Kyambura and I had a great experience but if I were to go back to Uganda I would do more chimp tracking, maybe the habituation experience at Kibale.
May 19th, 2016, 08:03 PM
#24
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Thanks so much everyone. My friend and I met today and this is what we have decided.
Before I put down the deposits I would love some feedback on any glaring mistakes!
We will fly from Vancouver to Amsterdam around Feb 09
three nights in Amsterdam to break up the trip.
Amsterdam to Nairobi (fare is only $630 return on BA). overnight Nairobi AP
2/14 fly to Entebbe. Overnight
2/15 Entebbe
2/16 start tour. drive to QE park staying at Bush Lodge
2/17 game drive morning, boat trip afternoon.tree climbing lions in there somewhere too
2/18 chimp trekking then transfer to Buhoma Community Bandas.
2/19 gorilla trek
2/20 drive to Rwanda. stay at La Palme
2/21 gorilla trek Rwanda
2/22 drive to Kigili and take the evening flight to Nairobi. overnight
2/23 start kenya safari. Nairobi tented camp. game drives
2/24 - 2/28 fly to Porini lion camp. four nights. one Masa Mara drive
2/28 pay for a late flight back to Nairobi. dinner. evening flight back to Amsterdam
3/01 one week somewhere not too cold in Europe. Maybe the south of Italy.
3/08 fly back to Canada.
In the end my friend decided it made sense to do one trek in Uganda and the other in Rwanda.
I have narrowed down the companies in Uganda to either Insight or Churchill. I will decide in the next couple of days and send off my deposit.
Any critique is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
Before I put down the deposits I would love some feedback on any glaring mistakes!
We will fly from Vancouver to Amsterdam around Feb 09
three nights in Amsterdam to break up the trip.
Amsterdam to Nairobi (fare is only $630 return on BA). overnight Nairobi AP
2/14 fly to Entebbe. Overnight
2/15 Entebbe
2/16 start tour. drive to QE park staying at Bush Lodge
2/17 game drive morning, boat trip afternoon.tree climbing lions in there somewhere too
2/18 chimp trekking then transfer to Buhoma Community Bandas.
2/19 gorilla trek
2/20 drive to Rwanda. stay at La Palme
2/21 gorilla trek Rwanda
2/22 drive to Kigili and take the evening flight to Nairobi. overnight
2/23 start kenya safari. Nairobi tented camp. game drives
2/24 - 2/28 fly to Porini lion camp. four nights. one Masa Mara drive
2/28 pay for a late flight back to Nairobi. dinner. evening flight back to Amsterdam
3/01 one week somewhere not too cold in Europe. Maybe the south of Italy.
3/08 fly back to Canada.
In the end my friend decided it made sense to do one trek in Uganda and the other in Rwanda.
I have narrowed down the companies in Uganda to either Insight or Churchill. I will decide in the next couple of days and send off my deposit.
Any critique is greatly appreciated. Thanks so much.
May 20th, 2016, 04:58 AM
#27
I love like minded planners! I now have three tabs on this spreadsheet given how many times I've sliced and diced the itinerary. I'm getting close though.
I think this looks fine, although I can't speak to transit times like driving to Rwanda from Buhoma.
On the 22nd, are you staying at Nairobi Tented Camp or somewhere nearby the airport? I think that both of the camps/lodges in NNP allow for nighttime transfers from the airport into the park, I know the Emakoko (the lodge there)does, so that way you'd sleep there on your arrival night in Nairobi and not have to deal with a morning transfer to it.
On your departure from the Mara, nice idea to take the late day flight back as the flight to AMS leaves so late. If you're meat eaters, Carnivore is a nice restaurant to decompress in before you go. Gamewatchers knows it (took me there on my 2nd safari) and there is a nice little shop next door to buy some nice quality souvenirs if you haven't to that point.
I don't think you have any room to include Nakuru here, I wouldn't even consider it.
I think this looks fine, although I can't speak to transit times like driving to Rwanda from Buhoma.
On the 22nd, are you staying at Nairobi Tented Camp or somewhere nearby the airport? I think that both of the camps/lodges in NNP allow for nighttime transfers from the airport into the park, I know the Emakoko (the lodge there)does, so that way you'd sleep there on your arrival night in Nairobi and not have to deal with a morning transfer to it.
On your departure from the Mara, nice idea to take the late day flight back as the flight to AMS leaves so late. If you're meat eaters, Carnivore is a nice restaurant to decompress in before you go. Gamewatchers knows it (took me there on my 2nd safari) and there is a nice little shop next door to buy some nice quality souvenirs if you haven't to that point.
I don't think you have any room to include Nakuru here, I wouldn't even consider it.
May 20th, 2016, 06:36 AM
#28
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I am a vegetarian so the Carnivore restaurant actually sounds like a nightmare to me. Ha ha.
It is a bit more expensive to stay at the nairobi tented camp that first night than an airport hotel, but maybe I will look at the logistics to see if it might be better.
How is your planning coming? Planning is most of the fun for me!
It is a bit more expensive to stay at the nairobi tented camp that first night than an airport hotel, but maybe I will look at the logistics to see if it might be better.
