Touring Africa-Kenya
Jun 22nd, 2011, 12:55 AM
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Touring Africa-Kenya
My name is William Browse ,live in Norway with my family,we are planning to tour Kenya in the month of September and would really love not to rely on myself in plans for this,.
Twitter,this is where i have been following a tour agency called Silverdove tours based in Nairobi and their Website pleased me indeed,i contacted them,and their response was Maasai mara Game reserve,Lake naivasha national park,Lake nakuru national park and Lake baringo reserve.
Is everything ok with this,what about the operator has anyone traveled with them before?
Help me perfect my trip.
William
Twitter,this is where i have been following a tour agency called Silverdove tours based in Nairobi and their Website pleased me indeed,i contacted them,and their response was Maasai mara Game reserve,Lake naivasha national park,Lake nakuru national park and Lake baringo reserve.
Is everything ok with this,what about the operator has anyone traveled with them before?
Help me perfect my trip.
William
Jun 22nd, 2011, 08:30 AM
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I have not heard of Silverdove before.
If you are keen birders the itinerary would a good one. If you just want a typical safari, this is not the type of itinerary that is usually suggested.
In Sept, Nakuru followed by Maasai Mara would be good. You might want to include Samburu and/or Mt. Kenya too.
How long are you planning for your trip?
If you are keen birders the itinerary would a good one. If you just want a typical safari, this is not the type of itinerary that is usually suggested.
In Sept, Nakuru followed by Maasai Mara would be good. You might want to include Samburu and/or Mt. Kenya too.
How long are you planning for your trip?
Jun 22nd, 2011, 01:56 PM
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Though I have never heard of Silverdove, what is the actual itinerary they are suggesting? How many days at which area and accommodations at each (lodges, permanent camps, camping)?
How many total days do you plan to stay in country?
How many total days do you plan to stay in country?
Jun 22nd, 2011, 04:06 PM
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Don't know about them but just returned from a tour to Kenya with Lion World Tours...top notch for a low price. Catch my review and pics at http://Ofmyheart.net
Jun 22nd, 2011, 10:42 PM
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hello
am grateful for you
Our Safari will take us 9 days 8 nights
Arrival day
rackenhurst Limuru
Mara Sarova 3 nights
Lake Naivasha Sopa 1 night
Lions hill 1 night
Roberts camp,2nights
Am still shopping around since we haven't made commitments yet
Will be back for any other assistance.
william
am grateful for you
Our Safari will take us 9 days 8 nights
Arrival day
rackenhurst LimuruMara Sarova 3 nights
Lake Naivasha Sopa 1 night
Lions hill 1 night
Roberts camp,2nights
Am still shopping around since we haven't made commitments yet
Will be back for any other assistance.
william
Jun 23rd, 2011, 05:24 AM
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In a relatively short stay, usually both Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru (Lions Hill) are not included--one or other. Furthermore Lake Baringo (Robert's camp) is very uncommon in a typical safari itinerary unless the guest specifically asked to see that area, probably for birds.
In short, this is a very odd itinerary and not one that would give you the best trip--unless you were going primarily for birds.
It also would be helpful knowing what month you are going.
Also knowing your hopes for the trip would help. Are there any species you'd especially like to see? Would you like to incorporate hiking instead of driving for some outings, knowing you'd likely see less on a hike? Are you trying to see the wildebeest and zebra migration? You mention family, how old are the children?
If there are several of you going, a private trip is typical and economical.
Here is an option that has diverse habitats and maximizes the number of species.
Arrival dayrackenhurst Limuru (same--I am assuming there is a reason you have chosen this facility. Otherwise there are more conveniently located hotels for an overnight in NBO.)
2 nts Samburu (drive is approx 6 hours from NBO) There are giraffe, ostrich, antelope, and zebra species here that differ from other places. The environment is more desert-like, but there is a river to attract animals. Some of the best landscape in Kenya. Second most animal abundant park in Kenya, next to Mara.
1 night Mt. Kenya (drive is approx 3.5 hours from Samburu)
If you stayed at a place like Serena Mountain Lodge you can look at animals gather around a waterhole to drink in the afternoon and throughout the night. Drives here are in more forested areas so you might see colobus monkeys or duiker antelope, maybe giant forest hogs.
1 night Lake Nakuru (drive is approx 3.5 hours from Mt. Kenya)
Flamingos on lake. Good place to see rhino.
