Hi Lyban,

In June I paid $680 (plus 4 x $30 for park tickets) for a flying safari with 4 nights in Samburu Intrepids. November isn’t high season and the prices you’ve been given for flying safaris seem high. Especially as when travel agents talk about “3 days” they mean 2 nights or two 24-hour periods that fall on 3 different days.
I took a quick look at Lets Go Travel’s webpage and found some flying safaris to the Mara. Not all of them show rates for November, but send them an enquiry and you’ll get a reply on Monday. Some of the safaris are 1 night and others are 2 nights. Ask how much “this safari” with 1 or 2 extra nights would be for one person and exactly what is included.
Safari njema,
Susanna

Governor’s

http://www.lets-go-travel.net/?q=node/view/452

Mara Intrepids

http://www.lets-go-travel.net/?q=node/view/458

Kichwa Tembo

http://www.lets-go-travel.net/?q=node/view/459

Mara Explorer

http://www.lets-go-travel.net/?q=node/view/12691

Mara Safari Club

http://www.lets-go-travel.net/?q=node/view/12691

Mara Serena

http://www.lets-go-travel.net/?q=node/view/461

Siana Springs

http://www.lets-go-travel.net/?q=node/view/462

Mara Simba

http://www.lets-go-travel.net/?q=node/view/592

Nyamera,
Thanks for your reply and info. I did go to the links you kindly posted for me but only 2 or 3 of them out of all the links are available for when I am going. This is starting to worry me, will I be able to see any of the large animals during the Oct. 30th till Nov. 1st or 2nd. I will be sending an email to them anyways and seeing about the ones avalable. Thanks for your input.

lyban,
All of the camps and lodges that Nyamera listed are open year round. I don't know why Let's Go Travel didn't list the rates for every period, but they're definitely all open in late Oct/early Nov. Let them know your dates and have them check availability and prices for you at a few different camps. You should be able to get better pricing working with a tour operator in Kenya, rather than an agent in South Africa. Good luck!

Lyban, as Patty said, all the camps are open. I think that Let’s Go Travel has just forgotten to update.

Don’t worry about not seeing big animals. You might even be able to see the tail of the migration if it leaves the Mara late this year. Even without migration there are always lots of resident animals in the Mara and it will be easy to spot them because the wildebeest will have cropped the grass.

A camp I can recommend is Basecamp:
http://www.basecampexplorer.com/masaimara/en
You could send an email to their office in Nairobi. For one person, flying is less expensive than a road safari, unless there’s a group you could join on the date you’re able to travel.

Thanks Patty for your info. I did send an email off to Lets go travel and hopefully they will get back to me soon. Nyamera, you mentioned basecamp. The thing I am having touble understanding is who has access to what properties. If I for example wanted basecamp would I not be able to use Lets Go Travel? This is so new to me that I am really confused. I do not necessary want to be alone. Because I am a single travelling, I think it would be fun if I could be with 2 or 3 others. Ideally, I would love to do a balooon ride, visit a Masai village and see a few large animals. Also sleep in a tent something like Kichwa Tembo, not roughing it yet not luxury. Fly in, if possible. about 3 days. Am I being realistic or am I being foolish?
Also you mentioned Samburu Intrepids. I cannot find that camp on my map of lodges and tents can you tell me where it is? Thanks

Lyban, Lets Go Travel has Basecamp on their website, but not among their flying safaris. You could ask them if they can arrange a flying package with 3 nights in Basecamp and compare it with the price Basecamp’s own travel agency gives you.

Kenya’s tourism industry is busy this year, so I doubt there is a risk/chance you’ll go on game drives alone. I didn’t go on a balloon flight when I was in Basecamp, but they were doing them together with another camp. Over 90 % of the staff at Basecamp are Maasai and you’ll have the opportunity to visit a Maasai village. You’ll see more than a few big animals. Like Kichwa Tembo, and others, Basecamp is a tented camp. It’s very comfortable – nice bed, your own bathroom at the back of the tent, good restaurant etc. – but others are more luxurious. I think Basecamp is better priced than Kichwa Tembo.

The reason you can’t find Samburu Intrepids on the Mara map is that it’s in Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya.

