African safaris: Kenya safari 15 day
Oct 5th, 2006, 12:03 PM
#21
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Ok since at least teh first part of my trip is almost decided and since i read parts of Patty's report...I wonder on advice regarding the specific routes I should pursue, conservation areas and villages to visit and would like to get those non-touristy corners too...how about accomodation...mind you I am planning to do the whole trip for significantly less money than Patty...
so more along choices such as the lion hill, samburu serena etc.
so more along choices such as the lion hill, samburu serena etc.
Oct 5th, 2006, 12:45 PM
#22
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When will you be traveling and how many people are in your party? That will make a difference as far as pricing.
Not to discourage you, but my last Kenya safari would be considered moderate or even perhaps budget by Fodors standards. We did 13 nights at a cost of $2900pp for two people on a private all drive safari (we added a Mara-Nairobi flight later but that's not included in the cost). If we'd chosen less expensive accomodations at Lake Baringo and in the Mara and skipped our 1 night of fly camping, we probably could have reduced our overall costs by about $400pp. Elsewhere we chose fairly low cost options. I don't know how Mwbeha Camp compares in price to Lion Hill, but I know it was less than if we'd stayed at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
You'll also account for the fact that since our trip, park fees and no doubt accomodation prices have increased. Time spent in Nairobi and the coastal areas can cost much less than time on safari (except for the flight to Lamu which costs around $300).
Not to discourage you, but my last Kenya safari would be considered moderate or even perhaps budget by Fodors standards. We did 13 nights at a cost of $2900pp for two people on a private all drive safari (we added a Mara-Nairobi flight later but that's not included in the cost). If we'd chosen less expensive accomodations at Lake Baringo and in the Mara and skipped our 1 night of fly camping, we probably could have reduced our overall costs by about $400pp. Elsewhere we chose fairly low cost options. I don't know how Mwbeha Camp compares in price to Lion Hill, but I know it was less than if we'd stayed at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
You'll also account for the fact that since our trip, park fees and no doubt accomodation prices have increased. Time spent in Nairobi and the coastal areas can cost much less than time on safari (except for the flight to Lamu which costs around $300).
Oct 5th, 2006, 12:48 PM
#23
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Re. Nairobi or Mombasa I would much rather be walking around there than in any European city. It’s just not something that tourists usually do and you were asking for Eiffel Towers. BTW how much do you experience of/learn about French culture by visiting the Eiffel Tower? The usual tourist musts are to visit the Mara to tick off the big 5 (and some other animals), Lake Nakuru for hundreds of thousands of flamingos and rhino if you’ve been unlucky in the Mara, and then another park like Samburu for a different landscape, more of the big 5 (minus rhino) and some species not found in the Mara, or Amboseli for more animals and the postcard view of Kilimanjaro, weather permitting. For “culture” there are pastoralist people living close to the parks (they’ve been evicted from the parks themselves) that lead very traditional lives and are a small minority of Kenya’s population. You can visit their very professional villages for a fee and they’ll show you their houses, sing you a song and sell you some, jewellery, spears etc. There are lots of poor people in Kenya and some, mostly genuinely, good-hearted tourists find it very fulfilling to visit a school or orphanage and bring gifts. The children will be very curious and charming, smile and sing you a song like you were royalty on a visit. If you’re exhausted after all this you go to the coast to relax on a tropical beach. Few tourists visit the west with Lake Victoria or the north. Samburu is considered the north, but if you look at a map you’ll see it’s just the start of the north. Almost no tourists meet any normal everyday Kenyans not working in the tourists industry and not singing you a song, but it’s perfectly feasible to do as in Province or Tuscany and walk the streets of small towns entering bars with local people. Generally, but NOT always, people are more talkative and approachable than the French or even the Italian. I’ve understood you’re interested in nature spots and you’ll get amazing nature spots as a side dish when watching the animals that are the real stars. At Hell’s Gate the landscape is the star and its main interest is that you can cycle or walk through the park. Don’t try to see too much in 2 weeks. “I will most likely never be going back to Kenya”. 
We’ve heard that before… I might be able to give you some more constructive advice on Sunday.
The best information I can think of at the moment is that it’s so much better to be in Kenya than to have been in Kenya.
We’ve heard that before… I might be able to give you some more constructive advice on Sunday. The best information I can think of at the moment is that it’s so much better to be in Kenya than to have been in Kenya.
Oct 5th, 2006, 01:03 PM
#24
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Shmoulie
Nyamera's comments are so true - I spent a lot of time in Kenya in the early eighties (whilst father was in British High commission) and could not have put it better. You will not be disappointed whatever you do but I did warn you that you might get seriously confused by lots of differnt opinions !