3 nights Maasai Mara (drive is about 6.5 hours from Nakuru)
This is where the most animals are. July-Oct and sometimes as early as June the migration of wildebeest and zebra are in the Mara.
Drive approx 5.5 hours back to NBO for eve flight out.
As you can see, the above has lots of driving, which is common for a first safari of just over a week. But that could be too much driving for young kids.
I noted Neuman's post with Lion World, a company in Canada. Lion World's budget Kenya trip does something similar to what I mentioned above, but I think they omit Mt. Kenya and 1 night from the Mara.
Another possibility that has less driving by omitting Samburu is:
1 nt NBO
1-2 nts Mt. Kenya
1-2 nts Nakuru
4 nts Mara
Totaling 8 nts.
Since the Mara is where the animal action is, this spends more time there.
On my last Kenya trip I did something like this:
1 nt NBO
2 nts Aberdare, a forested region (3 hour drive from NBO), staying at the very inexpensive and lovely Fishing Lodge high in the moorlands. We drove and hiked to waterfalls for 10 hours the second day, seeing Sykes monkeys, colobus monkeys, duiker antelopes, bushbuck antelopes, giant forest hogs, unique birds, even a leopard and elephant--a quality and unique experience in Kenya.
Then I was driven to another park, which I'd suggest you skip on this trip, and on to Samburu. It would be about 3.5 hours from Aberdare to Samburu. You could spend 2 nights in Samburu.
Then I flew to the Maasai Mara from Samburu, avoiding the drive. That would leave you 3 nights in the Mara.
I drove back to NBO for my evening flight home.
The company I used for this trip and that I used one time previously was NBO-based Eastern and Southern Safaris.
In short, this is a very odd itinerary and not one that would give you the best trip--unless you were going primarily for birds.
It also would be helpful knowing what month you are going.
Also knowing your hopes for the trip would help. Are there any species you'd especially like to see? Would you like to incorporate hiking instead of driving for some outings, knowing you'd likely see less on a hike? Are you trying to see the wildebeest and zebra migration? You mention family, how old are the children?
If there are several of you going, a private trip is typical and economical.
Here is an option that has diverse habitats and maximizes the number of species.
Arrival dayrackenhurst Limuru (same--I am assuming there is a reason you have chosen this facility. Otherwise there are more conveniently located hotels for an overnight in NBO.)
2 nts Samburu (drive is approx 6 hours from NBO) There are giraffe, ostrich, antelope, and zebra species here that differ from other places. The environment is more desert-like, but there is a river to attract animals. Some of the best landscape in Kenya. Second most animal abundant park in Kenya, next to Mara.
1 night Mt. Kenya (drive is approx 3.5 hours from Samburu)
If you stayed at a place like Serena Mountain Lodge you can look at animals gather around a waterhole to drink in the afternoon and throughout the night. Drives here are in more forested areas so you might see colobus monkeys or duiker antelope, maybe giant forest hogs.
1 night Lake Nakuru (drive is approx 3.5 hours from Mt. Kenya)
Flamingos on lake. Good place to see rhino.
3 nights Maasai Mara (drive is about 6.5 hours from Nakuru)
This is where the most animals are. July-Oct and sometimes as early as June the migration of wildebeest and zebra are in the Mara.
Drive approx 5.5 hours back to NBO for eve flight out.
As you can see, the above has lots of driving, which is common for a first safari of just over a week. But that could be too much driving for young kids.
I noted Neuman's post with Lion World, a company in Canada. Lion World's budget Kenya trip does something similar to what I mentioned above, but I think they omit Mt. Kenya and 1 night from the Mara.
Another possibility that has less driving by omitting Samburu is:
1 nt NBO
1-2 nts Mt. Kenya
1-2 nts Nakuru
4 nts Mara
Totaling 8 nts.
Since the Mara is where the animal action is, this spends more time there.
On my last Kenya trip I did something like this:
1 nt NBO
2 nts Aberdare, a forested region (3 hour drive from NBO), staying at the very inexpensive and lovely Fishing Lodge high in the moorlands. We drove and hiked to waterfalls for 10 hours the second day, seeing Sykes monkeys, colobus monkeys, duiker antelopes, bushbuck antelopes, giant forest hogs, unique birds, even a leopard and elephant--a quality and unique experience in Kenya.
Then I was driven to another park, which I'd suggest you skip on this trip, and on to Samburu. It would be about 3.5 hours from Aberdare to Samburu. You could spend 2 nights in Samburu.
