It's hard NOT to love Africa! (except for some bits)
Mar 18th, 2008, 01:21 PM
#21
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Patty,
I have over 2000 photos, including the trip to Egypt prior to the safari, but I have been so busy writing trip reports (for Trip Advisor as well)that I haven't even downloaded them from the cameras yet! That's my next big job and I can't wait.
Any suggestions about free photo sharing sites gratefully received.
I have over 2000 photos, including the trip to Egypt prior to the safari, but I have been so busy writing trip reports (for Trip Advisor as well)that I haven't even downloaded them from the cameras yet! That's my next big job and I can't wait.
Any suggestions about free photo sharing sites gratefully received.
Mar 18th, 2008, 01:35 PM
#22
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Hi Mazj,
I'm really enjoying your report, thanks for sharing such wonderful game viewing experiences.
I use Picasa which is available through Google for free photo sharing, its very user friendly.
Oneday - I too am based in Australia (Hobart) and am just finalising my 2nd safari with Good Earth.
Dealing with Narry on email is great from Oz - he replies very quickly, often overnight. A real bonus is that GE accept credit cards for deposits which means there is only one fee for the final payment via wire transfer.
Cheers,
Pol
I'm really enjoying your report, thanks for sharing such wonderful game viewing experiences.
I use Picasa which is available through Google for free photo sharing, its very user friendly.
Oneday - I too am based in Australia (Hobart) and am just finalising my 2nd safari with Good Earth.
Dealing with Narry on email is great from Oz - he replies very quickly, often overnight. A real bonus is that GE accept credit cards for deposits which means there is only one fee for the final payment via wire transfer.
Cheers,
Pol
Mar 18th, 2008, 03:49 PM
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I've really enjoyed your report. The advice to bring your own binocs because if you use the guide's, how can you expect him to find animals is a good one. The cheetah family had to be a great find. I liked the idea of getting lost in the herds. You got your male lion wish three times over. Lions and hail is an odd combo, though.
Mar 18th, 2008, 10:18 PM
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Mazj,
thanks for the info re booking from Oz. I was also good to hear from Treepol (thankyou too Pol). Good Earth seems to be the way to go.
I'll be looking forward to the seeing the photos in the future.
thanks for the info re booking from Oz. I was also good to hear from Treepol (thankyou too Pol). Good Earth seems to be the way to go.
I'll be looking forward to the seeing the photos in the future.
Mar 19th, 2008, 02:48 AM
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Some photos...
I am having a little break from writing for a day!I have only uploaded 2 memory cards from one camera and just picked out 50. I am not a photographer at all, just a happy snapper, but I really love the one of the lion in the bushes - my screensaver now!
Hope this works
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/mazj5...iTanzaniaMar08
I am having a little break from writing for a day!I have only uploaded 2 memory cards from one camera and just picked out 50. I am not a photographer at all, just a happy snapper, but I really love the one of the lion in the bushes - my screensaver now!
Hope this works
http://picasaweb.google.com.au/mazj5...iTanzaniaMar08
Mar 19th, 2008, 02:58 AM
#26
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Some photos...
I am having a rest for a day from typing to learn how to put photos on. I have only uploaded 2 memory cards from one camera so far and I picked out 50. I am not a photographer, just a happy snapper, but I do love the one of the lion in the bushes - it's now my screensaver!
Marilyn
Mar 21st, 2008, 05:33 PM
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6 and 7 Mar – I really don’t want this to be over! – O/N Kibo Palace Hotel Arusha
What a good decision that was! There was not much game seen at all on their morning visit. An old elephant with tusks nearly on the ground and a few monkeys (or maybe baboon). They are obviously all out there, but safari viewing is incredibly unpredictable. And it also shows the value of having two opportunities in the crater.
We took Raphael to lunch at the Lake Manyara Serena Hotel perched right on the rim looking down over Lake Manyara. Gave him a Kangaroos (North Melbourne) footy scarf, which is our favourite AFL team and a couple of caps for his kids. Later on we gave him a tip – just hope it was adequate for his wonderful work.
Checked out the souvenir places and bought our Masai mask and a couple of other bits and pieces but they are ridiculously expensive. They wouldn’t go lower than 30% off, but some places later wouldn’t even match that. Prices vary widely.
It’s a long drive back to Arusha at the end of your safari when all the anticipation has faded – not so wide-eyed any more. We didn’t arrive back at the hotel until 6pm and again, someone from Good Earth will visit us tomorrow for a de-brief, and to organise our transfer to another hotel closer to the airport for our last night.