Phil
Ps : And, for what its worth, if you want animals and character rather than accomodation, you're much better with the Ark than Mountain Lodge (and this comes from someone whi has never been disappointed with Serena ...)
Nyamera's comments are so true - I spent a lot of time in Kenya in the early eighties (whilst father was in British High commission) and could not have put it better. You will not be disappointed whatever you do but I did warn you that you might get seriously confused by lots of differnt opinions !
Phil
Ps : And, for what its worth, if you want animals and character rather than accomodation, you're much better with the Ark than Mountain Lodge (and this comes from someone whi has never been disappointed with Serena ...)
Oct 5th, 2006, 01:21 PM
#25
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well...where to start..the Eiffel tower may not say much about france but you just got to do it...better than wondering about it..as for not going back to kenya...well teh world is a big place and got catching up to do..
as for teh cost Patty I thought you were at more than $5000..probably mixed it with the other report..I will be going soon so prices should be relatively ok...
I was thinking about Turkana and everything but that tehn gets more complicated...Nyamera's email disappointed me in the sense that I will probably not see much of real africa...so if you please at least point to the hidden gems in terms of accomodation and little places to visit along the way that would help?
as for teh cost Patty I thought you were at more than $5000..probably mixed it with the other report..I will be going soon so prices should be relatively ok...I was thinking about Turkana and everything but that tehn gets more complicated...Nyamera's email disappointed me in the sense that I will probably not see much of real africa...so if you please at least point to the hidden gems in terms of accomodation and little places to visit along the way that would help?
Oct 5th, 2006, 01:30 PM
#26
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For accomodations options, I think the Serena, Samburu Game Lodge or Sopa will be your least expensive choices in Samburu.
For your night viewing lodge, I think Treetops is less expensive than the Ark but reviews I've read haven't been very positive.
At Nakuru, maybe Nakuru Guest House http://www.wildlifeclubsofkenya.org/nakuru_guest.htm
Fisherman's Camp at Lake Naivasha is a camp site but they also have inexpensive bandas.
In the Mara, maybe the Serena, Keekorok or Fig Tree.
You could also consider mixing in a few days of camping. lle did a lodge/camping safari in August (high season) and listed her cost here http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34809896
We're still waiting on her trip report (hint, hint if she's reading
).
For your night viewing lodge, I think Treetops is less expensive than the Ark but reviews I've read haven't been very positive.
At Nakuru, maybe Nakuru Guest House http://www.wildlifeclubsofkenya.org/nakuru_guest.htm
Fisherman's Camp at Lake Naivasha is a camp site but they also have inexpensive bandas.
In the Mara, maybe the Serena, Keekorok or Fig Tree.
You could also consider mixing in a few days of camping. lle did a lodge/camping safari in August (high season) and listed her cost here http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34809896
We're still waiting on her trip report (hint, hint if she's reading
).
Oct 5th, 2006, 01:38 PM
#27
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OK, I just saw your latest post (in that case, you may want to ignore some of my suggestions above a few of which were purely for cost savings purposes). You probably saw my itinerary planning thread for this year or if you were looking at my total cost from last year, a good portion of that was for our horseback safari in Tanzania and airfare.
Oct 6th, 2006, 01:56 PM
#28
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while waiting for the gems...
could you please tell me what are the actual driving distances between places.
1)Naivasha to Ark through the Aberdares (Patty?)
2)Samburu to Nakuru
3)Ark to Samburu
4)Nakuru to Maasai
5)Maasai to nairobi
What times are the safaris usually and how long do they last?
Is it the hotel that offers them or the operator that organizes your trip?
could you please tell me what are the actual driving distances between places.
1)Naivasha to Ark through the Aberdares (Patty?)
2)Samburu to Nakuru
3)Ark to Samburu
4)Nakuru to Maasai
5)Maasai to nairobi
What times are the safaris usually and how long do they last?
Is it the hotel that offers them or the operator that organizes your trip?
Oct 6th, 2006, 02:13 PM
#29
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If you're on a driving safari, generally your tour operator will provide your vehicle/guide which is used for both your transportation between locations and game drives. On a flying safari, you generally use the lodge or camp's vehicle/guide for your game drives. There are some exceptions to the above but this is what normally happens.
Nakuru to Mara and Mara to Nairobi will both be around 6 hours one way. This will vary somewhat depending on where in the Mara you stay.
