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Bringingthepain
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| Number of Posts: | 14 |
| Registered on: | 8/1/2022 |
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re: Four Seasons Serengeti
Posted by Bringingthepain on 3/22/23 at 8:40 pm to baldona
baldona we went in mid January which was very comfortable weather. Highs in the low 80s each day with lows in the 60s over night. My wife used blankets in the safari vehicle especially in the mornings, but for me it was just about perfect weather.
0
re: Four Seasons Serengeti
Posted by Bringingthepain on 3/22/23 at 8:39 pm to s0tiger
I had a friend that did this s0tiger. They did Zanzibar first and then Serengeti for the second half of the trip. Depending on what all you want to see, I think you can see just about everything you want to in the Serengeti in 3-4 days.
re: Nantucket
Posted by Bringingthepain on 2/6/23 at 8:24 pm to ChickenWing99
My wife lived there for 10 years and I was able to go visit several times, longest being 6 weeks. Below are our recommendations.
- Whaling Museum: tells the history of the island including how these guys would just get on whaling ships and leave for 2-3 years searching for whales to collect the oil from their heads to sell; made lots of money for the island and the people on it.
- Sconset Bluff Walk: incredible pathway along the bluff on the east end of the island; amazing views of the ocean, beach, and allows you to have a full scale view of the serious erosion on that end of the island (has put many homes in jeopardy and has required them to move Sankaty Head Lighthouse); you are literally walking through the yards of homes that are $20 million and over
- Cisco Brewery: this place gets hopping in the summer; cool venue where they have a courtyard between the winery, distillery, and brewery; usually have lots of tents set up because it gets so "hot and humid" :rolleyes: up there; live music pretty much all day
- Beaches: water is cold as hell and lots of Great Whites in the area (check out acksharks on IG)
Steps Beach: a little bit of a walk from the parking area, but is shallow water so typically a bit warmer than other spots; will have lots of kids for these very reasons
Madaket Beach: west end of the island, amazing sunsets; water is deeper and cold; they had closed portions of it last summer due to erosion;
Cisco Beach: parking is very close, deeper water, lots of surfers;
Miacomet Beach: is a nude beach; pretty peaceful spot because there will not be kids, but there will be some tiddies and swinging dicks
- Light Houses: Brant point is the easiest to get to as it is in Nantucket Harbor; Sankety Head Light house is the iconic Nantucket light house as it has the red and white stripes, and Great Point Light House is harder to get to but worth it (will need a 4 wheel drive vehicle and then will need to let the air out of the tires to drive over the sand, there is an air station for when you get back to air the tires back up, this also requires a significant walk, but there is usually a seal population near the end and can be a good spot for potential viewing of Great Whites hunting seals;
Drive down Hulbert Ave, at one point in time, was the wealthiest street in the US, The Johnsons (J&J), Abigail Johnson (Fidelity), John Kerry all have houses on this street;
Restaurants: Cru and Slip 14 are always favorites; they are on the end of the piers near the harbor and you can see the MASSIVE yachts that park there (think 4-5 story yachts); Brotherhood of Thieves; the absolute best seafood is Sayle's (swordfish is incredible, also lobster is outstanding); Seagrille was probably my wife's favorite place on island; and this may sound crazy but the grocery store Stop and Shop will steam lobsters for you among other items for a very inexpensive price (I think we paid maybe $25 per sack of boil); Blackeyed Susan's for breakfast, and sandwiches from Bartlett farms and Something Natural; catch a dinner at Millie's on the west end of the island for some good food and sunsets; never ate at the Wauwinet but had some drinks and they have a really nice outdoor seating area with great views. The Galley is a great place for a sunset dinner on the beach (food is overrated, but the view is unbeatable. Last and certainly not least, Juice Bar, I believe is all homemade ice cream and cones, this one will be obvious because there will be a line out the door and around the corner in the evenings (not kidding), so maybe hit it after lunch.
Bars: most of the above restaurants have good bars but my favorite hands down was Club Car; is basically an old rail car in the middle of downtown that was made into a bar; got a small piano and they can/will play anything you want. If Tony is working, he knows Calling Baton Rouge!!
