While fall 2008 is a long time away, we are trying to make some decisions about doing a safari(S) while on the Navigator cruise from Athens to Ft. Launderdal. I read the information from ROAR and it looks like everyone there would recommend the 2 night trip to Singita Boulders Lodge.

These are trips with Regent from the ship.
We have more choices:
From Mombasa
Maasai Mara at Bateleur Tented Camp 1-night
Ambroseli at Tortillis Camp - 1 night
From Richards bay
Elephant Safari - Camp Jabulani - 2 nights
Okavango Delta Safair at Sandibe Safari Lodge - 3 nights
Signita Boulder Lodge - 2 nights
From Cape Town
Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge -3 nights
Tswalu Private Game Lodge - 3 nights

I'd love to have opinions about which of these we should do. We know they will be expensive, but since we are there....we might even take more than one!

Thanks,
Jan

Jan,
I've been to Ambroseli while we were on the WC and the animal viewing isn't nearly as good as other areas. We went to Mateya (not Regent sponsored) for 2 nights and it was fantastic! You might consider doing something like that for a fraction of what RSSC charge$. If you feel more comfortable going on a RSSC safari than I'd highly recommend going for at least 2 nights. We have friends who went to Elephant Safari - Camp Jabulani and raved about it. For sure, you can't go wrong with Singita but that is probably the most $$.

Have you talked to Ngaire about these options? ...she's the African Queen and has probably visited all of the camps you're considering. She's the one who recommended Mateya for us and she was right on!!!

Happy to guide you here. I am joining the ship in Cape Town so we will see you on board. I am doing a safari pre-cruise and escorting it but you will be on the ship so could not join that group.

This is when it is HOT in Africa. I personally would not do Kenya. Been there, done that and wont go back.

Forget Botswana altogether. This is TOO HOT and I dont know why Regent is offering this at this time of year. They call it the "green season" I think you have to be tough to go there at this time of year. Many camps close down as it is not the time to go.

Others may disagree but personally I just dont think the camps or the experience is the same in other areas as it is in South Africa. It is the whole package. The camps, the food, the clean water, the animals, big five everywhere - everything. It is just in another class all together. I am passionate about South Africa, go now twice a year, will go to Botswana if I need to but NOT in November, and wont go to Kenya again. I dont mince words here and others may strongly disagree but that is how I see Africa.

Singita and Camp Jabulani are the way to go. I have been to Singita of course with the ROAR group and also on other occasions. This is in the PRIME area of Kruger in the Sabi Sands private game reserve. Fantastic animals. Of course the rooms are mind boggling.

I have visited Camp Jabulani and will actually be there next week staying and "riding the elephants". This is in the Hoedspruit area. Also good game viewing. These are air conditioned tents, but they are permanent luxury tents.

I have been to 58 camps now and I have seen tents called "luxury" that are NOT. These at Camp Jabulani are truly luxury - just incredible. The walls are textured so that you would never know it was a tent.

Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge Nambia. To be fair I have not been there but Nambia does not have the animal viewing that South Africa has. It has its own charm though.

Tswalu Private Game Lodge. Not been here either. Totally different topography in the Kalahari. Not sure what this would really be like. It could be incredibly hot as well. Ask if the rooms are air conditioned.

I know I may be harping on the air conditioning but I have spent one day too many just dying of the heat and taking showers every hour to stay sane. It is HOT.

Just depends on what you want. If it is a safari you want stay with Singita or Camp Jabulani

Thanks so much for the quick response. We really appreciate the advice.

Looking forward to meeting/renewing acquaintences on CROSS this year!

Jan

Jan, listen to Ngaire here. It took me a whole cruise in the Black Sea to convince her to take us to Africa on ROAR I, her first escorted Africa trip. She was a "princess" and liked neither "hot" nor "bugs" creeping in the tents/cabins. Hey, so were we! Now she is the ultimate expert for anyone who wants an experience to rival being on a Regent ship. It amazes me that she has visited so many camps in such a short time.

Lynn&I were supposed to be on this cruise from Mumbai-FLL, but cancelled due to the smoking policy change. I agree with Ngaire; South Africa is the way to go. We've been in the Cape Town area in Nov for a couple of weeks and found it very pleasant( 80s and low 90s ). It is definitely hotter inland though. Even up in the wine country it was in the low 90s on a sunny day. Our friends in Cape Town have a lot of experience with the game preserves and they swear by the ones in SA, as opposed to others in Africa. South Africa is first class all the way. We love it!

I would definitely go with South Africa as your first choice, but if you think you might do more than one of the above trips I can highly recommend Sossusvlei Mountain Lodge in Namibia for a different African experience - The Sossusvlei dunes are fantastic. Animal viewing includes springbok, oryx, zebra, ostrich, jackal, cape fox and many birds.

