Patty & Mark's Kenya Tanzania Trip
Dec 10th, 2005, 02:34 PM
#21
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Thanks, sandi. I got so used to going without the hairdryer that I didn't even bother to unpack it at the couple of places where I could've use it. With the dim lighting, no one could really see what I looked like anyway 
Dec 10th, 2005, 02:51 PM
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Lynn,
I just saw your post. You read fast girl! How'd you sneak that in before I even finished?
I'm torn about next year. Uganda is still a possibility, if not then maybe Uganda/Kenya in 2007.
I just saw your post. You read fast girl! How'd you sneak that in before I even finished?
I'm torn about next year. Uganda is still a possibility, if not then maybe Uganda/Kenya in 2007.
Dec 10th, 2005, 03:00 PM
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Jack,
Not as traumatic as a bucket shower on a brisk and windy evening. Al one point when we were camping in Tanzania the wind was so strong it knocked the shower tent right over. Good thing no one was in it
Not as traumatic as a bucket shower on a brisk and windy evening. Al one point when we were camping in Tanzania the wind was so strong it knocked the shower tent right over. Good thing no one was in it
Dec 10th, 2005, 03:27 PM
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Great report. I'd trade a pair of aardwolf for a pack of wild dogs anyday. I was lucky to see one aardwolf at dawn in the Savuti channel, but I was too slow on the draw to get a photo.
Looking forward to Tanzania report and photos, of course.
Michael
Looking forward to Tanzania report and photos, of course.
Michael
Dec 10th, 2005, 04:01 PM
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Really great report, Patty. I'm taking notes. And funny, Kenya/Uganda is my wishlist for 2007, but if $$ fails to appear I may have to save for 2008 (can you believe it???).
The whole trip sounds wonderful, and I'm really looking forward to the TZ portion and the photos.
I get the feeling you're quite the shopper.
The whole trip sounds wonderful, and I'm really looking forward to the TZ portion and the photos.
I get the feeling you're quite the shopper.
Dec 10th, 2005, 05:04 PM
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Thanks Patty and welcome back! Great trip report! What an amazing variety of places to stay, how'd you put it all together? ...has me thinking..march to november is 8 months apart, can i make it that long? but if everyone's going to Uganda in 2007, count me in! wouldn't that be fun! Can't wait for your pics and Tanzania report. 
Dec 10th, 2005, 06:51 PM
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Patty,
I posted after reading Day 9, before the Mara. Didn't know you were in the midst of posting more.
A hyena on foot is excitng.
Sorry you took ill for a while. At least it was after the lion cubs.
I posted after reading Day 9, before the Mara. Didn't know you were in the midst of posting more.
A hyena on foot is excitng.
Sorry you took ill for a while. At least it was after the lion cubs.
Dec 11th, 2005, 05:30 AM
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Thanks, Michael, Leely, Dennis, and lisa!
I was only able to get one fuzzy shot of one of the aardwolf, but have better images on video. If I can figure out how to isolate them, I'll add it to my album.
I made extensive use of Mitch's directory for research and just browsed through website after website of places that looked interesting to me. Then I made a long list of possibilities and sent it to my tour operator to put together some itineraries and pricing. It was a bit of an experiment and leap of faith since I couldn't find any first hand comments here or elsewhere for many of the places that we'd picked. I'm just glad it turned out as well as it did!
Happy to report that my illness was very short lived and by the time we reached Tanzania, I was feeling much better. It didn't affect the riding safari at all, thank goodness.
OK who's up for a Fodors GTG in Uganda in 2007?
I was only able to get one fuzzy shot of one of the aardwolf, but have better images on video. If I can figure out how to isolate them, I'll add it to my album.
I made extensive use of Mitch's directory for research and just browsed through website after website of places that looked interesting to me. Then I made a long list of possibilities and sent it to my tour operator to put together some itineraries and pricing. It was a bit of an experiment and leap of faith since I couldn't find any first hand comments here or elsewhere for many of the places that we'd picked. I'm just glad it turned out as well as it did!
Happy to report that my illness was very short lived and by the time we reached Tanzania, I was feeling much better. It didn't affect the riding safari at all, thank goodness.
OK who's up for a Fodors GTG in Uganda in 2007?
Dec 11th, 2005, 08:36 AM
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bat,
I was wondering where you were!
sonali,
Thanks for your comments.
Cyn,
Here's a map of the Laikipia region and you can see the location of El Karama in relation to Loisaba and Koija Starbeds. El Karama is located further south, closer to Nanyuki. I think game wise the areas are similar with northern species like Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe. Here are some photos taken by Laria's husband James who is a professional photographer to give you an idea of the species found here -
http://www.jameswarwick.co.uk/elkarama/
I was wondering where you were!
sonali,
Thanks for your comments.
Cyn,
Here's a map of the Laikipia region and you can see the location of El Karama in relation to Loisaba and Koija Starbeds. El Karama is located further south, closer to Nanyuki. I think game wise the areas are similar with northern species like Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe. Here are some photos taken by Laria's husband James who is a professional photographer to give you an idea of the species found here -
http://www.jameswarwick.co.uk/elkarama/
Dec 11th, 2005, 08:38 AM
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Oops, I forgot to post the link to the map - http://www.laikipia.org/map-of-laikipia.htm
Dec 11th, 2005, 09:17 AM
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Patty:
Thanks for the link to those photos by James Warwick - they are beautiful! I especially liked the Dwarf Mongoose, and those amazing birds! and, dare I say it? Wild Dogs???? Do you know when he took those photos?
Can't wait to see your pics and read about Tanzania.
Cyn
Thanks for the link to those photos by James Warwick - they are beautiful! I especially liked the Dwarf Mongoose, and those amazing birds! and, dare I say it? Wild Dogs???? Do you know when he took those photos?
Can't wait to see your pics and read about Tanzania.
Cyn
Dec 11th, 2005, 10:22 AM
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Thanks Patty. I’m so relieved to hear that Jonas is alive.
I’m curious about the Collector’s Den because I’ve never been there and I’m doing some business with them. I’ve been communicating with Mahesh and I suppose he’s one of the owners because he writes things like “our staff spent about 3 days doing the packing”.
I’m curious about the Collector’s Den because I’ve never been there and I’m doing some business with them. I’ve been communicating with Mahesh and I suppose he’s one of the owners because he writes things like “our staff spent about 3 days doing the packing”.
Dec 11th, 2005, 12:04 PM
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Patty:
Now that I have had time to read and do a little re-reading, you really did such a great job creating a second trip itinerary that placed you off the main tourist route. By coupling that with off-season you achieved a very high level of "exclusivity" (the only clients there!) at a modest price. Great job and an inspiration to the rest of us.
=D>
Now that I have had time to read and do a little re-reading, you really did such a great job creating a second trip itinerary that placed you off the main tourist route. By coupling that with off-season you achieved a very high level of "exclusivity" (the only clients there!) at a modest price. Great job and an inspiration to the rest of us.
=D>
