whaich animals on which savannas? About This Page:

[ariel1]

i'm afraid everyone is going to get sick of my akl questions, but i have another. is there a resource online that lists which animals are on which svannas? i would love to know in advance, so i can make an informed room request. thanks a lot!

[mattjs]

I never get sick of talking about AKL [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

If you look at the the resort map the lodge is sorta shaped like a "U". There are three savannahs total. Facing the map, Sunset Savannah is to left (outside of the "U"), Arusha is the big oval one in the middle, and Uzima is on the right (outside of the "U"). All three essentially have animals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The "essentially" being that each savannah is empty for about one, 2-hour stretch at some point during the day. They rotate it though so there are at least 2 savannahs with animals all the the time. Aestheticaly we liked Arusha best. We though it had the most natural feel. Though that's being pretty picky cause they're all great.

The animals do vary a little from savannah to savannah. Giraffe are on all three so no worries there. I know the Zebra are only on Arusha, I think the Ostrich are only on Sunset and the Kudu may only be on Uzima. They give you a great animal viewing guide at check-in that has a little picture of each animal with a physical description and the kind of behavior you might see from that particular species. It's awesome.

[goofy4goofy]

Hi Lisa! We just returned from a fabulous trip at the AKL! It was so breathtakingly beautiful!!!! I'd recommend this resort to anyone!

I saved all my stuff they give you at checkin and while staying at the resort. I also have a ton of pics. If you'd like me to scan them and send you them, I'd gladly do it!!! (for instance, I have the animal checklist, resort map, etc....). Also, if anyone else would like me to send it to them as well, please PM me or email me!!! (kmchar1@yahoo.com)

Kelly [img]graemlins/usa.gif[/img]

[goofy4goofy]

Thanks Lisa! That picture is of my son, but it's a few months old. He turned 2 on April 18th. He's my little sweetheart!

He was 25 months when we went to AKL (May 9-May 19th 2003). He had a BLAST. And I do mean, blast!!! I think he had a better time than the rest of us (four adults: Grammy, Grandpa, Uncle Bryan and Mommy)!!!

The balconies are perfect for the little kids. There really isn't a fear of them "falling through" the slats. Alex absolutely loved pointing out all the animals everyday and night. He especially loved the giraffes (we all did).

The pool is great for kids too! It's zero entry so they are free to go in as far as they feel comfortable with. Alex loved wading in up to his neck and then walking back up to the top. He went from a kid who hates baths, to a little water baby with this trip! lol There is also a slide (but there is a height requirement I believe). Alex was too short for this (and the water is too deep for him there anyway). It did look like fun though! There is a small kiddie pool that's perfect for the little ones as well! There are a few tables too to provide shade around this pool. And you don't have to worry about bringing beach towels, as the hotel provides them down at the pool.

I don't know about your kids, but mine is a picky eater. The Mara (the quick service place) is right near the pool area and actually provided a lot of "kid friendly" foods. Alex was able to get fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, kids meals, snacks etc...The refillable mug program is great as well!! I highly recommend this for resort guests who drink a lot of soft drinks. (We didn't buy one for Alex, he's a big milker and juice drinker, but the adults each had one). The mugs more than paid for themselves by the third day (we're big soda drinkers, unfortunately).

There are a number of activities at the AKL. We, personally, didn't get to do them..but I hear they are a lot of fun. For instance, there is storytelling night everynight at the firepit, lobby tours, cookie making activities, pool activities...etc. The cast members from Africa were extremely friendly to talk to and will share their wealth of knowledge of Africa. Very interesting!!! Out at Arusha Rock there is always a cast member waiting and willing to talk about the animals..they even have night vision goggles for you to see the animals at night!!!

The Zwandi Marketplace is the resort shop, and it's a good one! Not only does it sell everyday souveniers, it also sells real African arts and crafts (and clothing, jewelry, etc). By the way, milk was cheaper here than it was in The Mara (same containers and everything).

There are many overlooks throughout the resort to see the animals. Take advantage of these!!! It was amazing how many different animals we saw by exploring the resort's viewing areas.

Please feel free to ask me as many questions as you like...I loved the resort and love talking about it!! I'm sending you some pictures and stuff I saved from the trip Lisa!!! If anyone else would like me to email them as well, let me know!!! I'd be happy to do it!!!

I'll be posting my trip report soon!

Kelly [img]graemlins/usa.gif[/img]

[ariel1]

thanks so much, kelly! i've sent you an e-mail. by the way, how old is your (adorable!) son? how did he enjoy the resort? we have 2 girls that will be 5 and 2 1/2 on the upcoming trip. again, a [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] big thanks!

[chezp]

Kelly, your description of AKL sounds wonderful. We're planning on going there next year as well and I can't wait now to read your trip report. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]