Great sites for Mara/Migration/Kenya Updates
 

Now that I can almost see September around the corner and our trip to Ol Malo and Serian, I wanted for find out it there are any particular websites I can follow showing the rainfall, weather expectations, etc. and of course follow the migration once it has started.

This is our first safari in Kenya and I am not sure about Sept. temps though I imagine cool mornings; evenings and warm days? I would think it would be warmer than our South Africa trip in a June when it felt like fall on the east coast US. We actually loved the weather - brisk, yet when the sun came out it was wonderfully warm but not humid.

I know we cannot predict ahead, but any experience with weather mid-September would be a great reference for us in purchases over the summer for the "duffle bags".

Thanks!
Moneyburns

Except for the so-called "summer" months (Dec-Mar) when daytime temps can be hot (80s in Mara, but 90s or higher at Samburu and almost relatively dry), during the rest of the year, mid-day temps are in the hi-60s-hi-70s.

Mornings and nights are always cooler or can be downright cold in the "winter" months (Aug-Sep). So it's not unusual to see visitors with lots of layers, heavy sweaters, mid-season anorak, fleece, hat, scarf and gloves; have even ski parkas. I personally go for the layered look with socks, scarf and gloves... (I'm not a hat person).

Once the sun is really up - around 9am (unless you won't be seeing that yellow ball on a given day), the layers can be peeled off. Put back on as the sun starts to set, about 5pm.

Ski Parkas? That's got to really hog the duffle bag and add tons of weight! I can see taking fleece & gloves -

Perhaps the camps provide hot water bottles as they did when we were in South Africa one June when it was cold in the am - warm day- chilly eves. Loved those hot water bottles!

if needed I will ask for a blanket! (and a stiff drink LOL)

Tx Sandi,
MB

Migration sites

http://www.nomad-tanzania.com/safari...on_update.html
http://www.wildwatch.com/great_migration

weather sites

http://www.zoover.co.uk/kenya/kenya/...eserve/weather

Layers for me too.

Some sites i like to visit;

Wildlife updates:

http://www.atta.travel/heritage/2010/03/default.aspx


Migration updates:

http://www.atta.co.uk/nomad/


Governors,camps reports:

http://www.governorscamp.com/monthly_game_reports.php

We spent 4 days in the Mara last September.We had mild weather, but layers always works.

We did not catch the migration which is unpredictable but we where lucky to see a small crossing ( around 50 gnus) just by ourselves .

We had a wonderful time with fantastic game viewing , this is a great time to go. Only downside the amount of vehicles at some moments.

Good luck.

Paco.

Lynn and Paco -
Thanks so much! These site are just what I was looking for to give me reference through to Sept..
Paco, we are spending 7 nights in the Mara - 2 in a mobile camp where we hope to see the Migration. I really wasn't that keen on going at high season but DH said if we went he wanted to see the action ,so I hope it happens. At Serian we have our own vehicle & guide/spotter, so we can be intent on looking all day long if needed and not worry about somebody missing lunch at camp. I expect we will be gone all day; it is a great opportunity and DH will not want to miss a thing.

I normally like shoulder season when traveling, but for this I made an exception; hope it works out. We'll have plenty to see I am sure
and I thank so many here on the forum for the info given me for getting this adventure started.

I'll be sure to submit a trip report as I had a very interesting, yet slightly stressful way of booking direct with the camp. Their agent quit mid-way and no one picked up the slack. It was NOT a good way to begin such a serious, and YES, EXPENSIVE trip. I'm still ticked off about it but will wait and see how the experience unfolds before full disclosures for anyone looking to do the same.
I'm still not getting answers - that is why I turn to the forum with these questions. And finally making public my frustrations; though I doubt the owners read this forum.

So, thanks again for helping me with many of my anxieties. It helps to know someone will answer my questions in a timely manner. (Can you tell I am experiencing post-booking remorse!)

But, on the upside, the animals won't know how stressed I've been and will be happy to see me I am sure...LOL

MoneyBurns

My thanks as well for these tracking sites. Also, the info on clothing and weather helps us as well, since we'll also be in Tanzania and Kenya in Sept.

