When, and where in Africa are you going?
Feb 2nd, 2006, 01:13 PM
#21
Guest
Posts: n/a
Lynn,
It was a very confusing story actually.
Those guys said they were looking for some film locations. They were supposed to be picked up by a helicopter the same day ... but for some reason they didn't show up.
They had a South African guy with them that claimed to know the area very well. But if you have seen that place ... it's easy to get lost. So they did. The local people (Himba) went to search for them together with some of the staff from Serra Cafema.
I don't remember exactly how many they (=film crew) were. I think they were 5 or 6 (one was a russian who played in "15 minutes" with Robert De Niro).
After they were found they told us they decided to split up ... and they thought they were going in the same direction but they weren't at all.
The last 2 people that they found (after a week) were actually swimming in the Kunene. Not the smartest thing to do if you know that this river is infested with huge Nile crocodiles. And actually two of those crocs were found 100 meters from where those guys were swimming. When they were told that they started crying.
Two questions did we all have at that time:
They had lots of food supplies with them - why?? if you are just staying for a couple of hours ...
Did they had a permission to film or were they just looking for something else (minerals,...) Serra Cafema it's situated right at the border with Angola.
It was very bizarre ...
I had a wonderful stay there. I think it's one of the most remote places in Africa to go to and I loved it.
Greetings,
Johan
It was a very confusing story actually.
Those guys said they were looking for some film locations. They were supposed to be picked up by a helicopter the same day ... but for some reason they didn't show up.
They had a South African guy with them that claimed to know the area very well. But if you have seen that place ... it's easy to get lost. So they did. The local people (Himba) went to search for them together with some of the staff from Serra Cafema.
I don't remember exactly how many they (=film crew) were. I think they were 5 or 6 (one was a russian who played in "15 minutes" with Robert De Niro).
After they were found they told us they decided to split up ... and they thought they were going in the same direction but they weren't at all.
The last 2 people that they found (after a week) were actually swimming in the Kunene. Not the smartest thing to do if you know that this river is infested with huge Nile crocodiles. And actually two of those crocs were found 100 meters from where those guys were swimming. When they were told that they started crying.
Two questions did we all have at that time:
They had lots of food supplies with them - why?? if you are just staying for a couple of hours ...
Did they had a permission to film or were they just looking for something else (minerals,...) Serra Cafema it's situated right at the border with Angola.
It was very bizarre ...
I had a wonderful stay there. I think it's one of the most remote places in Africa to go to and I loved it.
Greetings,
Johan
Feb 2nd, 2006, 01:18 PM
#22
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, fun!
June 16, 2006: The Arusha Hotel
June 17: Tarangire Safari Lodge
June 18: Tarangire Safari Lodge
June 19: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
June 20: Serengeti Serena Lodge
June 21: Balloon ride in the morning, Kirawira Tented Camp
June 22: Kirawira Tented Camp
June 23: Kirawira Tented Camp
June 24: flight to Z’bar, Tembo House
June 25: Matemwe Bungalow
June 26: Matemwe Bungalow
June 16, 2006: The Arusha Hotel
June 17: Tarangire Safari Lodge
June 18: Tarangire Safari Lodge
June 19: Ngorongoro Serena Lodge
June 20: Serengeti Serena Lodge
June 21: Balloon ride in the morning, Kirawira Tented Camp
June 22: Kirawira Tented Camp
June 23: Kirawira Tented Camp
June 24: flight to Z’bar, Tembo House
June 25: Matemwe Bungalow
June 26: Matemwe Bungalow
Feb 2nd, 2006, 01:41 PM
#23
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
March 06
Joburg (1)
Madikwe Hills (2)
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge (Madikwe)(2)
Joburg - 10 Bompas(1)
Deception Valley Lodge (2)
Kwando Kwara (2)
Kwando Lebala (3)
Joburg (1)
Feb 07 Tanzania Wildebeest calving
Assuming I get some clients to lead for my group trip
West Kilimanjaro Camp (2)
Kirurumu Tented Lodge (1)
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (1)
Serengeti - Private Tented Camp (3)
Zanzibar diving extension - perhaps
Joburg (1)
Madikwe Hills (2)
Buffalo Ridge Safari Lodge (Madikwe)(2)
Joburg - 10 Bompas(1)
Deception Valley Lodge (2)
Kwando Kwara (2)
Kwando Lebala (3)
Joburg (1)
Feb 07 Tanzania Wildebeest calving
Assuming I get some clients to lead for my group trip
West Kilimanjaro Camp (2)
Kirurumu Tented Lodge (1)
Ngorongoro Serena Lodge (1)
Serengeti - Private Tented Camp (3)
Zanzibar diving extension - perhaps
Feb 2nd, 2006, 02:09 PM
#24
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 424
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
To Johan,
Yes we are very much looking forward to our trip and also thought these last two locations would make for a great end to our journey. I have read that they are quite stunning in terms of scenery and are remote areas. Did you have much opportunity to interact with the Himba people? Also any other recommendations for specific activities to look into while at either camp?