How is your planning coming? Planning is most of the fun for me!
May 20th, 2016, 07:10 AM
#29
I was not vegetarian when I went to Carnivore, but am now, and wouldn't go back, but they say they have options for all diets, although it would be tough to see the meat, I think.
The planning is fun when I have control over it. The waiting for the next response is tough. I just want to book at this point, but need patience.
At night it was about 20 minutes from the airport to the NNP, then another 20 once inside the park to the lodge (which is near the tented camp). It could be a lot worse in morning traffic, that's the only reason I'd suggest doing the transfer at night if you can. It would maximize your time in the park, but I know costs play a role too!
The planning is fun when I have control over it. The waiting for the next response is tough. I just want to book at this point, but need patience.
At night it was about 20 minutes from the airport to the NNP, then another 20 once inside the park to the lodge (which is near the tented camp). It could be a lot worse in morning traffic, that's the only reason I'd suggest doing the transfer at night if you can. It would maximize your time in the park, but I know costs play a role too!
May 20th, 2016, 08:44 AM
#31
I'm eyeing Feb 2017 but haven't finalized dates. There's a very good chance we'll be in the Mara at the same time, but I'm going with Mara North Conservancy and not OMC this time. I'll let you know when I finalize and book!
May 21st, 2016, 12:18 PM
#32
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Live4, what time does your flight arrive in Entebbe? If early in the day, i'd say you really do not need two nights there. it's a nice little area, a great intro to Uganda, but 24 hours should suffice. Unless...and this is a biggie...you intend to do trip to Ngam ba Island's chimpanzees. Google it. It's on my list for next time!!
Also note that Bush Lodge is part of the Nature Lodges group, which includes Airport Guest house in Entebbe. Maybe you can get a reduced price if staying at more than one Nature Lodge properties? Airport Guest House is fine--like Entebbbe itself, a very low key and local intro to Uganda-- but since I was there (2012) i see there are other local b and bs that have started up, and look lovely as well.
Didn't stay at Bush Lodge bandas at QE (stayed at Ishasha Lodge, way too far from the action!) but heard the view of the channel from Bush makes for a fun experience!!
Assume ANY drive through ANY part of the beautiful Bwindi Forest will be on rutted roads and will be slow-going.
Also note that Bush Lodge is part of the Nature Lodges group, which includes Airport Guest house in Entebbe. Maybe you can get a reduced price if staying at more than one Nature Lodge properties? Airport Guest House is fine--like Entebbbe itself, a very low key and local intro to Uganda-- but since I was there (2012) i see there are other local b and bs that have started up, and look lovely as well.
Didn't stay at Bush Lodge bandas at QE (stayed at Ishasha Lodge, way too far from the action!) but heard the view of the channel from Bush makes for a fun experience!!
Assume ANY drive through ANY part of the beautiful Bwindi Forest will be on rutted roads and will be slow-going.
May 21st, 2016, 12:30 PM
#33
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p.s. re those tree climbing lions at QE...nothing is guaranteed!!! We drove in the area and didnt see a single one. And since you are going to an area of Kenya where you will definitely see many, many lions , and very likely at least one leopard up in a tree ( commonly seen with the Porini Lion spotters)...If you've already had a long day and are ready to relax back at Bush Camp, I personally wouldnt go out of my way to get to the Ishasha sector. On the other hand, going to Bush camp you may go near Ishasha sector anyway. Not sure, and can't find on map. If nearby anyway, you may be one of the lucky ones that see the famous but elusive tree lions!!!
Also,check link below. One of the replies, incidentally, is from Mfuwe the magnificent--he's incredibly knowledgeable and has helped many a visitor to Uganda.
http://tinyurl.com/h47aolg
Also,check link below. One of the replies, incidentally, is from Mfuwe the magnificent--he's incredibly knowledgeable and has helped many a visitor to Uganda.
http://tinyurl.com/h47aolg
May 21st, 2016, 03:27 PM
#34
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Thanks Cali. We will arrive in the morning into Entebbe so maybe we don't need another day. thanks for that. I will check out that hotel in Entebbe. Perhaps Churchill can get me a rate too.
I put down Ishasha lions because I just assumed we would be driving through there at some point,, but you are right (and so is Mfuwe) that I don't need to go out of my way to see them if going to Kenya.
I just have to figure out what we are doing the last week in Europe so that I can actually book all of this. I need to figure out exact dates.
I have to book Porini by Friday to get the 2016 prices, and have narrowed our last week in Europe to 3 choices so the money will be leaving my hands soon.....
I put down Ishasha lions because I just assumed we would be driving through there at some point,, but you are right (and so is Mfuwe) that I don't need to go out of my way to see them if going to Kenya.
I just have to figure out what we are doing the last week in Europe so that I can actually book all of this. I need to figure out exact dates.
I have to book Porini by Friday to get the 2016 prices, and have narrowed our last week in Europe to 3 choices so the money will be leaving my hands soon.....
May 22nd, 2016, 01:50 AM
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VERY exciting at this stag of planning, for all of your trip.
