Abbyo

Well, I'm frustrated, overwhelmed, panicked and horrified by prices. Having gotten over my anxiety about safety, our Canadian family of 5 wants to get our Aug. 07 safari booked right away. I'm panicked that we will miss out if we don't book right away, overwhelmed by the number of operators out there (how am I supposed to choose) and frustrated by how difficult and time exhausting it is to try to compare prices. Also, even though I knew, I'm still horrified at what this is going to cost!
So, my husband is leaving tomorrow on a 10 day business trip and I'm panicked that we can't wait until he gets back to book. It's Mar. 1 and we want to go beginning of Aug. My questions: 1)should we be patient and research more when he gets back(or while he's away) and book middle of March or is that getting too late? 2)Does anyone know of "Somak Holidays" out of the UK---we found a suitable package with them that includes the flights from London to Nairobi and back and it looks like one we would be happy with.

Help! Should we book or be patient???
Is it going to cost an extra fortune if we try to find "fly in" safaris instead of the driving ones?

Nikao

well, first of all; calm down and don't give up!

Better book a little late, than book in a rush and regret it later on...

Where do you want to go to? Northern Tanzania (a fly in) or Masai Mara (could be drive i think?)

The first time I was psyched out about the price as well, but trust me.. its worth every penny.. and then some more..

Lynneb

Somak are a well know and reputable company in the UK. What's important is getting the itinerary right. Don't panic!

atravelynn

If you are posting in the middle of the night, you must be concerned. DON'T GIVE UP!!

Somak links on Fodors:
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34909028
http://fodors.com/forums/threadselec...p;tid=34701697

They are a big player and reputable. Big may help you secure properties if time gets tight. I saw they do custom itineraries so I would take advantage of that and make some alterations to their “Kenya Special” that they had advertised. You do not want to join a group if you have 5. One other thing I noted was that they have their own special lounge at Kenyatta International Airport, which sounded nice because that is not one of the most comfortable airports to lounge around in.

I like Kevin stakerk’s safari suggestion from your previous post. No comment on the Mombass-Lamu part since I know nothing about that. The standard itineraries you see as examples on all the operators’ websites won’t have you staying that long in any one spot. Somak’s “Kenya Special” has these places but for shorter times. I think you mentioned you have 3 weeks, so you have the luxury of a little more time. Another day or two in each spot is better if maximizing your game viewing vs. road time is a priority.

Day 1 Nairobi
Day 2 The Ark or Mt. Lodge
Days 3,4,5 Samburu
Day 5 Sweetwaters
Days 6 and 7 Lake Nakuru
Days 8, 9, 10, 11 Masai Mara
Days 12, 13, 14, 15 Mombasa (although Stakerk would prefer Lamu)

Ask Somak about this itinerary. They may offer some additional suggestions or modifications.

RE: the horrendous prices. Lodges rather than tented camps save money. Sopa is less expensive than Serena. I’ve stayed at Serena, Sopa, and lesser lodges. All have been clean, safe, attractive, with good food, in beautiful surroundings. Nothing dumpy, gross, or questionable.

Also call some of these agents below. They have been used successfully by Fodorites. You can google them and if you have trouble finding them, post again and we will get you their phone numbers. Don’t just email the itinerary, talk to them first. This gives you a better feel for the agent and gets the ball rolling faster. You may want to email after your phone contact.

Africa Adventure, a big presence in the US

Africa Serendipty, a small US-based East Africa specialst

Eastern & Southern Safaris, a Kenya based company (calling may be tougher for them)

Good Earth, Kenyan with a US office

The above offers alternatives in 3 countries, and offers large and small agents because there are pros and cons to both. See who you are comfortable with and who offers what.

Sorry, I don’t know of Canadian agents other than this one that I happened to meet on safari-- The Great Canadian Travel Company. www.greatcanadiantravel.com.

Ultimate Africa, suggested by Predator, does not book Kenya at this time.

These agents all know that space is becoming tight and won’t dawdle in putting something together.

