I’m Booked! Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania 2009
 

I am so excited I had to share the news. After what seems like a million revisions to my itinerary, I’m finally booked. Here it is:

Depart U.S. 2/12/09, arrive EBB 2/14/09 9pm.
Kampala (1night)
Jinja, Nile Porch (2 nights) White Water Rafting
Ngamba Island (1 night), Forest Walk
Fly EBB-KGL
Kigali Serena (1 night)
PNV, Gorilla’s Nest (3 nights), 2 gorilla treks, 1 golden monkeys
Kigali Serena (2 nights), Genocide Memorial
Fly KGL-Manyara
Manyara, Kirurumu (1 night)
Crater, Lemala Camp (1 night)
Loliondo, Suyan Camp (2 nights)
NCA/Ndutu area, Olakira Camp (4 nights)
Southern Serengeti, Sayari South (2 nights)
Fly Seronera-Mahale
Mahale, Greystoke (4 nights)
Fly Mahale-Arusha, transfer to JRO, depart 9:50 pm 3/9/08

I’m using FF points and couldn’t get the dates I wanted, so what started out as a 3 week trip turned into almost 4 weeks. I needed to stay within my original budget for 18 nights in Africa, but with 24 nights it became a little difficult. I had a very long list of things I did not want to give up: gorilla tracking; private vehicle and guide; Mahale; Ngamba Island; lots of game drives in the Ndutu area and the Southern Serengeti, etc., More importantly, the original budget only contemplated Mahale; it was the wild card, and depending on the total cost of the trip we’d planned to give it up if we had to. After many revisions it finally came down to choosing between Bwindi and Mahale, and Mahale won. We replaced Bwindi with white water rafting, which looks like a blast, adjusted a lot of the accommodations, and we came in just under budget.

After all of the revisions, I LOVE this itinerary and am very glad we were forced to make some changes. Now what am I going to do from now until next February?

sounds great---I think you'll love Mahale as the setting is perhaps as stunning as there is in Africa...the jungle tumbles down the mountains to the water's edge...we bathed with the eco-friendly shampoo in the lake...the hills of the Congo visible across the lake...I've got some pics which I'll link in case you want to see them:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?ai...p;id=610038487

Thank you Joel. Mahale looks amazing. You were certainly up close and personal with those chimps. When were you at Mahale?

Dana, I didn't know you were a whitewater rafter! I think you made good decisions to stretch your trip to 4 weeks. Looks great. Who is the ground operator in Uganda and Rwanda?

Lynn,
I'm not a white water rafter. I am an adrenaline junkie, though, so I think it will be fun. I'm taking the rafting company at its word...no experience necessary. I hope they are right. I did watch a few videos to make sure I knew what I was getting myself into.

Eben arranged everything, so I honestly do not know whose vehicle and guide we'll have in Uganda or Rwanda. I do know, though, that he has secured our gorilla permits, and I cannot wait.

<Now what am I going to do from now until next February?>

What I did last year (awaiting my first), and what I am doing now (awaiting my second)... *Twitching* with anticipation...!

I think 1999 but I may be off a year two or three...the camp I understand looks totally different but I think Roland Purcell still operates it which means it has a real artistic air about it...I found it to be one of the most captivating settings on the continent but that is hard to pin down as Africa has so many amazing places....very special indeed...the chimps have been habituated by Japanese researchers for more than 20 years...they basically ignore the humans and go about their business...Roland described them as very much like humans in the best and worst sort of ways...they can war with each other and exhibit some real cruel traits...he also spent time with the gorillas which he described as very Zen-like...peaceable and plant eaters...awesome that you'll get to see both great apes on the same trip...!!

Anticipation is right, Rickmck. When/where is your next trip to Africa?

Gatoratlarge-
Did you see PBs photos of his trip to Mahale a couple of months ago? They are amazing. He described it something like Robinson Crusoe castaway bandas. If you did not read that trip report you should find it. He had the most amazing encounter with a chimp named Orion.

Dana, 3 weeks in Zambia in October, Kafue + North & South Luangwa... October cannot arrive soon enough...

Dana,

If you like your WW experience - keep in mind, the Zambezi for next time! You can do it from either Livingstone or Vic Falls. Was fun!!!

Woot woot, you've finally got it nailed down--and it looks wonderful.

those were great! sounds like a great encounter and those pics are much better than mine...most of my chimp pics were black blobs...difficult photograph conditions for sure but the setting and the experience is like a dream...I'm excited for you!

Rickmck,
you're inside the 6 month window. October will be here before you know it.

Hari,
Don't you remember, next big trip is to India. I don't think I'm going to see the Zambezi anytime soon, but thanks for the recommendation.


Thanks everyone for sharing in my excitement. With the exception of those on this forum, I only know a few people who truly understand why I love Africa so much.

Hi Dana,

Sorry, slipped my mind! You'll like it here .......

cheers
Hari

Thanks Hari. It's a little too early to start planning for 2010, but when I do, I'll be asking you for advice!

No problem!

Looks outstanding, congratulations! The Tanzania portion is very similar to my trip in February with the stays at Suyan, Olakira, and Mahale only your trip is longer which I say is better. Adding in the gorillas and rafting, wow, should be absolutely amazing.

I know you are well aware of my opinion but I will reiterate my agreement with Gator that the Greystoke location and Mahale in general is an extraordinary setting on par with anywhere that I have seen. I believe Ron Purcell does still own the camp but it looks very different than Joel's photos, cool to see them. It has a great flavor to it and the setting remains pristine.

Wish I could come along on this one.

Exactly PB---your pics are incredible! My understanding is that the camp is broken down each year because it closes during rainy season? They have really changed the look of the place, same spectacular setting. It is breathtaking rounding that corner and seeing the camp along the beach...a boat full of staff dressed in white rowing out to meet the dhow...

Congrats, Dana!

Excellent, Dana


Joel,
Enjoyed your pictures, Thank you.