Has the turmoil in Kenya affected your travel there?

I'm going in June whatever happens. The only thing that can keep me away is lack of money, and hardly even that.

Just spoke to the Tauck people and they are being very generous with refunding my expenses. They will even reimburse my travel insurance, is that usual? If I book with them again, I am thinking of going to just Tanzania however my 3 month visa will have expired. Tauck said they would reimburse me for a new Visa at the cost of $100 each. Wow!

I had made some personal arrangements such as hotel in Nairobi and flight on Air Kenya, no penalties with those cancellations either.

When I canceled my air booked with FF miles through United they waived the $100 pp fee to put the miles back into my account.

Everyone has been extremely pleasant which makes things a little easier. I am just so disappointed not to be able to go at this time. Right now I am not making plans, some personal things came up so that I can't book immediately but would like to try to go before the March rainy season.
Ilene

ICASH--- where are you currently? I thought you hadn't left yet for your trip but looking at your posts on the other thread it appears that you're already in Africa. Is that right?

Katie, we are going next week for 14 nights. I'm sure we'll be fine in the parks but we are keeping a close eye on troublesome areas in-between parks because we have five drives of 2-6 hours when we xfer between Nairobi and park-to-park.

If something comes up our outfitter says he can cancel part of the trip (say Lake Nakuru, where up to 80 people have died) and rebook that in a calmer area like Masai Mara (really easy now that so many Brits have cancelled), and we can fly between lodges and from Mara to Nairobi instead of driving. But thus far our original plan is still intact.

Bill

I'd also like to pull together several Kenya related threads as we have received email from some readers who may not necessarily frequent the forums who are asking for advice. I'd like to be able to point them to a central document (probably on our news wire) that points to several related threads as obviously the many folks here currently traveling there, living there, or considering traveling to Kenya have a better "finger on the pulse" of the day-to-day.


So far, I planned on including the Kenya Update thread along with threads that are:
-Recent Trip Reports
-Recent threads related to travelers trying to figure out if they should go or not
-Recent threads about travel insurance/refund policies
-Threads related to Kenya itineraries
-And any tip threads
-Threads that include links to pictures

If you feel inclined to help me pull this together, feel free to direct me to any threads that you think would be of interest.

We are leave the 15th, and have not changed any plans at this point. Excited about our first trip, and trusting that all will go well.

I am going with Micato on January 14th. As far as I know.
Jess

Despite many attempts to get Africa Adventure Company to cancel/change our Kenya portion of our trip, they assure us everything is fine...so are going on the 26th. I wish I had booked Tauck if they're so accommodating!
Also, our trip insurance through Travelex does not cover this because Kenya was under a Travel Advisory and excludes civil unrest.

I really am not comfortable going with the level of violence in Kenya right now, and would've preferred to change itineraries. At the least, a partial refund would've been appreciated, not a 100% cancellation penalty.
It bothers me that American tour operators don't seem as concerned with ensuring their clients' safety as the UK tour operators, who extended cancelling their trips through next week.

Katie,
ICASH was supposed to leave today but Tauck informed her of the cancellation yesterday http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35099569

Here are some threads relating to travelers discussing whether they should go or not and whether to alter their itineraries:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35098122

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35097276

Here are links to Kennedy's (a Nairobi tour operator) updates:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35097276

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35097952

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35099295

Third party travel insurance generally doesn't cover cancellation due to civil unrest/riots (except the "cancel for any reason" policies which are more costly and have deductibles), so it's usually up to the tour operator to offer refunds or postponement. From reading recent posts, it seems most airlines are being pretty good about fee waivers for changing dates or redepositing miles.

We're still leaving on the 26th.

Sorry, this is the correct link to Kennedy's first update http://www.fodors.com/forums/threadselect.jsp?fid=4&tid=35097665

Thanks so much Patty for those links. That will be a huge help.

Barefoot...I'm sorry for your predicament..hopefully reports here will assuage your fears a bit. Fingers crosses for sure.

CNN has a good article that discusses the topic:
http://edition.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/01/10/kenya.tourism.ap/

I'm planning to go and very excited about the trip. I now know a lot more about Kenya that I anticipated and look forward to seeing the country and meeting the people.

I'm still planning to leave on Jan. 16th arriving in NBO on the 17th. Sharing the plane ride from AMS to NBO with Local2542.

I have been trying to change my itinerary from 3 nights at Little Governors and 2 nights at IL Moran to all 5 at Little Governors from Feb. 2nd-7th. I was hoping it would clear. (I'm still hoping!)

