East Africa Classic Safari: July 2010

By Cam and Jean C.:

Cam and I have just returned from our safari trip to East Africa - Kenya and Tanzania. We were there for about 2 weeks, with a small travel group of 5 (total) of very congenial folks.

We were driven and escorted by one driver in Kenya and another in Tanzania - both were extremely knowledgeable especially about the wild life and the habitat and were careful drivers. Both were able to spot "cats" (lion, leopard, cheetah), hyenas etc much more easily than we were. Overall we stayed in 5 different parks (Serengeti, Masai Mara, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara) mostly in luxurious lodges, although the last was in a tented camp constructed for us. There we had the best food of all - cooked over a log open fire - including a birthday cake and all the bread. The vehicles were 4 wheel drives with strong suspensions and "pop-tops" so that we could stand up and see and photograph everything.

The highlights were all the animals and we saw thousands. People talk about seeing "the big 5" - lions, buffalo, elephants, leopards, and rhinos - and we saw them all. The term "big 5" comes from the days when hunters wanted to get one of each, and these were the most difficult to hunt on foot and the most dangerous. We were very pleasantly surprised that the animals seemed to completely ignore the vehicles.

We saw vast numbers of wildebeest and zebra which migrate from one area (Serengeti) north to the Masai Mara at this time of the year, although we were not fortunate enough to see them crossing the Mara river, with the stragglers attempting to avoid being caught and eaten by one of the huge Nile crocodiles. We also loved observing the many the giraffes, elephants, warthogs & ostriches just eating and wandering around in their territory. We saw many baboons and monkeys, and at one picnic spot.

We saw one leopard straddling a big branch of a tree, resting after killing his lunch, a gazelle, which was strung up in another branch near him. Several hours later when we drove by the gazelle was being skinned and eaten, and by the next day most had been consumed. Two cheetah wandered past our vehicle at one stage, after sitting admiring the scenery - or checking out possibilities for their next meal. There were lots of lions, some just resting by the side of the track in family groups. There are many animals from the antelope family - in all sizes and our favourites were the graceful small gazelles, and there are thousands of them. As well there are many birds of all sizes from the huge ostrich and kori bustard to the colourful superb starlings, violet breasted rollers, Maribu storks etc.

While we were in the Masai Mara we all experienced an early morning hot-air balloon trip and saw the giraffe and storks nests from above, many animals browsing, some buffalo in a long line crossing a stream, as they

As you can tell - we had the trip of a lifetime!

East Africa Classic Safari: July 2010

By Clare A. and Gwen O.:

This was the most wonderful trip and an excellent introduction to East Africa. We would definitely recommend the experience to others. It was reassuring to know we were in safe and trusted hands throughout protected by yourselves and your partner Kimbla Mantana African Safaris. There were so many highlights; the animals, ambiance and vistas, the optional balloon ride, the hotels, the bush experience, meeting and touring the Masai village etc. We were drawn especially to the warmth of the people of Tanzania and from a touring perspective the Ngorongora Crater was the high point, although the Tarangire, Serengeti and Masai Mara were also lovely.

Our Drivers: As we spent so much time with our respective guide/drivers, they were critically important to the success of our experience. Both were safe drivers and knowledgeable. Our Tanzania guide Naiman was exceptional in his ability to communicate, share his knowledge and experiences in an engaging manner, had incredible interpersonal skills and a real sensitivity to our needs. He really brought the spirit of Tanzania alive and created wonderful memories. Our Kenyan guide Jacob was respectful of the special needs of our most senior, and might we add, delightful travelling companion. Our guide's thoughtfulness and kindness was demonstrated in organizing Wake's special 80th birthday “celebration.

Kimbla-Mantana: Lis and her husband Tony have a great operation and vehicles. They very generously invited our group to their home for a super and special lunch on the last day.

Food: The food was absolutely excellent everywhere. Surprisingly, topping the list was the food prepared at the bush camp where they had no power. We take our hats off to the chef and his assistant and the incredible team waiting on us.

The small group: We gave this a lot of thought. We really liked the small group as it meant one vehicle, and a more peaceful way to enjoy the nature around us. We did not have to wait for members of a larger group to be ready on time and agree on things, so it gave us way more flexibility.