I once had to put together a Tanzanian itinerary for 4 just a few weeks from departure and it worked out fine with the help of The Africa Adventure Company. So I am sure with this much lead time, you’ll be able to come up with something.

Good luck and please post on your progress.

Calo

Abbyo, take your time...this is a big decision and as others have said, you don't want to make hasty choices that you'll regret later.

Here is a website that might help you...TOPAC = Tour Operators Promoting Africa in Canada: http://topac.org/members.php
Perhaps you'd feel less apprehensive in dealing with a more local (Canadian) company. At least one of them is in Vancouver where I believe you are.

Yes, a safari can seem like quite an expensive proposition, but if you consider that your itinerary will likely include a private guide and vehicle, and all accommodations and meals, perhaps it is easier to think of it in terms of less than US$300 per person per day (or whatever it happens to work out to) which is excellent value.

Keep your questions and concerns coming - we're here to help.

Nyamera

Abbyo, don’t give up! You have the time (3 weeks) and the money (CAD $30000!!!), so what’s the problem? Many Fodorites get worked up into a state of hysteria when they have a year before the departure of their safari, but that’s because they know (or think they should know if it’s their first safari) exactly what camp and tent they “have to” stay in and the exact hour they need to be airlifted into the park to avoid anything not wildlife orientated. If that were your case it would be a problem as August is high season. You’ll definitely be able to get a safari, now or mid-march.

In the other thread I see that you have USD $ 5000 pp. I suppose that’d have to include international flights as well. If not, you could easily spend 3 weeks on safari. I’d get the air tickets now, and then start enquiring with safari operators in Nairobi.

5 are a perfect number of people for a good pp price on a private road safari. Flying would be more expensive and also very unnecessary when you have 3 weeks. Decide when you’ll arrive and if you’ll spend the first days at activities in and around Nairobi (maybe arranged by the famous Kennedy) before starting your safari itinerary. Tell the agent that what you’d like to book is a private road safari for a family of 5 staying in lodges/tented camps with, for example, 1 night Aberdares, 3 nights Samburu, 2 nights L. Nakuru and 5 nights the Mara. You’re open to other suggestions. Mention that budget is an issue and that you’d like the available lodges/tented camps for which the agent in question can get the best prices.

Try some of these companies that are recommended by Fodorites:
http://www.southerncrosssafaris.com/intro.html
http://www.essafari.co.ke/
http://www.porini.com/
http://www.africanquest.co.ke/
http://www.eco-resorts.com/
http://www.africaserendipity.com/ (Sandi)

Or these recommended by other people:
http://www.gametrackersafaris.com/
http://www.lets-go-travel.net/
http://www.nairobibackpackers.com/index.html
http://www.jmarsafaris.com/ (not recommended by anyone I know, but Jennifer’s been very nice when I’ve emailed her. She’s away until the 7th though)

Or contact Serena or Heritage directly:
http://www.serenahotels.com/
http://www.heritage-eastafrica.com/index.html

Then you could fly to Lamu or Mombasa. Or take the train (an experience according to many people and an “experience” according to most Fodorites who have done it) or the bus to Mombasa – the bus is aprox. 8 hours (the train is slower), but very inexpensive. Or, you could end your safari itinerary in Mombasa and on the way visit Tsavo for a couple of nights. On the coast and in Nairobi you can be very safe and comfortable in hotels or cottages that are significantly less expensive than any recommended here on Fodor’s.
Good luck.

Patty

Take a deep breath! Don't panic, don't give up and don't rush into anything. If you need a couple more weeks to research, that's fine. With a budget of $5000 per person, assuming you can get airfare for $2000 each, I think you could have a nice one week safari/one week beach vacation plus maybe a few days sightseeing in and around Nairobi.

Have you contacted a few operators for quotes or are you looking at the prices on their websites? Keep in mind that some of the prices listed are based on 2 people sharing. If you're considering a driving safari, your per person costs will be less because you'd have 5 sharing the vehicle. Also children pay discounted park fees (can't remember what the cut off age is) and often discounted rates at lodges/camps as well. If you haven't done so already, contact a few of the recommended operators here.

