Mics Safari
 

Has anyone used this company before? I got MICS Safari from the Tripadvisor message boards but could not find out anything about them on these boards. They are a local Kenyan tour company. Their prices are considerably lower than the other quotes I have been getting (all local operators) so I was wondering if I should be suspicious...

Any input would be helpful.

What are they quoting? I can't tell you anything about them but I and others can certainly tell you if it is suspiciously lower than normal. Do they have a Web site or are they members of any tourism operators associations?

www.micssafaris.com

I couldn't find them listed on the KATO site. A few of the posts on Tripadvisor read suspiciously like tour operators posing as satisfied clients to me, so do be careful.

They quoted my US$2,540 for a 12 day safari plus 2 days on Lamu Island. We would be going to Mt. Kenya, Samburu, Sweetwaters, Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo West and Tsavo East. All the accomodation at the Serena Lodge level. 2 days on Lamu at the Pepino Hotel.

Does that sound right?

I tried to email DM Tours but have not gotten any response....

If the price is for a private trip and includes return flights to Lamu it is really too low. If it is a group tour it is relatively normal - but perhaps rather low given the amount of distance travelled.

They may be great and their Web site looks okay (a few prices which I wonder about, but perhaps they have contacts and function as a kind of bucket shop... who knows?) but if they do not have KATO membership or equivalent I'd be worried. At the very least ask them about this.

In any case, although I'm sure all 10 destinations (including Nairobi)are worth visiting, doing them all in 14 days sounds like "The Amazing Race" to me. I'd cut the number of destinations by half.

You may know this and I am in no way suggesting that this company is guilty of any of the following, but things to think about when considering whether to go with the lowest offer without references are the van breaking down in the middle of nowhere (which can happen to any company but seems to happen much more frequently with the companies offering the very "best deals"), annoyingly frequent stops at souvenir outlets, accommodation locations which are disappointing, driver/guides who speak poor English and/or do not know much about wildlife, a decrepit, noisy van into which dust leaks even when all the windows are closed, a driver/guide with an attitude, a bad personality or just bad BO which he sees nothing wrong with, small extra charges and requests for tips at every turn...

But it's all a great experience anyway... ;-)

It is a little crazy. Unfortunately, I am trying to cram as much into this trip as possible-we probably won't be able to make it back to Kenya for some time. We are really breaking the bank on my "dream trip" for our honeymoon.

If you were to cut the itnereary, what would you suggest?

This is your honeymoon?

The price seems a little low to me too if this is a private safari for the two of you. One thing I'm not clear is whether you're starting your safari in Nairobi and ending in Mombasa and flying to Lamu from Mombasa or do you backtrack to Nairobi and fly to Lamu from there? And then from what city/airport do you fly home? Just the roundtrip flight from Nairobi to Lamu is close to $300pp. I don't know what the cost is from Mombasa, but it should be less than that.

I also think it sounds like a very hectic 12 day safari. Visiting all of those destinations means that you'll likely be spending 1 nighters at most of your location except for maybe 2. Some of your drives in between are up to 6 hours long. You'll be on a "Roads of Kenya" tour ;) and be exhausted on your trip.

I think just doing Mt Kenya, Samburu, Sweetwaters, Nakuru, and the Masai Mara are enough, and if you have extra time, you can add another night to Lamu. Something like the following may work -

1 night Mt Kenya
3 nights Samburu
2 nights Sweetwaters
1 night Nakuru
3 nights Masai Mara
3 nights Lamu

Hey Josabermo,

There are so many good and reliable tour operators... why not use one of them. They're probably about the same price when everything is factored in, and you don't have to worry about getting screwed.

Patty is right. The first thing I noticed with all those stops in 14-days is all those one-nighters. Being on the road way too long, that by the time you arrive at a destination it's time to leave.

For 14-days, deducting the flights from wherever to Lamu and back to NBO for a homebound flight, you average a little more than $150/day. Considering that park fees have increased, that doesn't leave much for your room and board, let alone the guide and his board/meals, vehicle, petrol.