The lodge is very nice - accomodations are in 10 stone and glass villas - features include a shaded private terrace, contemporary split-level bedroom and living room with fireplace, fully-stocked bar, spotting scope, bath w/ double sinks and shower and also an outdoor shower. The main lodge area has a bar, sitting room with multiple couches and conversation areas, upstairs library with CD and book collection, swimming pool and wraparound veranda where meals are served. The lodge also has a small observatory and they typically have visiting astronomers attracted by the clear Namibian sky.

This is why I love this board...what great advice.

The more we look at the options and the cost, the more we think we will wait and do a "real" trip to South Africa when we can spend more than 2 nights. Just looking at the costs, we could go with Orient-Express for 12-16 days for $12,000+ each compared with $6500/each for the 2 nights in the Singita Boulders lodge. Still haven't quite made up our minds...but then the trip isn't until fall of 2008!
Jan

If you decide to take a safari from Mombasa select Masai Mara over Amboseli - much more varied wildlife, we found.

Singita Boulders is wonderful. I totally agree with all that has been said about it. You might also want to consider Phinda. We've been there as well and saw cheetas which we didn't see at Singita. I agree with Ngarie about bugs and air conditioning. South Africa is the way to go!

Since I am in Heathrow right now waiting for my flight to South Africa I am definitely in a safari mood, great thing to discuss.

Sabi Sands where Singita is located is a great place for safari. The big five are everywhere GREAT leopard in Sabi Sands, but very few cheetah. Wrong topography for Cheetah. The Madiwke area is great for Cheetah but very few leopards. There are some really good camps in the Sabi Sands and private game reserves bordering Kruger.

To spend $6500 for two nights I do agree is not a good value. Orient express is primarily in Botswana. DIFFERENT from South Africa.

You have plenty of time to research and really it is not too hard to research Africa and start to get a sense of how it all works and the differences. A fun assignment too!

I am so anxious now to get aboard and arrive in South AFrica. The leopard and lions are calling me. I will post when I can but will not have the best interent access or much time.

Jan and Fred, I'm taking a deep breath--I'm about to book on the same cruise--the 2008 Athens to FLL. The longest cruise I've ever done is 2 weeks, so this will be an adventure. Another denizen of LCT is about to book on too, but I'll let her do her own sayin' so....

Way to go, Crystal. I would love to do this itinerary. Too bad we will be recently returned from ROAR II with no money! Could the denizen's first initial be "B"?

Yes, Donna, I be the "B".

Great...I think this itinerary has so much to see! And, it has sea days to rest up and enjoy the ship. We tend to take longer trips and have really enjoyed everyone of them. There is so much to do both on shore and on the ship. While the Navigator is a bit smaller but we sailed on her for 26 days before. With the smaller number of passengers, we will really have time to meet everyone. Plus, I know some more LCT's will be joining along the way.

Jan

Hi Jan,

This will be my first looong cruise and have only visited one port on the 5 segments before. This will be an adventure, the Regent way.

With your experience on longer cruises, I look forward to your assistance with what to pack for 71 nights. :ohmy:

We will know in a day or so if we are definitely booking. Keeping my fingers crossed.

Oh wow, Beth, you may be taking a 71 day cruise...YOU GO GIRL!!!! That would be such a wonderful experience!!! :app:

I really admire how you are truly enjoying each day to the max since you retired!!! <img border="0" alt="[bounce]" title="" src="graemlins/ubbbounce2.gif" />

How wonderful Beth!!! going to take a peek now -

Thanks, Sue. Now I need to get a real job to pay for this cruise!!!

Congratulations, Beth. I hope by now, you've worked out the details. This is an awesome cruise. You go, girl!

Beth,
Packing for a long trip isn't that hard unless...you have multiple climates! On the 2008 trip I don't think we will have that problem as we will be close to or south of the equator most of the time. With the laundries and dry cleaning available, it is easy to get "clean clothes". Formal nights...just bring mix and match..I take a pair of black silk pants and several tops. On the longer trips, we see the same formal/informal outfits more than once...and no one cares! We are all having so much fun and laughing with each other that we don't worry too much about wearing something more than once. Layering also helps when you need a little extra warmth.

I do admit, however, last year on our 96 day Grand Asia, I started with 8 suitcases and came home with 11! But we had fall, winter, spring and summer on the trip!

Jan

Thanks for the tips, Jan. Sounds like I might be able to get by with packing for a normal 10 day or so cruise. Since this cruise doesn't seem to be offering luggage pick up like the Asia or World Cruise, we may have to get our stuff there by ourselves. UGH!! :rolleyes:

edited to add: It's a done deal... just booked the DC cruise!!!!!