That tells me that people aren't canceling at the Governor's Camps. So things can't be all that bad!

My trip to Kenya isn't until September. I'm still planning to go, but several people who were planning to go with me have cooled to the idea, as they see all the news reports. I think that, while there are still travelers going (especially those of us who have been to Africa before), a lot of others will go elsewhere for some time to come. Going to Africa for first-timers can be a bit intimidating as it is, and the current spate of news reports are causing concern and fear in some.

I agree with ShayTay that to many first-timers, going to "Africa" is a rather intimidating experience.

I hope so much that all this turmoil this can be resolved peacefully--and justly. I do also hope that all the Kenyans who have worked so hard to make their country a palatable tourist destination aren't left high and dry. Hope #3: That travelers are safe and able to enjoy their holidays.

Umm...what was the question again, Katie?

Divewop,
I'm going to miss you by one day at Little Governors...we leave there on Feb. 2nd...would've been fun to connect with another Fodorite!

Barefootbeach,
I'm getting a negative perception of Africa Adventure Company seeing as how you are clearly nervous about the Kenya portion of your trip. Seems like it's better business to accommodate you, like
Tauck, evewn if they're not officially canceling the trip. Whether they think "everything's fine" is beside the point to me. Am I being unfair or are there other circumstances I'm not aware of?
Leslie

Barefoot-
IMHO, AAC knows what they're doing. If they thought there was an imminent risk, they'd pull you outta there. I seriously doubt there's anything to worry about.

If it's your first time there, you'll really love it. I've been staying at the Gov's camps since '03.

I thought for a minute maybe we'd see each other in passing but I'll be flying in from the Serengeti that day so I probably won't arrive until the latter flight in the day.

I hope you get to see the resident bull ele who frequents the camp on a regular basis. Last year he even came up to the lounge during cocktail hour. I love that guy!

If you want a good guide/driver ask for Samuel, the elder. (There is a younger one.) He usually drives from the main Gov's camp but if you request him they'll pull him over. Just don't wear him out before I get there as I've already put in my request for him!!

Hey divewop, remember when you get back after your great safari you owe us a report on how all those lenses worked out for you I've been to Lil Gov camp once, 2006, and would absolutely like/plan to go back.

regards - tom

Barefootbeach, I doubt that AAC could get any kind of refund from the Kenyan companies at this late date, so you would lose your money if you canceled. It's not AAC's place to "eat" your costs if you cancel because you are nervous about going. I think they are just trying to help you out so that you don't lose your money and so that you can have a great safari. There have been no problems in the tourist areas of Kenya, so far, so the Kenyan companies would have no reason to refund you. Is this your first trip to Africa? As I said previously, the thought of traveling there can be intimidating until you've done it for a while.

As for the travel advisory to Kenya, I think there has been one in place for almost 10 years, about which Kenya regularly complains.

OK, Tom, you got a deal. I'll report on the lens but not a trip report! How's that work for ya?! I'm terrible with trip reports, as most of you know by now!

ShayTay-
Wasn't it you who did a mobile with Kibo? I'm doing 5 nights with them in the Serengeti. Who were the guides you recommended?

Topping for today; thanks everybody for posting your thoughts. I'll follow up with something later.

I just received this email this morning from my contact at the Governor's Camps in Kenya. Thought you guys might be interested.

"...All seems to be calming down in Kenya now - and despite many cancellations, the bookings are still coming in, which is great. Majority of the Kenyans deplore the violence that has taken place. And whilst the incidents were localized, were contained by the security forces, and are no-where near our areas of operation the whole situation has been totally distressing. Like you I hate conflict - and it's all the more horrid when it happens in your home country! We are all hoping for a swift and peaceful resolution so that Kenya can recover well from all of these disturbances......"

So those of you traveling to the camps in and around the Mara should have some peace of mind now.

I'll post this as well on the updates from the ground thread.

Hi Divewop,

I've had some great guides with Kibo:

Allen Mnyenye, who also oversaw the building of some of the Tanganyika properties like the Farmhouse, Marmaboi Camp, and Lake Burungi Camp. Allen is a great guide in terms of teaching you about all aspects of Tanzania, great spotting capabilities, and has been to the US, so he has an understanding of Americans.

Peter Njau, who was our lead guide in June. He was always looking for ways to make our visit special, such as taking us to a Maasai village that hadn't had visitors before. He had been talking to the head man for a couple of months and chose our group for that first visit. We spent over three hours there, which included an hour long Q&A session with the women of the village.

