LyndaS

<b>NIKAO TANZANIA JANUARY 207</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34948304 (REPORT)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34944156 (discussion on aardwolf/striped hyena)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34943839 (detailed report on dogs killing a wildebeest)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34944176 (detailed report on an unsuccessful wild dog hunt)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikao/s...7594524618438/ (photos)
and the photo’s of the dogs here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikao/s...7594525161323/

and here
http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikao/s...7594526094242/


Once again, Nikao, his girlfriend, her mother and her brother set out for an incredible trip back to Tanzania for 3 weeks. Booking through <b>GREEN FOOTPRINT ADVENTURES</b> again, their itinerary this year took them to :

Tarangire – Oliver’s Camp
Karatu – Plantation Lodge
Serengeti – Ndutu area – Olakira
Serengeti – Gol Mountains – Suyan
Arusha
Zanzibar – Stonetown and Matemwe Bungalows

Nikao has written of some of his amazing adventures in this thread and the others linked with it – they saw 12 rhino in the crater (and a zillion other vehicles…), a pack of wild dogs successfully hunt and kill a wildebeest, and an unsuccessful wild dog hunt the next day – wow!!!
And, don’t miss his incredible pictures to go along with the stories!

LyndaS

PS - sorry Nikao that it took me this long to get this in the index - I'm gradualy catching up!

LyndaS

<b>CHRIS_GA_ATL UGANDA/RWANDA JAN 2007</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34942129 (REPORT)
http://www.pbase.com/cwillis (PICTURES)

Here is Chris’s incredible report, and his amazing pictures, from his trip to Uganda and Rwanda, arranged through <b>AFRICAN HORIZONS</b> who used <b> VOLCANOES SAFARIS</b> as the ground operator. He has given us a very detailed report on their chimp trek on Ngamba Island – and, if this doesn’t make you want to book one right away, nothing will! As well, his very descriptive narrative of the gorilla treks in both countries are amazing! His itinerary was:

Ngamba Island – permanent tented camp for Wild Frontier Safaris
Driving tour of Entebbe and Kampala
Kigali – Milles Collines Hotel
Ruhengeri – Volcanoes Virunga Lodge
Trek to see the Amahoro Group, visit to Karisoke Research Center &amp; trek for Hirwa Group
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (Uganda) – Volcanoes Mt Gahinga Lodge
Trek to Nkuringo Group
Buhoma – Volcanoes Bwindi Lodge
Trek to Habinyanja Group

Don’t miss the story of “Drug Belly’ as someday we will see this guy on TV as a future revolutionary…..

LyndaS

<b>CLIMBHIGHSLEEPLOW ZANZIBAR – LODGES, RESORTS &amp; MAPS FEB 2007</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34942788 (REPORT)
maps, websites &amp; photos mentioned linked throughout

Sleeping all over the island on a self drive trip, Eben has written an incredibly detailed and information-packed report on many of Zanzibar’s lodges, resorts, hotels and restaurants. He has linked maps and photos throughout, making anyone’s decision about where to stay a breeze. Also included is information on car rental and self-driving on the island, an experience unto itself. The various places that he has reviewed are too numerous to mention, you will just have to go in and read for yourself!
Not to be missed is his hilarious story about his time spent at Karafuu and their magic solution to make everything better!

LyndaS

<b>SUNDOWNER &amp; DIVEWOP RWANDA &amp; KENYA JAN/FEB 07 </b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34967381 (INTRO AND PHOTO LINK)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35080093 (REPORT)

http://www.pbase.com/cjw/kenya_2007 (PHOTOS)
http://www.pbase.com/cjw/gorillas_in_rwanda_jan_2007 (PHOTOS)

It didn’t Cindy too long to say ‘yes’ to Sandy (Divewop) when she asked if she would like to come along on a safari to Kenya and Rwanda – actually about 10 minutes! And, they met up with another Fodorite too, Carolines at Little Governor’s Camp. Cindy has written a very detailed, wonderful report about their trip, with Sandy chiming in – even though she says she’s getting too old for reports, she’s still pretty good at writing them! They had some pretty exciting times at the gorilla trek, Cindy was constantly being bumped by the silverback of the Hirwa Group, he must have really liked her! And, don’t forget to look at Cindy’s photos, they really are stunning! Their itinerary was:

Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Ruhengeri, Rwanda - staying at friends - 2 Gorilla treks – Hirwa and oops – forgot to say! (and 2 others &amp; a golden monkey trek)
Near Tsavo - Campi ya Kanzi
Meru - Offbeat Meru
Laikipia - Sosian Lodge
Shaba National Reserve - Joy's Camp
Maasai Mara - Little Governors

