Hi All-
Looking for advice on how to do a last minute animal-related stopover in Kenya. This would be in either mid-June or late August.
Time frame: a few days (about 10 or under) Budget: On one. This is not the Botswana safari so low budget= happy Peterman.
Desires: Animals. Is it possible to join a brief safari?
Are any safari areas easily accessible from Nairobi (connecting flight? drivable?)
Is there an animal sanctuary that accepts visitors that is easy to access from the airport.
Timing: Not yet sure when the flight into Kenya lands or when the ongoing one departs.

Basically transitting Kenya for work and would like to sneak in something fun and animal related during a stopover that is not of a set length yet.
Thanks!
Peterman

Is this so far fetched an idea that no one has responded?
Is is stupid?
Peterman

It's not far fetched at all. It's just that your parameters are so broad that it's difficult to answer. There's too many possibilities.

Kenya has a very good air network, so almost all of the major game parks could be considered "easily accessible" from Nairobi. Take a look at www.airkenya.com and www.safarilink.co.ke (OK the Air Kenya site seems to be down at the moment, but their coverage is similar to Safari Link except that they fly to Meru but not Tsavo).

Driving is cheaper than flying if you have at least two passengers, but not necessarily for a solo traveler. You could try to join a group but it isn't always easy to find a group that wants to go to the same locations and/or depart on the same date as you.

If joining a group, I think you need to be pretty flexible about where you go and where you stay. Usually it's the budget outfitters that are trying to fill vehicles so if you're open to camping, it could be easier to find a spot. You could email a few operators in advance to see if they have any existing groups on your dates.

Otherwise, I think flying is just as cost effective for a solo traveler. Good luck!

It is really easy to arrange something when you arrive. Although you might not get 1st choices with high season. There are plenty of local tour operators that can arrange this.

Brief and Easy accessible safari area-- you can go in at the East Gate of Nairobi NP(only a few kms away) and go through to the Main Gate for a quick safari on your way into Downtown Nairobi. The park is basically directly in the line with the runway to the SW.

But I would start working with one now, and when dates firm up, you can direct them to go for a couple different itineraries. You can also self drive and they can set up reservations along the way.

Thank you both for replying and for your suggestions.

I suppose in my attempt to be flexible I was too general.

That joining a trip organized by others sounds great. I wonder what companies do that?

I have also noticed a giraffe hotel. I wonder if there are other animal/wildlife related places close to the city in that way? That would be fine.
Thank you again.
Peterman

That's the Giraffe Manor in the suburb of Karen about 30-min outside of Nairobi. It's also on the expensive side, so if on a budget, I believe this would blow it.

If traveling in June, you can still get low-season rates at any number of properties throughout Kenya, based on what is available. In August, you're at high-season with prices to match for accommodations and even flight prices.

Peterman
late august in Mara is of course migration time.
take a Gametrackers camping tour - at this time of the year there will be many such tours filling up & going. sth like 4 days Mara + Nakuru, if u need a 9-10 days u can add Samburu & probably Baringo. look up the GameTrackers site...
about cheap hotel or safari - go to the Hilton. there r guys hanging around offering tourists anything from safari to hotel. Ask for Philipp or Chris, say u r a friend of Aby's.
Here is their photo (print it) http://www.kenya.250x.com/philipandchris.jpg - Chris is the taller {http://www.kenya.250x.com/ is a site i've built for them} u'll get VIP treatment...
they r cute & intelligent chaps, they don't cheat tourists, but live on comissions. If they r not around u can say u r coming back within an hour. u can b helped by the other guys (they all r part of a "gang" of guys from Lake Victoria - Luo tribe - ).
remind them with a smile that i'm still 6'4" , 200lbs & they better take good care of you...
all the best
Aby

What kind of a per day budget are you thinking of? What kind of accomodations do you prefer? In another post you mention CC Africa which I don't tend to associate with the words "low budget" but I don't know if that post relates to this trip or not.

Here's the website for Giraffe Manor http://www.giraffemanor.com/

If you don't stay at the Manor, you can still visit the Giraffe Centre nearby where you can hand feed Rothschild giraffe. Also nearby is the Sheldrick elephant orphanage which is actually located in Nairobi NP though you don't have to pay park fees if just visiting Sheldrick.

Here are a couple of operators I found that offer a few safari itineraries with set departure dates -

http://www.porini.com/gamewatchers/home_index.html

http://www.goodearthtours.com/kenya_itineraries.html

Thanks again.
Sorry for the CC Africa confusion- thatwas entirely due to the fact that whilst in SA I will have a free weekend or two for luxury...
Peterman