Godliving Limo, who was our second guide in June. He's a delightful young man who would also be a great guide for you if Allen or Peter is booked.

Katie,
You asked where I am, not in Africa is the answer. Tauck cancelled on Wed morning, we were leaving Thursday evening. First time I unpacked a suitcase and ALL the clothes were clean.

Spent the day yesterday cancelling arrangements. Everyone waived their fees except Air Kenya. They charged $50 for a short, cheap flight from Nairobi to Arusha. I emailed them to complain, we'll see what happens. Although either Tauck or Berkeley travel insurance will pick up that fee anyway, it's the principle of it being charged that bothers me.

Advice to anyone planning a major trip, take out travel insurance, the kind where you can cancel for any reason. Yes, it is expensive but it's worth it.

Jess, what's happening with Micato?
Ilene

I'm back to wondering if I'll be able to go to Kenya in February as the opposition party has called for 3 days of protests next week.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ghRDzZMEChTsvK79eT46jXgpsRaQD8U3QUS81

That's not a good sign of things to come.

We still plan to go this summer. I hope everything has calmed down by then! If not, then things really are bad.

Divewop,
I am decidedly not a nervous traveler, but I would view with skepticism the statement that things are calming down, esp. coming form people who stand to lose money from cancellations. Of course people decry the violence, we all do. But that's not to say you won't have problems. It's just that nobody knows right now. I've been carefully reading reports from the big newspapers, and things are very iffy right now. The negotiators have left the country, and new waves of rioting threaten to break out.
Whether to go is a very personal decision. But I can understand people not wanting to be put in harm's way on their expensive holiday. The situation shouldn't be sugar-coated by people in the business.

Kofi Annan is supposed to arrive next week to mediate between Kibaki and Odingo. We'll see how that goes. Odingo has called for rallies before, then cancelled them.

As for "sugarcoating" reports, there could be some of that, but the situation is different for tourists than for locals. If you live in Kibera, yes, you have to be on your guard. That was true even before the elections. If you're a tourist in the Masai Mara, you're not in danger. That's what the people in Kenya are trying to communicate.

LAleslie,
I didn't mean to give a negative impression of Africa Adventure Company...yes, I wish they would've changed countries for us, but I do understand that they've already paid their operators over there and would be out of the money. They have been very diligent in calling and assuring us their contacts indicate that all should go well. I have to trust their judgement, because they are a very reputable company, and yes, I'm a first-timer to Africa who prior to this was merely worried about being devoured by a lion as I slept (altho I read one explanation for why they don't enter the tents is that they don't have any hands/fingers to open the zipper!)
Given that, I still think there's a good chance for the violence to escalate out of control, especially in Nairobi. It feels like we're voluntarily going into a war zone, from all the international news reports...it's certainly not just the US media...and I'm as far from being a soldier as possible!
If old tribal tensions have been smoldering for years, who says that even some reconciliation regarding the elections will dampen their appetite for violence...although I did love the report that the looters returned stolen goods in Mombassa because of a witchcraft curse. Plus, how can retaliation by the family and friends of those hacked/burned to death not take place? Anyway...we're going and hopefully we'll return to write a trip report.
Divewop,
Thanks so much for the guide/driver recommendation. We'll go easy on him. How did you request him ahead of time...through their website or through your tour arranger?

LAleslie-
No doubt, I can understand people's hesitation, especially the newbies who have never traveled there before.

I have to disagree with the statement that the camps and lodges would sugarcoat the unrest because of cancellations and how it would affect their business.

My friends who have lived in Kenya for years and run camps wouldn't purposely sugarcoat anything or make anything sound better than it is, jeopardizing the lives of tourists for the almighty dollar. I know them too well. The collateral damage from "sugarcoating" would do more harm than good in the long run.

People will make their own decision on whether or not to go. I'm just trying to tell the other side of the story by sharing what my friends and acquaintances over there are telling me.

I'm probably not going to report in even if I do have access to a computer, because nothing I can say will change anyone's mind. Those who still want to go, will go. Those who won't, won't.

Our Kenya trip leaving 19th Jan has been changed to Tanzania. Hopefully the others in our small group will agree to the change.

I mentioned on the other thread about waiting for an email from a young Kenyan man (friend of a friend) living in Nairobi. He works in the tourism industry. Here is what he wrote to me yesterday (Jan 10th):

Greetings,

It is true that the western media has done what they are good at, paint the wrong image, or exagarate some of the stories and manupulate them to imply what they want. The killings were real but now calm has returned in most of places.

