Countdown...please post how long before you leave for Africa and your itinerary!!!
Apr 9th, 2004, 04:42 PM
#1
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Countdown...please post how long before you leave for Africa and your itinerary!!!
With so many people coming and going lately it really is hard to keep up.
So for purely entertainment purposes, please post how long before you leave and where you will be visiting and which tour operator that you are using.
Thanks and here is mine:
Countdown = 52 days until Zambia (41 days until Italy)
Itinerary
Lower Zambezi National Park, Kulefu Tented Camp, 4 nights.
South Luangwa National Park, Kaingo, 2 nights.
South Luangwa National Park, Mwamba (Kaingo's bushcamp), 2 nights.
South Luangwa National Park, Puku Ridge, 2 nights.
South Luangwa National Park, Chichele Presidential Lodge, 1 night.
Tour Operator - Rocco's Safaris, although I am not sure if I would book through them again...the agent is kind can be a real jerk!
(I booked everything direct with the lodge and realized a tremendous savings, paying less for Star Of Africa's lodges this year than I paid for Kafunta through an agent last year).
(For Italy, I booked a guided tour (yikes!) throught Insight and will spend four nights in Rome, one night in Assisi, two nights in Tuscany, two nights in Venice and two nights in Naples. But, it is hard to get excited about Italy with Zambia on the horizon, although I am sure it will be a blast)
Oh what I could do with eleven extra nights in Africa...two nights at Tongabezi, three nights at Kwando Lagoon, three nights at Kwando Kwara and three nights at Savuti. I am sure that scaredtodeath would LOVE a 22 night safari!
Apr 9th, 2004, 04:56 PM
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Just over six months before my husband and I (and my Mom's ashes) leave for Kenya/Tanzania. Depart Oct. 15 Boston to AMS to Arusha, Tanzania. We stay in Tanzania until Oct. 29, then we fly over to Kenya. Stay in Nairobi one day (business related), then fly to Lewa Downs (two nights in Safari Camp), drive to Samburu (two nights at Samburu Intrepids) and then on to Meru (two nights at Elsa's Kopje) before flying back to Nairobi for trip to Giraffe Center, Blixen Museum and lunch at Carnivore. Then we use the Intercontinental for dayroom use for flight home Nov. 5 back to Boston. As for exactly where I am going in Tanzania, well, that is a bit up in the air. Of course, the Serengeti will play a big role in my stay, but am still undecided on some other areas. Oh well ... planning is part of the fun, isn't it??? As for Botswana, Zambia or (gulp!) returning to Tanzania or Kenya (this time I want to go to the Lake Turkana area) in 2006, well, I haven't even started on that yet!!!! 
Apr 9th, 2004, 05:34 PM
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Oh what fun! Can I play too?
Depart in just 5 short days.
Fly to ATL, then board SAA to J'burg.
Immediately go to Air Botswana and proceed to Maun.
Catch a hop to Kanana Camp for 2 nights, then on to Shinde Island Camp for 3 nights. Then to Selinda Camp in the Linyanti area for 2 nights and then depart for the U.S.
Ker and Downey put this little gem on Luxury Link for 2 for a grand total of a mere $5700, including international airfare, all flights between camps and all food, drinks, etc. Couldn't pass it up. It just can't happen soon enough for me. Liz
Depart in just 5 short days.
Fly to ATL, then board SAA to J'burg.
Immediately go to Air Botswana and proceed to Maun.
Catch a hop to Kanana Camp for 2 nights, then on to Shinde Island Camp for 3 nights. Then to Selinda Camp in the Linyanti area for 2 nights and then depart for the U.S.
Ker and Downey put this little gem on Luxury Link for 2 for a grand total of a mere $5700, including international airfare, all flights between camps and all food, drinks, etc. Couldn't pass it up. It just can't happen soon enough for me. Liz
Apr 9th, 2004, 05:58 PM
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Sure im in.....
20 days till we leave Michigan and head to LAX, then on to Bali Indonesia via Cathay Pacific, for three nights. Back to Hong Kong for three nights. Then on to Jo'berg.
Head straight up to Vic Falls, one night there at Ilana lodge (zim). From there to Botswana and 2 nights at Savuti Camp and then on to 2 nights at Tubu Tree. Then on to Maun, and back to SA head to Cape Town for three nights staying at Mount Nelson (tried to get 12 apostles through Luxury Link but the Nellie was way cheaper per night and since U2 stayed there...couldnt resist!). So there is our trip. We are using Wilderness Safaris. The flight is all frequent flyer miles, alot of ground to cover but all in business class on one of the best airlines in the world (or so I've read!). Have to thank all for the help on this board. First time to Africa and we picked Botswana to have our safari. All paid for and have the tickets....ill post as soon as I get back.
