Uganda & Tanzania Trip Report
Jun 26th, 2008, 01:00 PM
#41
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Cat Lover, My husband and I are planning our first trip to Africa for summer 2009, and after reading your report, we may just want to copy your itinerary almost exactly!
We have just initiated conversation with Narry at Good Earth. My question for you, what would you do differently if you could had 20/20 vision? You mentioned leaving out the village tour, and maybe flying back to Entebbe. Should we skip Chambura? What else, if anything? Thanks!
We have just initiated conversation with Narry at Good Earth. My question for you, what would you do differently if you could had 20/20 vision? You mentioned leaving out the village tour, and maybe flying back to Entebbe. Should we skip Chambura? What else, if anything? Thanks!
Jul 17th, 2008, 06:07 PM
#42
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So sorry for the delay in responding, I hope you're still checking these threads.
Please send our very best regards to Narry, we think the world of him. Are you in the US? If so, I'd love to send you some goodies to take to Medi and/or Raphael if you're able to have them as your guides.
I couldn't tell from your message if you were going to Tanz, or just Uganda. If you can let me know which (or both) I can fine-tune my response.
I promise to check the message boards more often to see your response.
Please send our very best regards to Narry, we think the world of him. Are you in the US? If so, I'd love to send you some goodies to take to Medi and/or Raphael if you're able to have them as your guides.
I couldn't tell from your message if you were going to Tanz, or just Uganda. If you can let me know which (or both) I can fine-tune my response.
I promise to check the message boards more often to see your response.
Jul 19th, 2008, 11:38 AM
#43
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Cat lover - enjoyed your story< thank you -
Can you just comment on Jacana Lodge please, there are so many conflicting reports - some people love it some people say its grim! what did you think?
Also Mweya - the photos on the web site seem to suggest the rooms are all in one block, and not terribly nice (we are looking for non budget accommodation) - what did you think please?
Also Gorilla Resort - was it v basic or was there some rustic luxury?
any one else have any comments on these locations please?
There is a new lodge at Bwindi - Silverback Lodge - has anyone seen it/tried it?
Lastly any views on the treee house at Kibale Primate Lodge please? i read on this site that it was dirty and unpleasant...has it changed anyone?
thank you!
Can you just comment on Jacana Lodge please, there are so many conflicting reports - some people love it some people say its grim! what did you think?
Also Mweya - the photos on the web site seem to suggest the rooms are all in one block, and not terribly nice (we are looking for non budget accommodation) - what did you think please?
Also Gorilla Resort - was it v basic or was there some rustic luxury?
any one else have any comments on these locations please?
There is a new lodge at Bwindi - Silverback Lodge - has anyone seen it/tried it?
Lastly any views on the treee house at Kibale Primate Lodge please? i read on this site that it was dirty and unpleasant...has it changed anyone?
thank you!
Jul 19th, 2008, 07:16 PM
#44
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
cat_lover, we have decided to do both Uganda and Tanzania - 3 weeks. The critical part now is to get our flights using frequent flyer points. We hope to travel next June / July, so we still have to wait a few weeks to try and book the flights. We do live in So. California, so as the time gets closer, you are very welcome to send some goodies to your favorite guides through us.
Jul 20th, 2008, 10:10 AM
#45
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Anitafiona-
It's interesting that you asked about Jacana Lodge. You'll notice that on our itinerary from Good Earth it was listed as a "tented camp," which GREATLY underestimates how nice this lodge was. The rooms are all seperate structures (with views of the lake) lining lovely paths from the main reception area/restaurant (food was wonderful). This was one of the most fantastic places we stayed in Uganda. Our lodge was as nice as some of the rustic-style chalets that would be found in the American West ski resort towns or in the mountains of North Carolina/Tennessee. There was also a great pool which overlooked the lake and a place for private massages, which I had every day we were there by a delightful local named Mary.
Unless there is some other lodge that is being confused with where we stayed, or the travelers use ClubMed accomodations as their standard, bad reviews are unfounded.
