atravelynn

Have a good trip Tom! There will be a report eventually.

cristeen

Tom- sorry to hear about your back. Glad you are healed and ready to head out again. Wishing you safe travels and wonderful sightings.
You all were right. It is so easy to fall in love with SA. I keep checking back and reminiscing. It's nice to feel connected through your travels and reports.
Have a wonderful trip!

cary999

Lounge pass good idea. I'm flying BA and going through LHR with about 4 hour layover between flights to/from JNB. I doubt if my Traveler Plus ticket gets me lounge access. Anyone recommend a lounge and preferably that I do not to change terminals (5 I think) and re do security?

regards - tom

christabir

I did a quick check - BA doesn't sell lounge passes. Four hours isn't too bad. Go get a sit-down restaurant meal and a drink and that takes up most of that time. There are a few that serve decent food, and hopefully won't rush you. There are no other lounges in BA terminal.

KathBC

Have a fantastic time Tom and on that looooong flight maybe think about over nighting somewhere next time.

It really makes a difference getting a good night sleep.

Looking forward to your trip report and pics.

matnikstym

hey Tom! Hope you have a good trip! 19 days! Must be nice...
I don't think I'll make it back until 2014 or later. Sure missing Afreeekah! Hope your back holds up. Kings doesn't charge for sodas do they?

cary999

Thanks CB for checking. Yeah, 4 hours (actually bit less) is not that bad layover.

KBC - I have thought several times about over nighting in London. But never tried it, maybe I'd love it?? I hate to leave the airport, seems like big waste of time and re-work "starting over" next day. But a hotel in LHR?? That wouldn't be so bad. The 9 hour time change (from LAX) is bothersome, would it be better to start adjusting in Europe or wait until Africa?? As it stands, I get into JNB early morning and will spend that night around JNB. Then next day to Kings.

You know, although I've flown to Africa seven times and more times across both oceans with no major problems, it does not get any easier or less stressful. That's why I'm feeling - yeah baby, only nice cruises out of LA Harbor/Long beach, that's the ticket!!! (I think I'm old enough now for Holland America Line ).

"Kings doesn't charge for sodas do they? "
GOOD memory and AlOOOOha Hawaii !!! No they don't charge for soda, nor beer, nor wine, nor most liquors. In fact there is an in room mini-bar. FWIW, I was told that a (SA) 5 star resort/camp room had to have in room mini-bar or it would be 4 star!! Ok, if you insist!!! Hope you can make it back no later than 2014, gads, that's two years!!!

regards - tom
ps - still gathering up camera kit !!

KayeN

Hi Tom

Wishing you a pain free trip to Africa this weekend! I have no problem being in one spot for a long period time! You are just settling in Tom!

Let us hope that you see heaps of stuff that you haven't seen before!

Really not close to saying I have had enough so currently planning my return trip, hope to get one in before the end of the year!

Good luck with some great gameviewing!

Kind regards

Kaye

ShayTay

There is a Yotel in Terminal 4, so I guess that wouldn't work for you. I had a longer layover at LHR and used this for a few hours (minimum rental of 4 hours.) It was a good way to get a shower and some sleep.

cary999

Hi KN - thanks for wishes, you are indeed the champion of long stays, no hope of matching you .

ST - Yotel is good idea, if I had longer layover. For 3-4 hours I'll just have to make do, but, a nice lounge would be nice.

regards - tom

DanaPhx

Tom - You might want to try Flyer Talk/BAEC website: The Lounge Master Meet up thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/briti...er-thread.html

You could ask a British Airways Executive Club member with status if they could 'guest' you in one of the Lounges for a few hours. Most people seem willing to do that. Just mention the day and time you would like access. It's a possibility.

Also, have a wonderful holiday. I feel your pain as I too have back issues - bulging disc - last Sept on my annual trip to the Mara I rode around on safari sitting on an inflatable donut - helped loads!

KathBC

If worried about lugging your bags around London you can always have your stowed bags checked right thru to final destination and just use your carry on for the one night.

I stayed in a nice hotel close to LHR and used a shuttle there and back.

Would take me a lot more than an evening to get over flying all the way thru! And that's even with taking those anti jet lag pills!!

Hey one of those inflatable donuts may not be such a bad idea! Would absorb some of the rocking and rolling of the vehicle.