Yes we are very much looking forward to our trip and also thought these last two locations would make for a great end to our journey. I have read that they are quite stunning in terms of scenery and are remote areas. Did you have much opportunity to interact with the Himba people? Also any other recommendations for specific activities to look into while at either camp?
Feb 2nd, 2006, 03:11 PM
#25
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 421
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
LyndaS, another Vancouverite I presume. I leave June 16th for my dream trip:
1 night Maun (Riley's)
3 Kwetsani
3 Duma Plains
3 Duma Tau
2 Victoria Falls (River Club)
3 Tena Tena (RPS)
2 Nsefu
1 Lusaka (Chaminuka)
1 London
1 night Maun (Riley's)
3 Kwetsani
3 Duma Plains
3 Duma Tau
2 Victoria Falls (River Club)
3 Tena Tena (RPS)
2 Nsefu
1 Lusaka (Chaminuka)
1 London
Feb 2nd, 2006, 03:51 PM
#26
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
An odd tale indeed, Johan!
Since I'm on this thread again, I'll post the June 2007 trip as it looks now, but maybe not in this order
Cape Town- about 3
Mala Mala 4
Mashatu 3-4
Phinda 3-4
A first to South Africa.
Since I'm on this thread again, I'll post the June 2007 trip as it looks now, but maybe not in this order
Cape Town- about 3
Mala Mala 4
Mashatu 3-4
Phinda 3-4
A first to South Africa.
Feb 2nd, 2006, 05:12 PM
#27
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,553
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
20 days and counting...
Moivaro Coffee Lodge (1)
Tarangire Treetops (2)
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (2)
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (2)
Olduvai Camp (1)
Nomad Masek (2)
Nomad Piaya (2)
Mbuzi Mawe (2)
Palms Zanzibar (3)
Serena Inn, Stone Town (2)
Canal House, Amsterdam (2)
King George V Four Seasons, Paris (2)
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006
Michelangelo Hotel, Joburg (2)
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, Sabi Sand (3)
Mateya or Madikwe Hills, Madikwe (3)
Susuwe Island Lodge, Namibia (bordering Kwando) (3)
Kwando Lebala & Lagoon (4)
Kwando Kwara & Kwara Island (4)
Ntwala Island Lodge, Namibia (3) (Chobe area)
I love the above itinerary...20 straight nights on safari, but two nights at the beginning to recover from jetlag at the luxurious Michelangelo in Sandton.
MAY 2007
Durban (for Indaba Travel Show) (3)
Phinda? (4)
Lusaka? (1)
????? (13 - 15)
Moivaro Coffee Lodge (1)
Tarangire Treetops (2)
Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (2)
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge (2)
Olduvai Camp (1)
Nomad Masek (2)
Nomad Piaya (2)
Mbuzi Mawe (2)
Palms Zanzibar (3)
Serena Inn, Stone Town (2)
Canal House, Amsterdam (2)
King George V Four Seasons, Paris (2)
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2006
Michelangelo Hotel, Joburg (2)
Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge, Sabi Sand (3)
Mateya or Madikwe Hills, Madikwe (3)
Susuwe Island Lodge, Namibia (bordering Kwando) (3)
Kwando Lebala & Lagoon (4)
Kwando Kwara & Kwara Island (4)
Ntwala Island Lodge, Namibia (3) (Chobe area)
I love the above itinerary...20 straight nights on safari, but two nights at the beginning to recover from jetlag at the luxurious Michelangelo in Sandton.