Naivasha to Mutubio gate on the southwest side of Aberdare NP will take about 1.5 hours. From the gate to the Ark, it's difficult to say as you'll be game viewing along the way and perhaps stopping at 1 or 2 waterfalls. I'd allow 3-4 hours for leisurely viewing (you can reach the Ark in much shorter time if just driving straight through).
I think Samburu to Nakuru is at least 6 hours. Not sure about Ark to Samburu.
Game drives are typically in the early morning and late afternoon, but this can vary and if on a private driving safari, you can usually set your own schedule (i.e. staying out all day).
Nakuru to Mara and Mara to Nairobi will both be around 6 hours one way. This will vary somewhat depending on where in the Mara you stay.
Naivasha to Mutubio gate on the southwest side of Aberdare NP will take about 1.5 hours. From the gate to the Ark, it's difficult to say as you'll be game viewing along the way and perhaps stopping at 1 or 2 waterfalls. I'd allow 3-4 hours for leisurely viewing (you can reach the Ark in much shorter time if just driving straight through).
I think Samburu to Nakuru is at least 6 hours. Not sure about Ark to Samburu.
Game drives are typically in the early morning and late afternoon, but this can vary and if on a private driving safari, you can usually set your own schedule (i.e. staying out all day).
Oct 6th, 2006, 10:57 PM
#30
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...so I presume usually they leave from one location to the other super early to get there at a decent time for game drives...
does anyone know if it's ok/safe to drive from Mara to Nairobi in the afternoon to get there at night?
does anyone know if it's ok/safe to drive from Mara to Nairobi in the afternoon to get there at night?
Oct 7th, 2006, 03:30 AM
#31
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... being on the Equator know that the sun rises and sets at about the same time year-round 6:30am - 6:30pm (give it 15/min on either side) - with an afternoon departure there is good chance you'd be on the road to NBO in the dark... not the best idea.
Arriving mid-day, there are things to do in NBO - sightseeting, shopping - even a hotel dayroom till your evening departure.
If you wish to leave in the afternoon, you could instead arrange to fly back to NBO on the 4pm flight with an immediate transfer to the airport. But if staying the afternoon, you'll probably have to pay for half-day rooming and your lunch. And if you had your own guide/vehicle, the cost for this person to be put-up o/n as he couldn't drive to NBO after dark. So check out these small details.
Arriving mid-day, there are things to do in NBO - sightseeting, shopping - even a hotel dayroom till your evening departure.
If you wish to leave in the afternoon, you could instead arrange to fly back to NBO on the 4pm flight with an immediate transfer to the airport. But if staying the afternoon, you'll probably have to pay for half-day rooming and your lunch. And if you had your own guide/vehicle, the cost for this person to be put-up o/n as he couldn't drive to NBO after dark. So check out these small details.
Oct 7th, 2006, 11:26 AM
#32
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thanks sandi...that brings a whole new dimension to my current planning...
1)what is the price for an inland flight? mara to nairobi?
...and now from a clothing aspect
!!!while waiting for insider info on what are worthwhile stops in my trip!!!pleeaase
... and I know there are zillion posts on clothing but they do not always give a straight answer to the following
1) does colour matter?
2) short stuff or long stuff?
3) if yes to short stuff (i.e., shorts, t-shirts)can I wear them at night as well?
(I am asking for the fear of mosquito bites)
3) snickers, hiking shoes or converse?
4) are jeans ok?
1)what is the price for an inland flight? mara to nairobi?
...and now from a clothing aspect
!!!while waiting for insider info on what are worthwhile stops in my trip!!!pleeaase
... and I know there are zillion posts on clothing but they do not always give a straight answer to the following
1) does colour matter?
2) short stuff or long stuff?
3) if yes to short stuff (i.e., shorts, t-shirts)can I wear them at night as well?
(I am asking for the fear of mosquito bites)
3) snickers, hiking shoes or converse?
4) are jeans ok?
Oct 8th, 2006, 04:36 AM
#33
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o/w air from Mara to NBO is about $130/pp, then your pick-up/transfer to airport or day-room (about $25-$50 vehicle) and whatever cost for day-room you choose.
Clothing -
Do a search, all of your questions are answered here time and again.
But, not recommended for shorts and t-shirts during dusk/dawn which is mossie biting time; long pants/sleeves, socks and repellent on exposed skin (except face and back of neck); wash off before retiring to bed and use the mossie net if provided.
If no mossie net, repellent spray is provided and should use before heading to dinner in the room/tent (not over your bedding as not something you wish to breathe off your pillow).
The rest of your questions - the search will answer.