Accommodation: The contrast between the hotels and the bush experience was just wonderful. The bush experience was truly “out of Africa ” and we have great memories of the total bush experience; fires, toilets, showers, dining etc. The Ngorongora Serena Lodge was definitely “the best” and we would have liked more time just to sit and enjoy the room, views and visiting wildlife. Local evening entertainment was also super.

Once again, we thank you organizing such a wonderful and memorable trip.

Point Pelee: May 2010

By Linda M.:

Everything went very well; the accommodations and foods were more than adequate and I am the envy of many of my new birding friends.

It is your fantastic birding guides that made the trip a hit. Don Shanahan is a strong, quiet, very knowledgeable leader, and I am so thankful that he spent considerable time helping me choose a proper pair of binoculars and teaching me some birding fundamentals. He would be pleased to know I am practicing what he taught and my bird recognition list is growing. I had an opportunity to go to Presquile after Point Pelee and had a grand time picking out some of the common warblers and gulls.

It was Ian Shanahan, however who truly amazed me. He is a joy to be around. Such enthusiasm! This young leader knows his material inside out and has such a love for his subject. Is there any bird detail he doesnt know? By listening to the chirps, Ian identified the bird and described the field markings, habits, how to recognize the chirps, and gave some interesting facts that made that particular bird stick in your memory. He tirelessly coached us and made the steep learning curve quite painless and I learned to start recognizing some of the myriad of birds that we were seeing.

I especially want to praise his detailed planning, method of instruction, and constant review of species lists. All this and he kept such a diverse group focused on the task at hand in spite of some very trying weather. Don't let this young fellow disappear he's an excellent guide.

Tunisia: March 2010

By Elaine H.:

I found the trip to be an interesting, stimulating experience, one which I shall not forget. It was well planned from beginning to end. A great deal of travel was involved so that we could see so much of what the country had to offer, but the stops were well planned so that we were able to rest and enjoy the next exciting day. Our guide (Sami) and driver (Sami) were first rate. The guide was exceptionally well informed on every aspect of the history and modern life of Tunisia. Laurielle was wonderful and was always there to see that we were well taken care of. I enjoyed getting to know the other members of the group - we had some memorable times together sightseeing and sharing meals.

Every day seemed to bring a highlight, whether it was the beautiful countryside with olive trees, sheep, goats, camels; exploring ancient ruins, or visiting areas where we saw local crafts and industries. The Bardo Museum gave us an opportunity to see truly impressive tiles and many objects which had been used during the past. The desert and oasis towns with the overnight stay at Pan Sea was another unique experience.

As we came into Tunis for our last night there, we viewed the Roman aqueduct with a beautiful rainbow in the background - a magical, marvelous moment.

Tanzania: February 2010

By Marion G.:

Where do I start? It was more than I expected it would be! Being immersed in wonderful wild nature is my passion. The group of 11 people was a great size and each and all of the participants were a pleasure to meet. Quest found me a roommate and we got along really well. We probably will stay friends for some time. (We went to hear Jane Goodall speak on her 50 years in Tanzania).

Chris Earley was our very able and funny Canadian guide. It was his 9th time to lead a group through Tanzania (and Kenya in past) and so he is very knowledgeable of the animals, and birds. We identified 318 different birds and that is some feat as well. I am not really a “birder” but thoroughly enjoyed seeing and checking out bird books to identify what we had seen. There were always birds to watch when the animals were scarce.

The Tanzanian guides were most professional and knowledgeable and, without binoculars, were able to identify kinds of birds at great distances (excellent drivers as well). They were most patient to wait until everyone had taken as many photos as they wanted before moving on.

The route that we took worked well and leaving the Ngorongoro Crater to the last day was a great idea. I really had no idea what to expect in the Crater. We really did see all of the animals that I expected to and in good numbers as well. It was good to see the animals roaming freely without fences everywhere. We had many opportunities to take photos to our hearts’ content and if we missed some animal or bird once we had other opportunities to see and photograph them again. I took about 700 photos and then movies as well (I was a little bit busy).

Travel arrangements worked well. I went to Zambia for 3 days following end-of-tour. Laurielle worked with me to arrange for flights and hotels for that part of the trip. The Chrismar Lodge in Lusaka was an older hotel but it was clean and the food was good. The staff were most helpful with contacting World Vision for me since I had lost the National Office phone number and name of contact person. I have taken about 5 “trips-of-a-lifetime” and Tanzania was one them. Hope this gives you some idea that I really enjoyed myself and have many wonderful memories of this trip until the day I die!!!