20 days till we leave Michigan and head to LAX, then on to Bali Indonesia via Cathay Pacific, for three nights. Back to Hong Kong for three nights. Then on to Jo'berg.
Head straight up to Vic Falls, one night there at Ilana lodge (zim). From there to Botswana and 2 nights at Savuti Camp and then on to 2 nights at Tubu Tree. Then on to Maun, and back to SA head to Cape Town for three nights staying at Mount Nelson (tried to get 12 apostles through Luxury Link but the Nellie was way cheaper per night and since U2 stayed there...couldnt resist!). So there is our trip. We are using Wilderness Safaris. The flight is all frequent flyer miles, alot of ground to cover but all in business class on one of the best airlines in the world (or so I've read!). Have to thank all for the help on this board. First time to Africa and we picked Botswana to have our safari. All paid for and have the tickets....ill post as soon as I get back.
Apr 9th, 2004, 06:14 PM
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Wulfstan,
That's really cool...I like the route you are taking to Joburg!
Where are you staying in Bali and Hong Kong? Also, is it a direct flight between Hong Kong and where you are staying in Bali, or is a connecting flight or boat transfer required? Lastly on this subject, how long is the flight between Hong Kong to Johannesburg, and are you circling the globe or coming back around through Asia and the Western United States?
The Mount Nelson is a very nice hotel with an excellent high tea that should not be missed. While it is not on the Waterfront or Camps Bay, it is close enough to everything. I stayed there in 2002 and had only positive things to say about it, although the 12 Apostles is my favorite.
I cannot wait to hear your report on Savuti, as I am strongly considering staying there next year...either there or Zibalianja (Linyati Explorations), although Zibalianja may be too close to Kwando to make enough difference (it seems like it is about halfway between Kwando and Savuti).
Sounds like an awesome itinerary.
That's really cool...I like the route you are taking to Joburg!
Where are you staying in Bali and Hong Kong? Also, is it a direct flight between Hong Kong and where you are staying in Bali, or is a connecting flight or boat transfer required? Lastly on this subject, how long is the flight between Hong Kong to Johannesburg, and are you circling the globe or coming back around through Asia and the Western United States?
The Mount Nelson is a very nice hotel with an excellent high tea that should not be missed. While it is not on the Waterfront or Camps Bay, it is close enough to everything. I stayed there in 2002 and had only positive things to say about it, although the 12 Apostles is my favorite.
I cannot wait to hear your report on Savuti, as I am strongly considering staying there next year...either there or Zibalianja (Linyati Explorations), although Zibalianja may be too close to Kwando to make enough difference (it seems like it is about halfway between Kwando and Savuti).
Sounds like an awesome itinerary.
Apr 9th, 2004, 06:52 PM
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yikes sorry didnt post the hotels, so here goes,
In Bali we are staying at the Grand Hyatt http://bali.grand.hyatt.com/, 100 USD (plus 21 per cent taxes), and in Hong Kong staying at the Hyatt, at I think the rate was 127 USD per night
http://hongkong.regency.hyatt.com/. Once in Hong Kong we fly down to Bali, about a 4 hour flight. If any here go I suggest you go to this forum: http://www.balitravelforum.com/, and look at the postings there! Alot of aussies go there, we hired a driver recommended on this board for 25 USD a day (8 hours) speaks american, japanese and his home tongue. Emailed him a few times. It is a 13 hour flight from Hong Kong to Jo'berg. Not bad, just have to remember to bring our Ambien (sleeping pills). Cathay Pacific :http://www.cathaypacific.com/
Our business class tickets are from Detroit to Jo'berg round trip in business class, we then had to burn some to get Hong Kong to Bali and back, although those are coach......running out of miles! If you look at Cathay's web site they only fly from Jo'berg to Hong Kong, then on to LA, thought of that..coming back via Europe but it doesnt work that way. Hope this helps and any other questions feel free to post. Oh....we earned our miles on American Airlines which Cathay Pacific is a partner to. Cost for one to fly to Joberg and back from Detroit is 56 USD, the cost for Hong Kong and Bali was 10 USD. By now they have upped the cost in miles for the ticket tho...
