tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47030862970338530702024-03-08T05:45:52.472-08:00Kristina's African SafarisCall 206-297-7179Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-33613020546209900562012-11-16T19:37:00.003-08:002013-05-22T08:15:26.620-07:00Travel to Zimbabwe<br />
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Travel to Zimbabwe, May 2012</h2>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After the Indaba conference in May 2012, I travelled to Zimbabwe with 3 collegues to see for myself what it was all about. Last year at Indaba, all the
buzz was about Zim, so we got the idea brewing then. Zim did not disappoint. We
found a local supplier in Harare, who came highly recommended to us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We flew from Durban to Vic Falls, then straight on to Mana
Pools. WOW, Wow, wow …… We stayed at the Wilderness Safaris camp at Ruchomechi
and visited Kanga Camp and Stretch Ferreira at his Goliath Camp. What a
character! What a Zim legend! During the night a leopard made a kill right
outside my tent and stashed the impala in a tree! I heard nothing …. But in the
morning, the evidence was right there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">After Mana Pools, we flew to Hwange where we stayed at
Little Makololo and at Somalisa. We made sight inspections at Davison’s, Acacia
House and The Hide. The highlights at Hwange were the elephants, especially at
Somalisa, where they drink from the pool and are extremely relaxed around
people. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">In the hide at Little Mak you get very close to the action also. We spent hours there photographing the “ellies” as they came to the waterhole to drink, play, roll in the mud and spray themselves. The service at Little Mak is exceptional. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then
we flew to Bulawayo and drove to Camp Amalinda. This exclusive, privately owned
safari lodge, is in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Matobo Hills. The kopjes, rock outcroppings here are amazing! Lots of Black Eagles circle above riding the air currents, probably looking for leopard kills. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We also
visited the Farmhouse and the Big Cave. Matobo Hills is famous for the kopjes
or whaleback rock outcroppings and also for their cave paintings. Don’t miss
this area. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Black eagles nest in these rocks as do leopards. Matobo Hills
has the largest leopard population in Zimbabwe, poosibly in all of Africa. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is the opportunity to
walk with Rhino's in the park as well, plus in a nearby concession guests can
go mountain biking, horseback riding and rappelling - for those who want
something more active. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">History of Zimbabwe comes alive here with lots of
historical significance. You can also feed the baby animals at the orphange! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From Amalinda, we drove to Singita’s Pamushana, a 5 hours’
drive. I found the roads in Zim to be very good; the many road-blocks were
annoying at times. Big modern trucks were everywhere in both directions,
delivering goods to South Africa and Mozambique and back to Zim. The stores are
well stocked with everything you could possibly need. The economy is booming!
The USD is the national currency. There's also plenty of local flavor along the roads, making the drive very interesting. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pamushana was a highlight; the service was impeccable and
everyone was so friendly. I could’ve stayed here forever. Game drives are
conducted in the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, where the black rhino is king.
Malilangwe is an area where you will also find over 100 cave painting rock
sites that date back more than 2,000 years. There are a large variety of
animals found here, thanks to varied ecosystems within the Reserve, including
some rare ones like Lichtenstein's hartebeest. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not to be outdone, we drove from Pamushana to the Great Zimbabwe ruins. We stayed at Norma Jeans Resort. Regrettably, there’s no upscale property here, but it’s still worth a visit. I suggest staying overnight and climbing the ruins early in the morning before the heat of the day sets in. The Great Zimbabwe <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">ruins form three distinct architectural groups. They are known as the Hill Complex, the Valley Complex and the Great Enclosure</span>. Building of the walls began in the 11<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> century and lasted for 300 years. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No mortar was used to build the walls that are as high as <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">36 feet, extending approximately 820 feet, making it the largest ancient structure south of the Sahara Desert. </span>At the peak it’s believed that up to 18,000 people may have lived here. Great Zimbabwe is definitely worth a visit. You can also make it a long day tour from Amalinda Camp. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">From the Great Zimbabwe, we drove to Harare, where we spent a couple of nights at a small B&B, the brand new wonderful Jacana Gardens. Harare is a modern bustling city that has everything. We went to the market, shopped ‘til we dropped and visited Wild is Life, a genuine wildlife orphanage and rehabilitation rescue center run privately by Roxy Danckwerts and her husband Craig. Here, I got to cuddle a pangolin. Do I need to say more? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-10719039078914100092011-09-03T12:35:00.001-07:002022-11-04T21:26:23.895-07:00Kristina's Escorted Safari to Kenya & Tanzania<div align="center" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
You have
asked me when I will escort another safari to East Africa. Now is the time,
sorry for the short notice. I hope you can join me. </div>
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<strong>This safari is timed to coincide with the Great Migration both in Kenya and Tanzania.</strong></div>
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I'm
working directly with the owner of Lemala Camps in Tanzania to offer you the
best possible value. Lemala <span style="color: black;">seasonal camps are
similar to mobile tented camps but of a higher quality. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Lemala Camps select their sites very carefully so that you
will be close to the best wildlife viewing possible. There is ample tree cover
and some water nearby to attract wildlife. All camps are in secluded areas.
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<span style="color: black;"><img alt="Lemala mess tent" border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.202" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1102046042696/img/202.jpg" vspace="5" width="183" /> <span style="color: black;"><img alt="Lemala Ndutu camp" border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.199" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1102046042696/img/199.jpg" vspace="5" width="183" /></span>
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<span style="color: black;">The mess tents are designed so that the sitting and dining
areas are within the same tent and it feels like you are in your own home.
Everyone eats and have sundowners together. However separate dining tables are
offered at the Serengeti camps where the tents are very large. All tents are
closed at night. Local beer, wine, whiskey, vodka, gin and soft drinks are
included as is laundry. </span></div>
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<a href="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1102046042696/img/201.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Lemala tent bath" border="0" height="183" hspace="10" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.201" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1102046042696/img/201.jpg" style="text-align: left;" vspace="15" width="138" /></a><span style="color: black;"><br /><span style="color: black;">There are only 9 tents at
each of the camps, accommodating only 18 guests. Lemala Camps are small,
intimate and exclusive where personal service is of the outmost
importance. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">Two of the camps (one that moves between Manyara and
Tarangire National Parks and one on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater) have classic
tents (larger than Meru-style tents) which are very spacious and have
attached/<span class="yshortcuts">ensuite bathrooms</span> including flush toilet
and bucket shower, solar lighting, wooden decking on the inside, large double
(2mtr x 2mtr) or single beds (1mtr x 2mtr), writing desk, outdoor table and
chairs. </span></div>
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<strong></strong><strong>.</strong><span style="color: black;"><strong><a href="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1102046042696/img/200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lemala tent" border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.200" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1102046042696/img/200.jpg" style="cursor: move;" unselectable="on" vspace="5" width="368" /></a></strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;">The second camp in the Serengeti stays in the Central
Serengeti all year round except in April and May when it's closed for the rainy
season. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"></span> <span style="color: black;">The second camp in the Serengeti stays in the Central
Serengeti all year round except in April and May when it's closed for the rainy
season. </span><br />
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<span style="color: black;">Both these camps have brand new tents which are larger and
wider than the classic tents so that the beds can face the entrance.
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<span style="color: black;">In these tents there are either 2 queen size beds or a king
bed, solar lighting, attached/ensuite bathrooms with flush toilets, bucket
shower, internal wooden decking, armchair, writing desks, outdoor
lounger. </span></div>
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<b>We will begin in Kenya from </b><b>September 25 - 30,
2011 </b></div>
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<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">If you like to extend your safari in Kenya, I have booked the Nairobi Tented Camp, which is located inside Nairobi National Park for 2 nights and the Naboisho Tented Camp in the Masai Mara for 3 nights. This will be BEFORE we fly to Arusha, Tanzania to begin the above safari. <br /></span><a href="http://www.theoutofafricacollection.com/static/uploads/Chill_out_by_your_tent_jpg_143x108_crop_q85.jpg"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"></span></a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><a href="http://www.theoutofafricacollection.com/static/uploads/Chill_out_by_your_tent_jpg_143x108_crop_q85.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.theoutofafricacollection.com/static/uploads/Chill_out_by_your_tent_jpg_143x108_crop_q85.jpg" /></a></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Nairobi National Park is the only national park in Africa located within a city, only 7km from Nairobi city center. The major wildlife attractions are the black rhino, lion, leopard, hyena, cheetah, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland and over 400 species of birds. Also within the park is the Nairobi Animal Orphanage, The Nairobi Safari Walk; the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage and the Giraffe Center is nearby. <br /><br /> Nairobi Tented Camp is located in the western side of the park, comfortably secluded in the Kisembe Valley, shaded by forests of olive and croton trees. There are 8 spacious tents all with their own bathrooms, flush toilet and bucket shower. <br /><br /> Afternoon tea and 3 meals a day are included as are all soft drinks, local wine and beer, 1 airport transfer and 1 game drive per day. <br /><br /> With sweeping plains on one side and Nairobi city on the other, Nairobi National Park is a wildlife haven unlike any other, with guaranteed sightings of rhino, a reason in itself to visit. Being the only camp inside Nairobi National Park means your driving safaris can start before and finish after other tourists entering the park giving you an opportunity to view the animals on your own for a unique experience.<br /><br />Your day in Nairobi Tented Camp starts with a freshly brewed hot drink bought to your tent before setting off an early morning game drive. Be lucky enough to catch the first rays of early morning sun as they burn off the nightly dusting of dew and stirs the plains game gently to life. After a morning potentially filled with sightings of giraffe, buffalo, lion and leopard, one returns to camp for, freshly baked breads and a hearty cooked breakfast. <br /><br />We will stay here for 2 nights from Sept 25-27, 2011</span></td></tr>
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<b>Rekero Naboisho Camp, bordering the Masai Mara from Sept
27-30, 2011 </b></div>
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<img align="left" alt="Mara Naboisho Conservancy" class="photo img" hspace="10" id="profile_pic" src="https://fbcdn-profile-a.akamaihd.net/hprofile-ak-snc4/162031_125655007506203_5381226_n.jpg" style="text-align: left;" vspace="10" /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Naboisho
Camp is situated in the Naboisho Conservancy (a 50,000 acre area) that lies to
the far east of the Mara/Serengeti Eco system. This new exclusive eight tented
camp opened on June 1, 2011 in the unrivalled wilderness, hosts a huge variety
of wildlife - cats, elephants, giraffes, plains games including the rare sighted
wild dogs. Naboisho Camp offers a wide range of activities, such as: Game
Drives, Walking Safaris, Night Drives, Off-Roading, Cultural Tourism and Fly
Camping. </span></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
</span><div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Mara Naboisho Conservancy, a newly formed conservation area bordering
the Masai Mara National Reserve on the north, is the realisation of a vision
where local Maasai communities are able to receive the benefit of sustainable
tourism. Literally meaning 'coming together', Mara Naboisho offers a
conservation solution where Maasai land is being used to promote sustainable
livelihoods while also serving as a wildlife protection area. </span></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
</span><div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The emphasis is the 'Rekero experience' is on the nature outside, on the
quality of the guiding and the quality of service and food. Essential elements
of our properties are that they should be small scale, intimate and personal. No
Rekero property feels the same: we cherish uniqueness and individuality. Where
we can, we take our guests out of the vehicle, to experience Africa on foot, as
immersed, as you will ever get. Rekero aspires to be a truly leading company in
the industry when it comes to responsible tourism and it's impact on
conservation and community development. The Koiyaki guiding school was the
vision of the founding director of Rekero and continues to be the flagship
project for the company. </span></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
</span><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </span></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">
</span><div align="right" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We
will stay here for 3 nights from Sept 27-30,
2011</span></div>
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<td align="center" background="http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101093164665/hitechbar7.gif" bgcolor="#8c9951" height="20" style="background-color: #8c9951; background-image: url("http://img.constantcontact.com/letters/images/1101093164665/hitechbar7.gif"); background-repeat: repeat-x; color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;" width="100%"><b>Northern Serengeti from Oct 1-5, 2011</b></td></tr>
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From Kenya, we fly to Tanzania and after a night in Arusha, we will
fly to Kogatende airstrip in Northern Serengeti. <span style="color: black;">Lemala Mara is about 3 minutes drive from the Mara River.
It is a stunning site with views of the Mara River. There are 2 major migration
crossing points close to the camp. </span> </div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<img alt="Lemala Mara crossing" border="0" height="270" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.203" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1102046042696/img/203.jpg" vspace="5" width="533" /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">The Mara
River in northern Serengeti is unlike the Mara River in </span><span class="yshortcuts" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Masai Mara</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;"> - there are
far fewer visitors here so the experience is immensely better. The crossings are
as spectacular as those in the </span><span class="yshortcuts" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Masai Mara. Here you may</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">experience
major wildebeest crossings that last the whole day. An unusual sighting
witnessed last October was of a motherly hippo rescuing wildebeest and zebra
calves across the river. There are large lion prides, lots of leopards, elephant
herds etc., etc. The wildlife here is prolific during the migration season but
at other times there is plenty of resident game</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">. The
landscapes here are beautiful and characterized by kopjes, boulders and hills
and valleys dotted with fig and sausage trees. There are superb views towards
the Isuria escarpment and the Mara ecosystem from several vantage
points.</span> </span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<img alt="ellies in northern Serengeti" border="0" height="332" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.193" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1102046042696/img/193.jpg" vspace="5" width="500" /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">Lemala Mara's
naturalists/guides have exceptional local knowledge, enabling them to take
guests to where the action is, in open 4x4 vehicles, away from the crowds.