Not all countries have issued travel warnings. Canada happens to be one of those, but this does not mean its all calm.

Mayfair holiday Inn, is safe given its located in City Center and next to Israel Embassy, even in normal times, its always guarded heavly..So Mayfair takes advantage for its location.

Going by land to Mount Kenya will be safe to my knowldge. Given its Kikuyu area dominated.

Road to Nakuru, many people are telling me is not safe yet, for example many vihicles are escorted by the police or miltary..Not a good touristic mood..

The way to Samburu too will not be advisable. Also, one can advise that Eldorel where most of people have died is some hours from Nakuru! Flying to Massai Mara will be safe.

Yes, the tention is everywhere, but some areas are more sensitive than others, mostly outside Nairobi.

Personal Opinion: Part of my business in East Africa and South Africa region is to design and find holidays for my clients from differents parts of the World. At a situation like this, I advised all my clients to postponed their holidays till at least there is a political solution to the crisis. Others were able to divert other safaris in neighboring countries, eg Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda. But those are few...This is to reduce the security risk..

Many flights coming into Kenya are empty, and those leaving fully booked. Those were some of the indicators that made me conclude that Its better to forgo money. The two politicians have not met yet, we dont know if they are meeting on Friday yet. There are many mediators here, including former heads of States in Africa. But we dont know what will happen.

While I understand the excitment you have to travel to a new destination for holiday and having planned it ahead, it maybe advisable to consider all kinds of situations that may happen. Therefore, I will point out for your some questions to debate as you take a decision:

1. Given that there is no political dialogue or agreement, What if riots errupt again while you are here? Near or far from where you will be enjoying your holiday? How will that make you feel?

2. There is a humaniterian Crisis in different parts of the country, are you ready to read these in the newspapers and expose your mind to this kind of suffering while you are on holiday? Since you suggest it maybe viewed as being selfish. Its about you, few here will care and if they did they will not make contact with you...

3. Are you in a position to come and ignore all that is going on?Just do the headline but switch off and focus on your holiday and your photography?

4. How many people are you travelling with and are they aware of this situation and can be comfortable to predict how they would be affected if the situation creates a higher tention? Are there children in the group and how will you protect their innocent opinion so that you dont have to explain the complexity of the situation and ensure their sheltered hearts are not affected?

5. Are you able to postponed your travels or what is the tour company advise? Or what will be the cost if you re-schedule?

I hope my comments, advise and questions are clear and can lead you to a solution or just e-mail back any more questions you may have?

I hope this is helpful...

Take care.

Barefootbeach,
Thanks for clarifying. I hope you have a wonderful trip with no complications.
Divewop,
I agree any sugarcoating does more harm than good in the long run. But I retain my healthy dose of skepticism because as a retired journalist I know how the tourism machine tends to work. We used to chuckle in the newsroom after a tsunami, earthquake, hurricane or reports of poltical unrest in any given place, because like clockwork in a matter of days, sometimes hours, we'd get urgent press releases from countries and their agents saying "Everything's fine. Come on down!" We knew from our reporters on the scene it wasn't true. So I'd just have a tendency to be skeptical of the machine, not the people on the ground in one particular place. And many in the business panic at a time like this, particularly the newer ones, who don't, or can't afford to,think of long-term consequnces.
And I would guess the majority of tourists ARE newbies. I think a report would be VERY useful in helping people make up their minds. The more information from people on the ground the better.
Mydogspud,
First your source takes the predictable course and blames the media, then says, essentially, it's all true! But it's a very helpful memo with specifics on places to avoid and questions to ask yourself before you commit to going.
The planes are empty going in, full going out. Maybe I'll book a last minute trip!
Leslie

Has anyone heard whether Abecrombie & Kent has cancelled their tours?

I spoke with A&K and Micato yesterday and they both said that none of their tours have been cancelled. I have a tour booked to Egypt then Kenya departing 1/29 through Afican Travel. Although they have not cancelled their tours to Kenya, they offered a full refund or a full credit to rebook for another time or location. We elected to rebook the Kenya portion to Tanzania despite the fact we still must connect in Nairobi to Arusha. I can't say enough nice things about African Travel as they have been very sensitive to our concerns. Our agent was Anais Chavez and she jumped through hoops to put something together to Tanzania at such a late date.