In Bali we are staying at the Grand Hyatt http://bali.grand.hyatt.com/, 100 USD (plus 21 per cent taxes), and in Hong Kong staying at the Hyatt, at I think the rate was 127 USD per night
http://hongkong.regency.hyatt.com/. Once in Hong Kong we fly down to Bali, about a 4 hour flight. If any here go I suggest you go to this forum: http://www.balitravelforum.com/, and look at the postings there! Alot of aussies go there, we hired a driver recommended on this board for 25 USD a day (8 hours) speaks american, japanese and his home tongue. Emailed him a few times. It is a 13 hour flight from Hong Kong to Jo'berg. Not bad, just have to remember to bring our Ambien (sleeping pills). Cathay Pacific :http://www.cathaypacific.com/
Our business class tickets are from Detroit to Jo'berg round trip in business class, we then had to burn some to get Hong Kong to Bali and back, although those are coach......running out of miles! If you look at Cathay's web site they only fly from Jo'berg to Hong Kong, then on to LA, thought of that..coming back via Europe but it doesnt work that way. Hope this helps and any other questions feel free to post. Oh....we earned our miles on American Airlines which Cathay Pacific is a partner to. Cost for one to fly to Joberg and back from Detroit is 56 USD, the cost for Hong Kong and Bali was 10 USD. By now they have upped the cost in miles for the ticket tho...
Apr 10th, 2004, 01:58 AM
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Just under two months (June 4th) until we leave for Botswana. Fly into Jo'burg then on to Maun where we put ourselves in the hands of CC Africa.
3 nights at Nxabega, 3 nights at Savute Safari Camp and 3 nights at Sandibe. We then head off for 2 nights at the falls (Zambezi Sun - nearly out of budget by this stage so the main money had to go on the safari part of the holiday!)
I'm lucky in that my husband is as besotted with Africa as I am. Roccco, I'm looking forward to a very full trip report on your return - Zambia is definitely at the top of the list for next year - although possibly in equal place with Namibia at the moment.
3 nights at Nxabega, 3 nights at Savute Safari Camp and 3 nights at Sandibe. We then head off for 2 nights at the falls (Zambezi Sun - nearly out of budget by this stage so the main money had to go on the safari part of the holiday!)
I'm lucky in that my husband is as besotted with Africa as I am. Roccco, I'm looking forward to a very full trip report on your return - Zambia is definitely at the top of the list for next year - although possibly in equal place with Namibia at the moment.
Apr 10th, 2004, 03:05 AM
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I'm looking also for detailed trip reports. Won't this be a fun summer?
Ruthie- I've been curious about the areas around the CC camps and would like a report on them, i.e., animal activiy at night for sounds and excitement, routine in the camps for the after dinner fireside chat, and the water activities.
Rocco- Anything on Zambia, hope to go there next year. You've whetted all of our appetities and we want details please.
Wulfstan- So glad you picked Botswana, I am very sure you will not be sorry for one minute. Cathay Pacific is over the top from what I've heard.
Susan Lynne- I'm not overlooking you, I just want you to have a most special time and I am touched by your mission on this trip. What a wonderful thing to do for your mother. You will never be sorry and I think this will always be your most special trip. You will just have a wonderful place to visit her. Go in peace. Liz
Ruthie- I've been curious about the areas around the CC camps and would like a report on them, i.e., animal activiy at night for sounds and excitement, routine in the camps for the after dinner fireside chat, and the water activities.
Rocco- Anything on Zambia, hope to go there next year. You've whetted all of our appetities and we want details please.
Wulfstan- So glad you picked Botswana, I am very sure you will not be sorry for one minute. Cathay Pacific is over the top from what I've heard.
Susan Lynne- I'm not overlooking you, I just want you to have a most special time and I am touched by your mission on this trip. What a wonderful thing to do for your mother. You will never be sorry and I think this will always be your most special trip. You will just have a wonderful place to visit her. Go in peace. Liz
Apr 10th, 2004, 06:58 AM
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Wheeeeeeee!!!
On Oct. 1 I leave San Francisco and fly to Amsterdam, where I have an 8-hour layover...Then I go from Amsterdam to Lilongwe, Malawi. From there, I take a small plane and fly to Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve where I stay at the Kazuni Safari Camp for 2 nights (Oct. 3-4).
