Lolazahra

Hi all -- as many of you know, my family is departing soon for the Mara, Serengeti, Lake Eyasi, the Crater and Mombasa. Thanks again for all of the help in planning this adventure. Many of you also know, that besides my husband and myself, my two well-traveled small kids are going, as well as my mother and a friend. The kids have been on safari before and did great. Here is my new and most urgent problem. Over the weekend, my husband told me that there is a chance that he may have to return to the states early due to work. Major, major bummer! I hope that it does not happen, but what I want to know from those who have traveled in this area before is....should I stay at Olakira Camp or the Crater Lodge with no husband -- just three women and two small children. I am asking about safety and perceptions. I travel a lot with my kids all over the world without my husband when he cannot make it, but I do not really know about the satefy and customs of East Africa. It may be perfectly fine, but I just want some advice. It is Olakira Camp that I am most worried about and the drive from there to Lake Eyasi. Any thoughts or comments would be most helpful. Thanks.

aby

Lolazahra

you shall be as safe as your hometown is
Olakira? it would be safer than the US
aby

atravelynn

No safety problems. With two other adults, and grandma being one of them, there are enough of you to watch over the kids. I hope your husband can partake in the entire safari, but without him you'll be just fine.

Nyamera

Lolazahara, can your husband kill a gang of highway robbers with his hands? If not, you値l be just as safe without him.

Nyamera

BTW, it痴 very unlikely you値l meet any highway robbers. I知 just being silly today.

Leely

I was thinking along lines similar to Nyamera (is your husband Clint Eastwood?). But I'm feeling silly too.

Have been to Tanzania twice, both times sans my boyfriend and with a good gal pal. We never felt unsafe. Well, I had a very big spider in my tent once. And the roar of lions scared me.

Go and enjoy!

Lolazahra

Thanks all. You made me laugh even though I am destroyed that my husband cannot do all of the trip. No, he cannot kill highway bandits with his bare hands. I get it and do feel better. Lolazahra.

Leely

I hope he is somehow able to join you all.

atravelynn

Why do I have the feeling Nyamera would give those highway bandits a run for their money?

Lolazahra

As it stands, he has to leave after the South Africa portion, 1 night in Nairobi, and 3 nights in the Mara. He will miss the next week in the Serengeti, Crater, and Mombasa. I am trying hard to get him to do at least 2 nights in the Serengeti. But, work calls and it is not up to me or him. I have had vacations canceled before, but never when the last cent is paid and this close to departure. I will keep you posted. Maybe Nyamera should join me and the kids to keep us safe?.

atravelynn

I think Nyamera was looking for work in East Africa. What an opportunity. If she doesn't work out, I've been lifting hand weights and have been accused by students of being really mean.

Nyamera

Lolazahra, I値l start packing. We値l meet in Arusha. I致e got horns.

ann_nyc

Let me see, what do I have to offer as a Clint Eastwood substitute? I'm not strong, brave or fast, but that is a selling point. As the joke goes, you don't have to be faster than a lion (or a bandit), you just have to be faster than your traveling companion. So the slower I am, the better for you!

atravelynn

I think Nyamera and Ann NYC and I should team up and be the Charlie's Angels of Safari Escort Security. I'm one of the brunettes.

bat

lola's angels

Lolazahra

You guys should do stand-up. Are there comedy clubs in the bush? As it stands, the hubby does have to go back early. A very lucky aunt is flying in to take his place when he leaves. Yesterday was a mad rush of giving her the lowdown on packing, shots, and Visa's. And guess what, I am already planning my next Africa trip for a time that hubby can stay -- so there is a bright side after all. Botswana anyone?