Nyamera,
Thanks again. I am learning alot from you. I have travelled a fair amount but have never gone to Africa. I guess the fact that I really do not have much time in preparing this trip is what has me so anxious. The more I read the more excited I am getting. I am awaiting my response from Lets Go and hopefully something can be worked out. You mentioned that you used them, can you tell me something about there travel vehicles. Is it wiser for me to arrange my own air travel from Uganda to Nairobi and my overnight accomadation in NBO or should I put all of that in the hands of the operator.

hi lyban, i would second basecamp. i stayed there once. but i visit there every time i camp near the talek river gate.
have a couple of beers, see old friends.
as it turns out. i will be in the mara again between oct17 to oct22nd.
as i am being told, the animals are still crossing over from tanz. they should be around for some time.
if you only have a few days there. you might as well fly. try to spend as much time as you can there. even if you have to leave the same day you arrive in nairobi. even in june, all the migration was gone. the place seemed a little empty from what i am used to. it didn't matter for though. tons of lion. even the tall green grass was beauitful. either way & no matter what. stop in there if you can. if needed here is my e-mail:
dwwildsafari@msn.com
cheers, david

Ok, this is probably a dumb question but here goes anyways.
If I go directly to basecamp web site, are they also tour operatiors or do they just handle the camp. Do all other tour operators have access to every camp or are they limited to certain ones. Besides Letsgotravel. can anyone tell me the names of other tour organizers out of Kenya.

hi, my tour op: eco-resorts booked it for me at the time. i found this on the basecamp web site. maybe you already seen this. they have a main office right there in the city. we've driven by it a number of times. might as well give this a shot. to be honest, if you start searching through many tour ops. your mind will turn into jello, lol. info@basecampexplorer.co.ke
good luck, give it a try.
david

lyban,
I've yet to run into a camp or lodge in Kenya that can only be booked by certain tour operators. Some operators may have better contract rates with one camp or another, so may try to steer you toward their preferred accomodations, but that doesn't mean they can't book other camps. If you're considering a fly-in safari to a single camp, you may also be able to book through the camp itself (many of them will take direct bookings). It's your choice who you prefer to go through.

On a fly-in safari, you'll be utilizing the camp's vehicles for your game drives on a shared basis with other guests (unless you choose to pay extra for sole use of a private vehicle or the camp occupancy is low), so more than likely you'll be with other people. You'll also meet other guests during meal times, etc. so I wouldn't worry about traveling alone.

I'm not sure how many nights you're planning to stay, but if it's only 2 nights, I wouldn't consider a driving safari. It will take approx 6 hours each way to travel by road between Nairobi and the Masai Mara, and if you want/need to join others, you'll have to find a scheduled departure that fits with your dates. On a fly-in safari, you can depart any day you like.

Here's another website that lists rates for fly-in packages from Nairobi to a number of game parks in Kenya including the Masai Mara, and it will give you a good idea of the cost of various camps -

http://www.porini.com/gamewatchers/home_index.html

Lyban, Patty has written most of what I was going to reply and she has probably explained it better.
I’ve only used Lets Go for the flying package to Samburu. It was very convenient, but I never even saw anyone who works for them. As Patty said, on a fly-in you use the vehicles of the lodge/camp. It’s an advantage because they are usually better for game viewing than those used on a road safari.

You can arrange the flight from Uganda to Kenya with a tour operator, but you can also book the ticket on-line with Kenya Airways – and a hotel in Nairobi, though you have to fax or phone some hotels.

In Nairobi there’s a safari company at every corner. Here are some that do fly-ins:
http://www.africanjacana.com/index.htm

http://www.eastafricashuttles.com/kenyasafaris/flying-safari.htm

http://www.essafari.co.ke/flyingsafaris.htm

Basecamp Travel Nairobi are tour operators. They deal mostly, though not exclusively, with their own Basecamp Masai Mara and Basecamp Lamu. Here is their web site: http://www.basecampexplorer.com/nairobi/en

When I decided to go to Samburu Intrepids I first emailed directly to Heritage Hotels, but I didn’t get a reply. Then I contacted a couple of tour operators and Lets Go had the best price.

