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Going to Tanzania and/or Kenya June2005 - Lots of Questions



 
 
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  #1  
Old May 9th, 2004, 08:22 AM
Justin Leggroan
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Default Going to Tanzania and/or Kenya June2005 - Lots of Questions

Hello everyone,

I'm hoping to arrange a 10 day photo/viewing safari to Kenya/Tanzania in
June of 2005. Since it is now nearly the same time of year that I am hoping
to make the trip, I figured it is also a good time to start asking a lot of
questions.

If there is anyone doing something similar this year or has done so in years
past, I'd really like to hear from you?

Here are my questions:

Question 1

I am having a very challenging time locating agencies in the U.S. that can
aid me in arranging some of the types of safaris people have discussed on
this forum.

Can anyone recommend a """REPUTABLE""" company or companies that they have
done business with in the past?

How did you determine the reputability of the company you booked with?
There is no shortage of companies on the internet offering to arrange
safaris but I don't know how to compare them.

Note:

During my trip, I'd like to stay exclusively in Lodges if possible.... I
understand it is a bit more expensive but what the heck, it will make for a
great first trip.

Question 2

I will be traveling alone and have read that some of the single supplements
routinely charged during other times of year are often waved in June. Is
this true?

Question 3

I've been leveraging www.weather.com to see what the weather will be like
when I go but unfortunately it is grossly inadequate because the terrain is
too broad.

What is the weather like in June on the Serengeti and around the Ngorongoro
Crater?
Can you recommend any websites I can use to monitor the type of weather over
the next 6 or so weeks?

Question 4

Any chance I might get to see the Wildebeest Migration in June?

Question 5

With all of the traveling required, how light would you recommend I pack?
and what kind of baggage should I employ for the trip? other than a camera
bag (smile)

Question 6

I'm a very personable and outgoing individual so I don't think I'll have
issues making friends along the way, but does anyone have suggestions for
people going on safari alone?


I would really enjoy hearing the impressions and/or experiences of anyone
who has went on safari in Kenya and/or Tanzania alone.


To everyone: Thanks in advance for any feedback.

-Justin


  #2  
Old May 9th, 2004, 10:39 AM
Hans-Georg Michna
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Posts: n/a
Default Going to Tanzania and/or Kenya June2005 - Lots of Questions

"Justin Leggroan" wrote:

I'm hoping to arrange a 10 day photo/viewing safari to Kenya/Tanzania in
June of 2005. Since it is now nearly the same time of year that I am hoping
to make the trip, I figured it is also a good time to start asking a lot of
questions.

If there is anyone doing something similar this year or has done so in years
past, I'd really like to hear from you?

Here are my questions:


Justin,

I can only comment on some of them. I'm sure others will fill in
the blanks.

Note:

During my trip, I'd like to stay exclusively in Lodges if possible.... I
understand it is a bit more expensive but what the heck, it will make for a
great first trip.


That's actually normal. Nothing to worry about. In or near the
larger nature reserves there is no other choice except camping.

Question 2

I will be traveling alone and have read that some of the single supplements
routinely charged during other times of year are often waved in June. Is
this true?


Yes. Not in all lodges, but quite a few charge per person at
least in June. Some are actually quite cheap compared to other
times of the year.

Question 5

With all of the traveling required, how light would you recommend I pack?
and what kind of baggage should I employ for the trip? other than a camera
bag (smile)


Please have a look at the checklists in
http://www.michna.com/kenya.htm. That's a plan for a self-drive
safari, but most checklist items are the same for you too.

Question 6

I'm a very personable and outgoing individual so I don't think I'll have
issues making friends along the way, but does anyone have suggestions for
people going on safari alone?


You always run the risk of ending up with somebody in your group
who gets on your nerves. Fortunately the only time you're really
forced to be together is when you're sitting in the minibus
either on a game drive or on a travelling day.

My recommendation would be to try to make rules to prevent
disturbances. For example, when somebody tends to speak loudly
while watching wild animals, try to achieve a consensus that
this is not desired. I have little practical experience with
this though. I would hope that most tourists to east Africa are
OK.

Hans-Georg

--
No mail, please.
  #3  
Old May 9th, 2004, 10:22 PM
Edc4
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Going to Tanzania and/or Kenya June2005 - Lots of Questions

Justin, as far as travel companies, I highly recommend Africa Adventure Company
website: http://www.africa-adventure.com/

We have used them for four different safaris into Africa, including one last
year into Tanzania, and everything is always perfect. They work with you to
find out exactly what you want and then set it up to perfection. Never any
problems, from someone to meet you at the airport to all transfers and
excellent lodging choices and guides.

Tell them Ed and Pat said hi, and have a great safari.

Ed



Hello everyone,

I'm hoping to arrange a 10 day photo/viewing safari to Kenya/Tanzania in
June of 2005. Since it is now nearly the same time of year that I am hoping
to make the trip, I figured it is also a good time to start asking a lot of
questions.

If there is anyone doing something similar this year or has done so in years
past, I'd really like to hear from you?