It's possible Mics gets very favorable rates for the Serena properties, but if they've cutting corners elsewhere, be aware. And "Serena-like" may not be Serena properties. Get the names of the places you will actually be occupying and for how many days at each park.

Why not post the itinerary, so we can provide more detailed suggestions.

Thanks for all the help...I guess our itenerary is a little hectic - I always want to do too much on my trips!
I received another quote from another local operator, Kenyan Adventures who matched the quote from MICS, charging $2,500. This is also for a private safari.

28th September 2006: JKIA- Mt. Kenya:
Serena Mountain Lodge

29th September 2006: Mt. Kenya - Samburu Samburu: Serena Lodge

30th September 2006: Samburu
Serena Lodge

1st October 2006: Samburu - Sweet Waters: Sweetwaters Tented Camp

2nd October 2006: Sweet Waters - Lake Nakuru: Lake Nakuru Lodge

3rd October 2006:: Lake Nakuru - Maasai Mara :Mara Serena

4th October 2006:: Maasai Mara

5th October 2006:: Maasai Mara- Nairobi

6th October 2006:: Nairobi-Amboseli
Oltukai Lodge

7th October 2006:: Amboseli-Tsavo West
Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge

8th October 2006:: Tsavo West-Tsavo East Voi Safari Lodge

9th October 2006:: Tsavo East-Malindi
Tropical Beach Resort

10th October 2006: Malindi - Lamu
Pepino Hotel

11th October 2006: Lamu

12th October: Lamu - Nairobi

The Above price includes:
Full Board accomodation in the selected lodges whilst on Safari
Transport
Driver/Guide
12 Days Kenya Explore safari
3 days (2 nights) Lamu Trip
1 Night Accomodation in Nairobi
1 Night Accomodation in Malindi
Malindi-Lamu, Lamu Nairobi Air tickets
Half Board accomodation in Lamu Palace Hotel
Airport Pick and drop off.
Aiport transfers, Malindi.
All park Entrance Fees
Government Levies and Taxes


I guess I was trying to maximize our 2 weeks in Kenya..maybe I was too ambitious. Any suggestions? My fiance is ready to give up... he wants to go to MOrocco instead. We are wondering if it is better to schedule a Kenya trip when we have a little more money saved up.. Also maybe try to schedule it so we can see the Migration since it is already over by the time we get there in October. Any thoughts?

Thank you for all your advice so far... it is really helping!

Hi Josa - I am just going to weigh in here because I agree that you are trying to cram too much in on this honeymoon!

I'm leaving in 20 days for my first trip to Africa. I'm only hitting two parks in Zambia and I'll be there for 16 nights! I would make two suggestions: Get with Sandi here on the forum. She is a Kenya expert and could probably arrange a very nice trip for you at some nice properties. Patty and Nyamera are two Kenya veterans as well, who can, and have given you all sorts of options to do this on your own.

Then...to muddy the waters for you, you could check with Rocco and Julian on this forum who also are operators and could probably come up with something very well-priced in Zambia. Have you looked into Zambia at all? Just do a web search. You could have a few lux nights in South Africa then fly to Lower Zambezi Nat. Park or South Luangwa, and just relax on the rivers, enjoy game drives, etc... NOW who sounds like an operator! ;-)

My point is that I would stay at one or two really nice camps, like Chiawa in Lower Zambezi, where you can have some luxury and will be able to afford it because you won't be paying for all those flights and drives getting to and fro! Anyway, just more food for thought. And congrats on your marriage!
Sharon

You're doing okay the first few days, but once you leave Nakuru, you're really pushing yourself and it's overkill.

The drive from Nakuaru to the Mara is easily 5-hrs on lousy roads and that's just to the entrance to the Mara, the Serena is another 1-hr drive. And, you only have 1-day in the Mara. In October, the migration is usually still in the Mara, which deserves at minimum 3-days.

On the morning of of Oct 5, you have to leave very early for the drive to NBO, another 5-6/hrs. and then drive to Amboseli, at least 3.5 to 4/hrs arriving here by the time it's dark. A waste of the day and only 1-nt in Amboseli before heading to Tsavo.

