I don't know how to get started planning my trip...
Dec 19th, 2007, 03:53 PM
#41
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Hi, twoteachers. Trust me, if I didn't have two out of my three kids still at home, I'd be considering doing a Gap year! I'm afraid two weeks is as long as I can pawn them off on family - as it is, I'm truly grateful that they're all making this possible for me. (I'm in Greensboro.)
Dec 19th, 2007, 04:16 PM
#42
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I wouldn't be too concerned about the State Dept. warnings, either. My first trip to Africa was to Kenya in 1998. I arrived a week after the Embassy bombing. All the news was happening as we were there, including the air raid on Sudan. We had no problems, other than trying to explain good ole Bill and Monica's blue dress!
Dec 20th, 2007, 12:19 AM
#45
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jenack ([email protected])
Its very Intresting? People be catching feelings in here because I was just candid enough to Help "aknards". Did you want me to give aknards a rough idea or a full Idea. The purpose of this forum is give advice fully. I wasnt advertising its only that I met a lady from UK in another forum and she told me to come and help in here.
Sandi:My posting came out of my head.
Rizzuto: Dont catch feelings because one thing is for sure i didnt put any URL down on this forum so i aint advertising.
And yes I am a travel guide thats right here to help out as much as I can.
Its very Intresting? People be catching feelings in here because I was just candid enough to Help "aknards". Did you want me to give aknards a rough idea or a full Idea. The purpose of this forum is give advice fully. I wasnt advertising its only that I met a lady from UK in another forum and she told me to come and help in here.
Sandi:My posting came out of my head.
Rizzuto: Dont catch feelings because one thing is for sure i didnt put any URL down on this forum so i aint advertising.
And yes I am a travel guide thats right here to help out as much as I can.
Dec 20th, 2007, 01:28 AM
#47
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If possible, try to find a "native" from the region or country in Africa your going to. If you currently don't know anyone, start with the local restaurants in your city and ASK questions! They are your BEST resources and can often connect you with family/friends that will often more intimately enhance and personalize your experience. Happy traveling!
Dec 20th, 2007, 02:38 AM
#48
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aknards,you asked about a volunteer "vacation". My husband and I just returned from an Earthwatch project, "Lions of Tsavo". This we combined with a few days in the Masaii Mara. It was fabulous; we truely felt immersed in nature 24/7, and got to see nocturnal creatures we wouldn't normally have spotted. Earthwatch is a well-respected and established environmental organization. You can google them and send for a brochure. They run a number of important African projects, and depend greatly on paid "volunteers".
The downside was that,since it was a working vacation, we didn't always have the time or opporunity to take photos. We'd taken loads in the Mara, however (yes, in one of those vans circling the animals we both despise - sigh), so we didn't mind too much.
Just another possibility to crowd your already crowded brain!
The downside was that,since it was a working vacation, we didn't always have the time or opporunity to take photos. We'd taken loads in the Mara, however (yes, in one of those vans circling the animals we both despise - sigh), so we didn't mind too much.
Just another possibility to crowd your already crowded brain!
Dec 20th, 2007, 03:32 AM
#49
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Shay Tay -
I had a similar experience in '98. Like you, we visited a few months after the Embassy bombings. While my travel partner wanted to cancel, her concern was trip insurance. At that time none of the providers had a "terorism" clause and were "winging it" But, we went and felt perfectly safe in both Kenya and Tanzania.
What brought the smile reading your experience was the Bill & Monica escapades that the entire world was following. When leaving Sopa Lodge at Tarangire, two staff (young man and woman) came for our bags. I asked their names which the guy provided (very common one) and the young woman says "Monica, but not as in Lewinsky."
Thank goodness, by the time we arrived Seychelles, with only 1 TV channel, for a few hours daily, we were able to avoid news of what was going on back home. Thought the newspapers here, in 3/languages - English, French and Seychellois - was full of the details. Besides on World AIDS Day a full day of programming.
As Thomas Freeman titled his book - "the world is flat!"
I had a similar experience in '98. Like you, we visited a few months after the Embassy bombings. While my travel partner wanted to cancel, her concern was trip insurance. At that time none of the providers had a "terorism" clause and were "winging it" But, we went and felt perfectly safe in both Kenya and Tanzania.
What brought the smile reading your experience was the Bill & Monica escapades that the entire world was following. When leaving Sopa Lodge at Tarangire, two staff (young man and woman) came for our bags. I asked their names which the guy provided (very common one) and the young woman says "Monica, but not as in Lewinsky."
Thank goodness, by the time we arrived Seychelles, with only 1 TV channel, for a few hours daily, we were able to avoid news of what was going on back home. Thought the newspapers here, in 3/languages - English, French and Seychellois - was full of the details. Besides on World AIDS Day a full day of programming.
As Thomas Freeman titled his book - "the world is flat!"
Dec 20th, 2007, 05:22 AM
#50
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You need a travel counselor AKA travel agent. They advertise in the Yellow Pages and your local newspaper. Ask friends who they recommend. Travel agents cost you nothing and can save you money, time and effort.
