Linda,
That Kennedy is quite a character, but in a good way. He has an accent but I wouldn't say it's heavy. And his English is very good, as you can probably tell from his emails.

If you want to disclose your email address, I'll shoot you a note and we can discuss it more.

You have, what, less than eight weeks to go?

Ooops, I have no idea why I typed Linda instead of Lynda. Autotyping, I guess.

I'd love to hear from you Leely-
it's
[email protected]
Thanks!

Hi Lynda,
I have watched this thread with great interest and have been taking notes. We too are interested in organising a car and driver for our visit to Nairobi in July. I have a question for you - has Kennedy managed to arrange the visit to the Cheetahs?? Also, would you mind me asking what he is charging per day?

Thanks,
Imelda

Hi Imelda-
It's Lynda here - using Jim's (husband) computer.
Kennedy is working on getting us in to see the cheetahs - he confirmed that it isn't everyone who gets to go in, but he was going to try and find out how to do it.
I will check with him to see how is he doing - I think he is going to be an incredible driver/guide for the day - we have corresponded via email quite a bit and he seems like a great guy, very eager to show us a good time and keep us awake all day!
He gave us a quote at first of 35 US pp for 4-5 hrs, but I asked him to requote based on the whole day - he came with 50 US per person per day, which I thought was VERY reasonable!
Let me know what you decide!

Hi Lynda,
Thank you so much for posting back. His rate does seem very reasonable. I REALLLY, REALLY want to get to hug those Cheetahs and want to do as much as I possibly can to maximise my chances of doing this so if there is a chance Kennedy can arrange it we will definately try to book him. Otherwise, I was thinking a nice fat tip to the Concierge at our hotel might help us achieve our visit?! Would you mind letting me know how you get on with the Cheetah visit? When are you going??

Thanks again,
Imelda

Lynda,
Meant to say : 'Would you mind letting me know how you get on with ARRANGING the Cheetah visit'

Thanks again,
Imelda

Hi Imelda-
We're leaving May 26th - we'll be in Nairobi for that day very early in the morning on the 28th.
I have emailed Kennedy to ask how he is getting on, and I'll let you know as soon as I hear from him, he's usually pretty quick to answer, I should be hearing any day now!
As one fellow cheetah petter enthusiast to another - I'll keep you posted! We went into the cheetah enclosure at Spiers Winery in South Africa - it truly was the HIGHLITE of my life - but too short of a time!
I'll keep you posted,
Lynda

Hi Lynda,
Thanks for the update. I am really envious of you going in just under 5 weeks - I have to wait 3 whole months to go - July 20th to be exact. Oh well, all the more time for planning and second guessing!!!
Thanks for keeping me updated on the cheetah arrangements - I am now getting a little fanatical about having that cuddle - It's on my 'Absolutely Must Do' list! Let's hope Kennedy is able to organise it. Fingers crossed,
Imelda

Hi Imelda-
Just got a quick update from Kennedy - he is working on this, and said he will have a plan in place at the end of the week. He's going to go and visit KWS tomorrow and is quite excited by all of this! I'll post as soon as I hear back from him - wow, he relly goes to the edge for his clients - I am impressed!
I also have written to KWS, but I havn't heard anyhting back yet.
(and thanks again Leely for the recommend)

Sorry for spelling errors, didn't check it - oops!

Thanks for the update Lynda. . . Wow, even if Kennedy doesn't manage the 'visit' no one can say he didn't try - I'm waiting with baited breath!

Imelda

After reading through the posts here,now i really want to hear all about Lynda's escapades in Nairobi . I wouldnt look beyond Ken Muthoka, he is all how you have described him and more...a gentle soul too. As a tour operator based in Johannesburg, we work very well with him.

Lynda,
Hi we too are working with Fran at Micato...
any last minute suggestions?
Did you use Ken as your driver in Nairobi?
Any thoughts???

We always use Kennedy as our driver in Nairobi.

Whoa, this was really a treat to see such an old thread of mine resurfacing!

And randipellmar, to know that Fran is still at Micato is great news - she was wonderful. Please say hi to her for me, I must have driven her crazy with my questions.

There has been a lot of water and 4 safaris to East Africa since I wrote this - 2 with Micato (2006 and 2007) and then two with Daniel at DK Grand Safaris (2009 and 2013). We loved our safari director that Micato gave us on the 2006 trip (Daniel) so much that we asked for him on the second trip in 2007. And then, in 2008 when Daniel decided to go it on his own & start his own company 'DK Grand Safaris', well, the rest is history.

And yes, Kennedy is still a constant - and always will be! I couldn't imagine being in Nairobi and going with anyone else.

Kennedy & his family (wife & two daughters) are our official African family now. We are mom and dad (or grandma & granddad) and we love it. They are incredible people and they will always be near and dear to our hearts. I can't thank Leely enough for finding that business card!

Each time we go we make sure that we spend a 'family' day with Kennedy & the family. This year in May we went out to Kiambethu Tea Farm to visit Fiona and have lunch - such an incredible lady & such a lovely day we had!

randipellmar if you would like Kennedy's contact info, just let me know, I will gladly post it here.

Lizkon, click on my user name, and look for the trip reports from 3 of those years if you would like to read about our adventures - make sure you have an afternoon, they are long ! I have to write the current one up, but I will soon.

Looking forward to your latest trip report!

Please post Kennedy's contact information. I am in need of a driver for a half day trip from the Wilson Airport to Karen Blixen Museum, Kazuri Beads/shopping and the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Kennedy's contact info is in this thread - assume it's still valid

Kennedy Muthoka of Waymark Tours and Hotel Services. 254-2-788273 or email at [email protected].

Thanks, Elizabeth_S, I did see the contact in the thread. Since the contact was over 7 years old, I was looking for verification that it was still valid. Life has taught me not to assume anything.