Lemala's vehicles are specifically designed for long game drives and come
equipped with comfortable seats, charging units and a large refrigerator. The
camp organizes great picnic breakfasts and lunches for those who want to go on
full day game drives. </span></div>
<div align="right" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right;">
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: 10pt;">We will stay
here for 4 nights from October 1-5, 2011.
</span></div>
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<b>Central Serengeti from Oct 5-8, 2011</b></div>
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Leopard with a full stomach in a
tree </div>
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with the tail hanging down
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From the north, we will fly to Seronera in the
Central Serengeti. This would otherwise be an all day drive and October can be
hot and dry.
<div>
</div>
<div>
The camp, Lemala Ewanjan is in a secluded location around Makoma Hills and
faces the Serenget Plains, where we will see both sunrises and sunsets. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
There is a seasonal waterhole near the camp and as a result there's plenty
of resident wildlife including lions, leopard & cheetah .... Guests staying
here have witnessed lion, cheetah and leopard kills around the camp area. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
There are some tracks for game viewing from the camp which take us where
other vehicles do not venture so we can get away from the busy Seronera valley
but at the same time we are close enough to do the balloon safari. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Being central, we can easily access areas like Moru Kopjes, Musabi Plains,
Ikoma and the Lobo areas on full day or half day game drives. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Lemala Ewanjan Seronera Valley is perhaps the finest new seasonal camp in
the Serengeti, located in a truly spectacular location. There are open 4x4 land
cruisers stationed at the camp. </div>
<br />
<div align="right" style="text-align: right;">
We will stay here for 3 nights
October 5-8, 2011</div>
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Lions on a rock in Moru Kopjes
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<b>Ngorongoro Crater from Oct 8-10, 2011</b></div>
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In the Great Rift Valley, that great schism in the earth's crust,
lies the wonderful Ngorongoro Crater, one of the wonders of the natural world.
It is an extinct volcano that collapsed in on itself around 25 million years ago
thus forming a vast superbowl where the largest permanent concentration of
African game is on display. Wildly beautiful as it is, it is not surprising that
the ongoro Crater has been called: </div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Garden of Eden. </div>
<div align="center" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Lemala Ngorongoro Crater" border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.206" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1102046042696/img/206.jpg" vspace="5" width="594" /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Lemala Ngorongoro is on the rim of the crater at the top of the descent
route, just after the gate. The camp faces an ancient Acacia forest rather than
the crater itself. The view of the forest and hills beyond is magical. It is an
open game area so animals such as elephant, buffalo & lion do move through
the camp regularly; the camp is guarded by the Masai from the local community
who are used to encountering the wildlife. There is plenty of birdlife in the
tranquil forest setting and occassionally you can hear the sounds of the cattle
bells, like the church bells ringing. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
Staying here have the following advantages: <br />a) Lemala guests do not
have to queue at the gate in the morning to go inside the crater as they will
have checked in the day they arrive. <br />b) Lemala guests can depart for the
crater tour as early as 6.30am with a packed breakfast (can also take a packed
lunch or return for late lunch at camp) and be on the crater floor in 15
minutes. Guests can enjoy nearly 2 hours of traffic free viewing.<br />c) Lemala
guests arriving at the camp around lunch time can head straight for the crater
floor with a packed lunch (ordered in advance) and return as late as 6.30pm as
the drive from the crater floor to the camp is only 15mins. The evening light in
the crater is superb and after 4.00pm most of the vehicles have left. <br />d) A
Masai village is located behind the camp. Lemala has a very good relationship
with the chief and the son and for a small fee we can invite the chief's son to
give lectures at the camp and we can visit the village. <span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span>
<div align="right" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: right;">
We
will stay here for 2 night October 8-10, 2011</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", "serif"; font-size: 10pt;">
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<td align="right" class="imgCaptionImage" style="text-align: right;" width="594"><img alt="Ngorongoro Crater road block" border="0" name="ACCOUNT.IMAGE.207" src="http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs003/1102046042696/img/207.jpg" vspace="5" width="594" /></td></tr>
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Ngorongoro Crater road block
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<div align="center" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Manyara Ranch Conservancy Oct 10-12, 2011 </div>
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<td align="left" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; text-align: left;" valign="top" width="100%"> <br /><img alt="slogan" height="97" src="http://www.manyararanch.com/images/slogan.jpg" title="0.7710583153347732" width="608" />
<div>
<div class="front">
<strong> </strong></div>
<div class="front">
<strong>Manyara Ranch Conservancy</strong> is situated within
the wildlife corridor between <strong>Tarangire</strong> and
<strong>Manyara</strong> National Parks in Tanzania. It offers a superb
wilderness area with an excellent cultural mix for the active visitor to
Tanzania.<br /><br />The Conservancy provides guided game walks, day and night
drives, 4x4 safari extensions to nearby parks, visits to partner villages and
activities including horse riding with big game, bush breakfast and dinners and
participative research activities to promote ongoing conservation projects in
collaboration with the African Wildlife Foundation. All of this and its location
within the heart of the northern safari circuit, make Manyara Ranch Conservancy
the ideal destination for a longer stay.<br /><br />Manyara Ranch Tented Camp <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">has 6 luxury tents and offers
several exciting activities that guests can partake while visiting Manyara
Ranch</span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">Conservancy
such as guided game walks, day and night drives, 4x4 safari extensions to nearby
National parks, visits to partner villages, horse riding with big game, bush
breakfast and dinners and participative research activities to promote ongoing
conservation projects in collaboration with the African Wildlife
Foundation. </span></div>
<div class="front">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">We will
stay here for 2 nights Oct 10-12, 2011 </span> <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=isgarlcab&et=1105804246439&s=94&e=001-UJUknCodfpTKItQLV35gJ6Xog0MGeKOXMSDwUSK4X-SNOZFWUmHri7fTy8tIv555hjHmaOsGaW_K78nBhUFDA86b9isNfTlOzjKeANXBydGgt4hhE0tUDmQ3xkKKPj7bjUvdiLsK5iHbIjQiokMhg==" name="49" shape="rect" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_9759" border="0" height="125" src="http://www.manyararanch.com/High/thumbnails/IMG_9759.jpg" title="1.08" width="189" /></a> <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=isgarlcab&et=1105804246439&s=94&e=001-UJUknCodfrZtJqzSHGIbXuAj_tPGCmQk-Os8umEtrUuXksjd7uaBNJ4WDUAd8LsxDyv1_wNmugcFDBspdYb08pbttmqgvElyScUfUBUIc1j_6tZLegwLvyxsHzNgHVDyHnCEuKhsnrodPxwRBVcKQ==" name="21" shape="rect" target="_blank"><img alt="IMG_2091" border="0" height="175" src="http://www.manyararanch.com/High/thumbnails/IMG_2091.jpg" width="116" /></a></div>
</div>
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<div align="center" style="font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<strong>This is how Africa was meant to be.
</strong></div>
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<div align="center" style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;">
Sincerely,</div>
<div align="center" style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;">
Kristina
Trowbridge<br /><br /></div>
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<div style="color: white; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<strong>Great Migration</strong></div>
</strong>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-4736522868430215852011-04-27T14:16:00.000-07:002011-04-27T14:16:04.972-07:00Back from Tanzania and Zanzibar<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm just back from East Africa with this happy greeting from the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, which is not on Tanzania, but in Kenya. Having your breakfast with the giraffes can take several hours. </div><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I flew into Nairobi and spent one night here on my own before I joined my group in Arusha, Tanzania. The Giraffe Manor has changed ownership since I was last here with a group of clients a few years ago. It has been uplifted with many new features and additions that I was anxious to see and learn about. There's even more to come and I found out what's in store. </div><br />
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After spending one night at the Arusha Coffee Lodge, a wonderful gem of a hotel, set in a coffee plantation, we flew to Lake Manyara in the morning. Here we were met by Malley, our guide from &Beyond for the next several days. Our home for 2 nights was the Lake Manyara Tree Lodge, located at the bottom end of the park. Nobody else comes down here, so you have the entire area to yourself. Elephants don't hesitate to check you out on your deck! What a thrill!!! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ0N_zm2Jr8/Tbh8nQ8TbQI/AAAAAAAABCc/wWglAtEKrq4/s1600/P1130556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQ0N_zm2Jr8/Tbh8nQ8TbQI/AAAAAAAABCc/wWglAtEKrq4/s320/P1130556.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The next day, we visited Lemala Camp during a game drive. Lake Manyara is known for tree-climbing lions, but I never saw any do that here. What I saw was lots of flamingos, elephants, buffalo, hippo, zebra, jackals, klipspringer, dik-dik, water buck, mongoose, leopard tortoise, baboons & monkeys, warthog, red-headed agama lizard, many different kinds of birds, including ground hornbill, little bee-eaters, long-tailed fiscal shrike, red bishop, issabelline shrike, silvery-cheeked hornbill, white-browed coucal (aka rainbird), African Harrier Hawk and Augur Buzzard. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRgJ6Dvud6w/Tbh9FYL_5pI/AAAAAAAABCg/7HGKrJk3SS4/s1600/P1130566.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRgJ6Dvud6w/Tbh9FYL_5pI/AAAAAAAABCg/7HGKrJk3SS4/s320/P1130566.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div align="center">Travel Agents on a working safari! </div><div align="center"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">From Lake Manyara we drove to Ngorongoro Crater Lodge for lunch on the way to Serengeti Under Canvas, an &Beyond seasonal tented camp in the Ndutu area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is part of the Serengeti Eco-system, which includes the Masai Mara in Kenya. On the way we visited Shifting Sands in the Oldupai Gorge. </div><br />
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This crescent shape dune travels 17 meters a year around this area and has done so for 3 million years, at least. The sand is magnetic and always comes back to itself even when the wind blows it away from the dune. I found this to be a bit eerie! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We reached Ndutu by dinner. We spent 3 nights exploring this area, which I had not been to before. I was amazed at how big it was. This is where the Great Migration comes to graze and birth their young from December to March. There were wildebeest and zebra everywhere. I've never seen so many animals and with them the lions and cheetahs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9TCGnkJKow/Tbh-ElEEe1I/AAAAAAAABCo/mi2NZT-pmio/s1600/Lion+at+Ndutu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E9TCGnkJKow/Tbh-ElEEe1I/AAAAAAAABCo/mi2NZT-pmio/s320/Lion+at+Ndutu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
From Ndutu, we flew back to Arusha, where we met Jackson from Asilia. He was our guide for the next week. Asilia is rebuilding their Olivers Camp from the bottom up, so we stayed at Swala, a Sanctuary lodge owned by A&K. Swala is located far away from any other camp, so you have the entire area to yourself down there. Swala has also recently been rebuilt and it is gorgeous. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1S2Sn8t3i5k/Tbh-9HWzvGI/AAAAAAAABCw/MuqbyIUJsas/s1600/P1130721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1S2Sn8t3i5k/Tbh-9HWzvGI/AAAAAAAABCw/MuqbyIUJsas/s320/P1130721.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BkoKDZI9Ftw/Tbh_aQJdi9I/AAAAAAAABC0/bbj9k8dJaJY/s1600/TZ+3-21-11-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BkoKDZI9Ftw/Tbh_aQJdi9I/AAAAAAAABC0/bbj9k8dJaJY/s200/TZ+3-21-11-4.jpg" width="160" /></a>Tarangire is know for its big baobab trees and elephants, but this is where I got my best pictures so far of a lilac-breasted roller with its wings out as it just landed on a bush in front of me. Here you see all seven colors in its wings. What a beautiful bird! No wonder, it is everyone's favorite bird in Africa. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xX7hR5LbUok/Tbh_oTqyuII/AAAAAAAABC4/Kz2GlUEGuiA/s1600/TZ+3-28-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; height: 169px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 201px;"><img border="0" height="159" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xX7hR5LbUok/Tbh_oTqyuII/AAAAAAAABC4/Kz2GlUEGuiA/s200/TZ+3-28-11.jpg" width="200" /></a>The next day, we visited Olivers Camp as they were re-building it to get an idea of the location and what it will offer when ready to accept guests in June. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>From Tarangire we drove to Mto wa Mbo Village for a local lunch. <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After lunch, we paid a visit to my old friend Charles Bies, the Makonde wood-carver. He carves, so you feel his passion in his pieces and they live forever in his work. This little ellie reached out his long trunk to me, so I had to have it. The beautiful ebony bowl also went home with me this time. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TL6tDxffNxk/TbiBLEmLH9I/AAAAAAAABDA/-IXulTuFaSk/s1600/Charles+Bies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TL6tDxffNxk/TbiBLEmLH9I/AAAAAAAABDA/-IXulTuFaSk/s320/Charles+Bies.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We spent the next morning in the Crater, before proceeding back to Ndutu, where we spent 2 nights at Asilia's Olakira tented camp. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27L_tWMU5CI/TbiCLHAbinI/AAAAAAAABDI/UgdWoGhPYKc/s1600/DSC_5812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27L_tWMU5CI/TbiCLHAbinI/AAAAAAAABDI/UgdWoGhPYKc/s320/DSC_5812.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">No off-road driving is allowed in the Ngorongoro Crater, but what can you do when there are lions in the road? </div><br />
