Otis72

Atravelynn:

You asked about the labeling on the photos. I was putting together the set of photos for my first Kodak gallery, and I used Photoshop to do the text insertion (the white lettering on the photos). This looks nice but is very arduous. Especially since I saved the files as .jpeg vs the photoshop thingy (.pdp?). Which meant that I couldn't go back and edit the .jpeg photo captions later in Photoshop.

When I set up my first gallery, my wife said I needed to include other pictures, and those I captioned at the bottom with the KodakGallery tool. Which is much easier and what I would do going forward.

I do think that it is nice to have captions so that people can see what the animals, particularly birds, are really called. Makes it more real than just hearing Phyllis and I stumble around trying to remember all the variations of names (three-headed crested weaver hawk?).

BTW - I bought Photoshop Elements to use for editing my raw pictures and had great fun with it. It is tedious, but gives great results. There may be other products too, but this worked well for me. Especially once someone with some experience got me started with modifying color and shading.

Jim.

Patty

My favorites were the monitor lizard, Ngorongoro sunrise, and the pair of zebra. Thanks again!

Harleyford

Jim and Phyllis,

I so enjoyed reading your story. I am leaving for Tanzania next Tuesday on basically the same route you took. I know it will be very hot and light clothes are best for daytime but not sure what to bring for the nighttime. I don't want to pack too much heavy clothing but I also don't want to be cold. Any suggestions, since the weather should be the same in Feb.

Thanks

Donna, Marlow, England

Otis72

Donna,

I am always cold! I packed a lightweight knit jacket and never needed more than that. (It was not even sweatshirt-weight fabric.) Hope you have a wonderful trip!
Phyllis

QueenofDaNile

Jim-
What a great report. So helpful. We were in Botswana last year but I'm having a hard time sorting out the operators for Tanzania. Your report certainly cleared up some issues, particularly things NOT to do.
Thanks.

mingxa

Such an interesting report..a great encouragement for me, too. Thanks!

bat

Jim:
Excellent lurking! And what a great anniversary present for the two of you. Thanks for the report.

swany

This report was FANTASTIC. I just started to plan my trip to Africa and was thinking of using Good Earth as well (not sure why it's so much cheaper than others?) Can you give me an idea of the prices?

Otis72

swany -

Pricing is difficult: much depends on when you book, when you go and many other variables regarding lodging, parks, etc. Our safari with Good Earth was just under $300 per person per day (meaning a day spent in TZ doing safari). This included the internal flight, but excluded balloon ride and our travel to and from East Africa. It does include the $90 per person fee for a private safari ($180 total for us for whole safari). We thought we got great value.

You won't know anything until you draft up an itinerary and get bids.

J

stakerk

great report! informative but concise.

thanks

KADO

My husband & I have just returned from Tanzania (Feb.23rd)- following almost the same route as you & your wife except that we did not go to the southeren part of the Serengeti and our safari was 18 days. The trip was given to us by my sister-in-law (who also accompanied us) as a 30th wedding anniversary gift. We also used Good Earth Tours and can't thank them enough for a most wonderful experience. Our guide,"Moses" was absolutely terrific and everything went off without a hitch. Anyway, I just wanted to say that my husband & I read your posting and thought it was one of the most interesting & informative reports we have ever read. As we are also still on a "high", having been back a week,your story brought it all back again.
Thank-you & Happy Anniversary (too bad we waited so long to take this trip!)
Karen

Kmania

Great report! Thanks so much for all the details. Makes it even more difficult to wait until September.

Feistybrit

Jim and Phyllis (otis72. Just read your trip report. First of all, what a wonderful husband you are to arrange all of that for your wife.
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed your trip report.
It was humorous, interesting, informative and everything you need to convince you (if you STILL need convincing) that you need to get out there on your own safari.
I am still in the planning stages of taking my daughter on a safari in 2008 and cannot decide between Kenya and Tanzania.
I loved your tips etc at the bottom of your post and what struck home for me is that there is no perfect

janetmac

Thanks so much Jim. Just what i needed.My dream had always been atrip to africa. At 73 had given up. My husband died & my son & wife said lets go to africa. we will be going next Feb. I had begun to wonder if we had chosen a good time. we will be doing same route as a private party & staying at mobile camps. was it very hot? Janet

matnikstym

janetmac- congratulations on getting to go to Africa! you are going to enjoy every minute and you're never too old to go anywhere...be prepared to tell your son you want to return!
my condolences on your husbands passing.

Otis72

Jambo Fodorites and fellow lurkers!

Thanks for the recent kind comments regarding our trip report! Janetmac: Go and have a grand time. Yes, its warm in February. Our temps during last two weeks in January were mid to high 80's F., into 90's in Serengeti. The mid-day sun can be overwhelming. Be concerned about sun protection, esp. if you don't have a popup roof on your vehicle. But regardless, its all worthwhile. Do learn some simple phrases in Kiswahili. You will be glad you did.

Also...We are very close to finalizing plans for August 2008 in Tarangire, Crater, Masai Mara and Samburu. I have been aching to go back for Trip #2 since KLM returned us to the USA in January! Otis is ready to go,and we are bringing others with us!

Asante, Jim