see pics on FaceBook20
Aug
27
Aug
23
All of my symptoms are gone, except for the rash
on my face (of course)-- although it's greatly reduced. Luckily I never
saw it when it was really bad, I think I would have really freaked
out!! --Amy FB
Aug
23
Arrive Atlanta 6:40am on Delta flight 201 from Johannesburg. Fly out of Atlanta at 9:45am on Delta flight 1640. Arrive in Detroit 11:59am
Aug
22
Leave Zimbabwe and fly to Johannesburg, South Africa. Fly out of Johannesburg at 8:20pm.
Aug
20
Aug
20
Sun
Mon
Aug
20-22
Aug
19
Aug
19
We leave Zambia and cross the Victoria Falls Bridge and the Zambezi River, entering into Zimbabwe at the town of Victoria Falls. Here in Africa’s adventure capital, we set up camp in the town’s centrally located campsite. The Falls can be viewed from the Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe - a fantastic photo opportunity. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the campsite’s swimming pool or exploring the many sights and delights of this town!
Aug
18
Aug
18
An early morning start sees us head south to Livingstone. Victoria Falls or Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and it’s not difficult to see why. At 1700 m wide and around 100 m high, this is the world's largest sheet of falling water and a memorable sight on any African Safari! The Falls can be viewed from the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Zambia - a fantastic photo opportunity.
Aug
17
From Chipata, we head south to Lusaka to our campsite on the outskirts of Zambia’s capital city, Lusaka. The campsite is home to some local wildlife including Africa’s largest antelope – Eland.
Aug
16
From Lake Malawi, we cross into Zambia where we spend the night in a beautiful little campsite just
10 km after the Malawi/Zambia border.
Sat
Aug
13
Aug
13
Fri
Sat
Sun
Mon
Aug
11-15
Taking in the beauty of the Tukuyu tea and banana plantations, we head towards Malawi entering the ‘Warm Heart of Africa’ through the border post at Songwe.
Malawi is a landlocked country with 20% of its total area made up of beautiful Lake Malawi. We travel the length of the western side of the lake, stopping off at various bays and inlets over the next 5 days.
Spend the days learning the game of bao from the locals, scour the markets for a bargain or simply relax on the pristine white beaches. Malawi’s temperate climate allows for swimming in the clear blue fresh-water lake all year round. Explore the beautiful shore where you’ll happen upon the local fishermen sorting their catch. Traditional fishing techniques are still practiced and to appreciate their boating skills, try to paddle a dug out canoe yourself! The various beachside campsites along Lake Malawi’s shores offer many optional Excursions including a variety of water sports, horse back rides and a visit to the local village and school.
Aug
10
This morning we leave Dar es Salaam and head south. We pass through the Mikumi National Park where it is possible to view a range of wildlife from the roadside, totally impervious to the passing traffic. We travel towards Iringa where we spend the night in a beautiful rustic campsite famous for its Amarula Hot Chocolates and its steamy showers!
Aug
9
Leaving Zanzibar, we return to the mainland in the late afternoon and another night in Dar es Salaam.
Aug
7
Response to comment:
Zanzibar is amazing!! I may stay here :) ---Amy
Mon
Aug
7-8
History aside, Zanzibar offers a wealth of experiences for the visitor. Today the quiet streets of the old Stone Town still retain their Arabic influence, from the Medina-like shops to the palaces of the Sultans, who founded their vast empires on the spoils of the slave and ivory trade. The island is famous for its spices and is always a fascinating experience. Other options include a trip to the beautiful beaches and giant tortoises of Prison Island. Zanzibar is a seafood lover’s paradise. Numerous restaurants offer a great variety of the freshest catch from the ocean - crayfish being a popular speciality. Alternatively, mingle with the locals for dinner at the Forodhani Gardens seafront market, where delicious, inexpensive seafood is on offer.
