LizFrazier

Heard from Governors Camp today that the migration still hasn't arrived. Isn't this late? I thought they arrived in June and stayed until September. Looks like some of us will be there shortly after they arrive. I think some are leaving this month and I go in early September. Anyone have any later info?

LizFrazier

Latest word is the Wildebeest Migration is now on the way to the Mara - at last. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll get to see a river crossing. We leave one month from today. FINALLY!!!!
Best news is we made the final payment yesterday, and------we did get a bit off. My husband was thrilled and I was very happy. Looks like we'll really get there this time. Liz

Kavey

OffToAfrica

Summarizing the migration report from Vintage Africa/Mara Intrepids at e-gnu.com: migration is in initial stages and still a long way from Mara River, probably because there was so much rain and the grass is plentiful. One herd of zebra is just north of Mara Intrepids and another is between Keekorok and the Talek river. The main migration is around the Sand River area. At Intrepids they are taking long game drives with packed lunches.
I leave in 12 days, whoohoo.

SusanLynne

Liz, don't you realize the wildebeests are waiting just for you?? I told you you will not be disappointed. Have faith in the Mara - she will not disappoint you. And reminding us that you leave one month from today is like rubbing salt in the wounds - but I am genuinely thrilled for you. As for you, OfftoAfrica, can you see how pea-green with envy I am? You will have the experience of a lifetime. I will keep my fingers crossed for both of you that a crossing is in your futures. I cried when I saw it. Tears ran down my dusty face. I didn't care. It was an awe-inspiring experience and one that I consider such an honor and privilege to have seen. I will say my prayers to the powers that be that the wildebeests, zebras and gazelle decide that when you are both riverside that they cross!

GinaO

Do not worry, they will be there.
SusanLynne, you described my reaction as well.
Liz, I wish we could see your photos and read your extensive trip report after you return

LizFrazier

Thanks Susan, Kavey and Gina.
You seem to have nailed it Susan. They are at the border and will probably rush in for Off to Africa, then be waiting on a river bank for me somewhere.
Only 11 more days OtoA, wow. I just want to go now. I've been practicing every day on my new camera and am so afraid I'll do something wrong and none of the pictures will turn out.
I tried to extend our trip but the airlines cannot do it. Drat!

SusanLynne

What was the name of that Carly Simon tune? Oh, yes, "Anticipation." If it is good enough to use for a Heinz commercial, it is certainly good enough to apply to what Liz and OffToAfrica are going through right now. Oh, the fun of it all!!!

OffToAfrica

Jambo, everyone-
10 more days, I am so excited I could jump out of my skin. Everyone's safari reports and advice have been so fabulous. Thanks for all your input.

Kavey

Just think, this time next month it we'll be enjoying yours!

I am a little envious but mostly so excited for all of you with upcoming trips.
I'm sure they will be just wonderful!

LizFrazier

Off to Africa-

When do you get back? I forgot what dates you'll be in the Mara.

SusanLynne-You are without a doubt the best cheerleader here. You have encouraged me, cried with me when I couldn't go, cheered me on when I was plodding through with the plans, always been there. I promise I will remember you to the Wildies. I shall name one of them after you and take its picture for you.

Kavey-Same goes for you. You have been a friend in need and a friend indeed! Its you and Susan that keep me here. When things get slow, its hard to hang in but this is the exciting time of the year and we don't really have that many going to Africa right now.

I think JanGoss has it right. Kenya is hurting. We should have 10 or 20 on the way for the migration. What, we have 2 or 3? I want to see some excited tourists. I'll bet you can still get spaces to stay. This is the biggest migration in DECADES. There may never be one of this magnitude again they say. Lets git over there!

I've set up my album already and I should be able to post my pictures as soon as I get back. How many? 100, 300? Wouldn't that get boring? I've got the camera pretty well figured out, I've practiced and I'm READY!
Thanks for putting up with me here. Liz

SusanLynne

Hi Liz!!! I appreciate your offering to name a wilde after me, but I would prefer to be named after an animal that is a bit more attractive - perhaps a lion, cheetah or leopard? Ha!! Honestly, I am keeping my fingers crossed that you see a crossing. I really am. You are going to have a glorious time. And you will wonder, "Why haven't I returned to Kenya earlier than this?" Believe me, if I could get on a plane to Kenya tomorrow I would be there quicker than a heartbeat!