From Ndutu we entered the Serengeti NP at Naabi Hill Gate. These cute little Love birds were sitting on eggs in their nest in the tree and he was feeding her or is it just a kiss? <br />
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Coming down the hill I witnessed something I will never forget. WOW!!! The entire southern plains of the Serengeti were covered with wildebeest, like a black carpet. It went on as far as the eye could see, for many miles in all directions. I thought that I had seen the Great Migration at Ndutu, but this was amazing! There must have been millions of animals here all spread out forever. This scene cannot be photographed, it has to be seen in person. There's no way I can describe it or you can comprehend it unless you were there. Here is my meager try at showing you just a glimpse of what I saw. <br />
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From Seronera we flew to Kogatende in the Northern Serengeti as driving will take an entire day. Here The Mara River flows through the Serengeti before it enters Kenya and The Masai Mara. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XitiS9M8LRs/TbiFGqkh4xI/AAAAAAAABDg/ZL9ZZONdulw/s1600/Border+post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XitiS9M8LRs/TbiFGqkh4xI/AAAAAAAABDg/ZL9ZZONdulw/s320/Border+post.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>Here I am sitting on the marker locating the border between Tanzania and Kenya. Fortunately, I had a valid visa for both countries! <br />
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The time to be up here is in early summer to late fall when the wildebeest pass through on their way to and back from grazing in the Masai Mara. Many animals stay here all summer. Some spectacular river crossing can be seen here then without the crowds often encountered in Kenya at the Mara crossing points. But hurry up, the area has been discovered and many new seasonal camps and permanent lodges are being built up here. We stayed at Asilia's Sayari. Bushtops is an hour away. The seasonal camps will be open by June 1st and stay until October 31st to catch the migration coming and going into The Masai Mara. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Exotic Zanzibar </span></div><br />
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Our first stop on Zanzibar was at Matemwe Bungalows & Retreat, located north of Stonetown. Then we stayed at Breezes, Baraza and The Palms, located south of Stonetown. To end the trip we stayed 3 nights at the fabulous Serena Inn in Stonetown located right on the water. <br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E19fRZikhvM/TbiF0s6aS-I/AAAAAAAABDk/YsX_CVo9NFU/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E19fRZikhvM/TbiF0s6aS-I/AAAAAAAABDk/YsX_CVo9NFU/s200/27.jpg" width="151" /></a>From here we made several tours and lots of shopping! We visited the Jozani Forest, Prison Island and took the Spice Tour. Did you know that cloves is the principle spice for export from Zanzibar? I didn't until now. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>The Jozani Forest is Zanzibar's only National Park. It's most famous for its Red Colobus Monkeys. They also have very long tails! <br />
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This was my first visit to Zanzibar, so I needed to see a lot and learn a lot. I can now highly recommend a visit here for you too. <br />
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I will end with a nice shot of a Dhow, the name of the boats used in Zanzibar and the Swahili Coast of East Africa. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-276Ot_H2rRk/TbiGPDfeJOI/AAAAAAAABDo/SVQ_lX2SHSQ/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" i8="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-276Ot_H2rRk/TbiGPDfeJOI/AAAAAAAABDo/SVQ_lX2SHSQ/s320/11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Next, I'm off to Southern Africa from May 4-25, 2011. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be visiting Zambia after the Indaba Conference in Durban. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xX7hR5LbUok/Tbh_oTqyuII/AAAAAAAABC4/Kz2GlUEGuiA/s1600/TZ+3-28-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="76" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xX7hR5LbUok/Tbh_oTqyuII/AAAAAAAABC4/Kz2GlUEGuiA/s200/TZ+3-28-11.jpg" style="filter: alpha(opacity=30); left: 119px; mozopacity: 0.3; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 2703px; visibility: hidden;" width="96" /></div>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-51206126495135951862011-03-06T11:51:00.000-08:002011-03-06T11:51:55.595-08:00Kristina is travelling in Tanzania againIt's time, I've been home too long!!!! I've got to update myself on what's new in Tanzania since last October!! <br />
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Here's my schedule for this trip. <br />
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March<br />
12 Depart SEA<br />
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13 Su Arrive Nairobi, stay at The Giraffe Manor<br />
14 Mo Fly to Kilimanjaro, stay at Arusha Coffee Lodge<br />
15 Tu Drive to Lake Manyara National Park, stay at Lake Manyara Tree House<br />
16 We Visit several other lodges, stay at Lake Manyara Tree<br />
17 Th Fly to the Serengeti, stay Under Canvas in a mobile camp<br />
18 Fr Serengeti Under Canvas<br />
19 Sa Serengeti Under Canvas<br />
20 Su Fly to Tarangire National Park, stay at Swala Camp<br />
21 Mo Visit several other lodges, stay at Swala Camp<br />
22 Tu Drive to Karatu, stay at Plantation Lodge<br />
23 We Drive to the Southern Serengeti, stay at Olakira Tented Seasonal Camp<br />
24 Th Visit other lodges, stay at Olakira<br />
25 Fr Drive to Central Serengeti, stay at Dunia Tented Seasonal Camp<br />
26 Sa Visit other lodges, stay at Dunia Camp<br />
27 Su Fly to Northern Serengeti, stay at Sayari Tented Seasonal Camp<br />
28 Mo Visit other lodges, stay at Sayari Camp<br />
29 Tu Fly to Zanzibar, stay at Matemwe Lodge<br />
30 We sightseing, stay at Matemwe Lodge<br />
31 Th Move to Breezes<br />
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April <br />
1 Fr Stay at Breezes<br />
2 Sa Stay at Baraza<br />
3 Su Stay in Stonetown at the Serena Inn<br />
4 Mo Making excursions, stay at Serena Inn<br />
5 Tu More excursions, stay at Serena Inn<br />
6 We Depart ZNZ<br />
7 Th Arrive SEA at 9:30pm<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uJqU0uWIGr0/TXPlrO0a9kI/AAAAAAAAAqk/SkSwZdNAb8I/s1600/leppie+mom+and+cub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uJqU0uWIGr0/TXPlrO0a9kI/AAAAAAAAAqk/SkSwZdNAb8I/s320/leppie+mom+and+cub.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br />
See you soon,<br />
KristinaKristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-91803568933910930492011-01-21T11:20:00.000-08:002011-01-21T11:20:24.224-08:00Wonky Tusk did walk through the lobby at Mfuwe Lodge!Wonky Tusk did walk through the lobby at Mfuwe Lodge! <br />
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We were so fortunate to see Wonky Tusk and little Wellington. She comes any time, night or day, so can be difficult to catch. We missed her 3 times before we caught her one morning at 6 am! The wild mangoes kept her there for 18 minutes. Then she marched her family through the lobby and disappeared into the bush. <br />
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We also caught another family under the mango tree one afternoon, just as Jonathan Scott started his talk about the Big Cat Diary, filmed for the BBC in the Masai Mara, Kenya. <br />
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It was an intense week of photography lessons, by Jonathan Scott, and history talks, given by Phil Berry, the legend of the South Luangwa. We also learned about the Wild Dog Predator Project and the South Luangwa Conservation Society from Matt and Rachel, who run these programs. We even made a visit to the Chiwawatala School, which Mfuwe Lodge and Bushcamps support. We also visited Tribal Textiles. <br />
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But we never missed a game drive; we were out an hour before the regular guests and stayed out longer at night too. Tom and I shared this experience with people from the UK, Austria, New Zealand and Ireland. It was a great week. I hope they will offer it again next year. <br />
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One of my favorite photograph is this one of a Carmine Bee-eater with a bug in it's beak. They nest on the dry banks of the Luangwa River during the dry season. They dig deep tunnels into the sandbanks where they lay eggs and raise their young, who must fly out before the river floods during the wet season. <br />
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<a href="http://www.tomtrowbridge.com/">See more pictures here</a>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-3656462545005718572010-10-10T09:04:00.000-07:002010-10-10T09:04:19.389-07:00Kristina is off to Africa againKristina is visiting Tanzania, arriving on Oct 13 into Arusha. I will stay for 2 nights at the Serena Mountain Village lodge. On the 14th, I will deliver a suitcase (plus more stuff) full of clothing and school supplies to St. Marks Children's Home in Kwa Ugoro Village 35km outside of Arusha. I'm looking forward to see the children there. <br />
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On the 15th, I start an agents' familiarization trip the <a href="http://www.mbalimbali.com/default.aspx">Mbali Mbali</a> camps in TZ arranged by Kamili Safaris in the UK. We will be 3 agents from the US, 2 from the UK, 1 from Holland and 1 from Australia. These are the Tarangire River Camp, Soroi Serengeti Lodge, Katuma Bush Lodge in Katavi NP, Kungwe Beach Lodge in Mahale NP and Gombe Forest Lodge in Gombe Stream NP. This is the 50th anniversary of Jane Goodall's work there. <br />
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After one night at the Kempinski Dare es Salaam, I fly to Johannesburg to meet Tom and we're off to Zambia for 2 weeks. We'll spend the entire time around Mfuwe in the South Luangwa National Park. Our first stop is at Kuyenda. We will spend 4 nights here with Phil Berry. this is a Traditional Zambian Bushcamp; A charming and rustic camp that offers a true taste of the African bush with one of the Luangwa’s premier guides at its helm. Then we spend 3 nights at Zungulila, a Rustic Tented Camp; Perfect for small private groups, this isolated, rustic bushcamp delivers an authentic walking safari experience. Then just one night at Kapamba, a Stylish Riverside Camp; A remote and romantic camp situated in a prime location on the Kapamba River, and the only bushcamp to be open from May to January. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bushcampcompany.com/videos.php?popup=1286438224"><img border="0" ex="true" height="229" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TLHiEGwz_MI/AAAAAAAAAn4/dTVpiLOyEY0/s320/Wonky+Tusk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">We will spend 8 nights at Mfuwe Lodge, an award winning safari lodge set in the most prolific game area of the South Luangwa. The perfect place to enjoy excellent game viewing, recharge your batteries, or to start and finish your journey to our bushcamps. Here we're guided by Jonathan Scott of BBC's Big Cat Diary fame. It will be an intense week of lectures and safari. The draw is of course Ms Wonky Tusk and her family walking through the lobby to reach the ripe mangoes in the garden on the other side. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>Watch them in <a href="http://www.bushcampcompany.com/videos.php?popup=1286438224">this video</a> here: Enjoy!Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-60842279484076196832010-09-04T13:12:00.000-07:002010-09-11T13:26:02.577-07:00Back from StockholmI’m just back from Stockholm, which was a quick visit with family and friends. I enjoyed my birth city very much. However the return flight was something else. I flew Delta Airlines from Seattle via JFK to Stockholm, since SAS pulled out of here last summer. Couldn’t be easier. Right? Icelandair works great too, but the price was much higher and being MVP Gold with Alaska, I get better seats on Delta and the miles count towards my MVP status. Going over on Aug 18 went like clockwork and I had 5½ hours to kill at JFK. We arrived early! Going home was another matter though. <br />
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I was supposed to fly on Monday Aug 30. All seemed well when I checked in online. I arrived at ARN 3 hours early as requested. They are very thorough there with security at check-in, so it can take awhile. By 9am I was ready to go through; departure was scheduled for 11:05am, but we were informed that the plane would be 5 hours late arriving from JFK, due to some mechanical problem. I decided to just wait it out at ARN instead of going back with my sister. They live about an hour away and gas is expensive there and she had work to do. <br />
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I got a voucher for 85 kronor to eat lunch. How very generous of them!!! Hahaha!!! Mind you there’s NOTHING at ARN that cost 85 kronor except a bottle of water which was 39. You get 7 kronor to the dollar (about the same as the South African rand). Around 11am I got a shrimp salad for 139 kronor, a bottle of water and then I discovered Starbucks (opened on Feb 18, 2010 in Terminal 5, gate area 1-10). I just had to have it! About $100 lighter, I walked away with a double-tall wet-capp. Hmmmm … good!! I also taught the barista how to make a “Why Bother”. <br />
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Our plane arrived on-time (4.5 hours late) at the gate. Boarding was to be at 2:30pm, but they didn’t start boarding until 3:35, so there was no way we could leave at 3:40 as promised. Oh well, I would miss my 4:20pm Seattle flight anyway. There was another at 8:20pm that I was hoping to make, but it was looking tight. Stockholm is 6 hours ahead of NYC and the flight takes about 8-9 hours depending on the winds. Then there’s immigration and customs at JFK. We were all aboard at 4pm, it was a full flight, but I had secured an exit aisle seat that reclines. My status with Alaska Airlines allowed this as partners. I was also allowed to check 2 free bags. Others get to take only 1 free bag to Europe, so there were loads of carry-on bags and shopping bags. This was an old, formerly NWA 727 plane with very small luggage bins. Here we sat: there was another small matter to be fixed, which took maybe 20 minutes, but then we had to wait for a new clearance from ATL. There was confusion as to who owned the plane now that Delta took over NWA, etc… ad nauseum. That took another hour. And we sat there. 2 young kids were escorted off the plane. They were supposedly drunk, but the real reason was (I think) that the flight attendants were uncomfortable with their looks. They had green, red and blue hair, lots of tattoos, body piercing and various size rings in weird places, but they were nice and courteous. That they apologized and admitted that they had saved and looked forward to this trip for over a year didn’t matter. They offered to take a breathalyzer test. It didn’t matter; other drunks were sound asleep in their seats. The plane had that certain odor. These punks had to go and it was a bad omen. <br />
