Kenya honeymoon--where to begin?
 

Hello, <BR> <BR>I am beginning to plan a honeymoon for June or July, and we were hoping to go to Africa, we are starting to look at Kenya. We to dive and do beach stuff, but also to explore cities (loved Europe for that reason), and think we would enjoy the thrill of a safari. Any suggestions on how to begin to narrow down travel plans? Is the only way to travel in Africa to go with a tour company? When my husband and I have always travelled before we made hotel accommodations prior to the trips, but then brought a travel book and always had great impromptu adventures. Thanks for any advice!

Abby, <BR>Africa is probably one of the few places in the world where you really should travel with an escorted group. Definitely if you are planning on doing a safari. The safaris that you can just sort of pick-up while their are not really run by very reputable people and with all of the different diseases you can get while there going with a company that has a strong presence is a good idea. The top two companies would Abercrombie & Kent and Micato Safaris, they both have onsite offices in Africa.

If you're thinking of June/July, why not catch the great migration? A & K is top <BR>of the line in Africa. My advice is to <BR>take an air tour or you'll spend half <BR>your trip driving dusty and pitted dirt roads instead of seeing the animals. <BR>Cities in E. Africa can be missed; you want to see the animals!

You don't need an organized tour to travel through East and Southern Africa. I wouldn't think that you would want to be on an organized tour with other people for your honeymoon. You should be able to book any safaris or other day trips once you are there - - either at backpacker lodges or at travel agencies depending on your budget. As long as you use the common sense you would use traveling anywhere, you will not get any "diseases" or suffer any other harm just because you are traveling without a tour group. I traveled through Africa by myself (single female) and never had any problems. Also, you'll find that British and Australian people travel through East Africa on their own all the time. <BR> <BR>I'm sure you will have a great time no matter how you decide to go!

I want to add a response to Jennifer's comment that the safaris and trips you can book while there are run by disreputable people. That sounds like American tour company propaganda to me. I never had any problems with anything I booked while there. Just because a company is based in Africa and doesn't advertise in the US doesn't mean that it is sub-standard or disreputable. Many of those companies are very well-established and excellent (not to mention usually much cheaper.) You just have to use common sense and evaluate each situation.

Abby... I lived in Kenya for several years and it is by far one of the most increadibly fascinating places in this world. If you were to book yourself into a hotel in Nairobi it is quite easy to plan your safari with local tour companies. Micato travels as well as Abercombie and Kent are well know tour operators and are quite reliable. If you should have any questions feel free to email me. joelle

Abby; My husband and I did 3 week safari in Kenya and Tanzania last year. While I loved the organized flying safari tour, we also met many people who were traveling on there own. I suggest you look into two camps that we loved - Kirawira in Tanzania (this place is SO romantic)and Little Governor's Camp in Kenya. Both camps provide their own drivers - used even when you are traveling with an organized tour company. The drivers and camps are wonderful. Flights between camps and transportation to the camps can all be set up in advance. In fact an email to Kirawira will take care of all your needs. If you have more questions about safari, drop me a direct email.

I would call A&K and ask about setting up an independent tour. They can set up transfers, hotels, and it takes all the hassles out. I wouldn't do Kenya on my own, even as a very experienced traveller. It is very helpful to have a local guide if something goes wrong. Have fun.

I wouldn't go as part of a group (especially given that it's your honeymoon), but I would be inclined to make plans in advance (to guarantee that you make the most of your time there). We used Africa Archipelago, who devised a tailor made honeymoon itinerary for - and it was perfect. We went to Zambai, but I know that he does Kenya too. His name is Marc Harris ([email protected]). <BR> <BR>You may want to think about combining it with the Seychelles for the beach bit - I think that there are direct flights from Nairobi (just a suggestion). <BR> <BR>Happy planning !

Abby: My vote is for a custom safari. You can design your itinerary and will be alone for the trip. I too would skip the cities as much as possible. We stayed at a beach resort in Mombasa and the second we stepped off the resort property onto the sand, we were accosted by vendors selling boat rides, t-shirts, candlesticks....we ended up by the pool to get some peace. In hindsight, I would book a couple extra days at a safari lodge w/o a game tour to just relax. We were in Kenya and Tanzania in March and April and already the cities were stifling hot. The game drives were very comfortable and it was cool at Ngorogoro Crater though. We witnessed the migration so I think you'll miss it in June or July. Email me if you want some specifics. Seems everytime someone gives details they're attacked for trying to sell something. b

I have a friend who is less than brilliant when it comes to planning a trip. A short time ago, he and his wife decided they wanted to visit Kenya. When he told me, I asked him which tour company he would use to go on safari, etc. "Oh, none," he replied; "we'll just go there and rent a car. That way we can do just what we please and save a lot of money." And so they went. It was there he learned that there are few roads, that the better hotels are block-booked by tour companies, that one does not "drive" among the lions, elephants, leopards, etc. without becoming a candidate for lunch. There simply are no roads in many places, the "pick-up" guides are the dregs and cast-offs (and often the crooks), that food and hygiene are extremely important. So they contracted horrible cases of travelers' diarrhea, spent almost all their time in a fleabag hotel in Nairobi, and returned with having seen nothing...except a huge hole in their bank account. Point: take a guided or planned tour arranged by professionals. Otherwise, don't say you have not been warned. East Africa is NOT "Out of Africa." Disabuse yourself of romantic notions of blissful excursions through a Garden of Eden. It can be very rough.