Archive for June, 2009

Why Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

The following is a testimonial Aardvark Safari clients Jon and Allison Beer from New York, who climbed Kilimanjaro with in September 2007.

“We were lucky enough on our trip up Kilimanjaro to be accompanied by Victoria, an Aardvark staff member, who was doing her research on the area the best way possible, by doing it herself! The guides, the porters, and the crew at the base camp were without exception incredible. The organisation was impeccable and we felt tremendously well looked after for our entire time on the mountain. Walking into the fully prepared camp shortly before dusk after a hard day’s trekking it was a wonderful boost to the spirits to see the entire group of guides and porters standing waiting for us and singing as we arrived. The omnipresent cup of tea was also greatly appreciated! We really can’t say enough good things about the entire team. When we return to Africa for our next big adventure we will undoubtedly be using Aardvark Safaris who looked after us amazingly well before, during and after our trip.”  Jon and Allison Beer, New York

A number of the Aardvark Safaris team have climbed the mountain so can offer impartial advice and like all those that have climbed it to date, believe that the exhilaration combined with overwhelming sense of achievement, liberating feeling of being without the luxuries of modern day life (mobile phone for one) and the kudos of climbing the highest mountain in Africa makes Kilimanjaro a trip of a life time.

Although more of a trek than a climb, climbers should be in good physical health; to date we’ve arranged single travellers as well as mothers and daughters to join a small group, honeymoon climbs as well as private climbs for groups of friends to celebrate a milestone birthday.

There are various routes and climb specifications but safety is always our number one concern. We believe the secret to a successful summit bid is to choose the right climbing operator and to be aware that you get what you pay for in terms of professionalism and equipment.

The cost (exclusive of international flights) based on two people sharing a luxury specification tent on a Machame Route small group climb is from $3,650 per person to include all accommodation, tents and camping equipment, guiding and meals.
 
For more information ring Toll Free on 1 888 776-0888, or info@aardvarksafaris.com or visit www.aardvarksafaris.com .

Africa Through The Eyes of a Child

Monday, June 15th, 2009
Charlotte Deans in Kenya

Charlotte Deans in Kenya

Author Charlotte Deans, 10 years old, lives in the United Kingdom

Ten-year-old Charlotte Deans went to Kenya with her family in July. Her mother thought we might like to see the email she wrote to her friends on their return. Bits of it made us laugh – walking being boring, Mum ‘scared’ to body board – but it was also interesting to see the reaction of a child to her first safari. Apart from sorting out a few spelling mistakes we’ve left the rest un-edited so you can see at first hand how she enjoyed the trip.

“Hi guys
I got back yesterday from Kenya but mum said I couldn’t go on the computer! Kenya was brilliant we saw loads of animals.
We saw…dick dicks (rude name!), giraffe, leopard, elephants, impala, african hare, spring hare, serval cat, lion, jackle, spotted hyena, eland, cheetah, and loads more we also saw loads of different birds we saw eagles and parrots and drongos and weavers and loads more exotic birds!
We went to a place called Sarara first and we stayed in this sort of marke (I don’t know how to spell it) and guess what we saw leopard 4 out of 5 times there which was brilliant! We also went to a Samburu village and Josh tried to milk some goats but he didn’t succeed!!!!! We then went in a private plane to the Masai Mara and went on a mobile safari with Alex Hunter we stayed in these tiny tents which was a bit of a shock because they were mini compared to the tents at Sarara! But we managed. The first three days at the Masai Mara we went walking it was sooo boring I hate walking!!! But we saw lots of animals and lion on foot which is really special so it kind of made up for it!!!

We them moved camps to somewhere else in the Mara and we saw loads more animals again. In the evening before it went dark we had a night drive but when it was starting to get dark we had to head back to the camp because in the Mara you aren’t allowed to stay out in the dark looking for animals because most animals hunt at night and your spoiling their hunting time if you get in the way!! When we were heading back to the airstrip to get a plane which was going to take us to Lamu we saw a cheetah and it was soo cool! We saw it really close up in the car well it was walking next to us basically! It was amazing!!!
We then got a plane to Lamu which was where we were going to spend the last part of our vacation relaxing by the beach! We helped turtles down to the sea bed into the sea they were tiny and we were able to pick them up and help them into the sea it was soo cool! We swam in the Indian Ocean, body boarding was so cool and Josh, Dad and I did it but mum just wanted to relax on the beach for some reason,(she was probably scared) and guess what we also went water skiing !!!!!!! It was soo cool Josh and I did it and we actually stood up and skied for a bit!!!!!!!!
The food was brilliant in Kenya but the time was 2 hours before us so it took a bit of time to get used to. I mean when in Kenya we got up a half six in England it was half four!!!! that is early!!!
Well there is all about Kenya, I hope you enjoyed reading the big long e-mail!!!”