Posts by Puma2A

un troupeau d'impalas (enfin!!! ) ... je rigole, ils sont communs mais si gracieux; J'adore les regarder "vivre" (en plus, on est tranquille parce que les gens qui passent se disent "Roooh, encore des impalas! Pas la peine de s'arrêter, on en a déjà vu plein!" ).

Bonsoir, je partage pleinement votre avis . Je fais stopper le véhicule très souvent pour les Impalas ce qui étonne les chauffeurs, mais ils finissent par comprendre . J'adore en particulier les Mâles Adolescents qui ont encore des cornes courtes et droites . Au fait pas vu d'Impalas à face noire au Kruger ?? Merci pour cette suite . Puma.

Happy birthday, and many happy returns.

You confirm (and reassure me) why I don’t do safari driving. (And never will). Thanks for the whole story.

Puma2A

Hi Muriel, Just FYI:

Tata is a VERY large Indian industrial group, present in aeronautics, telecommunications, steelmaking, and more...

They’re also a manufacturer of passenger and commercial vehicles, owners of Jaguar, Land Rover, and they finalized the acquisition of Iveco in October 2026.

Take care.

Hi,

And the French version for a French-language forum... please??

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Good evening J.P.,

It was on our itinerary five years ago, but we couldn’t make it happen. Still, I spent a long time researching to find what would suit us: vast wild spaces, nature just as wild and varied, from the sea to glaciers... and so on. And I quickly came to the conclusion that it would be only... the South Island!!

In 15 days, don’t expect to see everything—focus on a few highlights that match WHAT YOU’RE looking for. It’s clear that (just like any trip, anywhere!) you need to really focus on YOUR expectations and desires, not just what everyone else usually "does." Don’t forget—it’s YOUR trip. For me, what everyone else calls a must-see doesn’t matter. What matters is YOU and what YOU’RE drawn to.

I hope you make great choices and have a wonderful trip. Best regards,

Puma2A

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I don’t take any of your advice into account. You set your camera to burst mode and have no idea about my actual work. I don’t know if you’re familiar with the place or the shooting conditions, but I’ll do without your advice. Nice not having to read you anymore.

And yet, there’s a lot to say about your photos that could help you improve. It’s not using burst mode that makes for great shots... (When I go on safari, I NEVER use burst mode.)

By refusing the advice offered, you’re not going to improve. Too bad for you!! That said, there are good books to learn from. And at the Pont de Gau, you can go often—there’s always something to photograph.

Cheers, Puma2A

Hi,

Health insurance, which is mandatory, is also "in service" in Kenya. It's no longer possible to get the ETA (a disguised visa) without also paying for the mandatory health insurance....

For once, Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Kenya have identical or equivalent procedures...!!

AFRICA IS UNPREDICTABLE....!!! (an expression that was drilled into me by a native Namibian...!)

PUMA2A

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Well, great.

If I’m not mistaken, in Tanzania, it’s only for Zanzibar, whereas Kenya imposes it across its entire territory.

Might as well call it a $70 visa and allow people to get it at the border instead of these delaying tactics.

Hello,

Oh, NO!!!

In mainland Tanzania, just like in Zanzibar, there’s now—since about three weeks ago, I think—a MANDATORY insurance requirement!?? (With an added complicated rule depending on whether you arrive via Zanzibar or the mainland...) The circle is complete. I completely agree with you about calling it an ETA instead of a disguised visa. And there’s no way to avoid it—it’s paid with the visa fees. No insurance, no visa...

All this after they seriously increased entry fees for reserves a year ago...!!

You said it—tourist = cash cow or US$ milking machine! Hard to imagine this won’t impact visitor numbers... eventually, the rope’s gonna snap...

Cheers,

Puma2A

Hello,

To read:

📋 Yes, travel insurance is now mandatory in the ETA application. Since October 6, 2026, the official Kenyan ETA portal directly includes a step to subscribe to mandatory government travel insurance for travelers required to obtain an ETA, even if you already have your own medical and repatriation insurance. This insurance adds an official extra cost of $44 plus payment fees of $8, totaling $52 on top of the ETA. The ETA application cannot be completed without paying for this insurance on the portal.

In the end, Kenya followed the Tanzanian "model".....!!

One more piece of good news.... Regards.

Puma2A

November 2022, the heat fueled by "El Niño" was scorching southern Tanzania.... The shade was sparse but oh-so-welcome for them too..!!







Dilemma: do we stay in the shade or make a run for it???



They stayed put.... Thanks to them.

Puma2A

Hello, Vehicles used on safari in southern Tanzania's reserves (here by Lake Manze in Selous), with sun protection from thick canvas...



Puma2A

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Hello,

Now that you’ve—presumably—returned, maybe you could give us a little recap of your trip?! Cheers.

Puma2A

... I didn’t think you could get that close to an elephant.

Hello, Of course, with some animals, it’s best to strictly follow the "jungle trail code"... .... 😏 😉 ...





Only 10 months to go!!

Cheers.

Puma2A

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Just so you know, I’m just as allergic to "social media" as I am to pseudo-influencers. I steer clear of both.

I’m happy to help with requests, like choosing reserves in Kenya or Tanzania, to the best of my limited knowledge (which is pretty limited).

But some choices are personal or private, and I don’t want to give advice or opinions on those. That’s my personal freedom.

Your persistence on this topic comes across as... well, provocative and even obsessive to me, don’t you think?!?!

Plus, I’ve often said—on this forum too—that "I don’t claim to have any absolute truth."

Best,

Puma2A

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Good evening,

I have no intention whatsoever of becoming an "influencer" .... 😏 Everyone "owns" their choices and makes the most of their trips.

Glad Rotsaka (whom I thank) understood the meaning of my messages!! Cheers. And have a great trip.

Puma2A

Hello everyone,

The posts I’ve shared above about "El Niño" this year are (only) for INFORMATIONAL purposes, aimed at anyone interested in or affected by the topic.

I’m not here to tell any reader what they should do!! Everyone makes their own choices about travel or vacation spots, and does so at their own discretion.

I have no advice to offer regarding "El Niño" forecasts (to anyone). Best regards,

Puma