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[whereshegoes]

TravelPod Local Expert Jawaid Rulal was born in Kenya and spent 20 years living in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. He has travelled 66 countries!

Jawaid says:

In my opinion I would rank the following as the best five things to see in East Africa are:
LAKE NAKURU &
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK in Kenya,
NGORONGORO CRATER &
MT. KILIMANJARO In Tanzania and
LAKE VICTORIA in Uganda.


Feel free to post questions to him here!

[gplex]

TravelPod Local Expert Jawaid Rulal was born in Kenya and spent 20 years living in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Feel free to post questions to him here!

Hi Jawaid,

I want to volunteer in or around Nairobi between July 1st and July 22nd, but I'm still searching for alternatives to the typical high "placement fee" programs like i-to-i or African Impact. I'm looking for a project where I can work in some sort of construction project for housing, schools or hospitals. I'd like to get into economic development at some point, so what better way to get exposed to the conditions on the ground that by working side-by-side with people from the community. Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

Regarding traveling afterwards. I plan on traveling through eastern/southern Africa until the end of August. I was planning on doing a Kilimanjaro climb on or around July 25th, and then going on two safaris via go2africa:

August 5 to 11th: http://www.overlandafrica.com/tours_temp.asp?TourNo=185

August 11th to August 26th: http://www.overlandafrica.com/tours_temp.asp?TourNo=331

I've only been working on this since Thursday, so I'm already coming across numerous alternatives, but not sure where to start. I'd like to get your input this as well.

Look forward to hearing from you.

Greg

[Jambo]

[quote name='gplex' date='Apr 23 2007, 10:54 PM' post='25190']
[quote name='whereshegoes' post='24837' date='Apr 19 2007, 06:55 PM']
TravelPod Local Expert Jawaid Rulal was born in Kenya and spent 20 years living in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Feel free to post questions to him here!
[/quote]

Given that the Local Expert has not responded to a question from April 23, I might be lucky, but I'll give it a go anyway.

Mr. Juwaid - can you recommend a very inexpensive safari company for a 4 day/3 night safari around Ngorongoro/Serengeti. So far it seems like Bobby Tours is the best bet, at US$550 per person. Do you know anyone cheaper but still reliable?

Thanks!

[jr44]

Hello Greg,

Sorry for the long delay in my reply to your post of April 23rd. I have been away on a monh

long vaction and have just got back.

Most programs usually have high placement fees, as you already have found from the

various bodies which run these projects requiring volunteers. I will suggest an Italian

nonprofit voluntary organization, www.oikos.org/workcamps. Their fee for a 2 week

placement is Euros 180 or 3 weeks for Euros 250 ( camp fee + boarding/lodging inclusive )

If you click on the link, international and look up Kenya; it has a programme with camp code

PIVS/11/07 which runs between July 6 - 26 at Kitui. This period is close to what you have in

mind. The annual membership fee for joining is Euros 80. Overall I think the cost is

reasonable. Contact details of the organisers: <volontariato@oikos.org> Tel 0039 06

5080280, Fax 0039 06 5073233. Best of luck.

Jawaid

[jr44]

Hello & Jambo !!

I would look up www.zara.co.tz Tel: +441550721319, Fax: +44 1550720053. This outfit's 4 day safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro is $335 per person ( Camping or Walking ) If 2 persons booking, cost is $185 per person. Low season discount applies, April - June 15th is $50 per person.

Lodge and tented camp safari works out at $425 per person or if 2 persons booking, cost is $265 per person. Single supplements applicable, are per person/ night and apply to group size 2 - 4 where people like to have room tent for themselves.

$10 surcharge is applied to all campers visiting Ngorongoro. I hope you are able to get a better deal with Zara, as compared to $550 / person quoted to you by Bobby Tours.

Jawaid

[lee-lee]

Hello!!

I leave for Uganda in about 1 week for a volunteer program...I was wondering if you have any suggestions of what to bring.....plus I've looked on many different sights on Uganda and I've read that june/july is the dry season and I've read that it's the rainy season. Which one is it?? Do you think I really need rain boots/rainjacket???

Thanks

[jr44]

Hello Lee - Lee !!

