just back from great trip! part 2 random thoughts
if you start here see other post with day by day notes.
Random thoughts tips and musings:
This is a group of thoughts that I know some have given in the past and may be helpful to you doing this amazing adventure!
To and from Africa
We flew Ethiopian air from Dulles with transfers thru Addis Ababa. No problems. We were only Tauck people on plane.
6 people out of 30 did not have luggage arrive, but all got it by by 3rd day. All had multiple carriers which played a role.
Tour guide/ Tauck
We had a great tour guide, who was unbelievably knowledgeable, friendly and helpful.
We had three major medical problems which he took care of- a fall leading to severe soft tissue injury to back and thigh leading to wheelchair and crutches, a back problem leading to Flying Doctors evacuation to Nairobi, and a woman who was convinced she had appendicitis, refused to see doctor at Mt. Kenya lodge and flew back to London ‘to check into hospital.
Tauck is supporting several projects in Africa to improve lives, especially children, without any expectation of recognition.
Tauck, as always, had multiple surprises and extras that we have come to expect. Chris responded to and anticipated every need and request.
African game drives
Very bumpy= African massage, but not unbearable. Dusty but I didn’t use scarf (wife did)..some had dry eyes and irritation from dust.
None of us really had to stand on seats to take pictures as pop-up was sufficiently high to allow good camera shooting.
I had a Canon old DSLR with 300 mm telephoto lens. 400 would have been much better.
No problem with everyone getting good photos and people can airdrop good photos to each other with smart phones.
Had small binoculars but more powerful would have been much better.
Bathroom stops 90 minutes to 2 ½ hours at most.
Animals
You will likely see everything with different ones at different places.
Leopards and cheetahs were difficult.
Also did not see lion pride close up until the end.
Arusha National Park is very worthwhile. Saw giraffes best there with 6 or 7 crossing road right in front of us. Also saw black & white Colobus monkey. Hotel will arrange- pricing is as others have noted in earlier posts.
Drivers
Incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, with superb command of English language.
6 of us per Jeep with daily group rotation. Water on board.
Back seats most room but felt bumps and often not able hear driver/guide commentary.
Very easy to bang head getting out of Jeep.
Lodges
Arusha I thought was a little primitive.
Four Seasons was beautiful and others were hunting lodges upgraded. Disappointed in Mt. Kenya lodge.
Last 3 days were tents, but quite unique with en-suite bathrooms, outlets, etc. However, early on internet basically didn’t work, nor did telephone; email was somewhat better. All improved a bit towards end of stay.
Miscellaneous
Sunscreen and hat- I didn’t use much but should have done a little bit more.
Bugs no problem. The tsetse flies- never saw one. Told not wear blue or black 2 days at Four Seasons.
Most rooms had mosquito netting ? Needed.
Electricity everywhere with adaptor needed- bring multiple outlet apparatus
No TV but who cares with news being what it is.
We had wi-fi at all lodges except last one. See above. Telephone calls basically no problem, but some dropped calls. T-mobile great with unlimited data and text; $.25/minute in both countries with no special plan.
Some had GI upset thought possibly related to malaria pills but ours went away without stopping it.
Save slippers from 4 Seasons as the tents at the last stop have cold floors.
We had beautiful weather throughout, cool in mornings and at night but not unbearable. Wearing some layered clothing is appropriate but usually had too much on by afternoon.
