wedding in Kenya- August 2010
Oct 12th, 2009, 05:57 AM
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wedding in Kenya- August 2010
We are planning on eloping and doing a combination wedding/honeymoon trip in Kenya in August 2010. There is so much information online that I would really like to be pointed in the right direction.
What I envision is spending 2 nights in Nairobi (Giraffe Manor) then a roughly 6 day safari in luxury tented camps, where the wedding would take place, and ending with some beach time in either Zanzibar or on the Kenyan coast. For the safari portion, I am most interested in seeing elephants.
Whether or not a trip like that will fit our budget is still uncertain. We are willing to splurge and would definitely prefer some luxury over basic accommodations, but we can't spend $1000 per night. I would like to find a group that could plan the trip and a simple wedding. Could anyone recommend which tour operators or tented camps I should look into for this trip? Has anyone else gotten married in Kenya on safari?
What I envision is spending 2 nights in Nairobi (Giraffe Manor) then a roughly 6 day safari in luxury tented camps, where the wedding would take place, and ending with some beach time in either Zanzibar or on the Kenyan coast. For the safari portion, I am most interested in seeing elephants.
Whether or not a trip like that will fit our budget is still uncertain. We are willing to splurge and would definitely prefer some luxury over basic accommodations, but we can't spend $1000 per night. I would like to find a group that could plan the trip and a simple wedding. Could anyone recommend which tour operators or tented camps I should look into for this trip? Has anyone else gotten married in Kenya on safari?
Oct 12th, 2009, 07:21 AM
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Congrats! Great idea!
You could contact Cheli + Peacock www.chelipeacock.com (lots of camps all over Kenya incl. great locations for elephants like Amboseli (Tortilis camp) or Tsavo (Finch Hattons) and Safari Collection www.thesafaricollection.com (Giraffe Manor and Sasaab in Samburu). All fitting into the lux expectations but particularly because of high season also have their price tags.
You don't mention whether you need accommodation also for relatives which might ask for "sole booking" of a whole camp depending on number of people.
All aboven mentioned will be also happy to help with the actual wedding.
Maybe you tell us a bit more about your max budget and number of people.
Just give some more specifics.
Just have a look at their websites in order to get a taste on what's available.
SV
You could contact Cheli + Peacock www.chelipeacock.com (lots of camps all over Kenya incl. great locations for elephants like Amboseli (Tortilis camp) or Tsavo (Finch Hattons) and Safari Collection www.thesafaricollection.com (Giraffe Manor and Sasaab in Samburu). All fitting into the lux expectations but particularly because of high season also have their price tags.
You don't mention whether you need accommodation also for relatives which might ask for "sole booking" of a whole camp depending on number of people.
All aboven mentioned will be also happy to help with the actual wedding.
Maybe you tell us a bit more about your max budget and number of people.
Just give some more specifics.
Just have a look at their websites in order to get a taste on what's available.
SV
Oct 12th, 2009, 09:08 AM
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It will be just the 2 of us. I haven't worked out a budget yet, but my parents want to contribute so that will give us more possibilities.
Cheli Peacock looks great-the Tortilis camp is exactly the sort of place I am hoping for. They have some pricing on their website and I would say that it would be the maximum we would want to spend.
I have wanted to get married in Africa ever since I realized I wasn't a traditional wedding kind of person. I really appreciate help on planning this trip.
Cheli Peacock looks great-the Tortilis camp is exactly the sort of place I am hoping for. They have some pricing on their website and I would say that it would be the maximum we would want to spend.
I have wanted to get married in Africa ever since I realized I wasn't a traditional wedding kind of person. I really appreciate help on planning this trip.
Oct 12th, 2009, 09:23 AM
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Serena Hotel group has camps in the areas I am most interested and arranges weddings. They appear to be significantly cheaper than other places I am looking. How would they compare and what would one lose by choosing something like Serena over more expensive options?