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Finally the required documentation arrived via fax from Atlanta and we took off. The movie system was the old kind with the TV sets hanging above the aisle; there was no sound. Half an hour out of Stockholm, the co-pilot lost his computer. The captain told us that FAA does not allow them to cross without 2 working computers even though it’s perfectly safe with just one, so we had to return to ARN. We dumped fuel for about an hour and a half, flying with the landing gears and flaps down. This shakes the plane a little, but too much for some! We got a drink and some peanuts, but no food. We landed again around 8pm with an extra 15 tons of fuel which required that all other traffic was stopped and all the fire-trucks at Arlanda lined up on both sides of the runway to meet us. The captain was very skilled and there was no emergency. Most likely the brakes were now shot and had to be replaced. <br />
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Delta offered to put us up at a hotel or pay for taxis for those who lived close by. Our departure time tomorrow would be 12:30pm – an hour and a half behind the regular scheduled time. OK, what to do? I decided to not bother my sister as they were out on Monday nights bowling. She’s the captain of the team and her husband bowls too. After collecting my bags, I proceeded to the Arrivals Hall as explained by the Delta attendant over the PA system on the plane before we disembarked. The Arrivals Hall is outside of customs. Once out there, I didn’t see the Delta help desk as described. Another couple also was helplessly lost. Where is everybody? I ran to the general information, but in typical Swedish hospitality, they were clueless and not helpful: “it’s not my table” kinda’ attitude. Not many people on the plane came out, just a few who were going home. The line is INSIDE customs in baggage claim. That is not the Arrivals Hall. How do I get back in? I have no place to go and no way to call my sister. I chanced it. The next time the door opened to let people out, I went back inside the holding room, blocked by another door that could only be opened from the other/customs side. I’m in no-man’s land here, alone and worried. OK, someone’s coming out now; I take my chances, backing in with my luggage cart, passing people going out as if I was doing the same!!! I feel like a genius passing the inspectors backwards. One of them looked at my sideways, so I asked him where the Delta help desk is and he told me. I was back inside! <br />
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I ended up pretty close to the end of the line. At 10:30pm they run out of hotel rooms in Stockholm! There was a big heart surgeons’ convention going on with 40,000 people attending. There were maybe 10 more rooms needed for us. Delta gave us food vouchers to eat dinner at the airport while we waited to find out if she could get any more rooms anywhere around Stockholm. At this point my sister was home again, I was able to call from the Delta phone, I got taxi vouchers and ended up with Britten and Hasse overnight again. She was so happy I couldn’t believe it. I even got dinner! Then late to bed at 1am. <br />
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The next morning (Tuesday Aug 31), the taxi came to get me at 8:30 as scheduled. Now the checkin line was twice as long as yesterday. There were 2 full flights to load today. The regular flight was on-time. The funny-haired, body-pierced couple looked rested and somewhat less colorful today as they left with this plane. They were the lucky ones as it turns out. They got to JFK before we did!!!! <br />
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Delta had flown in the required parts from Amsterdam overnight and worked on the plane all morning. They fixed the sound system too or so they thought. The movie started and there was sound alright at my seat and in front of me, but the back apparently had no sound. The flight attendants decided to stop the movie and reboot the system. Now we all got sound, but it’s in French, so they rebooted it again; this time the actors are speaking Spanish; the third time we’re treated to Italian! They decided to change the movie, but we still got French again. It was like Christmas Eve … we were guessing and looking forward what it would be next with great anticipation. “What do you in German”, I asked the attendant who looked a bit - not-so-amused! Another movie in French came on. Have you ever heard Morgan Freeman speak French as Nelson Mandela in Invictus? It was funny and people were laughing. Twice more they tried and both time we got the safety movie again … twice. Then they turned the system off. Nobody seemed to care anymore. There was no compensation offered for this inconvenience. However, we all got a $50 certificate yesterday good towards another purchase only good at Delta.com of another airline ticket on Delta, non-transferable. Thank YOU, Delta for your super generosity: that’s about the average daily wage in America, I suppose. Maybe the captain makes a little more, I hope. <br />
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Normal arriving time if you leave at 11:05 is 1:55pm at JFK; our arrival time was scheduled for 2:02pm – how can that be if we leave 1.5 hours later? Everyone was therefore rebooked on their same connections as yesterday, which wouldn’t work for most people. Would I make a flight departing JFK at 4:20pm? It was recently moved back from 3:40pm, which was tight even with the 11am departure time. Some people had connections booked at 3pm!!! They wouldn’t rebook us in Stockholm. So, the only option presented to us was to get in line (for another 3 hours??) at JFK to be re-booked there after we arrived. By that time, most will miss the next flight too. I was prepared mentally to have to overnight at JFK. Why worry now as there’s nothing you can do anyway. I used to get tied in knots (to the point of feeling ill), but have learned to relax in these situations. It’s not easy, but it feels so much better. My friend Kennedy in Nairobi told me: "I've chosen not to be petty; it keeps me in good form"; this keeps me calm too. <br />
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I had a great book to read “Blue-Eyed in Luhya-Land”. An old friend of mine Gunilla Fagerholm (the author) and her husband decided at 50 years old, after their kids were gone to sell all their belongings and move to Kenya. They settled right outside the Kakamega Rain Forest. I’m not done with the book, but it’s incredible what they went through. I must see her next time I go. Her brother Per-Erik is also an old friend and I did meet him that first night at the re-union and he told me about her and gave me the book. He’d been down there several times and filmed certain subjects. I got his DVD on the Kakamega Rain Forest. What interesting friends I have! <br />
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We took off at 12:45 and were airborne by 1pm. We have a good tailwind today: scheduled flying time 8:03 hours. This puts us at JFK around 3:05pm! Oh my God, maybe I can make that flight to SEA after all? I was sitting fairly close to the door, so I deplaned quickly; immigration was a breeze and my luggage was marked priority, so it came out first at JFK. Sure enough my SEA flight was delayed about half an hour at JFK and I got home! <br />
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The lesson learned here is: always leave early, like 3 days, if you have a boat to catch! <br />
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To top if off: I've been denied my miles on Alaska Airlines for the flight from Stockholm to New York because Delta gave my flight an ineligible flight number that won't accrue any mileage. Mind you, I'm GOLD MVP and accrue double miles with Alaska. That is what really ticks me off the most!!! SIGH!!!Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-47238201616998735122010-06-30T11:34:00.000-07:002010-06-30T11:34:14.531-07:00Masai Mara Updates: Active crossing in the Mara<a href="http://paul-kirui.blogspot.com/2010/06/active-crossing-in-mara.html">Masai Mara Updates: Active crossing in the Mara</a>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-81768618323505451162010-06-17T20:08:00.000-07:002010-06-17T20:15:53.848-07:00Transfrontier Parks Destinations<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBrbNoseLlI/AAAAAAAAAiY/VTXGbkWerhg/s1600/Machampane+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBrbNoseLlI/AAAAAAAAAiY/VTXGbkWerhg/s320/Machampane+view.jpg" /></a>Shortly after my Iceland visit, the neighboring volcano struck with a vengeance and disrupted air traffic across Europe for more than a week. Shortly thereafter, I left for Johannesburg, but not before rearranging my air schedule in the last minute. On April 27, I found myself on a non-stop 17 hour flight from Atlanta to Johannesburg. Was I ever glad to finally get off that plane and inhale the smells of <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Afreeekah</span> again. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">After a few days around Johannesburg, I joined a group of travel agents on an educational safari to the Great Limpopo <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Transfrontier</span> Park, in Mozambique, bordering Kruger Park in South Africa. We stayed at the beautiful <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Machampane</span> Wilderness Camp. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBrckjdfpbI/AAAAAAAAAik/UleF4Q21ShY/s1600/Massingir+Velho+school.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" qu="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBrckjdfpbI/AAAAAAAAAik/UleF4Q21ShY/s320/Massingir+Velho+school.jpg" width="320" /></a>The highlight here was a visit to the local village and school at <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Massingir</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Vehlo</span>. The classroom consists of a teacher with a blackboard under the shade of a tree. The kids are so happy and well behaved. It was such a pleasure to be their guest for an hour.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBrgN6YsFYI/AAAAAAAAAjE/4jCJ8MqIDdM/s1600/Massingir+Velho+school+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBrgN6YsFYI/AAAAAAAAAjE/4jCJ8MqIDdM/s200/Massingir+Velho+school+kids.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBrdS1f1xCI/AAAAAAAAAis/Jpc0PEvnGw4/s1600/Massingir+Velho+kids+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBrdS1f1xCI/AAAAAAAAAis/Jpc0PEvnGw4/s320/Massingir+Velho+kids+collage.jpg" /></a>Just look at these smiling faces! Some are shy, some full of miss-chief and some just <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ador</span>able. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">From <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Moz</span><span class="goog-spellcheck-word">ambique</span>, we travelled back via Johannesburg to <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Kgalagadi</span> <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Transfrontier</span> Park, bordering Namibia & Botswana. H<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">e</span>re we stayed at !<span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Xaus</span> Lodge, located above a salt pan.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here we met <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">Timone</span>, a most adorable little <span class="goog-spellcheck-word">meerkat</span>. The local bushmen found her abandoned in the desert and brought her to the lodge, where she is thriving and delighting the guests. She has a great sense of humor and talks up a storm! </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBriQ5jg07I/AAAAAAAAAjY/U_7CiptSu6k/s1600/Timone+standing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBriQ5jg07I/AAAAAAAAAjY/U_7CiptSu6k/s320/Timone+standing.jpg" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBrhqciLmvI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/BQGNaONK0Z8/s1600/Timone+kiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBrhqciLmvI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/BQGNaONK0Z8/s320/Timone+kiss.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">The sunset in the desert are to die for! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">especially through a glass of wine. Enjoy your sun-downer! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBrizSs7GlI/AAAAAAAAAjg/zh_T5s9tTdk/s1600/!Xaus+sundowner+in+wine+glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qu="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/TBrizSs7GlI/AAAAAAAAAjg/zh_T5s9tTdk/s320/!Xaus+sundowner+in+wine+glass.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">You too can enjoy a sundowner in Africa. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">Sign up for my next safari!!! </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">I'll guarantee you a gorgeous African Sunset. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-1745562910955995192010-04-10T20:04:00.000-07:002010-04-10T20:04:53.156-07:00Fire and Ice, Volcanic Eruptions, Waterfalls and Rainbows, Evil Lava and Delicate MossWe're back from Iceland and what an experience it was. <br />
Iceland is a land of contrasts: Fire and Ice, Waterfalls and Rainbows, Evil Lava and Delicate Moss, Violent Eruptions and Jagged Lava Flows, Smooth Glaciers and Deep Crevasses, Gentle Rivers and Big Rapids, Fissures and Lagoons opening up inside your house, Mid-Atlantic Rift, NO TREES! Icelandic horses, Iceland Lobsters are the best I ever tasted - small, soft, sweet and delicious!!! Hmmm GOOD!! <br />
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We really lucked out with the weather in Iceland, especially since the forecast was awful. But it turned 180 degrees and we had cool sunny weather with clear skies for 3 full days. We were able to drive up to the volcano (take a look at some of Tom’s videos) and we saw the Northern Lights 2 nights in a row. <br />
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I’ve posted my highlight pictures with a few comments on Facebook here: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=54300&id=1025908296&l=a40dccb199">http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=54300&id=1025908296&l=a40dccb199</a><br />
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Tom has posted all our pictures and videos here: <a href="http://tomtrowbridge.com/">http://tomtrowbridge.com/</a> <br />