Uganda enjoys the best of tropical climates in Africa. The seasons can be summed up as such:
Spring November to December
Summer December to February
Autumn March to April
Winter May to October

The wet season is March - May in the Southern Uganda, with April - October in the North. If you are in and around Kampala, the rainfall in June/July here is minimal, around only 2 - 3 inches in a whole month. Entebbe experiences somewhat more around 4.5" in June and 3" in July. Wettest time in Uganda actually is April - May with average rainfall being 10" a month!!

Average temperatures for June and July are around 20C/70F. Everything said, Uganda in June is both dry and best season for travel. You don't need to pack rain boots or a rain jacket. As for what to take with you, I will strongly suggest you have an adequate travel insurance and have the following in your baggage:-
1) First aid kit
2) Malaria Tablets
3) Concealed money belt
4) A blanket in case you wanting to go on safari, in your spare time.
5) Any cash you carry in US bills.

Have a good time and all the best.

Jawaid

[jr44]

There are so many things to see in East Africa. I will expect one to have at least 3 weeks at their disposal to see these beautiful places in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

KENYA:
Nairobi, the vibrant capital city with museums & cultural riches to explore.
AMBOSELI NATIONAL PARK ( Beautiful game park with MT.Kilimanjaro as a back drop )
LAKE NAIVASHA
LAKE NAKURU ( Soda lake with pretty pink flamingoes )
TSAVO NATIONAL PARK, EAST & WEST ( In early 19th century, when the British were laying a railway line, 2 lions started attacking railway workers during the night and eating them. A hunter was dispatched from Britain to hunt the lions down; as the workers stopped work on the line because of so many fatalities )
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK ( See the annual migration of wilderbeest )

TANZANIA:
DAR ES SALAAM, the capital city, explore town & watch dhows from water's edge.
NGORONGORO CRATER ( Large concentration of animals in a confined area with amazing views )
ARUSHA ( Explore Mt. Meru, hike up the volcano )
MOUNT KILIMANJARO ( Hike up the tallest peak in Africa )
LAKE VICTORIA ( Source of the Nile river )
ZANZIBAR ISLAND ( Explore stone town. There was a thriving slave market in Zanzibar, with Arab merchants selling the slaves to the Europeans who bought them to work in the Carribean and the new world )

UGANDA:
Kampala, the capital city.
LAKE VICTORIA ( Source of the Nile river )
MURCHISON FALLS NATIONAL PARK ( Boat journey down Victoria & Nile river )
JINJA BUJAGALI FALLS ( Explore town of Jinja on Lake Victoria & raft down the Nile river )
BWINDI MGAHINGA NATIONAL PARKS ( Encounter with the Gorillas )

[Jambo]

I would look up www.zara.co.tz Tel: +441550721319, Fax: +44 1550720053. This outfit's 4 day safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro is $335 per person ( Camping or Walking ) If 2 persons booking, cost is $185 per person. Low season discount applies, April - June 15th is $50 per person.

Lodge and tented camp safari works out at $425 per person or if 2 persons booking, cost is $265 per person. Single supplements applicable, are per person/ night and apply to group size 2 - 4 where people like to have room tent for themselves.

Thank you for that. I looked them up but unfortunately those prices you quoted are actually per day, not for the full safari! $185 per day is still a lot more than BobbyTours.

If you know of any other inexpensive companies, please let me know. Otherwise, what I'm thinking we might do is just show up in Arusha and go to the Tanzania Tourist Board office and try to join an existing group at the last minute. It is risky but might be worthwhile. We are somewhat flexible in terms of when we leave. What do you think?

[loveadventure]

Hi Jawaid and Carmella,

I need HELP!!! I am planning a 14 day African Safari. I need to know the best place in Africa for a safari, the best time of year to go and an approx cost. Any and ALL information will be greatly appreciated.

PS Hi Carm, how are you sweetie?

Audrianna x

TravelPod Local Expert Jawaid Rulal was born in Kenya and spent 20 years living in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. He has travelled 66 countries!

Jawaid says:

In my opinion I would rank the following as the best five things to see in East Africa are:
LAKE NAKURU &
SERENGETI NATIONAL PARK in Kenya,
NGORONGORO CRATER &
MT. KILIMANJARO In Tanzania and
LAKE VICTORIA in Uganda.


Feel free to post questions to him here!