Listen, it's your honeymoon and though you probably figure you're traveling such a long distance, just to get to Africa, you want to get everything in... it's not going to be all that pleasant.

I'd eliminate Tsavo; do it on another trip. There is so much to see in both Kenya and Tanzania, that you can't do it all on a rush.

In order to slow down the itinerary, avoid all those 1-nighters, and have a wonderful and romantic honeymoon, it might cost a bit more, but will be well worth it.

Concentrate on maybe 3-places and then some beach time.

Samburu (2 or 3)
Masai Mara (3 full days)
Amboseli (2 full days)
Lamu (balance)

Day 1 - Arv. NBO - o/n
Day 2 - Daphne Sheldrick Elephant orphanage at 11am, lunch at Carnivore, drive to Mt. Kenya - o/n
Day 3 - Drive to Samburu - o/n
Day 4 - Samburu - o/n
Day 5 - Fly to Masai Mara - o/n
Day 6 - Masai Mara
Day 7 - Masai Mara
Day 8 - Fly to NBO; drive to Amboseli - o/n
Day 9 - Amboseli - o/n
Day 10 - Drive to NBO/Wilson; lunch somewhere (Tamarind, or Italian or whatever your desire) - fly at 1:15pm to Lamu - o/n
Day 11, 12, 13 - Lamu
Day 14 - Fly to NBO; connect for homebound.

See if your tour operator can work with the above suggested itinerary.

Or have Sandi arrange it! :-)

Thank you all so much for your advice. I guess we should probably cut down our itenerary. Sandi- are you a tour operator? If not can you still help us out? It seems that you are the resident tour expert. I guess our main concern is budget. We would like to stay in Serena level accomodation but and to stay in Lamu for 2-3 nights before heading home but are worried that budget won't allow this. If this is the case, then we may have to save up a little more money and save Kenya for next time. How much will 14-15 days in Kenya cost (not including international travel days)? We are flying over from LA so airfare is already pretty expensive. Is it cheaper to maybe go through London?

Thank you guys for everything....I hope we can make this work!

Josabermo,

If Kenyan Adventures have quoted you $ 2,500 for your hectic itinerary they should – say I who have almost never even tried do this kind of itinerary - be able give you a lower price for a cut down itinerary like Sandi’s, but I’d avoid flying to the Mara.

You could also ask about:
Day 1 Nairobi – less expensive hotel than operators normally suggest.
Day 2 drive to Samburu
Day 3 Samburu
Day 4 drive to Lake Nakuru
Day 5 drive to the Mara
Day 6 the Mara
Day 7 the Mara
Day 8 the Mara
Day 9 drive to Nairobi
Day 10 Nairobi – Sheldrick’s etc.
Day 11 Fly to Lamu – less expensive hotel than Peponi
Day 12 Lamu
Day 13 Lamu
Day 14 Home
Or skip day 10 in Nairobi and add another day to Samburu.

Or,

Day 1 Nairobi - less expensive hotel than operators normally suggest
Day 2 drive to the Mara
Day 3 the Mara
Day 4 the Mara
Day 5 the Mara
Day 6 drive to Nairobi
Day 7 drive to Tsavo East
Day 8 Tsavo East
Day 9 Tsavo East
Day 10 drive to Malindi
Day 11 bus to Lamu (or fly) - less expensive hotel than Peponi
Day 12 Lamu
Day 13 Lamu
Day 14 fly to Nairobi and home

This is still too hectic for my taste though.

Another idea is:

Day 1 Nairobi - less expensive hotel than operators normally suggest.
Day 2 drive to the Mara
Day 3 the Mara
Day 4 the Mara
Day 5 the Mara
Day 6 the Mara
Day 7 drive to Nairobi
Day 8 Nairobi
Day 9 fly to Lamu - less expensive hotel than Peponi
Day 10 Lamu
Day 11 Lamu
Day 12 Lamu
Day 13 fly to Nairobi
Day 14 home

Unfortunately, the only way to really save money is to cut down time in game parks – but if you go to Morocco you will see almost no wildlife at all. Last year I spent approximately $ 2600 on a 3-week trip to Kenya as a solo traveller and including international airfare (not from LA though) and in 2004 I spent less than that.

