Ok... so I must start by saying that YES I would definitely do this tour again (although probably not for $200! But I must also say that our tour experience was awesome because... are you ready for this????? Joe Rohde was on our 10 am tour on Sunday, January 16!!!! So will the experience EVER be the same for us??? No way!
But I MUST be fair... the tour was exceptional... especially now at $129 for the 3 hours. We started by getting geared up and then did a practice bridge crossing to be sure we could work our safety equiptment correctly and that our harnesses fit just right. Then we enjoyed a cup of hot cocoa as we introduced ourselves to eachother. Upon our return I noticed that they had "Jungle juice" out versus the hot cocoa.
We then started out through Africa and into Pangani out past the gorillas. All the while our knowledgable tour guides were telling us everything they could about the animals and setting the story for the Trek. We were allowed to take small cameras that could be tethered to our harnesses and fit in our pocket. We were not allowed to take our cell phones if they couldn't be tethered. And yes... Joe Rohde was taking pictures too!
We then snuck into the "jungle" through a gate just passed the meer cats and we were off on our trekking experience. We dangled out over the hippos (twice) making them mad... that was really cool! Then off again on our adventure towards the old bridge... since the new bridge built for the tour was destroyed (all part of the storyline). We popped out just before the
crocs and crossed the two suspension bridges! That was very cool too. And I am so glad that Joe Rodhe told me to take our time crossing them, enjoy our experience and take in the spectacular views! I sure did just that! Our guides served as our photopass photographers and surely seemed to be catching the experience for everyone!
Then, after our close encounter with the crocs we were off to our truck to enjoy the safari. It was great! We kept pulling over and getting lots of info and time along the way to take photos. Just after the elephants we pulled up to the newly constructed pavillion for our lunch which was nicely presented. Lunch was nice... but it was the fact that we were sitting in the middl of the savannah watching elephants and giraffes and all else out there close up and with the provided binoculars that was spectacular!! After a half hour of enjoying this overlook area we took a group photo and were back in our tour truck and delivered safely back to base camp.
We gathered together to recollect ourselves and head over together to vote for which animal... big cats, rhinos or elephants or the general fund would get a portion of our money we paid for the tour. We voted with stones. We also received our photopass card and a prinout with a coupon for the purchase of our CD to be free.
Ths was a great experience... but I know that our tour with Joe Rodhe may never quite be matched!!! And the fact that I met him and had photos taken with him is just a dream come true!
The introductory period just happened to coincide with a trip I already had planned and we just decided to bite the bullet and do it!
He's a class act!!
