sandi

Leely - No haven't been to Lk. Turkana, but have had dreams about the place for years. The "Constant Gardner" certainly reinforced the reality of the place. And, since they have the largest Nile croc colonies on two separate islands in this Jade Sea, definitely have to visit.

Dennis - don't you remember me atop the camel last year (check my photo link again; believe Lynda has it on the East Africa index). Not scary in the least, though the pic caught me unaware. It was rather comfy (plenty of cushioning under my bottom, rather provocative, if I must say) once the guy with long lashes got up/down.

So many interesting properties out there... not enough time, so catch when catch can.

Desert Rose has been on the "must" list of the associate traveling with me; Saruni and Shompole have been on my "must" list. Have visited Saruni and absolutely fell in love the the accommodations (the largest room/tent), guides, staff, food and it's owner hosted, so I'm concluding my safari here this year. Now Shompole is on the itinerary and am sure it will exceed my expectations. Besides this area around Lake Magadi and Lake Natron on the border w/ Tanzania are rarely visited.

I really enjoy getting off the beaten path. Kenya is just so beautiful.

divewop

I just visited all the links to the camps and...are you sure you don't need any help with your bags while you're over there?!
Be glad to oblige.

Leely

And I'll carry the hairdryer.

Yes, I remember losing track of the plot of "The Constant Gardener" toward the end of the film because I was thinking, Where is that? Is that Lake Turkana? Wow, it's beautiful!

atravelynn

Looking forward to your comments on these unique destinations. May 24 is just around the corner. Have a lovely trip.

matnikstym

sorry sandi! for some reason i was confusing you with Patty and her "chaps" but it did give me the chance to go back and reread your great report. Some day I might make it to East Africa!

Patty

Great out of the way destinations, sandi! Can confirm there's enough juice for your hair dryer at Finch Hattons They even provide them in tent. What will you do in Arusha? I'll be looking forward to your report!

Still working on my itinerary for late Nov/early Dec. Just ticketed my flights today and am so excited! May be bringing the chaps again

sandi

Divewop - Thanks for the offer, but I'm sure the tall dark and handsome guys will do just fine with my bags; many next time.

Leely - Thought you would! Hey, what if I got real good in my packing... with one change of clothing and the hairdryer... traveling with a weekend bag only? Would sure make things easier and lighter. May then have room to pack you instead. I know you'd be a great travel partner and lots of fun.

Dennis - No chaps for me... that's for Patty's (and Cheryl, if she'd only write a report of her equi-safari) choice of transport. Thanks for the re-read of my report. In fact, I did just that myself, last evening. Pretty interesting, if I must say so! When you're ready for East Africa, just let me know.

Patty - Figured I'd be all set at Finch Hatton's for juice... but a gal has got to check in order to plan ahead when the hair gets washed; I'm so bad! In Arusha to meet up with friends - read: my outfitter; same in NBO and I'm sure some elbow bending... it's party time. Then off on safari and site-inspections; with a bit of fun along the way.

Another trip report? Maybe, or maybe not! Well, of course! But, please be patient with me on my return - clients come first.

Thanks for all your support.

Nyamera

Sandi and Leely,
Lake Magadi serves as a stand in for Lake Turkana in the final scene of The Constant Gardener.

sandi

Nyamera -

Thanks for the info. Doesn't surprise me. Nothing is ever as it seems in "the movies."

My reference, whether is was, in fact, Lake Turkana or Lake Magadi was that I just had to visit Turkana.

So, now I'll have the opportunity to visit both.

Nyamera

Everybody has to visit Lake Turkana. I’ve visited Lake Magadi and it’s a very interesting place as well.

Leely

What?!? That wasn't really Lake Turkana in The Constant Gardener?

Next thing I know you'll be telling me Ted Danson doesn't really have a full head of hair. And that there are no kudu in the Mara.

Nyamera

I saw a kudu at Lake Magadi. I don´t know about the hair - yet.

sandi

Leely -

Well, it's Friday afternoon.
Just what I would have expected from you. But, from where did you pull that one?

Leely

Sandi, it was the best I could do.

BostonGal

Sandi, what wonderful news! Glad you were able to do this!!

lovetodiscover

I'm sold on Desert Rose -- complimentary inroom massage! How wonderful! Very nice trip Sandi. We will miss you and your advice while you enjoy and relax in all those great places. See what you mean about the beauty of Kenya. Making me think again about Tanzania being my choice for first / potentially one-time trip.

Sandi - when you are in Arusha, where do you stay?

Enjoy, really does sound like a great itinerary.

sandi

landtodiscover -

In Arusha, I believe we're staying with our friends at their home, or a hotel nearby. Don't know exactly till I put my head down on a pillow, somewhere! After the long flight, "somewhere" sounds perfect.

sundowner

Congrats on your trip, Sandi. It looks like you have a full, fun trip planned. I have decided to take a hair dryer on my trip this year and thought of you (funny the things that remind us of people!).

sandi

sundowner -

.... she was last seen on a road in the Chalbi desert or somewhere near Lake Turkana, with hairdryer in hand!