The rooms here are lovely. Remembered to bring our leads to connect the camera to the TV for a look at some of our photos and relive some special moments. I think I’ve counted over 2000 so far, including Egypt, but no serious culling has taken place yet!
There was real traffic jam when returning to Arusha around the Central Market area affording us a grand opportunity to absorb all the colour and activity. And it is indeed brightly coloured from the Khangas of the African women and the fruit and vegetables laid out in view.
One thing we have been really impressed with is the quality of the fruit and veges everywhere in Tz. Very fresh and usually lightly cooked – not mush unless in a sauce.
Laundry, also, is relatively cheap and easily obtained – even in camps. Our suitcases – medium (62cm) each – still contained many unworn items. Everyone tries to say not to take too much, and it’s true. Maybe fewer ordinary and safari T-shirts and a couple more ‘nicer’ ones for the likes of dining in the Marriott in Cairo, where we still had 3 more days to go.
On the safari – anything goes. Some people go to dinner straight from the safari vehicle, others change. It really doesn’t matter at all.
I had read where someone had suggested taking index cards with the day’s date and place, to photograph each morning. This was such an easy an effective idea so that you don’t mix photos from different areas, and much easier to match with your notes. After a while you try to get creative and a bit of local flavour involved with the cards – like beside a kerosene lantern in your tent.
I have been trying to think of words to describe Raphael and so far have come up with, warm friendly, funny, caring, knowledgeable, informative, safe, charming, respectful, sharp eyed, punctual, a good listener, professional and courteous. What more could you ask for!
Next morning the representative from Good Earth booked us into KIA Lodge for 8 Mar, at our request and even offered us a free transfer there (which turned out to be more of hitching a ride with a Kili guide – but free is free so we won’t complain!)
Went for a wander down to Arusha town for more souvenir hunting. First stop was only about 100 metres from the hotel, but down a laneway and you could actually watch the women doing the beading. (Afri Hope Handicrafts I think) There was no hassle here which would return in spades we subsequently learned.
While walking, Brian had one of his ‘turns’, which is ‘dumping syndrome’(complete loss of energy, hunger, thirst and very big sweats) following major surgery, (for those who know about this), right in the middle of some hassling. It was incredibly difficult being polite when all he needed was to be left alone, eat something and wait for it to pass. We escaped to a local café and the waiter there was much more sympathetic and understanding of our need for peace. I only mention this as turns, or similar illness related symptoms, might hinder some people from travel, but you can find a way through and this has been our biggest test so far. It was hard for me dealing with people who were asking me why I wasn’t being happy with them and wanting to look at their goods or even taking my husband to hospital. We came away to experience a different culture and we did!
Found a bank to buy more US dollars and poked in a few more shops. All the same really. I should have done a bit more homework (more!!) on finding out some recommendations.
Discovered a little laneway where a guy claimed he was the artist of some Masai paintings – to support his family – but as we continued through the alleyway, we found a little bar/restaurant called Jambo which we instantly liked. It had an open air feel with wooden furniture, paintings on the walls and African print tablecloths. There were customers here from a variety of backgrounds.
The felafel was the best I have ever had – chunky, spicy, tasty and fresh. We really liked the décor and ambience – it’s an oasis from the clamour outside.
A Rastafarian looking guy, who had gently hassled us in a shop before lunch, spotted us from down the laneway and produced a black “Hakuna Matata’ T-shirt which we had been looking for over ½ hour ago. What a giggle! Brian wandered over and became absorbed in a ‘negotiating’ session. He even drew a crowd. (I don’t think it was him personally – I think this is how it goes.) Funny thing is, he is the brother of the Masai artist and wants to take us to his shop which has plenty more paintings and T-shirts. Oh, why not!
He waited while we finished lunch. Bit much of a ‘hard sell’ from this guy, and not enough discount, so we only bought a couple of things.
After a while, you see a lot of some things everywhere, and occasionally some really nice things in only one or two places, so if you don’t buy what you like and want there and then, you run the risk of not seeing it again. Conversely, you might come across something you have already purchased, at a much cheaper price. C’est la vie!
Went into the (New?) Arusha Hotel for a sticky beak and had the best cup of coffee in a speciality shop. Looks like a nice place to stay and right in the middle of town.
One more chapter to go…
What a good decision that was! There was not much game seen at all on their morning visit. An old elephant with tusks nearly on the ground and a few monkeys (or maybe baboon). They are obviously all out there, but safari viewing is incredibly unpredictable. And it also shows the value of having two opportunities in the crater.
We took Raphael to lunch at the Lake Manyara Serena Hotel perched right on the rim looking down over Lake Manyara. Gave him a Kangaroos (North Melbourne) footy scarf, which is our favourite AFL team and a couple of caps for his kids. Later on we gave him a tip – just hope it was adequate for his wonderful work.
