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-   -   I'm sure it's impossible....but..... (https://www.fodors.com/community/africa-and-the-middle-east/im-sure-its-impossible-but-789451/)

pgoody Jun 11th, 2009 07:44 AM

I'm sure it's impossible....but.....
 
I'm sure it's impossible but is there anyway to plan a trip to Kenya for 2 -3 weeks with a budget of $4000 for a couple (not including international airfare)? Tented camps are fine and do not have to be luxurious, just have interesting game. Can visitors do a village stay? Would love to stay a night or two with a tribe perhaps...like staying with a Hill Tribe in Thailand. What is the cheapest way to travel from place to place within Kenya?

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

sandi Jun 11th, 2009 07:55 AM

For 2/weeks, you might be able to swing this, but most likely it will have a pre-set itinerary designed by the tour operators at specific properties and an all-driving safari. There's also a camping safari which prices can be less than staying in brick/mortar lodges.

As prices are seasonal, Apr/May and Nov the wet period (though no necssarily will rain regularly or for long) are the least expensive; June in Kenya is mid-priced most properties; June-Oct is hi-season though a few properties lower price for Oct to mid-range. And, over Christmas/New Years even higher prices.

I believe, 3/weeks would be pushing it.

You'll have to request quotes to see what's possible.

Good luck!

pgoody Jun 11th, 2009 08:18 AM

Thanks Sandi....do you have a reccommendation for camping safari company?

atravelynn Jun 11th, 2009 06:36 PM

If you check out this Good Earth link, it gives some daily pricing estimates.
http://www.goodearthtours.com/WhyChooseUs.html

One of our most savvy budgeters here provided these

http://www.bushbuckadventures.com/maracamp.html
http://www.temboexplorersafaris.com/oltome.htm
http://asyoulikeitsafaris.com/facilities.html
http://www.mountainrockkenya.com/maraspringscamp.php

pgoody Jun 11th, 2009 07:47 PM

Thank you everyone, I will definitely be checking out all of your suggestions.

aby Jun 11th, 2009 09:31 PM

hi pgoody

one of the most popular camping companies is GameTrackers
http://www.gametrackersafaris.com/

as for 'village stays' i don't know of any organized stays, but it can be easily improvised as the people are really nice and hospitable. If you ready to pitch a tent out there you'll be welcomed. i've stayed with turkana, Samburu Maasai and others
one way to organize it is to contact one of the Mara camps in Lynn's list and ask if they can arrange a stay. can't imagine they'll say no.
Or: when in such a camp, talk to the staff, tell them of your wish and i'm sure someone will take you to some of his relatives' village

finally, i know a Hadzabe guide who had organized for a family to stay a few days in a Hadzabe (hunter-gatherer's) village in a remote place few tourists ever reach, because it's far from the main road so you need to stay the night there. this is an experience of a lifetime

aby

Patty Jun 12th, 2009 01:07 PM

Near Samburu you can stay at Umoja http://www.umojawomen.org/info2.htm

I don't know if you'd be interested in something like a camel safari. These are more about the cultural experience and scenery than game viewing but here's a previous thread with more info http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...mel-safari.cfm

atravelynn Jun 12th, 2009 01:18 PM

I thought the camel safaris were some of the more expensive.

The Hadzabe visit would be indeed be an experience of a lifetime.

Patty Jun 12th, 2009 02:26 PM

I haven't inquired directly but I know that Ol Maisor out of Bobong campsite in Rumuruti organizes reasonably priced ones as I know people who have gone with them and I know how much they would (or in this case, would <i>not</i> ;) ) spend.

While that thread is a few years old, kimburu had mentioned pricing for Ol Maisor <i>"They do very cheap camel safaris at as low as $10 -$20 per day, but John will also do you a tailor made one - this is what we enquired about - and the cost is still very, very good. $100 a day will get you a lot - at least tents, bed-roll, bush shower and bush loo - and you don't have to do the cooking unless you're on one of the budget tours"</i>

Camel safari prices run the gamut. I'm sure you could spend more than $1000pppn if you wanted to. :)

atravelynn Jun 13th, 2009 07:03 PM

Those are good camel prices.

Amanda23 Jun 14th, 2009 01:24 PM

If you're willing to consider Tanzania instead of Kenya, check out Basecamp Tanzania - I have referred friends to them and they loved their safari to the Serengeti with them. Very reasonable prices and totally within your budget. www.basecamptanzania.com.

Fabio Jun 14th, 2009 02:14 PM

I agree with basecamptanzania if limited budget is an issue. We used them last year and would go there again immediately.
You can have camping or lodge safaris or a combinaton of camping and lodges. Camping safaris are very basic but we could taste the real Africa... !!

pgoody Jun 17th, 2009 09:20 PM

Have any of you heard of a company called Best Camping Safaris and Tours? Any positives or negatives about them?

www.bestcampingkenya.com

aby Jun 18th, 2009 12:10 PM

pgoody

i've known Best Camping many years ago, the fact that they're still operating means something (?)
i've recommended another company, because i have more info about them...
another one you can check is Bushbuck Adventures which Lynn mentioned; in their Mara camp you can have walks with Maasai warriors. you may arrange also a village stay (if the camp won;t see it as 'competition'0

aby


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