We're going to Ithumba, woohoo!
Feb 2nd, 2009, 10:35 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We're going to Ithumba, woohoo!
We'll be staying at the Sheldrick Ithumba camp for 3 nights during our time in Kenya and it looks like Joyce, Rod and their sister-in-law will be joining us too!
I don't have anything else planned in Kenya yet but I was so excited about that I had to share! \
/
I don't have anything else planned in Kenya yet but I was so excited about that I had to share! \
/
Feb 2nd, 2009, 11:55 AM
#2
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sorry I forgot to fully disclose what benefits we'll derive from this particular arrangement.
Ithumba is a self catered camp. Joyce is a chef. There was definitely an ulterior motive on my part
Ithumba is a self catered camp. Joyce is a chef. There was definitely an ulterior motive on my part
Feb 2nd, 2009, 01:02 PM
#3
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Good disclosure Patty! 
And that sounds exciting! Where is Ithumbra, I don't think I have previously read anything about it. I could maybe guess that it's in Tsavo where Sheldrick's releases the ellies?
Is Madagascar still a go, or have you substituted more of Kenya instead? I can't actually remember when you are going - remind me?
And that sounds exciting! Where is Ithumbra, I don't think I have previously read anything about it. I could maybe guess that it's in Tsavo where Sheldrick's releases the ellies?Is Madagascar still a go, or have you substituted more of Kenya instead? I can't actually remember when you are going - remind me?
Feb 2nd, 2009, 01:31 PM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks, Lynda! Ithumba is in the northwestern part of Tsavo East and yes it's one of the release areas. Their other Tsavo East facility is near Voi in the southern park of the park. Because Ithumba is so remote, you pretty much have to stay at their camp in order to visit and you book the whole camp with 3 tents for your party.
At this point, it's looking like we may cancel Madagascar and do more of Kenya and possibly a stopover in Europe on the way to or from. We leave in late August.
At this point, it's looking like we may cancel Madagascar and do more of Kenya and possibly a stopover in Europe on the way to or from. We leave in late August.
Feb 2nd, 2009, 01:32 PM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Patty, Take me please, please please!
I'll squeeze into your handbag I promise!
Or could you take photos of our babies for us?
Only 2 there Makena and Chyulu, they'll be the 2 cutest and best behaved.
I'm sooooooo jealous!
Dot
I'll squeeze into your handbag I promise!
Or could you take photos of our babies for us?
Only 2 there Makena and Chyulu, they'll be the 2 cutest and best behaved.
I'm sooooooo jealous!
Dot
Feb 2nd, 2009, 01:43 PM
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
sallysaab,
If you don't mind sleeping in the dining area
Actually that upper platform looks really comfy to me. I might even sleep there instead of in my tent. I will be glad to take photos of your babies!
Lynda,
I found JanGoss's trip report and photos with her stay at Ithumba, courtesy of your index, where else!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...1&y=i5k7l4
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34754641
If you don't mind sleeping in the dining area
Actually that upper platform looks really comfy to me. I might even sleep there instead of in my tent. I will be glad to take photos of your babies!Lynda,
I found JanGoss's trip report and photos with her stay at Ithumba, courtesy of your index, where else!
http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=...1&y=i5k7l4
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34754641
Feb 2nd, 2009, 04:30 PM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Patty r u saying I wont fit in your handbag!
And I'd sleep anywhere even with the babies.
Thanks for the photos, a couple of thousand would do nicely, hehehe
If we can afford it we'd like to try and get there next year, so will look forward to your report, when do you go?
Dot
And I'd sleep anywhere even with the babies.
Thanks for the photos, a couple of thousand would do nicely, hehehe
If we can afford it we'd like to try and get there next year, so will look forward to your report, when do you go?
Dot
Feb 3rd, 2009, 11:12 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes we're actually at the Nursery om March 21st for the public visit and private, (we're only in Nairobi 1 day) but we fly back in again April 4th at 14.45 and I'm hoping there's time to race straight over to the Nursery for a final visit.
Is there anything you'd like from Sheldricks other than a baby!
Just let me know [email protected].
Is there anything you'd like from Sheldricks other than a baby!
Just let me know [email protected].
Feb 3rd, 2009, 01:46 PM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have a great trip, sallysaab, and looking forward to hearing about your visits!
Oh, Nyamera, I'm trying not to wish too hard for the dogs or I'm afraid it won't come true. I think I need to somehow forget that there are dogs there. Do not remind me again!
Oh, Nyamera, I'm trying not to wish too hard for the dogs or I'm afraid it won't come true. I think I need to somehow forget that there are dogs there. Do not remind me again!
Feb 6th, 2009, 01:10 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've decided to add a few days in Uganda and fly home from EBB. I liked that idea better than a stopover in Europe. The plan is to head to Murchison Falls with an overnight enroute at Budongo for the chimp trek. Still need to work on the rest of Kenya.
Mar 19th, 2009, 04:10 PM
#16
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 624
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Patty, how did you go about booking Ithumba. I know it is a Sheldrick initiative, but can't seem to find a reference on their site. We planning for 2010 and my son's orphan is at Ithumba and he is adamant that we include it in our plans. How are you organizing your self catering supplies?
Mar 19th, 2009, 05:54 PM
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I booked with Sheldrick via email. You're right that there's no info on their website. They can send you pics and info or if you email me pchang1972 at yahoo dot com I have some that I can forward you. The rate for 2009 is $450 per night for the whole camp which consists of 3 guest tents and a dining/lounge area. I've delegated all camp chores to other members of my party Joyce's SIL will be bringing supplies with her when she drives out from Nairobi (she doesn't know this yet ) since we'll probably already be elsewhere on safari before heading to Ithumba. You could do your own shopping or just have your tour operator (you still need a vehicle and driver/guide anyway) provision you which is what we've done in the past when staying at self catering accommodations. And there's actually a staff of 3 dedicated to the guest camp so I was kidding about the chores.
Joyce's SIL will be bringing supplies with her when she drives out from Nairobi (she doesn't know this yet ) since we'll probably already be elsewhere on safari before heading to Ithumba. You could do your own shopping or just have your tour operator (you still need a vehicle and driver/guide anyway) provision you which is what we've done in the past when staying at self catering accommodations. And there's actually a staff of 3 dedicated to the guest camp so I was kidding about the chores.
