How's Nyamera's Planning for 2008?
Jan 5th, 2008, 11:49 AM
#3
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Lynn, I was going to post a planning thread on Boxing Day, but haven’t decided what to ask to get the best kind of advice. Also, schools are starting on Monday and I haven’t heard anything from any of them. Anyway, I’ve decided to go to Kenya in late June whatever happens.
I was angry about the raised park fees and had almost started looking for another country than Kenya, but I think all others are even more expensive and after the atrocities that have been going on I have to go to Kenya. At least the dollar is a bit less expensive. Around Easter I’ll buy the air ticket for a 3-week stay. My <b>total</b> budget is $3500 and I hope the international flight will not be more than $1000. I’d like to spend as much time in game parks as possible, and think that 10 nights would be quite realistic, if it’s possible to pay less than $180 per night. Though at the moment I could easily afford a budget of $3000 (excluding international flights) and I hope that will still be the case in June.
I’d really like to return to the Mara and the topis, but as too many people are going there, maybe I should keep away. IF I go to the Mara it might be good to stay at Bushbuck so that I become a return guest, but the problem is that I’d like to have a competent guide for once. I think I’ll decide to go to the Mara if Koiyaki Wilderness Camp has opened and is “reasonably priced”, or if I get a “too good to be true”- deal at some camp.
At the moment, my best plan is to book 6 nights in either: Tsavo West, Amboseli, Aberdares or Meru, and then go to the Mara for 4 nights if I find a good deal in Kenya. Tsavo West should be the easiest park and there’s a very big pack of dogs. <b>My question is</b> if anyone could recommend a reasonably priced camp that’s smallish and unfenced with tents on the ground and no generator. I still need a private bathroom with a good mirror and shower, but I no longer need a lamp as I’ve found out I can manage with a torch and a candle. I’d also appreciate an open-sided game drive vehicle and that the camp could pick me up from some place reachable by public transport.
I don’t know why I didn’t go to Lake Naivasha as I’d planned last year, but this year I have to do it. It really isn’t complicated at all, but I’d appreciate suggestion about where to stay and what to do.
The main objective of my trip is to find a way to stay in Kenya, but as I’m clueless about how to go about this, I’m at the same time looking for the best value-for-money trip possible.
I’m very grateful for all suggestions (with some exceptions).
I’m not buying any cheese this year.
I was angry about the raised park fees and had almost started looking for another country than Kenya, but I think all others are even more expensive and after the atrocities that have been going on I have to go to Kenya. At least the dollar is a bit less expensive. Around Easter I’ll buy the air ticket for a 3-week stay. My <b>total</b> budget is $3500 and I hope the international flight will not be more than $1000. I’d like to spend as much time in game parks as possible, and think that 10 nights would be quite realistic, if it’s possible to pay less than $180 per night. Though at the moment I could easily afford a budget of $3000 (excluding international flights) and I hope that will still be the case in June.
I’d really like to return to the Mara and the topis, but as too many people are going there, maybe I should keep away. IF I go to the Mara it might be good to stay at Bushbuck so that I become a return guest, but the problem is that I’d like to have a competent guide for once. I think I’ll decide to go to the Mara if Koiyaki Wilderness Camp has opened and is “reasonably priced”, or if I get a “too good to be true”- deal at some camp.
At the moment, my best plan is to book 6 nights in either: Tsavo West, Amboseli, Aberdares or Meru, and then go to the Mara for 4 nights if I find a good deal in Kenya. Tsavo West should be the easiest park and there’s a very big pack of dogs. <b>My question is</b> if anyone could recommend a reasonably priced camp that’s smallish and unfenced with tents on the ground and no generator. I still need a private bathroom with a good mirror and shower, but I no longer need a lamp as I’ve found out I can manage with a torch and a candle. I’d also appreciate an open-sided game drive vehicle and that the camp could pick me up from some place reachable by public transport.
I don’t know why I didn’t go to Lake Naivasha as I’d planned last year, but this year I have to do it. It really isn’t complicated at all, but I’d appreciate suggestion about where to stay and what to do.
The main objective of my trip is to find a way to stay in Kenya, but as I’m clueless about how to go about this, I’m at the same time looking for the best value-for-money trip possible.
I’m very grateful for all suggestions (with some exceptions).
I’m not buying any cheese this year.
Jan 5th, 2008, 12:22 PM
#4
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The Offbeat camps looked interesting.
http://www.offbeatsafaris.com/mara.html
Divewop stayed at some. Don't know their relative cost.
You are right that a competent guide is so important.
http://www.offbeatsafaris.com/mara.html
Divewop stayed at some. Don't know their relative cost.
You are right that a competent guide is so important.
Jan 5th, 2008, 12:36 PM
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What about Soysambu Conservancy north of Lake Naivasha (www.soysambuconservancy.org)? The new Mawe Mbili Camp has very reasonable rates (www.mawembili.com).