Patty,Tuskerdave and Nyamera,
Wow! You guys are super..I am really getting answers to my questions and I think I am starting to understand this whole safari thing. I now have to go look up web sites that you were all kind enough to give me and figure out a few more ideas now that I am starting to see the light. I am sure that by tomorrow I will have more questions, for now though thank you all so much.

lyban, if you are there anytime between oct 17-22.it would be very easy if you end up staying at basecamp. it is only about 15mins from my camp site. my driver & i will go visit there. we visit there any way. sometimes,a masai named big moses stops by our place. we can discuss the events of the mara . just a thought.
ok write if needed.
d

Dave,
Thanks for that offer but I will only be leaving Uganda on the 29th Of October. So the timing is off. Nice of you to offer though.

hi again, damn!! too bad you couldn't change to about 10days early.
keep us posted.
d

Nyamera and others,
I saw your post on the other site with the up to date Migration Map.Because it is so heavy right now does that mean that by the first week of November there will be no migration left. You will have to forgive me, I did say this was all so new to me.I am trying to understand.
I received a reply back from Lets Go with my request and they have quoted me for a 3 night airpackage to Kichwa Tembo, 740.00 plus 90.00 park fees and then I would like the 390. Balloon ride. This baloon ride seems awfully extravagant but I do think it will be a once in a lifetime thing. I am a single so maybe the rates are a little higher than others quotes. If I were to write them back, what other within reason accomadation should I get a quote on. Plus they mention a single room at the Fairview for 85. or the Panafric for 90. What do all you experts think?
Thanks

Lyban, I suppose the wildebeests will leave when they’ve finished off they grass of the Mara and feel the scent of rain in the Serengeti. I don’t know if that will happen before or after your visit. Maybe someone can make a forecast from what’s happened other years with a mid-August like this one, but it’s not maths. I wouldn’t understand it even if it were maths. Consider it a bonus if you catch the migration.

Ask for a quote on Governor’s and Mara Intrepids, though they might be more expensive. I think the best alternative would be Basecamp. Ask Lets Go if they can arrange that.

You can get a comfortable single room for around $ 15 at the Terminal or the Embassy. The Comfort Inn is a bit less basic than those two and priced somewhere between them and Fairview/Panafric

hi lyban, i feel you will get lucky. even now, they are still coming. in june, that place was covered in green grass.
don't worry about what you may or may not see. take what the mara gives you.
a belguine family just came back a week ago. they just caught the beginning of the migration. BUT! they saw many many lions.
they couldn't believe all the lions.
so, just stay at basecamp. make it easy.
enjoy the mara,whatever she gives you.

cheers, david,
ps no way you can go there the 3rd week?

Dave and Nyamera,
Thanks again. No, Dave I cannot change the dates, as you can see by my first post I will be in Uganda for a week on business and I have no control on thoes dates. So I have to leave Uganda on the 29 October.
Nyamera and Dave, I am getting the feeling from both of you that you really don't like Kichwa Tembo and seem to think Basecamp is much better. I really would like it if you could address for me the differences between these two camps. What I can expect from them regarding sleeping, eating and I hate to admit it here but I have a real fear of spiders. I don't think I want a lodge because I really would like to experience the whole African ambiance. Give me your honest opinions.

hi again, ok so you can't change
i have never stayed at any of these camps. took a quick look here. this is what i found. maybe someone else can add to this.
this is just me now.
the kichwa camp: good price, BUT has 40 tents. way too many. about 25 tents too many.
Bateluer camp, much better. but the price is ungodly high.
for me, i wouldn't even think of it.

Basecamp: i think 13 or 15 tents. very big tents, good beds ect. my tour op put me in here in 2001. great people, food ect ect. go and try it out.
oh, ask for big moses for a driver.
do you have a certain thing your looking for? no matter where you stay. you can drive to where the animals are. no problem.
you mention spiders. ya know, i only recall a huge one in my tent in zimbabwe. thats it.
not sure if this helps.
david
ps, following is what i found:

All Inclusive Lodge Rates
Per Person Per Night Sharing
From To
Bateleur Camp at Kichwa Tembo USD 445.00 USD 560.00
Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp USD 185.00 USD 260.00

OK. I just got an email off to Basecamp in Nairobi asking about prices for a single for a 3 night fly in safari.
I also have my follow up out to Lets Go
Travel, so I am awaiting there answer also. I do not want to go to too many operators because it just gets confusing and they all sound pretty reliable.
Hopefully, I will hear soon.
I'll let you know when I do. Thanks

Lyban, neither Dave nor I have been to Kichwa Tembo. It’s probably a lovely place, but I think there’ll be more of a bush feeling in Basecamp (15 tents next to Talek River), it’s very eco-friendly and the staff is extremely nice and interesting.

