fly or dirve- Samburu
 

should we fly to Samburu from Nairobi if we can afford it?

It's such a long drive and we are driving so much to the lakes, Mara, back from Mara.
we will be there for one full day the next day
My friends have never been to Kenya but I have. I'd rather fly but maybe there is an experience for them driving?

Any opinions?
thanks
hildy

I did the drive in August 2003 and its not the most interesting drive, but you can break it up with a stop for lunch at Mount Kenya Safari Club. If I recall correctly, its about a 5 hour drive. If you can afford to fly, that's what I'd recommend. You'll see plenty of Kenya on your other drives.

Kenyajan2005:

I would most definitely fly. It is a long drive, 6 - 7 hours. I just flew it last month and you leave Wilson Airport about 9:15 a.m. and it is a short flight, about 45 minutes. It will leave you that much more time to enjoy Samburu. I believe the round trip cost is about $300.00.

Is it possible for you to do more than 1 day in Samburu? Although it is a small park, it is a wonderful place. I had many "firsts" there. I saw my first leopard in six trips to Kenya. Saw my first mating lions. Saw my first giraffes "necking" (fighting). Our vehicle was totally surrounded by two families of elephants trumpeting at each other. I saw my first elephant mourning a friend who died last October. Saw my first impala
"mothering" an orphaned or lost gerenuk. I was so impressed with my three days there that I will definitely go back in February.

Whatever you decide I know you'll enjoy it. I just think if you drive 6 - 7 hours up, sight see the next day and then drive 6 - 7 hours back it might be a little tiring.

Jan

Because it is a long drive, most itineraries break it up with a stop at one of the "salt lick" waterhole hotels in Aberdares or Mt.Kenya staying at one of three places - Tree Tops, The Ark or the new Mountain Lodge; then continue after breakfast the next morning onto Samburu, arriving in time for lunch. By doing it this way you get the two full days at Samburu and aren't totally wiped-out on arrival.

So if you can afford it, you'd only need one way, as you indicate that your will then drive onto the Lakes area.

Just wanted to thank everyone who answered my questions!!!!!

The Airkenya site shows R/T fares between Nairobi and Samburu from $193 low season to 218 high season. I think it is well worth it. ((C))