Kavey

Liz I wish wish wish wish I could just book a trip and go... but I'm self employed and after a couple of quiet months it's suddenly picked up (gone crazy) again, and I have too many commitments. That and not wanting to go away while my Pops is still not well. He was recovering but it went into reverse and he went back into hospital on Tuesday, I'm hoping he'll be back out today or tomorrow. He's a travel addict too and I hate to think about how many trips he may have to cancel. He's got a Zambia trip booked for later this year... fingers crossed.

If you name anything for me too it should be a giraffe as my sister has often remarked on our resemblance, particularly when I was younger and lanky skinny rather than dumpy lardy! I walk in quite a clumsy way and I have rather large brown eyes which are just two of the likenesses!!!

Hee hee....

Your test album works fine, when the correct invite URL is given so can't wait for you to load LOTS of your pics there on your return!

Woo Hooo Hoooo to all the travellers on their way soon!

OffToAfrica

Liz - Will be in the Mara 23-26 Aug. Yes, the migration is said to be the most spectacular in many years. I just hope they scoot their little hides north a bit faster - sounds like the plentiful rain has kept things green and lush farther south. Your early September timing is probably perfect! I hope we see a crossing but even if we don't I know we will see amazing wildlife and it will be an awesome experience. I can't even think about work at the moment, it's a good thing I am my own boss or I'd be fired.

andyev

I know exactly what you mean. We've been planning this trip for over 9 months now and we leave Monday!!! it is very hard to keep focused on work and unfortionately I am not my own boss. We're going to be in the Mara Aug 19-21 and hopefully there will be a crossing when we get there. Everyone else have a fun and safe trip as well. Thanks again to everyone that has given outstanding advice.

LizFrazier

Oh Andy and Offy-
You guys are going to see them coming in. How lucky. There shouldn't be any reason not to see a crossing for you. The latest report I read somewhere last night was that they would be there within a week. Yikes, me thinks they are awaiting us. Even though my week long trip pales when compared to those with longer trips, when you think I will have 7 days only in the Mara, it really begins to seem like a much longer trip. Since we've seen the rest of Kenya before, it is only the Mara that calls out to my heart. Yes, Susan, I surely will wonder whatever kept me away all this time.
Good Lord, you and Kavey are about the two most demanding Divas I've ever met. A giraffe? A Lion? How crass. I will name a Wildebeest after each of you and that is that!!!

SusanLynne

Liz: Ouch! That hurt!! Truly, I am not being ungrateful, but I just like to think that I am physically more along the lines of a lion, leopard or cheetah. In all reality, you should probably name a hippo after me. Alas, unlike Kavey, we cannot all be "Tall Blondes," the title of a book about giraffes by ABC News correspondent Lynn Sherr. OK, I'll take whatever remembrance I can get while you are roaming the plains of the Magnificent Mara - even if it is when you see a wildebeest and say, "That one is for Susan."

LizFrazier

Gee Susan-
I've never met you or Kavey. Okay, You get your way. I was just thinking how they (the Wildies) are the highlight of why everyone wants to go to the Mara right now. I will choose a cheetah if its alright with you. Much more graceful and pretty. And for Kavey, a giraffe. The last thing I would have picked for her. I think I can do that. Now please lets be friends again. I do admit the wildebeest is about the most awkward, clumsy, stupid looking animal I ever saw, but en masse, they will be beautiful. Now I won't say anything else for fear of upsetting the delicate balance here.

SusanLynne

I don't want to push my luck here, but Liz, could you make sure you name me after the most beautiful cheetah in the Mara? >

OffToAfrica

LOL at this whole exchange! I guess NOBODY would want a dik dik or lesser bushbaby or warthog named for them?!
Liz thanks for the migration update. Where did you read that report?
It is wonderful that you have a whole 7 days in the Mara. I would gladly give up a couple of our other stops to have longer there. Maybe next time.