Dec 20th, 2007, 06:49 AM
#51
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My advice is that you find a friend to travel with you, to avoid expensive single prices. Travel agents “as we knew them” do still exist... We were referred to Vanessa at Southern Destinations in Cape Town by friends who had actually met and spent time with her in Cape Town. So we were given VIP treatment from the first contact. www.southerndestinations.com
The highlight places we stayed at were Mala Mala, Bains Camp in Botswana, The River Club on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. We spent a total 16 days in SA and Botswana. Worth every cent. We truly felt as if we got the best of the best everywhere we went. We realise we did not go very far off the beaten track, but it was wild enough for us first timers and we felt safe and in good hands throughout. We are talking about a return trip – but life’s other commitments and other destinations (like children living in Europe) are calling for now.
The highlight places we stayed at were Mala Mala, Bains Camp in Botswana, The River Club on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. We spent a total 16 days in SA and Botswana. Worth every cent. We truly felt as if we got the best of the best everywhere we went. We realise we did not go very far off the beaten track, but it was wild enough for us first timers and we felt safe and in good hands throughout. We are talking about a return trip – but life’s other commitments and other destinations (like children living in Europe) are calling for now.
Dec 20th, 2007, 06:51 AM
#52
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We loved Africa. all of our friends were jealous of our photos of Ngorogo Crater in Tanzania. So many animals of varied kinds. Check out CC Africa online. They have "luxury" tented camps in many African countries. They provided the best places to stay and their drivers/guides knew everything. Their properties were our favorite accomodations.vehicles had up to 6 people plus driver, we were a party of 4, so had one to ourselves.Our travel agent who has BEEN everywhere, set us up thru an Africa packager. We never lifted a finger once we got out of the plane. You need to know that roads are not good there, and most transport in between places is small plane, 14-18 passenger. They land on a piece of dirt and a rover from your camp comes to pick you up! Avoid the big tourst package hotels, you might as well have stayed home and gone to the zoo. If you can afford to do a balloon ride, do. AMAZING. We went to Tanzania and Kenya and were very pleased. we saw so much wildlife, way more tan friend who had gone to SO Africa. Have a great time
Dec 20th, 2007, 01:37 PM
#56
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Kevin, that's so thoughtful of you. Are you single? Just kidding, really I am! I have this kind of warped sense of humor and have trouble sometimes keeping it in tow...
I wasn't kidding about the thoughtful part but would hardly expect anyone to raise their hand for a total stranger. (This is, after all, the internet.) But that's ok, I'm going to Africa in 2008, one way or another. Having said that, if anyone's putting together a group of people and is amenable to meeting someone new, I'm willing to consider all options. Thank you very much.
Meanwhile, I spent a few hours today doing more reading and Botswana is looking better and better...
I wasn't kidding about the thoughtful part but would hardly expect anyone to raise their hand for a total stranger. (This is, after all, the internet.) But that's ok, I'm going to Africa in 2008, one way or another. Having said that, if anyone's putting together a group of people and is amenable to meeting someone new, I'm willing to consider all options. Thank you very much.
Meanwhile, I spent a few hours today doing more reading and Botswana is looking better and better...
Dec 20th, 2007, 02:09 PM
#57
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Unlike many other destinations when alone and having to do much by yourself once on the ground... not so in Africa.
From the time you exit Baggage Claim and then return to airport for homebound flight... there's always someone with. And, once on safari, by road or air, there's always someone to drop you off and pick you up... during game drives, walks or whatever. And, it's rare if you even have to lift your bag. Also, if you choose smaller camps, meals tend to be family style, so you're not in that "eating alone" situation which many find uncomfortable.
Africa, I've found is one of the easiest and nicest destinations for a solo traveler - male or female.
Though my visits over 13/years have been with a male partner or female friend/s or associates, last year I went sole and absolutely loved it!
"I'm a big girl now!"
From the time you exit Baggage Claim and then return to airport for homebound flight... there's always someone with. And, once on safari, by road or air, there's always someone to drop you off and pick you up... during game drives, walks or whatever. And, it's rare if you even have to lift your bag. Also, if you choose smaller camps, meals tend to be family style, so you're not in that "eating alone" situation which many find uncomfortable.
Africa, I've found is one of the easiest and nicest destinations for a solo traveler - male or female.
Though my visits over 13/years have been with a male partner or female friend/s or associates, last year I went sole and absolutely loved it!
"I'm a big girl now!"
Dec 20th, 2007, 03:52 PM
#58
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My husband and I were very pleased with the tour we took with OAT ( overseas adventure travel) about 5 years ago. We visited Kenya and Tanzania and went on many safaris. We also stayed in some tents. A downside for us is the shopping that can't be avoided. there were a few times that the jeeps did gather at the roadside to see something special ( i.e. lions watching the zebras). as I recall, there were 3 jeeps at the most at one site. Hope this helps. feel free to ask more questions.