- Golf: not sure if you want to play, but Siasconset Golf Course is open to the public and was a lot of fun to play; the wind will be crazy, but fun nonetheless; they have clubs that you can rent. I believe Miacomet Golf Course has reopened and is open to the public.
- Shopping: there will be plenty of women's shopping but for men, I would hit Town Pool (shameless plug for my friend Sean's store) and Murray's Toggery shop (think Smather's and Branson, embroidered pants)
I would definitely rent a vehicle for some of the time you are there and rent some bikes; two very different ways to see the island;
Most people I met and that my wife was friends with were pretty cool, but of course you are going to run into some real arsehats;
We did go over one day and did most of Martha's Vineyard; it pales in comparison, much larger, chain restaurants and just seemed trashier to me. I just have a lot of great memories from there and will go back soon to visit as we still have lots of friends that live there.
If we think of anything else, we will post it or if you have some questions, let us know!
- Whaling Museum: tells the history of the island including how these guys would just get on whaling ships and leave for 2-3 years searching for whales to collect the oil from their heads to sell; made lots of money for the island and the people on it.
- Sconset Bluff Walk: incredible pathway along the bluff on the east end of the island; amazing views of the ocean, beach, and allows you to have a full scale view of the serious erosion on that end of the island (has put many homes in jeopardy and has required them to move Sankaty Head Lighthouse); you are literally walking through the yards of homes that are $20 million and over
- Cisco Brewery: this place gets hopping in the summer; cool venue where they have a courtyard between the winery, distillery, and brewery; usually have lots of tents set up because it gets so "hot and humid" :rolleyes: up there; live music pretty much all day
- Beaches: water is cold as hell and lots of Great Whites in the area (check out acksharks on IG)
Steps Beach: a little bit of a walk from the parking area, but is shallow water so typically a bit warmer than other spots; will have lots of kids for these very reasons
Madaket Beach: west end of the island, amazing sunsets; water is deeper and cold; they had closed portions of it last summer due to erosion;
Cisco Beach: parking is very close, deeper water, lots of surfers;
Miacomet Beach: is a nude beach; pretty peaceful spot because there will not be kids, but there will be some tiddies and swinging dicks
- Light Houses: Brant point is the easiest to get to as it is in Nantucket Harbor; Sankety Head Light house is the iconic Nantucket light house as it has the red and white stripes, and Great Point Light House is harder to get to but worth it (will need a 4 wheel drive vehicle and then will need to let the air out of the tires to drive over the sand, there is an air station for when you get back to air the tires back up, this also requires a significant walk, but there is usually a seal population near the end and can be a good spot for potential viewing of Great Whites hunting seals;
Drive down Hulbert Ave, at one point in time, was the wealthiest street in the US, The Johnsons (J&J), Abigail Johnson (Fidelity), John Kerry all have houses on this street;
Restaurants: Cru and Slip 14 are always favorites; they are on the end of the piers near the harbor and you can see the MASSIVE yachts that park there (think 4-5 story yachts); Brotherhood of Thieves; the absolute best seafood is Sayle's (swordfish is incredible, also lobster is outstanding); Seagrille was probably my wife's favorite place on island; and this may sound crazy but the grocery store Stop and Shop will steam lobsters for you among other items for a very inexpensive price (I think we paid maybe $25 per sack of boil); Blackeyed Susan's for breakfast, and sandwiches from Bartlett farms and Something Natural; catch a dinner at Millie's on the west end of the island for some good food and sunsets; never ate at the Wauwinet but had some drinks and they have a really nice outdoor seating area with great views. The Galley is a great place for a sunset dinner on the beach (food is overrated, but the view is unbeatable. Last and certainly not least, Juice Bar, I believe is all homemade ice cream and cones, this one will be obvious because there will be a line out the door and around the corner in the evenings (not kidding), so maybe hit it after lunch.
Bars: most of the above restaurants have good bars but my favorite hands down was Club Car; is basically an old rail car in the middle of downtown that was made into a bar; got a small piano and they can/will play anything you want. If Tony is working, he knows Calling Baton Rouge!!