LyndaS

OTIS72 TANZANIA JAN 2007

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34945433 (REPORT)

http://www.kodakgallery.com/Slidesho...fwqy7&amp;Ux=0 (PHOTOS)

Here is an enthusiastic, detailed report from Jim and Phyllis’ first trip to East Africa. With <b>GOOD EARTH TOURS</b> as their ground operator, and Abdul as their driver/guide, they set off to find a hoopoe bird (amongst other birds &amp; wildlife though of course!). Jim has written lots about the planning, selecting the tour operator, wonderful descriptions of their days on safari, and lots of tips and observations. Their itinerary was:

Arusha – Arusha Hotel
Tarangire – Tarangire Tented Safari Lodge
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Ndutu Lodge
Serengeti – Serena
Arusha – Impala Hotel

And, we do hope that Jim took his own advice – <i>‘sell the house, sell the cars, and go to Africa. Repeat.’ ! </i>
(oh so true!)

LyndaS

Apologies to Sundowner &amp; Divewop - they did indeed mention the name of their second trek together to see the gorillas - it was Amahoro!

Sorry guys, I must have missed that somehow when reading.

LyndaS

<b>BILL AND CAROLYN TANZANIA JAN 2007</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34956593 (thread with report links)

http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/ta.../manyara-1.htm (Lake Manyara photos and daily reports)

http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/ta...07/ndutu-1.htm (Ndutu photos and daily reports)

http://members.aol.com/bhilton665/ta...007/crater.htm (Ngorongoro photos and daily reports)

For their third photographic safari to East Africa, Bill and Carolyn went again with <b>ROY’S SAFARIS</b>. Concentrating this time on a few parks, their itinerary took them to:

Arusha – Kibo Palace
Lake Manyara- Serena Hotel
Serengeti (Ndutu) – Safari Lodge
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge

Bill has written an excellent day by diary on his website, concentrating not on what they did especially, but how they took those absolutely outstanding photographs that all of us Fodorites love to look at. By reading Bill’s journal and really paying attention, once could gather quite a bit of good hints on taking some pictures that <i>may</i> someday make them proud of us!

RichardLeeds

Kenya &amp; Tanzania June 2007

I used Bellafric, a new company (local) in Nairobi.

email: [email protected]

The website is nothing to speak about but the actual safari was perfect and we saved $2,000 over the next quote for our 3 week safari and 5 day excursion to Zanzibar and Chumbe Island.

I received quotes from 6 different companies frequently mentioned on this forum.

We were quoted hundreds of dollars more for the use of a private Toyota Landcruiser in Kenya. This company not only gave us the best quote, but we got the Toyota Landcruiser. So we had this large private landcruiser in Kenya and another Landcruiser in Tanzania.

Most of the vehicles we saw in Kenya were mini vans and these are very light weight vehicles, not as comfortable as the heavier vehicle we had.

We stayed at Larsens Camp, Tortillas Camp and Mbalageti Seregetti. All three were great. Try them. The Serena Lodges had 100 people at meals, the tented camps have a very different feeling to them - real Africa. We were not overly impressed with the Serena Lodges in Kenya or Tanzania. Splurge and try the tented camps is my advice.

Go to the Serengeti and spend a night in the central Serengeti at the Serena and then go for two nights to the western corridor of the Serengeti and stay in a tented chalet at the Mbalageti Serengeti. It was a bargain at less than $500 per night for a couple which included free water and beverages at dinner.

Also, ask for Shikaya at Bellafric Expeditions. He was a fantastice guide and spoke excellent English.

LyndaS

<b>TRAVLINFOOL KENYA FEB 07</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34961723 (REPORT)

Here is a wonderful report from Travlinfool’s first trip to East Africa. Booked as a private flying safari though <b>GAMEWATCHERS,</b> their itinerary was:

Amboseli – Tortillis
Lew Downs – Lew Safari Camp
Meru NP – Elsa’s Kopje
Maasai Mara – Saruni

This humourous report has good descriptions of the activities and observations in the camps and on the game runs. One thing Travelinfool didn’t forget to pack was a great attitude and his humour!

