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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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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 |
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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
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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
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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. |
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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 |
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