- Golf: not sure if you want to play, but Siasconset Golf Course is open to the public and was a lot of fun to play; the wind will be crazy, but fun nonetheless; they have clubs that you can rent. I believe Miacomet Golf Course has reopened and is open to the public.
- Shopping: there will be plenty of women's shopping but for men, I would hit Town Pool (shameless plug for my friend Sean's store) and Murray's Toggery shop (think Smather's and Branson, embroidered pants)
I would definitely rent a vehicle for some of the time you are there and rent some bikes; two very different ways to see the island;
Most people I met and that my wife was friends with were pretty cool, but of course you are going to run into some real arsehats;
We did go over one day and did most of Martha's Vineyard; it pales in comparison, much larger, chain restaurants and just seemed trashier to me. I just have a lot of great memories from there and will go back soon to visit as we still have lots of friends that live there.
If we think of anything else, we will post it or if you have some questions, let us know!
re: Four Seasons Serengeti
Posted by Bringingthepain on 1/22/23 at 5:25 am to jsquardjj
Sure, we had two people go for 5 days and 4 nights. Flights ended up being about $3500 total (US to Tanzania, plus the bush flights, we used Regional Airlines). All of the game drives, hot air balloon safari, walking safari, bush dinner was about $5000. Resort depends on the room, we used credit card points, so the room didn't cost us anything. We booked through Amex, so we got a room upgrade upon arrival and got $100 credit to use at the resort. There are way less expensive ways to do this trip, but this was celebrating a big birthday and I know the Four Seasons would be top notch across the board. Plus, you are able to book everything directly through them, so it takes the guesswork out of everything and they are very flexible. For instance, we wanted to go to the Crater on the first day and then do the Central Serengeti the next day. Our guide suggested we do the reverse order because we would not have seen a lot of animals at that point and we would have stopped so many times, that it would have taken forever to get to the crater. And he was right, but they were able to swap our tour days the day before. VERY easy to work with.
re: Four Seasons Serengeti
Posted by Bringingthepain on 1/21/23 at 11:54 am to DukeSilver
Absolutely, what is your email DukeSilver and I’ll send you more info!
re: Four Seasons Serengeti
Posted by Bringingthepain on 1/20/23 at 5:42 pm to Big Scrub TX
Well, we just returned from our trip and all I can say is "WOW!" I'll post some pictures, but will give a rundown of what we did so hopefully that will help someone else.
Flew in to Kilimanjaro Airport late, around 10:30pm and had a driver take us to the Arusha Coffee Lodge for the night. This was a pretty nice resort and I think if we had more time, would have taken their coffee tour. Then caught the bush plane over to Seronera where our game driver picked us up. He had a bush picnic set up for us upon arrival. We then drove to the resort which took about an hour, but we were able to see elephants, a cheetah, tons of antelope and African buffalo.
We then participated in a walking safari which I thought was a really cool experience. I'm a hunter, so I know about tracks and whatnot, but these guys went into great detail. We had a small heard of African buffalo that we were able to observe and then had a leopard jump down out of a tree that none of us had seen about 100 yards away. Luckily, there are two game wardens with AK-47s on the walk with you. At the end of the walk, we had opted for the Bush dinner. They had a table set up for my wife and me with our own chef and a preset menu. All of the food we had was amazing.
The next day, we did an all day game drive in the Serengeti and saw basically everything except the Black rhino. We came upon a group of lions that had made a fresh kill. The three males had finished eating when we got to the site, but the lioness was still feasting on the buffalo. There was a large group of hyenas that started to close in and they actually shared the carcass with the lioness. Unreal. Another Bush picnic, and then the afternoon game drive.
The next day, we did an all day game drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. While on the way there, we came across the Great Migration. I had an idea of what to expect from what I've read and the pictures I've seen but neither of those do it justice. Just literally as far as the eye could see in all directions were zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, and warthogs (pumbas). I'll include a couple of pictures. We had the opportunity to stop at the Maasai Tribe village and see their traditional dance and to visit the inside of their hut. Talk about being appreciative for what we have. My bathroom at home is larger than their entire hut which consists of two tiny beds made of mud and sticks and a tiny kitchen that just has a few rocks for the fireplace. In the crater, we were able to see all of the same animals in addition to some flamingos and the elusive black rhino.