MAY 2007
Durban (for Indaba Travel Show) (3)
Phinda? (4)
Lusaka? (1)
????? (13 - 15)
Feb 2nd, 2006, 05:50 PM
#28
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Here's ours:
May 16/17- LA to Frankfurt to Joburg
5/18 - Joburg (1)
5/19 - Royal Livingstone Vic Falls (2)
5/21 - Luangwa River Lodge (4)
5/25 - Puku Ridge (2)
5/27 - Chiawa Camp (5) *with Cooncat, Tigerpaw and Esmeralda*
6/1 - Joburg (1)
6/2 - 6/8 Driving tour kwazulu natal and St. Lucia Wetlands
6/8 - fly home (unless we decide to run away from home and settle in S. Africa...)
May 16/17- LA to Frankfurt to Joburg
5/18 - Joburg (1)
5/19 - Royal Livingstone Vic Falls (2)
5/21 - Luangwa River Lodge (4)
5/25 - Puku Ridge (2)
5/27 - Chiawa Camp (5) *with Cooncat, Tigerpaw and Esmeralda*
6/1 - Joburg (1)
6/2 - 6/8 Driving tour kwazulu natal and St. Lucia Wetlands
6/8 - fly home (unless we decide to run away from home and settle in S. Africa...)
Feb 2nd, 2006, 06:14 PM
#29
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 7,395
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AmyH~we're staying at Thistle Marble Arch in London~not the most convenient location from Heathrow, but I was checking out Priceline and hit the wrong button so we're stuck. Looks nice though, will be in my trip report coming out March 29th.
Feb 2nd, 2006, 08:43 PM
#31
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Dear New Friends:
Thanks to your advice the following is our intinerary (wife and son age 18 and daughter age 26):
Aug. 5 LAX to London
Aug. 6 overnight at Sheraton at airport
Aug. 7 morning departure LHR to NBO, overnight at Stanley hotel in Nairobi
Aug. 8 Fly to Samburu, Larsen's Tented Camp
Aug. 9-10 Samburu,
Aug. 11 Fly to Mara, Stay at Little Governor's Camp
Aug. 12-14 LG Camp (13th is daughter's 27th birthday - celebrate with balloon ride)
Aug. 15 fly to Lamu Island via Nairobi
Aug. 16-17 Kizingo Resort (two bandas on the beach, the family wanted variety and they are getting it)
Aug. 18 Late afternoon flight to NBO, board the Swiss Airlines redeye to Zurich
Aug. 19 6 hour layover in Zurich, have reserved a dayroom.
Afternoon flight chasing the Sun back to LAX
I intend to write a trip report that I hope in some small way may help some future first timer like myself. The posts of all of you have been invaluable in our planning. Thank you very much to one and all, especially to Lynda S
Kevin (stakerk)
Thanks to your advice the following is our intinerary (wife and son age 18 and daughter age 26):
Aug. 5 LAX to London
Aug. 6 overnight at Sheraton at airport
Aug. 7 morning departure LHR to NBO, overnight at Stanley hotel in Nairobi
Aug. 8 Fly to Samburu, Larsen's Tented Camp
Aug. 9-10 Samburu,
Aug. 11 Fly to Mara, Stay at Little Governor's Camp
Aug. 12-14 LG Camp (13th is daughter's 27th birthday - celebrate with balloon ride)
Aug. 15 fly to Lamu Island via Nairobi
Aug. 16-17 Kizingo Resort (two bandas on the beach, the family wanted variety and they are getting it)
Aug. 18 Late afternoon flight to NBO, board the Swiss Airlines redeye to Zurich
Aug. 19 6 hour layover in Zurich, have reserved a dayroom.
Afternoon flight chasing the Sun back to LAX
I intend to write a trip report that I hope in some small way may help some future first timer like myself. The posts of all of you have been invaluable in our planning. Thank you very much to one and all, especially to Lynda S
Kevin (stakerk)
Feb 2nd, 2006, 09:23 PM
#32
Guest
Posts: n/a
DJE,
We had some wonderful time with the Himba people. It's one of the things not to miss ... and it's not that commercial like f.e. when you are visiting some tribes in East Africa.
When I was at Serra Cafema Toni, one of the managers was writing a paper about how the lodge had a influence on the way of living of the Himba people.
When at Sossusvlei I would definitely do the balloon flight.
At Ongave, go for a bush walk and try to approach white and black rhino (of course from a save distance).