Checked out the souvenir places and bought our Masai mask and a couple of other bits and pieces but they are ridiculously expensive. They wouldn’t go lower than 30% off, but some places later wouldn’t even match that. Prices vary widely.
It’s a long drive back to Arusha at the end of your safari when all the anticipation has faded – not so wide-eyed any more. We didn’t arrive back at the hotel until 6pm and again, someone from Good Earth will visit us tomorrow for a de-brief, and to organise our transfer to another hotel closer to the airport for our last night.
The rooms here are lovely. Remembered to bring our leads to connect the camera to the TV for a look at some of our photos and relive some special moments. I think I’ve counted over 2000 so far, including Egypt, but no serious culling has taken place yet!
There was real traffic jam when returning to Arusha around the Central Market area affording us a grand opportunity to absorb all the colour and activity. And it is indeed brightly coloured from the Khangas of the African women and the fruit and vegetables laid out in view.
One thing we have been really impressed with is the quality of the fruit and veges everywhere in Tz. Very fresh and usually lightly cooked – not mush unless in a sauce.
Laundry, also, is relatively cheap and easily obtained – even in camps. Our suitcases – medium (62cm) each – still contained many unworn items. Everyone tries to say not to take too much, and it’s true. Maybe fewer ordinary and safari T-shirts and a couple more ‘nicer’ ones for the likes of dining in the Marriott in Cairo, where we still had 3 more days to go.
On the safari – anything goes. Some people go to dinner straight from the safari vehicle, others change. It really doesn’t matter at all.
I had read where someone had suggested taking index cards with the day’s date and place, to photograph each morning. This was such an easy an effective idea so that you don’t mix photos from different areas, and much easier to match with your notes. After a while you try to get creative and a bit of local flavour involved with the cards – like beside a kerosene lantern in your tent.
I have been trying to think of words to describe Raphael and so far have come up with, warm friendly, funny, caring, knowledgeable, informative, safe, charming, respectful, sharp eyed, punctual, a good listener, professional and courteous. What more could you ask for!
Next morning the representative from Good Earth booked us into KIA Lodge for 8 Mar, at our request and even offered us a free transfer there (which turned out to be more of hitching a ride with a Kili guide – but free is free so we won’t complain!)
Went for a wander down to Arusha town for more souvenir hunting. First stop was only about 100 metres from the hotel, but down a laneway and you could actually watch the women doing the beading. (Afri Hope Handicrafts I think) There was no hassle here which would return in spades we subsequently learned.
While walking, Brian had one of his ‘turns’, which is ‘dumping syndrome’(complete loss of energy, hunger, thirst and very big sweats) following major surgery, (for those who know about this), right in the middle of some hassling. It was incredibly difficult being polite when all he needed was to be left alone, eat something and wait for it to pass. We escaped to a local café and the waiter there was much more sympathetic and understanding of our need for peace. I only mention this as turns, or similar illness related symptoms, might hinder some people from travel, but you can find a way through and this has been our biggest test so far. It was hard for me dealing with people who were asking me why I wasn’t being happy with them and wanting to look at their goods or even taking my husband to hospital. We came away to experience a different culture and we did!
Found a bank to buy more US dollars and poked in a few more shops. All the same really. I should have done a bit more homework (more!!) on finding out some recommendations.
Discovered a little laneway where a guy claimed he was the artist of some Masai paintings – to support his family – but as we continued through the alleyway, we found a little bar/restaurant called Jambo which we instantly liked. It had an open air feel with wooden furniture, paintings on the walls and African print tablecloths. There were customers here from a variety of backgrounds.
The felafel was the best I have ever had – chunky, spicy, tasty and fresh. We really liked the décor and ambience – it’s an oasis from the clamour outside.
A Rastafarian looking guy, who had gently hassled us in a shop before lunch, spotted us from down the laneway and produced a black “Hakuna Matata’ T-shirt which we had been looking for over ½ hour ago. What a giggle! Brian wandered over and became absorbed in a ‘negotiating’ session. He even drew a crowd. (I don’t think it was him personally – I think this is how it goes.) Funny thing is, he is the brother of the Masai artist and wants to take us to his shop which has plenty more paintings and T-shirts. Oh, why not!
He waited while we finished lunch. Bit much of a ‘hard sell’ from this guy, and not enough discount, so we only bought a couple of things.
After a while, you see a lot of some things everywhere, and occasionally some really nice things in only one or two places, so if you don’t buy what you like and want there and then, you run the risk of not seeing it again. Conversely, you might come across something you have already purchased, at a much cheaper price. C’est la vie!