Clothing -
Do a search, all of your questions are answered here time and again.
But, not recommended for shorts and t-shirts during dusk/dawn which is mossie biting time; long pants/sleeves, socks and repellent on exposed skin (except face and back of neck); wash off before retiring to bed and use the mossie net if provided.
If no mossie net, repellent spray is provided and should use before heading to dinner in the room/tent (not over your bedding as not something you wish to breathe off your pillow).
The rest of your questions - the search will answer.
Oct 8th, 2006, 10:41 AM
#34
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Shmoulie,
I'm sorry my post disappointed you. Most people who travel the way I described, whether they know they haven't seen the “real Kenya” (whatever that is) or not, are very happy with their trips. Why do you “happen” to be in Kenya? Are you doing something in Nairobi? Maybe you'll be able to see something of Kenya before or after your safari. I can't think of any “hidden gems” that you could fit into your safari circuit and visit with a 4wd and a driver to experience the “real Kenya”. If I've understood correctly, your plans right now are something like:
Day 1 Lake Naivasha. Boat rip and Crescent Island in the morning and hiking or cycling in Hell's Gate in the afternoon. (sounds very rushed)
Day 2 Aberdares. Game drive and then the Ark.
Day 3–5 Samburu
Day 6 Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drive. Nyahururu (Thomson's Falls) is usually visited on the way to Nakuru.
Day 7-10 the Mara
Of the 5 remaining days I would add 1 to Naivasha, 1 to Nakuru and the rest to the Mara. Or 2 nights at some other place than the Ark between Naivasha and Samburu (you've read Patty's report). For something different you could take the bus to Machakos after returning to Nairobi and spend a couple of days there.
Here's Air Kenya's website where you can see schedules and fares. http://www.airkenya.biz/index.asp
I'm sorry my post disappointed you. Most people who travel the way I described, whether they know they haven't seen the “real Kenya” (whatever that is) or not, are very happy with their trips. Why do you “happen” to be in Kenya? Are you doing something in Nairobi? Maybe you'll be able to see something of Kenya before or after your safari. I can't think of any “hidden gems” that you could fit into your safari circuit and visit with a 4wd and a driver to experience the “real Kenya”. If I've understood correctly, your plans right now are something like:
Day 1 Lake Naivasha. Boat rip and Crescent Island in the morning and hiking or cycling in Hell's Gate in the afternoon. (sounds very rushed)
Day 2 Aberdares. Game drive and then the Ark.
Day 3–5 Samburu
Day 6 Lake Nakuru. Afternoon game drive. Nyahururu (Thomson's Falls) is usually visited on the way to Nakuru.
Day 7-10 the Mara
Of the 5 remaining days I would add 1 to Naivasha, 1 to Nakuru and the rest to the Mara. Or 2 nights at some other place than the Ark between Naivasha and Samburu (you've read Patty's report). For something different you could take the bus to Machakos after returning to Nairobi and spend a couple of days there.
Here's Air Kenya's website where you can see schedules and fares. http://www.airkenya.biz/index.asp
Oct 9th, 2006, 02:19 PM
#35
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Nyamera,
the trip is pretty much exactly as you said but was so far leaning towards using 3 days for Tsavo west and east leaving a day for Mombasa and an extra one to samburu which I guess I could return to Nakuru or Naivasha instead.Thoughts??
(In terms of nights:1 Naivasha,1 Nakuru, 1 Ark,3 Samburu, 3 Maasai,1 Mombasa, 1 Nairobi, 2 Tsavo West, 1 Tsavo East is what I currently had in mind).Pretty much went with Philw's suggestions on the no. of days.
For some reason, I am convinced that Tsavo , will be fascinating in terms of scenery (the death valley feel i was talking about, I followed your advice and looked at some pics and the lava bed,the fall etc looked great...)
..still everyone seems to think I am rushing....
(makes me wonder about the planned itineraries on the web which allow for only half the time I am at each location. ;-))
what is on crescent island?
why so many days at the mara?;-)
is it the nature, the animals why does it need so much time?
(PS: to go Tavo east don't I need to go through Tsavo West? tsavo east or tsavo west is more spectatcular in terms of scenery?)
Philw was definitely right about me being confused...
the trip is pretty much exactly as you said but was so far leaning towards using 3 days for Tsavo west and east leaving a day for Mombasa and an extra one to samburu which I guess I could return to Nakuru or Naivasha instead.Thoughts??
(In terms of nights:1 Naivasha,1 Nakuru, 1 Ark,3 Samburu, 3 Maasai,1 Mombasa, 1 Nairobi, 2 Tsavo West, 1 Tsavo East is what I currently had in mind).Pretty much went with Philw's suggestions on the no. of days.
