Dear All,
We are are going for a 13 night fly-drive safari to Kenya this October and we are arranging it using MICS Safaris LTd, www.micssafaris.com after being recommended by a work colleague and reading good things about them online. They were also the only company we contacted able to piece together exactly what we were looking for. Rest wanted to sell us off the brochure itineraries.

We do have several questions regarding accommodation. We have a choice to make between Mara serena, Mara Sarova, Keekorok and Kichwa Tembo camp in the maasai mara. Based on your experiences, which is the best located camp/lodge for game viewing during this time of the Year? We will be having four nights at the Mara. Are these accommodations close to each other or we may choose to split the nights between two lodges? If so, what would be the perfect combination? In Laikipia, we have chosen to spend stay at the Solio Lodge. Is it worth the extra $$s for those of you who have stayed there?

Other places we will visit include Meru National park- Elsa's Kopje Naivasha- Elsamere, Amboseli- Tortilis camp, , Tsavo West- Severine camp and Tsavo East- Satao Camp.

Many thanks for your help.

Joel C

I replied on TA, and suggested you check-out Kicheche or Porini at Laikipia for comparison to Solio.

However, I see you're also considering at Meru/Elsa's and Amboseli/Tortilis... so would suggest in the Mara to stay at Elephant Pepper. If for a total of 6+/nts combined all three, you'll be entitled to a 15% (if during 2011) or 10% (if during 2012) discount on room/tent rate which averages about 1/free day.

Inquire.

Thanks Sandi,

We have settled on the following:

Solio Samburu

Tortilis Amboseli

Kicheche Mara Camp

Elsa's Kopje- Meru

Elsamere Naivasha

Severine Tsavo West

Galdessa Camp Tsavo East

We have settled it out with MICS Safari company as they emerged the overall best price wise out of the other four companies we contacted. Margins ranged from US $ 350 to 900 Per person More!! for the same itinerary.

Thanks for your help.

As reply on TA, Solio isn't at Samburu. It's in the Mt.Kenya/Aberdares area. And, the routing you show is a bit strange.

Sandi,
Sorry, I meant Laikipia and not Sambura, Itinerary does look out of the ordinary but seems quite workable for us. We have a particular liking for the Solio part of the trip, my parents had their wedding vows renewed here a few years back.

The routing is as follows:

Day 1:Mombasa to Tsavo East. drive

Day 2.Tsavo East to Tsavo West. drive

Day 3.Tsavo West to Amboseli. drive

Day 4.Amboseli.

Day 5. Amboseli to Maasai mara. Fly. Mombasa air

Day 6.Maasai mara.

Day 7.Maasai mara.

Day 8.Maasai mara.

Day 9.Maasai mara to Nanyuki-Solio game reseve fly- air Kenya

Day 10.Solio game reserve

Day 11. Solio to Meru- Fly-Fly540

Day 12. Meru

Day 13.Meru to Lake Naivasha. drive

Day 14.Naivasha to Nairobi. drive

Driver will join us in Meru and drive back to Nairobi through Naivasha.

This trip is costing us US $ 7560.00 per person.

Trip is private in Tsavo, Amboseli, Meru and Naivasha. We will share game drives in the Masai mara and Solio game reserve.

Includes:

Transport in a 4x4 safari vehicle, park conservation fees, driver/guide, game drives,full board accommodation, air tickets, airstrip transfers, boat trip at lake Naivasha, bottled drinking water, emergency air evacuation cover, all taxes and levies. Excludes drinks, tips, gratuities and personal effects.

J.

Routing now makes sense.

Solio is not in Laikipia either - it's Mt.Kenya/Aberdares.

Emergency Evacuation is probably Flying Doctor's from the bush to Nairobi (not international to home).

On Day 9, Mara to Nanyuki, know that it's a very early flight out of the Mara to Wilson with only about 15/min transfer for onward to Nanyuki.

Have fun!

According to my guidebook, Solio is located in Laikipia District and not Mt. Kenya/Aberdares. It neighbors the later though.

Emergency air evacuation cover refers to the A.A.R Safari flying doctor service, for medical emergencies. Yes, you are right, from the bush to the nearest major hospital in Nairobi/ Mombasa.

The flight seems conveniently timed with only 15 minutes for connection, it is operated by the same airline.

Thanks for the Help

I always understood the Laikipia Plateau as extending from the slopes of Mt Kenya and The Aberdares north towards the Mathews Ranges. That should place Solio in the Laikipia District in the Rift Valley Province.

We are a just back from a very wonderful sdafari from Kenya. Thanks to everyone who contributed towards our successful safari.
Most grateful for MICS Safari company for their very good professional work, it was beyond our expectations.

We loved every minute we were in Africa and we will be back soon.

Joel.