Zambia itinerary!
Sep 26th, 2005 | 05:42 PM
#21
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,553
Likes: 0
Sharon,
From what you have described to me as your expectations out of your safari, I think it is the absolute perfect mix.
Now, without letting it go to your head, may I even confess to being ENVIOUS of your itinerary?
You have also certainly become a pro at designing itineraries! If you are anything like me, you probably have scratched down dozens, if not hundreds, of itineraries by now!
From what you have described to me as your expectations out of your safari, I think it is the absolute perfect mix.
Now, without letting it go to your head, may I even confess to being ENVIOUS of your itinerary?
You have also certainly become a pro at designing itineraries! If you are anything like me, you probably have scratched down dozens, if not hundreds, of itineraries by now!
quot;>
Sep 26th, 2005 | 06:31 PM
#23
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,553
Likes: 0
Sharon,
Oh, so now you think you are smarter than me since you can do it all in your head?!
Unfortunately, many trees have needlessly died as I have filled up notebooks worth of possible itineraries. It is a very bad habit, tantamount to smoking crack!
Oh, so now you think you are smarter than me since you can do it all in your head?!
Unfortunately, many trees have needlessly died as I have filled up notebooks worth of possible itineraries. It is a very bad habit, tantamount to smoking crack!
Sep 27th, 2005 | 03:29 AM
#25
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
Alejandra...I preferred Lower Zambezi to South Luangwa because of the water activities. I liked having that as an option. Plus, I loved the accommodations there--Chiawa and Old Mondoro. Chiawa was rustically elegant--it had all the amenities of a 5-star hotel yet it's a tented camp. The staff could not have been friendlier and more accommodating.
Old Mondoro was a completely different experience and I loved it there as well. It is smaller and simpler and more rustic because it does not have electricity and only has cold water, yet it has flush toilets. The manager at Old Mondoro told me I had the best room--#3. It was set in a more remote place and opened on 2 sides instead of one, overlooked a lagoon that led into the river and had a double bed. What more could I ask for?
I loved the serenity and peacefulness at Old Mondoro and will definitely stay 3 nights there next time.
I was not as thrilled with South Luangwa mainly because I have traveled to Africa before and have seen big game. I stayed in Robin Pope's Nkwali and Nsefu camps. I was not thrilled with the Nsefu part of the park. Although it's excellent for seeing alot of wildlife and for photo opportunities because the animals are so habituated, I found that somewhat disturbing. It had the feel of a stocked reserve, not a national park.
It was hot and dry and I got game drived out in South Luangwa. Like I said, being able to have both game drives and boat and canoe options in Lower Zambezi made that portion of my trip preferable.
We did have one night at Sausage Tree Camp and I did not like the vibe there at all. I can't really explain it, but I would not return there. We did conoe from Chiawa to Sausage Tree and that was fantastic. We were going to canoe from Sausage Tree to Old Mondoro, but it was just too hot. We did canoe the channel that Atravelynn mentioned and it was a lovely 3-hour trip.
Hope that helps...
Old Mondoro was a completely different experience and I loved it there as well. It is smaller and simpler and more rustic because it does not have electricity and only has cold water, yet it has flush toilets. The manager at Old Mondoro told me I had the best room--#3. It was set in a more remote place and opened on 2 sides instead of one, overlooked a lagoon that led into the river and had a double bed. What more could I ask for?
I loved the serenity and peacefulness at Old Mondoro and will definitely stay 3 nights there next time.
I was not as thrilled with South Luangwa mainly because I have traveled to Africa before and have seen big game. I stayed in Robin Pope's Nkwali and Nsefu camps. I was not thrilled with the Nsefu part of the park. Although it's excellent for seeing alot of wildlife and for photo opportunities because the animals are so habituated, I found that somewhat disturbing. It had the feel of a stocked reserve, not a national park.
It was hot and dry and I got game drived out in South Luangwa. Like I said, being able to have both game drives and boat and canoe options in Lower Zambezi made that portion of my trip preferable.
We did have one night at Sausage Tree Camp and I did not like the vibe there at all. I can't really explain it, but I would not return there. We did conoe from Chiawa to Sausage Tree and that was fantastic. We were going to canoe from Sausage Tree to Old Mondoro, but it was just too hot. We did canoe the channel that Atravelynn mentioned and it was a lovely 3-hour trip.
Hope that helps...
Sep 27th, 2005 | 09:00 AM
#27
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 859
Likes: 0
OK you all what do you think if I alter the plan and instead of going to Vic Falls, I go to Tafika??? 
It could be:
7 nights Chiawa/Old mondoro
May 24-31(for the good rates)
3 nights Tafika
3 nights Luangwa River Lodge June 1-4
3 nights Chamilandu Bushcamp June 5-7
Hmmmmm how would the logistics work on this idea? Rocco? Anyone??
It could be:
7 nights Chiawa/Old mondoro
May 24-31(for the good rates)
3 nights Tafika
3 nights Luangwa River Lodge June 1-4
3 nights Chamilandu Bushcamp June 5-7
Hmmmmm how would the logistics work on this idea? Rocco? Anyone??
Sep 27th, 2005 | 09:59 AM
#33
Original Poster
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 859
Likes: 0
Oh! We did talk about it, but our dates haven't meshed. NOw that you mention it I do call him Jules sometimes; you probably saw that on this forum! No red faces necessary! I sure wish someone with experience would comment on the Tafika idea.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Sep 27th, 2005 | 12:48 PM
#37
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,501
Likes: 0
Hello,
As wonderful as Tafika sounds, I do think that a non-safari day or two to wind down at the end of a safari and ease you back into 'civilisation' can be very valuabale. I always schedule a night or two at the end of a trip for this purpose. As much as I hate giving up any safari time, when I'm actually in Africa I'm always glad I did.
Going from the bush back to 'civilisation' is a shock to the system, even with a bit of 'easing in' time. Personally, I wouldn't want to go straight home from the bush.
Just my 0.02 pence...
Cheers,
Julian
As wonderful as Tafika sounds, I do think that a non-safari day or two to wind down at the end of a safari and ease you back into 'civilisation' can be very valuabale. I always schedule a night or two at the end of a trip for this purpose. As much as I hate giving up any safari time, when I'm actually in Africa I'm always glad I did.
Going from the bush back to 'civilisation' is a shock to the system, even with a bit of 'easing in' time. Personally, I wouldn't want to go straight home from the bush.
Just my 0.02 pence...
Cheers,
Julian
