Dana_M

Monica,
I can't believe I never finished reading this the first time. I switched gears, went to Botswana instead, and obviously got off on a tangent.

Now that I have finally read it through, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your report. Your report has convinced me to do several gorilla treks and also to give TUC serious consideration for the Serengeti portion of my trip. Thank you.

Now I'm going to look at photos. Better late than never!

Dana_M

Fantastic photos. Wonderful gorilla shots and loved the year old cheetah. Beautiful sunsets too. And TUC looks fantastic. Thanks!

MonicaH

Dana_M-

Thanks for the feedback. How was Botswana? That is my next Africa trip. And if you can get to see the Gorillas, I say do it. We just framed the picture of the Silverback with the slight smile to hang in our living room. Every time I see that picture, I can't help but smile myself!

Monica

althom1122

Fabulous trip report, Monica. Thanks so much. Your itinerary sounds exactly like what I'd like to do - see gorillas, as well as the big herds on the Serengeti. How did you go about making all the arrangements? You mention Volcanoes Safaris and also CCAfrica... did you have one tour company make all the plans, or did you work with several? Is there an easy way for me to go about estimating the cost for a trip like this? I've done a lot of traveling, but never planned a trip to Africa. Am becoming more and more sure that such a trip is in my future!
Thanks again - great report and great pictures.
Karen

Dana_M

Monica,
Botswana was wonderful. You will have a fantastic time. When are you going? Have you posted questions or an itinerary?

MonicaH

Hi Karen-

I actually used a travel agent who had been to Africa a few times. I loved working with him and he was a good sport about enduring all my many questions. Let me know if you want his contact info and I will post it.

I wanted something higher end because it was an anniversary trip so the trip was expensive. We started with quotes from Micato, but that was way more then I could afford. CCAfrica was about half the Micato price and I thought CCAfrica did a good job. I would use them again in a heartbeat. I would start getting some quotes or look at some of the brochures as some of them have prices in them.

My recommendation for Rwanda would be to spend more time then I did. I would do at least two treks and then spend a day going to see Dian Fosseys’ old research station…..that is my only regret.

Hi Dana-

I am just in the research phase of Botswana but have been paying special attention to anything posted on this board. I am hoping we can plan for next year. I just finished putting together my trip this summer to Alaska (we are doing a bear safari), so my husband asked that we do that trip and then I can start obsessing on Botswana. J

Monica

atravelynn

Did I hear bear? What are you doing in Alaska, Monica?

MonicaH

Yes, we are spending 4 days at Hallo Bay to spend time with the bears (so I call it a bear safari). There are 10 people in camp at a time, they break you into two groups and you spend all day looking for and at bears.

I am a little nervous since you do all of this on foot rather then a vehicle like I did in Africa, but I am thrilled to be able to sit and watch bears for hours, and hours.

atravelynn

I've been there and you'll love it. You'll be so thrilled you won't have time to be nervous.