Just got back from Kenya yesterday. Wanted to quickly inform everyone on my thoughts - I was in Tsavo before results, Masai Mara after and spent a day at a hotel in Nairobi. The only change we made to our trip was to fly from the Serengeti to the Mara (thru Nairobi Wilson) instead of driving since our agency said you can't be sure what is happening along the roads as some patches had more tension than others. Personally, I felt very safe in the parks and at the hotel in Nairobi as tourists aren't the target of the rioting, etc. Happy to answer any question - but while watching CNN there wasn't good for my nerves, I never felt affected by what was happening and am very happy I didn't make any changes to our plans.

Latest msg from my friend-of-a-friend in Nairobi:


Greetings,

Kindly, be advised that the oppostion just announced that there will be riots from Tuesday when they open parliement, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday! This maybe be violent and bloody in different parts of the country...We are not sure of the situation anymore...

d.

be advised that the oppostion just announced that there will be riots from Tuesday when they open parliement, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday! This maybe be violent and bloody

Thanks for the update Spud ... the timing could hardly be better as it corresponds precisely with our arrival in Nairobi and the beginnings of our all-drive safari to the hinterlands

If we have email over there at our camps I'll email updates to my Fodorite friend Janet, who will post them on a thread we'll get started before I leave.

Bill

lovevizslas,
Lucky for you that African Travel is recognizing the potential for violence and allowing you to change/cancel your itinerary in Kenya.
I have to say that I'm surprised by the lack of this customer responsiveness by the major US tour operators, given that so many other countries are accomodating clients' wish to avoid traveling in a powder-keg situation, not to forget a major huminatarian crisis. At the best, the quality of the camp experience must be less than promised with food/fuel and staff issues. Sure, you may have more one-on -one time with staff, but if they're only cooking for one or two couples, given the cancellations...how much effort are they going to put into this?
Will it take many more deaths from the expected riots next week to change their policies...or worse yet, not change them?
I imagine that those reading these posts and planning future safaris will pay close attention to those companies that were responsive to their clients, eg: Tauck and African Travel.

Just wanted to follow up on my original post... we posted the following on our home page: http://www.fodors.com/news/story_2893.html

Thanks for your help---if you have any comments or think of any additional links/resources that you think would be useful to include at the bottom please let me know!

Jambo Fodorites,

I am currently in Tanzania, after having spent 11 days in Kenya (1/07 - 1/17). We had no issues arriving in NBO on the 7th and transferred to Wilson airport for a flight to Samburu...again, no problems or delays.

We then drove from Samburu to the Ol Pajeta conservancy (Sweetwaters) and all was well. We continued our driving to Lake Nakuru with no issues. Again, drove from Lake Nakuru back to Nairobi (Wilson airport) for a flight to Maasai Mara. We stopped at a shopping center in central Nairobi, then on to the airport. Everything has been perfectly fine.

My mom flew from Amboseli back to Wilson then transfered to NBO for her flight back to the U.S. She is still en route, but I'm assuming all went well as she was with our tour operator the entire day in Nairobi (visiting Sheldrick, etc) and he has not called my guide to inform me of any mishaps or problems.

The camps and parks/game reserves in Kenya have been EMPTY. Two of our three nights at Mara Explorer, we were the only two people in the camp, due to 90% cancellation rate, and Mara Intrepids was completely empty. Anyway, more about all that later.

My personal experience, though, has been that it is completely safe to travel to Kenya.

Bill_H, I would not worry about your drives. I'm sure everything will be fine. Go and have a great trip.

6 nights to go and then back to the "real world"...BOO HOO!!!

Shane

Thanks for checking in, Shane! Glad to hear your trip is going well.

Hi, a group of us from Boston just returned from trip to Kenya and Tanzania: 19 Dec thru 5 Jan. Left Africa via Nairobi where we spent two days. Arrived at Wilson and left via NBO. Had no problems getting around town or to airports, aside from stepped up police stops. Even went to a shopping mall without problem.

But we had great help from Ker & Downey (Kenya); specifically Simon and Amanda Belcher re: getting boarding passes printed and delivered to us in advance.

The US and UK media seem to have hyped up the violence, danger and disruption vs. what friends in Nairobi have experienced.

Shane -

Thanks for checking in. Knew it would be better than what was being reported as far as tourists and the safari routes. Sorry though to hear of all the cancellations, probably many Europeans whose govts said "no can go." Can't wait to hear the details on your return, and we'll talk!