I had a wonderful trip and thoroughly enjoyed both lodges. I never expected to see as many animals as I did, nor to get as close to them.
Simbavati was wonderfully situated along the riverbank and we woke the first morning to see an elephant wandering down to the water. That incident was the first real “We are not in Kansas anymore” moment. Within our first 24 hours we were extremely lucky enough to see all of the “Big 5”, and and a pair of cheetahs. By the end of our stay there we had also seen hyenas, wild dogs, crocodiles, hippos, the list goes on. Even though I had seen most of the what I had wanted to see before we left Simbavati, I was still excited to see them again. Arathusa was just the icing on the cake. Again we were lucky to see all the animals I had hoped to view. Having seen them already did not diminish my enjoyment at all. I loved sitting on the deck in the time between outings to view the animals coming to the watering hole.
Seeing a parade of 13 elephants drinking and rolling in the water was magical. Saying that I was lucky to see all those animals in no way detracts from the skills of our guides and trackers. When Vuyani and Diff (from Simbavati) first spotted the cheetahs, their excitement was visible and infectious.
Before I even knew what we were “hunting”, I was excited. I can easily say the same for Phil and Rufus at Arathusa. Sighting the wild dogs and seeing their eagerness to share the experience with us, made the viewing even more enjoyable. I am not sure how they could see the tracks and signs from the vehicle. Even when they pointed them out, it bewilders me how they can see it while we are moving, but that’s why I am not working as a guide or tracker.
The atmosphere a Simabavati was definitely more casual but still very professional while Arathusa was a bit more upscale, though not uncomfortably so. When the chef came out to announce the menu for lunch, I was wondering if we were expected to “dress” for dinner. It was reassuring to find that we did not since I hadn’t packed much more than outdoor clothing.
The food at both places was wonderful and I ate too much and exercised too little. I’ll be trying to make up for that now that I am home.
Thank you for setting up this vacation for me. It literally was the trip of a lifetime and I am presently the envy of all my friends and family.
Sincerely, Katy Driscoll