At Swakopmund, you can do all sort of things. Once we went on fishing from the beach for copper sharks (they can weigh almost 200 kg's). It was on a catch and release basis and it was great fun.
Greetings,
Johan
We had some wonderful time with the Himba people. It's one of the things not to miss ... and it's not that commercial like f.e. when you are visiting some tribes in East Africa.
When I was at Serra Cafema Toni, one of the managers was writing a paper about how the lodge had a influence on the way of living of the Himba people.
When at Sossusvlei I would definitely do the balloon flight.
At Ongave, go for a bush walk and try to approach white and black rhino (of course from a save distance).
At Swakopmund, you can do all sort of things. Once we went on fishing from the beach for copper sharks (they can weigh almost 200 kg's). It was on a catch and release basis and it was great fun.
Greetings,
Johan
Feb 2nd, 2006, 09:35 PM
#34
Guest
Posts: n/a
Feb 2nd, 2006, 09:45 PM
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow, this is great guys! I am so looking forward to all of those trip reports - I only have a few more to read and then I have to wait....
Raelond, yes we do live in Vancouver, Richmond to be exact - couldn't get much closer to that airport could I!
Kevin, thank you so much for your kind words, I appreciate that - everyone on this board has been so helpful to me too, the knowlefge (and the level of 'giving' of that knowlege) on this board is incredible. With the regulars here, there really is no need to buy guide books! (oops sorry, Fodors, really I still do buy them...)
Johan, you are so lucky to be going on so many, I sure can see that Africa got under your skin and is stuck there. We visited South africa and Namibia in 2003 and only the thought of returning to Africa again has kept me going.
Oh, and DJE, when you are in Swakopmund,if you are hungry try the Nando's chicken that is right by the ATM machine (can't miss it, it's a small town). We didn't try that one, but we have a Nando's here and their chicken is awesome!
Raelond, yes we do live in Vancouver, Richmond to be exact - couldn't get much closer to that airport could I!
Kevin, thank you so much for your kind words, I appreciate that - everyone on this board has been so helpful to me too, the knowlefge (and the level of 'giving' of that knowlege) on this board is incredible. With the regulars here, there really is no need to buy guide books! (oops sorry, Fodors, really I still do buy them...)
Johan, you are so lucky to be going on so many, I sure can see that Africa got under your skin and is stuck there. We visited South africa and Namibia in 2003 and only the thought of returning to Africa again has kept me going.
Oh, and DJE, when you are in Swakopmund,if you are hungry try the Nando's chicken that is right by the ATM machine (can't miss it, it's a small town). We didn't try that one, but we have a Nando's here and their chicken is awesome!
Feb 2nd, 2006, 11:54 PM
#36
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Lynda
Okay for me (finger's crossed) Tanzania again in Sept. A little different from the usual safari trip: I'll be spending a week with Maasai friends staying in their village and taking part in some ceremonies as my friend Lemada makes the transition from Moran to Warrior. As their village is not far from Mto Wa Mbu
http://mtoculturalprogramme.tripod.com/
and Lake Manyara I'll try to sneak in a couple of days in that park but Safari is not my main objective. I'll try and see friends in Arusha and perhaps if schedules and finances allow visit Peter Jones at http://www.ndarakwai.com/
I'd like to meet up with Eben (climbhighsleeplow) too if we can arrange things. So different but no less exciting, for me at least.
BTW don't forget my old report if not already added to list:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34736285
Thanks alot for collating everything together. This board really is great.
Matt
Okay for me (finger's crossed) Tanzania again in Sept. A little different from the usual safari trip: I'll be spending a week with Maasai friends staying in their village and taking part in some ceremonies as my friend Lemada makes the transition from Moran to Warrior. As their village is not far from Mto Wa Mbu
http://mtoculturalprogramme.tripod.com/
and Lake Manyara I'll try to sneak in a couple of days in that park but Safari is not my main objective. I'll try and see friends in Arusha and perhaps if schedules and finances allow visit Peter Jones at http://www.ndarakwai.com/
I'd like to meet up with Eben (climbhighsleeplow) too if we can arrange things. So different but no less exciting, for me at least.
BTW don't forget my old report if not already added to list:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34736285
Thanks alot for collating everything together. This board really is great.
Matt
Feb 3rd, 2006, 04:42 AM
#37
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 20,145
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks so much Lynda for trying to keep us organized. Your efforts are appreciated by all. =D> .
