jozo

OK--I found a cool 19 day trip with OAT, and it goes to Sweetwaters, which most Tanzania and Kenya safaris do not include. Is it worth the extra days to go to Sweetwaters?

ann_nyc

I went on that OAT trip, and I loved Sweetwaters, but other people in the forum have more experience to compare with other camps.

For me, it was a real treat to see the animals up close at the water hole, without having to be on a game drive. I kept jumping up from my table at lunch and running outside to take pictures.

It was also an opportunity to go on a night game drive (which is only available at certain camps). We saw 5 lions stalking a rhino, which was exciting.

jozo

ann_nyc--

Can you tell me more about your thoughts and experiences on that OAT trip? Accommodations? Food? Safety? Guides? Vehicles?
Thank you!

bushperson

In my humble opinion, spending two nights at Sweetwaters is a waste of time, one night at the very most unless you are travelling with children. But then it is up to you.

MyDogKyle

We spent two nights at Sweetwaters and enjoyed it. No, it's not a "wild bush camp" type of atmosphere, but it's a good place if you want a little downtime to relax (watch animals at the waterhole from your tent), and it breaks up the long drive from Samburu to Lake Nakuru, if that's part of your itinerary. You can make the most of your time there if you take advantage of the extra activities they have, like night game drives, morning lion tracking, and visiting the chimps and the tame rhino, Morani. I think it's definitely a worthwhile stop if your other lodges don't offer night game drives. If you click on my name, you can read about our Sweetwaters visit as part of my (very long) trip report.

Patty

I think Sweetwaters works best if it's at or toward the beginning of your safari. It's a good introduction and offers some activities you may not find elsewhere.

atravelynn

Extra days in Africa are always good. I haven't been to SW, but have been to the area.

As others have pointed out it offers a unique opportunity for

-chimps in a wild setting, though they are not wild, they've been rescued from bad situations

-night drives, if they are not stated in the itinerary they may cost extra, but still worth it

-probably good views of rhinos, though you may see them in the crater and at Lake Nakuru. I believe those are also included.

-floodlit waterhole

atravelynn

Here's Ann's report
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34897294

kimburu

Addition to Lynn's list...based only on my experience..
- Tracking radio-collared lions
- Good views of Mount Kenya
- Camel rides (aimed more at kids)
- Great weather - it's more elevated and much colder than you probably expect
- Morani - Lyn mentioned rhinos but Morani is not exactly a rhino
- Tour groups
- Kids deprived of parents with the guts to teach them manners
- Fences and even a few hedgerows (but not too noticeable)

The last three are not necesarily positive, of course.

I wouldn't go again, but for a first-timer or a couple of days R&R between rougher destinations I think it has a lot to offer.