Oct 12th, 2009, 09:53 AM
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This is definitely a great idea but i am biased as i got married in Kenya in 2006.We got married at Governors Camp and it was fantastic.We had looked at numerous places including a Serena property but i would not change a thing.Governors was brilliant and if you have any specific questions ask away or check my trip report which is somewhere on this site.
Good luck you will absolutly love it.
Good luck you will absolutly love it.
Oct 12th, 2009, 12:01 PM
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Besides Cheli & Peacock and The Safari Collection with lovely luxury accommodations, you can consider Olonana Camp (in the Masai Mara) www.sanctuarylodges.com/olonana.aspx or Shompole (on border with Tanzania and because in a "hot" area can be a combo safari/wedding/beach-type event)www.shompole.com/ .
While Serena, Heritage (the Intrepids/Explorer camps) and Governor's can also provide wedding services, unlike the former mentioned which are small intimate properties, are larger with 40-70/rooms or tents.
You can arrange a western wedding - white, flowers, cake, champagne, etc. or a traditional Masai wedding, with the warriors and mamas acting as your bridal party, young girls as flower girls, the village elder to do a blessing and instead of "white" wearing Masai wedding attire. These are different and lots of fun. Arrangements for any type will provide an official - priest, minister, rabbi or whatever - to conduct the actual ceremony.
There is a minimum # of days (believe 3 or 4 in-country) required before a wedding can take place; documents have to be sent ahead of time - birth certificates, divorce decrees if previously married and other - for license to be issued.
Contact any of the above and see what they can offer and compare.
While Serena, Heritage (the Intrepids/Explorer camps) and Governor's can also provide wedding services, unlike the former mentioned which are small intimate properties, are larger with 40-70/rooms or tents.
You can arrange a western wedding - white, flowers, cake, champagne, etc. or a traditional Masai wedding, with the warriors and mamas acting as your bridal party, young girls as flower girls, the village elder to do a blessing and instead of "white" wearing Masai wedding attire. These are different and lots of fun. Arrangements for any type will provide an official - priest, minister, rabbi or whatever - to conduct the actual ceremony.
There is a minimum # of days (believe 3 or 4 in-country) required before a wedding can take place; documents have to be sent ahead of time - birth certificates, divorce decrees if previously married and other - for license to be issued.
Contact any of the above and see what they can offer and compare.
Oct 12th, 2009, 02:53 PM
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dlo's report is at:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34765002
dlo - I looked it up in the index for the link, but I will always remember your report because of the rings you mentioned. Our wedding bands are plain gold with 'etchings' in them & when I read your report I had an urge to go to the jewelers you mentioned and take a look at rings with 'animal' etchings, it sounded so nice! We haven't done that yet, but we will someday! I'd love to see a picture of your rings.
cakegal, it's a wonderful report to read!
We did the balloon ride this year at Governor's Camp and there were two people in the balloon that had just got married there the day before as well, must be a popular wedding spot!
But - I have to tell you - I found the absolute most PERFECT place for a wedding when we were on our last safari in May. My husband & I took our son to Africa in May (see my half-done trip report at):
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...all-in-one.cfm
We stayed at many wonderful properties while on safari, but he one that absolutely SCREAMED ‘you must get married here’ was Matemwe Retreat in Zanzibar (north west shore). Ohmigosh, it was the most romantic setting I have ever been in, and although we have been married 33 years and it’s too late for us, my son said that he would LOVE to get married there – and, as a mother of the bride, I’m hoping he does!