Costa Rica: February 2010

By Sandy:

Well I have followed your trips for 20+ years and this year I finally had my dream trip to Costa Rica. I would do it all again especially with the same guides, Pete Read and Humberto. We had 6 other congenial couples on the bus (we laughed a lot) and they would be hard to replace.

As a keen birder and atlaser of birds, I found Pete a wonderful enthusiastic leader. He went out of his way to find birds for all in the group and found me a special one - 2 male long-tailed manakins singing a duet on the last morning. I believe I hugged everyone around me. A great birding moment.

We travelled with Quest to Cuba in 2008 and had the same wonderful trip. I am delighted with the time lines that Quest organize as we travel from place to place; we never felt rushed. The restaurants with their nature area were a surprise and delight as we got excellent food and good sightings. It was also fun because the whole group was together.

It is hard to pick out one restaurant but the Volcano Restaurant near Arenal Volcano had an absolutely beautiful garden (as of course did the Hotel Bougainvillea which I would love to return to - for art, garden, food and birds). Each stop was unique and interesting. I gather that Bosques de Paz was new. I find myself thinking back often to Bosques with a euphoric feeling. The cloud forest is beyond beautiful. Because we stayed there for 2 full days we had enchanting sights and walks and time to just sit or walk by ourselves or with our spouses. The lodge owners were helpful and pleasant and the food good.

I have to thank Pete for several things. First the lovely birthday cake and card that he arranged for me when we arrived late on the first day from Ottawa. It was my birthday and the trip was partly my birthday present. I thanked Pete when I came home for his thoughtfulness...he is a fine leader. We took a great liking to Humberto and enjoyed his guiding us around San Jose when we stayed one more day. We learned a lot about Costa Rica from this well informed proud Tican. We have enjoyed a reunion with the 2 other couples from the Ottawa Valley and feel that that was a big plus also. We look forward to going on another Quest Tour in the future.

India - a Private Journey: January 2010

By Jane T.:

Kudos! The trip was absolutely superb and I particularly want to thank you for your A++ planning. Highlights? Our family is unanimous in choosing the tribal villages and we rank Nimaj and Narlai neck and neck. In both places, we loved being “out of the bubble” to wander through the villages on our own, both together and individually in complete safety, In Narlai, the villagers invited us into their homes as we walked by, and we went. The Maharani at the hotel invited us to tea by the fire and a dance performance [and] to talk with her. Her fascination with Rory (our Buddhist monk) was clearly the reason for her desire to meet us, and while she talked with us, we witnessed the villagers across the courtyard gathering to receive counsel from her husband in various matters concerning the village. It helped that we had the place completely to ourselves and you were right about the food – it was the best we had the entire trip!

Narlai was extraordinary for its beauty and as at Nimaj, we loved the jeep ride out to have tea and watch the sun go down over the plains. The open air dinner high up on the ramparts exposed us to a beautiful starry night over the mountains which Peter and James hiked the next morning to visit the famous carved elephant. We had a huge living quarter with its own enclosed courtyard set aside for our family and the rooms themselves were out of this world (particularly the Palmer’s which had a side sitting room overlooking the garden). Ranthambore also ranked really high. We all loved every bit of Rajasthan. You booked wonderful rooms for us at the Amet Haveli with a fabulous view of the lake. Jess’s and Rory’s had a wonderful balcony where we all gathered for drinks. I wouldn’t have wanted to stay at the Lake Palace as you do not have the immediate access to the city. We found a favourite stone carver whose work we treasure, and Pete and Jess on a return purchase were invited into his home. The restaurant at Amet Haveli was good food and had that exquisite view of the lake.

Worldwide employees – Stellar Employee Award to our driver Raj – infinite patience and humour – a great companion - our bus broke down just outside Ranthambore at dusk and Raj fixed it up twice with great cool – no one was worried such was our faith in him and the occurrence added another layer of meaning to our reiterated phrase “it’s all part of the adventure”. Honourable Mentions – Pritti in Delhi – her humour and her knowledge and her honesty – she totally seemed to "get” our family and shared some of her own life with us. Also for me personally, Singh, our guide in Fujuraho for his knowledge and sophistication. For Canadians, the Bahai temple designed by one of our own in Delhi would be a must see & the art gallery. THANK YOU for an incredible adventure in incredible India.

Archived Trip Journals 2009 and 2008