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Here are some of the highlights:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E3469lU5I/AAAAAAAAAcM/bBfXRX57h8A/s1600/Aurora+Borealis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E3469lU5I/AAAAAAAAAcM/bBfXRX57h8A/s400/Aurora+Borealis.jpg" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Aurora Borealis</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E4SJA9Q8I/AAAAAAAAAcU/HSEufGitKEQ/s1600/Blue+Lagoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E4SJA9Q8I/AAAAAAAAAcU/HSEufGitKEQ/s320/Blue+Lagoon.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Blue Lagoon with silica mud</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E4ghIJvoI/AAAAAAAAAcc/Rtk4VVoxAxs/s1600/Geysir.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E4ghIJvoI/AAAAAAAAAcc/Rtk4VVoxAxs/s320/Geysir.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Geysir going off</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E4sH9lMvI/AAAAAAAAAck/BydB11hwFBQ/s1600/Gullfoss1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E4sH9lMvI/AAAAAAAAAck/BydB11hwFBQ/s320/Gullfoss1.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gullfoss Waterfall</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E41SnWCxI/AAAAAAAAAcs/ZkCh1_0ta5M/s1600/Hekla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E41SnWCxI/AAAAAAAAAcs/ZkCh1_0ta5M/s320/Hekla.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mount Hekla, the entrance to HELL!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E5CtMEfXI/AAAAAAAAAc0/bPHlAIXLmkY/s1600/Mid-Atlantic+Rift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E5CtMEfXI/AAAAAAAAAc0/bPHlAIXLmkY/s320/Mid-Atlantic+Rift.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mid-Atlantic Rift, dividing Europe and America.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In Iceland you can walk through it! Amazing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E5TBj2erI/AAAAAAAAAc8/iDPypyAYwiU/s1600/Rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E5TBj2erI/AAAAAAAAAc8/iDPypyAYwiU/s320/Rainbow.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Skogar Waterfall with rainbow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E5jRkXx4I/AAAAAAAAAdE/Xu-lYHUueP4/s1600/on+the+glacier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E5jRkXx4I/AAAAAAAAAdE/Xu-lYHUueP4/s320/on+the+glacier.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Walk-on glacier</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E5vFWtCkI/AAAAAAAAAdM/K-759nneWiU/s1600/Iceland+eruption+cloud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E5vFWtCkI/AAAAAAAAAdM/K-759nneWiU/s320/Iceland+eruption+cloud.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Volcanic eruption steam cloud</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E555JDKCI/AAAAAAAAAdU/lb7_bR4LQjI/s1600/Glacier+Rover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E555JDKCI/AAAAAAAAAdU/lb7_bR4LQjI/s320/Glacier+Rover.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Searching for the eruption in specially equipped Land Rover</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E6UCH4jEI/AAAAAAAAAdc/jQL5GZBzLUs/s1600/Lava+on+glacier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E6UCH4jEI/AAAAAAAAAdc/jQL5GZBzLUs/s320/Lava+on+glacier.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lava on the glacier from the eruption</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E6fy_kRiI/AAAAAAAAAdk/AWZ2fMuNtZI/s1600/Volcano+explosion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E6fy_kRiI/AAAAAAAAAdk/AWZ2fMuNtZI/s320/Volcano+explosion.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The eruption</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E6pMgNcqI/AAAAAAAAAds/7ItQOyFQHXA/s1600/Volcano+eruption+steam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E6pMgNcqI/AAAAAAAAAds/7ItQOyFQHXA/s320/Volcano+eruption+steam.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hot Lava</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E6xPE5C-I/AAAAAAAAAd0/EUXIfrybjeI/s1600/Volcano+eruption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E6xPE5C-I/AAAAAAAAAd0/EUXIfrybjeI/s320/Volcano+eruption.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Building a new mountain</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E69xdWT_I/AAAAAAAAAd8/gcizGxZFUEQ/s1600/Myrdalsjokull+Glacier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E69xdWT_I/AAAAAAAAAd8/gcizGxZFUEQ/s320/Myrdalsjokull+Glacier.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Driving back across the glacier</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E7MalyvTI/AAAAAAAAAeE/CNDYIFws8TY/s1600/Lobster+Skeletor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E7MalyvTI/AAAAAAAAAeE/CNDYIFws8TY/s320/Lobster+Skeletor.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Islandic Lobster dinner at the Seafood Cellar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E7YrqkcCI/AAAAAAAAAeM/e0Rn9eAcBHU/s1600/Aurora+Borealis+with+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S8E7YrqkcCI/AAAAAAAAAeM/e0Rn9eAcBHU/s320/Aurora+Borealis+with+people.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Aurora Borealis</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-15130071907815960062010-03-29T21:20:00.000-07:002010-03-29T21:22:56.102-07:003 new words: Fimmvörduháls, Eyjafjallajökull and MýrdalsjökullI'm taking Tom to Iceland for 5 days from April 1-5, 2010. Not sure if we’ll be able to see the eruption. Tom sure wants to though. I'm not sure I want to hike 6 hours each way in the cold to where you can see it. The weather forecast calls for snow this Easter weekend. Fimmvörduháls is a passage between two glaciers, Eyjafjallajökull and Mýrdalsjökull. This is where the eruption is taking place. <br />
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Here's our itinerary. <br />
04/01/2010 depart Seattle to Keflavik on FI 680 4:30 PM - 6:45 AM<br />
The FlyBus waits for each incoming flight at the curb outside the Arrivals Hall.<br />
3 nights at Icelandair Hótel Loftleiðir in Reykjavik<br />
Icelandair Hotel Loftleiðir guarantees early checkin from 9am, plus you’ll enjoy a breakfast upon arrival. <br />
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Icelandair Hotel Loftleidir is centrally located at the domestic airport in a peaceful seacoast area in Reykjavik just west of restaurant Perlan, on the beautiful Oskjuhlid Hill. <br />
The Icelandair Hotel Loftleiðir offers four-star accommodation in beautifully renovated surroundings. The hotel features 220 rooms and a Presidential suite. The rooms all encompass warm and inviting décors with rich colours and fine linens. The hotel has five different room types including Standard, Superior, Poet, Deluxe and Gimli Suite. All rooms are equipped with a phone, TV and refrigerator. On the ground floor there is an excellent restaurant and bar. The Loftleiðir also has a large indoor swimming pool, Chinese foot massage parlour (discount for guests), hairdresser, souvenir shop and a bank. A free shuttle bus takes visitors to the Old Town Reykjavík area five times a day. For those who like to walk, an easy path can bring you to the Old Town area in about 20 -25 minutes. Hotel Loftleiðir is found near one of Reykjavík's main beauty spots, at Öskjuhlíð Hill, with striking landscapes carved by the last ice age. The Pearl, located on the hill, offers stunning views of the city. Wooded pathways are an ideal way to enjoy the scenery or a morning walk or jog. <br />
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12:00 pm Depart Hotel for Golden Circle Express Tour for 5,5 hours<br />
A motorcoach picks you up directly from the hotel and departs for the Golden Circle Tour which presents some of Iceland’s “must see” sights such as the world-famous Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss. In one afternoon you encounter a spectacular cross-section of Iceland's natural wonders and geological phenomena. The Geysir geothermal area has spouting springs, bubbling pools of mud, hot water and exploding geysers with the famous Strokkur shooting water 100 feet into the air every ten minutes. <br />
Gullfoss (The Golden Waterfall) queen of Icelandic waterfalls is Iceland's most famous waterfall, and one of the natural wonders of the world. On a sunlit day, the mist clouds surrounding the hammering falls are filled with dozens of rainbows, providing an unparalleled spectacle of colour and motion. <br />
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Saturday April 3rd - is Pamper Day at a five star health & spa resort in Reykjavík<br />
The health & spa resort opened January 2004 is situated in a valley known as Laugardalur, “Hot Spring Valley”, a beautiful leisure area blessed with hot springs, complete with botanical gardens, a family zoo and an activity park. Laugar, an 18,000-square-metre health and swimming resort, has a full-sized outdoor pool and an Olympic-sized indoor pool, seven Jacuzzis and a big thermal pool for family fun. Other facilities at Laugar include a gym, spa, beauty- and a massage salon, restaurant, hairdressing salon and a sports shop. In the spa you enter an aquatic heaven where you can indulge both body and soul. Indulge yourself in six different saunas and steam rooms, each with its own aromatherapy experience. Enjoy the Jacuzzis with hot and cold subterranean sea water and the massage jet showers. End your stay in the relaxation room equipped with comfortable chairs and a cozy fireplace. <br />
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This evening we'll embark on the Northern Lights & Lobster - Jeep Tour: We head for the south coast into the dark night away from the lights of the city. Once we are outside of the city, we'll begin our hunt for the beautiful Aurora Borealis, while the guide tells us stories about this striking phenomenon, often seen dancing around in fantastic colors across the Arctic sky. The Northern lights originate from the sun, where large explosions and electronic storms throw flares and solar particles deep into space. These clouds of solar particles are caught by the Earth's magnetic field on the south and north poles. The solar particles collide with the atmospheric gases and create this wonderful light effect, known as the Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights. Next we will visit the black sand beaches of the south coast for a little taste of Icelandic delicacies! As we continue our quest for the northern lights we drive to one of Iceland's most renowned seafood restaurants for an unforgettable lobster feast. And, after this delicious dinner we drive into the night and look out for the mysterious lights once again as we head back to Reykjavík. <br />
• Guided Super truck tour <br />
• Lobster feast and Icelandic schnapps<br />
Please note that the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings, therefore, cannot be guaranteed. Please wear warm clothing as winter nights in Iceland can get quite cold.<br />
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Sunday April 4th - is a full day tour: 8:30am Depart for the South Shore Adventure Guided Tour for 10 hours. The coach picks you up directly from the hotel and departs for the South Shore Adventure which is ideal for nature lovers of all kinds. There are over 10,000 waterfalls in Iceland and during this excursion you will experience up close and personal two of the country’s most stunning falls: Seljalandsfoss where visitors can walk behind the waterfall, and the thundering Skógarfoss where you can walk up to the falls and feel the refreshing spray of water on your face. From there the route follows along the South Coast of Iceland as far east as Vík in Mýrdal, a charming village surrounded by striking bird cliffs. Highlights of the day are stunning views of glaciers, black sand beaches and bizarre lava formations.<br />
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Monday April 5th - Departure for Seattle, but with a Blue Lagoon Twist <br />
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11AM:Morning departure by motorcoach to the amazing Blue Lagoon - renowned for its restorative and healing powers. Get pampered with a relaxing massage in the lagoon itself, using treatments made from the unique, active Blue Lagoon silica salts. Your confirmation information will show you the time reserved for your 10 minute massage. After your swim, you might opt for a light lunch at the excellent Lava Restaurant offering a view over the lagoon and its spectacular surroundings.<br />
Afternoon transfer via coach to Keflavík International Airport for your departure flight (Blue Lagoon is 15 minutes from airport.)<br />
04/05/2010 Depart Keflavik to Seattle on FI 681 5:00 PM - 5:45 PMKristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-3407553618519388412010-02-23T12:17:00.000-08:002010-02-23T12:21:03.897-08:00Snow Geese of Skagit ValleyThis is not in Africa. This is an hour's drive north of Seattle in the Skagit Valley, also known for its tulip fields. Those will bloom in about a month when the snow geese head north again. Right now the fields are yellow with daffodils. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q0Uvu-cxI/AAAAAAAAAbU/dDmPSasII7E/s1600-h/Pic23+Daffodils%27+Barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q0Uvu-cxI/AAAAAAAAAbU/dDmPSasII7E/s320/Pic23+Daffodils%27+Barn.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Snow geese spend their summers in Alaska, but in winter they flock by the thousands to the warmer climate of the Skagit Valley. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q1RR2D8lI/AAAAAAAAAbc/3fpZTk2vz3U/s1600-h/Pic7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q1RR2D8lI/AAAAAAAAAbc/3fpZTk2vz3U/s320/Pic7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Nowadays, after the January duck hunting season, they have been seen in big gaggles of many thousands of birds together feeding, like what I saw. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q1_hKLTVI/AAAAAAAAAbk/e2Kpo1Z4V9c/s1600-h/Pic17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q1_hKLTVI/AAAAAAAAAbk/e2Kpo1Z4V9c/s320/Pic17.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Local farmers plant winter wheat, which is just what the snow geese needs to fill up on and get fat before they fly back north. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q2ZD5GUXI/AAAAAAAAAbs/ATdBGm6tuRM/s1600-h/Pic12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q2ZD5GUXI/AAAAAAAAAbs/ATdBGm6tuRM/s320/Pic12.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The swans were fewer in numbers and all spread out pretty far away. Bald eagles and other raptors are also commonly seen. Here are some pictures from Sunday, February 21, 2010: <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q2wv3xZyI/AAAAAAAAAb0/EFkFHTEyS5A/s1600-h/Pic8+Mt+Baker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q2wv3xZyI/AAAAAAAAAb0/EFkFHTEyS5A/s320/Pic8+Mt+Baker.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
What a gorgeous day in Seattle! WOW! Never mind the Olympics going on just 2 hours away in Vancouver. Today I went just 1 hour north, half-way, to see the snow geese in the Skagit Valley with Mt. Baker in the background. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q3Qs5-z5I/AAAAAAAAAb8/W4t-vGjVfCY/s1600-h/Pic9+Mt+Baker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q3Qs5-z5I/AAAAAAAAAb8/W4t-vGjVfCY/s320/Pic9+Mt+Baker.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
Yes, Mount Baker is in Washington state, USA. People in British Columbia think they have a better view of it and sometimes they do, but not today. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q3sgsLlzI/AAAAAAAAAcE/yHTt7C1zwRY/s1600-h/Pic16+Tom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S4Q3sgsLlzI/AAAAAAAAAcE/yHTt7C1zwRY/s320/Pic16+Tom.jpg" /></a></div> <br />
I have posted an album on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=50087&id=1025908296&l=09fa463c20">Facebook here</a> or cut and paste this link into your browser: <br />
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=50087&id=1025908296&l=09fa463c20">http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=50087&id=1025908296&l=09fa463c20</a>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-77892662004047558822010-02-06T14:13:00.000-08:002010-02-06T14:13:24.559-08:00Join Wonky Tusk on Safari with Jonathan Scott & Phil BerryA Safari with Jonathan Scott & Phil Berry in conjunction with WinWin Vacations & Kristina Trowbridge, are your expert guides for this one of a kind unique week in the South Luangwa National Park, Zambia. this truly is "A once in a life-time opportunity". Please inquire about availability ASAP as this opportunity will not last long. Space is extremely limited. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S23g_TFpGMI/AAAAAAAAAaw/XIMdxKGpVDo/s1600-h/Wonky+Tusk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" kt="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S23g_TFpGMI/AAAAAAAAAaw/XIMdxKGpVDo/s400/Wonky+Tusk.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Oct 31-Nov 3rd:</strong> Arrive early and spend 3 incredible days in the Lower Zambezi with Jonathan Scott and Kristina Trowbridge as your guide and escort. Jonathan Scott is a famous wildlife photographer and author. He can be seen on the Animal Channel presenting from the BBC fame: The Big Cat Diary and Elephant Diaries. Chongwe River Camp have won the Zambia Tourism Award for the "Best Retreat in Africa" as well as the "Best Safari Accommodation" for 2009. <br />