Gorilla Resort was a genuine tented lodge, but the HUGE tents have enough room for two full beds, rack/table for luggage, chairs, laundry baskets and a sweet front porch with a view of the tea fields and mountains. They have permenant foundations, bathrooms with running hot and cold water and as long as you zip the doors shut before dark, you'll have no problem keeping the buggies away. What was most impressive for us about the Gorilla Resort was the unparalleled service that we received from the staff. They made us the most delicious meals we had in Uganda and because we were the only guests that week I was concerned that they might skip some of the extras, but the opposite was true. Every morning they came to wake us up with tea, coffee or hot chocolate in our tent, they packed us great lunches to take on our treks and every evening they made us a fire and served us complimentary wine as we recapped the day in anticipation for a delicious dinner. Another example of how great the staff is relates to laundry, yes, laundry. First, their laundry service was included on our price, so we took advantage and had them wash just about everything. In my whole life I've never seen a pair of socks folded so maticulously! They even took our boots which were caked with mud from the days hike and made them look like they were just purchased (we didn't ask them to clean the boots, they just saw that they were dirty and cleaned them). We celebrated Christmas there and they made us a special "happy christmas" cake decorated with icing and actual ribbons. The entire cooking staff served it to us and sang us a song. It was a wonderful Christmas memory which I shall treasure forever. There may be fancier lodges, but I can't imagine that more dedicated staff exist anywhere in Bwindi.
I'm not aware of the other two logdes you mention. Hopefully others will have something to report.
Megdean-
It does sound like your itinerary would be very similar to ours! Other than the things I've already mentioned, I can't think of anything else I'd change.
If you can let me know how your plans take shape, I really would love to send along some goodies (nothing heavy or bulky, I promise!) to some of our African friends, whom we now consider family.
It's interesting that you asked about Jacana Lodge. You'll notice that on our itinerary from Good Earth it was listed as a "tented camp," which GREATLY underestimates how nice this lodge was. The rooms are all seperate structures (with views of the lake) lining lovely paths from the main reception area/restaurant (food was wonderful). This was one of the most fantastic places we stayed in Uganda. Our lodge was as nice as some of the rustic-style chalets that would be found in the American West ski resort towns or in the mountains of North Carolina/Tennessee. There was also a great pool which overlooked the lake and a place for private massages, which I had every day we were there by a delightful local named Mary.
Unless there is some other lodge that is being confused with where we stayed, or the travelers use ClubMed accomodations as their standard, bad reviews are unfounded.
Gorilla Resort was a genuine tented lodge, but the HUGE tents have enough room for two full beds, rack/table for luggage, chairs, laundry baskets and a sweet front porch with a view of the tea fields and mountains. They have permenant foundations, bathrooms with running hot and cold water and as long as you zip the doors shut before dark, you'll have no problem keeping the buggies away. What was most impressive for us about the Gorilla Resort was the unparalleled service that we received from the staff. They made us the most delicious meals we had in Uganda and because we were the only guests that week I was concerned that they might skip some of the extras, but the opposite was true. Every morning they came to wake us up with tea, coffee or hot chocolate in our tent, they packed us great lunches to take on our treks and every evening they made us a fire and served us complimentary wine as we recapped the day in anticipation for a delicious dinner. Another example of how great the staff is relates to laundry, yes, laundry. First, their laundry service was included on our price, so we took advantage and had them wash just about everything. In my whole life I've never seen a pair of socks folded so maticulously! They even took our boots which were caked with mud from the days hike and made them look like they were just purchased (we didn't ask them to clean the boots, they just saw that they were dirty and cleaned them). We celebrated Christmas there and they made us a special "happy christmas" cake decorated with icing and actual ribbons. The entire cooking staff served it to us and sang us a song. It was a wonderful Christmas memory which I shall treasure forever. There may be fancier lodges, but I can't imagine that more dedicated staff exist anywhere in Bwindi.
I'm not aware of the other two logdes you mention. Hopefully others will have something to report.
