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Lurker no more
Hello Fodorites - I have been lurking here for way too long and thought I should come out of hiding to thank you all for your wonderful stories and advice. I have found that questions were answered that I hadn't even thought to ask.
I traveled with OAT last year to Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe and have spent most of this year saving pennies and researching for a trip next year. Finally have our ducks in a row and we leave in six months, ten days - but who's counting? Family and friends here are thoroughly fed up with my Africa talk - maybe you all can put up with me as we all seem to be infected with the same fever. |
What is your itinerary?
Kevin |
Here's the itinerary -
March 10-11 - Working our way to Maun from the left coast of the US. AA to Dulles - SAA to Johannesburg - one night in Johannesburg. March 12 - Johannesburg to Maun to Xigera - five nights at Xigera March 18 - 20 - Chobe - Muchenje Lodge March 20-22 - Victoria Falls Hotel March 22-23 - Back on the plane. Some of the highlights for me - Xigera - I made a friend last year on the OAT safari and she works there now. Also, I have been getting involved with Children in the Wilderness and they are using Xigera as the camp for the children in November-January - so I look forward to talking to some of the people who worked with the children. Muchenje - I could be wrong but it looks like it is very close to the Baobab Camp I stayed in with OAT - great vistas. And while I am developing a taste for adventure - I need a feeling of the familiar too even if its just the view of the Chobe. Victoria Falls - we are going to the Lion Breeding and Rehabilitation project there to "Walk with the Pride" also - doing the helicopter ride and the Boma. |
Welcome to Fodor's, you'll soon be addicted. Where did you stay in Zim? I'm going in October and will also be doing the lion walk.
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Denis, VeeR -
You guys should have seen MY ears perk when I read 'lion walk'! (you know me and animals, Denis...) What is that? Our next trip to Africa will be to Bots & Victoria Falls - a few years down the road yet, but I like to store info like this! I'd love to hear all about it! |
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OHMIGOSH! I am SO there! Incredible, now I raelly can't wait!
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Hello again - thank you all for the warm welcome.
Matnikstym - With OAT last year I stayed at Linkwasha in Hwange and Ilala Lodge in Vic Falls. I look forward to hearing your report on the Lion Walk - details please!! Lynda and Patty - I am so excited about the Lion Encounter. I dug a little deeper and found out how to volunteer. So - if my husband falls for Africa the way I have, I see a volunteering vacation in our future. As it stands on this trip I am really excited about meeting the folks from Children in the Wilderness. I get to meet some of the folks in Maun at the airport. We've developed a nice email friendship. |
Welcome aboard! We never get fed up with Africa talk. Looks like you'll have some nice volunteering activities along with your upcoming travels!
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Lynda, I am <b><u> SO</u></b>, there with you!!!!! WOW!!!! I swear, I find out so many new things here, the only problem now is that it would take at least 10 trips to get to do everything but those lions have just made it to the top 5!!!
VeeR, Welcome to Fodors and like Marty said, it's addictive!! Imelda |
Welcome, VeeR. You are amongst friends here because my "Family and friends here are thoroughly fed up with my Africa talk" too!
Has anyone already done the lion walk or are you the first one, Dennis? I would love to hear about it. Cindy |
Cindy, I don't think I'm the first, if I remember correctly (which is rare) someone is there now doing the lion encounter. Sounded kind of hokey at first until I emailed the company for more details, sounds fun and a chance of a lifetime! My traveling companion said he doesn't want to do it, afraid of getting attacked by the lions...I thought what a story that would be to tell on Fodor's!
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Vee~what did you think of Hwange and the Ilala? I'm staying 1 night at Ilala, 1 night at Vic Falls Hotel and 4 nights in Hwange, though not at the same camp as you. Will report back on the lion walk. Less than 8 weeks to go!
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Dennis, I think you should make your friend go - that baboon invasion (scary as it was) would be nothing compared to a lion attack.
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true Cindy! I'm sure once we're there he'll decide to do it, he did do the microflight at Tafika but wouldn't do it again. Scary as it was, I'd go up anyday!
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hey Dennis, I left you a message on one of the posts at ttg.
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Dennis - Hwange was outstanding. Because of the location of the watering holes I had an elephant parade by my room everynight. The last night there we were treated to the sound of a major battle of the tusks. Boy those things *clang*. There were signs of rhino - but the chase was futile. Saw my first wildebeest there.
Ilala Lodge was nice & cozy in a way - though do keep your windows closed as the baboons make themselves at home. That amazed me as I felt we were back in city life. Brunch there is outstanding. The bathtub was the depth of a small spa. The falls were the constant soundtrack at the hotel. I want to hear all about your trip - the lions and Victoria Falls Hotel as that's where we're staying in March. |
VeeR,
Six months 10 days, cool! I was envious of you until I saw that you leave March 10. Then realized that is us too but to Nairobi. Time is creeping along. |
Welcome aboard VeeR, and Denis I cannot wait to read about the Lion Encounter! Do either of you have any idea on the cost of this? I have looked at the website briefly, but didn't see the price.
No mater though what the cost - Imelda - get your bags packed, let's go! |
Lynda, the cost is $100.00 US per person. What I questioned was if you can bring your own camera, as they advertise they take a video of your adventure and you know how those things work. Yes, you can video or take pictures to your hearts content. Pick up at Vic Falls hotel at 6:30, arrive before 7, tea/coffee then the walk, escorted of course, breakfast after and return to your hotel at around 10. Roughly 1-1.5 hours on the walk. Very enthusiastic people working there, can't wait and will let you all know how it is.
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