missmac

I was told it is a relatively new lux tented camp in Samburu. Does anyone have any experience staying there? Is it very expensive (compared with Samburu Intrepids perhaps) Thanks!

going_2_africa

Here's a link to a small newsbite about it.

http://www.apta.biz/newsletters/2007/2007-q1.pdf

The "article" also references www.privatewilderness.com, but I don't see anything on the website about this new camp.

going_2_africa

oh, BTW, the "article" is on page 4 in the right hand column.

nyama

"in its own private conservancy area" is a nice description for "outside Samburu National Reserve". I guess it's in Ngutuk Ongiron Conservancy west of the reserve, same area as old Bedouin Camp.

Another new luxury option inside the reserve is Elephant Bedroom Camp (www.atua-enkop.com), only six tents, US$325-350pppns.

going_2_africa

See Nyama, that's why you guys are so valuable here. You can decipher all the lingo.

It's kind of like "old world charm" in a real estate listing - means it needs serious updating/remodeling. hehe

nyama

going_2_africa, being located outside Samburu NR doesn't necessarily mean that you have worse wildlife sightings. However, chances are good that you can add camels, goats and cows to your mammal check list. Whatsoever, I've already sent an enquiry to Private Wilderness, asking for a fact sheet and the date when they will update their website.

safarichuck

Word of caution RE: Private Wilderness.
This is the same outfit that managed Bedouin Camp, a really terrible property operated by Carig and Samantha Griffiths. They were actually kicked out of Samburu NR for not paying their rent. Private Wilderness, Inc. exercise absolutely no discretion in selecting camps to represent and furthermore, do not stand behind any of the camps they represent. Operations such a these Private Wilderness) are turning Kenya into a second class safari destination. At the very least, I would wait and see what develops with this property and indeed any of the properties they represent. There are other more interesting regions of Kenya worth seeing and Tanzania offers an even better safari experience. Just my opinion of course but might provide some insight for those planning a trip to this particular region.
Chuck

sandi

I wouldn't paint Private Wilderness with a broad stroke. The situation with Bedouin (2/yrs ago) was due to personal problems of the Griffiths. Sadly, such things happens! The other properties seem to be doing well.

missmac

I really appreciate the information above!! I am on a waitlist for Samburu Intrepids with Sarova Shaba as a confirmed alternate and I really don't want to stay that far from Samburu. So I am looking for some other nice tented camps there. I will check into Elephant Bedroom! Please, I would love to hear other's opinions/options!!

nyama

"Private Wilderness, Inc. exercise absolutely no discretion in selecting camps to represent..."

Private Wilderness Limited have removed Bedouin Camp from their portfolio last year. From this I can't see that they don't care.

safarichuck

Sorry Sandi but I think you are quite wrong. Private Wilderness knew of the Griffiths problems from the beginning and kenw the camp had been mismanaged. They in fact denied that Craig had stolen monies and not paid the Reserve rent when it was well known throughout the camp business in Kenya. I can be even more specific but I will not, unless it becomes necessary. So yes I would paint Private Wilderness with a dirty brush. If that steps on a few toes so be it. It might prevent others from dealing with agents who use Private Wilderness Camps.
Chuck

safarichuck

nyama,
For your information Bedouin was removed after they had closed down and disbanded their operation. The camp operator was literally kicked out for not paying his rent and during that entire time Private Wilderness was denying any problem existed. In other words Bedouin Camp was closed six (6) months before Private Wilderness removed the reference from the website.

Silverback

I have to agree with safarichuck on this. I have been to Kenya many times and Private Wilderness is not a highly regarded company. They satrted out well enough but over the past few years they have gone downhill and now court the low end non discriminating tour agents. I don't know anythin about Bedouin but they represent just about anyone.

nyama

I guess it's always difficult for a marketing/booking representative to deal with such a case. Some lessons certainly have been learned.

Now, I'm curious to hear any bad stories about Kilalinda, Rusinga, House of Waine, Chui/Kiangazi and Sala's Camp. I'm not aware of these, so there must be still some happy PW clients around.

PW always had a very small portfolio, more targeting at specialists than the usual market. I don't have seen much changes in this portfolio over the last 7-8 years. And in my country they are still represented by renowned upmarket TAs. Maybe PW better serve the needs of EU travellers than other markets.

Silverback

nyama,
Perhaps in your country and in the EU they are not as discerning, is that what your trying to say?

nyama

Silverback, most visitors to Kenya are from the EU. That includes recurrent visitors who often choose different destinations and not only the popular parks and prime game areas. As I said, the PW portfolio is more targeting at specialists, mainly recurrent visitors, and might better sell in one market than in others.

Btw, I wonder why three weeks ago you declared yourself as a 'newbie' who plans a safari, and now you're telling us that you've been many times to Kenya.

Silverback

nyama, are you an agent perhaps? If so I think you should make it clear in your posts. Newbie to this forum, not to Africa.

sandi

chuck - Sorry I can't comment on the Griffith's issue with paying their rent, rather their "other" situation. So if funds were at issue, shame that this wasn't addressed by PW, as that impacts all others who do business professionally at Samburu and elsewhere.

House of Waine, is doing just fine and a personal favorite of mine. A few operators offer side-trips from the Mara to Rusinga Island, which gets excellent reviews. Can't specifically comment on Chui/Kiangazi in the Rift, Sala's Camp (relatively new in the Mara) or Kilalinda in Tsavo.

And, while these properties are under the PW umbrella, who markets them, there are other incountry companies who can and do book these properties.

nyama

Silverback, being well informed doesn't mean that you have to be a member of the travel trade. My daily business isn't travel-related in any way.

Silverback

nayama,
Forgive me, are you suggesting that you are well informed? From reading your posts I didn't get that.