LyndaS

<b>NORVAL KENYA &amp; TANZANIA FEB 2007</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34956410 (report)

This is a short, but descriptive report of Norval’s trip to East Africa with <b>SIMBA</b>, using Yusef Shoo as their guide. Their itinerary was as follows-

Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Arusha – Ngurdoto Mountain Lodge
NCA – Gibbs Farm
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Serengeti – Sayari (mobile camp)
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge

LyndaS

<b>SNORKLESUE TANZANIA JAN/FEB 2007</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34950392 (REPORT)

Booked through <b>OAT,</b> with <b>KIBO</b> as their ground operator, Snorklesue has written a very good ‘cover-it-all’ descriptive report of her trip. Her itinerary (not necessarily in correct oder) was as follows:

West Kilimanjaro – Kambi Ya Tembo
Tarangire – Maramboi Tented Camp
visit to the Datoga tribe
Serengeti – Simiyu Mobile camp
NCA – Ngorongoro Farm House
Arusha – Mama Wilson’s

Snorklesue has not written her report from a day-to-day diary, but rather from an information-giving perspective – ie the pros &amp; cons of group vs private trips, tents vs lodges, random thoughts on packing, etc. It is a good read for a first-timer trying to decide on some of the various possibilities of an East Africa safari.

The best random thought though? When talking about having to ‘check the tire pressure’ (pee behind the jeep) one day -
“What is worse than getting dragged off by a lion? Getting dragged off with your pants down and everyone around you holding cameras!”

LyndaS

<b>HGUY47 TANZANIA FEB/MAR 2007 </b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34963570 (overview/synopsis of trip)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34964376 (diary of trip)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34971269 (link to pictures)

http://tinyurl.com/38a8zl (pictures)

One day in February 17, Tom, DW and DF set out on an adventure to East Africa. And what an adventure they had! The synopsis offers us great tips and valuable advice on what worked, and what didn’t (not much of that!), while the diary give us a day by day journal of what they saw, what they did, and all of the amazing amazing animals they saw (including some unusual ones). Tom’s captivating writing style, and his great sense of humour will keep you reading long into the night. Their operator was <b>SUNNY SAFARIS</b> based out of Arusha, their guide was Gerald, and their itinerary included:

Kilimanjaro – Kia Lodge
Sinya West Kili area – Kambi Ya Tembo
Arusha – Kigongoni Lodge
Canoeing in Arusha National Park with <b>GREEN FOOTPRINTS</b>
Tarangire – Treetops Lodge
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro – Serena Lodge
NCA – Ndutu area – Olakira Tented Camp
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Zanzibar – Matemwe Bungalows

But Tom, what was the 4th valuable item in your backpack? Curious minds, you know….

LyndaS

<b>BRBRT KENYA AND TANZANIA FEB 07</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34968904 (REPORT)

This is Barbara’s very detailed, candid and descriptive report on their trip to East Africa with 2 other couples. Using <b>WILDTREK</b> as the ground operator for Kenya, and <b>ROY’S SAFARIS</b> for the Tanzania portion, they had OJ as their guide in Nairobi, Ben for Kenya and Salvatory for Tanzania. Their itinerary was:

Nairobi – Intercontinental Hotel
Lake Nakuru – Sarova Lion Lodge
Amboseli Lodge – Ol Tukai Lodge
Arusha – Mountain Lodge
Tarangire – Sopa Lodge
Lake Manyara – Serena Lodge
Ngorongoro Crater – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Ndutu Lodge
Serengeti – Kusini Camp

LyndaS

<b>TREEPOL KENAY TANZANIA (ALSO SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA) SEPT 2005</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35052226 (REPORT)
http://picasaweb.google.com/Treepol (PICTURES)

Written a few years later, Pol has written a good detailed ‘overview’ of her second trip (but not the last!) trip to Africa. Booked through <b>GOOD EARTH,</b> with Chris as her guide in Kenya and Kisali as her guide in Tanzania, her itinerary was:

Nairobi – Nairobi Safari Club
Samburu – Samburu Game Lodge
Lake Nakuru – Sarova Lion Hill Lodge
Maasai Mara – Serena Lodge
Tarangire – Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro – (not mentioned- but from the view I’m guessing the Serena)
Serengeti – Serena Lodge
Lake Manyara
Arusha – Arusha Hotel
Nairobi – Fairview Hotel

Even though this is written as an overview, Pol has given us some good details of animal sightings, lodges and camps and lots of good memories.

LyndaS

<b>HAUSFRAU KENYA TANZANIA FEB 07</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34985224 (thread with blog address)
http://elephantexpress.blogspot.com/.../prologue.html (first entry in the blog – at the end of this entry, click on ‘Next’ and it will take you to the next day, and so on.)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/hausfrau/ (pictures)

This is Jessica’s very well-written, descriptive report on her first trip to East Africa, along with her husband, MIL and FIL. Booked through <b>MICATO SAFARIS</b>, their Stanley Wing Safari covered the following Itinerary-

Nairobi – Norfolk Hotel
Amboseli – Serena Lodge
Tarangire – Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti – Sopa Lodge
Maasai Mara – Kichwa Tembo
Mount Kenya Safari Club

Jessica has great descriptions of the game sightings, the people, the lodges and the camps. Personally myself, I’m waiting for the book to come out!