The next day we did the hot air balloon safari first thing In the morning. This was a really interesting perspective of observing the animals from above. Saw some elephants, fox, buffalo, antelope. Had a bush brunch after and then just relaxed at the hotel. The nice part about the hotel, is the giant watering hole just behind the swimming pool. Due to this being the wet season and the Serengeti was very green due to all the rain, we didn't get to observe any of the animals at the site but they usually have elephants and zebras regularly.
This is definitely a trip I would recommend for everyone even if the Four Seasons seems a bit over the top, there are plenty of other places to stay nearby that are reasonably priced. The game drives are just incredible as you are driving down the road, and you look on you left and there are ten giraffes 20 feet away and then you look to the right and there are 3 elephants 30 yards away. Just unbelievable.
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Flew in to Kilimanjaro Airport late, around 10:30pm and had a driver take us to the Arusha Coffee Lodge for the night. This was a pretty nice resort and I think if we had more time, would have taken their coffee tour. Then caught the bush plane over to Seronera where our game driver picked us up. He had a bush picnic set up for us upon arrival. We then drove to the resort which took about an hour, but we were able to see elephants, a cheetah, tons of antelope and African buffalo.
We then participated in a walking safari which I thought was a really cool experience. I'm a hunter, so I know about tracks and whatnot, but these guys went into great detail. We had a small heard of African buffalo that we were able to observe and then had a leopard jump down out of a tree that none of us had seen about 100 yards away. Luckily, there are two game wardens with AK-47s on the walk with you. At the end of the walk, we had opted for the Bush dinner. They had a table set up for my wife and me with our own chef and a preset menu. All of the food we had was amazing.
The next day, we did an all day game drive in the Serengeti and saw basically everything except the Black rhino. We came upon a group of lions that had made a fresh kill. The three males had finished eating when we got to the site, but the lioness was still feasting on the buffalo. There was a large group of hyenas that started to close in and they actually shared the carcass with the lioness. Unreal. Another Bush picnic, and then the afternoon game drive.
The next day, we did an all day game drive to the Ngorongoro Crater. While on the way there, we came across the Great Migration. I had an idea of what to expect from what I've read and the pictures I've seen but neither of those do it justice. Just literally as far as the eye could see in all directions were zebras, antelopes, wildebeests, and warthogs (pumbas). I'll include a couple of pictures. We had the opportunity to stop at the Maasai Tribe village and see their traditional dance and to visit the inside of their hut. Talk about being appreciative for what we have. My bathroom at home is larger than their entire hut which consists of two tiny beds made of mud and sticks and a tiny kitchen that just has a few rocks for the fireplace. In the crater, we were able to see all of the same animals in addition to some flamingos and the elusive black rhino.
The next day we did the hot air balloon safari first thing In the morning. This was a really interesting perspective of observing the animals from above. Saw some elephants, fox, buffalo, antelope. Had a bush brunch after and then just relaxed at the hotel. The nice part about the hotel, is the giant watering hole just behind the swimming pool. Due to this being the wet season and the Serengeti was very green due to all the rain, we didn't get to observe any of the animals at the site but they usually have elephants and zebras regularly.
This is definitely a trip I would recommend for everyone even if the Four Seasons seems a bit over the top, there are plenty of other places to stay nearby that are reasonably priced. The game drives are just incredible as you are driving down the road, and you look on you left and there are ten giraffes 20 feet away and then you look to the right and there are 3 elephants 30 yards away. Just unbelievable.
[/url][/img] [/url][/img] [/url][/img] [/url][/img] [/url][/img] [/url][/img] [/url][/img] [/url][/img] re: How to book a safari
Posted by Bringingthepain on 12/26/22 at 12:51 pm to montana
We are going to Tanzania and doing some all day game drives through the Four Seasons Serengeti in about 2.5 weeks. It is pricey, but as others have stated, you will get what you pay for. We will have all day game drives several days plus a hot air balloon safari.
