Travel Snaps

Sydney Morning Herald

Thursday November 27, 2008

Marc Christowski. Marc Christowski is a Sydney-based concert promoter. His children (from left, James, Anna and Isobel) are pictured above.

Where did you go and when?

My family - wife Margie, children Isobel, 15, James, 13, and Anna, 8 - and I went to Kenya and Zambia in January. We flew to Johannesburg then took a connecting flight to Nairobi. We spent 2 1/2 weeks staying in tented camps in Kenya. We later travelled to Zambia - flying to Livingstone, near Victoria Falls. We spent two days there before flying back to Sydney.

Where did you stay?

In Kenya we stayed in private tented camps. Our first stop was Tortilis Camp in the Amboseli National Park at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. The area is teeming with hippos, lions and elephants. We then took a charter flight to Lemarti's Camp, in the central highlands, where we tracked an elephant on foot, danced with Samburu warriors and swam in the river. Both camps were amazing. Our "tent" was more like a luxury hotel room, with ensuites, comfy beds and a veranda. The total cost (per adult) for the whole trip was about $20,000, including food and drink. In Zambia we stayed at the Zambezi Sun Hotel (doubles from $640), which overlooks Victoria Falls, for four days.

Where did you shop?

If you don't get to the local markets, the stall owners will come to you. Each area has its own specialties - from the Masai's beaded jewellery to the wonderful carved wooden animals, including the two-metre tall giraffe every tourist carries home.

What did you eat and drink?

We ate lots. Food in most of the camps includes fantastic barbecues and lots of fresh salads. Food is geared to the European palate. Local food consists of maize and meat. Each camp has a chef. We mostly drank ginger beer (for the kids) and Tusker beer (for me).

What were the highlights?

Visiting the local Masai people in their tiny cow dung huts. Their homes are kept in immaculate condition by very proud, jewellery-clad women. Other highlights include being drenched by the spray at Victoria Falls and enjoying sundowners on a kopje (small hill) while watching herds of elephants make their way to the foothills of a majestic mountain range.

What was the weather like?

Perfect - 28C each day with cool to cold early mornings and evenings.

What advice would you give to those planning a visit?

Talk to a travel agent who specialises in African safaris, take lots of American dollars in small denominations for tipping and check government travel advice.

How would you sum it up in a few words?

Our most exhilarating and memorable family holiday ever.

Facts about Kenya and Zambia

How to get there Qantas and South African Airways fly to Johannesburg five times a week. Return economy fares start from $2430, including taxes. From Johannesburg there are connecting flights to Kenya and Zambia.

Best time to go Kenya's southern highlands and coastal lowlands have a wet season March-May and November-December. Temperatures range from high 20Cs to low 30Cs throughout the year.

Immunisation Malaria, yellow fever, cholera, hepatitis and tuberculosis are all prevalent. Seek medical advice before travelling.

Do I need a visa? Australian passport holders require visas to enter both Kenya and Zambia. Visas, which cost $63 each, are available on arrival.

Further information The Classic Safari Company (109 Queen Street, Woollahra) specialises in safaris to Africa, India and South America. Phone: 9327 0666.

Been somewhere interesting? Email your travel snaps to editorthesydneymagazine@smh.com.au. Published submissions will win a 12-month subscription to Travel+Leisure, Australia's leading travel magazine.

© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald

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