LyndaS

<b>MONICAH RWANDA AND TANZANIA FEB 2007</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34953547 (JUST BACK FROM TRIP THREAD)
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34961957 (REPORT)
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLan...share&amp;Ux=0 (pictures)

This trip was a 20th wedding anniversary present to each other for MonicaH and her husband, that was suggested by her travel agent. The Rwanda portion was handled by <b>VOLCANOES SAFARIS</b>, with Bill as their guide, while the Tanzania portion was handled by <b>CC AFRICA</b>. Their itinerary was:

Nairobi - Norfolk Hotel
Volcanoes National Park – Gorillas Nest Hotel – trekked 1.5 hrs to Group 13
Kigali – Hotel des Mille Collines
Lake Manyara – Tree Lodge
Ngorongoro – Crater Lodge
Serengeti (Ndutu area) – Tanzania Under Canvas

Monica has given us good descriptions of the gorilla trek, the genocide museum in Kigali, and lots of hints on books, packing, etc. The best though is her observation about the ascent road in the crater:
“That was an E ticket ride for sure.” Truer words have never been spoken!

LyndaS

<b>JULES39 TANZANIA &amp; RWANDA FEB 2007</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35007771 (REPORT)

Having had great fun on their trip in 2005, Jules39 and her husband returned to East Africa, this time to trek the gorillas. Jules39 has written a good overview of her trip in this report, giving us some details on their trek and their time in Tanzania. The Tanzania portion was booked through <b>ROYS SAFARIS</b>, with Tesha as their driver. The Rwanda portion was booked through <b>RNXplorers</b> with John as their driver. The itinerary was as follows-

Arusha – Impala Hotel
Tarangire – Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge
Serengeti (Ndutu area) – Ndutu Safari Lodge
Serengeti – Mobile camp in Ndutu area
Serengeti – Sopa Lodge
Ngorongoro – Sopa Lodge
Arusha – Impala Hotel
Kigali – Mille des Collines
Volcanoes National Park – Gorillas Nest – trekked 7 hours (hopefully that’s total time there &amp; back!) to Susa group ; next day trekked an hour to a group not mentioned by name

LyndaS

<b>GROMMET19 TANZANIA &amp; RWANDA MARCH 2007</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34970780 (REPORT – PART 1)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34971382 (REPORT PART 2)

Heather’s trip to East Africa was mostly for work, but she managed to mix in some tourist activities. Working in the health field, Heather spent her first nine days staffing a fundraiser for the pediatric AIDS foundation, followed by a short safari with <b>GOOD EARTH TOURS</b> with Joseph as her driver. Her time in Rwanda included one day working in her foundations office, followed by a gorilla trek on the second day booked through <b>KIBOKO SAFARIS</b> with Paulie as her guide.

Her itinerary was as follows:

Arusha/Kilimanjaro – River Trees Country Inn in Usa River
Lake Manyara – lake Manyara Hotel
Ngorongoro – Wildlife Lodge
Arusha – Karama Lodge
Kigali – Novotel
Volcanoes National Park – trekking the Susa Group – 2hrs one way

Heather has posted an excerpt from her website for the foundation that she works for, on her visit to a health clinic in Rwanda. It is an eye-opener to read this.

LyndaS

<b>YOOPER1 KILIMANJARO CLIMB &amp; TANZANIA MAR 2007</b>

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34970054 (Kilimanjaro report)

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34990018 (safari)

http://brianrfox.net/Photos/Kilimanjaro/data/index.html (Kili climb photoshow - click on the link at the bottom of this page)

http://brianrfox.net/Photos/Safari/data/index.html (safari photoshow - click on link at bottom of page)

This is Brian &amp; Michelle’s report of their trip to East Africa using <b>TUSKER TRAILS</b> for the Kili Climb as well as their safari using <b>KILIWARRIORS</b> for the safari portion. Their itinerary was:

Climbing Kilimanjaro Machambe Route 5 nights &amp; six days
Moshi
Lake Eyasi – Kisima Ngeda Camp – visit with Hadzabe tribe
Ngorongoro – Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
Olmoti Crater trek
Serengeti – Olakira Tented Camp
Lake Manyara – Kirurumu Tented Lodge

Michelle gives us lots of tips on lots of different aspects of their trip in the report, tipping, Diamoxx, gear, etc,. But don’t miss their fabulous photoshow – it has music and everything