In my limited experience, flying through London will most likely be the cheapest and easiest way to get to Nairobi from the West Coast. Start pricing itineraries on itasoftware, check out consolidatorwebfares.com and other consolidators for sales, and definitely look into British Air--they've had some great sales in the past, although flying to Africa from California is never inexpensive.

Good luck and congratulations.

Nyamera- how in the world did you manage 3 weeks for $2600? That's about 3 nights on my travels! Secrets??
Thanks,
Dennis
(sorry to hijack)

What are you getting for airfare when pricing it from LAX?

You can cut costs in Kenya by spending more time on the coast. Since the airfare to Lamu isn't cheap, why not spend more than 2 nights there and cut your safari down to 8-9 nights? You can still do an all drive safari to keep the costs reasonable but reduce the number of destinations and spend more than 2 nights in the Mara. There's no guarantee, but in early October you have a good chance of catching the migration. As long as you're not changing locations everyday and keeping the longer drives to a minimum, traveling by road isn't that bad. In the itinerary that I posted earlier, the longest drives would be Nakuru-Mara and Mara-Nairobi, each taking approx 6 hours. The rest of the drives would be about 3 hours in length. I think flying will add too much to your overall cost if you're trying to keep the whole two weeks to around $2500. Good luck!

Dennis,
I’ve grabbed the calculator again and maybe it was closer to $2800. The international return flight was between $925 and $1000 depending on which exchange rate I use. The dollar is worth less now, so that makes a higher price when I explain things to people who think in dollars. If I use today’s rate for everything that I paid in shillings: I got a 4 nights flying package to Samburu that - EVERYTHING included - and staying at the expensive Samburu Intrepids, was $ 800. I stayed 4 nights at Mbweha Camp outside Lake Nakuru (4 x $ 60, full board). I went on one game drive in L. Nakuru NP ($ 90), one night game drive ($10), one bird walk ($ 5) and several solo game walks ($ 0). The return flight to Lamu was $ 270. I stayed 4 nights at Yumbe House ($ 15 pn) and went on a full day dhow trip including lunch and that cost me less than $ 7. Then I stayed 3 nights at Whistling Thorns south of Nairobi ($ 32 pn). A day trip to Lake Magadi cost me $ 42, a horse ride $ 16 and several solo game walks $ 0. A game drive in Nairobi NP cost me $ 60. In between and at the end I stayed at the Terminal in Nairobi that’s $ 16 pn. Meals in Lamu cost an average of less than $ 7 pd and in Nairobi a little more because I had one lunch at the Carnivore, but as I sometimes forgot to eat it might have been even less than in Lamu. Taxi to Jomo Kenyatta airport was $ 16 and to Wilson, $ 10. To Whistling Thorns the taxi was a staggering $ 41. The bus to Nakuru was $ 3.40 and the taxi to Mbweha $ 27. The matatu to Westlands was $ 0.3 and to KWS HQ $ 0.70.
I’ve already included some things that aren’t normally included when you compare prices at Fodor’s – international flights to start with, but if I also include tips, a snatched wallet, overweight on the flight to Lamu and curio shopping I think I paid something like $ 3250 – anyway you count it’s less than $ 100 per day if you exclude intl. airfare and other things that aren’t normally included. Even though it’s a 2 day trip I could have taken the bus to Lamu at least one way and if I’d had a lighter bag – or been a stronger person – I could have skipped the taxis. I tried to have a camp pick me up in Isiolo where I could go by bus, but they didn’t answer my emails and the agents that did said I would be charged for a private game drive - the same as for the flight. Now I’ve met a man from Archer’s Post that says it’s very close to Samburu NR, reachable by buses from Nairobi and that Samburu Lodge would have picked me up.

In 2004 I spent less because I had only a one-way domestic flight and I spent 6 nights in Tsavo East for $ 720 ($ 120 pn including full board, park fees, games drives and pick up in Voi) and then I got a lift to Mombasa.