Matemwe Retreat has three private villas, on the Indian Ocean on a hill above Matemwe Bungalows. I saw the bungalows as well, they are nice, but, well, nothing compared to the retreat. All meals are eaten at your own villa – although the lady did point out we would be welcome anytime in the restaurant at the Bungalows, we did not take them up on that – having your own butler & the chef coming around to ask you what you would like for lunch, etc was just too cool! The villa itself is to VERY comfortable – in one area that is open during the day & can be closed off at night there is a very comfy king size bed, daybed, dressing area & vanity on the ground floor, along with the biggest bathroom I have ever been in that contains a separate ‘loo’ area, a shower that was big enough for 6 people, a sunken tub that overlooks the Indian Ocean all surrounded by candles and double sinks. That bathroom was bigger than my living room. Jamie (our son) called it The West Wing and said it was bigger than his condo. Upstairs, via a circular stairway is a wonderful area on the roof – a private plunge pool, two day bed loungers and two huge cushioned ‘ outdoor couches’ and a huge wooden coffee table. Back downstairs, outside on the deck, there is a hammock, a couch to lay around & read in, a table for eating and a bar area to while away the hours. (all drinks included).
This was a perfect setting for a perfect honeymoon at the very least! I would imagine one could get married there too, no reason why not!
You could get married on safari first and then go to Zanzibar to relax on a honeymoon!
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34765002
dlo - I looked it up in the index for the link, but I will always remember your report because of the rings you mentioned. Our wedding bands are plain gold with 'etchings' in them & when I read your report I had an urge to go to the jewelers you mentioned and take a look at rings with 'animal' etchings, it sounded so nice! We haven't done that yet, but we will someday! I'd love to see a picture of your rings.
cakegal, it's a wonderful report to read!
We did the balloon ride this year at Governor's Camp and there were two people in the balloon that had just got married there the day before as well, must be a popular wedding spot!
But - I have to tell you - I found the absolute most PERFECT place for a wedding when we were on our last safari in May. My husband & I took our son to Africa in May (see my half-done trip report at):
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...all-in-one.cfm
We stayed at many wonderful properties while on safari, but he one that absolutely SCREAMED ‘you must get married here’ was Matemwe Retreat in Zanzibar (north west shore). Ohmigosh, it was the most romantic setting I have ever been in, and although we have been married 33 years and it’s too late for us, my son said that he would LOVE to get married there – and, as a mother of the bride, I’m hoping he does!
Matemwe Retreat has three private villas, on the Indian Ocean on a hill above Matemwe Bungalows. I saw the bungalows as well, they are nice, but, well, nothing compared to the retreat. All meals are eaten at your own villa – although the lady did point out we would be welcome anytime in the restaurant at the Bungalows, we did not take them up on that – having your own butler & the chef coming around to ask you what you would like for lunch, etc was just too cool! The villa itself is to VERY comfortable – in one area that is open during the day & can be closed off at night there is a very comfy king size bed, daybed, dressing area & vanity on the ground floor, along with the biggest bathroom I have ever been in that contains a separate ‘loo’ area, a shower that was big enough for 6 people, a sunken tub that overlooks the Indian Ocean all surrounded by candles and double sinks. That bathroom was bigger than my living room. Jamie (our son) called it The West Wing and said it was bigger than his condo. Upstairs, via a circular stairway is a wonderful area on the roof – a private plunge pool, two day bed loungers and two huge cushioned ‘ outdoor couches’ and a huge wooden coffee table. Back downstairs, outside on the deck, there is a hammock, a couch to lay around & read in, a table for eating and a bar area to while away the hours. (all drinks included).
This was a perfect setting for a perfect honeymoon at the very least! I would imagine one could get married there too, no reason why not!
You could get married on safari first and then go to Zanzibar to relax on a honeymoon!
Oct 12th, 2009, 05:33 PM
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Everyone has given me so much to look at and such great suggestions!
I definitely want to spend some time at more luxurious properties, but will have to mix that with some slightly more modest ones to make the trip affordable. What tour operator would you recommend to arrange that sort of high/low trip?
I definitely want to spend some time at more luxurious properties, but will have to mix that with some slightly more modest ones to make the trip affordable. What tour operator would you recommend to arrange that sort of high/low trip?