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Chongwe River House as been especially chosen for its size so that a maximum of 6 guests, plus Jonathan can enjoy a private safari. The house stands on the banks of the magical Chongwe River, close to the Zambezi, with a sensational view of the dramatic mountainous escarpment beyond. Many animals come to the Chongwe River to drink and from the deck the game viewing can be as good as any safari activity. On both the mornings and the afternoons of Nov 1 & 2, you will head off in search of game. The Lower Zambezi is famed for its water-based activities and so, as well as game drives there will be opportunities to get out onto the Zambezi and photograph from a different vantage point - or perhaps go fishing. You will have the House & guide to yourselves and so will be able to make it home. <br />
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<strong>The main event happens from November 3-10:</strong> <br />
After making your own way to Lusaka International Airport, you will be met and assisted through immigration and onto your connecting flight to Mfuwe. A representative from the Bushcamp Company will meet you upon arrival at Mfuwe Airport, where you will be transferred to Mfuwe Lodge by road – the journey takes approx. 45 mins on mainly tar roads, through local villages and into the park. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S23nR1u4ePI/AAAAAAAAAa4/APIEViA4XI0/s1600-h/Wonky+Tusk+ring+bell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S23nR1u4ePI/AAAAAAAAAa4/APIEViA4XI0/s400/Wonky+Tusk+ring+bell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wonky Tusk is demanding service by ringing the bell on the concierge desk. She can't find her key, which she left right here last year when she checked out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Can you find your key? </div>Having settled in, you will have the opportunity to meet the other guests, hosts and guides for a welcome talk and introduction to the park. After tea will be your first outing with Jonathan & Phil and a sundowner will be followed by a night drive.<br />
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Every morning you will be woken early by the dawn chorus. Mornings are cooler and the game is more active, the light perfect for photography. Following a light breakfast you will head off into the park with Phil or Jonathan in search of photographic opportunities and interesting wildlife. Each day will be different with meals in the bush, picnics or lunch back at the lodge. During siesta you will have a chance to unwind, enjoy the Bush Spa, relax by the pool, share stories with fellow travelers or enjoy the view from your deck. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S23nrkeXxdI/AAAAAAAAAbA/zuf2O4w1LjQ/s1600-h/Mfuwe+Lodge+with+hippos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S23nrkeXxdI/AAAAAAAAAbA/zuf2O4w1LjQ/s400/Mfuwe+Lodge+with+hippos.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Most days Jonathan will also be available to give one-to-one photographic advice. Another highlight will be before tea each day when Jonathan, Phil & representatives from local conservation organizations (African Wild Dog Conservation Zambia - AWDC & the South Luangwa Conservation Society—SLCS) will be giving talks & presentations. Then, after tea, you will head out once more with either Jonathan or Phil in search of game and night drive back to the lodge in time for drinks & dinner. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S23n40aFwZI/AAAAAAAAAbI/XGAhZNaON7Y/s1600-h/Wonky+Family+at+the+Wild+Mango+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" kt="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/S23n40aFwZI/AAAAAAAAAbI/XGAhZNaON7Y/s400/Wonky+Family+at+the+Wild+Mango+Tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Every year in the beginning of November, when the mangos are ripe, Wonky Tusk brings her family right through the lobby of the Mfuwe Lodge to get at the fruit on the mango tree on the other side. Nothing will stop her. This tree was here before the lodge was built and her mother and grandmother came here too. Elephants don't forget.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong>November 10-16:</strong> Add on another week with the legendary Phil Berry at the Africa House & Fruit Bat Extension. Stay 3 nights at Shiwa Ng'andu and 3 nights at Kasanka. Phil Berry is one of Zambia's most prominent naturalists & guides. Having grown up in remote areas of Southern Africa, he always planned to spend his life involved with wildlife. In 1960 he joined the Northern Rhodesia Game Department and spent many years based in the South Luangwa. In 1973 he left the Game Department to establish the Zambia National Tourist Board's walking safari camps in Luangwa, but was later seconded to run the anti-poaching field operations for Save the Rhino Trust. Since 2000, Phil, along with his partner, Babette Alfieri, has run the long established Kuyenda Bushcamp (which Phil founded in 1991) from where he leads walking safaris. For the last 40+ years Phil has been at the forefront of shaping various aspects of conservation in Luangwa. His specialities are the endemic Thornicroft's giraffe, found only in Luangwa, & leopard. He has been documenting the behavior of both species for the past 35 years on which he is a recognized authority and has published scientific papers and an article in BBC Wildlife Magazine on the giraffe. <br />
You will be taken to Mfuwe Airport to join Phil (& his partner Babette) for a scenic flight up to Shiwa Ng’andu, where you will be hosted by Charlie & Jo Harvey. For 2 days, you will have the run of the house and Sir Stewart’s library. Outdoors you can go game viewing, boating, fishing, bird watching, horse riding, on river walks, historical tours of the estate or to the Kapishya Hot Springs. On Nov 13, you leave Shiwa for Kasanka. Your charter flight will stop over enroute at Bangweulu, where you will have the chance to drive amongst massive herds of thousands of Black Lechwe, then fly on to Kasanka for 3 nights. Kasanka hosts a unique wildlife spectacle every year, when millions of Straw-colored Fruit bats assemble to roost in an area of forest there. Join Phil at twilight to watch the bats fill the sky, as they leave their roost site to feed. During the day you will go in search of a variety of unusual Zambian wildlife including sitatunga, Bohm’s bee-eaters & Ross’s Louries.Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-23814490805770013192009-12-31T12:58:00.000-08:002009-12-31T12:58:36.807-08:00Happy New Year 2010<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><strong>I wish you a Happy New Year and Happy Travels in 2010.</strong></span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/Sz0P4c6ueQI/AAAAAAAAASM/XtrV3rCZV0c/s1600-h/Dead+Camel+Thorn+Trees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/Sz0P4c6ueQI/AAAAAAAAASM/XtrV3rCZV0c/s320/Dead+Camel+Thorn+Trees.jpg" /></a><br />
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Tom and I celebrated his 60th birthday with a fantastic safari to Namibia. It's the stuff dreams are made of; a once in a life-time experience. I highly recommend a safari to Namibia. I have posted lots of pictures on my websites and and also on Facebook:<br />
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Kristina Safari: <a href="http://www.kristinasafari.com/Albums/africa.htm">http://www.kristinasafari.com/Albums/africa.htm</a> <br />
WinWin Vacations: <a href="http://www.winwinvacations.com/">http://www.winwinvacations.com/</a> <br />
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I have 3 albums on Facebook:<br />
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Namibia: Kulala, Sossusvlei, Swakopmund, Damaraland and Serra Cafema in Kunene<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43465&id=1025908296&l=582858d67f">http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43465&id=1025908296&l=582858d67f</a> <br />
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Ongava and Etosha:<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43549&id=1025908296&l=4d8822d50e">http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43549&id=1025908296&l=4d8822d50e</a> <br />
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Okonjima and Africat Foundation:<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=44485&id=1025908296&l=bedc750ba4">http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=44485&id=1025908296&l=bedc750ba4</a>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-79634613548372366282009-11-09T12:56:00.000-08:002009-11-09T12:56:19.767-08:00Namibia, Land of ContrastsFor Tom's 60th Birthday, I'm taking him to Namibia. Our itinerary looks like this:<br />
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19-Nov - Depart Seattle at 07:10am<br />
20-Nov - Arrive Johannesburg at 05:05pm; Spend one night at the Intercontinental Airport Sun at the airport<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/Svh_QEJ5v9I/AAAAAAAAARc/ijtOocBq5MM/s1600-h/me+in+Namibia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/Svh_QEJ5v9I/AAAAAAAAARc/ijtOocBq5MM/s200/me+in+Namibia.jpg" /></a><br />
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21-Nov - Arrive Namibia; Spend one night at Olive Grove Guest House in Windhoek<br />
22-Nov - Arrive at Kulala Desert Lodge for 2 nights <br />
23 Nov - Balloon Safari over Sossusvlei Dunes<br />
24-Nov - Spend one night at the Stiltz in Swakopmund; enjoy a desert tour<br />
25-Nov - Arrive at Damaraland Camp for two nights in Damaraland<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SviA0NrSwOI/AAAAAAAAARk/Ec6bG829HcU/s1600-h/Himba+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" sr="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SviA0NrSwOI/AAAAAAAAARk/Ec6bG829HcU/s320/Himba+woman.jpg" /></a>27-Nov - Arrive at Serra Cafema in Kunene for 2 nights<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This is where the Himba people live. This Himba woman is putting a special cream of fat and ochre on her body, which gives them that beautiful and mystical red shine.<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">29-Nov - Arrive at Ongava Tented Camp, Etosha Pan, for two nights and at Little Ongava for one night <br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">2-Dec - Arrive at Okonjima Camp for two nights and learn about their Cheetah Rescue program<br />
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</div>4-Dec - Arrive at Hotel Heinitzburg in Windhoek<br />
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5-Dec - Arrive Johannesburg; drive to Madikwe for 5 nights at Jaci's Safari Lodge and Tree Camp<br />
8-Dec - Celebrate Tom's 60th at Jaci's in style! <br />
10-Dec - Depart J-burg at 9:05pm <br />
11-Dec - Arrive back in SeattleKristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-91725515297751192582009-09-06T16:43:00.000-07:002009-09-06T21:52:06.910-07:00Bibi's Family Safari was a great success<span style="color:#000000;">This was the most fabulous family safari I have ever had the pleasure to escort. They were all full of fun and in high spirits every day. Everyone was ready to go and explore. There was no whining, no complaints, only smiles, jokes and WOWs! </span><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378578009621916610" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSMM-w968I/AAAAAAAAAQ0/hlW0f6YStyg/s320/P1150975.JPG" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">I think the best way to tell their story is to let them do it, so I asked:<br /><strong>What was your favourite activity?</strong><br />Here are some answers. </span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">1. I liked the game drives in the Masai Mara the best and being so close to the animals was very special. </span><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></div></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 246px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378508035373568706" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqRMj8YGksI/AAAAAAAAAN8/pDV38UTisHI/s320/P1170927.JPG" /><br /><p align="center"><span style="color:#000000;">See all the hippos in the Mara river behind us? </span><br /><br /></p><p align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">2. I thought the balloon ride was the most exciting and memorable event. </span></p><p align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">3. The balloon ride above the migration was my favorite! Seeing all the animals from above was just awesome!!! the landing was cool too. </span></p><p align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378577121081178210" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSLZQsWOGI/AAAAAAAAAQs/8PZF8YF5MFI/s320/P1170908.JPG" /></p><p align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">4. We liked all the activities; it was such a nice variety. The balloon ride was special though.</span> </p><p align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">5. My favourite activity was the game drives all over, but the very best was with the guides in Tanzania because we got to know them for a long period and they were so good at seeing the animals. </span></p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqRUM-7tT-I/AAAAAAAAAOU/EY-yfdmm5ng/s1600-h/P1160839.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378516437015810018" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqRUM-7tT-I/AAAAAAAAAOU/EY-yfdmm5ng/s320/P1160839.JPG" /></a></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 383px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378515166222662370" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqRTDA3AuuI/AAAAAAAAAOM/pPPwwZHLwMo/s320/P1150230.JPG" /><span style="color:#000000;"></span></p><p><span style="color:#000000;">6. It’s too hard to pick just one favourite activity; everyday brought something new and exciting.<br /><br />7. The Serengeti and the Masai Mara were my favourite game drives, but my one single favorite activity was our visit to the village, J’s Paradise at Lake Victoria. What an eye-opening experience and one I will never forget. </p></span><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqRZ4buc_KI/AAAAAAAAAOc/MlJqJheesq8/s1600-h/P1150157.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 178px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378522681037356194" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqRZ4buc_KI/AAAAAAAAAOc/MlJqJheesq8/s320/P1150157.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqRawriRMWI/AAAAAAAAAOk/vlz9gEot6ig/s1600-h/P1150185.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 357px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378523647353893218" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqRawriRMWI/AAAAAAAAAOk/vlz9gEot6ig/s320/P1150185.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSKc2rJn5I/AAAAAAAAAQk/US6hcPL_9ic/s1600-h/P1150197.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378576083304685458" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSKc2rJn5I/AAAAAAAAAQk/US6hcPL_9ic/s320/P1150197.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"></p>8. I enjoyed the visit to the Maasai village <span style="color:#000000;"><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSF1Xkm82I/AAAAAAAAAQM/1wFZ3clxsVc/s1600-h/P1160228.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 256px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378571006894338914" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSF1Xkm82I/AAAAAAAAAQM/1wFZ3clxsVc/s320/P1160228.