Megdean-
It does sound like your itinerary would be very similar to ours! Other than the things I've already mentioned, I can't think of anything else I'd change.
If you can let me know how your plans take shape, I really would love to send along some goodies (nothing heavy or bulky, I promise!) to some of our African friends, whom we now consider family.
Aug 23rd, 2008, 12:48 PM
#47
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So sorry for the delayed response, I hope my reply isn't coming too late.
We booked all of our hotels, guides etc. through Good Earth. I think that Medi might be a sub-contractor who works for a few different companies, but we hired him through Narry.
We booked all of our hotels, guides etc. through Good Earth. I think that Medi might be a sub-contractor who works for a few different companies, but we hired him through Narry.
Aug 26th, 2008, 06:22 PM
#48
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 292
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
cat lover, Thanks for a very detailed and helpful report. I leave in 12 days for my first trip to Africa: 9/7-24 to Tanzania and Zanzibar. I'm curious about your money recommendation, (that $1000 cash wasn't enough and to bring more.) I have a very accurate accounting of tips I can expect to pay and still wasn't planning to bring $1000. Do you mind my asking if you made many purchases or where the money seemed to go? I certainly don't want to come up short... Thanks.
Aug 29th, 2008, 07:04 AM
#49
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes, we did some modest shopping, but that's not where the money went. We decided to tip more that suggested in most cases, and there were lots of people who helped us with misc. things, and we tipped them too. When in doubt, we tipped.
Also, we often had a glass of wine or beer with dinner, which was not included at most lodges. In addition, using the internet will cost you shillings/dollars wherever you go.
There just ended-up being more small expenses than we had anticipated. I suppose you could cut back in some areas, but a dollar or two tip means a great deal to the people of Africa, but is affordable to someone with the means to travel to Africa.
Happy travels!
Also, we often had a glass of wine or beer with dinner, which was not included at most lodges. In addition, using the internet will cost you shillings/dollars wherever you go.
There just ended-up being more small expenses than we had anticipated. I suppose you could cut back in some areas, but a dollar or two tip means a great deal to the people of Africa, but is affordable to someone with the means to travel to Africa.
Happy travels!
Sep 14th, 2008, 09:22 AM
#50
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 310
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi all, we have our "99% final" itinerary and I have just a couple of questions - I have CAPITALIZED them and am hoping for input: Any other input?
July 3rd 2009 : Arrive into Entebbe at 7:40am
drive to Kampala ) Stay at Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel or Emin Pasha Hotel
July 4: Drive to Kibale - stay at Ndali Lodge, B,L,D
July 5 Kibale - Ndali Lodge, B,L,D
July 6 Drive to QEP Ishasha Wilderness Camp. Take Kazinga Channel boat trip, B,L,D
July 7: QEP game drive in morning. In afternoon, drive to Bwindi, Gorilla Resort Camp, B,L,D SHOULD WE SPEND THE EXTRA $145PP PER NIGHT FOR GORILLA FOREST CAMP?
July 8: Bwindi - gorilla trek Gorilla Resort Camp, B,L,D
July 9: Bwindi gorilla trek - Gorilla Resort Camp, B,L,D
July 10: Drive to Mburo stay at Mihinga Lodge.
July 11: Drive to Entebbe airport (EBB) to board a 3:10pm Kenya Airways flight to Kilimanjaro via Nairobi ; arriving Kilimanjaro (JRO) at 7:00pm ; Serena Mountain Lodge, B,L,D
July 12: Flight to Central Serengeti , game drives, Olakira Camp, B,L,D
July 13: BALLOON SAFARI, then more game drives in Central Serengeti , Olakira Camp, B,L,D
July 14: Drive (approx: 2.5hrs drive) to Northern Serengeti , game drives, Migration Camp, B,L,D OTHER OPTIONS ARE SAYARI OR LEMALE CAMPS
July 15: More game drives in Northern Serengeti , Migration Camp, B,L,D
July 16: Serengeti / Drive to Lake Eyasi (approx: 6hrs drive), Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp, B,L,D
July 17: Time with Bushman, drive to Ngorongoro (approx: 2hrs drive), Ngorongoro Lemala Camp, B,L,D
July 18: Game drives in Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Lemala Camp, B,L,D.