Jan

I may not be the most complete "Africa Expert", but may be the most recent! We returned yesterday from just over a month in Africa - most of the time in Botswana - finishing in South Africa. I can't add much to the advice given and agree with most of it. November is not a good month for East Africa - the "short rains" begin and the northward migration ( a true nature spectacular)begins to turn. It is a bit hot in Botswana at that time but I favor the Botswana wildlife experience over the South African setting for reasons related to our own interests, not based on any negatives attributable to the very luxurious SA lodges. They offer a first class experience to the first time safari traveler with limited time. Certainly, Singita provides matchless comfort with almost a guarantee of "big 5" sightings in a short stay - the guides are well trained and personable - the food and service are outstanding. But, the damage to the stock market over the last few days may give one pause! It is expensive. Just one suggestion; Take a look at Mala Mala - IMO it offers greater value than other Sabi Sand luxury lodges - great game viewing and luxury at lower prices than others - easy to make arrangements independently. I envy you in struggling with your alternatives. We spent 23 consecutive days "in the bush" hoping that this level of saturation would quench our desire to return once again to this extraordinary continent. - it didn't work!

Ted

"But, the damage to the stock market over the last few days may give one pause!"

OR chills.... :( :( makes 2009 look bleak for my travel portfolio!!! :rolleyes: BUT I'm an optimist OR "out of touch with reality" according to my husband -

Joanna, You could join us for a segment or two. Look at Ngaire's Cape Town to Rio. What a way to spend Thanksgiving... No Cooking!

Yes, Joanna, come book a segment or two. That market free-fall is "only on paper" after all unless you joined in the selloff or unless you'll have to sell some stock that got hit to pay for your cruise. I'm hoping for a full market recovery before the full payment is due.

Like Beth, I am also now booked. The excitement will have more than a year to build--I should be a complete lunatic by then.

Tell me, is that Sangita pricing the general rate, or have you found some pricing for the RSSC excursion that is not findable by lesser beings like me? Things like safari options, side trips to Agra, and other delightful obsessions now fill my thoughts.

OH you sound like my FA .. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: - I leave it up to her and she tells me book - we'd love to see you and Beth!!!

The pricing for Sangita was from my TA...she had to call RSSC to find out.

Jan

For those who are South Africa bound, today's WSJ features Cape Town in their "Off the beaten track" column - some interesting comments on restaurants and wineries. On another subject, there is a piece on nurses who travel with older folks.

For those on the DC, or on the Africa segment(s) of the DC, if you haven't heard already, Ngaire is offering a much better priced alternative for Safari, on Nov. 17-20. See http://www.bkrssc.com/2008_NAV_Safari_Richards_Bay_2nt.htm

We are also on the Navigator next fall and after consulting with Ngaire decided on taking a three night from Richard's Bay and rejoining the ship at Cape Town. Last year two nights just was not enough. Also (forgive my snobbery), we wanted a more reasonable lodge. We don't need ultra-luxury in the lodge. Our purpose of going is to see animals! Period! I would suggest you consult with Ngaire.
Ardis

Hi Ardis, Ngaire's 3 Night Safari is from Richard's Bay - Madikwe Hills - Cape Town. Is this the same one you booked?

YES! Any other LCTers on?

NO, I did not read you correctly. Stan and I will be at Kings Camp because it is on level ground and also has great animal sightings. We were at Madikwe last year and the steps and stairs just about killed us. The suites were all so distant from other parts of the lodge, also. It was beautiful, good food and wonderful animal sightings, but just too hilly for us.

Ardis

Ardis, are you on the full DC? I'm traveling with Beth on this one, and we're on DC minus the first segment.

Yes, we are joining in Athens and arriving three nights early. We could not figure out why it "started" in Monaco but the included night was in Athens? Are you the Crystal who was on another trip with us and contacted us but we did not get together? I know Stan and I basically march to the beat of a different drummer. We are no unfriendly, just have our own ways of doing things. Maybe this time we can connect.

Ardis

Ardis, The original information I saw on the cruise did start in Athens, but Regent added the Monte Carlo segment for some reason. Maybe with 71 nights onboard we can have dinner.

Yes, Ardis, that's me. Given 71 nights on a ship with a max of 490 pax, I expect we will connect.

Crystal & Beth, If you do all except the 1st segment don't you lose out on lots of the perks?? I'm not familiar with what (if any) they're offering but on both SA and WC if you're a FULL cruiser you got lots of great perks that those on segments didn't get. On our 1st WC we originally thought about doing all but the last segment (crossing) and just flying home from Europe. Then we priced it all out and it was MORE expensive than doing the entire WC.

Tom and I are looking at Cape Town to FLL (B2B).

Marcie, it would be great if you did those segments. I'd love to finally meet you.

On this one, it doesn't look like there's much by way of full cruise perks--one overnight event as opposed to full day for segment guests, and $100 less in on-board credit. The 71-night cruisers (i.e., picking it up in Athens, as we're doing) get "some" inclusions, though it's still not clear what that means.

For me, it's not a choice. My sabatical starts Oct. 1, and the first segment starts Sept. 27.