Feb. 10
Boston - Ams. - Kili.
Tanzania
11 - New Arusha Hotel
12 - Kikoti
15 - Kisima Ngeda
17 - Ngo. Wildlife Lodge
19 - Serengeti - mobile camp
22 - JRO - NBO
Karen Blixen Cottges
23 NBO - Mahe, Sechelles
B. Meridien
25 cabin charter -
Seychelle Islands
March 3
B. Meridien
5 - NBO - Ams.- Boston
Feb. 10
Boston - Ams. - Kili.
Tanzania
11 - New Arusha Hotel
12 - Kikoti
15 - Kisima Ngeda
17 - Ngo. Wildlife Lodge
19 - Serengeti - mobile camp
22 - JRO - NBO
Karen Blixen Cottges
23 NBO - Mahe, Sechelles
B. Meridien
25 cabin charter -
Seychelle Islands
March 3
B. Meridien
5 - NBO - Ams.- Boston
Feb 3rd, 2006, 08:33 AM
#38
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm flying out next Saturday 11th February from London......
I have organised a trip for a group of 9 friends and we will arrive in TZ on Sunday 12th February. The itinerary is....
-1 night Arusha (Moivaro)
-2 nights Tarangire (Mawe Ninga)
-2 nights Natron/Oldonyo Lengai (Lake Natron camp)
-1 night Gibbs Farm (visit to Manyara during the day)
-1 night Ilmisigiyo Village (to climb Mount Makarot the next day + hiking with armed escort)
-2 nights Short-grass plains (Olduvai Camp)
-2 nights Seronera (Ronjo Camp)
-1 night Short-grass plains (Olduvai Camp)
I have organised a trip for a group of 9 friends and we will arrive in TZ on Sunday 12th February. The itinerary is....
-1 night Arusha (Moivaro)
-2 nights Tarangire (Mawe Ninga)
-2 nights Natron/Oldonyo Lengai (Lake Natron camp)
-1 night Gibbs Farm (visit to Manyara during the day)
-1 night Ilmisigiyo Village (to climb Mount Makarot the next day + hiking with armed escort)
-2 nights Short-grass plains (Olduvai Camp)
-2 nights Seronera (Ronjo Camp)
-1 night Short-grass plains (Olduvai Camp)
Feb 3rd, 2006, 09:47 AM
#39
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 545
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Lynda thanks for starting this wonderful post!!!
I am now going to serengeti as I am too tired to go through the visa process, flight bookings for botswana.
Johan your itiernary sounds great wow I really wish I was in your shoes!!!
Well i am planning serengeti in march, hopefully I should get bookings or may just join a fixed departure migration special( these fixed departures are expensive).
Has anybody heard of origin safaris and e-gnu's migration specials or better still have they been on the trips. Would like to know......
Still planning...... but definately going one way or the other....
Sonali.
I am now going to serengeti as I am too tired to go through the visa process, flight bookings for botswana.
Johan your itiernary sounds great wow I really wish I was in your shoes!!!
Well i am planning serengeti in march, hopefully I should get bookings or may just join a fixed departure migration special( these fixed departures are expensive).
Has anybody heard of origin safaris and e-gnu's migration specials or better still have they been on the trips. Would like to know......
Still planning...... but definately going one way or the other....
Sonali.
Feb 3rd, 2006, 10:45 AM
#40
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Sherry-
You are probably running around packing right now and buying last minute goodies, but just wanted to say that we have been to the Seychelles (Mahe, Praslin and Moyenne Island in particular)and it is wonderful - you will love it! It's a real laid back island, very friendly, unpretentious people. Snorkeling is incredible there in the Saint Anne park, I have snorkled in Hawaii, the Caribbean, Austrailia, Mexico and the Maldives - but Seychelles was THE best.
Matt-
Thanks for the link I don't know how I missed that one!
You are probably running around packing right now and buying last minute goodies, but just wanted to say that we have been to the Seychelles (Mahe, Praslin and Moyenne Island in particular)and it is wonderful - you will love it! It's a real laid back island, very friendly, unpretentious people. Snorkeling is incredible there in the Saint Anne park, I have snorkled in Hawaii, the Caribbean, Austrailia, Mexico and the Maldives - but Seychelles was THE best.
Matt-
Thanks for the link I don't know how I missed that one!