Btw, from my own experience Offbeat Safaris is one of the worse operators in Kenya if you're enquiring for information on their camps. I guess unless you reveal yourself as an avid horseman they are just not interested.
Btw, from my own experience Offbeat Safaris is one of the worse operators in Kenya if you're enquiring for information on their camps. I guess unless you reveal yourself as an avid horseman they are just not interested.
Jan 5th, 2008, 01:17 PM
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Wow, Offbeat Meru has gone up considerably since we went last year and although we didn't stay at OB Mara, it's gone up quite a bit too.
From planning for my upcoming trip, I can tell you that most Kenya camps seem to have gone up by $100 since last year, not including what the conservation and reserves fees are costing. And the single supplement fees aren't fun to pay either.
Nyama, from my (and Sundowner's) experience, we were treated VERY WEll at the two OB properties we stayed at, Meru and Sosian. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either property.
From planning for my upcoming trip, I can tell you that most Kenya camps seem to have gone up by $100 since last year, not including what the conservation and reserves fees are costing. And the single supplement fees aren't fun to pay either.
Nyama, from my (and Sundowner's) experience, we were treated VERY WEll at the two OB properties we stayed at, Meru and Sosian. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend either property.
Jan 5th, 2008, 01:28 PM
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Thanks Nyama.Mawe Mbili (Mawili would be more correct) would be extremely interesting if it were in the Mara or Tsavo. Around Lake Elmentaita there are no (visible) cats and no elephants. It’s sounds a bit similar to Mbweha Camp, but with the added attraction of Lake Elmentaita. If I could do solo game walks I’d be interested.
Divewop, I don’t like what you’re telling me.
Divewop, I don’t like what you’re telling me.
Jan 5th, 2008, 01:35 PM
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Nyamera-
I didn't like it either.
On our end, here in the US, the continued weakening of the dollar hasn't helped!
I just checked Offbeat's website, and their rates haven't really gone up too badly.
It does suck having to pay the single supplement though, which adds another $100 to the rate.
I know someone who might be able to help with your planning. If you're interested, email me.
I didn't like it either.
On our end, here in the US, the continued weakening of the dollar hasn't helped!
I just checked Offbeat's website, and their rates haven't really gone up too badly.
It does suck having to pay the single supplement though, which adds another $100 to the rate.
I know someone who might be able to help with your planning. If you're interested, email me.
Jan 5th, 2008, 02:23 PM
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Nyamera
You should try to support Koiyaki Wilderness Camp. It is open and $150 per night. The young Maasai there deserve our support.
I am staying there on March 28 because we are guests at the guide graduation ceremony on March 29!
I think you can book it via Basecamp Mara.
You should try to support Koiyaki Wilderness Camp. It is open and $150 per night. The young Maasai there deserve our support.
I am staying there on March 28 because we are guests at the guide graduation ceremony on March 29!
I think you can book it via Basecamp Mara.
Jan 5th, 2008, 02:31 PM
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divewop, I wasn't talking about the quality of services at the Offbeat camps (I'm sure they're pretty well), I was talking about my problems of getting information directly from the operator. It took more than a dozen unanswered enquiries and a time span of TWO YEARS until they were willing to send me an answer. I found this quite unique among all operators in East Africa with whom I've been in contact, and to be honest, very unprofessional.
Jan 5th, 2008, 02:37 PM
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Nyama-
Quite interesting and highly unusual...would be intereted in knowing who you contacted. By chance was it the owner of the OB properties listed on the website or one of the folks listed there?
Quite interesting and highly unusual...would be intereted in knowing who you contacted. By chance was it the owner of the OB properties listed on the website or one of the folks listed there?
Jan 5th, 2008, 03:54 PM
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atravelynn -- Koiyaki Wilderness Camp is on Koiyaki Group Ranch north of Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp is approximately 10 kms west of the main Sekanani/Narok road, 14 kms west of Siana Airstrip. It's next to Koiyaki School which you can find on Eben's Masai Mara map.
divewop -- I used the contact info given on www.offbeatsafaris.com and www.sosian.com. (I never use Fodors for specific travel research.)
divewop -- I used the contact info given on www.offbeatsafaris.com and www.sosian.com. (I never use Fodors for specific travel research.)
Jan 5th, 2008, 04:06 PM
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Eben, thanks for the news about Koiyaki Wilderness Camp. I wanted to go there last year, but the opening was delayed. Do you know what’s included in the $150? If activities and park fees aren’t included, it’s probably too expensive and it wouldn’t feel right to haggle as I do with other camps. I did support Koiyaki Guiding School with £50 this Christmas.
BTW, is Eben short for Ebenezer? I’ve always wanted to ask.
Nyama, you should be in bed at this time.
BTW, is Eben short for Ebenezer? I’ve always wanted to ask.
Nyama, you should be in bed at this time.
