going_2_africa

I am debating about this question. When we land in NBO, we are head straightaway to Samburu (no "rest" day in NBO). We land very early in the morning - around 6:00.

My questions/points in my internal debate are:

-I doubt that we could make the 8:00 flight (Safari Link) to Samburu with the transfer to Wilson. Correct?

-We should have no problem making it to Wilson for the 11:30 flight (SL). Correct?

-The 11:30 flight scheduled to arrive at Samburu at 12:50.

While this wouldn't save us much time, if any from driving it would be much less physically demanding.

-If we fly, will we likely still be charged for a day of vehicle/guide services in order for them to catch up with us in Samburu? That may vary from TA to TA, so I get that this question may not be able to be answered here. Just thought I'd throw it out there.

My last point of my debate is:

-We do want to see some of the sights (whatever they may be) while driving from place to place. Is the drive from NBO to Samburu a nice drive visually/scenically?

-We are driving from Samburu to Sweetwaters to Lk Nakuru to Mara. Then flying from Mara to NBO, driving NBO to Amboseli.

We do have a layover day in Paris on the way to Africa, so we will have come off of only one flight.

Given this scenario/circumstances, what would you do - fly or drive from NBO to Samburu?

Thanks all,

Shane

ShayTay

Personally, I'd take the 11:30am flight. It's a long drive and the roads are rough. Who is your safari outfitter?They could send your driver on to Samburu and have someone else do the "meet and greet" and transfer to Wilson. You might get consider getting a day room for a quick shower and short nap before the onward flight.

sandi

Even with a 6am arrival, then clearing Immigration/Customs and traveling into NBO for Wilson airport... I've seen visitors arrive at their NBO hotel at 10am. Traffic can be a horror, or not. While a shower or nap would be ideal, no guarantee how long till you arrive at Wilson.

But do agree, you should consider the 11:30am flight over the drive. Either way, you'll probably arrive at the same time.

ShayTay

Goodness, Sandi, that's a long time! I guess there are a lot of factors that would cause that. If nothing else, Shane could have a nice breakfast at a hotel before flying out. A dayroom can usually be booked upon arrival, should they have enough time for that. We had some trouble doing that with the YWCA in town last month, but still found a place for a nap and lunch.

nyama

It's a good tar road to Isiolo, only the last leg (about 30 kms) is a dusty rough track.

mytmoss

nyama, did you say good road to Isiolo?
Unless they fixed it from when I was there a few years ago, the pavement and holes were about 50-50, but the trip was still fun and interesting.
Mike

sandi

Yes, Sharon a long time.
I was getting ready to leave for Wilson after having a leisurely breakfast at Ngong House when family from London arrived. Their flight, the one that arrives 6am, but didn't get to NH till I was soon to depart. How often this happens, can't say but have to figure traffic, accidents, road repair... the usual, that can delay one's schedule.

If Shane is fortunate enough not to be delayed, agree... stop at one of the hotels for breakfast - The Norfolk Delamere Terrace is nice; then off to Wilson to arrive by 10:30-10:45am for the 11:30am flight.

Am still amazed that stretch from Isiolo to Samburu hasn't had blacktop laid. It was in lousy shape 12/yrs ago and still is. And, at many places on the road south of Isiolo are regular police checkpoints.

Mohammed

Hi Shane,

I had exactly the same dilemma, arrival at 6.00 am ..... and decided to drive to Samburu which got me there about 1pm and we even had a nice evening safari the same day. Read my trip report for more information at http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...4&tid=34844365

going_2_africa

Thanks all. I have decided to go ahead and fly. It is just much less taxing physically after just arriving. As for seeing "sights" along the way, well, I think there will be plenty to see when we drive from Samburu to Sweetwater's to Lk Nakuru to Mara.

I was kind of leaning toward flying anyway. Sometimes it just helps to bounce it off others...sort of like thinking outloud.

Thanks again

Shane