Oct 12th, 2009, 06:18 PM
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Cakegal,
we were in kenya last month and one other place you may want to look into is Galdessa in tsavo east. the tents are very luxurious and there were so many elephants roaming through camp you had to be escorted to the dining room. The prices are not as high as some of the other luxury camps. i do not know if they do weddings but you can inquire.
http://www.galdessa.com/
We booked our whole safari with Eastern and Southern.
http://www.essafari.co.ke/
this was our second safari using them and our friends that we traveled with have used them more times than that. they are located in Nairobi and a very reliable company
Congratulations and good luck with the wedding planning
we were in kenya last month and one other place you may want to look into is Galdessa in tsavo east. the tents are very luxurious and there were so many elephants roaming through camp you had to be escorted to the dining room. The prices are not as high as some of the other luxury camps. i do not know if they do weddings but you can inquire.
http://www.galdessa.com/
We booked our whole safari with Eastern and Southern.
http://www.essafari.co.ke/
this was our second safari using them and our friends that we traveled with have used them more times than that. they are located in Nairobi and a very reliable company
Congratulations and good luck with the wedding planning
Oct 12th, 2009, 07:10 PM
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Lynda-What i loved about the rings was that they were unique,everyone who saw them always had great comments about them.The bad news is that 3 weeks ago i broke mine.The animals are carved into the middle of the ring but there are gaps between each and i somehow caught something in a gap and ripped out the lion.Guess i'll have to go back and get a new one.
Lots of people on this site use Southern Cross and Eastern and Southern safaris.
Lots of people on this site use Southern Cross and Eastern and Southern safaris.
Oct 13th, 2009, 07:13 AM
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I second the suggestions of both Galdessa in Tsavo East or Finch Hattons in Tsavo West. Both have great settings and are not that expensive even in high season. You'll definitely see eles in Tsavo. I stayed at both last month and also in Feb 2008. If you click on my screen name, you can see my reports and photos. From Tsavo you can drive to the Kenyan coast which will save you some money. Good luck with your decision!
Oct 13th, 2009, 11:47 AM
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I definitely want to include Tsavo- for me the more eles the better!
I was also looking at Satao Camp. Has anyone stayed there, and how would it compare to Galdessa and Finch Hattons?
I have emailed a request for pricing and an itinerary (and wedding planning help) to several operators. The problem I have run across is that they either don't plan weddings (only ceremonial blessings) or have told me that it is extremely complicated and expensive to get married in Kenya.
Dlo was that true of your wedding at Governor's Camp?
It seems that getting married in Zanzibar is considerably easier. Would it make sense to go there first, get married and spend a few days, and then fly back for the safari? The wedding doesn't have to be fancy, I just want it to be legal!
I was also looking at Satao Camp. Has anyone stayed there, and how would it compare to Galdessa and Finch Hattons?
I have emailed a request for pricing and an itinerary (and wedding planning help) to several operators. The problem I have run across is that they either don't plan weddings (only ceremonial blessings) or have told me that it is extremely complicated and expensive to get married in Kenya.
Dlo was that true of your wedding at Governor's Camp?
It seems that getting married in Zanzibar is considerably easier. Would it make sense to go there first, get married and spend a few days, and then fly back for the safari? The wedding doesn't have to be fancy, I just want it to be legal!
Oct 13th, 2009, 12:36 PM
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cakegal, you can try the Kenyan operator that we used to put our trip together, Daniel from DK Grand Safaris. He is based out of Nairobi, the company mandate is 'your dream - we make it come true', so give him a try, he may know about weddings etc. He can put together whatever kind of trip you want going to whichever lodges/camps and in whatever mix you want!
http://www.dkgrandsafaris.com/
http://www.dkgrandsafaris.com/
Oct 13th, 2009, 12:55 PM
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Cakegal.... Its a great idea to get married in Kenya, dont be put off... I got married in the Masai Mara Last year we had no problems planning or ensuring the wedding was legal.... We only gave our holiday organiser 5 weeks notice prior to booking!