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSBJpLQ2lI/AAAAAAAAAPs/-2H_6tvCRus/s1600-h/P1160190.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378565857659116114" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSBJpLQ2lI/AAAAAAAAAPs/-2H_6tvCRus/s320/P1160190.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br />9. Spending time with Sokoine at Ol Tukai.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSHP9QbnHI/AAAAAAAAAQc/zg6fZLRASQE/s1600-h/P1170112.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 294px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378572563198483570" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSHP9QbnHI/AAAAAAAAAQc/zg6fZLRASQE/s320/P1170112.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>10. Visiting the Maasai village school was a highlight! </p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSE8NMI4NI/AAAAAAAAAQE/xnkK-jBMfCU/s1600-h/P1160257.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378570024854806738" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSE8NMI4NI/AAAAAAAAAQE/xnkK-jBMfCU/s320/P1160257.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>11. Seeing Charles Bies working at his craft and seeing all the animals and watching elephants at Ol Tukai … </p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSGZ9bV8vI/AAAAAAAAAQU/40Va0H0W8QM/s1600-h/P1140491.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378571635531313906" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSGZ9bV8vI/AAAAAAAAAQU/40Va0H0W8QM/s320/P1140491.JPG" /></a> <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378568548453631906" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSDmRKqx6I/AAAAAAAAAP8/lZ20fXgcxI0/s320/P1170136.JPG" /><br />12. Sokoine learning to play Uno was special …. The Hot Air Balloon over the Mara … everything! <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 189px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378566955499471554" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSCJi8zQsI/AAAAAAAAAP0/O-qroxFtdFQ/s320/P1170107.JPG" /><br />13. Visiting Charles Bies, the Makonde woodcarver was memorable. </span><span style="color:#000000;"><br /><div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqR_VKQcygI/AAAAAAAAAPc/dIlxqeFHl38/s1600-h/P1160536.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 250px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 334px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378563856494545410" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqR_VKQcygI/AAAAAAAAAPc/dIlxqeFHl38/s320/P1160536.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSAKR-UtRI/AAAAAAAAAPk/ZBHULY4DES8/s1600-h/P1160539.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 310px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378564769099068690" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqSAKR-UtRI/AAAAAAAAAPk/ZBHULY4DES8/s320/P1160539.JPG" /></a><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"></p><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p><p align="left"></p>14. Every day was amazing. The best day was when we saw the lions kill a zebra because it was a once in a lifetime thing to see with your own eyes.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqR9fwIjA1I/AAAAAAAAAPM/Za9rAvd_kLE/s1600-h/P1150593.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378561839437382482" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqR9fwIjA1I/AAAAAAAAAPM/Za9rAvd_kLE/s320/P1150593.JPG" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqR-mJcT50I/AAAAAAAAAPU/MRdTw6cLcRw/s1600-h/P1150605.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378563048822007618" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqR-mJcT50I/AAAAAAAAAPU/MRdTw6cLcRw/s320/P1150605.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"></p><br />15. Game drives in the Serengeti. Balloon ride. Everything! Visiting the villages was incredible.<br />16. Loved the drives: Serengeti with the lion kill (what a thrill)!<br /><p align="left">17. Mara drives with all the lions, cheetahs and the Mara River crossing of the wildebeests. </p><p align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqR7wBw49PI/AAAAAAAAAPE/Ij_Y88zCL0g/s1600-h/P1180848.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378559920024646898" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqR7wBw49PI/AAAAAAAAAPE/Ij_Y88zCL0g/s320/P1180848.JPG" /></a></p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqR5_gN2k1I/AAAAAAAAAO8/Sn7fuCWhjiY/s1600-h/P1180794.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378557986873971538" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqR5_gN2k1I/AAAAAAAAAO8/Sn7fuCWhjiY/s320/P1180794.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqR7wBw49PI/AAAAAAAAAPE/Ij_Y88zCL0g/s1600-h/P1180848.JPG"></a></p><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div></span>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-30582902580755067342009-07-05T20:21:00.000-07:002009-07-05T20:38:46.715-07:00Escorting Reg & Shell's family to East Africa July 12 - Aug 5th, 2009Here’s the entire itinerary:<br /><br />Sunday, July 12 - British Airways flight 52. Departing Seattle, Washington at 8:45 pm<br />Monday July 13 - Arrive London - Heathrow, England, UK at 2:00 pm<br />Stay at the Heathrow Marriott Hotel<br /><br />Tuesday, July 14 -British Airways flight 65.<br />Departing London Heathrow, at 10:20 am and arriving Nairobi, Kenya at 8:55 pm.<br />Stay at the Tribe Hotel, Village Market in Nairobi.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SlFwIqq_R_I/AAAAAAAAALA/rau6aGiWyiw/s1600-h/P1470600.JPG"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355184726116091890" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SlFwIqq_R_I/AAAAAAAAALA/rau6aGiWyiw/s320/P1470600.JPG" /></a><br />Wednesday July 15 – Drive to Selenkay Conservancy. Amboseli Porini Camp, stay 2 nights.<br /><br />Friday July 17 - Drive to Namanga border, a Ranger Safaris guide will meet us here and take us to the Mt. Meru Game Lodge in Arusha, Tanzania. Meet the group here.<br /><br />Reg&Shell’s group<br /><br />July 16, Day 1 – Thursday: Depart USA on Northwest Airlines/KLM<br />Overnight flight – to Europe!!<br /><br />July 17, Day 2 - Friday: Arrive early morning in Amsterdam<br />Depart on KLM 569 / Northwest Airlines 8383<br />Depart Amsterdam 10:30am / Arrive Kilimanjaro 7:55pm (8hr 25min flight), local time<br />Overnight at Mount Meru Game Lodge, Arusha, Tanzania<br /><br />July 18, Day 3 – Saturday: Full day safari in Arusha National Park with picnic lunch. Dinner and overnight at Mt. Meru Game Lodge; all meals<br /><br />July 19-20, Day 4 & 5 – Sunday & Monday: 8:00am flight to Grumeti airfield in the Western Serengeti; 2 nights at The Mbalageti Serengeti Tented Camp, all meals<br /><br />July 21 & 22, Days 6 & 7 – Tuesday & Wednesday: Game drive on route to Northern Serengeti; 2 nights at Migration Camp, fully inclusive of meals, local drinks and laundry<br /><br />July 23, Day 8 - Thursday: Drive to Ngorongoro Crater via Olduvai Gorge (all day drive); 1 night at Ngorongoro Crater Sopa Lodge, all meals<br /><br />July 24 & 25, Day 9 & 10 – Friday & Saturday: Game drive in the Ngorongoro Crater; drive to Lake Manyara; 2 nights at Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge, all meals<br /><br />July 26, Day 11 - Sunday: Drive to the Namanga border with stop in Arusha for lunch, (4 hours including immigration) then 2 hours to Amboseli’s Ol Tukai Lodge, all meals<br /><br />July 26-28, Day 11, 12 & 13 – Sunday, Monday & Tuesday: 3 nights at Ol Tukai Lodge, Amboseli, Kenya; game drives in Amboseli NP, all meals<br /><br />July 29, Day 14 - Wednesday:<br />Early morning flight via Wilson airport, Nairobi to the OlKiombo airstrip, Masai Mara<br />July 29-31, Day 14, 15 & 16 – Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 3 nights at the Mara Intrepids, Masai Mara, all meals<br /><br />Reg&Shell’s group:<br />August 1, Day 17 - Saturday: 2Pm flight to Nairobi<br />Dinner at Pampas Grill Restaurant before your check-in at 7pm<br />Depart KLM 566 / Northwest 8566 at 10:10pm<br />August 2, Day 18 - Sunday: arrive Amsterdam at 5:30am<br /><br />Tom & Kristina:<br />Saturday, August 1: Transfer to Naibor Camp for 3 nights. Pick up at OlKiombo at 2pm.<br /><br />Tuesday, August 4 – Air Kenya flight from OlKiombo at 1400h, arrive Wilson at 1500.<br />High Tea with Kennedy and VAL<br />British Airways flight 64. Departing Nairobi, Kenya at 11:40 pm<br /><br />Wednesday, August 5 - Arrive London - Heathrow, England, UK at 6:20 am.<br />British Airways flight 49: Depart London - Heathrow at 3:15 pm and arriving Seattle at 4:45 pm.Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-27130843627657189262009-06-25T09:52:00.000-07:002009-06-25T10:16:24.336-07:00Wonderful Kenya<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SkOrrZGPCcI/AAAAAAAAAK4/u_YHLYoDyDg/s1600-h/giraffe+withh+kili+and+moon.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 240px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351309544206043586" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SkOrrZGPCcI/AAAAAAAAAK4/u_YHLYoDyDg/s320/giraffe+withh+kili+and+moon.jpg" /></a> It's early morning in the Chyulu Hills, where Campi Ya Kanzi is located between Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks. The full moon is still high in the sky, Kilimanjaro is already crystal clear in the far distance and who would stand there posing in front, but this lovely giraffe! What a picture perfect morning.<br /><br />I've just returned from a conference in Kenya that included visiting 3 camps: Campi Ya Kanzi, SaSaab, north of Samburu National Park and Bateleur Camp in the Masai Mara, next to Kichwa Tembo, both operated by andBeyond.<br /><br />This trip was an "eco-friendly" safari, learning more about sustainable tourism and philanthropy. Safari operators and individual camps are getting the message and learning from the pro who have always believed in this concept.<br /><br />I was very impressed by what is being done to minimize the tourists footprints on the local environment and how the local people are involved with tourism to preserve their wildlife and cultures. It's a fine dance that involves everything and everyone. I can go on and on.<br /><br />The time to go on safari is now. Tourism is way down and the local people depend on us to help them preserve their wildlife for our viewing pleasure. The deals are out there. I can make your dream trip come true, creating long lasting memories for you.Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-61771383801836410702009-06-04T14:50:00.000-07:002009-06-04T14:56:47.126-07:00On the Road again<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SihC5PA_izI/AAAAAAAAAKI/ZyQKWG5fFEM/s1600-h/cheetah+on+the+hunt.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 257px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SihC5PA_izI/AAAAAAAAAKI/ZyQKWG5fFEM/s320/cheetah+on+the+hunt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5343594508925766450" /></a><br />I'm sorry about not blogging more often. Time seems to just fly.<br />It's time for another conference in Kenya. I will return on June 17.Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-38806566641626341502009-04-17T14:20:00.000-07:002009-09-05T11:18:53.478-07:0028 new stamps in my passport<p align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqKicRnCTdI/AAAAAAAAANU/CdC5I0qt0Hg/s1600-h/Mokoro+with+Johanne.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 256px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378039511680962002" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqKicRnCTdI/AAAAAAAAANU/CdC5I0qt0Hg/s320/Mokoro+with+Johanne.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Imagine getting 28 new stamps and visas in your passport in just one trip!!! Here’s how to do it.</div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">1 & 2. First off, get on a plane bound for South Africa. When you arrive at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, you will stay overnight here. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">The South African immigration officer will paste a visa into your passport (1) and then stamp it (2) for accuracy. </span><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Spend the night at an airport hotel.<br />3. The next day you depart South Africa and they stamp your passport out.<br />4. Next, you fly to Botswana and when you enter, you will get another stamp.<br />5. After a week or so here, when you depart Botswana they will stamp you out.<br />6. Then enter Namibia. You will get another stamp in. </span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><br />Spend 3 days at Susuwe Island Lodge and then 3 days at the Ntwala Island Lodge in the Caprivi Strip.<br />When you transfer from Susuwe to Ntwala, although still in the Caprivi this is when it gets really interesting. If you can’t afford to charter a plane to fly the short distance across, you must do a road and boat transfer. </span></div><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">7. You depart Namibia at the Ngoma border and you get a stamp out. </div><div align="left">8. Cross the Ngoma Bridge across the Chobe River and enter Botswana on the other side; here you get a stamp in. </div><div align="left">9. From here, you drive to Kasane, about 45 minutes, where you stamp out of Botswana. </div><div align="left">10. This where you board a small boat to Ntwala Island Lodge, but on the way you must stop at immigration and stamp back into Namibia at Impalila Island.<br /><br />Spend 3 days at Ntwala Island Lodge.<br /><br />11. To get to Zambia from here is really easy and takes only about 1-2 hours. You depart Namibia at Impalila Island and stamp out.</div><div align="left">12. Enter Botswana at Kasane and stamp in.</div><div align="left">13. Drive to Kazungula, 20 minutes, and stamp out of Botswana again. </div><div align="left">14 & 15. Here you take a small boat across the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers where 4 countries meet: Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. On the other side, when you enter Zambia, you must purchase a visa, which gets pasted into your passport; then it must get stamped to be valid.<br /><br />Spend a week or more in Zambia, including a few days at Victoria Falls, the adventure capital of Africa.<br /><br />16. If you want to see Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe side while in Zambia, and I highly do recommend that you do this, then you’ll have to purchase a visa to enter Zim. </div><div align="left">17 & 18. You will stamp out of Zam., stamp into Zim., see the Falls; then return to Zam. </div><div align="left">19 & 20. If you didn’t get a multi-visa when you entered Zam., you have to purchase another visa, which will get stamped to make it official.<br /><br />21. At the airport when you depart from Livingston, you will get a stamp out of Zambia. </div><div align="left">22 -24. If you’re flying out of Vic. Falls airport in Zimbabwe, you will get another stamp into Zim. at the bridge and out again at the airport. Hopefully you purchased the multi entry visa when you visited the falls!! If not, you have to get another visa.<br /><br />25 & 26. You then fly back to Jo-burg and you may get another visa for S. Africa, another stamp in.</div><div align="left">27. Spend the night at a hotel and stamp out the next day.</div><div align="left">28. When you arrive back in the US, the immigration officer will stamp you in and you’re home again.<br /><br />What a trip!!!! </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">My advice is this: Get the extra pages right off the bat when you apply for a passport if you intend to travel to Africa!!! </div><div align="left"></span> </div>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-15294720954837200002009-03-12T10:29:00.000-07:002009-09-05T11:05:33.094-07:00Kristina is on safari again<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqKn81Sbx0I/AAAAAAAAANc/tsmi3n-R_AM/s1600-h/ellie+trunk+hug.