I too am grateful for these sites. moneyburns, we have many friends who have traveled to Kenya and Tanzania in July (when we're going) and ALL have said that it's imperative to pack a down jacket (as well as a fleece) for early morning game drives. I don't think sandi was talking about heavy ski parkas, but down jackets are very light and packable...What do you think?

Semantics..... to me a ski parka or down jacket, are one and the same. Though for how much cold - simple cold, wet cold or Everest, I can't say :) ... but your body will sure let you know.

Your right Crosscheck; I was thinking "skiing in the snow" type jackets which for a southern gal like me would be HEAVY; but here we also wear fleece in winter and sometimes add a down vest so that is what I will be wearing on the plane as I leave my 70some degree weather!
(Use as my blanket and pillow!)

Thanks too Sandi; guess you are packed by now....safe journeys!

Moneyb

I agree...Here in Southern California we distinguish between ski clothes and mountaineering-type gear that we wear for outdoor activities (like our kids' soccer games) in the "winter." We consider it "freezing" when it's below 50. Knowing I might be ballooning at 5am, I think I will also pack long underwear and a cashmere sweater, and will be happy if I don't need them. But Mr. Crosscheck always makes us fly with carry on, so I might end up revising my list.

Moneyburns, I think it will be warmer in September, but a down vest does make a good pillow and doesn't take up much room.

Slightly off-topic: I know about the ban on bright colors (which seems curious, given the attire of the Maasai). But what about dark grey and black?

crosscheck, I am glad you brought the colors up - I too wondered why, esp. when looking at photos I see a bit of everything and when we went to S. Africa were told the same, yet guests and others were wearing just about any and everything - white (which I heard was a no no -other than the dust factor) to pink!

So will be interested in hearing what others say. Glad you brought it up!

We do also do carry-on, but at least the camps do laundry!

MoneyB

I have been told that dark colors attract tse tse flies and mosquitos. Beige is what was recommended.

Dark <blue>blue</blue> is supposed to attract tse tse flies but I've never found tse tses to be much of a problem in Kenya. I haven't heard of certain colors attracting mossies but it's possible. Might be more insects in general this year due to the rain.

White and black show dust more. In a vehicle, color doesn't really matter. On walks, best to stick with neutrals.

With all the much needed rain this year... and it still is in some areas, you can expect more flying things. As Patty, I've rarely seen tse-tse in Kenya; more in Tanzania when moving thru woodland areas.

The dark blue thing has something to do with the fact it resembles the hide of a buffalo which these critter flock to. Hey, it might be another of those urban legands, so for me, this color is oft left at home.

Packing... slowly, but getting there.

More on tse tses and dust http://www.fodors.com/community/afri.../dust-mask.cfm

I only recall ever seeing them in parts of Meru and Tsavo but very few. The ones I've encountered have also been slow moving and easy to kill.

Thanks Patty--- so that brings another question to mind after reading the link..apparently there was tons of dust for Robin (Canadian_robin)

.Since there has been so much more rain this year than last, does anyone have an opinion on dust in the Mara -Triangle and Conservation areas where we will be in September?

I would think a dry, hot season would create dust, but not a rainy one; on the other hand, b having never been I am just wondering what eveyone else thinks re: dust. I was taking a hat of course for sun, but never thought of any covering for face, etc. Should I just assume it is real dusty there and take coverups for face and head?

Lordy, one more thing to cloud my mind...I need a vacation from planning! Oh right,I just took one --and already forgot. LOL

MoneyB

Rain does keep the dust down. You'll just have mud ;) but it's hard to say since it could be dry by Sep.

It's always a good idea to have a scarf or bandana if/when needed. Luckily, unless passing another vehicle or one coming in the opposite direct, I've never encountered enough dust to even bother. Just roll up the windows.

It's just dust! Unless you have asthma or some breathing problem, you'll survive. For as many years as I've been visiting, I (and my stuff) seem to stay and return home as clean as when I left.

Since when are buffaloes dark blue?