I’ve seen spiders everywhere I’ve been in the world (not that many places) and the Mara was no “worse” than any other place. I don’t think there are more spiders in a tent than in the room of a lodge. It might even be the opposite because spiders like hanging on walls.

What kind of business are you doing in Uganda? Just curious – you don’t have to answer.

Hi Nyamera,
I do not mind answering. The company I work for participates with VSO Uganda. They are sending myself from Canada along with 4 others from different European branches to do a 3 day study session with VSO to better understand their work and then 3 days of working in the field with one of their volunteers. The idea is that when I return to Canada, I have a better understanding of this programme and can enhance the visability of VSO Uganda and also make effective use of the media in fundraising endeavors.
Waiting my replies from Lets Go and Basecamp.
Later..

Thanks Lyban. Now I know you aren’t going to do anything bad.

Let’s see what Let’s Go and Basecamp come up with.

Hi,
I am back with a reply from Lets Go, Besides what I mentioned that I could have 2 nights in Kitchwa Tembo tents and 1 night in the roundavel.
I asked about Basecamp and it is booked on one of my nights.
Mara Serena is fully booked.
And Mara Explorer is too expensive.
I never received a reply yet from Basecamp directly.
Now I am really getting worried.
Lets Go Travel seem very nice but they answer my questions but do not make any of there own suggestions.

Lyban, I got the same impression of Let’s Go as you – if you ask for something they have lying on the shelves in front of them they deliver it efficiently, but if you want something else they don’t know what to do. Maybe you should try sending an email to Melinda at Eco-resorts. melinda@eco-resorts.com She answers the silliest questions and comes with her own suggestions. This spring I was looking for a luxury stay, at a backpacker price, in a kind of camp that doesn’t exist in Samburu and she really tried to help me, even suggesting other travel agents. Finally I settled for a flying package to Samburu Intrepids and Let’s Go had the best price, but in the future I’ll try to use Melinda. You’re looking for something very reasonable and I’m sure she will find it for you.

If you don’t get a reply from Basecamp tomorrow you could try their office in Stockholm. stockholm@basecampexplorer.com Tell them you’ve been trying to contact the office in Nairobi and ask if there’s a technical problem. There’s a Kenyan lady called Lillian who arranged my first trip to Kenya in 2003. If they are just being slow, she might phone the Nairobi office and scream at them.

I don’t think you’ll have to stay in a rondavel (in Kenya they are usually called “bandas", but maybe it sounds too “basic”) in a camp with 80 guests. The Kenyan tourism industry must really be booming – I thought things were quiet from mid October to late December.

Thanks to all the great Fodorites who helped me so much with all my questions about a safari.
I believe that I now have this all booked with Eastern and Southern Safari, Serah has been wonderful in pulling it together for me.
I leave Montreal for Amsterdam. Spend a couple of days there on business. then go Amsterdam to Uganda, spend a week there on business and then fly to Nairobi for a short but exciting fly in safari. 3 nights at Governors Camp and 1 night at Fairview with a day tour of Karen Blixen Musuem,Giraffe Centre and a bead factory. Then fly back to Entebbe and my return flights home. I am very excited to try this new venture and even though it is short, I felt it was all I could afford at this time and along with my time away for business was all the time I could allow. Many thanks to all the folks here who gave such good advice and made this dream a reality for me.

Congrats! On your final day in Nairobi, if you have time, you can also include the Sheldrick Orphanage (for baby elephants and rhinos). They're open to the public during feeding and mud bath time from 11:00 to noon. The Blixen Museum, Giraffe Centre, Sheldrick and Kazuri Beads are all located very close to each other. Hope you have a great trip and decide to return later for a longer stay!

Thank you Patty, I am going to try and fit the Orphanage in.

Safari njema!

Nyamara,
I could not find njema on my phrases site. I need a translation.
Thanks

Have a great trip. How interesting to be doing business in Uganda. The whole thing should be fascinating.

And I agree with Patty, if you can possibly visit the Sheldrick "orphanage" you won't regret it.

-ema means "good".