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Just returned from Kenya/Tanzania Classic Safari!
WOW! This trip was just too "big" to put into words just yet. We cannot get Africa out of our minds...
Here are some small tips that we found useful on the trip:
Bring second camera if possible; bring x-tra memory and batteries; don't forget chargers!
A good zoom lens, even if 'point and shoot,' is extremely helpful. Folks without such were often frustrated.
Binoculars were needed.
We only used DEET/insecticide once! Bugs were not an issue. Never used mosquito net for head and have returned to REI.
Roads can be extremely dusty!(and bumpy) At times we wore scarves to protect against breathing too much in. Lip moisturizer is helpful.
Sun screen important.
Flat sink stopper was needed as most sinks did not hold water for washing out clothes. A few lodges had laundery service. Bring packets of tide, etc.
Zip lock bags came in very handy.
Flashlights are essential.
Nights can be cool; light jacket or sweater.
Bring packets ot tissues, women. Many "washrooms" have none, may not flush or lock. You'll get used to it!
Handwipes are important.
Some of us left flip flops, sneakers, cosmetic samples, clothes, etc with Tour Dir. to distribute to people. The needs are very great.
Bring small backpack or bag to take on the vehicle daily;
Internet mostly accessible.
Hope this will be helpful. Rest up! It is the trip of a lifetime.
Here are some small tips that we found useful on the trip:
Bring second camera if possible; bring x-tra memory and batteries; don't forget chargers!
A good zoom lens, even if 'point and shoot,' is extremely helpful. Folks without such were often frustrated.
Binoculars were needed.
We only used DEET/insecticide once! Bugs were not an issue. Never used mosquito net for head and have returned to REI.
Roads can be extremely dusty!(and bumpy) At times we wore scarves to protect against breathing too much in. Lip moisturizer is helpful.
Sun screen important.
Flat sink stopper was needed as most sinks did not hold water for washing out clothes. A few lodges had laundery service. Bring packets of tide, etc.
Zip lock bags came in very handy.
Flashlights are essential.
Nights can be cool; light jacket or sweater.
Bring packets ot tissues, women. Many "washrooms" have none, may not flush or lock. You'll get used to it!
Handwipes are important.
Some of us left flip flops, sneakers, cosmetic samples, clothes, etc with Tour Dir. to distribute to people. The needs are very great.
Bring small backpack or bag to take on the vehicle daily;
Internet mostly accessible.
Hope this will be helpful. Rest up! It is the trip of a lifetime.
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My husband took his Nook, a friend had a laptop and Blackberry, all of which worked mostly...I used the computers at the Lodges....
I envy you!
Thanks,
Meo
Check your itinerary to see what they say about meals, etc...They are usuallyl pretty clear about what to expect...
I hope you have a great time!!!!
Thanks,
Kay
If you think of any other tips or reminders please post them, we are like a sponge wanting as much information as possible.
We are also on the safari beginning September 8! We plan to spend the night in Amsterdam both ways and will arrive in Arusha on the evening of the 5th.
I have read the blog from Tommye and there is another one by the CEO of Vacationstogo that provide great tips:-)
Tommye wrote of the horrible drought that had been going on for awhile before she went (Sept. 2009) Due to the drought, there were numerous (MANY) dead animals & carcasses. She commented on the horrible smell. (I believe this was esp. true in Arusha) Fortunately, we did not experience this during our trip this Sept./ Oct. & hopefully you will not either - both for your sake and for the people (&animals) who live there..
She also said how dusty & bad the roads were. Perhaps it was her words of warning (that prepared us) or maybe "some improvements" in the roads and/or the vehicles, but we did not find them as "jaw- shattering" as she thought they were. Upon her suggestion,I did take a pillow ("Wonder Pillow" (?) as seen on TV) but never used it. Don't get me wrong, the roads are NOT good. You will definitely burn calories with your "in-seat jogging". But, unless you have back issues, or some chronic condition, you will make it through the "bumps". Just hang on to the bar on the side of the LAnd Rover & enjoy the ride. (& You'll never complain about an "ordinary" pot-hole again!) Your jacket, sweatshirt or whatever, that you bring along & have taken off, can also make a nice buffer between the side of the vehicle & yourself. As far as dust -- YES -- definitely bring something to cover your face, a bandana or scarf. I found a really cool thing at REI (I forget what it's called.) Just a stretchy piece of fabric sewn in a circle, like a neck band. Wear around your neck, pull up over your nose & mouth when it gets too dusty, & then pull back down when things are back to normal. Very handy, easy to use, & WORKED well. I also found a neck holder for my sunglasses to be very useful, too. Could take them on/off easily when taking a photo. (Between sunglasses, camera strap, binoculars & neck band for dust, I felt like a pack-mule, using my neck instead of my back!)
Tommye's trip included Samburu, which was not on our itinerary. & I believe that the Serengeti Kempinski is changing ownership on Jan 1 (to a Four Seasonns ?)We loved every place we stayed, found all bedding very comfortable & food good. Each place was different in its own special way. We commented to ourselves that they couldn't possibly outdo themselves after each place we stayed, but they did. My favorite place was Fairmont Mara Safari. Can't believe my favorite part of the trip was the tent! Would have LOVED one more night there!
Also, re: mosquitos. We also had no problem, but did use our DEET esp. at the lower altitude hotels. The netting in the hotels rooms is there for a reason, so we used it, but nice when we didn't have to.
Our guide was Anna. We hope you will be so lucky to have her! We had a WONDERFUL trip & know you will, too! I hated to see it end!
Thanks,
Kay
Hi Kay,
Can you post a link to the "Tommye blog" or others? My wife and I are just beginning research on this trip and it sounds as if you and others found information in those blogs very useful. Thanks.
Bill
Enjoy
Fun and interesting
My wife and I ( Mary Jo and Bob)are on the tour starting Sept 26. Anyone on this KT tour?
I researched the CDC website and it seemed to me nothing is required, they just suggested taking malaria pills.
for anyone that has gone, what shots & pills are required , what is recommended (vs. what is required) and was proof of shots or taking or malaria pills required in order to get into the countries.
It seems tauck is not helpful on this matter
I really appreciate your response
two other questions:
I live in the USA, is the electricity the same in africa, do I have to bring a converter
also, is there the opportunity to go horseback riding
THANK YOU
I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR REPLY
The electricity is not the same as USA so bring along a convertor. I doubt whether you will get the opportunity to do horse riding.