Good luck!

Abbyo

Thanks, you guys are all very helpful. My quest continues!! Life has a habit of getting in the way though: laundry, work, kids hockey games----not enough time to do my research.

To be continued.....

mandelieu

Our family spent a wonderful 3 weeks in Southern Africa last August, and we hadn't even considered a trip to Africa until Easter weekend! We spent the next 3-4 weeks talking to 2 different Africa specialists and then booked the trip that we felt most comfortable with. So, don't worry and enjoy your trip.

LyndaS

Abbyo-

If you feel more comfortable with a Canadian agent, and want face to face contact, I can put you in touch with two people here in BC that specialize in African safaris - one in Vancouver and one on the island. Both participate on this board, both are separate companies not affiliated with one another.
<i>DISCLAIMER - I am not affiliated in any way, nor have even personally met them yet - with either of the agents, I'm just nosy....</i>

They will both work with you to put together a private safari - let me know if you would like me to post contact information.

atravelynn

Abbyo, now enjoy the hockey game.

Abbyo

Thanks again everyone!

Patty, I think we are leaning towards the 1week safari/1week beach, couple days to get there and home for a total of about 3 weeks away from home.

Lynda S.---yes, I'd love to get the contact info for the Vancouver agent.

My questions as I continue to fine tune our itinerary:
1)Can someone tell me what half-board and full-board means?
2)Is Tiwi beach safe enough for us to walk around much?
3)Are taxis cheap?
4)Can someone tell me what the KSh is worth in Can$ or US$?
5)If we want to go to Tiwi Beach, Kisite Marine Park and the Gede Ruins(maybe), do we stay in Mombasa and do day trips or do we stay at these other places?
6)In Nairobi we're thinking only of seeing the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Langata Giraffe Center and maybe eat at Carnivore. Are these worth going to? Is there something else that we shouldn't miss?
7)Funzi Island and Wasini Island---are either of these worth a day trip?

Thanks,
Abbyo

Nyamera

Abbyo,
1. Half board includes breakfast + lunch or dinner, and full board includes breakfast + lunch + dinner.
2. Yes, probably at daytime in areas that aren’t deserted. When I was in Diani, local people were angry at the big expensive all-inclusive resorts that told their guests it was dangerous to step outside the hotel area, in that way keeping all business inside the resort. Since there aren’t that many big resorts in Tiwi, I don’t think you’ll be told that kind of thing
3. Not really, but I don’t know what to compare with. A taxi from the airport to Nairobi city centre is 1200 shillings.
4. USD $1 is 69 shillings (used to be more) and CAD $1 is 59 shillings. http://www.centralbank.go.ke/rates/exchangeindex.asp
5. The “normal” thing to do is to stay at a beach place and do day trips to Mombasa Town and other places, but I think Mombasa is worth a night or two. Though the last thing I heard from the last person to whom I recommended Mombasa was that she started crying in the street. I hope Rima had a wonderful safari and is writing on a trip report …
6. The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and the Langata Giraffe Centre are worth visiting and the Carnivore isn’t, but then I’m a vegetarian. The National Park is Nairobi’s best attraction and the National Museum will have opened after renovations.
7. Probably, but I haven’t been there.

Abbyo

Thanks again!
Also would really like to go to Zanzibar but think it is probably difficult and expensive to get there. Anyone know? Also figure we'll see similar beach, markets, culture etc. in Mombasa and these other places. What do you think?

Patty

I haven't been to Zanzibar but there are nonstop flights from Nairobi so it's not difficult to get there. A roundtrip flight will cost $400+pp though.

sandi

But, if you go to Zanzibar, you have to also include the additional Visa fees $50/person.

There are mixed reviews on The Carnivore Restaurant, but it is a fun place. The children would probably enjoy. However, you can have just about any cuisine you wish while in Nairobi... doesn't have to be at the Carnivore.

