You nailed it…our trip was everything we could have expected and
more…and it was not only what you suggested what we should do that was spot on,
but also what we could live without that was very helpful. Being
overbooked with three kids (one being 12) would have really burned us out.
Your 1-2-3 of tent camping, Lamia Serengeti and Sand Rivers
Selous could not have been better thought out…I would recommend (demand) that
itinerary for any of my friends…
Your insight into traveling with children (considering you have
three yourself) was your best value add…
Now for some specifics:
Onsea House: What wonderful people and what an amazing
chef…the perfect place to get settled in Tanzania after 17 hours of travel…five
stars from this guy.
Gibbs Farm: A true highlight and a must for anyone
traveling to or from the crater. The daily lectures, the wonderful
grounds and the terrific rooms…you were right, it was a shame we didn’t have
two nights there…
You were right, you have to go to Lake Maynara and the Crater,
but we had some great experiences coming up…
[Serengeti Safari Camp] Tent Camping in the Serengeti: People must experience
this…and believe me, no matter what I had heard about the tents, yours (and the
hot showers) exceeded every expectation…there is really nothing better than
walking out of your tent and being part of the Serengeti. The nights
around the campfire enjoying the stars is magic. And I felt safe enough
that I was comfortable with my children having their own tent, but a do have to
say it was a little unsettling to see fresh animal tracks outside their door in
the morning.
Lamai Serengeti: What a magical place and what wonderful
staff…we really enjoyed meeting Mark and Chloe (she’s a gem)…please let her
know that we were asking about her (and hope the pregnancy is going
well). I could go on and on about the Lamai…we woke up one morning to the
sight of 15,000 wildebeests…the walking safaris, the happy hour surprise, the wonderful
service…seriously: special place, special people, special family time.
Sand Rivers Selous: Wow, thank you for sending us there
last…it was the perfect place to finish and would have frankly been too much
for this guy if we had started there…It was the perfect finish…boat versus
truck (we’d had enough of sitting in the Land Cruiser). Nic and Jana were
delightful and I hope I have this right, Ernst (looks like Festo on the
website) was the man. Once again, you were right on about fly camping…it
is my single most vivid memory of the trip…and you made it happen. Thank
you so much.
The people you meet (although very diverse) are such a pleasant
surprise. We made friends, exposed our children to thoughts and sights
that they would never see and most important…had the family trip we really
needed (with a our oldest heading off to college).
Bottom line on a Safari (in my opinion) is that the Guides
simply make the trip. And Nomad has amazing guides. We felt
fortunate to have Godwin for the first two legs (he was passionate about us
getting to the right location to take the best possible picture) and there
should be a shrine to Ernest (Festo)in Sand Rivers …the night of the fly camp he must have gotten an
hour (max) of sleep…he makes a true difference. The key to a great guide
(and thus a great experience) is having the guide listen to you…which they
did. There were times when we simply wanted to end the day early and go
back to the lodge and enjoy each other as a family.
Nomad Tanzania has a big fan in me…please let me know
what I can do to spread the word.
Thank you again Milly, you made our Safari the trip of a
lifetime…
JWG
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