Here are my questions:

Question 1

I am having a very challenging time locating agencies in the U.S. that can
aid me in arranging some of the types of safaris people have discussed on
this forum.

Can anyone recommend a """REPUTABLE""" company or companies that they have
done business with in the past?

How did you determine the reputability of the company you booked with?
There is no shortage of companies on the internet offering to arrange
safaris but I don't know how to compare them.

Note:

During my trip, I'd like to stay exclusively in Lodges if possible.... I
understand it is a bit more expensive but what the heck, it will make for a
great first trip.

Question 2

I will be traveling alone and have read that some of the single supplements
routinely charged during other times of year are often waved in June. Is
this true?

Question 3

I've been leveraging www.weather.com to see what the weather will be like
when I go but unfortunately it is grossly inadequate because the terrain is
too broad.

What is the weather like in June on the Serengeti and around the Ngorongoro
Crater?
Can you recommend any websites I can use to monitor the type of weather over
the next 6 or so weeks?

Question 4

Any chance I might get to see the Wildebeest Migration in June?

Question 5

With all of the traveling required, how light would you recommend I pack?
and what kind of baggage should I employ for the trip? other than a camera
bag (smile)

Question 6

I'm a very personable and outgoing individual so I don't think I'll have
issues making friends along the way, but does anyone have suggestions for
people going on safari alone?


I would really enjoy hearing the impressions and/or experiences of anyone
who has went on safari in Kenya and/or Tanzania alone.


To everyone: Thanks in advance for any feedback.

-Justin










  #4  
Old May 10th, 2004, 04:24 PM
Dave Patterson
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Going to Tanzania and/or Kenya June2005 - Lots of Questions

Justin Leggroan wrote:

How did you determine the reputability of the company you booked with?
There is no shortage of companies on the internet offering to arrange
safaris but I don't know how to compare them.


Justin - when you get closer to time for your travels, you
might ask this again. Between now and then, I suggest you
study itineraries and have an idea of where you want to
go and how much you can afford. Then, start finding the
company that has the appropriate 'package' for you.

You asked about whether the single supplement is waived
in June. It absolutely is, at virtually every camp and lodge.
Make sure that whichever safari operator provides your
trip does not ask for the single supplement. I have clients
traveling this June, for example - a mother and son. They
are staying at Nakuru, Swee****ers, the Ark, Samburu,
Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti and Kirawira Camp
(western Serengeti) and have separate accommodations
everywhere except Kirawira with no single supplement
charged. You will have single supplement at any Nairobi
hotel that you use.

Question 3

I've been leveraging www.weather.com to see what the weather will be like
when I go but unfortunately it is grossly inadequate because the terrain is
too broad.

What is the weather like in June on the Serengeti and around the Ngorongoro
Crater?
Can you recommend any websites I can use to monitor the type of weather over
the next 6 or so weeks?


I use Wunderground.com exclusively. Here's the web page for
Arusha, Tanzania, for example:
http://www.wunderground.com/global/stations/63789.html
It's the commercial center for safari operations in Tanzania
and a good gauge for the weather in that part of the country.

But the more important (and good) news is that you can
expect the weather in June to be fantastic. I am often in
Kenya and Tanzania then and find virtually no rain..
just sunshine and temperatures typically in the 70's.

Question 4

Any chance I might get to see the Wildebeest Migration in June?


In the Serengeti, yes.

  #5  
Old May 11th, 2004, 06:44 AM
Justin Leggroan
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Going to Tanzania and/or Kenya June2005 - Lots of Questions

Justin - when you get closer to time for your travels, you
might ask this again. Between now and then, I suggest you
study itineraries and have an idea of where you want to
go and how much you can afford. Then, start finding the
company that has the appropriate 'package' for you.


Thanks for the info.

How far in advance would you recommend that I book the trip?

Considering that I'm only going to be there for 10 or so days, I'm thinking
that I should limit my trip to as few locations as possible. I have read
the experiences from others on this group and they felt like they just tried
to see too much too fast.

If I restrict my trip to Tanzania only, I know I absolutely want to see the
Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. (I've heard too much about them not to
go see them with my own eyes). Is there any one additional location that
you would recommend including for a first trip to Tanzani that would be
within reason on a 10 day trip?

Thanks again for your feedback.




-Justin



  #6  
Old May 11th, 2004, 06:48 AM
Justin Leggroan
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Going to Tanzania and/or Kenya June2005 - Lots of Questions

Justin, as far as travel companies, I highly recommend Africa Adventure
Company
website: http://www.africa-adventure.com/

We have used them for four different safaris into Africa, including one

last
year into Tanzania, and everything is always perfect. They work with you

to
find out exactly what you want and then set it up to perfection. Never

any
problems, from someone to meet you at the airport to all transfers and
excellent lodging choices and guides.

Tell them Ed and Pat said hi, and have a great safari.

Ed


Thanks for the feedback Ed,

How did you determine the legitimacy of the agency? What made you choose
this one over others? I just want to make sure I ask all the right
questions when I start talking to the differnt companies.