Aug
6
A ferry from Dar es Salaam takes us to the "Spice Island,” where we have the option to spend the next 3 nights. Zanzibar is steeped in history and was one of the major starting points for most East African explorers in their quest for new lands. New passengers may join us to replace those that’ll leave us at the end of our excursion to Zanzibar.
For those not opting to visit the island of Zanzibar, the next 3 days are spent at leisure at the beach campsite in Dar es Salaam.
Aug
5
Today we continue on to Dar es Salaam. Travelling through lush scenery and palm trees, we near the warm Indian Ocean. On arrival in Dar es Salaam we make our way to our lovely seaside campsite and prepare for our departure to Zanzibar the next morning.
Aug
4
After a morning spent exploring Arusha and its vibrant craft markets, we head south towards
Dar es Salaam. On the way we drive through the town of Moshi. Moshi is the base for
Mount Kilimanjaro climbing expeditions, and weather permitting; we may even catch a glimpse of this magical mountain’s snowy summit - a photo opportunity not to be missed! We pass through vast
sisal plantations surrounded by The Usambara and Pare Mountain ranges, before reaching our lovely campsite nestled between these mountains, midway between Arusha and Dar
Tue
Wed
Aug
1-3
Arusha is a pleasant town situated at the base of Mount Meru and is the starting point for
the optional excursions to Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. We conduct these excursions
in locally operated 4WD vehicles, which are adapted for safari use.
For those not opting to visit the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti National Park,
the next days are spent at leisure enjoying the Meserani reptile park, Masai Cultural Museum (cost?)
and the surrounding villages and craft markets. Alternatively the town of Arusha is close by to explore.
The Optional Ngorongoro & Serengeti excursion takes us via the Masai town of Mtu Wa Mbu
(Mosquito River) that lies adjacent to the Lake Manyara National Park and up the Rift Valley
Escarpment to the higher lying village of Karatu. Karatu offers magnificent views over the
surrounding hills and has many well established wheat farms that add to the picturesque panoramas.
We spend the evening at a pleasant campsite in Karatu. The following morning we depart early
for the Ngorongoro Conservation area and head into the wildlife rich Ngorongoro Crater.
This World Heritage Site boasts some of the best game viewing in Africa – including the
elusive Black Rhino.
After our game drive in the Crater, we head down the Crater rim and past the ‘Cradle
of Mankind’ on our way to the Serengeti National Park. We cross the vast plains as we
game drive through the southern and central areas in the park. Tonight we camp in the
bushveld surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness. In the morning, we head
off for another game drive and explore the landscape in search of the resident game.
With some luck, we may see some of Africa’s ‘Big 5’!
After our morning drive, we head back across the plains and the lush Crater rim to our truck
at Arusha, where we spend the evening musing over our thrilling wildlife experience.
July
31
This morning we collect the passengers who’ll be joining us on the next leg of our trek. We travel south crossing the border into Tanzania at Namanga. Tonight we stay in a lovely campsite in Meserani on the outskirts of Arusha, before heading out on our Optional Excursions to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
July
31
Response to comment:
It's in Kenya-- and yes, I tried everything except the heart and liver. Gross. ---Amy
July
30
After breakfast, we head back to Nairobi. On arrival, we head to the Hotel Boulevard, where we deliver the passengers who’ll be ending their trip here, before heading to our campsite for the night.