I also have looked at the travel group/company Globus. Have travelled with them before and they do an excellent job from meals to lodging to knowledgeable guides. I figured it would be insane price wise, however for a 9 day safari, all meals, all lodging, and airfare and the total was approximately $8000 per person. Tried to read recent reviews, but couldn’t find too many. Most were at least 8 years old and talked about being in cramped vans with poor ventilation for the game drives. Did find it odd that they don’t include many photos on their website.
I’ll post some updates when we get back to this thread and the one I started a few months back.
I also have looked at the travel group/company Globus. Have travelled with them before and they do an excellent job from meals to lodging to knowledgeable guides. I figured it would be insane price wise, however for a 9 day safari, all meals, all lodging, and airfare and the total was approximately $8000 per person. Tried to read recent reviews, but couldn’t find too many. Most were at least 8 years old and talked about being in cramped vans with poor ventilation for the game drives. Did find it odd that they don’t include many photos on their website.
I’ll post some updates when we get back to this thread and the one I started a few months back.
re: Sedona
Posted by Bringingthepain on 11/26/22 at 1:52 pm to FriscoTiger
Highly recommend Boynton Canyon Trail for a view from Subway Cave. We did this about a month and a half ago.
re: Four Seasons Serengeti
Posted by Bringingthepain on 9/11/22 at 11:29 am to Big Scrub TX
What did y'all do in terms of tipping staff? (mainly thinking about safari guides). Did y'all convert money or use USD?
re: Four Seasons Serengeti
Posted by Bringingthepain on 9/9/22 at 8:44 pm to CheesyF
We are flying Atlanta->Amsterdam->Kilimanjaro. Then a small plane from Arusha to Seronera. On the way back, small plane from Seronera to Kilimanjaro->Dar Es Salaam->Amsterdam->Atlanta.
re: Four Seasons Serengeti
Posted by Bringingthepain on 9/9/22 at 8:41 pm to ynlvr
Based on the maps I have looked at, the Great Migration will be in the southern Serengeti in January, so hopefully we will get to witness it.
re: Four Seasons Serengeti
Posted by Bringingthepain on 9/5/22 at 9:25 pm to Big Scrub TX
Wow! Thanks so much for all the info. There is an all day game drive in the Serengeti that we have looked at doing and based on where the Great Migration will be during that time of the year, I think we will be booking it. Have done some research on mosquitos and recommended repellents and clothing. I'll think some more on this and get back to you. Again thanks!
Four Seasons Serengeti
Posted by Bringingthepain on 8/28/22 at 10:11 pm
Has anyone been? We are going in January and trying to determine which game drives and other activities to do and others to avoid? Right now, planning on a half day game drive, a walking safari, all day game drive to the Ngorongoro crater, and a hot air balloon safari. Will plan to do one of their "bush dinners." Any other thoughts or input?
re: Bahamas - Family Trip
Posted by Bringingthepain on 8/1/22 at 9:04 pm to GITiger66
We did this trip in early 2018. We traveled to Black Point and rented 2 cottages (2 families, one with elementary age kids) and loved it. I believe the cottages were through "Ida's Cottages". Highly recommend renting golf carts as I don't recall much else in the way of transportation. The cottages are just North of the large bay on the Western side of the island. There are a few restaurants on the island, others are a short boat ride away. There was a little old lady that would make fresh bread daily and you just knock on her door and go into her kitchen and she will sell you whatever kind you want. The supply boat had not come for a week or more while we were there, so some supplies were scarce on island but we had no problems finding them when we traveled to other spots, specifically Staniel Cay. I think I paid something like $60 for a case of beer. There are beaches on Black Point that are essentially untouched and easily accessible by golf cart. There is large blowhole on the Eastern side of the island not far from the cottages. There is a guide named "Booboo" that will take you fishing and he has all the gear. We rented a boat and traveled North to Pig Beach and Iguana Beach. We also just pulled up to random islands to hang out during the day. This was a trip that I would do again in a heartbeat, one of the most relaxing ones I've been on.
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