Went into the (New?) Arusha Hotel for a sticky beak and had the best cup of coffee in a speciality shop. Looks like a nice place to stay and right in the middle of town.
One more chapter to go…
Mar 22nd, 2008, 04:17 AM
#29
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8 Mar – One last night – O/N KIA Lodge
KIA Lodge is only one kilometre from the airport and the perfect place to stay if you have a morning flight the next day. Having seen a couple of breakdowns on our (nearly) one hour drive here, you just know that you don’t want that to happen to you. That said, it’s a long way from anything else as were many of the lodges/hotels we saw on the way here.
The gardens are extensive, a mixture of cactus and tropical plants in full bloom, and they even have a bird identification list in each room. The bar is very pleasant and the pool is on a high point overlooking the countryside and the airport. Nothing about it says ‘just for the convenience of the airport’. Having a drink under one of the umbrellas poolside is very restful.
If you stand out in the sun, the heat is intense, but in the shade is always better and there often seems to be a breeze. We think we’ve picked an excellent time of the year weather wise. From now on there will be more rain.
The biggest downside of this place was the condition of the pool. Despite a few people taking a chance, there were lots of bits and pieces in it and it looked like it hasn’t been cleaned for a while. Apart from the barman, service staff wasn’t really attuned to basic needs. Tables were frequently incompletely set. Dinner was a set menu with no pricing or much information. I suppose they figured you were a captive audience. However, these issues did not spoil our time there. For the first time, we forgot to apply bug juice before dining in the outdoor area. This proved disastrous as we become covered on mossie bites around the ankles.
9 Mar – We’re really going now – O/N Nairobi to Cairo flight
Up at 6am, brekky and convenient shuttle to the airport. I really should have read the check in information a little more closely and had an extra half hour lie in! Nice outdoor area at the airport to escape the heat inside! Took a half a tablet to calm the nerves as I had been dreading this next flight since before we left home. Wasn’t all that bad, except for a few little bumps and drops. I think it was a 72 seater rather than the 42 I had been anticipating – or dreading.
The flight was late leaving but still seemed to arrive on time so we had the next 7 hours to pass away at NBO. Our luggage could only be checked to Nairobi so the customs officer wanted to hold our passports while we went to collect our bags. Then he managed to call over someone to do it for us. This was all because we only had transit visas and could not leave the airport. Went to the transit lounge for a bit, and read a newspaper, but it was a very depressing place. Back downstairs to wander along the Duty Free shops and eventually find some lunch.
Walked all the way to Gate 14 where there is a bar and Java coffee lounge. Cricket on the TV and a nicer place to relax and spend another couple of hours. Seriously good chocolate brownie, too!. Timed our left over Kenyan shillings well.
Never seen anything like the Nairobi airport. A small plane pulled in at our gate which left everyone bemused and the after a 20 min delay we all walked to the next gate, down the stairs outside and in and out of a range of vehicles to board the plane. From the top of the stairs there looked like people walking willy-nilly all over the tarmac. Full flight, not much room for carry on luggage which ended up 6 seats in front.
Quite a squashy, smelly and noisy flight.
Lots of people got off at Khartoum and so we had an extra seat between us, affording a little extra room. Back to the madness of Cairo traffic and then the relative tranquillity of the Marriott for a couple of days (which is detailed in the Egypt report).
Thus endeth the trip report!
Again many, many thanks to Fodors and Trip Advisor readers for invaluable assistance, advice, support, reassurance and recommendations. Thanks to Good Earth Safaris and Tours and Raphael in particular, for organising the experience of a lifetime. We loved every second of it.
Asante sana.
Maz J
KIA Lodge is only one kilometre from the airport and the perfect place to stay if you have a morning flight the next day. Having seen a couple of breakdowns on our (nearly) one hour drive here, you just know that you don’t want that to happen to you. That said, it’s a long way from anything else as were many of the lodges/hotels we saw on the way here.
The gardens are extensive, a mixture of cactus and tropical plants in full bloom, and they even have a bird identification list in each room. The bar is very pleasant and the pool is on a high point overlooking the countryside and the airport. Nothing about it says ‘just for the convenience of the airport’. Having a drink under one of the umbrellas poolside is very restful.
If you stand out in the sun, the heat is intense, but in the shade is always better and there often seems to be a breeze. We think we’ve picked an excellent time of the year weather wise. From now on there will be more rain.