Well here is a link to our wedding pix and report, go to www.freemansafaris.com and navigate to the august 2008 newsletter and visit the photo gallery...http://www.carlscope.co.uk/knights_wedding.html
We got married right out in the plains of the Masai Mara serenaded by Masai warriors, this is unusual as many people get married in lodge gardens etc.. Now I am a man who isnt sentimental/romantic in any way but our wedding was absolute perfection I wouldnt change any element of it and it is all thanks to Freemansafaris.... It was also good value the service, reception also out on the plains including curry (our choice) fizz and cake, registra who we paid to fly down from Nairobi, flowers etc was about £700 all in...
If you need any more info just ask... I say go for it!!
Well here is a link to our wedding pix and report, go to www.freemansafaris.com and navigate to the august 2008 newsletter and visit the photo gallery...http://www.carlscope.co.uk/knights_wedding.html
We got married right out in the plains of the Masai Mara serenaded by Masai warriors, this is unusual as many people get married in lodge gardens etc.. Now I am a man who isnt sentimental/romantic in any way but our wedding was absolute perfection I wouldnt change any element of it and it is all thanks to Freemansafaris.... It was also good value the service, reception also out on the plains including curry (our choice) fizz and cake, registra who we paid to fly down from Nairobi, flowers etc was about £700 all in...
If you need any more info just ask... I say go for it!!
Oct 13th, 2009, 02:11 PM
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If you're dream is to get married on safari then do it! Like you my wife and i are not interested in traditional weddings.We both love Africa and we wanted to get married on safari. Like the poster above we got married on the plains with zebra,buffalo and crocs in the background.It was very easy to organize. Southern Cross Safaris has details of the legalities of what you will need.The tour op has very little to do with the wedding,for us Governors took care of us in Nairobi and we communicated all our needs to them not our tour op.
For me i could have been anywhere in the world and got married on a beach but only in Africa on a safari so just do it,it is easy to do,just check the camps websites that you are interested in and see if they do weddings.
Good luck and if you have any more questions fire away.
For me i could have been anywhere in the world and got married on a beach but only in Africa on a safari so just do it,it is easy to do,just check the camps websites that you are interested in and see if they do weddings.
Good luck and if you have any more questions fire away.
Oct 13th, 2009, 02:58 PM
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Southern Cross were one of the ones I contacted who were discouraging about the wedding!
I was surprised since they do have a wedding page on their site. Perhaps it will be easier to arrange the wedding directly through the camp, rather than the tour op. I'll keep researching.
I was surprised since they do have a wedding page on their site. Perhaps it will be easier to arrange the wedding directly through the camp, rather than the tour op. I'll keep researching.
Oct 14th, 2009, 12:31 PM
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The costs and logistics are so discouraging. Prices are even higher than I expected and I am really wondering if we can do this with the 2 weeks we have for the vacation. We have to spend 2 full working days in nairobi first, and 4 days in kenya total before we can get married. Just having a simple ceremony would be $2000 and that doesn't include anything else, such as cake, flowers or pictures. I have gotten some reasonable quotes, but when I start adding everything together, it seems even the cheapest trip would be $15,000 for 2 weeks including travel time. It seems shockingly high to someone more used to the prices of SE Asia (or even Europe)
Oct 14th, 2009, 11:17 PM
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Hi
Don't be discouraged!
When we got married in Kenya last year we did all the paperwork in Nairobi in an hour or so, paid the fees and by 1pm we where on a plane down to the Mara! The fees for the service and all the flowers, Masai warriors paperwork etc was much much cheaper than we could have paid in the UK...
Don't be discouraged!
When we got married in Kenya last year we did all the paperwork in Nairobi in an hour or so, paid the fees and by 1pm we where on a plane down to the Mara! The fees for the service and all the flowers, Masai warriors paperwork etc was much much cheaper than we could have paid in the UK...