For some reason, I am convinced that Tsavo , will be fascinating in terms of scenery (the death valley feel i was talking about, I followed your advice and looked at some pics and the lava bed,the fall etc looked great...)
..still everyone seems to think I am rushing....
(makes me wonder about the planned itineraries on the web which allow for only half the time I am at each location. ;-))what is on crescent island?
why so many days at the mara?;-)
is it the nature, the animals why does it need so much time?
(PS: to go Tavo east don't I need to go through Tsavo West? tsavo east or tsavo west is more spectatcular in terms of scenery?)
Philw was definitely right about me being confused...
Oct 9th, 2006, 03:07 PM
#36
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I haven't been to Tsavo East so can't compare the two, but I found the landscape of Tsavo West dramatic and stunning. What I'm about to post would be considered by many to be sacrilege, but if given the choice between returning to the Mara or Tsavo, I'd pick Tsavo. I find it a more interesting environment, but you do have to work harder for your sightings. Does this just confuse you further?
The way you've listed the locations, is that the order you plan to visit them? If so, you'd need a few flights in between as some of those distances would be too far to cover by road in one day (for example Samburu-Mara, Mara-Mombasa).
You don't absolutely have to go through Tsavo West to get to Tsavo East (or vice versa) but if you're planning a one way drive between Nairobi and Mombasa (or v.v.) it would make sense to do so.
The way you've listed the locations, is that the order you plan to visit them? If so, you'd need a few flights in between as some of those distances would be too far to cover by road in one day (for example Samburu-Mara, Mara-Mombasa).
You don't absolutely have to go through Tsavo West to get to Tsavo East (or vice versa) but if you're planning a one way drive between Nairobi and Mombasa (or v.v.) it would make sense to do so.
Oct 10th, 2006, 11:37 AM
#37
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hi,
ok this is what I wanted to do:
nairobi- naivasha,
naivasha-ark
ark-samburu,
samburu,
samburu,
samburu-nakuru,
nakuru-maasai mara
maasai mara,
maasai mara,
maasai mara-nairobi
nairobi-tsavo west
tsavo west,
tsavo east,
tsavo east-Mombasa,
Mombasa-Nairobi
Patty taht alst comment was actually not confusing...;-)
ok this is what I wanted to do:
nairobi- naivasha,
naivasha-ark
ark-samburu,
samburu,
samburu,
samburu-nakuru,
nakuru-maasai mara
maasai mara,
maasai mara,
maasai mara-nairobi
nairobi-tsavo west
tsavo west,
tsavo east,
tsavo east-Mombasa,
Mombasa-Nairobi
Patty taht alst comment was actually not confusing...;-)
Oct 10th, 2006, 12:09 PM
#38
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I would change the order a bit and put Samburu at the beginning. That way you're not backtracking to Nakuru. Do Nakuru right before or after Naivasha (they're only about an hour apart). This will also avoid having two very long drives back to back (Samburu-Nakuru, Nakuru-Mara) and give you more time to spend in Nakuru. Otherwise, you'd be arriving late in the afternoon and have to depart early the following morning.
It's still a lot of moving around, but if you know what you're getting into and you're up for it...
It's still a lot of moving around, but if you know what you're getting into and you're up for it...
Oct 10th, 2006, 12:50 PM
#39
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I've spent 4 nights in Samburu, 4 nights outside L.Nakuru NP, 6 nights in Tsavo East and 9 nights in the Mara and I've felt like I've just arrived and I've never been ready to leave. I know your kind of very rushed trip is common, but I can't understand it.
I haven't been to Lake Naivasha, but people who go there usually go for a walk on Crescent Island among giraffes, tommies, waterbucks, elands, pythons and lots of birds.
I haven't been to Lake Naivasha, but people who go there usually go for a walk on Crescent Island among giraffes, tommies, waterbucks, elands, pythons and lots of birds.
Oct 11th, 2006, 01:02 AM
#40
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thanks Patty that makes sense..
Nyamera..I have travelled a lot in my life...never to Africa granted...but that is always the case..there is never enough time..I am just trying to get a taste and hopefully without completely destroying this whole trip...
the driving no matter how hard I do not mind as this is a good way to really see the country....
Nyamera..I have travelled a lot in my life...never to Africa granted...but that is always the case..there is never enough time..I am just trying to get a taste and hopefully without completely destroying this whole trip...
the driving no matter how hard I do not mind as this is a good way to really see the country....
