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Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233348 08/19/12 05:24 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Costco has the BIGGEST size I could find at 40 x 60 the leopard looks unbelievable in that size.

The nice thing about Costco dont like it take it back no questions asked even on a custom item!

That is the best store, best prices and best customer service attitude on returns.

They are all over the place now as Leslie said, check pricing it varies a lot.




Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233376 08/20/12 02:41 PM
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joannapv Offline
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We love Costco happy to hear they have photo matting service - I remember being in Rancho Mirage CA with friends and getting a Costco urge - bought yummy soup, wine and Hawaiian shirts for men - memories thanks Costco!!!


Joanna
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233454 08/25/12 07:40 AM
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adrenn Offline
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Today is the dry run for packing. Off to see the giant herds in Tanzania before we join up with the rest of LEOPARD in Joburg on the 7th. Weight limit 33 lbs pp; one softside duffel plus one backpack for each of us.

*New passports;
*travel documents;
*cash for the Tanzania tips (and any bargains we find that come home with us)
*credit cards
*yellow fever vaccine proof;
*malarone;
*the bare minimum for toiletries
*sunscreen;
*bug spray;
*moisturizer;
*hat;
*sunglasses;
*spare glasses;
*camera equipment;
*flashlight;
*converter plug for electrics;
*travel computer to store pictures during trip
*battery charger
*cords for rechargeable stuff
*cell phone
*warm hat and gloves for early morning/late evening part of drives;
*fleece (ideally with lightweight hoodie underneath it)
*lightweight rain coat with hood;
*ziploc to keep camera dry


no room for clothing wink

cheers, Anne

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233457 08/25/12 10:29 AM
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coffeecup Offline
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who needs clothes?
we'll have to watch the tennis for you


Diane

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233458 08/25/12 12:05 PM
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Mrs. Marc Offline
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Diane is right Who needs clothes?? I cannot wait to read your reports Anne. Safe travels to all


Arlene
Adventure before Dementia!
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233464 08/25/12 05:49 PM
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S&K Offline
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Have a great time in Tanzania. Look forward to seeing you with or without clothes smiles and hearing all about it on the 7th. We leave next Saturday for Cape Town, can't wait.


Sheila and Ken
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233465 08/26/12 03:22 AM
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seadog Offline
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Anne & Gary- Have a wonderful trip. VERY much looking forward to your reports and pix.

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233467 08/26/12 07:26 AM
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petlover Offline
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I think packing should be easy with just one duffel bag each, definitely the lightest we've ever traveled !! I'll just follow the list and hope some clothes fit in.

We leave Wednesday for our 30 hour journey - BA; LAX via Heathrow (w/ long layover) to CPT. We'll see ya all soon.


Marcie

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: petlover] #233470 08/26/12 10:50 AM
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Anna B. Offline
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Thanks for posting the packing list, Anne. Gave me the incentive I needed to start packing today! It really doesn't seem too hard.....not many options, so I'm pretty much just taking 2 of everything plus some warm stuff.

Can't wait to meet up with everyone either in Cape Town or later in the week in JNB. We leave Friday from Dulles.....direct to JNB and then on to Cape Town late Saturday. Safe travels and see you all soon!


Kathy
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233471 08/26/12 11:20 AM
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pammy Offline
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Taking only carry on. With 4 plane changes seems wise. Thank goodness for laundry

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: pammy] #233473 08/26/12 01:14 PM
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Mark and Cheron Offline
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We are trying to pack today as well. Don't know what I will end up with in the end. We also leave on Friday traveling from ATL-Dulles-JNB-CPT. Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Mark and Cheron] #233474 08/26/12 02:29 PM
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G
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G
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SOooo looking forward to Safari Mail! Have a great time everyone!


Another Kathy
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233475 08/26/12 02:38 PM
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KarenS Offline
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Bon Voyage, Leopardies! I am looking forward to the safari mail as well!


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233478 08/26/12 03:32 PM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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I emailed a couple of other LEOPARDS. I just find this very amusing.

We have two duffles we are checking for clothes and toiletries. One weighs 18lb and one weighs 21lbs. Then we have a carryon that has ONLY electonrics Ken's cameras and computer - this "carry on" weighs 32 lbs. It is our heaviest bag.

We will not look fantastic but he will get good pictures! We will try and post but it is VERY hard to post any kind of picture from the game parks the internet is spotty at best. There are always great experiences though and I will try and post our "adventures"

I leave on Tuesday, tomorrow is the last day in the office before I go to the bush to commune with nature.