July
30
Part 2: I fell (was thrown violently) in the water 2 times; which was not uncommon, since I learned very quickly that the goal of the guides was 2 flip the raft as many times as possible. Lucky for me the majority of the people on my raft preferred riding the rapids 2 swimming in them--so we only flipped completely one time, and the second time the raft tipped and most of us fell out. I was the first to go. Of course. ---Amy FB
Part 3: Flipping backwards off a raft in the middle of clas-4 rapids is insane. I just held up my oar and waited for one of the kayaks to come save me--since apparently I flail around like a downing cat when in the middle of the rapids. Equally as frightening is watching a raft of people disappear over the edge of a rapid, then seconds later see their raft shoot right up in the air. Empty. And being right behind them. ---Amy FB
Part 4: And there is nothing quite like bobbing along in rapids and having the guide of the boat scream at you, "Get back on the raft now--NOW!!" There are rocks, swim harder!! Someone get that girl on the raft NOW!!" I felt for sure I would die. It was fun. I guess. I almost bought the t-shirt "It is better to be scared to death than bored to death". But I'm not quite sure I sgree... --Amy FB
Last Part: Yesterday I went on a walking safari and got to walk with giraffes and zebras, and I'm on my way to Tanzania and the Serengeti tomorrow. I'm currently sitting in an internet cafe listening to Bon Jovi. It's been a balanced trip. --Amy FB
July
29
Moving further east, we head to Lake Naivasha, home to a multitude of bird life, the most magnificent being the African Fish Eagle with his regal cry. At 1880 m, this is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. Time permitting; we spend the afternoon enjoying optional excursions like a boat ride to the Crescent Island Game Sanctuary (20). Tonight is spent in a lovely campsite overlooking the lake.
July
28
This morning we begin our exploration of the Lake Nakuru National Park - famous for the thousands of lesser and greater flamingos that flock to this soda lake’s edge. The numbers vary depending on the water level, and when it’s low, the lake almost turns pink. A truly spectacular sight! The park was established as a sanctuary for black and white rhino, which are often seen. We spend the day searching for these pre-historic looking beasts as well as the elusive leopard, encountering buffalo, giraffe, various antelope and the occasional HIPPO along the way.
July
27
Today we head back to Kenya, stopping for lunch and supplies en route. We overnight in Nakuru, Kenya’s 4th largest town and capital of the Rift Valley Province.
July
26
Today we have the option of visiting the Ngamba Island Chimpanzee Sanctuary (125) or transferring to Jinja for a selection of adventure activities including white water rafting at the source of the White Nile, or volunteering at a community project (25). Spend the afternoon relaxing on the banks of the river, or ticking off the wide variety of water birds in this area
July
25
After marvelling at the experience of our gorilla encounters and enjoying the peaceful Lake Bunyoni, we begin our drive back to Kampala. We cross the Equator for the second time and stop for the classic “one foot in each hemisphere” photo opportunity. We overnight in Kampala and have the opportunity to sample its night life!
July
24
I should mention that I did buy soap :) ---Amy FB
Fri
Sat
Sun
July
21-
24
After an early morning departure from Kampala we drive west into the depths of Uganda to our base at the tranquil Lake Bunyoni.
Lake Bunyoni, the deepest Crater Lake in Africa and home to a large and varied number of beautiful birds, is the base from which the optional Gorilla trek (600) takes place. Dependant on where trekking permits are available, we trek in the Magahinga or Bwindi National Parks in Uganda, the Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo, or the Ruhengeri National Park in Rwanda. The prices of trekking permits fluctuate and may change without prior notice – currently they are priced at US$500 depending on where we trek. There is a local transport & handling fee of US$65 to US$70 per person (this covers the return transfer and the Wildlife Authority’s booking fee). For trekking in the DRC or Rwanda, we will also have to purchase an additional visa to enter either country, as well as renewing our Ugandan visa upon re-entry. (100?) Please budget accordingly.
Trekking Procedures: The mountain gorilla (Gorilla Gorilla Berengei), of which there are still only about 700 remaining, are one of our closest living relatives. A visit to these gentle giants in their natural environment is a unique and wonderful experience - one you’ll never forget. The park rangers monitor the gorillas on a daily basis and have a fairly good idea of where they are. However, they are free roaming animals, and their sighting cannot be guaranteed. As the gorillas share much of our DNA, anyone with even the slightest cold or transferable illness will not be permitted to trek. Trekking is also only open to people over 16 years old.