[whereshegoes]

Hi Jawaid and Carmella,

I need HELP!!! I am planning a 14 day African Safari. I need to know the best place in Africa for a safari, the best time of year to go and an approx cost. Any and ALL information will be greatly appreciated.

PS Hi Carm, how are you sweetie?

Audrianna x

Great to hear from you Audrianna. I trust you are doing well. I am working hard but happy

As for your Safari question, I can only go off my experience. I went from Nairobi to the Masai Mara and it was amazing. When are you going? Are you going alone? Do you have flexibility because if so, I booked it there and imagine it is cheaper that way. There are so many companies that want your business.

[loveadventure]

Hi Jawaid and Carmella,

I need HELP!!! I am planning a 14 day African Safari. I need to know the best place in Africa for a safari, the best time of year to go and an approx cost. Any and ALL information will be greatly appreciated.

PS Hi Carm, how are you sweetie?

Audrianna x

Great to hear from you Audrianna. I trust you are doing well. I am working hard but happy

As for your Safari question, I can only go off my experience. I went from Nairobi to the Masai Mara and it was amazing. When are you going? Are you going alone? Do you have flexibility because if so, I booked it there and imagine it is cheaper that way. There are so many companies that want your business.

[loveadventure]

Hey Carmie,

So lovely to hear from you as well. I am feeling much better, thank you for asking. Neil told me you were going to come visit me in the hospital when you were in Calgary and I just want to thank you for thinking of doing that. You are so thoughtful and sweet. Anyways still in recovery BUT I am back to work and feeling wonderful. It's been 8 weeks since my surgery and every day gets better. Positive outlook sometimes is all it takes. (Although I wouldn't of said that had you seen me in the hospital) at one point I had 6 tubes coming out of my body. Not nice. Enough about me...back to the safari adventure.

I am flexible when I go but was hoping September, October or November. There is another girl from my work coming with me so just the 2 of us for now. Anyone else is welcome of course. And I think 14 days is great. I will wait to hear from Jawaid as well and whoever else can offer me some help. How are things. x

Hi Jawaid and Carmella,

I need HELP!!! I am planning a 14 day African Safari. I need to know the best place in Africa for a safari, the best time of year to go and an approx cost. Any and ALL information will be greatly appreciated.

PS Hi Carm, how are you sweetie?

Audrianna x

Great to hear from you Audrianna. I trust you are doing well. I am working hard but happy

As for your Safari question, I can only go off my experience. I went from Nairobi to the Masai Mara and it was amazing. When are you going? Are you going alone? Do you have flexibility because if so, I booked it there and imagine it is cheaper that way. There are so many companies that want your business.

[jr44]

Hey Carmie,

So lovely to hear from you as well. I am feeling much better, thank you for asking. Neil told me you were going to come visit me in the hospital when you were in Calgary and I just want to thank you for thinking of doing that. You are so thoughtful and sweet. Anyways still in recovery BUT I am back to work and feeling wonderful. It's been 8 weeks since my surgery and every day gets better. Positive outlook sometimes is all it takes. (Although I wouldn't of said that had you seen me in the hospital) at one point I had 6 tubes coming out of my body. Not nice. Enough about me...back to the safari adventure.

I am flexible when I go but was hoping September, October or November. There is another girl from my work coming with me so just the 2 of us for now. Anyone else is welcome of course. And I think 14 days is great. I will wait to hear from Jawaid as well and whoever else can offer me some help. How are things. x

Hi Jawaid and Carmella,

I need HELP!!! I am planning a 14 day African Safari. I need to know the best place in Africa for a safari, the best time of year to go and an approx cost. Any and ALL information will be greatly appreciated.

PS Hi Carm, how are you sweetie?

Audrianna x

Great to hear from you Audrianna. I trust you are doing well. I am working hard but happy

As for your Safari question, I can only go off my experience. I went from Nairobi to the Masai Mara and it was amazing. When are you going? Are you going alone? Do you have flexibility because if so, I booked it there and imagine it is cheaper that way. There are so many companies that want your business.

14 days is ideal time duration to have both a sfari and to see some other places in East Africa. Most people either start their trip from Nairobi ( Kenya ) or Dar es salam ( Tanzania ) Once you have arrived and settled in your hotel; ask hotel reception to arrange for safari companies to contact you. Most will be too happy to send their representitives to see you in the comfort of your hotel. Check what is on offer and the cost. You will need to haggle a bit, but this way one can obtain an excellent deal.