OK...since you are arriving in the morning, IMHO do not spend two nights in Entebbe--unless you are going to Ngamba Island , if your research enticed you, while in Entebbe. The drive from Entebbe to QE is all-day, and lonngggg (trust me, whatever google maps says, it will be even longer!).
I suggest you break up that very long drive with an overnighter between Entebbe and QE. You could stop at Lake Mburo Park. Do NOT stay at Mihingo Lodge, as I did--it's a beautiful banda resort, but too far into the park, and not close to the Lake, for a one-night-only stay. Check out Eagles Nest tented camp instead, closer to the main road into the park. It is the place i'd stay if ever lucky enough to return. You can arrive in time to relax and have your first Uganda mini-safari!! Then, love after breakfast next, day and have a much more relaxed trip to QE, without the pressure and exhaustion that come at the end of 6-7 hour drive, when all you want is to eat and fall into bed!
OK...since you are arriving in the morning, IMHO do not spend two nights in Entebbe--unless you are going to Ngamba Island , if your research enticed you, while in Entebbe. The drive from Entebbe to QE is all-day, and lonngggg (trust me, whatever google maps says, it will be even longer!).
I suggest you break up that very long drive with an overnighter between Entebbe and QE. You could stop at Lake Mburo Park. Do NOT stay at Mihingo Lodge, as I did--it's a beautiful banda resort, but too far into the park, and not close to the Lake, for a one-night-only stay. Check out Eagles Nest tented camp instead, closer to the main road into the park. It is the place i'd stay if ever lucky enough to return. You can arrive in time to relax and have your first Uganda mini-safari!! Then, love after breakfast next, day and have a much more relaxed trip to QE, without the pressure and exhaustion that come at the end of 6-7 hour drive, when all you want is to eat and fall into bed!
but that wasnt the intended word!
May 22nd, 2016, 02:06 AM
#37
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NOTE:Eagles Nest a tLake Mburo Park is another roof the Nature Lodges hotel group (of which Bush Lodge and Airport Guest house are also members) so yet another possibility of reduced rates. Note also that while Airport Guest House was perfectly fine, there are other small lodge/ b and b and b places in the area which, based on reviews and websites, give the same wonderful "You're not in Kansas any more" sense of arrival into East Africa.
May 24th, 2016, 08:58 PM
#38
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Cali I checked with the tour operator and they said most people do the drive in one day, starting early and stopping a number of times en route. I will change Entebbe to only the one night however and book the Airport Guest house. Thanks for that.
On the Kenya side....we were planning to go in 2007 /08 and changed to Tanzania because of unrest. Now I see that there is unrest again with the election next August .
Are you at all concerned about this?.
We are not spending any time in Nairobi other than the Airport I am sure we will be fine, but just wondering if there is any concerns out there. I don't want to be scrambling again at the last minute. I realize no one can predict what will happen of course.
On the Kenya side....we were planning to go in 2007 /08 and changed to Tanzania because of unrest. Now I see that there is unrest again with the election next August .
Are you at all concerned about this?.
We are not spending any time in Nairobi other than the Airport I am sure we will be fine, but just wondering if there is any concerns out there. I don't want to be scrambling again at the last minute. I realize no one can predict what will happen of course.
May 25th, 2016, 10:16 AM
#39
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The last time there was a big election in Kenya, it did not affect tourist areas. And even then, there was less effect than had been predicted.
Gosh, remember the ebola scare in 2014-15? People were canceling vacation right and left. And it turned out to be for naught.
There will always be "unrest" somewhere on this (and probably every) continent. There are countries in Africa which I'd not go to, for assorted reasons, but Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda would not be among the. Go, you lucky lady and friend, and have a fantastic time!!!!
Re the long drive to QE from Entebbe, the itineraries that do it (or even farther, to to Bwindi) in one day are usually the limited time ones, e.g. 3 -5 days People land in Entebbe, and most after an overnight (or even straight of the arrival plane!) want to get right to the wildlife, especially the gorillas. Lake Mburo is a halfway point, a much smaller place, but the game sightings start the moment you turn off the road. Very exciting for a first timer in East Africa (your friend, not you)
No worries, Live42day: you'll have a great time in any case that first full day in Uganda. So much to take in!!! You're wise to be stopping off en route to slowly adjust to time zone change.
Gosh, remember the ebola scare in 2014-15? People were canceling vacation right and left. And it turned out to be for naught.
There will always be "unrest" somewhere on this (and probably every) continent. There are countries in Africa which I'd not go to, for assorted reasons, but Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda would not be among the. Go, you lucky lady and friend, and have a fantastic time!!!!
Re the long drive to QE from Entebbe, the itineraries that do it (or even farther, to to Bwindi) in one day are usually the limited time ones, e.g. 3 -5 days People land in Entebbe, and most after an overnight (or even straight of the arrival plane!) want to get right to the wildlife, especially the gorillas. Lake Mburo is a halfway point, a much smaller place, but the game sightings start the moment you turn off the road. Very exciting for a first timer in East Africa (your friend, not you)
No worries, Live42day: you'll have a great time in any case that first full day in Uganda. So much to take in!!! You're wise to be stopping off en route to slowly adjust to time zone change.
