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Can I book Nairobi to Mara RTN flights without knowing which Mara stop?

Can I book Nairobi to Mara RTN flights without knowing which Mara stop?

Old Nov 19th, 2009, 02:35 PM
  #21  
 
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Not sure which airstrip Serian uses. I went to the Air Kenya and Safarilink sites and each lists 8 airstrips in the Mara. The Safarilink site has an interactive map but it doesn't list Serian. I'm guessing the closest airstrip is Shikar.

You won't know exactly how many stops until the day of because they may not be stopping at each airstrip and the order may change.
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Old Nov 19th, 2009, 02:47 PM
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FP,
It's time for you to move on to safari colors and potty calls

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-on-safari.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-on-safari.cfm
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Old Nov 19th, 2009, 04:36 PM
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FP, Serian uses Shikar and Musiara but I don't know which one or why. I am scheduled to land at Shikar but I know some people have been collected from Musiara.
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Old Nov 20th, 2009, 05:47 AM
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On the SafariLink map, Serian is listed under Musiara. Though Shikar would seem the better.

On my last visit, staying at Royal Mara that's supposed to use Shikar, we deplaned at Kichwa Tembo... duh!

Guidelines only, from day-to-day can change, depending on pax load.
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Old Nov 20th, 2009, 07:46 AM
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Patty, I've packed my coffee filters..thanks for the link - this should be a mandatory chapter in any travel guide!
ONLY Fodorites would know to ask this particular question!

I wonder if anyone has researched what the most unusual, quirky (sick) question has been asked about a safari trip?

Since I now have to purchase an entire new wardrobe in neutrals,I will not have the time. Although I often wonder why the pics in brochures usually show a very stylish woman with a white blouse, lots of chains, fancy wristwatch, perfectly coiffed hair and cute boots. I am going to take a "brochure" shot on my trip and post it!

Lucky for me growing up in the country I learned how to squat correctly, i.e ladies - watch the slope as you squat.

I just took another look at my air througout the trip and noticed I was put on a charter from Nanyuki (sp?) to Mara - I believe that is an unneccesary cost - twice as much-- from looking at AirKenya's site. And my return from Mara to Wilson was doubled.
I guess I owe everyone an amarula for saving me some bucks here. I was not aware (duh) that I could even book air myself (which I am not -as I like someone local holding responsiblity) but I will ask why it is doubled. Could be a minor mistake- like they did round trip instead of one way (unfortunately I find things like this happen - so always check the numbers)

Thanks Kavey for posting your questions - got me to thinking about my own air!
and hope to see you at Serian! When you get your dates, let us know!
FP
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Old Nov 20th, 2009, 12:12 PM
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As you've seen on the Air Kenya scheduled, there should be no need for a charter from Nanyuki to the Mara, as there is a scheduled flight. Usually there is a minimum of 2/paxs for a scheduled flight to fly and since you are 2, you should be okay. Have your TO clarify and also the one-way fare from Mara to Wilson.

Also, if you have multi-segment flights (don't recall where else you'll be visiting), i.e., 3 or more, the total of all segments will be discounted.
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Old Nov 20th, 2009, 02:27 PM
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Absolutely no need! Who do these guys think they are dealing with, I have the forum helping me! yay

And I am going in Sept. which I believe is still high season,as I am paying high season prices, so that plane better take me!

When all is signed,sealed and delivered, I am going to write a "pre-trip" report on dealing with KatO operators who think we are all just rich Americans. (Are there any left?) Just kidding, I know you are out there, but if I were one, I'd probably have "staff" planning this trip for me.
It's been downright hilarious.(as I slurp my 3rd glass of wine)

I would have never made it without my "support group"
Thanks!

FP
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Old Nov 22nd, 2009, 09:42 AM
  #28  
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FP do you know your dates? Looks like we're going very end August, early September...
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Old Nov 22nd, 2009, 01:56 PM
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FP
Serian "normally" uses the Musiara airstrip and, this past August, we were booked to fly there direct from Nairobi with Air Kenya. When we arrived at Wilson airport in Nairobi for our 10:00am flight to Musiara, we were told that, since my DH and I were the only two passengers going to Musiara, our flight had been cancelled. Instead, AK flew us to Kichwa Tembo, where we transfered to another plane that took us to Shikar. All of this was so last minute, that Serian was not able to meet our plane. Our guide and driver were waiting for us at Musiara. So, the short answer to your question is that Serian guests deplane wherever it is convenient for the airline! Robin
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Old Nov 22nd, 2009, 02:03 PM
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Sorry - more info - The first flight was 45min - KW was the first stop of four. We waited 4 minutes at KW for the second flight to Shikar, which lasted about 15 minutes - again we were the first stop. Robin
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Old Nov 22nd, 2009, 02:49 PM
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Kavey, I will be so sorry to miss you as I've read so many of your postings - we leave after our Labor Day here in the states, so anywhere around the l0th on.....have not nailed down the international yet, but it is available so I've turned to "living in my itinerary" and seeing how it fits.

But, we are spending way more on this trip than ever, so I am trying to figure out the costs I am given. I know most people have said they get "bundled costs" and I have asked for and received a break down on each segment, so I would know what I want to keep and what I want to toss - like a charter when I do not need one! Savings - oh ,about half!

Thanks Robin for the input; I will put up with a 45m to one hour wait/delay for the money I save..every dollar I think I am saving will go into buying the beads, trinkets, whatever to help a native...that is my "method to my madness" explanation.
Or- satisfy myself,make it easy and give them nothing...can't do that.

Thanks again,
FP
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