Serengeti National Park is the best in Kenya. Ngorongoro Crater with it's teeming wild life in Tanzania. 1-2 days on the island of Zanzibar can also be very relaxing. Fast catamarans operate between Dar es salam and Zanzibar. A small island visible from Zanzibar, called Chungu island can be visited by a boat to see the huge tortoises which are bred here.

If the trip starts from Nairobi, 1-2 day exploring this vibrant city is a must. A day trip or 1-2 day safari can be also arranged for the Tsavo National Park East or West, just as the visit to Serengeti, from your hotel.

Long rains are over in Kenya ( March - May ) Weather is ok both in Kenya and Tanzania in June and July. 22- 25 C in Kenya and around 25 - 30 C in Tanzania. In the latter, cool at night because of high plateau. Spring time in Tanzania lasts from June to November, whereas during the same period Kenya will be shifting into the winter season.

[Jessica_CDN]

Jawaid ,

I'm going to the Sudan & / or Kenya in December for work - I'm supposed to be staying in Juba in the Sudan - what can I expect there? The last people I know who were there said there wasn't regular electricity.....

Also, could you give me an idea of a few things I might be able to see in the area? I'm trying to extend my stay to get the most out of it, but I like to plan for the worst case scenarios

[jr44]

Jawaid ,

I'm going to the Sudan & / or Kenya in December for work - I'm supposed to be staying in Juba in the Sudan - what can I expect there? The last people I know who were there said there wasn't regular electricity.....

Also, could you give me an idea of a few things I might be able to see in the area? I'm trying to extend my stay to get the most out of it, but I like to plan for the worst case scenarios

Hello Jessica,

I have been away for 3 weeks holidaying in M.E. and Africa. Got back a few days ago. Just seen your post. Juba is the capital of Southern Sudan. There are several interesting nature and game reserves near Juba.
BANDINGILO NATIONAL PARK
BENGANGAI GAME RESERVE
BOMA NATIONAL PARK
JUBA GAME RESERVE
NIMULE NATIONAL PARK
NUMATINA GAME RESERVE
SOUTHERN NATIONAL PARK

Electricity should be alright at this time of the year. It is only during summer months that wide use of fans and airconditioners disrupt power supplies. The roads are not all in very good condition. You will have a good time in Juba, the port city in the south of Sudan located on the river Nile.

[TzMagic]

Dear Mr. Jawaid.

Greetings from the Spice Islands.......

Please do open your atlas and have a good look at the Serengeti, you may even use Google Earth, please do tell us where exactly does the Serengeti fit into Kenya.

Serengeti has never been part of Kenya and will never be!!

For years Kenyan Tourism advertises that the Kilimanjaro is in Kenya, they have recently toned this down that only half of Kili is now in Kenya, with comments like the view is better from the Kenya side.

The Ngorongoro probably has been for years, can spare us our Spice Islands Zanzibar, or will these also be annexed soon?

Tanzania contains these treasures.

Tanzania is Unique God bless Africa, God Bless Tanzania.

Tanzania

[rompascatole]

This guy may not be a travel expert, but he tells a pretty funny story about travelling through Africa:

http://meanderingmauro.blogspot.com/

Cheers!

[jacwez]

What would be thge hbest country to go see in Africa? and what would be some of the best thigs to see and do?

[eastafrican]

What would be thge hbest country to go see in Africa? and what would be some of the best thigs to see and do?

hi jacwez,kenya would be the ideal country to visit,
you coulld visit the maasai mara and go for a game drive where you will have a chance to experience life in the bush,where animals go about their business in the day time-kenya has over 25 national parks and game reserves,or you could witness the wild beest migration across the marariver,or you could hire a car and go see the country side for some bungee jumping or water rafting,or you could go down coast for fishing or for some sun where kenya boasts of having the best hotels in africa,or you could go have game meat at carnivore restaurant,or you could go to visit a mountain where gravitational forces act oppositely like water flows uphill instead of down hill,or you could visit bomas of kenya and experince our tradiotion where kenya has 42 diff tribes.
hope to hear from you soon,incase you have any questions my email address is charlesk@doublekaysafris.com