FUN-photos: A&K Private Jet Wild Life Safari – Madagascar & Rwanda
December 29, 2022 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-photos: A&K Private Jet Wild Life Safari – Madagascar & Rwanda
Jaipur to Madagascar – 7 hrs – gain 2.5 hrs – Ravintsara Wellness Center – 2 nights
5 am wakeup for 6:30 motor coach back to airport, arriving 11 am.
Not so FF – India Immigration is total SS! Both entering and leaving the country.
Arrive Nosy Be 4 pm – 1 hr bus ride to the “best hotel” but only 3*
Day 1 – 7:30 bus to 1 hr boat ride to Lemur Island for the “leaping, loving little guys” with lunch at remote rustic beach resort. Locals out in full force playing music, singing, and dancing. Dinners included cultural shows.
Madagascar to Rwanda – 3.5 hrs – gain 1 hr – One & Only Gorillas Nest – 3 nights
Take 3 hr jeep ride up the winding mountain road – this hotel is 5*++ over the top and got upgraded to a suite! And includes both indoor and outdoor showers and bathtubs overlooking the forest.
Day 1 – 8 am short jeep drive to village – trek for 2 km up narrow rocky, rooted, rutted path thru farmland – Volcanoes National Park has rock wall and steps over are rickety tree limbs, then only a short 5-minute walk to see the Golden Monkeys. We get to spend 1 hr before we trek back – 4hrs total
Day 2 – 8 am short drive to same village – trek for 2 km up different narrow rocky, rooted, rutted path thru farmland (like yesterday) with the addition of cows and sheep – entrance to park has some flat wood nailed to tree limbs so easier – only short walk to Muhoza Gorilla family of 21 gorillas – 1 silverback male, 11 females, 10 kids including babies – 1 hr with them 4.5 hrs total. And like the Oberois the service and entertainment were over the top!
FUN-fact: We have local guides who carry our bags and hold our hands to keep us steady.
More FF: – My name is drawn to land plane in Rwanda! How dare Chris suggest that Xena wasn’t around when they pulled the first name for takeoff!
FUN-photos: Hawaiian Islands – Part 2
March 26, 2022 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-photos: Hawaiian Islands – Part 2
5th Stop – more humpback whale watching – breeding season has loads of them out in full force smacking their tails, fins, & breaching. Truly spectacular!
6th Stop – Hawai‘i, the Big Island
Highlights – Captain Cook Bay – filled with corals, sponges, and tropical fishes – some of the best snorkeling I’ve ever had! & Skiff ride exploring the rugged coastline
7th Stop – Hawai‘i, the Big Island – Pu’u Waawaa State Wildlife Sanctuary
Highlights – beach hike & trail to petroglyphs, Kaloko fishpond, bird watching & green sea turtles basking by the shore, & celebrating my birthday!.
8th Stop – Kona, Hawai‘i
Highlights – disembark, grocery shop & get ready to settle into our condo
9th Stop – King’s Landing, Waikoloa Beach
Highlights – spent 6 days exploring the Big Island by car, helicopter over Volcanoes National Park, & Buddha’s Cup Coffee Plantation tour & tasting
FUN-fact – Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cherished cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,681 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa – and is a designated International Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