From there we either fly or drive to Nyika National Park where we spend 4 nights at the Chelinda Lodge (Oct. 5-8).
From Nyika we fly to Ruaha National Park and spend 3 nights at the Mwagusi Camp (Oct. 9-11).
Finally, from Ruaha we fly to Selous Game Reserve and stay at Bonhams Camp for the final 4 nights (Oct. 12-15).
We fly from Selous to Dar es Salaam and homeward.
This trip was booked through Rothschild Safaris which used to be in Santa Barbara but recently relocated to Denver.
I'm already planning my 2005 safari to Botswana and/or Zambian and/or Zimbabwe!!
On Oct. 1 I leave San Francisco and fly to Amsterdam, where I have an 8-hour layover...Then I go from Amsterdam to Lilongwe, Malawi. From there, I take a small plane and fly to Vwaza Marsh Game Reserve where I stay at the Kazuni Safari Camp for 2 nights (Oct. 3-4).
From there we either fly or drive to Nyika National Park where we spend 4 nights at the Chelinda Lodge (Oct. 5-8).
From Nyika we fly to Ruaha National Park and spend 3 nights at the Mwagusi Camp (Oct. 9-11).
Finally, from Ruaha we fly to Selous Game Reserve and stay at Bonhams Camp for the final 4 nights (Oct. 12-15).
We fly from Selous to Dar es Salaam and homeward.
This trip was booked through Rothschild Safaris which used to be in Santa Barbara but recently relocated to Denver.
I'm already planning my 2005 safari to Botswana and/or Zambian and/or Zimbabwe!!
Apr 10th, 2004, 08:55 AM
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It's so fun to read about everyone's upcoming trips! Mine involves lots of 'giddy up' and the occasional 'whoa'!
We fly JFK to JBG on May 23, stay in the Grace Rosebank, then fly to Maun the next day. First it's four days on Horseback Safari at Macatoo Camp (Western Edge of Okavango Delta). Then, three days at Little Vumbura, followed by three days at Chitabe. This will be a far different African experience than past trips to the Sabi Sand.
We fly JFK to JBG on May 23, stay in the Grace Rosebank, then fly to Maun the next day. First it's four days on Horseback Safari at Macatoo Camp (Western Edge of Okavango Delta). Then, three days at Little Vumbura, followed by three days at Chitabe. This will be a far different African experience than past trips to the Sabi Sand.
Apr 10th, 2004, 09:11 AM
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Off to Botswana on 2nd July and can't wait. Staying at little Mombo 3 nights, duma tau 2 nights and duba plains 2 nights.Am booked through a UK travel agent .
Getting very excited about it, particularly when I read everyone else's reports on all the camps. Will post a report on return
Getting very excited about it, particularly when I read everyone else's reports on all the camps. Will post a report on return
Apr 10th, 2004, 10:01 AM
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Off on May 5th and I'm sure I've posted my itinerary so often everyone is sick of seeing it but here it is:
6 nts Cape Town
3 nts Franschhoek
1 nt Swellendam
2 nt Oudtshoorn
3 nts Knysna
2 nts Addo
Fly to Durban
1 nt Ballito
2 nts Umfolozi
1 nts Hluhluwe
3 nts St Lucia
2 nts Ndumo
3 nts Ithala
1 nt Berg en Dal
3 nts Kruger
1 nt Jo?burg
3 nts Savuti Camp
3 nts Jacana Camp
2 nts Tubu Tree
1 nt Gudigwa Camp
4 nts Little Mombo
4 nts Jacks Camp
1 nt Hilltop House, Windhoek
4 nts Wolwedans Dunes Lodge
6 nts Cape Town
3 nts Franschhoek
1 nt Swellendam
2 nt Oudtshoorn
3 nts Knysna
2 nts Addo
Fly to Durban
1 nt Ballito
2 nts Umfolozi
1 nts Hluhluwe
3 nts St Lucia
2 nts Ndumo
3 nts Ithala
1 nt Berg en Dal
3 nts Kruger
1 nt Jo?burg
3 nts Savuti Camp
3 nts Jacana Camp
2 nts Tubu Tree
1 nt Gudigwa Camp
4 nts Little Mombo
4 nts Jacks Camp
1 nt Hilltop House, Windhoek
4 nts Wolwedans Dunes Lodge
Apr 10th, 2004, 12:37 PM
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I'll be in the air at the same time as Liz! Countdown is only 4 days until the Western Cape (SA) ...