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233482 08/26/12 08:01 PM
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Our best to all our friends on this trip. Wish we were there!

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233483 08/27/12 03:29 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Susan, we wish you and Paul were with us too - we will miss you!

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233486 08/27/12 06:08 AM
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DougW Offline
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What a great group of people. Wish we were with you all!
Have the best time!

Doug

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Mark and Cheron] #233490 08/27/12 10:29 AM
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Anna B. Offline
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Mark and Cheron, wonder if we are on the same flight....SAA #208 leaving at 5:40?


Kathy
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233493 08/27/12 12:35 PM
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Mark and Cheron Offline
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Yes, Kathy we are also on SAA#208 and we are connecting to SAA#367. We will look for you!

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233494 08/27/12 01:36 PM
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Beth Offline
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I know everyone will have a great time. Oh, I, too wish I could be joining you all!!!

[Linked Image]

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233511 08/28/12 03:17 PM
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Lee Offline
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Me too!!!!

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233524 08/29/12 05:32 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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Sitting in the lounge in Lhr we have a 12 hour layover, so ready to board the plane and get back to SOuth Africa. w hen we arrive we fly to a game park we are checking out and go on the afternoon game drive. First time using an iPad to communicate I am pretty slow. I type about 90 words per minute but not on this hopefully I will get faster this is painfully slow.

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233525 08/29/12 06:01 AM
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We're all packed and excited....Need to take our dog Charlie in this morning for a re-check for an ear infection then ready to roll.

Cape Town here we come wave


Marcie

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233527 08/29/12 07:56 AM
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Mitch Offline
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How exciting! Wish we were there with all of you. We are ready to go back. Safe travels everyone.


Mitch
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233535 08/29/12 01:10 PM
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Mrs. Marc Offline
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I so wish we were along on this one too. Have a great trip


Arlene
Adventure before Dementia!
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233536 08/29/12 01:13 PM
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joannapv Offline
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Count me in wishing we were going too!


Joanna
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233542 08/30/12 03:00 AM
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petlover Offline
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We're 1/2 way there sitting in Concorde Lounge at LHR. Our flight here was so nice, first time I've ever flown BA and started at the top in 1st Class...WOW ! I slept well and feel rested.

We just took showers here and have booked a massage. They have complimentary cabanas, like little bedrooms too. Anyway, with a long layover we couldn't ask for anywhere nicer to hang out. They even have a full menu you can order from. May go browse at Harrods and get sticker shocked. Our next flight is a non-stop to Cape Town...yippee.

Now I really feel like our vacation has begun. clap


Marcie

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233543 08/30/12 03:29 AM
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pammy Offline
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Just heard Gary Parker will be leaving Leopard Hills Friday to move to Durban. wish him all the best but we will miss him

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233544 08/30/12 04:30 AM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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We are IN THE BUSH at a camp called MALA MALA. Been here about an hour and about to leave for our game drive. It is long way here and we were starting to perk up now we are going out.

The vehicle we will be in this morning saw a Leopard take down a kudu right in the middle of the river (a pretty dry river) very close. Only our first safari in Kenya we saw a kill - a lion taking down a zebra but we were jammed in standing up in those silly vans with the open tops they have in Kenya with tons of vehicles around.

We should have come ONE DAY EARLIER--- oh well!!

First it was Marius -- he was great, then it was Hanis he is now manager at Madiwke then it was Gary. I knew he would not be there on our safari but did not know he was leaving. I hear this new guy Heinrich is supposed to be a star and we still have Dave I love him too.

Life changes constantly in the bush in more ways than one. Amazing that Duncan is still manager at Leopard Hills and Warren is still manager at Kings Camp. Been that way since my first trip to those camps.

Those little leopard cups from Roar have had many babies of their own by now if they are still with us.

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233545 08/30/12 04:51 AM
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petlover Offline
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Small world....here we are in Concorde Lounge LHR and who does Tom run into....just spent the past hour or so laughing, catching up and reminiscing. Victor and Roseann look great, just back from their Nile cruise and on their way to Rome to hook up with Roseann's parents before going home to Toronto.
What a wonderful surprise.
[Linked Image]


Marcie

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233547 08/30/12 06:50 AM
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KarenS Offline
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How funny that you ran into Victor and Rosanne!!! That picture is wonderful, I am glad you thought to take one! clap


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233548 08/30/12 08:45 AM
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Great pic of you all.