July 19: Drive to Tarangire (approx: 2hrs drive), game drives, Swala Camp, B,L,D
July 20: More game drives in Tarangire, Swala Camp, B,L,D
July 21: Drive to Arusha; take the 2:00pm Riverside Schedule Shuttle to Nairobi , to arrive there at about 6:30pm , in time for your 11:20 pm return flight, B, L
July 3rd 2009 : Arrive into Entebbe at 7:40am
drive to Kampala ) Stay at Windsor Lake Victoria Hotel or Emin Pasha Hotel July 4: Drive to Kibale - stay at Ndali Lodge, B,L,D
July 5 Kibale - Ndali Lodge, B,L,D
July 6 Drive to QEP Ishasha Wilderness Camp. Take Kazinga Channel boat trip, B,L,D
July 7: QEP game drive in morning. In afternoon, drive to Bwindi, Gorilla Resort Camp, B,L,D SHOULD WE SPEND THE EXTRA $145PP PER NIGHT FOR GORILLA FOREST CAMP?
July 8: Bwindi - gorilla trek Gorilla Resort Camp, B,L,D
July 9: Bwindi gorilla trek - Gorilla Resort Camp, B,L,D
July 10: Drive to Mburo stay at Mihinga Lodge.
July 11: Drive to Entebbe airport (EBB) to board a 3:10pm Kenya Airways flight to Kilimanjaro via Nairobi ; arriving Kilimanjaro (JRO) at 7:00pm ; Serena Mountain Lodge, B,L,D
July 12: Flight to Central Serengeti , game drives, Olakira Camp, B,L,D
July 13: BALLOON SAFARI, then more game drives in Central Serengeti , Olakira Camp, B,L,D
July 14: Drive (approx: 2.5hrs drive) to Northern Serengeti , game drives, Migration Camp, B,L,D OTHER OPTIONS ARE SAYARI OR LEMALE CAMPS
July 15: More game drives in Northern Serengeti , Migration Camp, B,L,D
July 16: Serengeti / Drive to Lake Eyasi (approx: 6hrs drive), Kisima Ngeda Tented Camp, B,L,D
July 17: Time with Bushman, drive to Ngorongoro (approx: 2hrs drive), Ngorongoro Lemala Camp, B,L,D
July 18: Game drives in Ngorongoro, Ngorongoro Lemala Camp, B,L,D.
July 19: Drive to Tarangire (approx: 2hrs drive), game drives, Swala Camp, B,L,D
July 20: More game drives in Tarangire, Swala Camp, B,L,D
July 21: Drive to Arusha; take the 2:00pm Riverside Schedule Shuttle to Nairobi , to arrive there at about 6:30pm , in time for your 11:20 pm return flight, B, L
Sep 14th, 2008, 10:33 AM
#51
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Megdean,
For more discussion on your trip, I'd suggest starting a new thread.
I've stayed at Gorilla Forest Camp and it was very lovely with gracious staff and outstanding food. A beautiful accommodation in every respect. If the $145 per night is minimal to you and you'd like the most luxurious camp in the area, go for it. I've also stayed in a mobile and at Mantana Camp in Bwindi and was very happy there too. Don't know your particular camp or how it compares. I personally would not spend the extra money for the upgrade.
Your entire trip looks wonderful.
For more discussion on your trip, I'd suggest starting a new thread.
I've stayed at Gorilla Forest Camp and it was very lovely with gracious staff and outstanding food. A beautiful accommodation in every respect. If the $145 per night is minimal to you and you'd like the most luxurious camp in the area, go for it. I've also stayed in a mobile and at Mantana Camp in Bwindi and was very happy there too. Don't know your particular camp or how it compares. I personally would not spend the extra money for the upgrade.
Your entire trip looks wonderful.