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 256px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378045568572180290" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SqKn81Sbx0I/AAAAAAAAANc/tsmi3n-R_AM/s320/ellie+trunk+hug.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SblIL_zacdI/AAAAAAAAAI0/_Iz4E03ink8/s1600-h/ellie+trunk+walk.jpg"></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">I will be on safari in Botswana, Namibia and Zambia for a month from March 13-April 13, 2009. This is an independent study tour and I'm taking Tom with me. I have studied the camps we're visiting by taking a specialist course and need to see them in order to choose the "right" camp for you when you can go on safari. </span><br /><div><br /><div><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">We will visit:<br />Deception Valley Lodge in the Central Kalahari Desert, Botswana<br />Xakanaxa Camp in the Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana<br />Kwando Kwara Camp in the Okavango Delta, Botswana<br />Kwando Lebala and Lagoon camps in the Linyanti Wetlands, Botswana<br />Susuwe and Ntwala Island Lodges in the Caprivi Strip, Namibia<br />Norman Carr’s Kapani & Kakuli camps in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia<br />Sausage Tree camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park, Zambia<br />Tongabezi Lodge at Victoria Falls in Zambia; Here we hope to see the Lunar Rainbow appear over the falls after dark on our last night in Africa.<br /><br />In my absence, Bob Kerr at Travel House will look after you. If need anything while I'm gone, please call him at 206-248-0900 or 800-809-0154 his email is bob at travelhouse.com.</span></div><div><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000000;">Sadly, SAS is leaving Seattle for the last time on July 31, 2009. There have been many changes to the schedule lately. Bob will contact you if there are any changes to your schedule while I'm gone. </span></div><div align="center"><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#000000;">If I have a chance I will publish updates while on safari.</span> </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312357521856567490" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SblJBSIimMI/AAAAAAAAAI8/HujMkGpNCq0/s320/Shakira+and+her+cubs.jpg" /></div><br /><div></div><div></div><div><div align="center"></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></div><div></div></div></div>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-51746211748683729482009-03-03T09:03:00.000-08:002009-03-03T09:14:17.639-08:00Fly free between camps in Zambia<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/Sa1k1dVkGJI/AAAAAAAAAIU/_zkG3htJpU4/s1600-h/leopard+mfuwe.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5309010405310601362" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/Sa1k1dVkGJI/AAAAAAAAAIU/_zkG3htJpU4/s320/leopard+mfuwe.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Here's a really good deal! </span><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Fly free between camps in Zambia<br />A collections of the top camps in Zambia’s premier destinations, the South Luangwa, Livingston and the Lower Zambezi have joined together to offer an unbeatable safari deal:<br /><br />Stay a minimum of 10 days at any of their camps and fly free between them.<br />10-13 nights: fly free between any 2 destinations<br />14 plus nights: fly free between any 3 destinations<br />Choose from six company’s lodges and camps: </span><br /></p><ol><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">The Bushcamp Company</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Chiawa Camp</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Chongwe River Camp</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Robin Pope Safaris</span></li><li><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Norman Carr Safaris</span></li><li><div align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Sausage Tree Camp </span></div></li></ol><p align="left"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;">Applies to 2 people and 10 nights minimum<br />Does not apply for July, August & September<br />Book before March 31 2009<br />New bookings only</span></p><p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">Call to book at 206-297-7179 or 877-297-7179<br /></span><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;">email me at Kristina.Trowbridge at gmail.com </span></p><br /><p align="left"><span style="font-family:Arial;font-size:85%;"></span></p>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-39084410599133367612009-02-19T14:23:00.000-08:002009-02-19T14:53:33.581-08:00Deals, Deals, Deals<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SZ3hSTEJODI/AAAAAAAAAIE/phyiUgjoAxg/s1600-h/giraffe+chewing.jpg"><span style="color:#000099;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5304643640583862322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 160px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SZ3hSTEJODI/AAAAAAAAAIE/phyiUgjoAxg/s200/giraffe+chewing.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#000099;"> <span style="font-family:arial;">So Many Deals!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;">If you're not travelling now; you are missing out on all the deals. Everyday I get bombarded with deals to sell to you; I'm sure you get a lot of these deals yourself. I can sort it out for you, but I'm not going to spray you with it. You must contact me with a somewhat specific request and I will find a deal that is just right for you. I deal is not a deal, if it doesn't suit your needs and desires.<br /><br />That being said, I have to pass this along: Hot off the press from Kenya.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#000099;"><span style="font-family:arial;">A KENYA SPECIAL SAFARI<br /></span>A 6 nights / 7 days high quality road safari visiting Selenkay Conservancy, Amboseli, Lake Elementeita, Lake Nakuru, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Masai Mara. </span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#000099;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#000099;">*Departs every SUNDAY - Minimum 2 people*</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="color:#000099;"><br />This seven day safari combines 2 nights Selenkay/Amboseli Porini Camp </span></span></span><a href="http://www.porini.com/amboseli_porini_camp.html" target="_self"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;">Clik Here - for camp details</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;">, with walks and night game drive, game drive in Amboseli for viewing elephants close up, 2 nights at Sunbird Lodge </span><a href="http://www.porini.com/sunbird-lodge.html" target="_self"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;">Click Here - for details</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"> with walks along Lake Elementaita and a full day in Nakuru to see the flamingos which is also an excellent chance of seeing rhino and leopard. This is followed by 2 nights at Mara Porini Camp </span><a href="http://www.porini.com/masai_mara_porini_camp.html" target="_self"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;">Click Here - for camp details</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;">, with walks plus night drive and game drive in the Maasai Mara, famous for lions, cheetahs and leopards.<br /><br />Highlights:<br />Stay in the exclusive </span><a href="http://www.porini.com/porini-safari-camps-4.html" target="_self"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;">Porini Safari Camps</span></a><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"> in Selenkay and Ol Kinyei and the intimate Sunbird Lodge at Lake Elementaita<br />All game drives in 4x4 safari vehicles (not vans), with experienced driver-guides<br />Selenkay: walk with Maasai warriors to visit an authentic village, night game drive, exclusive wilderness area with no other tourist vehicles<br />Amboseli: views of Kilimanjaro, best place for viewing elephants at close range<br />Lake Nakuru: spectacular scenery, excellent for rhino and leopard, huge concentration of flamingo<br />Ol Kinyei Conservancy: one of the most scenic parts of the Mara eco-system with resident big cats<br />Masai Mara: the most famous wildlife reserve in Kenya, excellent for lion and cheetah<br />At Porini Camps all meals and drinks included as well as sundowners, night game drives and escorted walks </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;">PRICE IS $2,195.00 per person </span><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;">* SPECIAL OFFER PRICE MUST BE CONFIRMED BY FEBRUARY 28TH 2009*<br /><br />PRICES include minivan road transfer to Selenkay Porini, Amboseli park fees and conservancy fees, Drive to Nairobi for lunch at Village Market, 4x4 road transfer for 2 nights at Sunbird Lodge, Lake Nakuru National Park in 4x4, conservancy and park fees included. 4x4 road transfer to Mara Porini camp arriving for lunch. 2 nights Mara Porini Camp, park fees and conservancy fees included. All game drives in 4x4 vehicles, full board and free mineral water, house wines, beer and soft drinks (Porini only). Flight Mara to Wilson. </span><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:85%;color:#000099;">International airfare is not included, travel insurance is extra, gratuities are at your discretion. </span></p>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-75968993833109940322009-02-10T18:40:00.000-08:002009-02-10T18:46:18.645-08:00A long day at EWRI needed to be reminded by what the balloon Victory captain in the Masai Mara said when we had to abort the take-off: “It’s better to be on ground wishing you were up there, than to be up there wishing you were on the ground”.<br /><br />Airports are no fun these days! I’m sitting at EWR, lovely Newark Liberty Airport waiting for the next flight from Seattle to arrive, so I can fly home. It’s a lovely Saturday morning in New York, cold and sunny. I’ve been here since 5:45 in the morning and now it’s still only 2pm. My morning flight was cancelled due to mechanical problems. The next available flight is at 6:15 pm, assuming it arrives on-time. So, I’m spending this lovely Saturday held captive in tiny Terminal A at EWR for over 12 hours. Not Fun!!!<br /><br />I flew to New York to attend two Africa events in conjunction with the New York Times Travel Show at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Both these events were outstanding and well worth coming to New York for. Both events were sponsored by APTA (<a href="http://www.apta.biz/">www.apta.biz</a>), the Association for Promotion of Tourism to Africa. There were many great speakers and discussion panels. I made some new connections and reconnected with some old friends. I stayed at Hotel Chandler, a cute little boutique hotel just 2 blocks from the Empire State Building. The beds are heavenly albeit the rooms are small and the bathrooms are tiny. This is New York, not Africa where a standard tent is larger!!!<br /><br />However, flying has become an ordeal. Security is tight. I cannot recommend it J, but of course we have no choice but to fly. Security is tight. There are no amenities. People carry on huge bags and the overhead bins fill quickly. I just wish the terminals would be more comfortable and some sleeping areas were available. 12 hours is a long time when waiting. SeaTac Airport has been much improved, but Liberty is old and uncomfortable. There’s nothing to do, no internet café, no interesting shops and there are no good places to eat.<br /><br />I’m happy to be safe and waiting 12 hours beats landing in the Hudson River.Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4703086297033853070.post-81947349157296382962008-12-21T09:37:00.000-08:002008-12-21T10:45:22.623-08:00Reporting from Kenya December 2008<div><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SU6F7f0qpWI/AAAAAAAAAHM/cJAvJtLvCeE/s1600-h/P1020098.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282306670153344354" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SU6F7f0qpWI/AAAAAAAAAHM/cJAvJtLvCeE/s320/P1020098.JPG" border="0" /></a>I'm just back from an educational trip to Kenya sponsored by the Kenya <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SU6E_rMFASI/AAAAAAAAAHE/nTkXm2P1uj8/s1600-h/P1020098.JPG"></a>Tourist Board. I visited Joy's Camp in Saba National Park, then Saruni Camp in Samburu National Park. Saruni Samburu is actually spectacularly located on a mountain ridge in the Kalama Conservancy. This is the infinity pool looking north towards the Matthews Mountains.<br /><br /><div>I returned to <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SU6D62ZYnVI/AAAAAAAAAG8/n5-ZMXjUnm0/s1600-h/me+with+cheetah+cub.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282304460009807186" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SU6D62ZYnVI/AAAAAAAAAG8/n5-ZMXjUnm0/s320/me+with+cheetah+cub.jpg" border="0" /></a>Nairobi, where I visited the National Museum. It's newly re-opened after renovations and is definitely worth a visit. Soon the adjacent Snake Park will also re-open. </div><br /><div>I can't resist a visit to the Animal Orphanage in the Nairobi National Park. Baby animals from all over Kenya are rescued and nursed back to health here, then released back if appropriate. This is little Mark, one of three 3-month old cheetah cubs that just arrived at the orphanage. He's purring wildly while licking my finger. </div><br /><div>I did some shopping at the Kazuri <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SU6IQgN13JI/AAAAAAAAAHU/ZTxIBaNAk7c/s1600-h/Aardvark+at+Loldia+House.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282309230059445394" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 287px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 416px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SU6IQgN13JI/AAAAAAAAAHU/ZTxIBaNAk7c/s320/Aardvark+at+Loldia+House.jpg" border="0" /></a>Bead Factory and at Marula Studios in Karen district. I spent the night at the Nairobi Serena. The next morning I flew to Lake Naivasha, where I stayed at the Loldia House. From here it's a 2 hour drive to Lake Nakuru National Park. I saw lots of pelicans and White Rhino here, but very few flamingos. At Loldia House, I saw my first aardvark! This isn't the greatest picture and he quickly disappeared into his hole in the ground. </div><br /><div>I spent 6 nights in the Masai Mara: 2 at Little Governors Camp, 2 at the Mara Explorer and 2 at the Royal Mara Safari Lodge. </div><div> </div><div>It's been a lack of tourists in Kenya this year and the recession isn't helping. It's been great for the cats, however. I saw Honey's boys again. This time they killed a wildebeest and devoured it in about an hour. I also saw Shakira, named by the BBC Big Cat Diary last October, with her 3 five months old cubs. </div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282314432195203138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_XGs4CqHIF5U/SU6M_TrqEEI/AAAAAAAAAHc/AtDVCrbqtxY/s320/Shakira+and+her+cubs.jpg" border="0" />Then I also saw another cheetah mom with 3 five weeks old cubs. I also saw 4 lions, 3 females and their king kill a zebra right in front of me.<br /><div></div><br /><div>It was a great learning experience for me again. I hope you can join me on one of my escorted safaris or call me to arrange a safari for you. If you have a few friends who like to travel with you, I'll be happy to escort your group.</div><div> </div></div>Kristina Trowbridgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18199688669989405970noreply@blogger.com0