Ngaire, I feel your pain about typing on an ipad. I too can type about 90 wpm on a regular keyboard, but no way on the ipad. However, it does get better. One of the problems with the ipad though is the auto correct/auto complete. It will type stupid stuff for you if you let it.

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233549 08/30/12 09:41 AM
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Have a great time, everyone! Marcie, you always mangage to meet interesting people in airport lounges smiles


Peggy
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233551 08/30/12 01:46 PM
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joannapv Offline
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It really is a small world! Can't wait to hear about your arrival in CP and so look forward to safari mail - CP and Hermanus was one of our favorite trips


Joanna
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233557 08/30/12 06:29 PM
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Mrs. Marc Offline
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Small world isn't it Marcie!


Arlene
Adventure before Dementia!
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Mrs. Marc] #233560 08/30/12 11:58 PM
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petlover Offline
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We're here in beautiful Cape Town, I guess the first to arrive. The Ker & Downey agent was right at the gate when we arrived so that was comforting. We gathered our duffel bags, hit the ATM machine and off we went to the Victoria & Alfred Hotel. We have a lovely corner room facing the waterfront harbor as well as Table Mountain. It was drizzly when we landed but it's cleared up now, just cool which feels wonderful after the SoCa heat we had last week.

We're taking it easy today, off to find a pizza place for lunch and then we've booked 90 minute massages for this afternoon. As much as I dreaded the long journey to get here, it really was easy. I have nothing but rave reviews for British Airways...outstanding service. We are right in the harbor where we docked on the Voyager World Cruise as well as on SAMBA so it seems like we're "right at home".


Marcie

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233561 08/31/12 01:45 AM
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Beth Offline
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Yeah, Marcie!! Let the safari mail begin!!!

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233562 08/31/12 04:28 AM
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joannapv Offline
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WOO HOO! I am so jealous!!!!! Let the fun begin - trip over sounded painless now we get to enjoy your safari mail sooo excited for all of you!


Joanna
Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233574 08/31/12 09:45 AM
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Richard and Lori Offline
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Ngaire - could you post about the weather for those of us joining later?

Re: Leopard 2012 Safari [Re: Ngaire] #233583 08/31/12 12:46 PM
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Ngaire Offline OP
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WARM during the day it is getting quite hot and even at night it is warm. We stayed out tonight with a lion male that was roaring until 8.00 pm. Did not even need my jacket just my long sleeve safari shirt. Ken was wearing a short sleeve shirt and had his coat but did not put it on.It is colder in the morning but I only wore my long sleeve safari shirt, wind jacket (not my fleece), and gloves with a blanket over my legs and I was fine. Much warner than I expected that is for sure. It could change of course but more likely to get warmer than colder. ONE FLEECE maximum, long sleeve shirt and windbreaker type jacket and I think you wlll be fine.

Since we have been here we have seen two female lions, 5 cubs,same big male lion twice, male leopard, female leopard and cub, rhino, cape buffalo, giraffe ( a young one) adult hyena, and at a den a young hyena, more elephant than you can imgaine.My favrorite thing was a owl in a tree. It was night and we stopped underneath the owl and he looked down at us. His eyes were SO big and he/she was really beautiful.

So tired been going like a freight train with zero down time. Today we moved camps to try both main camp and the more expensive Rattrey Camp. So that blew any downtime today. Every camp has it pros and it cons and this is definitely a camp I will use in the future. Either main camp or Rattrey camp depending on the group.

Tomorrow we have our last game drive here. Have a sensational ranger, Adam and we were out with him alone today and had a super time. Tomorrow we are going back to the sight of a kudu kill but not sure much will be left. They have a large pride here of 18 lions who were all feeding on the kill and it does not take that long for that many lions to finish off a kudu. We were too far away to go to that sighting. Then race back , pack and small plane flight to Mapupulunga and then a SA flight to Cape Town. We should arrive at the hotel about 5.00 pm and then meeting Marcie and TOm for dinner at 5.45 pm. Everyone else is coming in late tomorrow night.

The next day while everyone else is sightseeing Ken can post some pictures and I am on the hunt for a new safari windreakers. Some down time! Then we all eat at Baia and I am ready for those fantastic lagastinos! Then two nights at Birkenhead House and two nights at La Residence. Those that have been there before know how great that experience can be.

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