Itin:
4 nts Stellenbosch
2 nts Oudtshoorn
4 nts Plettenberg Bay
1 nt Swellendam
3 nts Cape Town
Itin:
4 nts Stellenbosch
2 nts Oudtshoorn
4 nts Plettenberg Bay
1 nt Swellendam
3 nts Cape Town
Apr 10th, 2004, 12:50 PM
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Countdown 35 days! We leave May 15 -- from home to Atlanta, then fly from Atlanta to Jo'burg on the 16th.
3 nts Haenertsburg, Cheerio Fishing Lodge
2 nts Shingwedzi in Kruger
3 nts Satara in Kruger
2 nts Lower Sabie in Kruger
2 nts Swaziland
2 nts St Lucia, Flamingo Holiday Flats
3 nts Umfolozi
1 nt somewhere between Umfolozi & Jo'burg
4 nts Jo'burg, in a condo if we can get it
I have a lot of non-travel related stuff to get done before we go, but I have trouble doing it because I just want to think about Africa!
3 nts Haenertsburg, Cheerio Fishing Lodge
2 nts Shingwedzi in Kruger
3 nts Satara in Kruger
2 nts Lower Sabie in Kruger
2 nts Swaziland
2 nts St Lucia, Flamingo Holiday Flats
3 nts Umfolozi
1 nt somewhere between Umfolozi & Jo'burg
4 nts Jo'burg, in a condo if we can get it
I have a lot of non-travel related stuff to get done before we go, but I have trouble doing it because I just want to think about Africa!
Apr 10th, 2004, 03:06 PM
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May 4 leave for London
May 5-6 London
May 7-9 Cape Town
May 10-16 Botswana safari
May 16-20 Cape winelands, London
May 21 - Home
(No stopover in London other than the 5 hours in the airport on the way home, but at least we'll have a weekend to recover before I have to go back to work on the 24th.)
May 5-6 London
May 7-9 Cape Town
May 10-16 Botswana safari
May 16-20 Cape winelands, London
May 21 - Home
(No stopover in London other than the 5 hours in the airport on the way home, but at least we'll have a weekend to recover before I have to go back to work on the 24th.)
Apr 10th, 2004, 03:50 PM
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Oh Rocco-This is your best idea yet! I feel we can all 'hold hands' in our minds and feel safer whereever we are, because we have 'someone' traveling with us. I will just imagine Myriam out there in an airplane if I get scared, and whereever I am I will imagine I have another Fodorite as my guardian angel. Okay, you guys, I have quite a vivid imagination, but it gets me through. 
Liz
Liz
Apr 10th, 2004, 07:00 PM
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Off in 28 days! Will stay at Sandibe, Nxageba and Savute Safari Lodge for total 6 days, then 4 days at NamiRand (Wolwedan and Sossoulvei Mountain Lodge) before I return back to Hong Kong. I am very excited and thanks to everybody in this forum who has provided so much useful information.
Wulfstan - welcome to Hong Kong, hope you enjoy our beautiful city.
Wulfstan - welcome to Hong Kong, hope you enjoy our beautiful city.
Apr 10th, 2004, 08:41 PM
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Hello,
leave september 7 for my yearly
'trip of a lifetime'. first time to
africa , have been enjoying your posts
for sometime
phx-atl-jnb
jo-burg 3 nights
pom pom camp 2
jacana camp 2
tubu tree 3
vic falls kingdom hotel 2
jo-burg stopover 1 night
elephant plains 3
thornybush lodge 3
hluhluwe river lodge 3
durban umhlanga rocks 4
still planning and pondering, thanks
for all the info
leave september 7 for my yearly
'trip of a lifetime'. first time to
africa , have been enjoying your posts
for sometime
phx-atl-jnb
jo-burg 3 nights
pom pom camp 2
jacana camp 2
tubu tree 3
vic falls kingdom hotel 2
jo-burg stopover 1 night
elephant plains 3
thornybush lodge 3
hluhluwe river lodge 3
durban umhlanga rocks 4
still planning and pondering, thanks
for all the info
Apr 10th, 2004, 09:04 PM
#20
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azrat,
Wow, that is some 26 night itinerary!
You will have a blast and I would not be surprised if your trip of a lifetime for next year turned out to be a return trip to Southern Africa!
Wow, that is some 26 night itinerary!
You will have a blast and I would not be surprised if your trip of a lifetime for next year turned out to be a return trip to Southern Africa!
