Forgot to say will be looking forward to your photos!!

J

Dick-
Just incredible report! I thoroughly enjoyed it and just relished the long read of it. I agree 100% about staying over a night in Amsterdam enroute. We did that when we used KLM/Northwest, and it really made the trip better.
For some reason in reading about Ruaha, I got so touched by the reality and beauty of it that I thought.......could I?......maybe just once...........then reality hit and I thought I would save it for my next life? I hope there is such a thing. It sounded logical at the time. Better than having to admit I'll never see it. Thank you and Beth and Darla for keeping such good notes and for sharing them here with everyone. Really a special report.

If I had to make a choice between there and the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, I don't know which I'd choose. I think when you said the ideal trip would be to Ruaha and the Serengeti you got it. Liz

Liz, thank you for the kind words. And, if and when we can go on another trip we will have to make the decision, north, south (of Tanzania) or maybe another country. Working on photos for posting.
Dick

Dick'
Foxes sent me an email with their 2006 prices and on of the things noted on there was an optional supplement for a "guaranteed window seat" I had kind of thought that a window seat would be guarnteed with this kind of operation. I think it would not be good to stuck in the middle with someone I don't know on the window or having someone who hasn't paid the supplement int he middle between my hubby & I because I would find it hard not to give them my window. Don't know if I am making too much of this?? Thaks

J

Jules,
I noted that option on the "details of the booking" form I received. Did not pay much attention to it as with three of us I figured we could switch if necessary. As it turned out for all the drives at Mukumi and all but one at Ruaha we had exclusive use of vehicle. Probably depends more on time of year and number of guests in camp. Unless the "middle" seat person was taking photos, might not be much of a problem. Sorry if I can not be of more help. I would be curious as to what that supplement costs as well as the one for exclusive use of the vehicle.
Dick

Dick
The supplement is am extra $20 per person per day. What about the vehicles at Selous?
Thanks so much for your info.
J

Dick,
Sorry, I probably just didn't read your report carefully enough, but would you mind going over the type of vehicle and seating configuration at each of the camps again? Thanks!

Patty what are your plans for southern Tanz & when?

Sorry to impose on your thread Dick!

J

jules,
No plans in the works or time frame in mind yet. I was originally going to link a short stay in Selous to my Kenya trip in November, but the flight connections didn't seem ideal and I thought it was best left to a future trip devoted entirely to southern Tanzania. I'm always looking at possibilities. I'd love to try to include Mahale and Katavi if I can somehow manage to do it affordably.

Message: Patty and Jules

Patty, vehicles at all three camps were basically the same—Landrover or similar makes with some type of covered roof. Some had canvas and others had a coarser weaved material. At Mikumi and Ruaha we traveled in both two and three row vehicles. Each row had basically room for three people. When there were just the three of us we had a two row vehicle. Wife and Daughter sat on front one and I the rear. The one all-day game drive at Ruaha another couple sat in the rear row in the three row unit. Had plenty of leg room as well as space for travel/camera bag. Bear in mind, occupancy at both camps was on the light side, according to staff, or some guests had own transportation (and guides). I have not posted my pictures as have a few to sort yet but you can see at least the ones used by Foxes of Africa if you check their web site. I saw photos under activities for one or more of their camps.

Jules, the vehicles at Selous Rufiji River camp were similar to ones at Ruaha and Mikumi. At Rufiji we had only a driver/guide not a driver and guide. Speaking of vehicles I enjoyed the fact that one had steering wheel on left side while the others being of British origin had unit on the right side! I teased the driver about having an “Americanized” vehicle and he chuckled saying that one came in from South Africa!
As to the watercraft I noted they had one and two bench flatbottom boats under canopy for guests. We three had a one bench(with 3 seat cushions) boat for both our trips. Plenty of room. We three Darla and Beth had plenty of room. They also had a comfy cushion for the bow deck if someone wanted to sit there. I did on occasion simply to take photos of the gals but it was out in the sun and unless one twisted or sat “Indian style” it was more relaxing to sit on a bench seat. Should have a picture of these boats on posting when done. On afternoon/evening drive we had guide/operator while on the morning one we had an operator and guide and both commented on sightings and questions from us.
Dick

Thanks & looking forward to your photos!

Thanks Dick.
J

rsnyder,

Great report! Being charged by the lone buffalo must have been a bit scary. Thanks also for your additional insights on 7-13. Just the stuff I wanted to know.

You've done a great job of selling Southern Tanzania! I had not even heard of Mikumi before.

I also enjoyed your photos. Was that a cactus growing in a baobab tree? The unusual shots such as the paw print and elephant feet were very artistic. I'm sure you've given many of us some ideas.
Also loved the 3 giraffe heads.

Oh, and the kudu still shot and action shot were both super!

How odd, I could have sworn I posted on this after reading the first few posts but I can't see anything from me at all...

Just wanted to say thanks for taking the time to share your trip with us!

Hi Rsnyder,
I am travelling the southern/western circuit of Tanzania in sept '07....how many nights would you say are ideal for Ruaha?
thanks
bg

bg, while your question is an excellent one it is a toughie as well. We were there 5 nites in 2005 and wished we could have stayed more! I would think your being there in September should find even better game viewing than we did in June as drier conditions should concentrate game more. Much depends on your interest, budget and even time elsewhere. I would say three nights as a minimum. We have plans to return in 2007 with a mix of northern and southern areas. Initially had 4 in mind but had to cut one given window of opportunity for international flights using ffm. Best of wishes in laying out your trip. Dick

Dick,
I am taking my father in law for his 70th bday, we are going in sept '07 with the following intinerary:

4-5 nights in the Masai Mara, Kenya, Rekero tented camp
4 nights in Katavi(1 night at a lodge, 3 nights fly camping)
3-4 nights in Mahale
4 nights in Ruaha(1 or 2 nights in the lodge, and the rest flycamping)
Originally I wanted to use the Mwagusi camp in Ruaha(also run by a member of the Fox family) because of it's incredible writeups every single place that I looked, as well as it's very small size. Because of the flights I will be needing, it looks like I might have to switch Mwagusi to Ruaha River so the Foxes can help provide some flights. I am actually getting very excited about using the Foxes because of what I have read about the location of their Ruaha camp, what I have read about the family themselves, and because, up until last year, at least, they offered the flycamping option, which I am very excited about and which Mwagusi does not offer. I am a bit concerned about how big the camp is...we really wanted to design our safari around staying away from the crowds, staying very rustic and authentic....thus the southern/western circuit, but if we can flycamp, that will give a personal touch for many of the nights we are there. So I am thinking of adding 1 night to either Katavi or Ruaha, and feeling it would be best spent in Ruaha, bringing us up to 5 nights there.
Seems like you agree!!

Dick--BTW, great, great trip report.
thanks

You are most welcome. Sounds like you have a great trip ahead of you. Welcome the chance to read your trip report and see photos! You have a most fortunate father-in-law.
Dick