-Justin


  #7  
Old May 11th, 2004, 07:02 AM
Justin Leggroan
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Going to Tanzania and/or Kenya June2005 - Lots of Questions

During my trip, I'd like to stay exclusively in Lodges if possible.... I
understand it is a bit more expensive but what the heck, it will make for

a
great first trip.


That's actually normal. Nothing to worry about. In or near the
larger nature reserves there is no other choice except camping.



I appreciate your reply. I've noticed you are quite a prolific participant
on this forum/newsgroup and while I my igonorance has prevented me from
being much of a participant, I've always enjoyed reading responses from both
you and Liz. It sounds like you both have a humongous amount of experience
travelling within the continent.

With that said, I've got another question which I'd like to pose to you
directly.

If I restrict my trip to Tanzania only, I know I absolutely want to see the
Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. (I've heard too much about them not to
go see them with my own eyes). Is there any one additional location that
you would recommend including for a first trip to Tanzani? (Something that
would be within reason on a 10 day trip)




Please have a look at the checklists in
http://www.michna.com/kenya.htm. That's a plan for a self-drive
safari, but most checklist items are the same for you too.


Nice information. Thanks.


  #8  
Old May 11th, 2004, 07:55 AM
Hans-Georg Michna
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Going to Tanzania and/or Kenya June2005 - Lots of Questions

"Justin Leggroan" wrote:

If I restrict my trip to Tanzania only, I know I absolutely want to see the
Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. (I've heard too much about them not to
go see them with my own eyes). Is there any one additional location that
you would recommend including for a first trip to Tanzani? (Something that
would be within reason on a 10 day trip)


Justin,

no, but the Serengeti is big. You could visit two lodges in that
area in somewhat different landscapes.

I personally would visit Olduvai Gorge, but that's something
entirely different, an archaeological site. Not many live
animals to see there. And it would be worthwhile only if
somebody were there to explain.

Lake Ndutu comes to mind, and with a lot of luck you could see
the African hunting dogs there.

But now I have to forward your question to those here who know
Tanzania much better than I do. My current experience is almost
entirely of Kenya. I cannot judge whether it is a good idea to
add a visit to Lake Manyara, for example.

Hans-Georg

--
No mail, please.
  #9  
Old May 11th, 2004, 02:55 PM
Rita Daggett
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Posts: n/a
Default Going to Tanzania and/or Kenya June2005 - Lots of Questions

"Hans-Georg Michna" wrote in message
...
no, but the Serengeti is big. You could visit two lodges in that
area in somewhat different landscapes.


Thats what I'd recommend. Personally I think 3 nights is minimum stay at
any one place - gives you time to settle down a bit! It can take you
virtually all day to travel from one place to another if you do it by road.
If you do three nights at each of Ngorongoro and 2 lodges in different parts
of the Serengeti then thats your 10 days! (we flew back to Arusha from the
last lodge)
But Lake Manyara would I think be an interesting alternative to the second
Serengeti Lodge, and it breaks up the road trip from Arusha to the Crater
(as I recall - we didnt stop there except at the air strip on the way back
to pick up some people).

I personally would visit Olduvai Gorge, but that's something
entirely different, an archaeological site. Not many live
animals to see there. And it would be worthwhile only if
somebody were there to explain.

When we went to Olduvai (it was en route from ? (Ngorongoro?) to ?
(Serengeti?) there were 'talks' given by archaeologists (I think) and a
small museum to look around. You couldnt go down into the Gorge tho - te
talks were given from the top and looking down into it. It was interesting
to visit as we were more-or-less passing anyway but I wouldnt set aside a
whole day for it.
--
Rita Daggett


  #10  
Old May 11th, 2004, 11:04 PM
Edc4
external usenet poster
 
Posts: n/a
Default Going to Tanzania and/or Kenya June2005 - Lots of Questions

Justin, we got sort of lucky finding African Adventure. My wife came across a
book on Africa written by Mark Nolting (very good btw as a general resource),
who happened to be the owner/founder of the company. As a matter of fact, his
wife has been the person who set up our next trip to TZ which we're doing in
June. All of the travel agents at the company have been to Africa and
experienced the various safaris themselves so they can advise with expertise.
Check out the website for quotes.

Ed

Subject: Going to Tanzania and/or Kenya June2005 - Lots of Questions
From: "Justin Leggroan"
Date: 5/11/2004 1:48 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Message-id: m

Justin, as far as travel companies, I highly recommend Africa Adventure

Company
website:
http://www.africa-adventure.com/

We have used them for four different safaris into Africa, including one

last
year into Tanzania, and everything is always perfect. They work with you

to
find out exactly what you want and then set it up to perfection. Never

any
problems, from someone to meet you at the airport to all transfers and
excellent lodging choices and guides.

Tell them Ed and Pat said hi, and have a great safari.

Ed


Thanks for the feedback Ed,

How did you determine the legitimacy of the agency? What made you choose
this one over others? I just want to make sure I ask all the right
questions when I start talking to the differnt companies.

-Justin










 




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