Rishav

Hello fellow travellers,

Really hopeful that someone here can guide me as to an itinerary that fits my budget and my timeline. So, here is how it goes. I am going to land in Johannesburg on the morning of August 28 as my partner is located there and i may have a couple of interview to do.

More importantly, I am hoping to spend some time visiting Kenya or Tanzania or both to witness: 1. the great migration in its full glory; 2. all possible attractions, activities and landmarks around. I can spare 10-11 days for this but must leave Jo'burg on the morning of September 14. My budget including return flights from Jo'burg to say Nairobi is a max of $4000 for both me and my partner (all inclusive in USDs). FYI I have never witnessed the great migration, which is the highest on my agenda but understand I could combine this with other important activities like camping at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro etc.

Is it possible to achieve all this in this budget? Or is it too late in the day to hope for this? Is it advisable that I defer this plan to next year and do something else in this trip. All options and suggestions are welcome, budget suggestions are more than welcome.

Please advise.

sandi

Forget it for this year. And start saving for next year or year after.

You don't have the budget as air from JNB to Nairobi/NBO and back will eat up most of your $$$.

You'll be traveling during peak season at highest prices and even a simple basic camping trip (doubtful even the most basic lodges/tent camps will have space) for the two of you, doubtful at $2K each. You'll require Visa for entry Kenya, malaria meds and Yellow Fever inoc (and proof of same) that is rather costly, for entry back into JNB

If you want to plan for another year/season, start your planning at least 6/mos in advance and put those pennies aside to pay for it.

Rishav

Thank you so much Sandi

I managed to get this quote from a travel agency for Kenya. Please if you can spare some time go through it and let me know: 1. How does the deal/itinerary look to you ($2600 for 2 pax)? 2. Are all major touchpoints being covered? Is there anything you think is being overlooked here? 3.Going through this itinerary is it clear that they'd provide beds and quilts or is it a norm in budget safaris like this to carry your sleep paraphernalia like sleeping bag, blankets etcetra? 4. If I include flight tickets from JNB-Nairobi would the budget easily overshoot $5000 for me and my partner all inclusive?


10 DAYS BEST OF KENYA BUDGET SAFARI

>Day 1. Nairobi
Pick up from the airport for a transfer to Nairobi Budget hotel on bb basis.

>Day 2: Nairobi/Masaai Mara
Pick up from your hotel at 8.30am and proceed to the great rift valley for a stop over to view the escarpment, then to Masai Mara arriving in time for lunch at the campsite followed by afternoon game drive to see the many animals that inhabit this unique park, dinner and overnight at the campsite.

> Day 3: Masaai Mara
A full day spent game viewing a cross the rich, tree-studded grassland and rolling hills. The famous mara is renowned for its great herds of plain game, black-maned lions, leopard and cheetah but also contains numerous elephants and virtually every type of wildlife to be found in Kenya, all meals and over night at the campsite.

Day 4: Masaai Mara

After early morning breakfast leave the camp for morning game drive until lunch time, return to the camp for lunch. Afternoon optional nature walk or a visit to a nearby masaai village, return to the campsite for dinner and overnight.

> Day 5: Masaai mara/L.Nakuru
Pre- breakfast game drive in the park,return to the campsite for late breakfast then leave Masaai Mara for L. Nakuru National park with lunch served en-route arriving in Nakuru for dinner and overnight.

> Day 6: L.Nakuru/Naivasha
After early morning breakfast, proceed for an extensive morning game drive in L.Nakuru National park known for it's millions of flamingoes and other water birds. leave Nakuru after lunch for lake Naivasha for relaxation, dinner and overnight.

> Day 7: Lake Naivasha
After break fast drive to Lake Naivasha , have a Hike at Hell's Gate with picnic lunch, afterward drive to the Camp in the afternoon, you will have an Optional Sundowner boat ride to Crescent Island well known for its birdlife. Dinner and overnight budget adventure camping/ budget hotel lake Naivasha.

> Day 8: Naivasha/Amboseli
Depart Lake Naivasha after breakfast and proceed to Amboseli,lunch will be en-route to the Park. Upon arrival at the the Park have a game drive enroute to the Campsite, Amboseli is at the Slope or Foot of the snow capped Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak. Dinner and overnight Amboseli Camp/ Lodge.

> Day 9: Amboseli
Full day with two game drives in this kenya beautiful park. Meals and overnight at Amboseli Camp/Lodge.

> Day 10: Amboseli - Nairobi
Depart for Nairobi after breakfast, arriving late afternoon.

PRICE: USD 1300 PER PERSON.

Safari Price includes:
> -Transport based on our customized seven-seater full time 4 wheeldrive
> Vehicle in Kenya, with specially modified suspension, full-length photographic roof hatches and seats designed with seat belts.
> - All game Park Entrance fees
> -Fullboard accommodation as per the itinerary.
> -Use of our Professional English Speaking Driver Guide.
> -All Government taxes and levies
> -3 Meals a Day Vegetarian and Non-Vegetarian

sandi

Beats me how some companies do these even very basic 'camping' safaris at that price, but for specifics as to bedding and others, you've got to ask them
1) type of tents,
2) is this a permanent camp or does their guide/cook put these up for you, what type of facilities - bathroom/shower and sufficient hot water?
3) type of beds/bedding as important to know the nights/mornings Aug/Sep (their winter) can be rather nippy, most higher prices lodges/camps actually provide hot-water bottles to keep feet warm; would consider taking long johns (silk) or a sleeping bag liner to keep between you and sheets;
4) is this just for the two of you or will there be others?
5) if others, how many?
6) if only you does the price change if less than say 6/paxs?
7) by how much... you don't want surprises,
8) actual type of vehicle and how old? carrying extra wheels and petrol? vehicle jacks to repair whatever might break, be damaged?
9) know that beverages - water, soda, beers, wines will be extra, but reasonable and less than you'd pay at home
10) it's a 5/hr (min) drive on not the best roads to the Mara,
11) it's a 5/hr drive also on not the best roads to Lk. Nakuru; there are also few flamingos here (most farther north at Lk. Baringo), but you will find rhino and Rothschild giraffe,
12) it's a 1/hr drive south to Lake Naivasha, at Naivasha while boat to Crescent Island is nice for a walking safari amongst tame game, the water than change in a blink and can be scary... just something to consider,
13) from Naivasha to Amboseli, min 7/hrs
14) from Amboseli back to NBO, min 4/hrs drive back for departure to JNB.
15) check site as Kayak www.kayak.com for flights between JNB/NBO/JNB, as often strange schedules and fares can vary widely; it's a 4/hr flight and checkin/security both directions is min. 2.5/hrs.
16) Important - who is the outfitter providing this? Have you checked on site at Trip Advisor any reviews of their service. Otherwise ask outfitter for names of past travelers... their email and/or phone #s, preferably those who live in your country or even town.

Good luck!

Rishav

Thank you Sandi, much appreciated.

You just put words to my most inexpressible doubts and fears. Will check with the operator on all those. This is a great forum, no doubt, the people make it what it is!