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Has anyone been to Kenya/Tanzania
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| Durafei |
I'm planning a trip to Kenya and Tanzania through Guerba Tours. More precisely, I'm thinking of doing a 3 week Faces of Kenya and Tanzania tour.
Has anyone been to those countries ? If so how was it, and what are some of the essential non-obvious things that I need to take with me ? |
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| starsearcher |
A spear! ;) And bring me back a lion :happy2:
Ok lets get serious...I don't really know :) But I know someone who lived in those areas and they are saying it's very very beautiful :) |
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| naesean3 |
| I have a friend in Somalia right now is that close?? |
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| tw1tch |
| quote: | Originally posted by Durafei
I'm planning a trip to Kenya and Tanzania through Guerba Tours. More precisely, I'm thinking of doing a 3 week Faces of Kenya and Tanzania tour.
Has anyone been to those countries ? If so how was it, and what are some of the essential non-obvious things that I need to take with me ? |
Kenyan beer is good, Tusker! |
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| The Highroller |
I believe Kytracid is from Tanzania, maybe he can answer some of your questions.
My brother went to Tanzania for a month last year. If you have any questions that you want me to ask him, let me know. |
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| Kytracid |
| quote: | Originally posted by Durafei
I'm planning a trip to Kenya and Tanzania through Guerba Tours. More precisely, I'm thinking of doing a 3 week Faces of Kenya and Tanzania tour.
Has anyone been to those countries ? If so how was it, and what are some of the essential non-obvious things that I need to take with me ? |
:)
Lived in Tanzania for about 10+ years. Been to Kenya about half a dozen times. Both countries are great for tourism given the high number that annually visits the gameparks. It might be a little more expensive then most people think but if you get good rates and go during the off season you can probably make the trip a bit more economical. The packaged deals though also throw in guided tours and hotel accomadatation which essentially saves you time.
What places are you thinking of visiting ?
I'd recommed the Ngorongoro Crater ( a famous world heritage site, which was an extinct volcano crater, now a protected wildlife sanctuary)
If you enjoy the beaches then check out Zanzibar (The spice Islands) which is just 1 hour boat ride from Dar-es-Salaam (The capital city). There are quite a few interesting sites like the Prison Islands (where slaves were brought and chained on-route to being sold in the new colonies).
Props for choosing East Africa. You'll find the people extremely welcoming to tourists, especially Canadians. ;)
Most people in Kenya and Tanzania speak English so you shouldn't have a problem with communication. Make sure you get your Malaria vaccination before you land in Africa. Trust me, you're going to need protection from those damn mosquitoes.
If you go during the summer time expect the weather on the coast to be a balmy 28-34 C. If you plan on going up north to Arusha or Nairobi expect cooler temperatures (which doesn't mean much if you're Canadian -- but it'll be considerably cooler at 18-22 C).
PM me if you need specific info. I'll try to help you out. :)
Serengeti Park Pics
Tips:
1) Enquire about the walking safari's in any of the gameparks you visit. It's not for the faint of heart, but imagine the stories you'll be able to tell if your path crosses a lion or elephant. ;)
2) Camping is cheaper then hotels, and most parks will have designated camp grounds which are cheaper and a great way to meet fellow travellers.
3) Kenya is not as safe as Tanzania. Most Kenyans will admit that. If you're in Kenya make sure you don't travel alone at night, and if you do, make sure you store your valuables in a safe place. (Having said that, it's rare that tourists will be targetted in either of these two countries. Still, i'd advise being cautious. )
4) Some of the biggest parks are often the biggest letdowns. I wouldn't go to the serengeti or Masia Mara parks. Decide which animals you want to see, and then ask around as to which place would be the best to see them. Personally, i've always enjoyed the crater and smaller parks myself...less tourists, and more options in terms of going off the beaten path. |
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| tha_broad |
| Bring me back a monkey!!! |
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| Kytracid |
| quote: | Originally posted by tha_broad
Bring me back a monkey!!! |
To hell with the monkey, bring me back one of those $850 African grey talking parrots ! :) |
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| tha_broad |
| Ok you got me beat. Thats MUCH cooler than a monkey!!! :) |
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| kokanee |
I spent about nine years growing up there too :D Definatly check out the places Kytracid mentioned - Zanzibar is just awesome. You should check out the old Arab slave trade ruins in the city there, and at Bagamoyo - the beaches there are just :eyespop:
My brother went back to do some volunteering last Summer and he said it was actually pretty expensive in Dar - you should bring USD not CDN - the exchange rate totally rips you off.
I dunno how long you're going to be in Dar for, but try checking out some of the local clubs there - the Congo Bongo music'll make you either cringe, or laugh!
Either way, have a killer trip, it's an experience of a lifetime seeing some of the animals, parks and culture in Africa.
Bring back pictures!
kokanee |
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| Kytracid |
^^^
You grew up in DAR ? WOW -- small world. You didn't go to IST (International School) did ya ? Cause if you did, there's a good chance we ran into each other at some point. :D |
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| raveed |
I went to Kenya on vacation in 1995 ... truly the most beautiful vacation ive ever been on and i was only 13 at the time ...
I was in nairobi for a day so dont remember seeing much but its supposed to be a very dangerous city especially at night where going out is not recommended (and im brown skinned)
other than that it was pretty much all game paeks like sarova shaba which was pretty scary since the resort we stayed at was over a crocodile river and the scary bastards used to come up the shores at night to be fed by the workers, lake nakuru which is this lake where flamingos herd by the millions ... dont go walking near the lake though cuz a million flamingos means a lotta which i sadly found out about once me and my cousing were waist deep in it and had to be quarantined
mount kenya safari club is an absolute must --- truly one of the most gogeous hotels ive been to ... they have their own animal shelter and golf course
You should also check out masai mara -- i think i saw the best wildlife over there
i so wanna go back there now :(
also, you need to be vaccinated for yellow fever before you go down there ... the tstse fly(spelling?) is common in africa and is notorious for spreading the infection...and obviously it goes without saying but the weather in africa is fuking hot |
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