Nyamera

I’d go to Lamu. A return flight from Nairobi with Air Kenya is $270pp and with Mombasa Air Safari it’s $140 from Mombasa, $105 from Malindi and $160 from Diani. But, if you’re on the coast you could go by road for less money. I haven’t been to Zanzibar. Mombasa is Kenya’s second city.

aby

Hi
{somehow my detailed answer got lost...sorry}

i'll just note in addition to what others have written:

6) read these
http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...irobi+day+tour

http://www.fodors.com/forums/pgMessa...t=Nairobi+tour
(though i think they've put an end to Cheetah hugging - search it on the nforum)

<font color="blue"> Mombasa </font>
my advice is not to stay in Mombasa
If u want a nice beach it is out north or south.

Lamu could be an alternative to Zanzibar (for the 'old city atmosphere')
For Gede i'd prefer to stay in Malindi.
There are all kinds of accomodation (levels) there including bungalows
Check the raptor center &amp; show - if it still exists could be enjoyable for the kids
I love the walking in the Gede forests - best place to see Elephant-shrews (how many fodorites have ever seen 'em ??) &amp; Trogons
The malindi Fish Market is a &quot;museum&quot; in early morning...

South coast
Think about Diani beach as well.
there are all kinds of accommodations &amp; you can walk freely on the beach visit all the resorts &amp; enjoy their music shows etc'
Take a car go to Shimba Hills reserve &amp; walk to Shedrick falls (can give you more info). there's a night viewing lodge at Shimba
Wasiniu Island: do you Scuba? like to Snorkle ?
I've not been to Funzi
http://www.africanmeccasafaris.com/k...ikeyslodge.asp

Abbyo

Thanks aby. I'll research some of those ideas.

The reason we're looking at Tiwi instead of Diana is that I read it is really touristy. (For instance, on the Mayan Riviera we really don't like Playa del Carmen beaches but prefer the more remote ones to the south like Acumal, Xpu-ha---if this gives anyone something to compare what we're looking for---although the remote ones there are pretty safe which may not be the case here) We don't dive (OK, I tried a resort dive once with my son but was scared to death---for him of course, motherly protectiveness----he was fine of course, I was just hyperventilating everytime I couldn't see him!) but all love to snorkel.
I agree that we would probably prefer a different beach location than Mombasa but I thought we might need to base there a couple of days to see some of the sights there.
Also heard Malindi isn't that safe, is this incorrect?
So, here is a rough idea of itinerary that we have in mind now---can definitely fine tune it if you have any great suggestions:

2 days Nairobi (see Nairobi National Park, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust and Langata Giraffe Center)
fly to Mara Serena---4 nights----balloon ride one day
fly to Mombasa---2 nights or so -see Old Town, Fort Jesus and maybe Gede ruins?
go to Tiwi beach 2 or 3 nights?--I think there's good snorkelling here; definitely good swimming beach---day trip to Funzi Island by dhow one day maybe
go to Kisite Marine park 1 or 2 nights---excellent snorkelling; dolphin and humpback whale sightings
fly back to Nairobi from Mombasa

This is about 12 or 13 nights so we could try to do an extra one here or there.

Let me know what you think. I think it's a good mix for our family. When we went to Costa Rica 2 years ago, we drove ourselves in a rental to 4 locations over about 2 weeks. So we were 3 to 4 days at each spot with a 4 hour drive each time we moved. That's not that much driving but the kids memory of it is &quot;we didn't like all the driving!&quot; So, that's why I don't think we should do the &quot;Classic Kenya&quot; type safari where you drive 5 or 6 hours every day or 2.

Thanks for any input!

stakerk

In my humble opinion, you can go snorkeling in Hawaii or the Caribbean anytime. If you are in Africa I would do more game viewing. I would highly recommend you make it up to Samburu to see the different animals up there. I would cut down on the beach stuff.

just a thought

Kevin from California (who also owns a condo in Hawaii)