Then I flew to the Maasai Mara from Samburu, avoiding the drive. That would leave you 3 nights in the Mara.
I drove back to NBO for my evening flight home.
The company I used for this trip and that I used one time previously was NBO-based Eastern and Southern Safaris.
Jun 23rd, 2011, 07:22 AM
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Strange itinerary.
However, I'd strongly suggest that whatever routing you choose, that the visit to the Masai Mara, by the last where you will find the most game and diversity.
Consider:
Day 1 - NBO
Day 2 - Drive to Amboseli; elephants and views of Kilimanjaro (4/hrs) - o/n
Day 3 - Amboseli - o/n
Day 4 - Drive (4/hrs) via NBO; lunch; drive (2.5/hrs) to Lake Nakuru; flamingos, water fowl, Rothschild giraffe, rhino - o/n
Day 5 - Drive (1/hr) to Lake Naivasha; Crescent Island visit by boat for walking safari amongst tame game - o/n
Day 6 - Drive (5/hrs) to Masai Mara; all game - o/n
Days 7 & 8 - Masai Mara - o/n
Day 9 - Drive or Fly to NBO for homebound
However, I'd strongly suggest that whatever routing you choose, that the visit to the Masai Mara, by the last where you will find the most game and diversity.
Consider:
Day 1 - NBO
Day 2 - Drive to Amboseli; elephants and views of Kilimanjaro (4/hrs) - o/n
Day 3 - Amboseli - o/n
Day 4 - Drive (4/hrs) via NBO; lunch; drive (2.5/hrs) to Lake Nakuru; flamingos, water fowl, Rothschild giraffe, rhino - o/n
Day 5 - Drive (1/hr) to Lake Naivasha; Crescent Island visit by boat for walking safari amongst tame game - o/n
Day 6 - Drive (5/hrs) to Masai Mara; all game - o/n
Days 7 & 8 - Masai Mara - o/n
Day 9 - Drive or Fly to NBO for homebound
Jun 29th, 2011, 01:12 AM
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The itinerary is not rewarding , the inclusion of Samburu and Mt. Kenya attractions , Amboseli will be much better . Baringo has nothing specific unless you are keen on birds and boat trips . My final view on this itinerary is that the Safari Company stands to benefit while you loose in regards to wildlife . For example , he will gain in Baringo and Naivasha by paying a small fee for entry . At MT. Kenya , you can do Solio Sanctuary , then proceed to Samburu . After samburu you can drop off Nakuru since you will have seen so many Rhinos at Solio and proceed to Lake Bogoria [ Flamingos have moved in Large numbers from Nakuru to Bogoria ] and then after Bogoria proceed to Maasai Mara , the climax of any safari . will recommend www.villagelifesafari.com for this safari or www.mongasafaris.com . Regards .
Jun 30th, 2011, 06:53 AM
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Just back from Kenya. We had a safari tour -Masaai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli- plus 3 days in Diani beach (about 40 km outside of Mombasa).
The travel agency we used is AFRICAN HORIZONS and it was above all expestations. Absolutely professional and consistent.
We have chosen Masaai Mara as it is considered to be the best National Park, Nakuru in order to see the thousands of pink flamingos (but besides that it was a fabulus park due to its thick vegetation, totally dofferenta than savannah)and Amboseli in order to enjoy the views of Kilimanjaro. All the above parks were fascinating. Another park that I thing is very nice is Tsavo (near Mombasa). I had the chance to see it during the landing to Mombasa Airport and it seemed to be great.
Finally, if you have the time and the mood for beach relaxation, don't miss 2-3 days in a resort of Diani Beach (not in Mombasa as many agencies suggest).
If more info is needed I will be glad to help!
The travel agency we used is AFRICAN HORIZONS and it was above all expestations. Absolutely professional and consistent.
We have chosen Masaai Mara as it is considered to be the best National Park, Nakuru in order to see the thousands of pink flamingos (but besides that it was a fabulus park due to its thick vegetation, totally dofferenta than savannah)and Amboseli in order to enjoy the views of Kilimanjaro. All the above parks were fascinating. Another park that I thing is very nice is Tsavo (near Mombasa). I had the chance to see it during the landing to Mombasa Airport and it seemed to be great.
Finally, if you have the time and the mood for beach relaxation, don't miss 2-3 days in a resort of Diani Beach (not in Mombasa as many agencies suggest).
If more info is needed I will be glad to help!