Due to the restrictions on the daily numbers of visitors to these incredible animals, we depart from our base in Bunyoni in small groups over 3-4 days, depending on the group size. Winding our way through arguably some of the most picturesque scenery in Africa, we head to the town of Kisoro where we spend the night (Should we be trekking in Rwanda our overnight will be in Ruhengeri). The following morning, after packing our picnic lunch, we are transferred to a ranger’s station where the trek commences. Your rangers will lead you through the cultivated lands and then into the dense rain forest and on to a gorilla family. Trekking can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours and it can be quite strenuous, so a reasonable level of fitness is required. To ensure the gorillas do not get too used to the presence of humans and because they share many of our genes (and therefore able to catch our diseases), the maximum time permitted to spend with them is 1 hour. You will have plenty of time to watch their activity and to take photographs. The rangers will be able to provide you with a background to the family you are visiting. Once your hour is up, you trek back out of the rain forest to your meeting point where you will be transferred back to the Lake Bunyoni campsite.
You needn’t feel like you’re exploiting these animals. The ever-growing number of tourists trekking them each day play a vital role in their survival. For years they have been ruthlessly hunted for their hands and heads, which have been sold as ashtrays and lampshades! In addition, large numbers have been killed whilst trying to stop poachers stealing the babies for sale to zoos, where they have never lived long. 100% of the gorilla permit cost is used to by the parks authorities to finance patrols that are instrumental in protecting the gorillas from poachers and their lethal snares and on promoting these wonderful animals.
Lake Bunyoni
For those of us awaiting our day of gorilla trekking, the choice is yours, visit a local village or church, hike in the surrounding hills, canoe, go on a bird watching walk, visit the local markets of Kabale or just spend the days relaxing or swimming in this tranquil lake.
July
21
July
20
Today, we cross the border into Uganda where we overnight it the capital city, Kampala. Uganda is a small country of striking physical beauty. Its landscapes vary from the fertile green areas around the northern shores of Lake Victoria to the snow capped Ruwenzori Mountains in the west and the semi-desert region in the north. The political instability that has haunted Uganda in the past has actually had the positive effect of leaving the country free of the over commercialism so common in other parts of Africa. The current administration under President Museveni has devoted considerable effort and funds to return Uganda to its former status as one of Africa's most prosperous and, from a tourist’s point of view, one of the most appealing and interesting countries to visit.
July
19
Leaving the Masai Mara early in the morning, we pass through the scenic tea plantations of Kericho before descending the Rift Valley Plateau, on our way to Kisumu - Kenya’s harbour town on the banks of Africa’s largest lake, Lake Victoria. We replenish our supplies and overnight here.
July
18
We spend the day driving through nature as it was intended to be - huge plains, rolling hills and an abundance of game matched no where else on earth. We keep an eye open for the Big 5 - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion & leopard. If travelling between July and October, we may get to witness the impressive herds of over 1 million wildebeest, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle in their Annual Migration. Sitting around the camp fire, watching the sun set is the perfect way to finish a day’s game viewing in this “Garden of Eden.”
July
17
Leaving the hustle and bustle of Nairobi we climb the escarpment to our first stop, a viewpoint overlooking the spectacular Great Rift Valley. Descending into the Rift Valley, we enter Masai land where these habitual pastoralists are often seen tending their cattle from the side of the road. We pass through the town of Narok, before arriving at our campsite, Acacia Camp. Acacia Camp looks on to the Meguarra hills and the stream that meanders by on the bottom end forms a natural border to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Fri
Sat
July
14-
16
July
14
Packing mistakes 1 & 2: Apparently I should have paid more attention to what I was doing when I packed, because I brought body lotion with me instead of body soap. But whatever, who needs soap on a 6 week camping African Safari? And -- I should have purchased pants at least 2 sizes larger to accommodate this money belt. Now I look like a dirty, pregnant American. Off to a great start! ---Amy FB
July
13
Amy flys out of Amsterdam on Delta flight 9585 at 11:15am and arrives in Nairobi at 8:15pm
July
12
Amy flys to Amsterdam on Delta flight 234. Arrives in Amsterdam at 9:10am
