Tanzanian Dream
Jun 21st, 2007, 01:10 PM
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Tanzanian Dream
This is my first post on the board although my daughter and I have been avidly reading for the past year.
We leave Tuesday, June 26th for what will be for me the most exciting trip of my life and probably the only one of this magnitude. I suspect there are many more trips in my dauther's future.
About six years ago, I decided that I was going to go on an African Safari. I don't know why I felt so drawn to this adventure. Perhaps it was too many Tarzan movies in my youth. But the moment is nearly here and it doesn't seem real. I keep thinking I will wake up from a really nice dream.
We have chose to go with Thomson Safaris. This is indeed a luxury trip for us but after a lifetime of going 'economy', we decided to treat ourselve. Besides, I am too old to be schlepping my own bags.
We fly from NY to Amsterdam with a short layover and then to Mt. Kilimanjaro with our first night in Arusha. Then we have eleven days of wonderful plans starting at Ngorongoro Crater (2 days) Serengeti (3 days) Ruaha (3 days) and Selous 3 days, returning from Dar Es Salaam on July 8th.
The information we have been able to glean from all the postings here have been very helpful. I think all our questions; camera recommendations, packing tips, tipping guidelines, currency, and even the cruicial bathroom issue have been answered. I appear to be well under the 33 lb weight limit and am anxious for the next four days to pass quickly.
I hope to report to you soon that the trip was all I expected it to be....a dream come true.
We leave Tuesday, June 26th for what will be for me the most exciting trip of my life and probably the only one of this magnitude. I suspect there are many more trips in my dauther's future.
About six years ago, I decided that I was going to go on an African Safari. I don't know why I felt so drawn to this adventure. Perhaps it was too many Tarzan movies in my youth. But the moment is nearly here and it doesn't seem real. I keep thinking I will wake up from a really nice dream.
We have chose to go with Thomson Safaris. This is indeed a luxury trip for us but after a lifetime of going 'economy', we decided to treat ourselve. Besides, I am too old to be schlepping my own bags.
We fly from NY to Amsterdam with a short layover and then to Mt. Kilimanjaro with our first night in Arusha. Then we have eleven days of wonderful plans starting at Ngorongoro Crater (2 days) Serengeti (3 days) Ruaha (3 days) and Selous 3 days, returning from Dar Es Salaam on July 8th.
The information we have been able to glean from all the postings here have been very helpful. I think all our questions; camera recommendations, packing tips, tipping guidelines, currency, and even the cruicial bathroom issue have been answered. I appear to be well under the 33 lb weight limit and am anxious for the next four days to pass quickly.
I hope to report to you soon that the trip was all I expected it to be....a dream come true.
Jun 22nd, 2007, 06:03 AM
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dandyj, there's no doubt that you'll have a fabulous trip...you're going to paradise! I have to agree with Marija - many of us just can't stop going back after that first trip of a lifetime. I bet you'll be planning a return trip within a couple of weeks of getting back. We look forward to your trip report. Have the time of your life!
Jun 22nd, 2007, 06:37 AM
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In 1988, my fiance and I went on the trip of a lifetime to Kenya. I remember at the time saying how it was something I may never get to do again, so I was determined to see everything possible and squeeze as much into my time as I could.
Of course we fell in love. My fiance cried our last night on safari, not wanting it to end.
My fiance is now my wife, and we have been on 4 more Africa lifetime trips, to Tanzania and Rwanda, Botswana and Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zimbabwe again, and Tanzania again.
In December we are heading back to Tanzania and Rwanda for our 6th safari, this time taking our 24 year old niece, who is talking to her friends and family about her "trip of a lifetime." If she only knew.
All that said, look forward to your trip like you will never be back. Savor every moment, before and during the trip. It is truly a dream that you will not want to wake up from.
Of course we fell in love. My fiance cried our last night on safari, not wanting it to end.
My fiance is now my wife, and we have been on 4 more Africa lifetime trips, to Tanzania and Rwanda, Botswana and Zimbabwe, South Africa and Zimbabwe again, and Tanzania again.
In December we are heading back to Tanzania and Rwanda for our 6th safari, this time taking our 24 year old niece, who is talking to her friends and family about her "trip of a lifetime." If she only knew.
All that said, look forward to your trip like you will never be back. Savor every moment, before and during the trip. It is truly a dream that you will not want to wake up from.
Jun 28th, 2007, 08:27 AM
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... and we just returned from our fourth African trip of a lifetime ... have fun, and on the flight home, begin planning for the next one.
Hello, Kavey. Botswana is as good as always ... Duma Tau, Littel Vumbura and Chitabe Main this time.
Take care.
Hello, Kavey. Botswana is as good as always ... Duma Tau, Littel Vumbura and Chitabe Main this time.
Take care.
Dec 10th, 2008, 09:18 AM
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hi dandyj,
i dreamed of going on safari my entire life and finally went, alone, this past september. i found a small group thru this board and met up with them in tanzania. i went with no expectations (other than wanting to see at least one male lion - don't ask) and i had a fabulous time. it exceeded my long lifetime of fantasies.
you are very lucky to be able to share the experience with your daughter. i hope, someday, to return with my three teens, if one of us hits the jackpot...
june will be here in no time. keep us posted!
i dreamed of going on safari my entire life and finally went, alone, this past september. i found a small group thru this board and met up with them in tanzania. i went with no expectations (other than wanting to see at least one male lion - don't ask) and i had a fabulous time. it exceeded my long lifetime of fantasies.
you are very lucky to be able to share the experience with your daughter. i hope, someday, to return with my three teens, if one of us hits the jackpot...
june will be here in no time. keep us posted!
