steffid

Can anybody tell how far it would be from SaSaab to Serena Samburu? More thant 15 min. drive?

Has anybody news from Elephant Bedroom this year? Read some interesting reports from last year but no new ones in 2008.

Thank you!!

Patty

Not exactly sure, but I would say more than 15 min. We've only ever driven as far west as Elephant Watch.

sandi

More than 15/min. I'm trying to imagine exactly where SaSaab is in relation to the Serena, but know it's not close.

As to current reports on Elephant Bedroom... doubt you'll hear anything for awhile. As recent reports indicate, few visitors in Kenya, camps empty or closed. Until visitors start return from June forward... little news.

Patty

I think Sasaab is quite some distance outside of the reserve from West gate. Serena is near the Samburu/Buffalo Springs bridge on the Buffalo Springs side. I wouldn't be surprised if the drive is more like 1 hour between the two.

steffid

Wow, this is quite a lot, 1 h. I haven't thought of this. We are planning together with friends and they will stay at Serena. But we will probably better meet in the parc. And the first 3 nights we want to stay at Elephant Bedroom which seems to be close to Serena (there is at least a map in the internet).

I haven't thought of the low tourism in Kenya, Sandi, that's right. Just was wondering that this is still the case because it seems that everything is calm now...

Patty

I would say arrivals are still low but I think Apr/May were always lower anyway. Recently KLM reduced their flight frequencies until mid-June.

steffid

Bad for the people over there...

But for august it seems to be better now, camps are still not ful but there is not much space left.

In case, I finally get my airtickets tomorrow, I will go ahead an book.

atravelynn

Patty,

Do you have any Elephant Watch comments? Or anybody?

sandi

lynn -

Elephant Watch? Besides being very expensive? Haven't been, but from pics of their tent designs, they're a bit too eclectic (for my taste... probably would have nightmares).

As I recall, Jan Goss had visited here on two of her trips. You might search out her trip reports. Believe there was a photo link.

atravelynn

Thanks on EW.

Patty

We stopped by Elephant Watch in late 2006 while they were still prepping the camp for the season. I liked their location toward the west side of Samburu somewhat away from the other lodges and camps. Seems like you could do some game drives in this area without running into too many other vehicles. They had a very nice setting on the river and I actually like the organic nature of their design. The mud walls, open air and soaring thatch roofs seemed to fit the hot climate of Samburu. They seemed familiar with the local elephant families. That's about all I know. I'd stay there if I could afford it!

I seem to recall one other review (or maybe it was just a post within another thread) of EW besides Jan's trip reports but I can find it at the moment.

Patty

I meant <i>can't</i> find it.

bfcurson

to steffid:

We stayed in Elephant Bedroom two
nights mid February of this year. It was relatively empty - only two other tents besides ours. The staff, food and accommodations were spectacular. It was expensive though, but a nice memory. Very warm climate, lots of successful animal/bird sightings. Have fun.

atravelynn

What I am trying to figure out is if you do really fascinating and in depth elephant watching at Elephant Watch that is not possible elsewhere. From what I've read and heard I think the answer is yes. If the answer is no, then paying a premium is out of the question.

Devey1

We stayed at Elephant Watch in February - the elephant families are all recognised by the Samburu warriors and you get loads of info about them !
We loved our stay and would highly recommend the whole experience particularly if Oria Douglas-Hamilton is hosting the camp.
Make time for a visit to the Elephant research station and look out for the elephant sculpture .....

steffid

bfcurson,

thank you for reporting. We are looking forward for Elephant Bedroom, staying there for 3 nights in august.

Can't wait for it...