The biggest downside of this place was the condition of the pool. Despite a few people taking a chance, there were lots of bits and pieces in it and it looked like it hasn’t been cleaned for a while. Apart from the barman, service staff wasn’t really attuned to basic needs. Tables were frequently incompletely set. Dinner was a set menu with no pricing or much information. I suppose they figured you were a captive audience. However, these issues did not spoil our time there. For the first time, we forgot to apply bug juice before dining in the outdoor area. This proved disastrous as we become covered on mossie bites around the ankles.
9 Mar – We’re really going now – O/N Nairobi to Cairo flight
Up at 6am, brekky and convenient shuttle to the airport. I really should have read the check in information a little more closely and had an extra half hour lie in! Nice outdoor area at the airport to escape the heat inside! Took a half a tablet to calm the nerves as I had been dreading this next flight since before we left home. Wasn’t all that bad, except for a few little bumps and drops. I think it was a 72 seater rather than the 42 I had been anticipating – or dreading.
The flight was late leaving but still seemed to arrive on time so we had the next 7 hours to pass away at NBO. Our luggage could only be checked to Nairobi so the customs officer wanted to hold our passports while we went to collect our bags. Then he managed to call over someone to do it for us. This was all because we only had transit visas and could not leave the airport. Went to the transit lounge for a bit, and read a newspaper, but it was a very depressing place. Back downstairs to wander along the Duty Free shops and eventually find some lunch.
Walked all the way to Gate 14 where there is a bar and Java coffee lounge. Cricket on the TV and a nicer place to relax and spend another couple of hours. Seriously good chocolate brownie, too!. Timed our left over Kenyan shillings well.
Never seen anything like the Nairobi airport. A small plane pulled in at our gate which left everyone bemused and the after a 20 min delay we all walked to the next gate, down the stairs outside and in and out of a range of vehicles to board the plane. From the top of the stairs there looked like people walking willy-nilly all over the tarmac. Full flight, not much room for carry on luggage which ended up 6 seats in front.
Quite a squashy, smelly and noisy flight.
Lots of people got off at Khartoum and so we had an extra seat between us, affording a little extra room. Back to the madness of Cairo traffic and then the relative tranquillity of the Marriott for a couple of days (which is detailed in the Egypt report).
Thus endeth the trip report!
Again many, many thanks to Fodors and Trip Advisor readers for invaluable assistance, advice, support, reassurance and recommendations. Thanks to Good Earth Safaris and Tours and Raphael in particular, for organising the experience of a lifetime. We loved every second of it.
Asante sana.
Maz J
Mar 22nd, 2008, 01:02 PM
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Wow, lots of cheetahs. I don't think I've seen lions in the rain ever--interesting. Beautiful shot of Kili, your screen saver is awesome, good to see a leopard doing something other than resting. Thanks for sharing both your report and your photos. Raphael sounds great.
Asante sana to you both!
Asante sana to you both!
Mar 22nd, 2008, 04:53 PM
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Hi Marilyn,
I really enjoyed your trip report. It sounds like you had a marvelous safari and all those cheetahs at Ndutu!! We enjoyed talking with you and your husband and sharing a bit of our KWAHERI cake at Serengeti Serena. We still do not know the reason for the cake and the entertainment other than it was our second visit. We went on to Ndutu and then Tarangire.
Cheers,
cj
I really enjoyed your trip report. It sounds like you had a marvelous safari and all those cheetahs at Ndutu!! We enjoyed talking with you and your husband and sharing a bit of our KWAHERI cake at Serengeti Serena. We still do not know the reason for the cake and the entertainment other than it was our second visit. We went on to Ndutu and then Tarangire.
Cheers,
cj
Mar 23rd, 2008, 12:51 PM
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Ndutu (4 nights)was great.Three mother cheetah with cubs of various ages and several kills. We also got to see tree climbing lions, serval and aardwolf plus all the usual. We did miss the huge migration herd which had moved into the woodlands and spread out - too late this year.
cj
cj
Mar 23rd, 2008, 03:42 PM
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mazj,
Your trip report was a throughly enjoyable read. We are eagerly awaiting our( mostly) August safari planned with Good Earth. Thanks for the shopping tips!
This forum is a terrific resource. I've mined a wealth of useful information from the Africa veterans here. But the "OhWOWLookatThat!!!" enthusiasm of first timers is so much fun to read. I figure that'll be us!
Your trip report was a throughly enjoyable read. We are eagerly awaiting our( mostly) August safari planned with Good Earth. Thanks for the shopping tips!
This forum is a terrific resource. I've mined a wealth of useful information from the Africa veterans here. But the "OhWOWLookatThat!!!" enthusiasm of first timers is so much fun to read. I figure that'll be us!
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